The San Antonio Spurs deployed a three-guard lineup of De'Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle for the first time in a 123-103 preseason win over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday. Coach Mitch Johnson described the move as part of the team's natural evolution that will still take time, adding that it was time to push forward appropriately.
The group got off to a choppy start, with Harper and Castle combining to miss their first five shots before Fox, making his preseason debut, subbed out with 6:57 left in the first quarter. By halftime, however, Fox, Harper and Castle had combined for 31 points, 12 rebounds and six assists, helping the Spurs build a 60-49 lead. Castle led all scorers with a game-high 18 points, while Harper drew loud cheers at Frost Bank Center with a rim-rocking tip dunk.
Johnson said the team started with sloppy possessions and must begin games with a better approach. Forward Victor Wembanyama said the group's play clicked once it found its rhythm, emphasizing the value of having handlers around him. The three guards spent 11 minutes together in the first half and posted a plus-10 net rating.
Fox, Harper and Castle played only 69 minutes together last season, including 25 in the NBA Finals, when opponents outscored San Antonio by 47 points. Fox said the guards discussed starting together during a summer visit to Wembanyama in France. Johnson had originally planned to start the trio, but Fox was held out of the opener with general soreness and played only the first half against Phoenix.
Source: ESPN NBA · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing