Spurs bench Barnes, return Vassell to starting five; Charlotte snowstorm clouds Sunday schedule
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The San Antonio Spurs altered their starting unit on Saturday afternoon in Charlotte, inserting guard Devin Vassell for forward Harrison Barnes and ending Barnes’ streak of 775 consecutive starts.
Barnes, who had not come off the bench since the 2015/16 season with Golden State, said he remains focused on contributing in any role. “We all occupy a role and the main focus is winning,” he told reporters.
Head coach Mitch Johnson cited Vassell’s rhythm as the main reason for the switch. “Just felt like Devin the last couple games didn’t quite find his rhythm, thought maybe that just getting him back to that starting lineup could maybe get him back in the fold,” Johnson explained. Barnes, mired in a January slump of 6.8 points per game on 26.7 percent three-point shooting, accepted the decision, according to Johnson.
Vassell, making his first start since December 29 after a 13-game absence with a groin injury, finished with 13 points in a little more than 30 minutes. He said the lineup change may be temporary. “I think we’re just trying out new stuff to see different lineups, different ways how to space the floor, so we’ll just see what happens with that,” he said.
Travel delay threatens Magic matchup
A winter storm that hit Charlotte forced the Spurs to move up Saturday’s tipoff and then grounded their charter flight, leaving the team to spend the night in North Carolina after sitting two hours on the runway. San Antonio is scheduled to host Orlando at 3 p.m. CT on Sunday, but the game could be shifted to Sunday night or Monday; both clubs have Monday open.
Fox trade aging well
Columnist Mike Finger of The San Antonio Express-News noted that last season’s deadline acquisition of point guard De’Aaron Fox looks increasingly favorable. The Spurs landed Fox for Tre Jones, Zach Collins, rookie Sidy Cissoko and multiple draft considerations that may not include a top-10 pick.
Source: Hoops Rumors
