Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs dunks past the Charlotte Hornets in the first half at Frost Bank Center on January 12, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. Photo: Ronald Cortes / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
The San Antonio Spurs beat the Charlotte Hornets 135-99 on Friday night. Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 26 points and 11 rebounds. San Antonio is back in action on Saturday night against the Chicago Bulls.
SPURS POSTGAME QUOTES
Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich:
(On the ball movement…)
“We kept a good pace. At the start of the game, neither team could really make a shot. Then we got it together as far as getting some buckets to go down. I just thought that we were pretty solid at both ends of the floor tonight and had good performances by a good number of people. We had over 30 assists again and that’s always a great sign that you’re moving well and finding open people. They look like they’re beginning to understand how to play with each other. We’ll have a tough challenge tomorrow night, so we’ll see how we can do.”
(On outscoring opponents in third quarters…)
“I think it’s maybe a matter of focus where they understand the first five minutes of that third quarter is really important to lean into the game defensively rather than offensively. Just think about stops, think about boards. Offense is natural. Everybody loves offense. That’s what they all did since they were little kids. But it’s a different mindset to think about starting a quarter defensively and the third quarter is a special spot for that, and they’ve been doing that better.”
Spurs Forward Victor Wembanyama
(On playing with the new lineup…)
“We’ve changed around the way we play, and I think we’ve adapted well to this new lineup. Also, I think putting me at the five gave me the opportunity to make my teammates make plays and to use me more for the team as a facilitator. This is something that’s worked pretty well lately, and also defensively. It’s allowed me to help my teammates way more. It’s been interesting.”
(On if he feels like he’s becoming a bigger part of the offense…)
“Of course. I don’t even have to look at numbers to know it and to notice it. I feel it. Since it’s happened, I feel like it’s opened up way more stuff for my teammates. So, it’s good.”
(On people saying his teammates not getting the ball to him…)
“Of course, I’ve heard it, but it’s never been even close to the reality. I was just on TV, and I was told that some of my former coaches said that even on those teams, sometimes my teammates had trouble adapting to playing with me or I had trouble with that team playing. It’s nothing to worry about. I’m not a conventional player. I needed time to figure out how I want to play and how I need to play for [the Spurs] and I guess everyone needed time to figure out also how to play with me. I’m a new piece on this team. There’s nobody on this team that doesn’t want to pass me the ball and there’s nobody I don’t want to pass the ball to. Lately, it’s showed.”
Spurs Forward Doug McDermott
(On his ankle injury…)
“I just kind of rolled my ankle. I’ve had a little bit of an ankle history with this one. I just kind of landed on his foot, aggravated it a little bit, but not crazy. It’s just one of those deals where we’ll see how it feels day-to-day. It’s not like it’s going to keep me out too long, if it will at all. Just got to stick with the treatments. It’s just unfortunate I had to land on it.”
(On how the bench has held up without Zach Collins and Tre Jones… )
“We got a bunch of guys that are just staying ready. Obviously, [Blake] Wesley is giving us really good minutes right now. Malaki [Branham] coming off the bench, Cedi [Osman] has been consistent all year. Then [Dominick] Barlow has just really improved since day one since he’s gotten here. Just starting to play within himself, just knowing his role, getting offensive rebounds and making the right play every time. It’s great to see his development.”