Jonathon Simmons Buzzer Beater Lifts Spurs Over Warriors

Jonathon Simmons’ buzzer-beater lifted the San Antonio Spurs to a 63-61 victory over the Golden State Warriors in the Las Vegas Summer League opener.

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Rust could probably best described the San Antonio offense in the first two quarters. Actually, the third quarter was the only quarter in which the Spurs scored over 20+. In the first two quarters combined they totaled 27 points and in the third quarter, 25 points. It would be a battle to the end and San Antonio’s 29th overall pick Dejounte Murray stepped up in a big way.

He tied it for San Antonio, 61-61, on a layup with 24.9 seconds remaining and then moments later rebounded a Warriors missed shot to give the Spurs one last chance with 1.3 seconds to play.

After a timeout, Kyle Anderson’s inbound lob near the hoop found Simmons, who turned and put up a floater for the win. Simmons finished with seven points on 2-of-7 shooting from the floor.

Jul 9, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Jonathon Simmons (17) celebrates after scoring the game-winning basket in an NBA Summer League game against the Golden State Warriors at Thomas & Mack Center. San Antonio won the game 63-61. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Anderson, a star of the Utah Summer League, finished with 14 points and eight rebounds for the Spurs (1-0). Jarnell Stokes had 10 points and nine rebounds off the bench, and Murray totaled eight points, 10 rebounds and three steals.

Murray showed his strength and ability to get to the rim with his length as he sliced his way through defenders. His ability to also finish at the rim will bring the Spurs a needed boost as Tony Parker has limited himself to being more of a facilitator than scoring.

What has been an achilles heel for San Antonio during their three games in the Utah Summer League were turnovers. Against the Warriors, the team total 19.

Teams in Las Vegas have a lot of youth, energy. So, what we saw on day one was a lot of running. Spurs, also got out and ran but over compensating in transition led to mistakes. This could be costly later down in the tournament. But this is the platform for each and every player to hone their skills.

Offensively, San Antonio struggled. They shot 35-percent from the floor while holding the Warriors to 28-percent. San Antonio did win the battle in the paint with a 38-34 edge. But, it would be the final play of the game that Coach Becky Hammond drew up to seal the win for the Spurs. A lob from Anderson to Simmons whom at first was a decoy setting a screen but later slipped to dart toward the rim where Anderson connected on a beautiful executed pass.

San Antonio will be feeding off of the momentum from their game one buzzer-beater win against the Warriors. The Spurs will back on the floor play Sunday against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Next: What To Expect From Spurs In Las Vegas