Inside The Spurs

No Wembanyama, No Problem: Spurs Youth Makes Statement in California Classic Opener

Whether it was Julian Champagnie's proficient scoring or Sidy Cissoko's productive defense on Brandon Miller, the Spurs showed up on all fronts to secure a victory over the Hornets, and don't appear to be slowing down.

Matt Guzman

No Wembanyama, No Problem: Spurs Youth Makes Statement in California Classic Opener
No Wembanyama, No Problem: Spurs Youth Makes Statement in California Classic Opener /
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When the San Antonio Spurs took to Sacramento's home court against the Charlotte Hornets at Golden 1 Center Monday night, an entire population of NBA fans were disappointed. 

Unfortunately for those aforementioned fans, Victor Wembanyama didn't suit up for the Spurs during their California Classic opener, nor will he Wednesday against the Los Angeles Lakers. Wembanyama will join the Spurs in Las Vegas beginning Friday, but even without him, San Antonio shined, cruising to a 98-77 victory.

Even without Wembanyama, the young roster should leave fans without any doubts concerning its legitimacy, nor its depth.

The Spurs raced out to an early lead, finding themselves up by more than 20 after the first quarter and cruised from there.

Julian Champagnie and Dominick Barlow shined, combining for 54 of the team's 98 points. Second-year pro Blake Wesley also shined with eight points, six rebounds and eight assists, proving to be a key all-around player for the Spurs.

Second-round pick Sidy Cissoko didn't make much of an impression on the box score, but his defense should give fans something to cheer about.

The player on very few people's radar who made an impact was West Virginia point guard Erik Stevenson, who scored 13 points off the bench.

While the rest of the team's young players may be overshadowed by Wembanyama's presence when he eventually comes, they reminded Spurs fans on Monday night that they aren't to be forgotten of so easily.

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Matt Guzman
MATT GUZMAN

Matt Guzman is a sports journalist and storyteller from Austin, Texas. He serves as a credentialed reporter and site manager for San Antonio Spurs On SI and a staff writer for multiple collegiate sites in the same network. In the world of professional sports, he is a firm believer that athletes are people, too, and intends to tell stories of players and teams’ true, behind-the-scenes character that otherwise would not be seen through strong narrative writing, hooking ledes and passionate words.

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