Thrilling Finish at the Thomas & Mack Center
In a thrilling finish at the Thomas & Mack Center, Riley Minix delivered a stunning fadeaway shot from the corner just seconds before the final buzzer, ensuring a hard-fought victory for the San Antonio Spurs against the Utah Jazz. The moment unfolded after Kyle Filipowski, a standout center for the Jazz and former Duke player, electrified the crowd with a spectacular dunk that seemed destined to propel the game into double overtime.
Clutch Performance by Minix
With only 1.9 seconds remaining in the first extra period, Filipowski’s explosive play gave fans a glimmer of hope, but Minix had other plans. Catching an inbounds pass swiftly after Filipowski’s momentum-shifting dunk, Minix showcased his poise under pressure as he launched his contested fadeaway shot from the short corner. His basket sealed a 3-0 record for the Spurs in the Las Vegas Summer League, igniting jubilant celebrations among teammates on the court.
This unforgettable finish was captured widely on social media, with NBA’s official channels highlighting the electrifying plays of the night.
Minix’s Journey and Contributions
Prior to this exhilarating moment, Minix’s journey had been one marked by perseverance. After going undrafted out of Morehead State, he earned a two-way contract with the Spurs. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury that required season-ending surgery in January kept him sidelined for the majority of the previous season. In this victory, he contributed significantly with 13 points and six rebounds.
Filipowski’s Standout Performance
Filipowski’s performance was equally remarkable, as he notched an impressive 35 points and 11 rebounds, showcasing his potential after being taken as the 32nd overall pick in last year’s draft. However, despite his standout performance, the Jazz now find themselves struggling at 0-3 in the Summer League, leaving them to seek a turnaround in their upcoming games.
Conclusion
This rapidly evolving storyline in Summer League basketball highlights the pressure and excitement of young players fighting for opportunities on their respective teams.