By Tom Orsborn, Staff Writer | San Antonio Express-News (SAEN), 2025-10-08 22:30:29
由生成式人工智能翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。
在2025年10月8日于迈阿密举行的一场NBA季前赛上半场，圣安东尼奥马刺队的前锋/中锋维克托·文班亚马 (Victor Wembanyama) 在迈阿密热火队中锋/前锋巴姆·阿德巴约 (Bam Adebayo) 的防守下接球。(美联社照片/Rebecca Blackwell)
迈阿密电 – 尽管凯尔登·约翰逊 (Keldon Johnson) 已逐渐适应了自己从两个赛季前开始扮演的第六人角色，但在周三晚上的比赛中，他再次首发出场并充分抓住了机会。
这位马刺阵中效力时间最长的现役球员在26分钟内贡献了19分和6个篮板，帮助球队以112-107战胜热火，在周五主场迎战犹他爵士队前取得了2胜0负的战绩。
由于数名球员因伤缺阵或仍处于休赛期手术的恢复期，马刺被迫采用了一些非常规的阵容和轮换。这其中就包括将约翰逊调回首发阵容。
“我觉得自己什么场面都见过了，”现年25岁、正值当打之年却已迎来个人第七个赛季的约翰逊说道。“我当过球队核心，也扮演过辅助角色。无论球队需要我扮演什么角色来赢得胜利，我都会全力以赴，义无反顾。”
“我们渴望胜利，渴望闯入季后赛。我们想搞出点名堂来。所以，无论我的角色是什么，我都会百分之百地努力去完成。”
与约翰逊一同首发出战的朱利安·尚帕尼 (Julian Champagnie) 凭借三分线外7投5中的高效表现得到15分，而德文·瓦塞尔 (Devin Vassell) 在经历了艰苦的第一周训练营后，于周一的揭幕战中轮休，本场比赛迎来季前赛首秀，贡献了12分。
维克托·文班亚马在22分钟的上场时间里得到10分、5次助攻、4个篮板和2次盖帽，随后他与其余首发球员在第四节都作壁上观。
热火方面，凯尔·威尔 (Kel’el Ware) 砍下全队最高的29分和12个篮板。小海梅·哈克斯 (Jaimie Jaquez Jr.) 和诺曼·鲍威尔 (Norman Powell) 分别贡献了19分和18分，热火队战绩跌至0胜3负。
以下是马刺五场季前赛中第二场比赛的三大看点：
沃特斯三世或将成为一笔宝贵的引援
格雷格·波波维奇 (Gregg Popovich) 曾强调拥有一名“万金油型球员”的重要性。现在看来，他的继任者在林迪·沃特斯三世 (Lindy Waters III) 身上找到了这样的人选。
“我认为他能以多种方式帮助我们，”米奇·约翰逊 (Mitch Johnson) 说道。
由于德阿隆·福克斯 (De’Aaron Fox)、斯蒂芬·卡斯尔和乔丹·麦克劳克林 (Jordan McLaughlin) 都因伤缺阵，这位征战联盟第五个赛季的职业球员在周一以119-88战胜中国广州龙狮队的比赛中担任首发控球后卫。
在2025年10月8日于迈阿密举行的马刺对阵热火的NBA季前赛下半场，迈阿密热火队主教练埃里克·斯波尔斯特拉 (Erik Spoelstra) 在场边做出反应。(美联社照片/Rebecca Blackwell)
随着瓦塞尔的回归，沃特斯在对阵热火的比赛中以替补得分后卫的身份出场。
“无论球队需要什么，我都愿意为此牺牲和付出，”沃特斯说。
这位身高6英尺5英寸的俄克拉荷马州立大学校友补充说，马刺篮球的精髓就在于全能性。
“我们都认为场上没有固定的位置，每个人都能做任何事，”他说。“我对此深感自豪。”
沃特斯去年辗转于金州勇士和底特律活塞，今年7月签下了一份为期一年、价值229万美元的合同。作为一名板凳席上的远程火力点，他也能证明自己的价值。
他职业生涯三分命中率达到37%，在周一的比赛中三分球5投3中，周三更是4投3中，贡献了11分。
“投篮和为球队拉开空间是我的看家本领，所以我会继续努力并不断展示这一点，”沃特斯说道。
米奇·约翰逊就防守问题发出信号
就在文班亚马宣称打出良好防守是马刺本赛季“不容商榷”的任务一周后，米奇·约翰逊也向球队发出了自己的信号，强调了提升防守端表现的必要性。
当一名记者在赛前向约翰逊提问，问及文班亚马和新秀卡特·布莱恩特 (Carter Bryant) 作为防守搭档的潜力以及他们本赛季可能带来的影响时，这位教练说道：“这正是我们努力强调并希望成为我们球队特质的一部分。我们需要有人能成为防守端的支柱，你提到的这两个人就能做到，并在这方面帮助我们。”
“但我们对那些已经在这里的球员也提出了同样的要求。凯尔登·约翰逊、德文·瓦塞尔、杰里米·索汉 (Jeremy Sochan)——这些已经在队里多年的球员——都需要采取同样的态度，因为防守不是个人行为，而是团队协作，关乎整体的联动性。”
“所以，无论我们派谁上场，如果场上五个人不能朝着正确的、或同一个方向努力，防守迟早会崩溃。因此，我们正努力将这种防守理念打造为全队的共识。”
迈阿密对波波维奇的敬意始终如一
在2013年和2014年与马刺连续两年在总决赛上演巅峰对决后，热火队对格雷格·波波维奇产生了极大的敬意。
对于执教多年的主教练埃里克·斯波尔斯特拉来说尤其如此。他表示，自从这位NBA历史胜场数最多的教练在遭受中风六个月后于今年五月宣布退休，他才终于慢慢意识到，自己再也无法在场边与波波维奇斗法了。
“去年，你总觉得他还会回来，”斯波尔斯特拉说道。他指的是上赛季热火与马刺的两场比赛，当时均由约翰逊担任代理主教练。
斯波尔斯特拉称76岁的波波维奇是“联盟中我们许多人的伟大楷模”，他“在最高水平上竞争，与（热火总裁）帕特·莱利 (Pat Riley) 非常相似”，并且始终保持着“风度和尊严”。
“他赢得所有人的尊重，即便是对手也不例外，”斯波尔斯特拉这样评价波波维奇。“能够连续两年在总决赛中与他们交手，是一段非常奇妙的经历。而且我认为，最终两支球队各赢得一次总冠军，也是一个圆满的结局。我知道他仍以（篮球运营总裁）的身份参与球队事务，这很棒，很高兴看到这一点。”
