The Spurs suffered their second blowout by the hands of the Clippers in as many matchups. After doing a very good job of maintaining tempo within the first half regardless of some points on each ends, they merely couldn’t dangle on after the break, which resulted in a 124-99 loss that isn’t as discouraging as the ultimate rating would recommend.
In a battle of contrasting kinds between an older, star-studded workforce that likes to play extra methodically and a youthful squad that depends on transition factors to make up for his or her lack of shot creators, it was the Clippers who imposed their identification early. Neither offense was clicking within the first jiffy however the guests compelled a half-court battle that would go away San Antonio with no fastbreak factors within the first quarter. In the meantime, James Harden slowly picked the Spurs’ protection aside together with his playmaking and a zone stopped a Silver and Black squad that regardless of not trying significantly sharp was placing factors on the board. The Clippers didn’t dominate the matchup however appeared extra snug with the way it was being performed and led by six after the primary 12 minutes.
The beginning of the second quarter noticed the Spurs’ offense nonetheless trying rudimentary however it bought some steadiness from Tre Jones, so the opponents traded buckets after a Clippers’ mini run. San Antonio then discovered some success with a zone protection that compelled some misses, however sadly a few threes from the highest of the arc gave the Clippers a solution to the adjustment. Because the starters checked again in, the factors turned tougher to come back by for the house workforce, and a lead that had hovered across the six-point mark reached double digits. The troubles a couple of first-half blowout have been justified however a unit that includes a few starters and the subs did sufficient to maintain it inside attain. Charles Bassey blocked some pictures, the remainder pushed the ball and that was sufficient to carry on. On the break, the Spurs trailed by simply 11 factors.
Third quarters have been a difficulty for the Spurs all the season however for a couple of minutes, they managed to maintain up. The Clippers have been nonetheless comfortably in management, however they couldn’t create a large enough buffer to move into the ultimate interval with the win secured. Sadly, because it occurred all through the evening, as quickly as the blokes in Silver and Black made errors, their opponent was able to capitalize. Just a few dangerous possessions in a row from the Spurs, that includes two turnovers and a missed Zach Collins three, have been sufficient for the Clippers to push their result in 15 because of some nice minutes from Kawhi Leonard. To their credit score, the second unit as soon as once more made a push to cut back the deficit, however a poor finish of the body allowed Tyronn Lue’s crew to guide by 16 with simply 12 minutes left to go.
A comeback appears unlikely at this level, because the Spurs might solely put brief stretches of excellent play collectively whereas lacking alternatives to make a push, however the hope was that they may at the very least maintain issues aggressive and suspenseful. Alas, that didn’t occur. Victor Wembanyama couldn’t have one in all his robust fourth quarters and the offense typically went dry on the flawed time. Paul George went on a 7-0 run of his personal within the first two minutes of the quarter and pushed the result in 21. Keldon Johnson tried his finest to show the tide, however the protection simply couldn’t get stops. It was one other blowout loss for the Spurs, however there are at the very least some silver linings to this one, because the workforce confronted adversity early on however persevered earlier than ultimately taking place in opposition to a superior opponent.
Sport notes
Victor Wembanyama appeared a bit misplaced on each ends. To be truthful to the rookie, his teammates missed him whereas he was open a few occasions however when he bought the ball he put up some dangerous threes and appeared out of rhythm. It’s tremendous for Wemby to go for mid-range pictures when he faces up in opposition to smaller gamers as a result of he can’t put the ball on the ground with out risking a steal, however he must launch them with extra function as an alternative of trying like he’s settling. On the opposite finish, he continues to overhelp, which is an issue when he’s guarding guys like Kawhi Leonard.
Collins, Sochan and Champagnie mixed for 25 factors on 30 factors whereas lacking 11 of their 13 mixed three-point makes an attempt. Not best and particularly dangerous in a sport through which Wembanyama didn’t have it going and the workforce wanted exterior pictures to stop the Clippers from packing the paint. Johnson had equally dangerous numbers earlier than a very good stretch, too. The starters struggled.
The bench had extra standouts. Cedi Osman was incredible and continues to appear to be a incredible pickup, getting 17 factors and 4 rebounds. As Pop mentioned post-game, although, he’s a complementary man, not somebody a go-to scorer like Paul George, so his efforts weren’t sufficient. Charles Bassey additionally had a very robust sport, bringing depth on the defensive finish and attacking the boards. Tre Jones has his moments and Malaki Branham scored effectively, at the very least.
The Spurs’ struggles in opposition to zone defenses continued. The personnel just isn’t actually there to thrive in opposition to zones, however even a small enchancment would assist and it appears achievable.
Play of the evening
There have been a handful of Manu-esque performs from the Spurs on this one, together with two Cedi Osman behind-the-back dribbles that led to profitable drives, however this good Eurostep by Keldon Johnson is just too fairly to cross up.
Subsequent sport: vs. the Clippers on Wednesday
The Spurs may have the chance to get revenge in simply two days, as they are going to as soon as once more face the Clippers in San Antonio.
