Boracay Island, Philippines – The San Antonio Spurs began their annual Rodeo Road Trip on a high note, as DeMar DeRozan led seven Spurs in double figures in an early blowout to beat the Atlanta Hawks 125-114 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia on Friday night (Saturday morning, Philippine time).
DeRozan finished with 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists to help blitz the Hawks in the first half, while Keldon Johnson bounced back from a series of dismal performances to contribute 20 markers on an 8-for-11 field goal shooting, including 2-for-3 from behind the arc.
The Spurs’ balanced attack and suffocating defense led to a 41-19 second quarter to make it 77-48 at the turn, anchored by Jakob Poeltl’s great defense and perfect 7-for-7 shooting from the field, stuffing the stats sheet with 14 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, and 3 blocks.
Poeltl has been remarkable on the starting lineup in lieu of the injured LaMarcus Aldridge, who missed his fifth consecutive game due to a sore hip.
Trae Young led the Hawks with 25 markers, while rookie guard Skylar Mays added 20 off-the-bench to help make the final score appear closer than it the game really was.
Up next for the Spurs are the Hornets in Charlotte on Sunday night (Monday morning, Philippine time).
Meanwhile, the Hawks will complete a back-to-back by facing the Indiana Pacers at home on Saturday night (Sunday morning, Philippine time).
How They Scored:
Spurs 125 – DeRozan 23, Johnson 20, Murray 16, Poeltl 14, Mills 12, White 11, Walker IV 11, Gay 5, Eubanks 5, Vassell 3, Bates-Diop 3, Weathersoon 2
Hawks 114 – Young 25, May 20, Capela 14, Goodwin 13, Collins 9, Reddish 6, Knight 6, Fernando 6, Okongwu 6, Huerter 5, Gallinari 2, Hill 2
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