Kenny Rodgers acquired rather a lot proper about life. Typically, you gotta know when to carry ‘em and when to fold ‘em. The time for the San Antonio Spurs to toss their playing cards again to the vendor is now. The hand they’ve been dealt isn’t profitable them the massive pot this sport.
Someplace between Karlo Matkovic’s dunks, I believed, why are we doing this? The Spurs’ 114-96 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans featured some high-highs within the first half and a few very low-lows within the second. After they went ice chilly, they didn’t have the depth, capturing, or measurement to compete with the extra bodily Pels. As De’Aaron Fox missed contested mid-range jumpers I believed – it’s time to throw within the towel.
Tanking for the third straight season sucks, but it surely’s one of the simplest ways by means of the mess that’s the 2024-25 season. It’s been a horrible 12 months for San Antonio that has included two critical well being points to town’s most beloved basketball figures. I do know it’s solely February, however the final two video games really feel like the ultimate chapter of this season. It’s time to totally embrace enjoying for lottery ping pong balls.
Which means letting Fox get that finger surgical procedure early. Firstly, the connection between Fox and the Spurs’ brass ought to be prioritized, but when he’s open to it, he ought to in all probability be shut down. San Antonio ought to put the ball of their kids’ fingers and let the playing cards fall the place they might. Perhaps Stephon Citadel will enhance as a major initiator, or Devin Vassell will regain some scoring confidence. It’s higher than spinning your wheels and nonetheless going nowhere.
The final third of the season shall be irritating, it doesn’t matter what. However perhaps you get moments like the primary half of the Pelicans sport when the Spurs are working and gunning, and a younger man like Julian Champagnie will get sizzling and exhibits promise as a knockdown shooter. It received’t be fairly, however no less than it will likely be shifting towards a purpose.
Takeaways:
The Spurs have been led in scoring by Champagnie, who couldn’t miss within the first half. He had 18 factors, changing on 6 of 11 three-pointers. His capturing has been up and down this season, however when he’s on, he provides rather a lot to the crew. He’s acquired measurement, athleticism, and defensive aptitude. If he may simply discover offensive consistency, he’d be a long-term piece.
In simply his third sport because the beginning middle, Bismack Biyombo logged a double-double with 10 factors, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Biyombo has crammed in effectively because the de-facto beginning large (sure, I acknowledge he acquired cooked by Matkovic). I believe a giant like Biyombo can be match for the Spurs’ long-term backup middle place. Biyombo is simply too previous his prime to suit the position, however an athletic rim-running large with a excessive motor can be a welcomed addition to the non-Wemby minutes.
Keldon Johnson has been enjoying a few of his finest ball of the season currently. He’s being aggressive in attending to the basket and pulling down open threes. He added 18 factors off the bench on Sunday. He’s definitely a participant with one thing to achieve within the final third of the season.
Vassell has struggled along with his jumper lately. After the sport, Mitch Johnson stated he must “not care a lot.” Translation – he’s in his head. It is smart. His position has modified rather a lot within the final two seasons. He’s not making photographs and it’s straightforward to get down on your self. Maybe Johnson’s feedback will get Vassell to relax a bit and simply hoop. We’ve seen him leap out of slumps earlier than. One good sport is all he could have to do it.
