TITLE: Spurs stay upbeat after Game 1 defeat as Wembanyama, Fox and Johnson eye rebound
SLUG: spurs-upbeat-after-finals-game1-defeat
CONTENT:
San Antonio’s locker room showed little sign of panic after Wednesday night’s Game 1 loss to the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals. Center Victor Wembanyama said the club’s resilience remains intact. “We’re not here by chance,” he told reporters via ESPN. “These guys are resilient.”
Season-long resolve
The Spurs opened training camp surrounded by uncertainty. Wembanyama was returning from a bout with deep vein thrombosis, guard De’Aaron Fox was nursing a lingering hamstring strain, and rookie guard Dylan Harper was rehabbing thumb surgery. Despite those setbacks, head coach Gregg Popovich’s group continued to improve.
General manager Brian Wright recently cited the development of Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson and Julian Champagnie as evidence the roster could contend with the league’s best. San Antonio now sits three wins from a championship after beginning the season well outside the title conversation.
Fox targets stronger Game 2
Fox finished Game 1 with seven points on 3-for-13 shooting. “I’ve got to make shots,” the veteran guard said, adding that he needs to capitalize on his chances. Since arriving in San Antonio, Fox has often deferred to Wembanyama and the younger core, but his ability to attack the paint remains central to the Spurs’ offense.
Johnson keeps focus forward
Keldon Johnson logged three points in eight minutes in the series opener. The forward said he processed the performance that night and then “let it go,” mirroring the calm approach echoed throughout the roster.
Growing off-court profile
Nike and other marketing partners continue to promote the 22-year-old Wembanyama as a future face of the NBA, according to The Athletic. Speaking to Nike executives last year, he reportedly said, “I’m not gonna give basketball a choice of who the face is going to be.”
San Antonio meets New York in Game 2 as the Spurs attempt to even the Finals.
Source: Hoops Wire
