“I thought our physicality and resistance was at an appropriate level,” said Spurs interim head coach Mitch Johnson after the Spurs win over the Suns.
SAN ANTONIO — Part of their Rodeo Trip, the San Antonio Spurs beat the Phoenix Sun 120-109 in Austin, TX Thursday. The Spurs are now 3-4 on the extended road trip.
De’Aaron Fox finished with 26 points and nine rebounds. Julian Champagnie added 15 points and two assists. Keldon Johnson finished with 15 points. Harrison Barnes had eight, and Chris Paul had 13 and 10 assists.
Devin Vassell recorded 13 and two rebounds, and Jeremy Sochan added 12 and five rebounds.
Head coach Gregg Popovich was also out due to illness. Assistant coach Mitch Johnson continues to assume head coaching duties. Charles Bassey did not suit up due to injury, and Victor Wembanyama is out for the remainder of the season due to deep vein thrombosis.
The Spurs are 24-29 this season and will play the Pistons on Friday night in Austin, TX.
Here’s a sample of what the teams said after the game.
Mitch Johnson:
“I thought our physicality and resistance was at an appropriate level. Better communication. Had a few mishaps, had a couple stretches where it could have been but again, that is a powerful (Suns) offensive team, so there’s going to be a lot to ask to shut them off for 48 minutes. Thought we did a really good job, especially when it mattered the most.”
Keldon Johnson:
“Everybody stepped it up tonight. Everybody played together, played for each other, and it showed that during the third quarter. We were connected. We were moving it. We’re talking about defense, getting stops and also having fun.”
“We mapped out a nine-man rotation, and then we tightened it from there. I think we went with the guys that we thought both ends of the court; we got to be able to make plays defensively, offensively, and we were able to close it. We made some runs. We had some good stretches, but again, not enough.”