SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Spurs on Sunday faced off against Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans, falling 111-97 at home to remain winless in the 2022 preseason.
Williamson, the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Duke, scored eight points and grabbed nine rebounds in 24 minutes. Troy Murphy was 10 of 15 from the field and hit seven three-pointers to pace the way for the division foe Pelicans, scoring a game-high 27 points.
The Spurs in the loss were led by its veterans, with Doug McDermott scoring 14 points, Josh Richardson scoring 12 points and center Gorgui Dieng having a near double-double of 10 points and nine boards. Rookie Jeremy Sochan got his first start, grabbing four rebounds and a steal in 18 minutes, but didn’t score. The other rookie guards, Malaki Brenham and Blake Wesley, also combined for just 11 points.
The team will next try for its first preseason win on Tuesday in Utah versus the Jazz. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
Team makes trip to Uvalde for special visit
The San Antonio Spurs paid a special visit on Saturday to play some hoops and bring joy to the Uvalde community, one that is still in the midst of healing from the Robb Elementary tragedy.
Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich, the team and the Coyote mascot all joined Uvalde CISD elementary school students and their families at the gym at Uvalde High School to “show the residents that their pain has not been forgotten,” the team said.
Students were welcome on the court, where they learned some basketball moves firsthand from the Spurs players.
Members of the San Antonio Spurs NBA basketball team work with students from Robb Elementary School during a visit, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in Uvalde, Texas. The Spurs made the trip to show their support for Uvalde and their community where two teachers and 19 students were killed by a gunman at the school just four months ago. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
“We know it’s been tough, but you know if we can just come out here and bring a little bit of joy then today is a successful day for us,” forward Keldon Johnson said.
After the practice, the students and their families were invited to a community fair in the courtyard outside to enjoy games, food, prizes and more.
Hall of Famer Manu Gin?bili made an appearance and carried victim Eliahna Torres with him, as he greeted fans. Each of the 21 victims were also remembered. The team then hosted 1,000 of the Uvalde residents as special guests at the AT&T Center for Sunday’s game.
Spurs release player; announce injury update
The San Antonio Spurs on Monday announced that they have released rookie guard Tommy Kuhse, according to a press release.
Kuhse, a first-year player out of St. Mary’s (Calif.) has appeared in two preseason games, averaging 6.0 points and 1.5 assists in 9.0 minutes per game.
The Spurs roster now stands at 19 players.
Spurs center Zach Collins has officially entered the NBA’s Concussion Protocol, following last night’s Spurs-Pelicans game.
Collins will not travel to Utah for tomorrow’s Spurs-Jazz game. The team said it will provide updates on a return, but did not disclose a timetable.
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