Spurs fall to Jazz in first Summer League game, 87-74

Rookie guard Derrick White led team with 13 points

San Antonio Spurs guard Bryn Forbes (11) drives as Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) defends during the first half of an NBA summer league basketball game Monday, July 3, 2017, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Spurs will look to bounce back after losing its summer league opener to the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City on Monday night, 87-74.

The team got off to a rough start allowing the Jazz to jump out to a seven point first quarter lead.

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The Spurs were held to 30.3 percent shooting (27-for-89) for the game.  Livio Jean-Charles scored 10 points off the bench, but both rookie Jaron Blossomgame and Baylor-ex Cory Jefferson struggled from the field, shooting a combined 3 for 20.

Rookie Derrick White was the bright spot for the Spurs, scoring a team-high 13 points on 5-for-12 shooting. 

Dejounte Murray added six points and had a team-high five assists, while guard Bryn Forbes and Davis Bertans scored 12 points each.

Utah Jazz guard Dante Exum, the 2014 No. 5 overall draft pick, stood out in the first half with strong drives to the basket and decisive offense. He looked quick and confident, but faded as the game went on. Exum finished with 23 points, six rebounds and five assists.

Donovan Mitchell, Utah's draft pick this year, showed explosive athletic ability and even knocked down three 3-pointers, which was not his strong suit in college. Mitchell finished with 22 points on 10-for-17 shooting, five assists, three steals and two rebounds for the Jazz.

The Spurs continue their summer league play on Wednesday versus the Boston Celtics at 6 p.m. The Celtics summer league team is led by No. 3 draft pick Jayson Tatum, who opened both the Utah Summer League and his pro career with a go-ahead basket to beat No. 1 draft pick Markelle Fultz and Philadelphia.

The Spurs next game can be seen on NBATV.


About the Author

Ben Spicer is a digital journalist who works the early morning shift for KSAT.

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