Mcdermott back after issue with tooth
LOS ANGELES — Doug Mcdermott had a problem with the tooth, and nothing but the tooth.
Last season, the Spurs forward had a tooth knocked out in a game against Philadelphia, requiring a crown to repair.
An infection under the crown sidelined Mcdermott for the Spurs’ loss Sunday at Sacramento.
The toothache had been bothering Mcdermott for weeks.
“I’m not going to lie, I got some bad headaches,” Mcdermott said. “Sleep was an issue.”
Mcdermott had the tooth worked on while the team was in Sacramento. He is scheduled for another procedure once the Spurs return from the four-game road trip that ended Thursday against the Lakers.
Mcdermott admits it is one of the most bizarre “injuries” of his career.
“It got to the point I was really feeling it,” Mcdermott said. “It’s too bad I had to miss a game for that, but I’m glad we’ve got it feeling right again.”
Mcdermott returned for the Spurs’ 116-92 victory over the Clippers on Monday, scoring 16 points on 7-of-13 shooting.
In his first season with the Spurs, the 29-year-old Mcdermott is averaging 11.3 points and hitting 39.5 percent of his 3point tries.
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said he has been pleased with what he has seen from Mcdermott, who played his previous three seasons in Indiana.
“He’s a team player,” Popovich said. “He moves well without the basketball. He’s a good shooter. He’s a pretty easy read.”
Lebron showdown comes at long last
Thursday’s game marked the first time this season the Spurs have faced the Lakers with Lebron James in the lineup.
James was sidelined for each of the Lakers’ two victories over the Spurs on Oct. 26 and Nov. 14.
Mcdermott said he remains in awe of the four-time NBA MVP, who is in his 19th season.
“It’s crazy,” Mcdermott said. “I’m in my eighth year, and I still have childhood memories of watching Lebron. He is such an idol to so many of us. You can’t definitely tell you’re on the court with a legend.”
Despite James’ availability, the Lakers were hardly at full strength entering Thursday’s matchup.
Five players — Malik Monk, Kent Bazemore, Avery Bradley, Austin Reaves and Trevor Ariza — were in health and safety protocols. The Lakers also were without All-star forward Anthony Davis, who is sidelined with a strained medial collateral ligament.
Teammates praise Young’s approach
Thad Young took his third consecutive DNP in Monday’s victory over the Clippers, as Popovich turned to rookie Jock Landale to provide backup big man minutes.
Young’s teammates have been impressed at the manner in which the 15-year veteran has continued to show up for work despite limited playing time.
“He’s not going to show he is frustrated, even if he probably is,” Mcdermott said. “He’s not going to take it out on the team or show up moody.”
Mcdermott, who played with Young in Indiana, said he was not surprised with that.
“He’s the ultimate pro,” Mcdermott said. “I saw it in Indiana when he was playing 30, 40 minutes a night and his approach is the same now. He’s the same kind of leader.”