With a number of players out, the Spurs fell to the Raptors 143-100 on Wednesday night. Keita Bates-Diop led the team with 17 points. Malaki Branham added 13 and Josh Richardson 10 points to give the Spurs only 3 players in double-digits.
POSTGAME COMMENTS;
Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich
(On Toronto’s size and length…)
“They’re strong, they’re long, very athletic, they bust their ass, they deny, they switch. Very good basketball team. They do it very well. We probably aren’t ready for that right now, obviously.”
(On getting young guys minutes in the fourth quarter…)
“Yeah, it always is. It’s the best thing for the young guys so they can see what they’re doing well, what they can do better, that sort of thing. They tried hard, but they were up against something that was a little bit different for them.”
(On what he liked from Charles Bassey…)
““He stuck his nose in, he’s got no fear out there, he moved around the court pretty good. He was confident enough to shoot the ball, so that was good.”
Spurs Forward Keita Bates-Diop
(On Toronto’s defensive pressure…)
“They’re good at switching one through five. They get in the passing lanes. We have to get better at moving off the ball and off the back door. That was a good veteran team, and it was a good test for us. They’re tall, long, lengthy, strong, and fast. We have to learn how to adjust to that on the fly. They’re tough to cover and they’re a tough team.”
(On Scottie Barnes blocking his 3-point shot…)
“He did block it, and I was very surprised. He came from the paint, so I should’ve got off quicker. I was surprised he blocked it. He’s 6’9, long, and athletic. There are not many guys in the league that can block a shot, coming from the paint and to the corner.”
Spurs Forward/Center Charles Bassey
(On coming to Spurs games in high school to now wearing a Spurs jersey…)
“It feels great. It’s a blessing that they picked me up and for giving me this opportunity. Today was the first day I was with the team. It was a good day. I got to meet all my teammates. I feel like this is a good spot for me.”
(On if he was expecting to play tonight …)
“That’s the mindset- that I am going to play in every game. I’m just taking advantage of the opportunity in any way I can.”