'That's What He Does': Spurs Newbie Devonte' Graham Breaks Franchise Record in Debut

On a night where the San Antonio Spurs were without six of their seven leading scorers this season - two of which were traded at the deadline - Devonte' Graham took major advantage, setting a new franchise record in his team debut.

Just one day after finding out he'd been traded by the New Orleans Pelicans to the San Antonio Spurs, fifth-year guard Devonte' Graham erupted for one of the best scoring games of his career in Friday's 138-131 double-overtime loss to the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena.

On a night where the Spurs were without six of their top seven scorers this season - two of which were traded at the deadline on Thursday - Graham took major advantage, posting by far his season-best of 31 points on 9 of 22 shooting and 6 of 16 from deep to go along with three rebounds, three assists and no turnovers - all while coming off the bench.

It marked the most points ever for a player's debut in Spurs history.

"That’s what he does," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "He’s a scorer. He’s a shooter. And just walking into the gym and playing with four guys he has never played with before, I thought he was wonderful."

Graham made only one less triple than the Pistons, who went an abysmal 7 of 37 from behind the arc. The performance marked the most points he's scored in a game since May 2021, and was even more impressive since he joined the Spurs on their Rodeo Road Trip on very short notice.

"I put two suitcases together, packed some hooping shoes and met them here last night," Graham said.

Of course, it's unlikely that the Spurs - given their team structure - will have the luxury of giving Graham a chance to score 30 every night. His numbers were also boosted by the fact that the Spurs were severely short-handed against one of only two teams in the league that entered Friday with as many or fewer wins than them this season.

But though Graham will still need to grow comfortable into his new role with his new teammates, his record-setting night shouldn't go underappreciated based on the chaos and change that's ensued in his life over the past 48 hours.

The Spurs will visit the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. CT.

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You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7

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