The San Antonio Spurs entered the preseason with questions about how their talented young backcourt would fit together.
Following Wednesday night's performance against the Phoenix Suns, they may be getting closer to finding an answer.
San Antonio defeated Phoenix 123-103 at Frost Bank Center, giving fans their first look at a starting lineup featuring De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper alongside Devin Vassell and Victor Wembanyama.
The decision to start three guards had been discussed since the Spurs drafted Harper #2 overall in last year’s draft, but injuries and lineup changes prevented head coach Mitch Johnson from getting an extended look at the combination.
With Fox returning from a hip injury, Johnson finally had an opportunity to see how the group would perform together.
The results were encouraging, although the experiment didn't begin smoothly.
San Antonio scored just three points during the opening five minutes, shooting 1-of-10 from the field as the new starting unit struggled to establish an offensive rhythm.
However, it didn’t take long for the Spurs to find their flow. San Antonio scored 38 points in the second quarter and taking a 60-49 lead into halftime.
Fox, Castle and Harper combined for 31 points, 12 rebounds and six assists in the opening half, demonstrating the offensive potential of a lineup featuring multiple playmakers.
Following the victory, Wembanyama explained why having three capable ballhandlers alongside him could make the Spurs more dangerous offensively.
"The biggest thing is I've got handlers all around me," Wembanyama said. "That makes things easier."
His comments highlight one of the biggest advantages of San Antonio's new approach.
With Fox, Castle and Harper sharing the floor, opposing defenses must account for several players capable of creating their own shots, attacking the basket and setting up teammates.
That could be particularly valuable for Wembanyama, who has often been the focal point of opposing defensive game plans.
Instead of relying on one primary ballhandler to initiate the offense, San Antonio can attack from multiple positions and create opportunities for its 7-foot-4 superstar.
Fox provides veteran experience and proven scoring ability, while Castle brings size, defensive versatility and an improving offensive game. Harper, meanwhile, gives the Spurs another young playmaker capable of attacking the paint and creating opportunities for others.
Johnson believes the combination can work because of the players' willingness to contribute beyond scoring.
"They're three of our better players," Johnson said, emphasizing their ability to pass, defend and make winning plays.
Normally, starting three guards could leave a team vulnerable against bigger opponents. However, San Antonio's young backcourt has the size and defensive versatility to help offset those concerns.
At 6-foot-6 and 6-foot-5, respectively, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper have the length and physical tools to defend multiple positions along the perimeter. Both players also take pride in their defensive abilities, giving the Spurs flexibility when matching up against larger opponents.
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Then there's Victor Wembanyama, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.
His presence gives San Antonio an elite defensive anchor capable of protecting the rim, disrupting opposing offenses and compensating for some of the size disadvantages that could come with a smaller starting lineup.
Wednesday's performance offered some encouraging signs, with San Antonio outrebounding Phoenix 50-36.
Wembanyama finished with 19 points and four blocks, while Castle contributed 18 points. Fox added nine points and four assists in his preseason debut.
The Spurs still have work to do before the regular season begins, and one preseason victory doesn't guarantee the lineup will succeed against stronger competition.
But the potential is difficult to ignore.
San Antonio will open its regular season against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Oct. 20, giving Johnson another opportunity to evaluate whether the three-guard approach can become a long-term solution.
If the combination continues developing chemistry, the Spurs may have found a way to maximize their backcourt talent while making the game easier for their franchise centerpiece.