2 weeks ago Grades

Grades: San Antonio Spurs at Phoenix Suns – Game #81

Stephon Castle played well against the Suns (Photo via X)

By LJ Ellis

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The San Antonio Spurs lost their final road game of the season in Phoenix against the Suns by a final score of 117-98. The Spurs dropped to 33-48 on the season, while the Suns improved their record to 36-45.

Needing one more loss to secure the eighth spot in the forthcoming NBA draft lottery, the Spurs kept Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson and Jeremy Sochan on the sidelines to begin the game. Despite being short-handed, San Antonio came out just fine. At the end of the first quarter, the Spurs actually led 33-28.

With the game still close at halftime, the coaching staff decided to sit Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes for the final two quarters. That move successfully kicked off the tank, as the Suns outscored the Spurs 39-17 in the third period. The Spurs showed some signs of life in the fourth quarter but the game had already been decided by that point.

All in all, San Antonio’s draft odds look better after losing this game. As far as the play on the court is concerned, there were a couple silver linings but it was mostly uninspiring basketball.

Stats: Spurs at Suns

Spurs at Suns – Final Grades

Stephon Castle

Castle played pretty darn awesome. The rookie could have been tempted to try to do too much but instead he took what the defense gave him. Castle was a perfect 5-for-5 in the first quarter, including a pair of three-pointers. While his scoring cooled off, the 20-year-old’s passing really shined. His ability to pass from one side of the court to the other with accuracy is very encouraging for his development. Castle’s playmaking, smarts and maturity really shined in this otherwise forgettable game in Phoenix.

Grade: A-

Chris Paul

Playing only in the first half, Paul had just about the most un-CP3-like state line imaginable. In 14 minutes, he posted zero points, one assist and two blocked shots. Huh? Yeah, that’s a line you’d see from a backup center, not the Point God. If Paul plays on Sunday, he’ll have successfully played all 82 games this season.

Grade: C

Harrison Barnes

Speaking of iron men, Barnes also didn’t do much in his limited minutes. Then again, his five first half rebounds were more than he typically tracks down in an entire evening. Like Paul, Barnes will officially have played all 82 games this season when he suits up on Sunday.

Grade: C+

Julian Champagnie

Champagnie used this opportunity to boost his shooting percentages. He was 6-for-9 from three-point range; without that marksmanship the Spurs would have been in a world of hurt. Champagnie didn’t have as much success inside of the arc but he played with energy and his confidence was contagious.

Grade: B+

Bismack Biyombo

Biyombo corralled eight rebounds in 22 minutes. He was also hustling on both ends of the court. Unfortunately, the rest of his outing was difficult to watch. He was missing easy shots in the paint, turning the ball over and clogging the driving lanes. On defense, Biyombo couldn’t hang when asked to swim in the deep water on the perimeter.

Grade: D+

Blake Wesley

Wesley was decent-ish. His speed was once again a weapon — but he didn’t have the touch or the passing wherewithal to make that speed a deadly weapon. It was useful on occasion but Wesley wasn’t quite about to change the game. I liked his defense but, again, his overall impact on that end was marginal.

Grade: C+

Sandro Mamukelashvili

Mamukelashvili stuffed the stat sheet with 19 points, nine rebounds and two assists in only 25 minutes. He found time to shoot 15 times even though he didn’t have it going from three-point territory. Net-net, Mamu did okay. He left a couple baskets on the table and his defense was sluggish at times but he was definitely aiding the cause during his minutes on the hardwood.

Grade: B+

Jordan McLaughlin

Previously, McLaughlin had been shooting lights out for the Silver and Black. Unfortunately, he saw his percentages come crashing back down to earth after his 0-for-5 showing against the Suns, which included an 0-for-4 tally from deep. McLaughlin made some smart passes and knew where to be on defense but it was a game he’d soon like to forget.

Grade: C-

Malaki Branham

Branham has never met a shot he doesn’t love. His affection was once again blindingly obvious against the Suns. In 23 minutes, he was 6-for-17 from the field. While he deserves credit for going 2-for-4 from downtown, Branham could have passed it more when inside of the arc. Going 4-for-13 on two-pointers when the Spurs were desperate for offense wasn’t a good look. Especially when he wasn’t playing much defense either.

Grade: C-

Harrison Ingram

Ingram played 13 minutes of extended garbage time but didn’t move the needle. He had a couple positive defensive possessions but he didn’t really pass the eye-test as an NBA-level prospect.