By way of three video games, the San Antonio Spurs have confronted the previous Western Convention champion Dallas Mavericks and the younger and frisky Houston Rockets. The highway doesn’t get a lot simpler as they go away the state for the primary time this season. The West’s finest, Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, wait simply north of the Texas border.
The Spurs and Thunder have developed considerably of a rivalry not too long ago. That’s because of their lanky do-it-all large males, Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren. Wembanyama bought the higher of Holmgren final 12 months, nevertheless it was Chet’s staff that routinely dominated San Antonio. The Thunder are among the finest rosters within the NBA that may pose one other main problem for the Spurs.
San Antonio has proven it has loads to wash up after its first three video games. They haven’t been in a position to get Wembanyama actually going but, the turnovers are nonetheless a serious concern and opposing groups have gotten attractiveness from deep towards them. They’ll want to enhance in these key areas in the event that they wish to compete with the undefeated Thunder.
San Antonio Spurs (1-2) vs. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (3-0)
October 30, 2024 | 8:30 PM CT
Watch: ESPN/Bally Southwest | Hear: WOAI (1200 AM)
Spurs Accidents: Devin Vassell – Out (foot), Tre Jones – Out (ankle), David Duke Jr. – Out (G League), Riley Minix – Out (G League), Harrison Ingram – Out (G League)
Thunder Accidents: Isaiah Hartenstein – Out (hand), Nikola Matter – Out (knee), Jaylin Williams – Out (hamstring), Kenrich Williams – Out (knee)
What to look at for:
Can Wembanyama bounce again?
Wembanyama has struggled to seek out his rhythm to begin the season. Primarily based on his voice in Monday evening’s post-game presser, he could also be preventing an sickness. Whereas the massive man is averaging 20 factors and 12 rebounds, he’s taking pictures an inefficient 42.9% from the sector and 22.2% from three whereas turning the ball over 3.7 occasions a recreation. He hasn’t been capable of finding a stream within the Spurs’ offense, and opposing physicality has compelled him to take some questionable photographs.
Traditionally, Wembanyama has proven up towards Holmgren. It was apparent final season that he seeks out matchups with the “rival” large. Perhaps that motivation will likely be all he must get again on observe in OKC.
Chopping down on turnovers
The Spurs have already got 53 turnovers by means of 3 video games and are averaging 17.7 giveaways per contest. It’s so onerous to win once you routinely give the opponents free possessions. San Antonio has not been in a position to get on the identical web page offensively, and too a lot of their gamers are free with the basketball. On the flip aspect, OKC is forcing 20.7 turnovers a recreation and is the most effective staff within the NBA at producing takeaways. The Spurs should deal with the ball to have an opportunity on Wednesday evening.
Defending screens
Houston and Dallas each dissected the Spurs within the display screen recreation. Jalen Inexperienced bought off to a sizzling begin on Monday by coming off pin-downs, zoom motion (pin down right into a hand-off) and ball-screens to seek out simple appears from deep. The sport-sealing shot from the Rockets got here on a miscommunicated swap from Jeremy Sochan and Keldon Johnson, which left Fred VanVleet broad open for 3. Total the Spurs have struggled to protect screening actions.
Oklahoma Metropolis has so many offensive weapons that may harm you, very like Houston and Dallas. San Antonio might want to step up its defensive recreation in the event that they wish to compete with the most effective groups within the Western Convention.
