The Frost Bank Center was absolutely rocking Sunday night, and the San Antonio Spurs’ 2026 rookie class got hit with a blast of pure fan energy they won’t soon forget at the annual free Silver & Black Scrimmage. It was packed, loud, and for these fresh faces, a total wake-up call to what playing in San Antonio really means.
“These Fans Are Different” , Rookies Get a Vibe Check
First-round center Tarris Reed Jr., picked 26th overall, couldn’t stop talking about it. The dude, a 23-year-old from St. Louis who played at Connecticut, said it literally felt “like a game” out there. He heard the fans cheering, yelling, screaming, and it hit him: “Wow, these fans are different.” The rookies were apparently all talking about it. Reed called the whole experience “so special tonight,” clearly stoked by the sheer passion of the San Antonio faithful. They were into it, no doubt.
Back Home After a Finals Heartbreak
This wasn’t just some casual run-around; it was the Spurs’ first time back on their home court since the New York Knicks dropped them 94-90 in Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals back on June 13. That memory still stings, so getting back out there in front of a hyped crowd was a huge deal. On the court, Keldon Johnson led all scorers with 19 points. Dylan Harper put up 18, Julian Champagnie had 17, Victor Wembanyama dropped 16, Devin Vassell added 15, and David Jones Garcia chipped in 11. It’s an early look, but those numbers already tell you who’s ready to put in work.
Karaoke King and the Sneak Peek
After the scrimmage, things got even wilder when Keldon Johnson, now the longest-tenured Spur with seven seasons under his belt, took over as emcee for rookie karaoke. And who stole the show? None other than Tarris Reed Jr. again, belting out Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer.” He knew it would be a “crowd favorite” because he and his little brother used to listen to it growing up, calling it a “good song.” Keldon Johnson gets why this scrimmage is so important. He loves how it gives fans, especially those who might not make it to a regular-season game, a “sneak peek.” He wants the team to put on their “best performance,” “have fun,” and “bond with the crowd,” making it a “memorable moment.” It’s all about showing everyone “a preview of what’s to come throughout the season.” This scrimmage was more than just shots and dunks; it was a vibe check, a reminder of what San Antonio basketball is all about. With that kind of energy, you know the season ahead is going to be a ride.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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