Why Devin Vassell is circling the Spurs/Grizzlies rematch on the calendar

The San Antonio Spurs will face again Memphis Grizzlies two nights after playing them for the first time this season. If Devin Vassell he had his own waySilver and black would play I Morant’s squad he plays again after that. And then the game after that. And then the game after that.

“I can’t wait,” repeated the Spurs guard, “I can’t wait.”

Wassel’s 21 points were the second-highest for the Spurs in a 129-115 loss to the Griz.

“Let’s play them again.” And again and again and again. I’m excited.”

While San Antonio’s second-leading scorer (not just in that Wednesday game, but for the season) appears to be relishing another opportunity to knock off the Western Conference’s third-best team, there’s another reason Vasell is excited for the rematch in Friday.

“Them, Houston (Rockets) … those are the games you watch. “I mean, obviously, you look forward to all the games, but the games when you’re chirping and going back and forth, you grew up playing like that,” the Florida alum revealed.

“It’s exciting.” As soon as that jump ball grows, it’s going to be good.”

Devin Vassell embraces rivalry with young Grizzlies

Memphis leads the NBA with 123 points per game. San Antonio held them to 51 points in the first two quarters. Vassell says it’s a springboard Spurs can build on.

“I’m excited.” I’m super excited. I’m excited to play with them again,” Memphis’ fifth-year pro continued. “I’m excited to take on that challenge.” They are a good team, give credit where credit is due.”

Like the Spurs, the Grizzlies’ core is young. They are not as young as San Antonio, which leads the way newly minted 21-year-old Victor Vembanayamabut young. Superstar Ja Morant and standout Jaren Jackson Jr. are both 25 years old. Desmond Bain is 26. The only Memphis player who is 30 years old is 30-year-old Marcus Smart. And it’s been out since before Christmas.

One play in particular on Wednesday perhaps summed up the youthful exuberance between the two sides. With the buzzer in the first half, Memphis’ 7-foot-4 center Zach Edei challenged Wemby in the lane. Although the Purdue freshman dunked to 7-foot-5 from the reigning freshman the year before, Wembanyama got the better of the second block exchange.

When the Spurs headed to the locker room, they did so upset.

“Yeah, we had a choice of words,” Vassell admitted. “They are a good team. They chirp and we chirp.

With the win in the Alamo City, the Grizzlies improved to 26-15 on the season. They are just two years removed from back-to-back 50-win seasons after Morant missed nearly all of last season due to an NBA suspension stemming from off-court issues.

“I’m excited to play them again so we can…” Vasell hesitated before concluding his thought, “We’ll have an answer.”

“Trust me, I can’t wait to play them again.”

Given how much he expressed the same sentiment, there’s no reason not to trust Vassell.