Miami Heat center Kel’el Ware (7) dunks past San Antonio Spurs forward Lindy Waters III, left, as Miami Heat forward Myron Gardner looks on,during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Miami Heat guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) drives past San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Ingram (55) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Mitch Johnson talks with forward Harrison Ingram (55) courtside during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Miami Heat center Kel’el Ware (7) looks to shoot as San Antonio Spurs center Bismack Biyombo (18) defends during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Miami Heat guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) and San Antonio Spurs forward Lindy Waters III (43) vie for a ball during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Miami Heat fans cheer and sway in the stands along with the Heat dancers, bottom left, during a timeout in the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Mitch Johnson taps the leg of forward Carter Bryant (11) as players gather for a timeout during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Miami Heat guard Kasparas Jakucionis (25) passes under pressure from San Antonio Spurs forward Carter Bryant (11) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Miami Heat guard Norman Powell (24) drives forward through the defense of San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30), center/forward Luke Kornet (7) and forward Carter Bryant (11) during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Mitch Johnson watches from the sideline during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama (1) catches a pass defended by Miami Heat center/forward Bam Adebayo during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama (1) takes a tumble during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots over Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins (22) and forward Nikola Jovic during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
点击查看原文：Keldon Johnson, Spurs down Miami to improve to 2-0 in preseason
Keldon Johnson, Spurs down Miami to improve to 2-0 in preseason
San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama catches a pass defended by Miami Heat center/forward Bam Adebayo during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
MIAMI – Keldon Johnson has come to enjoy the sixth man role he took on two seasons ago, but he made the most Wednesday night of another preseason start.
The longest-tenured current player on the Spurs roster had 19 points and six rebounds in 26 minutes to help the Spurs to a 112-107 victory over the Heat that left them 2-0 heading into Friday’s home game against Utah.
