Spurs fans have undoubtedly not forgotten their last visit to Phoenix. It was at the end of October 2023, when Victor Wembanyama, author of 38 points in the second round, and his team signed a remarkable double victory in Arizona.
A year later, the Texans returned to Phoenix in a completely different context. At the head of a positive record (11v-9d), the Spurs, who had experienced a long journey through the desert after their visit to Phoenix (18 defeats in a row), are in the running for qualification for the quarter-finals of the NBA Cup.
Within Group B, they have the same record as their evening opponents, as well as the Thunder (also 2v-1d), who host the Jazz. A victory in Arizona would mean automatic qualification, as they have the tiebreaker over the team led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
« It’s important for our young group to have this opportunity. It's a good Phoenix team, it will be a good challenge for us », Projects Harrison Barnes while thinking of the trio opposite, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.
Accelerate the maturity of the group
Far from the playoffs last year, the Texans had not really tasted the challenges of this mid-season tournament either, losing their four matches in this context. But the team has evolved since then, with the arrivals of veterans Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes.
« When you have a younger team, any time they start to experience new things or experience things that the older players have experienced, it can only help them », Judges Mitch Johnson. Julian Champagnie therefore expects this meeting to take on the appearance of “ playoff match ».
« When a team has the opportunity to reach the playoffs or have a common experience like that, it accelerates maturity. It's one thing to talk about wins and playoffs and big moments, but honestly, you just have to experience it. There is no other way to achieve it than to live it », Adds Harrison Barnes, NBA champion with the Warriors in 2015.
