Issues aren’t wanting nice for the San Antonio Spurs proper now. They’ve been blown out in three straight video games, and nothing appears to be working. Their offense is struggling, they usually’ve by no means regarded worse defensively. That was all on show in a brutal 128-107 loss to the Miami Warmth.
If you happen to’re in search of a reprieve from the negativity on-line across the staff, you got here to the fitting place. We’re right here to see the highlights, not dwell on the lowlights!
Regardless of not being his often impactful self, Victor Wembanyama managed to place up a double-double with 21 factors and 10 rebounds. He received off to a fast begin with a layup off a pick-and-roll, after which this candy step again three. If Wemby and the Spurs can discover extra alternatives to get him concerned outdoors and within the paint, the offense ought to profit.
This play is a superb instance. Groups should respect Wembanyama’s shot faux. This results in a simple drive and kick scenario that will get Stephon Fort a wide-open three. Discovering extra consistency from deep would make these performs close to computerized. Fort had an honest recreation after taking part in a few of his greatest ball within the final week. He completed with 11 factors.
Excessive-post isolation a la Dirk Nowitzki has been a few of Wembanyama’s bread and butter this season. When groups put a guard on him, this can be a spot the place he can elevate for jumpers, or simply get to the rim in a single dribble for a end. This was one of the crucial explosive strikes he made all recreation for a simple dunk over Tyler Herro.
The Spurs also needs to discover extra alternatives to get out and run. Groups have punished their poor transition protection within the final three video games. They should take the assault again to their opponents. They appear nice after they get out and run. It’s been a theme all yr. They’ve glorious playmakers and finishers in transition. It makes up for a few of their offensive creation points within the half courtroom. Taking part in with extra tempo might assist them get again on monitor.
Kel’El Ware had his greatest recreation as an NBA professional on Sunday. He beat up the Spurs from in and out for 25 factors and eight rebounds. Wembanyama nonetheless managed to get the rook for a poster slam within the fourth quarter.
The dunk of the evening award ought to in all probability go to Tre Jones, who received up for a slam within the third quarter. It’s at all times good to see shorter guards rise up for slams. Particularly within the half courtroom the place they’ve much less of a runway. I’ll say it – Jones is a sneaky athlete!
There was a quick second within the fourth quarter the place it regarded like San Antonio would possibly get again into the sport. Chris Paul began aggressively in search of his shot which tremendously helped the Spurs’ offensive assault. Quite a lot of issues open up after they have a ball-handler who can take the highest off a protection with their pull-up taking pictures potential. CP3 hit three triples on his approach to 10 factors and 9 assists, but it surely wasn’t sufficient.
It’s at all times good to see Sandro Mamukelashvili, even when it’s in rubbish time. Mamu was on the ground throughout the stretch the place the Spurs lastly received their offense going once more within the fourth quarter. His ground spacing and passing skills at all times present a spark.
San Antonio now heads to Paris the place they’ll face the Indiana Pacers on Thursday. In entrance of Wembanyama’s countrymen, they’ll have an opportunity to get again on monitor. Try full highlights from the Warmth recreation beneath.
