After an enormous dwelling win towards the defending champion Denver Nuggets in what would find yourself being Victor Wembanyama’s season finale, the Spurs would have been forgiven for not taking the true season finale towards the hapless Detroit Pistons too significantly. As a substitute, what was left of the depleted dwelling group got here out on hearth and by no means gave their equally depleted opponent an opportunity, ending the season with a 123-95 win to tie final season’s win complete (after it regarded inconceivable on the halfway level) and profitable seven of their final 11 video games.
Sandro Mamukelashvili led a balanced assault with 18 factors and eight rebounds, and 7 different Spurs scored in double figures with 17 apiece from Zach Collins and Blake Wesley. James Wiseman led 4 Pistons in double figures with 21 factors and 18 rebounds.
Observations
I’m going to get this off my chest then not fear about it once more, however I’m upset Gregg Popovich didn’t give Wemby the ultimate say on if he performed at this time. Pop mentioned it was as a result of he’s treating this as a de-facto back-to-back because of the early tipoff, and he wouldn’t be capable to forgive himself if Wemby received damage in a pointless recreation. I perceive that he’s ensuring Wemby can play within the Olympics (and will have some PTSD from Manu Ginobili’s damaged elbow in 2011), nevertheless it ought to have been Wemby’s selection. He says he’s high-quality and desires to play, and the chances of a extreme harm are extraordinarily low. If he’s keen to take the chance, Pop ought to let him. Finish of rant.
I imagine Invoice Kennedy is among the finest refs within the league, so I discover it attention-grabbing that he was calling this recreation as an alternative of 1 with postseason implications.
Zach Collins deserves an appreciation thread. This has been tough season for him for a number of causes, starting from small, nagging accidents to adjusting to taking part in with Wemby earlier than taking up a bench function. His outdoors shot deserted him till late within the season, however he by no means received down. The final couple of video games particularly gave me new appreciation for him, as he was the one participant who appeared unintimidated in OKC, then was the one who received within the huddle towards Denver together with his group down 23, informed them to toughen up, and helped spark the comeback. If you happen to want any extra proof how a lot his teammates love him, when he left this recreation within the third quarter with a tweaked shoulder, everybody on the bench who was not dressed (which was mainly all the predominant rotation apart from Tre Jones and Julian Champagnie) adopted him again to the locker room to verify he was okay.
Sidy Cissoko was shy on offense in his few NBA appearances earlier than this ultimate stretch, however after one other season of progress within the G League, he has actually come alive with common minutes in the previous couple of video games. He’s a high-flying, athletic large physique who already has elite defensive instincts. He’s somebody I’m very a lot wanting ahead to seeing extra of subsequent season.
Possibly it was as a result of he received extra touches with Jeremy Sochan out, however Champagnie actually got here into his personal on offense the previous couple of weeks and confirmed he may need extra in him than a 3-and-D wing. He’s been chopping to the basket with confidence, finishing dunks (one thing that has oddly been a difficulty this season), and customarily brimming with confidence. He averaged virtually 13 factors throughout the ultimate 10 video games of the season.
Tre Jones can dunk. Who knew? Okay, technically he’s executed it 4 different instances in his profession, however nonetheless, nothing like ending issues off together with your first of the season. (Additionally, I like how Wemby was the final one to face, like he needed to see it to imagine it first.)
And that concludes the 2023-24 season! It’s unusual, there have been instances I wished this season to simply finish already as a result of all of the shedding was exhausting and repetitive, however the Spurs actually got here into their very own in the previous couple of months, and particularly the ultimately with a 7-4 end towards a comparatively robust schedule whereas severely shorthanded. Now, I want we might see extra, however sadly, we’ll have to attend one other six months.
Regardless, it was one other enjoyable season right here at Pounding the Rock, however as you all know, the protection doesn’t cease right here! Keep tuned all summer season for participant critiques, draft protection, free company and extra! As soon as once more, thanks all for sticking round all season! We wouldn’t nonetheless be right here doing what we love most with out your assist.
