Spurs shake off rust and surge past Timberwolves at home, 100-109.

After a rough start, Patty Mills came alive in the 4th Quarter.

The Spurs admittedly looked rusty in this game, trying to integrate Kyle O'Quinn at times, still learning how to best use Bismack Biyombo as well alongside Rudy Gay and Pau Gasol, but that Spurs fire can never be snuffed as the home team rallied in the 4th Quarter for the win.

Kawhi Leonard had a rocky start at first, but drove fearlessly to the basket, drawing fouls and dunking the ball through the net, including a highlight steal on Jeff Teague (3-14 FG%) late in the final period. He finished with 31 points for the Spurs, preserving his place as leader. Patty Mills scored all of his 8 points in the 4th Quarter, especially two three-pointers after missing the mark prior, to the tune of commentator Mike Breen's famous "Bang!", courtesy of nice blocks by Kyle O'Quinn and Bismack Biyombo as the Timberwolves flailed.

Andrew Wiggins, Karl Anthony-Towns and Jimmy Butler showed off their youthful athleticism in this game, but the Spurs closely won the rebound war, despite the trio finishing with 19 for Butler, 19 with 9 rebounds for Towns, and 18 for Wigins. Taj Gibson also had 16 points with 8 rebounds. For the Spurs, Rudy Gay was also a spark for them late, finishing with 21 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals. Pau Gasol chipped in 10 points and 6 rebounds. Jeremy Lamb had 8 points as well.

Bismack Biyombo had 8 points, 6 rebounds with 3 blocks and 2 steals. Iman Shumpert had 7 points and Hezonja hit some nice shots, including a 3PTer and a nice athletic drive late in the final minute. Bryn Forbes also hit a long ball in the second quarter, keeping the lead by Minnesota within reach (who led for most of the game).

The Spurs won the 4th Quarter, 37-23, and they needed it.
1st: 27-26, Wolves | 2nd: 19-18, Wolves | 3rd: 31-28, Wolves

The Spurs shot just 27% from long range, but so did Minnesota at 26%. Both teams were aggressive, shooting a combined 47 free throws, with the Timberwolves missing 9 shots to SA's two, telling as Minnesota lost by 9 in the end. Both teams were smart with the ball, combining for just 15 turnovers. The Spurs won the FG% battle, going 50% to Minnesota's 48%. A tough, gutsy win for the Spurs.

Steady, forward: Spurs re-sign old guard, sign new spark

Tony Parker is being brought back on a 3 year, 17 million deal.

Tony Parker tops the list of the Spurs moves this off-season, looking to stand pat for the most part and hold course, as being on top is nice. Tony Parker will get his long-sought wish to play 20 seasons in the NBA, all with the Spurs. He will play out the twilight of his career on a 3 year, 21 million contract that includes a team option should Parker wish to bow out early, at just 5.60 million annually.

Meanwhile, several free agents were considered by General Manager R.C. Buford and Head Coach Gregg Popovich, with the Spurs ultimately deciding to bring the gritty spark plug known as Kyle O'Quinn, who has played for the Magic and Knicks in his career. The reliable 6'10" high-energy, high-morale center/forward is finally making his money at 12 million per year on a 2 year contract. O'Quinn is a gifted passer with some highlights getting blocks and dunks. He will don #10 for the Spurs.

The Spurs have also decided to bring back Mario Hezonja, the Croatian marksman that surprised in the playoffs last season once Rudy Gay was lost to injury. He will make 7 million per year on a 2 year contract that includes a player option, should he continue to improve and be lured away next summer on a bigger contract. A nice fit for the Spurs, Hezonja has matured and now puts in a strong work ethic, eager to play hard and improve.

Returning are Iman Shumpert and Jeremy Lamb, although Avery Bradley is reportedly on the Spurs target list. Time will tell if they decide to trade for him, perhaps. Young player prospects Bryn Forbes and Davis Bertans were also brought back, at 2 years/4 million with a team option for Forbes; 2 years/6 million with a player option for Bertans. The Spurs are hoping both will continue to show promise and be valuable bench pieces.

Patty Mills, who shined in his starting point guard role last season, was also re-signed on a long-term deal. "We'll play it by ear," Popovich said when discussing lineup possibilities, with the defense-heavy Biyombo/O'Quinn front-court being a curious one that could really make life hard for opposing teams.

Mario Hezonja, 6'8", only continues to show promise.

 The roster is now as such:

C: Biyombo/Gasol
PF: Gay/O'Quinn
SF: Leonard/Hezonja/Bertans
SG: Lamb/Shumpert/Forbes
PG: Mills/Murray/Parker

The future remains bright in San Antonio, with plenty of excitement in store for the new season.