Welcome to the Week in Evaluation: a Monday function that appears again on the week that was for the San Antonio Spurs, takes a have a look at the week forward, and extra. Take pleasure in!
Week 0: N/A
Week 1: 1-1 (1-1, tenth in West)
109-120 loss @ Dallas Mavericks
Recap: In repeat from final season, the Spurs opened the season in Dallas, this time with the Mavs being the defending Western Convention champions and having added much more offensive firepower within the offseason by way of former Splash Bro Klay Thompson. Whereas the Spurs regarded excellent defensively for one half regardless of an off night time from Victor Wembanyama, the Mavs caught hearth within the second half to show what had been a small Spurs lead right into a blowout loss (that the third string made look a bit extra respectable).
What We Realized
109-106 win vs. Houston Rockets
Recap: Additionally in repeat from final season, the Spurs had their house opener in opposition to the Rockets in an more and more chippy rivalry sport, and identical to final season, the Spurs received it in a nailbiter. It shouldn’t have been that shut as that they had gotten out to a 23-point lead throughout a Wemby bounce again sport whereas the Rockets regarded drained on the second night time of a back-to-back, however Houston nonetheless stormed again within the fourth quarter to make it a one-point deficit earlier than the Spurs sealed the take care of some clutch free throws.
What We Realized
In case you missed it
The Spurs ought to enhance however would possibly battle to fulfill lofty expectations
The PtR employees discusses whether or not the Spurs will attain the considerably lofty expectations Vegas has set with a 36.5 over/beneath win complete, if Victor Wembanyama will win Defensive Participant of the Yr, and who will win every convention this season.
Survey: Spurs followers consider they’ll compete for the play-in
Even when the employees is a little bit skeptical, the followers are extra optimistic based mostly on the way you answered some survey questions on that, in addition to potential breakout gamers. (Information flash: contenders Stephon Fort and Jeremy Sochan look fairly good to this point.)
Lawsuit: The Clippers had been tampering with Kawhi Leonard whereas he was nonetheless with the Spurs
Effectively, effectively, effectively, you don’t say. I do know Spurs followers need to transfer on from this ordeal, but when a former coach and buddy of Leonard courting again to varsity, who was employed by the Clippers earlier than being let go in 2023, is to be believed, then the Clippers had been allegedly attempting to illegally entry details about Leonard’s well being standing whereas he was nonetheless with the Spurs, which may result in tampering expenses if the league investigates. It wouldn’t change something now, however there’s nothing fallacious with a little bit redemption the place you may get it.
Energy Rankings
John Schuhmann, NBA.com — 21 (final week: 23)
OffRtg: 108.5 (19) DefRtg: 113.6 (18) NetRtg: -5.1 (21) Tempo: 100.0 (21)
The Spurs break up video games in opposition to the Mavs and Rockets, giving them as many wins in opposition to the opposite Texas groups as that they had all of final season (1-7).
Three takeaways
1. Solely 14 (40%) of Victor Wembanyama’s 35 pictures have come within the paint, although he’s 13-for-14 on the line, with that free-throw price (40 makes an attempt per 100 pictures from the sphere) up from 31 per 100 final season. The Spurs have nonetheless outscored each of their opponents within the paint and on the free-throw line.
2. Over their two video games, the Spurs have had 25 fewer taking pictures alternatives than their opponents, with the typical (-12.5 per sport) being the worst discrepancy within the league by a large margin. They’ve dedicated 15 extra turnovers than their opponents, with three of their starters — Wembanyama, Julian Champagnie and Jeremy Sochan — having registered nearly twice as many turnovers (19) as assists (10).
3. The Spurs have been outscored by 26 factors (22 per 100 possessions) in Chris Paul’s 55 minutes, although the 39-year-old has registered 11.1 assists per 36 minutes, what can be the second-highest price of his 20-year profession.
The Spurs will host the Rockets once more on Monday, then journey to Oklahoma Metropolis, the place they misplaced two video games by a complete of 74 factors final season.
Brett Siegel, Clutch Factors — 19 (final week: 21)
Whereas it’s true that the San Antonio Spurs want to construct an id, one could have emerged within the first week of the season. This can be a scrappy group that Gregg Popovich has, particularly on the subject of taking part in powerful on the inside. The additions of Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes have steered the Spurs in the proper route from a successful mentality standpoint, and it’s clear to see that this group is much more assured of their skills than they had been a season in the past. If Victor Wembanyama can get extra assist defensively, the Spurs will quietly begin transferring up the NBA energy rankings.
Developing: Mon. 10/28 vs. Houston Rockets; Wed. 10/20 @ Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder; Thurs. 10/31 @ Utah Jazz; Sat. 11/2 vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Prediction: 2-2 — This is likely to be a little bit lenient at this level since we haven’t seen a lot consistency with these Spurs but, however I’ll give them the good thing about the doubt. Whereas the Rockets could also be out for revenge tonight, and the sport in opposition to the Jazz is on the second night time of a back-to-back with journey, these are nonetheless very winnable video games. Alternatively, each the OKC and Minnesota video games might be powerful outings in opposition to groups that can possible end the season comfortably within the high 6, if not increased.
