San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)
Sochan delivers from the line when it matters most
LOS ANGELES — Jeremy Sochan did not beat the Houston Rockets with one hand tied behind his back.
It was simply resting by his side.
With 14 seconds left in overtime Friday, Sochan swished a pair of free throws using his now-trademarked one-handed shooting technique to seal a 126-122 victory, the Spurs’ first of the season.
“I was kind of not thinking about anything,” Sochan said. “It’s just me, the basketball and the basket.”
A year ago at this time, any trip to the foul line was an adventure for Sochan.
Heading into December of his rookie season, he was struggling to crack 50% from the foul line.
At the suggestion of coach Gregg Popovich and assistant Brett Brown, Sochan switched to an unorthodox one-handed shooting motion from the charity stripe.
He ended the season making 81 of 116 free throws, good for 68.9%.
It wasn’t exactly Mark Pricetype numbers, but a vast improvement from where Sochan started.
Now?
“I believe in myself, and I think everyone else believes in me too,” Sochan said. “So it feels good.”
Sochan certainly came through when it counted Friday.
After Jalen Green’s driving layup pulled with Rockets to within two points with 17.3 seconds to go, Houston put Sochan on the line to stop the clock.
His pair of foul shots pushed the Spurs’ lead to 124-120, essentially cementing the game.
The free throws capped a 14-point night for Sochan, which included four assists, five rebounds and two steals, and helped the Spurs even their record at 1-1 headed into Sunday’s game at the Los Angeles Clippers.
Sochan’s clutch freebies came after the Spurs’ Devin Vassell — a career 81.6% foul shooter — missed in a similar situation moments earlier.
“Missing two free throws is the rarest thing you’ll ever see from him,” Sochan said.
Vassell was glad for the assist from Sochan.
“He came in a stepped up and had two big free throws,” Vassell said. “It’s a testament to him.”
Wemby bemoans goaltending call
Victor Wembanyama appeared to have a highlight-reel putback after one of Vassell’s earlier missed free throws. Officials had other ideas. Vassell missed the second of two foul shots with 2:12 to play in OT.
The 7-foot-3 Wembanyama first reached over the Rockets’ rebounders to try and tap the carom into the basket.
When that didn’t work, Wembanyama effortlessly grabbed his own rebound off the rim and dunked it back.
Referees waved off the basket, ruling the ball was still in the basket cylinder when Wembanyama touched it.
Popovich challenged, and the call was upheld by replay review.
Wembanyama said he understood the rule that governs basket interference, which is different than he is used to in international competition.
“It’s the rule,” Wembanyama said. “But it’s sad that the rule is like that, because obviously the ball isn’t going back into the basket.”
Wembanyama finished the game with 21 points and 12 rebounds in securing his first win with the team.
Spurs to host fan fest at new headquarters
The Spurs have set a date to open the Frost Plaza portion of their new headquarters at La Cantera, and everyone is invited.
The team will hold the official ribbon cutting for the outdoor public space before the Nov. 12 home game against Miami. The event begins at 3 p.m., and includes a basketball clinic featuring youth from local schools.
Afterwards, fans are encouraged to stay and watch the game on a 40-foot outdoor television screen.
“This fan fest and watch party marks the first of many community-centric events and celebrations to come at Frost Plaza,” said R.C. Buford, the chief executive officer of Spurs Sports and Entertainment.