Spurs glad to have Devin Vassell again as they host Kings

The San Antonio Spurs will continue to blend in the return of one of their most important players when they host the Sacramento Kings on Monday night.

The Spurs will play the third contest of a five-game homestand that’s seen them split the first two games, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday and then dropping a 111-110 decision to the Utah Jazz on Saturday.

San Antonio on Saturday received 24 points and 16 rebounds from Victor Wembanyama, who was also called for a crucial offensive foul on a pick late in the game.

Stephon Castle had career-high 23 points in his third start, Devin Vassell scored 21, Keldon Johnson hit for 14 and Harrison Barnes tallied 10 points in the loss.

“My guys have been in the gym with me,” Castle said of his best-ever output. “We’re all confident in each other to shoot the ball no matter who it is. If we get open when we’re told, we’ve got to shoot it. (It’s about) just stepping up and shooting with confidence.”

Vassell’s production came in his first action of the season after he missed more than seven months with a broken foot.

“I haven’t played in a long time,” Vassell said afterward. “You know, during the off season, I was kind of frustrated because at the end of the day, I just want to be out there on my teammates and play with them. I was able to get through it. They helped me get back in shape and everything.”

The Spurs have spilt their past four games and will get their first look this season at the Kings, who arrived in the Alamo City early Monday morning after a 127-118 overtime win in Phoenix on Sunday.

DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 34 points while three other starters — De’Aaron Fox (21 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists), Domantas Sabonis (20 points, 12 rebounds) and Keegan Murray (14 points, 14 rebounds) — racked up double doubles in the victory. Kevin Huerter added 17 points for Sacramento.

The Kings have won three of their past four games.

While DeRozan is the most oft-mentioned new player for the Kings, Huerter — who came to the team from Atlanta in July 2022 — also has been a key cog. The 6-foot-7 guard underwent a 6 1/2-month recovery after season-ending surgery last April to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder.

“I’m still getting myself in the swing of things, still trying to find my rhythm,” said Huerter, who is averaging 11.3 points a game this season. “A couple of new guys on our team and a new offense, so I’m trying to fully immerse myself with the team and kind of get my feet under me a little bit. It’s been a rigorous summer, and obviously glad to be back in the swing.”

Sacramento’s super sixth man, Malik Monk, left Sunday’s game early in the second quarter when he twisted his ankle after stepping on the foot step of Suns center Mason Plumlee. Monk did not return to the game, and his status for Monday’s contest will be in question until game time.

–Field Level Media