Spurs Test Three Guard Group in Preseason Victory Over Suns

A New Look in the Backcourt

Spurs coach Mitch Johnson rolled out a three guard lineup on Wednesday, pairing De'Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle in a 123-103 preseason win over the Phoenix Suns.

The start was rough. Harper and Castle missed their first five shots combined before Fox subbed out with 6:57 left in the opening quarter. Fox was making his preseason debut after missing the exhibition opener against the Atlanta Hawks because of general soreness.

The group settled down before the break. By halftime, Fox, Harper and Castle had combined for 31 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists to give San Antonio a 60-49 lead. Fox closed the half by hitting a corner three pointer with one second on the clock, finishing his night with 18 minutes and 33 seconds of court time.

Growing Chemistry With Wembanyama

Castle led all scorers with 18 points, making 14 of those from the free throw line. Harper finished with 9 points, bringing the home crowd to its feet with 34.5 seconds left in the second quarter when he converted a tip dunk off a Devin Vassell miss. Fox also threw down a dunk in the first half.

Victor Wembanyama welcomed having extra playmakers on the floor. He noted that having multiple handlers to run pick and roll action makes life easier once the offense clicks.

The three guards played 11 minutes together in the first half, finishing plus 10. That was a big turnaround from last season, when the trio logged only 69 minutes together all year and San Antonio was outscored by 47 points during that span. Johnson explained that they are three of the team's best players, praising their passing, shooting, defending and unselfish play.

What it means for the next game

Sacramento Kings at San Antonio Spurs (NBA, Sat, 17 Oct): San Antonio Spurs win 90%, Sacramento Kings win 10%; projected score San Antonio Spurs 122, Sacramento Kings 106. Our safest pick: Spurs -8.5.

Oklahoma City Thunder at San Antonio Spurs (NBA, Wed, 21 Oct): San Antonio Spurs win 52%, Oklahoma City Thunder win 48%; projected score San Antonio Spurs 115, Oklahoma City Thunder 114. Our safest pick: Thunder +10.5.