Spurs: Positives from Every Player in Win over Wizards

The San Antonio Spurs beat the Washington Wizards 116-99 in a statement win at home on Tuesday. The Wizards were favored by 3.5 points, but riding a hot game from Derrick White, the Spurs were able to have the game sealed by the end of the third quarter and spent the rest of the night piling it on. 

In a season with very little to celebrate as a team, the Spurs snapped a two-game win streak for the Wizards in what has been a surprisingly good season in the Capital. Coupled with their win last week against Boston, the Spurs are now on a small win streak and have won back-to-back games for the first time all season.

In the victory, every single rostered player on the Spurs got to play at some point, excluding Devin Vassell and Doug McDermott, who are both injured. Naturally, in a blowout win, every man had a role and everyone played well. For the first time all season, there are positive takeaways for everyone on the floor for the entire game.

Keita Bates-Diop Showed Consistency

In only his fourth game of the season where he posted a triple-single (at least a rebound, point, and assist), Keita Bates-Diop did exactly what was asked of him. He stayed out of the better players’ way but when he had the ball, did not give it up. He also played solid defense even though he didn't record a steal or a block. I hope McDermott returns soon, but Bates-Diop is showing he can be an asset off the bench, good for 12-15 minutes every night. 

Keldon Johnson Got the Game Started

I mean, hitting an open three to start the game isn’t really a huge success, but 13 points on 6-of-8 shooting are always welcome on a team that has lacked efficiency. Oh, and in case you missed it, Keldon Johnson had two posterizing dunks on back-to-back possessions in the first quarter. It's always nice when a defender refuses to jump because they know Keldon will ruin their night.