The San Antonio Spurs fell to the Miami Heat tonight in an international game in Mexico City, Mexico. The game was closely contested throughout the first three-quarters of play until the Heat would eventually make their biggest impact on the game in the fourth. The Spurs were outscored 31-17 in the last quarter of play.
NBA superstar Jimmy Butler led all scorers with 26 on the night. Not far behind for the Heat was the University of Kentucky standouts Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro with 22 and 21.
To no surprise to San Antonio fans now, Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell led the Spurs in scoring once again tonight. The duo was able to combine for 40 points. Johnson was able to tally 22, while Vassell put up the remaining 18.
Final from Mexico City! Back at it on Monday in Houston#NBAenMexico pic.twitter.com/aSQtQlniSU
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) December 18, 2022
Close But No Cigar
San Antonio and the Heat were battling it out all night in Mexico City. At the start of the fourth quarter, the San Antonio Spurs were leading the Heat by four points with a score of 84-80.
At eight minutes into the fourth, the game was only one score apart at 90-88 Heat. Unfortunately for the Spurs, this would be the closest they would end up before the Heat would begin to take off. A big three from Duncan Robinson would set up Bam Adebayo for some clutch points to close out the game.
The young San Antonio team is still fighting and has shown some flashbacks of their early-season tenacity. After all, the Spurs did beat the Heat just a week ago in Miami.
An “Almost” Healthy Roster For The Spurs
The Spurs have been facing their fair share of injuries over the past month. They did have all of their starters back, however, there were some restrictions. Jeremy Sochan was able to return for the second game in a row although he was limited to 16 minutes as he was out for five games due to his right quad. It is good to see all of the usual starters back in action nonetheless.
Both big men were back in the lineup for the silver and black. The Spurs starting center Jakob Poeltl returned tonight after missing the past few games due to a right knee injury sustained against the Lakers. Zach Collins also returned after being sidelined for an ankle injury. Poeltl’s presence in the key was definitely missed over the last few appearances. In the second quarter, he was able to throw down a huge poster for the Mexican fans.
WITH AUTHORITY 😤#NBAenMexico | @NBAMEX pic.twitter.com/nrhMcYBBnP
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) December 17, 2022
Rockets Up Next
San Antonio will land in Houston on Monday night as they prepare for a game against Jalen Green and the Rockets. These teams have only met once this year when the Spurs defeated the team 118-109 earlier this month.
What is your prediction for the matchup in Houston?
