Spurs' Gay opens up about transition to starting lineup

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SAN ANTONIO - Forward Rudy Gay took his first start as a member of the Spurs in stride.

With fourth-year pro Kyle Anderson expected to be sidelined for the next two weeks with a knee injury, Gay is starting at small forward. Lining up with power forward LaMarcus Aldridge, center Pau Gasol, shooting guard Danny Green and point guard Tony Parker, Gay recorded his first double-double with the Spurs in Monday's 96-93 win over Detroit, scoring 12 points and pulling down 10 rebounds in a season-high 32 minutes.

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"To be honest with you, I'm just enjoying playing basketball," said Gay, who is making an improbable comeback this season after tearing his left Achilles tendon last January while playing for the Sacramento Kings.

"Obviously, it's cool to start," Gay continued, "but it's better to win. I love to see Kyle out there (in the starting lineup), but I'm glad I can fill that role. And that's the thing about this team, we have so many interchangeable parts. Guys can slide into different spots and be successful. It's good to be part of that rather than just saying I'm happy to be a starter."

The 12th-year pro also had four assists Monday.

San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) shoots between Memphis Grizzlies forward Myke Henry (4) and guard Ben McLemore (23) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill) less San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) shoots between Memphis Grizzlies forward Myke Henry (4) and guard Ben McLemore (23) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018, in Memphis, ... more Photo: Brandon Dill, Associated Press Photo: Brandon Dill, Associated Press Image 1 of / 158 Caption Close Spurs' Gay opens up about transition to starting lineup 1 / 158 Back to Gallery

"I enjoy setting guys up," Gay said after shootaround Wednesday morning. "I don't think people have noticed (that aspect of his game). But I do take pride in making plays for others. I guess that's one of the things that happens when you play in Sacramento."