Devonte Graham’s expression of gratitude after helping the Spurs past the Pelicans

Devonte’ Graham took full advantage of a unique chance to assist Spurs in defeating the Pelicans.

Devonte’ Graham, a veteran guard with the San Antonio Spurs, has cause for annoyance. He scored 18.2 points a game on average with the Charlotte Hornets four years ago. He has only appeared in 18 of the 77 games that he could have played this season for a struggling San Antonio squad that is starting to rebuild. The 29-year-old guard has adopted a different tack rather than pouting.

“Life isn’t all that horrible. Get up, go on a trip, and consume a lot of delicious cuisine. Charter and paid flights. If my inability to play basketball is the worst thing in my life, then I guess I’m doing okay.

“Devonte’ was superb,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich added following the one-time New Orleans Pelican’s performance vs. his former team on Friday night.

Graham led the shorthanded Spurs in scoring with 20 points in a 111-109 victory.

Devonte’ Graham steps up in rare opportunity

As has been the case recently with major Spurs players’ ailments, Graham’s 25 minutes against the Pelicans comfortably topped his season total. Graham’s previous season best was 17 minutes on November 14th in a 36-point blowout against the Oklahoma City Thunder. This came right after he played 19 minutes, then a season high, in Tuesday’s defeat to the Denver Nuggets and 18 minutes, also at the time, against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday.

On Friday, Devonte’ Graham’s five assists trailed just Victor Wembanyama’s nine.

“We can only salute the team effort,” Wemby said following the Spurs fourth win in their last six games.

“Everyone knew to step up. I think about some guys who don’t usually have minutes, but also, like Devonte’, who had one of the biggest roles tonight. I just think everything worked out. We fit together tonight as a team,” the generational talent continued.

With the Spurs missing Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, and Jeremy Sochan, their second, third and fourth leading scorers in that order, Sandro Mamukelashvili drew his first start of the season.

“I’m so proud of Devonte’ because I know it’s not easy,” the 6-foot-9 forward said. “I feel like he’s a professional. He kept his head, he kept his composure and attacked with a full strength.”

Mamukelashvili proved to be another reason the Spurs recorded their 19th win of the season.

Sandro Mamukelashvili also comes up big for shorthanded Spurs

Like Graham, Mamukelashvili also recorded a season in playing time. And like Graham, he put those extra minutes to good use with a season high 15 points and five rebounds.