SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — The San Antonio Spurs rested most of their starters Monday night, giving several younger players an opportunity to shine in a 119-109 preseason loss to the Utah Jazz.
Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell and Dylan Harper were among nine Spurs players who did not play. Tobias Harris, Carter Bryant, Jayden Quaintance and Malik Williams also sat out, with all nine listed as coach’s decisions.
Rookie guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie took advantage of the opportunity, leading all scorers with 25 points off the bench. Gillespie shot 9 of 14 from the field, including four 3-pointers, while adding three assists and three steals.
Harrison Barnes added 19 points, while Keldon Johnson finished with 15. Julian Champagnie and Jordan McLaughlin each scored 14 points.
Rookie center Tarris Reed Jr. also made an impression, pulling down a game-high 17 rebounds, including eight offensive boards, while collecting four steals.
The Spurs struggled offensively, shooting just 39.3% from the field compared with Utah’s 51.7%.
Darryn Peterson led the Jazz with 14 points, while Jaren Jackson Jr. and Keyonte George each added 13.
Despite the loss, the Spurs got a chance to evaluate their younger talent while resting their biggest stars ahead of the regular season.
San Antonio opens the 2026-27 season Oct. 20 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.