Open Thread: Spurs could be missing two point guards as the Western Conference Finals head to The Alamo City
The Spurs stole home court advantage in game 1, but had no delusions of taking game 2 without a fight.
Oklahoma City reset and were able to recreate the kind of game that kept them at the top of the Western Conference all season.
De’Aaron Fox did not suit up for the second straight game with a right high ankle sprain.
In addition, Dylan Harper went out with a hamstring injury. He appears to have initially aggravated it on this play:
He then collided with Chet Holmgren, forcing him out of the remainder of the game.
At the postgame press conference Spurs Head Coach Mitch Johnson stated he had not heard anything official and did not offer an update.
Spurs play-by-play announcer Jacob Tobey broke down the entire series of events quite concisely.
If the Spurs are without the services of Fox and Harper, it is likely Jordan McLaughlin will see more minutes. After game 1, Coach Johnson stated he and the coaching staff discussed bringing in J-Mac throughout the game but ultiamtely decided against it. For game 2, however, McLaughlin played seven minutes making an immediate impact on the game shooting 2 of 2 from beyond the arc. McLaughlin’s ball-handling skills may be of greater need for game 3.
Castle took the loss personally, referring to his nine turnovers as a key factor that left the door open for the Thunder to even the series. In his postgame conference, he was slumped behind the microphone. The former Rookie of the Year didn’t make a lot of eye contact and took the brunt of responsibility for the loss.
The 2024 NCAA champion did mention that with a series meeting every two days, there wasn’t time to wallow. A film study, some tweaking of the plans, and the Spurs head into game 3 in less than 48 hours. Memories have to be short as the team look to bounce back in front of the home crowd at the Frost Bank Center on Friday.
Meanwhile, Mitch Johnson called Castle a “warrior” and Victor Wembanyama praised Stephon’s game.
One thing for sure, the Spurs agree that whichever five players are on the court, they are connected and ready to play.
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