San Antonio Spurs: Takeaways From Season Opener vs. Warriors

October 25, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich (right) instructs guard Tony Parker (9) against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Spurs defeated the Warriors 129-100. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jul 20, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Jonathan Simmons (16) shoots between Phoenix Suns defenders during the NBA Summer League Final at Thomas & Mack Center. The Spurs won the game 93-90. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

Jonathon Simmons Proved To Be An X-Factor

In giving up 129 points, it would be understatement to say that the Warriors had their fair share of struggles from a defensive standpoint (more on that later).

This includes how poorly they defended second-year guard Jonathon Simmons.

Last season, Simmons averaged just 6.0 points in a little less than 15 minutes per contest. But against the Warriors, he looked like a potential All-Star in the making.

Simmons torched the Warriors’ defense for 20 points to go along with four rebounds and three assists. Oh, and let’s not forget about this memorable block on the reigning two-time MVP Stephen Curry.

It’s one thing when the star players on the opposing team score a ton of points against you, but it is quite another when you allow a guy to come off the bench and light up your defense like a Christmas tree.

Simply put, Simmons was given an opportunity to shine against one of the top-tier teams in the league and he took full advantage to say the least.

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