Devin Vassell elevated the San Antonio Spurs past the Denver Nuggets and into the knockout stage of the NBA Cup, quelling any concerns about his lackluster start to the season.
Does Devin Vassell read SpursRoundtable? I wouldn't count on it, although the San Antonio Spurs' shooting guard has played like he's trying to prove people wrong, and fans are loving it.
On Wednesday, I wrote that Vassell's early-season struggles and large contract had destroyed most of his trade value.
What a moron. He's one of the best players in the NBA, evidenced by his outplaying and beating Nikola Jokic on one of the biggest stages.
With a trip to the NBA Cup knockout round on the line, Vassell put the Spurs on his back, scoring 35 incredibly efficient points, outscoring Jokic and beating the Denver Nuggets in a rare come-from-behind win.
For the first time in franchise history, the Spurs have made it out of the group stage of the in-season torunament. They will advance and take on the Los Angeles Lakers, likely without both Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle. If Vassell gets or stays hot, the Spurs won't have too much to worry about.
"I'm just happy he got out there and was able to put on a show for us, honestly," said an amazed Julian Champagnie after the game.
Over the last two games, Vassell's scoring output has increased, and he has made 71.4% of his shots from deep. Even after the stars return, he doesn't want to slow down or give up the hot hand.
"Whatever I can do to help this team win, but I think that ultimately I need to just stay aggressive," Vassell summed up. "As long as I'm aggressive, it keeps me engaged on the offensive end, it keeps me engaged on the defensive end. And that's what we need. So I'm excited to get my killers back, Steph, Vic. But I just have to stay aggressive, and that's what they keep telling me, and that's what I know. These past few games, I think I've been aggressive, and it's shown."
That kind of tenacity is exaclty what the Spurs need.
Vassell might still be overpaid, and his role on the roster has diminished as the Spurs bring in new stars. However, a role-player who is capable of bringing his A-game even without his best teammates on the court is exactly what a winning team needs to weather an 82-game season.
Vassell has stamped his place on the Spurs, and any questions about his value, both in the long and short term, have been quelled. Big-time games allow for big-time statements, and Vassell rose to the occasion.