There weren’t many bright spots evident from the Spurs’ 1-3 road trip.

Still, coach Gregg Popovich didn’t have to squint hard to find one in rookie guard Brandon Paul.

“Brandon is showing that he belongs,” Popovich said. “He’s really picked up the system quickly and been a really bright light. He’s earned his minutes.”

After being little-used in each of the Spurs’ first three games, Paul logged at least 19 minutes in each of the past four road contests.

He got a high of 30 minutes in Monday’s 108-94 loss in Boston, rewarding Popovich with 18 points, five rebounds and three 3-pointers.

The 26-year-old Paul cut his teeth in Russia, Spain and the NBA’s developmental league.

He believes his hard-scrabble path has prepared him to contribute more than the average rookie.

“The years I spent overseas, the time I spent in the D-League, it helped me get to this point,” said Paul, a former college standout at Illinois. “I’m kind of seasoned when I go out there. I know I don’t have to go out and try to make a home-run play every time. I just have to be solid.”

Though Paul tries to build his game on the defensive end, he has also proven to be an accurate shooter early in his inaugural NBA campaign.

Paul has made 7 of his 11 3-point attempts. His effective field-goal percentage of 86.1 percent would lead the league had he enough attempts to qualify.

To Popovich’s pleasure, Paul has also shown a knack for being a rugged on-ball defender.

“My game is tailored on my defense,” Paul said. “That’s what I focus on, going out there and guarding people. It helps you be dependable.”

So far, Paul’s coach likes what he sees in his oldest rookie on both ends.

“He’s shown an edge and aggressiveness and an affinity for defense,” Popovich said. “He’s got enough offense that he can play on the court with everybody else. He’s shown a pretty good all-around game.”

Still waiting: Popovich remains at 1,554 regular-season wins, one shy of tying Phil Jackson for sixth on the NBA’s all-time list.

He has been stuck there since the Spurs won 117-100 in Miami.

Asked if he thinks about the victories he has accumulated so far in 22 seasons with the Spurs, Popovich went for a joke.

“It’s the most important thing in my life,” Popovich said. “My grandchildren can take a hike. What I might do when I retire, what kind of wine I’m going to drink — all those things pale in comparison when I think about how many wins I have.

“I hope I can coach long enough to get more than anybody has ever had.”

Popovich even has the headline ready in the event he accomplishes that goal.

“Popovich: Selfish about wins,” he said, laughing.

Austin bound (sort of): The Spurs assigned second-year forward Davis Bertans and rookie guard Derrick White to their G-League affiliate in Austin on Tuesday.

Bertans has appeared in four games with the Spurs this season, averaging 2.3 points in 7.8 minutes. White has made three garbage-time appearances.

With the Spurs off until Thursday’s game against Golden State, Bertans and White will practice with the Austin team, which is holding its training camp in San Antonio.

Staff writer Jabari Young contributed to this report.

jmcdonald@express-news.net

Twitter: @JMcDonald_SAEN

Staff writer Jabari Young contributed to this report