San Antonio Spurs: 3 takeaways from 2017-18 season opener

SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 18: LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs speaks to the media after the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 18, 2017 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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1. Spurs can win without Kawhi Leonard

It was announced before the preseason that Kawhi Leonard would not play as he was still nursing his quad injury from last season. Still, I don’t think anyone expected Leonard to miss the regular season opener.

This figured to put even more pressure on the other guys, since they would be without their primary option. Fortunately, they stepped up to the task.

Everyone got involved in the win last night. Most notable was sophomore point guard Dejounte Murray, who had 16 points on 7-of-8 shooting. He also had five rebounds and two assists.

Gay also made his regular season Spurs debut last night. He did not disappoint with his new role in this system. Coming off the bench he was able to score 14 points in 24 minutes for the Spurs. This is crucial for the team’s success this season.

These two were the most notable for San Antonio last night, but players like Pau Gasol (seven points, seven rebounds) and Danny Green (17 points) were able to get it done on defense. The Spurs were able to hold off a late run by the Timberwolves that would help seal the game.

Next: 2017-18 Week 1 NBA Power Rankings

All of this happened without Kawhi Leonard. There is no official timetable for Leonard’s return, but it should be soon. And when he returns, it will be interesting to see how this team responds after proving it can win without its MVP.

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