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Johnson’s decision to commit to this configuration follows a successful trial during the preseason, most notably in a victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday. Despite a slow start that saw the team hit just one of their first 10 field goal attempts, the lineup showed promise during their 11 minutes of shared court time, during which the Spurs outscored the Suns by 10 points. The unit also managed to edge out the rebounding battle 13-11, despite concerns regarding a potential size disadvantage.
Tactical Flexibility and Wembanyama’s Role
The decision to start the three guards is rooted in a desire to maximize the team's overall talent. Coach Johnson indicated that his philosophy for the upcoming campaign is to prioritize starting the club's five most effective players rather than relegating one to a bench role. For Victor Wembanyama, the presence of three primary ball-handlers provides a new dynamic, allowing him to operate in pick-and-roll situations with multiple playmakers surrounding him.
Reflecting on the chemistry of the group, Wembanyama noted that when the lineup finds its rhythm, the offensive flow becomes significantly more effective. During their time on the floor against Phoenix, Wembanyama recorded 24 total touches, highlighting his central role in the offense. The star big man also demonstrated his versatility by bringing the ball up the court on five separate possessions while sharing the floor with the trio.
Building on Preseason Momentum
While the three-guard unit saw limited action together last season—playing just 69 minutes total, including 25 during the NBA Finals—the coaching staff is banking on the individual efficiency of the players involved. During the regular season last year, the Spurs maintained positive net ratings when pairing Fox, Castle, and Harper in various two-man combinations, ranging from plus-6.2 to plus-11.0.
De'Aaron Fox emphasized that the success of this starting group will largely depend on their perimeter shooting, which helps create space for the team to attack the basket. In the win against the Suns, the trio combined for 9-of-21 shooting from the field and 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. The group also showed early-game explosiveness in a subsequent matchup against the Sacramento Kings, where they combined for 19 points in the first quarter to help build a 42-18 lead. As the team prepares for the Thunder, the focus remains on leveraging their collective ability to create scoring opportunities for themselves and their teammates.