With several players out nursing injuries or healing from offseason surgery, the Spurs have been forced to use some unconventional lineups and rotations. That includes moving Johnson back to the starting five.
“I feel like I’ve done seen it all,” said Johnson, who is in his seventh season at the ripe old age of 25. "I’ve been the guy, I’ve been in supporting roles. Whatever role is needed for us to win, I will do it with two feet in and a full head of steam.
“We want to win and we want to make the playoffs. We want to make some noise and things like that. So, whatever my role may be, that’s what I’ll do and I’ll do it with a hundred percent effort.”
Julian Champagnie joined Johnson in the starting unit to finish with 15 points on the strength of 5-of-7 shooting from 3-point territory and Devin Vassell had 12 points in his preseason debut after sitting out Monday’s opener for rest after a grueling first week of training camp.
In 22 minutes, Victor Wembanyama had 10 points, five assists, four rebounds and two blocks before he and the rest of the starters sat out the fourth quarter.
Kel’el Ware led the Heat with 29 points and 12 rebounds. Jaimie Jaquez Jr. and Norman Powell contributed 19 and 18 points, respectively, as the Heat fell to 0-3.
Here are three takeaways from the second of the Spurs’ five preseason games:
Waters III could prove to be valuable addition
Gregg Popovich used to stress the importance of having a “utility infielder” on the team. It looks like his successor has one in Lindy Waters III.
“I think he’ll be able to help us in a variety of ways,” Mitch Johnson said.
With De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Jordan McLaughlin all out with injuries, the fifth-year pro started at point guard in Monday’s win over 119-88 win over China’s Guangzhou Loong-Lions.
Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra reacts during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
With Vassell back, Waters came off the bench at shooting guard against the Heat.
“Whatever the team needs, I’m willing to sacrifice and do that,” Waters said.
The 6-foot-5 Oklahoma State alumnus added that Spurs basketball is all about being versatile.
“We all look at it like there are no positions, that everybody can do everything,” he said. “I definitely pride myself on that.”
Waters, who signed a one-year contract worth $2.29 million in July after splitting last season between Golden State and Detroit, could also prove valuable as a long-distance spark off the bench.
A career 37% shooter from deep, he hit 3 of 5 from distance Monday and sank 3 of 4 on Wednesday en route to 11 points.
“That’s my bread and butter, being able to shoot and spread the floor, so I’m going to keep working on that and keep showing it,” Waters said.
Mitch Johnson sends a message about defense
A week after Wembanyama said a commitment to playing good defense is “non-negotiable” for the Spurs this season, Mitch Johnson sent his own message to the team about the need for better play on that end.
When a reporter asked Johnson pre-game about Wembanyama and rookie Carter Bryant’s potential as a defensive tandem and the impact they might have this season, the coach said, "That’s the part we are trying to emphasize and be part of our identity. We want people that are going to anchor to that side of the court and the two people you named do that and will help us there.
"But we’re asking and demanding the same from people that have been here. Keldon Johnson needs to take on that same approach, Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, (players) that have been here for years, because defense isn’t individual, it’s a team thing, it’s a connectivity thing.
“So, we can have whoever out there. But if there’s not five guys pushing in the right or the same direction, it’s going to fall at some point, so we are trying to establish that as a group.”
Respect for Popovich will always be high in Miami
The Heat exited their back-to-back Finals showdowns with the Spurs in 2013 and 2014 with a great deal of respect for Gregg Popovich.
That was especially true of longtime coach Erik Spoelstra, who said it’s finally sinking in that he won’t face Popovich on the sidelines again after the NBA’s all-time winningest coach retired from coaching in May six months after he suffered a stroke.
“Last year, you’re expected him to come back,” Spoelstra said, referring to two games the Heat played against the Spurs last year with Johnson serving as acting coach.
Spoelstra called Popovich, 76, a “great role model for so many of us in the league” who competed at the “highest level, very similar to what (Heat president) Pat (Riley)” and who did it with “class and dignity.”
“He did it in a way that earned the respect of everybody, even when you competed against him,” Spoelstra said of Popovich. “It was such an amazing experience to be able to face them two years in a row in the Finals. And I think it was fitting that each organization was able to come away with a championship. I know he’s still involved with the organization (as president of basketball operations), which is great. Great to see.”
By Tom Orsborn, Staff Writer, via San Antonio Express-News