Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images

Forget De’Aaron Fox, San Antonio Spurs can thank G-League star for big win vs Atlanta Hawks

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Nov 21, 2025 11:30 AM ET

De’Aaron Fox may have put up superstar numbers against the Atlanta Hawks, but it was an unlikely hero from the G-League who played a big role.

The San Antonio Spurs are trying to find their way without Victor Wembanyama, as the mercurial Frenchman is set to miss time.

Wembanyama suffered a calf strain, which will keep him out for a few weeks, given the severity of the injury and the ramifications of it.

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Many felt De’Aaron Fox would be a loser from Wembanyama’s injury, given that the two stars haven’t gotten much time to play with each other.

And after Fox struggled against the Golden State Warriors, he came back with a huge performance against the Atlanta Hawks. But he wasn’t the only player to deliver at such a high level.

Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images

San Antonio Spurs’ G-League star David Jones Garcia dazzles against Atlanta Hawks

With their depth impacted by injuries to key stars, San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson looked to their G-League affiliate, calling up David Jones Garcia to play off the bench.

The decision paid off, as Garcia delivered with 12 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals, while shooting 5/7 from the field.

It was a true career-defining performance, as Garcia entered the game as an unknown entity, and by the end of it, he had the entire Spurs fanbase speaking fondly about him.

And after the game, Garcia admitted that it was an emotional affair, and he was thrilled with the opportunity to make his NBA debut.

David Jones-Garcia in 19 (!!) minutes:

• 12 PTS, 6 AST, 5 REB, 3 STLS, 5/7 FG pic.twitter.com/aXSKoy1Hid
— Bala (@BalaPattySZN) November 21, 2025

David Jones Garcia reflects on amazing NBA debut

After the game, David Jones Garcia looked back on his debut, admitting how proud he was of himself and what his mindset was coming into the game.

“I’m proud of myself… I hope my dad is proud of me too… I took it as an opportunity to help the team keep winning basketball games. ”

Asked David Jones Garcia if tonight was a dream come true

“Yes, most definitely”
“Proud of myself. Hope my dad is proud of me as well”⬇️

Jones Garcia has said he promised his dad, who passed 2 years ago, that he would play in the #NBA

12 pts, 6 assists, 5 Reba tonight#Spurs pic.twitter.com/KFqEcct2M5
— Hector Ledesma (@HectorLedesmaTV) November 21, 2025

These types of performances from players getting their first taste of NBA basketball are truly inspiring to see, as fringe players rarely get these types of opportunities.

It will be interesting to see if Garcia gets more opportunities with the Spurs off the back of his performance against the Atlanta Hawks.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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