For any player to score 10 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals in just 13 minutes on the court would be a great performance. For Zach Collins, it is even more remarkable since the interior had not trodden a floor since August 15, 2020!
Almost 18 months later, he not only made his return to the NBA courts against Houston but also made his debut with the Spurs jersey, where he signed last summer.
“I was everything at the same time: nervous, anxious, excited. I tried to calm down, but I couldn’t”recounts the former interior of the Blazers at the San Antonio Express News. “Usually when I’m nervous, once on the pitch, it’s fine. But there, clearly, there was emotion in the first period. I was shocked to be in the middle of an NBA game, after being on my couch for so long. It was amazing. These operations are behind me, it’s great. I’m satisfied. “
The interior therefore succeeded in the victory of San Antonio. He did simple and clean things (4/7 in shooting and an award-winning basket) and distinguished himself with a nice pass for Derrick White in the second half.
“It’s pretty incredible for his first game in almost two years”admires Gregg Popovich. “I can’t imagine what was on his mind before and during the game. It was a little rusty and was good. He has talent and he is a physical player, who is not afraid of contact. He can play outside or near the circle, he has shown that. We are happy for him. “
For Zach Collins, a second career is beginning. After all, he’s only 24 and has a lot to prove. If his physique leaves him alone and he can chain meetings, he has things to show in these last two months of the regular season. And why not more, since the Texans, currently in twelfth place in the West, still have a place to play for the “play-in”.
“We were all impatient”explains Keldon Johnson. “The most important thing was to see him on the pitch, having fun, running and being healthy. He showed us what he was capable of doing. ”
