LAS VEGAS SUMMER LEAGUE - GAME 1: SPURS VS. WOLVES, 9-8-2021, 6PM (CT)

[G R E Y]

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[G R E Y]

We're countering Wolves' interior presence with better D, terrific passing, and 3s .

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We're within 2 after the 1ST Q, 22-20.

[G R E Y]

The wheels came off some in the 2ND Q as the Wilves built a 14-point lead. Tre looks a bit rusty, and we're at times looking like we're playing together, other times like we're playing for the first time.

Some mistakes from inexperience but you have to like the attempts inteying to make things happen.

We're getting out hustled out there. Need more sand paper, but also there's no clear leader on the court, especially when Devin is off the court.

We have a 47-38 deficit to close in the second half.

[G R E Y]

Great to see Keldon and DJ at the game!

We closed it to within 2 points with great D and transition points. But then some questionable shot selections brought the Wolves lead up again to under 10. Primo showing his youth with trying to do what seems good in his mind but his game can't back up yet. He had more room and time in the previous game to show some good moves but there isn't enough space in this one.

Joe is smaller than I thought he was. He needs to fill in some.

Devin is showing some quality finishes in transition.

Tre settled in and went on his own 7-0 run with some great P&R work and terrific, gutsy drives. Has tended to go under screens sand we gave up too open 3s so it's something to curb.

A close 67-64 deficit after the 3RD Q.

[G R E Y]

I like the communication Johnson shows with the Spurs.

[G R E Y]

Some lax hustle D on our end to give up another O reb putback and very solid D by the Wolves to force a contested airball 3 on our last shot decided the final result of the game.

#35 should have come to the ball or angled his body to shield the defender from deflecting the pass to him at the left elbow area that broke the play apart and forced Tre to heave that contested shot.

Still, we put together a more competitive and cohesive second half on both ends. Again, giving up O boards for putbacks, some back door cuts, and some weird shot selection at inopportune times (a drive and backwards spin shot against two to three defenders by Primo when we were within a couple of points is but one example).
You could see Primo wanting to be 'that guy' but his inexperience shone through today. Still, when the shots weren't falling, he hustled and make some good defensive stops and steals in the key, and as he fell had the wherewithal to pass to a teammate who pushed it in transition.

I know it's not about Ws, but it'll be good to get one coming up. We're doing a lot of things well, but giving up double digit leads to fight back from is one adjustment that consistent and tough play will help stem: don't allow drives down the middle is Pop Cardinal Sin #1. If the young guys don't absorb that one quickly and fully, then Pop will surely instill it in practice and film sessions.

Johnson seems like a very nice guy who has terrific rapport with the players. Devin and Tre have stood out with their experience and BBIQ on both ends. Some clutch shots, too. But if this is Johnson's team to lead, and if we're emulating his leadership, hopefully there's another level of consistent competitiveness and execution that he can dig into and we can show.

91-89 lesson. On to the next one.