Devin Vassell didn't finish with the best stat line on the San Antonio Spurs, but he put the team on his back when they needed it most.
The San Antonio Spurs beat the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 1 on Sunday, 111-98. Victor Wembanyama led the way with 35 points, setting a new franchise record for the most points in a playoff debut, and the Spurs jumped out to an early lead.
While Wembanyama's stat line may have been the most impressive, one of the key takeaways from the game was the fact that the Spurs are the deepest team in the NBA, and even though Wembanyama led the way, San Antonio has the talent to beat anyone.
De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Luke Kornet all impressed, playing valuable minutes and hitting big shots, but it was Devin Vassell who stole the show, righting the ship just as it looked like the Spurs would let their commanding lead slip from their grasp.
How Devin Vassell Stood Out In His Playoff Debut
Ever since he was drafted, Devin Vassell has been a quality role-player. However, during the rebuilding years, he was often tasked with more than should have been asked of him.
Around Wembanyama, he's been able to slot back into a friendly role and finished his playoff debut with 15 points.
After the Spurs led by as many as 16 points in the first half, Portland came roaring back, getting within one possession. That's when Vassell took control of the game, finishing the frame with eight efficient points and two key blocks, stifling the Blazers' run.
"Just not giving up," he said, summing up his efforts. "I think Jrue Holiday was gonna get a wide-open layup, and Clingan had a wide-open layup. I mean, that's what we talked about, just not giving up on the play. Every possession matters, whether it's the first possession in the first quarter or the last possession in the fourth quarter. Play to the whistle, and who knows, those blocks could get us going. Steph, Fox, and Vic are always finding me in transition, and so I just gotta be confident and let it go."
Each night, the Spurs can expect Wembanyama to be their leading scorer and defender, but they seem to take turns playing a secondary role on offense. Vassell knows his number could be called in any given game, but he also knows that he can (and will have to) play tertiary roles.
"And each game is gonna be different," he predicted. "It could be Julian's night, it could be Steph's night, it could be Fox's night. Everybody's gotta be ready to go.
So far, it's safe to say that they are.