Grades: San Antonio Spurs vs. Toronto Raptors – Game #82
Chris Paul led the Spurs to another win (Photo via X)
The San Antonio Spurs concluded the 2024-25 NBA season with a comeback victory over the Toronto Raptors. San Antonio’s 125-118 win gave the Spurs a final record of 34-48.
The Raptors held a 37-32 lead at the end of the first quarter. Toronto began the second quarter hitting on all cylinders and they eventually had a 22-point lead in the Frost Bank Center.
The Spurs turned up the defensive pressure in the third quarter and that coaching maneuver allowed the good guys to dig themselves out of the hole in a hurry. In fact, by the end of the third, San Antonio had come all the way back to tie the ballgame.
The game was close in the early stages of the fourth period but the Spurs kept the pressure on and eventually pulled out the win. Overall, San Antonio was able to end their campaign on a high note and give the home fans something to cheer about.
Stats: Spurs vs. Raptors
Spurs vs. Raptors – Final Grades
Stephon Castle
The good: One of Castle’s most positive traits as a rookie was his ability to get to the free throw line. In his final game of his rookie season, he got to the line nine times and hit all nine. In addition to strong drives to the hoop, his passing was mostly excellent versus the Raptors and he ran the sets well as the primary playmaker. Rebounding-wise, he once again flashed possibly elite skill in that department. The bad: Castle had a difficult shooting night and turned it over four times. Overall: Castle finished his very successful season with another quality performance.
Grade: B+
Chris Paul
In Paul’s 82nd game of the season, the 39-year-old played an instrumental role in the victory. While his shooting efficiency wasn’t anything to write home about, he put 15 points on the board and tied Castle for team-high in assists with six. His overall aggressiveness on offense definitely helped the cause. Defensively, Paul excelled. He swiped four steals and pulled down six defensive boards. His electricity on that end was contagious.
Grade: B+
Harrison Barnes
Barnes, who also played all 82 games this season, had another productive outing. While he didn’t shoot the straightest from the field, his overall offensive efficiency was buoyed by an 8-for-8 showing at the charity stripe. Defensively, he finished with three steals and also did quality work on the glass. On both ends of the court, he played a clean brand of basketball — as evidenced by his lack of a turnover or a foul.
Grade: B+
Julian Champagnie
Champagnie was in the starting lineup and was rock solid. Offensively, his shot-selection was really good and his accurate three-point shooting was very much needed. The threat of his three helped spread the court for his teammates. Defensively, Champagnie was locked in and was moving his feet better than usual. Champagnie finished a strong season with another positive display.
Grade: A-
Bismack Biyombo
Biyombo didn’t do a whole lot during his 14 minutes on the hardwood. However, he helped the team by grabbing seven boards and mostly staying out of the way on offense. Did Biyombo do enough to stick with the team next season? It’s quite possible.
Grade: B-
Keldon Johnson
Johnson’s strong play after the All-Star break culminated with a very strong showing in the finale. For long stretches of the ballgame, he operated as the team’s go-to scorer. Johnson’s unique blend of battering ram strength and finesse touch allowed him to go 10-for-14 from the field on his way to a team-high 23 points in only 27 minutes. His enthusiastic play also made him the heart and soul of the team on this night. While he didn’t tally an assist, Johnson’s decision-making was a plus and he kept his mistakes to a minimum. Defensively, he was better than usual. He competed at the point of attack, stayed focused off the ball and helped finish off defensive possessions by rebounding.
Grade: A
Blake Wesley
This was a very Wesleyian performance by Wesley. His speed was his biggest weapon on both ends. He played intense defense on one end while bending Toronto’s defense on the other end. He passed the ball well and played unselfishly. Unfortunately, he gave away a large chunk of his value by missing three-pointers, exhibiting iffy touch on his two-pointers and turning it over three times.
Grade: B-
Sandro Mamukelashvili
Mamukelashvili did a lot of good against the Raptors. Though he missed both of his three-point bombs, he hit all six of his two-pointers and dished four assists in 19 minutes. His ceaseless movement opened up avenues for himself and his compatriots. Mamu’s defense wasn’t especially good but his impact on that end was more positive than usual.
Grade: B+
Malaki Branham
This was a step in the right direction for Branham. Instead of shooting every time his hand touched leather, he mixed in passes. Although he still missed open teammates on a few possessions, his decision-making was better. It’s no accident that Branham was 4-for-4 from the field on his way to 11 points. Defensively, he hustled and paid attention most of the time.
Grade: A-
Jordan McLaughlin
McLaughlin’s brief stint on the court was ruined by a really bad foul at the end of the first quarter that resulted in three made free throws for the Raptors.
Grade: Inc.
Mitch Johnson
Johnson changed up the defensive scheme at halftime and he got the results he was looking for in the second half. The rotation was logical and his playcalling generated a lot of open shots. All in all, it was a fun way to end the regular season.
Grade: A-