San Antonio Spurs guard Bryn Forbes (11) shoots over Phoenix Suns guard Elie Okobo during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Bryn Forbes is having a great third season with the San Antonio Spurs.
Pushed into the starting point guard spot after injuries to Dejounte Murray and Derrick White, Forbes has emerged as one of the team's most reliable scorers and 3-point threats.
Through 19 games this season, Forbes is averaging 12.9 points, 45 percent shooting from the field and 45 percent from the 3-point line. He ranks fourth on the team in scoring, and first in 3-pointers made (2.3 per game). In the recent road win against Indiana, he scored 13 points in the second half while connecting on 3-of-4 three-point shots in 13 minutes to help the Spurs secure their first road win in November.
"He's off the charts already," said head coach Gregg Popovich following the recent Pacers game. "He's come such a long way."
Forbes went undrafted in 2016 but opened eyes with the Spurs' 2016 and 2017 Summer League teams, earning All-NBA Summer League Second Team honors in 2017. After spending a couple of seasons with the NBA's G League's Austin Spurs, Forbes re-signed with the Spurs this off-season.
Forbes led the Spurs in three-point percentage last season, shooting .390 (89-228) from long range. This season, he scored a season-high 20 points against New Orleans while continuing to start at point guard after Derrick White was moved to the second unit.
Forbes also increases his play on the road averaging 14.3 points per game, and 53.4 percent 3-point shooting through 10 games. He's expanded his game as he is averaging 59 percent accuracy at the rim, and among team leaders at drawing "and 1" foul at 42.9 percent.
"We're running plays for him," said Popovich. "We ran a couple plays down the stretch for him for a couple of threes, and he didn't hesitate. He just knocked them down."
Forbes has been a steady, quiet offensive force for the Spurs and has been key for the team this season.
Said Popovich, "I'm not sure how much more confident he can be. He knows he belongs."