The San Antonio Spurs first preseason game resembled a traditional tune up game that you’d see in college football. The Silver and Black got to warm up against the Guangzhou Loong-Tigers, beating them handily 119-88.
The Spurs were without most of their rotational players, including De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan and Kelly Olynyk. With most of the guards sitting this game out, San Antonio had to rely on their big men. The duo of Victor Wembanyama and Luke Kornet delivered.
Wemby made it look easy against non-NBA competition, nearly posting a triple-double in just 16 minutes of play, finishing with 9 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 blocks. Several of his 7 assists went to his fellow front court member, Kornet who had 16 points off the bench, and didn’t miss a single shot (granted because most of his shots were dunks).
San Antonio got solid performance on the wings from Julian Champagnie and Keldon Johnson, who each chipped in 16 points. Champagnie shot the ball well, hitting 4 of his 7 three-pointers. Johnson was efficient from the field, converting on 6 of his 8 field goals. The rookie Carter Bryant was effective in his preseason debut as well, playing solid defense, and putting up 15 points.
The Loong-Tigers had several former-NBA players trying to make their case that they still belong in the league. Frank Kaminsky, who last played in an NBA game in 2023, led all scorers with 22 points, knocking down 5 threes. Victor Oladipo tossed in 20 points on 8-19 shooting.
The Spurs did what they should against a non-NBA team. They’ll have a chance to show what they can do against NBA competition on Wednesday in Miami against the Heat.