Spurs Seek Unity in Crunch Time Against Hawks
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The San Antonio Spurs are on a roll, having won two consecutive games without their star center Victor Wembanyama, who's nursing a calf injury. As they face the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday, they're focusing on becoming a cohesive unit, relying on teamwork to propel them forward. In their last game, the Spurs edged the Memphis Grizzlies 111-101, with De'Aaron Fox scoring 26 points and Harrison Barnes adding 23, including seven crucial points in a row. Coach Mitch Johnson acknowledged that the team had moments of discipline, but ultimately, it was their fourth-quarter defensive effort that stood out. Keldon Johnson contributed 18 points, while Devin Vassell and Kelly Olynyk scored 10 points each. The Spurs will be without guard Stephon Castle, who's expected to miss another week with an injury. The Hawks, on the other hand, are still adjusting to their new lineup after a 120-112 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday. They cut a 19-point deficit to just two points but ultimately fell short. Jalen Johnson led the Hawks with 25 points, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 24 points and Onyeka Okongwu had 21 before fouling out. Coach Quin Snyder noted that the team is still learning to mesh together and execute in critical situations. The Hawks will be without center Kristaps Porzingis due to right knee soreness and forward Zaccharie Risacher is sidelined with a left hip contusion. The availability of both players for Thursday's game is uncertain. As the Hawks arrive in San Antonio on a four-game road winning streak, they'll face a Spurs team that's determined to showcase their collective strength. The two teams will meet again on December 19 in Atlanta.
