San Antonio Spurs' coach Gregg Popovich has announced that Keldon Johnson will be coming off the bench for the foreseeable future to strengthen the second unit and to provide more offensive opportunities for Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell. Julian Champagnie, starting his second consecutive game, scored 10 points in the first quarter. The Spurs' new starting lineup, which includes Branham, Vassell, Champagnie, Sochan, and Wembanyama, has only played six possessions together this season, according to Cleaning the Glass. In their recent game against the Utah Jazz, the Spurs initially led by 15 points but ended the first quarter with only a 5-point lead, with Wembanyama contributing 5 points. However, the Jazz overcame the deficit and led by 1 point in the second quarter, eventually leading by 4 at halftime. Despite a strong performance from the bench by Keldon Johnson with 23 points, the Spurs were trailing by 7 points by the end of the third quarter. The Jazz extended their lead to 13 points in the fourth quarter, with Lauri Markkanen scoring 28 points, including four three-pointers. The Spurs' strategy of playing without a traditional center was effective in the first half but struggled when the Jazz adjusted their lineup. By the end of the game, Markkanen had tallied 31 points and 12 rebounds, shooting 70% from the field and 55% from three-point range, while Jordan Clarkson added 22 points for the Jazz.
Tonight the Spurs barely lost the 3Q. It was the 4th where the game really got away. https://t.co/oYpyxuXyxY
Lauri Markkanen tonight: 31 Points 12 Rebounds 70% FG 55% 3P https://t.co/e06x2qPuhn
I think Markkanen has taken 28 open 3s tonight. Give or take.
Finished it. š¤ https://t.co/8oyTMZqbxX
28 points for Lauri Markkanen after he drills his 4th three of the game. He's had a few wide open 3s in the second half despite being the leading scorer in the game
Jordan Clarkson down the lane! He's got 22 points as Utah leads in the 4th quarter. Jazz-Spurs | Live on the NBA App š² https://t.co/zV136vkRBz https://t.co/t1rYZX8Lev
The Spurs' centerless lineup worked in the first half because the Jazz stayed big. This time they went five out with Markkanen at center and are getting to the rim at will
Jazz by 13 with 8 mins left in 4Q This is Utah's largest lead of the game
3Q: Jazz by 7. UTA takes the 3Q 36-33 after trailing by 15 earlier, but then leading by 12. Keldon 23 pts off bench Vassell 16 pts Sochan 14 pts Julian 13 pts Wemby 12 pts, 3 blk Sexton/Clarkson 18 pts each Lauri 17 pts Kessler 11 pts UTA +9 from FT line
Half: Jazz by 4 after trailing by 15 points. UTA takes 2Q 37-28. Sochan 14 pts Champagnie 13 pts Keldon 11 pts Wemby 10 pts, 1 blk Lauri 15 pts Sexton 12 pts Clarkson 11 pts Spurs still +15 from 3PT line Jazz +10 on 2s and +9 on FTs
The Spurs' 15 point lead is gone. The Jazz now lead by 1 point in the 2Q
1Q: Spurs by 5 after leading by 15 points Champagnie 10 pts Vassell 6 pts Wemby 5 pts, 2 reb, 2 ast, 1 blk Sexton/Kessler 8 pts each Lauri 6 pts SA +15 from 3PT line Jazz winning 2s and FT line
10 point 1Q for Julian Champagnie in the new starting lineup 5 points for Wemby
Starters for Spurs vs Jazz: 1 - Branham vs Sexton 2 - Vassell vs Dunn 3 - Champagnie vs Olynyk 4 - Sochan vs Lauri 5 - Wemby vs Collins
The Spurs' new starting lineup of Branham-Vassell-Champagnie-Sochan-Wemby has been on the floor just 6 possessions together (per Cleaning the glass) this season.
Pop says Keldon Johnson will come off the bench for the foreseeable future to help shore up the second unit. Part of the thinking is also to give Wemby/Vassell more offensive opportunity. Julian Champagnie will start for the second straight game.