Spurs lean on identity with chance to finish Blazers in Game 5
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The San Antonio Spurs carry a 3-1 lead into tonight’s Game 5 against the Portland Trail Blazers, and veteran forward Harrison Barnes believes the club’s season-long habits position it for a deep postseason run.
“We’ve had 82-plus games to build an identity and the coaching staff led by Mitch Johnson has us well-prepared every night,” Barnes told Andscape. “It’s just a matter of sticking to our standard.”
The 2015 NBA champion said San Antonio’s depth and lineup flexibility give the team “all the tools to win a title,” citing its ability to score and defend in multiple ways after using numerous rotations throughout the year.
Fox headlines Game 4 win
De’Aaron Fox produced 28 points and seven assists in Monday’s 114-93 victory, scoring 11 in the fourth quarter. Head coach Mitch Johnson called it “maybe his best game as a Spur,” according to the San Antonio Express-News.
Vassell sparks second-half surge
Devin Vassell, three seasons into a five-year, $135 million contract, tallied 11 points, nine of them during a decisive third-quarter stretch that ignited San Antonio’s 73-point second half. “Just being ready whenever the ball is swung my way and being ultra-aggressive after I get it,” Vassell said.
Johnson embraces sixth-man role
League Sixth Man of the Year Keldon Johnson said team success has outweighed personal goals. “I was averaging 22 points as a starter… but I realized that if you want to be here, sometimes you’ve got to remove your ego,” he told ESPN. “I get an opportunity to be a part of something special.”
San Antonio can advance to the Western Conference semifinals with a win tonight at Frost Bank Center.
Source: HoopsRumors
