San Antonio, Los Angeles and Phoenix generated the key story lines around the league Tuesday night, highlighted by the Spurs’ continued success minus Victor Wembanyama and LeBron James’ first appearance of the season for the Lakers.
Spurs post second straight victory without Wembanyama
The Spurs recorded their second consecutive win since rookie center Victor Wembanyama was sidelined by a calf strain, defeating the Grizzlies by 10 points on Tuesday in San Antonio. Last season’s Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle also sat out with a hip flexor strain, yet head coach Mitch Johnson’s club still controlled the game.
Guard De’Aaron Fox paced San Antonio with 26 points, while Harrison Barnes supplied 23. Kelly Olynyk finished plus-15 in 19 minutes, and reserves Jeremy Sochan and Keldon Johnson combined for 26 points and 13 rebounds. Starting in Wembanyama’s place, Luke Kornet did not score but provided rim protection.
“We want to play our brand of basketball and maintain our identity no matter who is in,” Johnson told the San Antonio Express-News. Fox added, “No one thought we’d be missing this many guys or two of our top three scorers. You’ve got to keep winning—good teams do that.”
LeBron returns, Lakers beat Jazz
LeBron James attempted only seven shots in his season debut, but the 39-year-old forward handed out 12 assists in 30 minutes as Los Angeles topped Utah. The outing extended his NBA-record streak of double-digit scoring games to 1,293 and marked his first action after missing the opening month with sciatica.
“The pace tested me, but I was happy with how I could go with the guys,” James said, noting that his rhythm will improve after “almost seven months” without a game.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that Lakers officials are monitoring how James’ return affects the rest of the roster. One Eastern Conference executive predicted center Deandre Ayton would benefit most, saying James “makes people look good” by throwing lobs and dump-offs. A Western Conference executive disagreed, citing concerns about Ayton’s decision-making and effort.
Suns’ Isaiah Livers focused on health, not contract clock
Forward Isaiah Livers, finally healthy after extended hip problems, has appeared in 11 games for Phoenix on a two-way deal and said he is not worrying about the service-day limit attached to his contract.
“I’m taking it one day at a time,” Livers told The Arizona Republic. “I’m just blessed and grateful to put a uniform back on and help an organization win games. We’ll worry about the rest later.”
Source: Hoops Wire
