The Spurs preseason has performed out like an experiment, greater than a staff seeking to shake the rust off in preparation for the common season. Now we have but to see the staff absolutely wholesome, and subsequently solely have damaged photos of what they are going to appear to be come late October. That development will proceed on Monday with Victor Wembanyama, Devin Vassell and Tre Jones all sitting out their first recreation of the preseason.
On Monday, the Spurs will see the return of their main scorer, Keldon Johnson. San Antonio’s 120-104 win over the Miami Warmth noticed the return of Jeremy Sochan, who spent quite a lot of time because the Spurs lead initiator of the offense. He had an efficient recreation going for 10 factors, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal in 25 minutes of play.
The Spurs will lean on their depth in a matchup towards a revamped Rockets squad who look reworked beneath new head coach Ime Udoka. Houston has moved the ball and locked in defensively extra successfully than final season. Their promising younger guard, Jalen Inexperienced, will miss the sport with a toe harm.
San Antonio Spurs (1-1) vs. Houston Rockets (2-0)
October 16, 2023 | 7 P.M. CT
Watch: CW35 | Pay attention: WOAI/KXTN
Spurs accidents: Khem Birch – Questionable (undisclosed), Victor Wembanyama – Out (relaxation), Devin Vassell – Out (relaxation), Tre Jones – Out (relaxation)
Rockets accidents: Jalen Inexperienced – Out (toe)
What to observe for
The “by committee” strategy
Final recreation we noticed the debut of “point-Sochan” which netted combined outcomes. Sochan appeared barely uncomfortable bringing the ball up the ground beneath strain. He struggled to search out offensive rhythm in a job he hasn’t been requested to play earlier than. Defensively it wasn’t seamless both. Although the Spurs had a transparent measurement and talent advantaged, they nonetheless allowed the Warmth to crush them on the glass and reduce them aside with screens.
Sochan specifically had a tricky time navigating all the ball screens and handoffs. Two issues to observe for with Sochan enjoying “level:” his ball-handling, and the way he fights by way of or round opposing screens.
With different initiators out, count on Johnson and Zach Collins to tackle playmaking duties. Collins particularly has operated as a playmaker on the high of the important thing. He received’t be the one bringing the ball up, however could possibly be used as an initiator of offense within the half court docket. With no clear level guard on Monday, count on the by committee strategy on full show.
Improved rebounding
The Spurs have been, to cite Gregg Popovic, “godawful” on the glass towards Miami. The Warmth have been routinely sending a number of our bodies to the offensive glass whereas San Antonio was leaking out for straightforward transition buckets. Too usually was it solely on Wembanyama or Charles Bassey to safe a board, slightly than a full staff rebounding effort. That led to the Warmth grabbing 19 offensive rebounds and out rebounding the Spurs by 15.
Getting Collins again will definitely assist. Johnson is one other bodily participant who can do work on the boards. Simply because the Spurs are taking a by committee strategy to their offensive load, they need to be doing the identical on the glass.
Who steps up
The fact of the NBA season is that you simply received’t have 100% of the roster for 100% of the video games. Relaxation and minor bumps and bruises will maintain out key gamers from time-to-time. There could also be a time this season when each Wembanyama and Vassell sit out. Somebody might want to step up.
It’s simply the preseason, however alternative is alternative. Sochan, Collins and Johsnon have showcased the power to deal with the scoring load, however who else steps up with key gamers out? Malaki Branham has proven the potential of taking over an elevated offensive load in spurts. This can be a good alternative for Cedi Osman to function with the ball in his arms a bit extra. It’s additionally an incredible probability for the youthful Spurs like Dominick Barlow and Blake Wesley to construct upon their profitable preseason performances to date.
