After a 130-117 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers that noticed the San Antonio Spurs blown out 44-19 within the third quarter, Mitch Johnson mentioned the crew was experiencing some “psychological fatigue.” Johnson talked about that the Silver and Black lacked focus and physicality on the defensive finish.
On the floor, it could be simple guilty this loss on circumstance. The Spurs have traveled for his or her final 7 video games in two weeks, together with only a quick pit cease in San Antonio for a win towards the Memphis Grizzlies. Throughout that stretch, they’ve been with out stars Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Citadel. In opposition to Cleveland, the Spurs have been lacking each of their rim protectors, as Luke Kornet sat out with an ankle damage. Perhaps all of this performed into the poor efficiency, however the overwhelming motive for the loss gave the impression to be an absence of consideration to element.
The Cavaliers outscored the Spurs 80-44 within the paint on Friday night time. Most of their factors across the rim have been utterly uncontested. San Antonio wouldn’t decide up the ball in transition, would permit simple blow-bys, not talk a change, ball watch off the ball, and simply lose gamers utterly within the half-court. It was one of many worst defensive stretches within the final two seasons.
Not having an enormous man definitely didn’t assist issues. Offensively, the crew slowed to a screeching halt within the third. That they had nearly no circulate with out Kornet’s laborious screens or Wembanyama’s paint presence. If it weren’t for Vassell going completely nuclear within the first half, it could not have even been a sport heading into the third.
The excellent news for the Spurs is that this doesn’t appear indicative of a long-term subject. Sure, they’ve struggled with their off-ball protection at instances this season, permitting massive runs to the opposing crew. However for probably the most half, the power and focus have been there, and they’re a top-12 protection due to it. The street is hard within the NBA, and it’s even harder with out your entire personnel. It’s on the crew now to cease the bleeding and ensure this was only a low second, and never the beginning of a pattern.
