The highs of the San Antonio Spurs first two video games has been outweighed by the lows of their 123-83 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday. Hardly something went proper on both finish of the ground in opposition to an excellent veteran squad. Fortunately there are nonetheless 79 video games to be performed this season, and loads of time to determine it out. The Silver and Black may have their first probability to bounce again in opposition to the Phoenix Suns on Halloween.
The Suns are dealing with some spooky accidents to their squad, as Bradley Beal and Devin Booker are each prone to miss this sport. Kevin Durant would be the lone boogeyman awaiting the Spurs in Phoenix. San Antonio may even see a well-recognized face in Keita Bates-Diop, who has been unnoticed of the Suns rotation, however might fill a spot with two begin harm. Going through a hampered roster, the Spurs will look to outlive the evening, and bounce again with a highway win.
October 31, 2023 | 9:00 P.M. CT
Watch: TNT | Pay attention: WOAI/KXTN
Spurs accidents: Charles Bediako – Out (G League task,) Sidy Cissoko – Out (G League task,) Sir’Jabari Rice – Out (G League task)
Suns accidents: Bradley Beal – Out (low again,) Devin Booker – Uncertain (left ankle,) Damion Lee – Out (proper knee)
What to observe for
Kevin Durant vs. Victor Wembanyama
Attributable to their skeleton-like appearances (I’m not executed with the halloween references simply but,) Wembanyama has drawn some comparisons to Durant. It’s not simply the physique sort, but in addition the fluidity in movement for somebody of their measurement. Thus far Jeremy Sochan has gotten the hardest defensive matchup, with Wemby guarding somebody he may also help off within the paint. But when there was anybody designed in Frankenstein’s lab to protect Durant, it’s the Spurs first-overall choose.
After Monday’s sport, Wembanyama spoke about the necessity to maintain his edge in opposition to his idols. This shall be a significant take a look at for Wemby to point out up in opposition to one of many sports activities all-time greats.
Level Sochan and turnovers
Monday’s sport was an offensive nightmare for San Antonio. They scored simply 83 factors on 37.5% taking pictures from the sphere and turned it over 25 occasions. Followers and media alike have shortly turned to the Spurs “tall-ball” lineup with Sochan at level guard as a motive for his or her offensive woes. He’s seemed uncomfortable in his new function, and the offensive numbers (albeit a minuscule pattern) for the “tall-ball” linuep haven’t been good.
Sochan had a tough sport in opposition to the Clippers, placing up 0 factors, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 turnovers in his 22 minutes. Nearly everybody on the Spurs roster had a nasty sport, and all of them turned it over an excessive amount of. Tre Jones, who many want to see begin in Sochan’s place, additionally turned the ball over 4 occasions.
It’s a brand new day for Sochan, Jones and the Spurs. A brand new alternative to develop of their new roles. Plainly Gregg Popovich needs to see the place this experiment with Sochan on the level can go. Meaning there may be some unhealthy video games alongside the way in which. Wednesday will give us one other knowledge level to see how this lineup works in opposition to one of many higher groups within the league.
Defensive enchancment
One of many largest storylines from the preseason was the emphasis on bettering defensively. From particular person gamers like Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson, to the teaching employees – the primary message was they wanted to enhance the protection. By way of three video games, it has not been significantly better.
The Spurs have given up 120+ factors in three straight contests, and have a defensive ranking of 115.3 (twenty fourth within the NBA.) There are nonetheless moments when miscommunication and botched rotations create open photographs for opposing offenses. Phoenix sometimes poses an offensive problem with its three-headed monster. With simply Durant taking part in, they are going to be simpler to protect. This can be a probability for San Antonio to point out a number of the improvement they talked about within the preseason.
