Whereas all coaches would love to begin the season with two wins, the subsequent best option can be a loss adopted by a win. And if the win will be by one or two factors, or in extra time, all the higher. Gamers are rather more receptive to fixing errors if these errors led to a loss, and the Spurs loss to the Mavericks on opening night time had many such teaching alternatives. Following that loss with a win allowed the gamers to see the reward that comes from lowering or eliminating these errors.
And since their win towards the Rockets was shut, the coaches had been capable of convey the essential message that each play counts. Any two factors scored, or prevented, within the first quarter counted for simply as many factors as Victor Wembenyama’s basket on the finish of the fourth quarter that despatched the sport into extra time.
Wanting again on the Mavs recreation, I’m positive the teaching workers targeted on the Spurs’ turnovers, the Mavs offensive rebounding and fouls. The Spurs had 19 turnovers to the Mavs’ 12, that means that the Mavs had 7 extra alternatives to attain. The Mavs had 13 offensive rebounds to the Spurs 9, giving the Mavs 4 extra alternatives to attain. Lo and behold, the Mavs took 10 extra photographs from the sector and shot another free throw, precisely the 11 further alternatives to attain created by the disparity in turnover and offensive rebounds. Because of this, the Mavs received and the Spurs misplaced despite the fact that the Spurs shot a better proportion from the sector.
Three explicit turnovers had been particular educating moments. On three completely different events, the Spurs participant with the ball held the ball away from his physique, permitting the Mavs participant to poke the ball away. Probably the most memorable was when Grant Williams knocked the ball out of Wemby’s arms off his knee and out of bounds — Mavs ball. I’m positive that the coaches confirmed these three performs to the group. In opposition to the Rockets, no such performs occurred. Equally, the Rockets solely had 11 offensive rebounds in a recreation that went 5 further minutes, whereas the Spurs had another than the Rockets.
The Spurs additionally reduce down on fouls towards the Rockets. The Spurs fouled the Mavs 23 instances however dedicated solely 17 towards the Rockets. Most significantly, Wemby solely dedicated solely fouls within the Spurs win, which allowed him to get into a very good rhythm, fully completely different than his uneven efficiency towards the Mavs through which his fouls managed his enjoying time, not the sport plan. This additionally meant that he was free to play protection with out worry of fouling out. He did this by eliminating the foolish fouls he dedicated towards the Mavs — a sloppy shifting display screen, a delicate attain in, and so on.
(A aspect notice: anybody else discover that opposing gamers not often attempt to beat Wemby one on one. Have they already realized that it received’t finish properly?)
One factor this younger group already does properly is shot choice. With just a few exceptions, the Spurs are taking good, makable photographs. Because of this, they shot 51% towards the Mavs and 49% towards the Rockets — particularly as a result of they may have the ability to combine in some dunks, that are at all times a very good shot. In the event that they proceed to take good photographs, these percentages will keep excessive.
Yet one more teaching remark. Whereas gamers at all times fear about whether or not they may begin or not, coaches persistently reply that it’s extra essential to be within the recreation on the finish than firstly. If you wish to know who the coaches belief most, take a look at who begins in extra time. Friday night time, Tre Jones was within the beginning line-up for extra time after not beginning the sport. And the Spurs had been glad he was. Regardless that he scored solely 6 factors, Jones had 8 assists and 0 turnovers. He was additionally +14 in his 33 minutes, larger than Wemby, Devin Vassel and Keldon Johnson, the Spurs’ three main scorers.
I might be there for the Sunday night time recreation towards the Clippers. I sit up for seeing the gamers — and the coaches — reside and in individual. Go Spurs Go.
