Spurs: Positives from Every Player in Win over Wizards

Jakob Poeltl is Still a Double-Double Machine 

In the second quarter, Poeltl scored 12 straight points for the Spurs and by the half, he had 14 points and 10 rebounds. He didn’t do much in the second half, but not much was asked of him and he had already made his mark. A casual 14 points and 11 rebounds are becoming the routine with Poeltl, but don’t take it for granted. He also caused chaos at the rim with two blocks, as per usual. 

Derrick White Saved the Day

In my drafts, I have an article titled “Derrick White Can Put Up MVP Numbers in 2021.” It was written over the offseason when I still had hoped the Spurs would overperform. Since then, I look at that unfinished product and feel a tinge of embarrassment. Well, tonight, White brought it.

He had 18 points in the third quarter alone, which turned the tide of the game, and finished as the leading scorer. He played solid defense, shot 3-of-7 from deep, and was a positive presence all night long. If he brings anywhere near that many positives in the upcoming games, the Spurs could still have one of the best backcourts in the league by the time the season ends. 

Dejounte Murray is a Walking Triple-Double

In the first quarter, Dejounte Murray found Eubanks open under the basket, Walker open on the wing, and Derrick White open at the top of the key. None of them scored. If they did, Murray would have finished with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists. Oh, he also shot well and played great defense, as always.

If the Spurs build around him, I could see him winning an MVP award soon. He’s rapidly becoming one of the best point guards in the league, and the competition better get ready for him. 

Thaddeus Young is Exactly What the Spurs Need

Thaddeus Young only got 13 minutes but made a huge impact. 5-for-7 from the floor for an easy ten points and scrappy defense? What else do you want in a veteran leader? Maybe a flashy pass or two? Well, he can do that too.

Off the bench, Young is someone the Spurs can always trust with the ball to get the other guys going, and in under 15 minutes a game, that’s all they needed.

Drew Eubanks: Defensive Stopper

With two blocks down low, Eubanks overperformed on the defensive end. Aside from a boneheaded play that cost Murray an assist, Eubanks looked cool, calm, and collected. He put the ball on the floor just enough and did not rush his shot. They just weren’t falling for him tonight, but it was a backcourt-dominated game, so his mistakes were hidden, and his play was perfectly fine. 

Devontae Cacok Got a Bucket

In his first game in San Antonio where he touched the floor, recent acquisition Devontae Cacok got a whopping two minutes in garbage time, but he made the most of it. Two points, a rebound on both ends of the floor, and an assist put his per 36-minute stats at 36 points, 36 rebounds, and 16 assists.

Those are better than Wilt Chamberlain’s numbers, so, obviously, it’s safe to say the Spurs have a bonafide stud on the roster, waiting to emerge.