The San Antonio Spurs were mathematically eliminated from the playoffs on Thursday night, but after 18 in a row between November and December, fans knew the Spurs wouldn't be in the postseason.
Devin Vassell led the way for the Spurs against the Sacramento Kings with 30 points, and three bench players scored double-digits, including a season-high 23 points from Malaki Branham. While there was questionable officiating on both ends to seal the deal for the Kings, the Spurs forced 13 turnovers and dished out 39 assists in the loss.
Kings' coach Mike Brown, who spent three seasons as an assistant to Gregg Popovich, took note of the Spurs playing the right way.
“Obviously, we found a way to get a win and we will take the win," Brown said postgame. "But you give San Antonio credit, give Gregg Popovich credit, give all those guys a lot of credit. They came in here, they played hard defensively, they were very physical. They played the right way offensively. They really shared the basketball, moved that ball from side-to-side."
Despite their struggles this season, the Spurs are second in the league in assists per game, behind only the Indiana Pacers. The Kings, to their credit, are sixth.
The Spurs found themselves down by 20 points in the second quarter but were able to battle back and led for much of the fourth. Errors to close the game out ultimately lost the Spurs the lead, but their fight throughout the game should be commended.
There were 11 lead changes in the game, and the Spurs kept themselves in it despite a poor start to the game. The Spurs will continue their short road trip on Saturday, taking on the Golden State Warriors.
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