OffRtg: 117.0 (9) DefRtg: 108.2 (2) NetRtg: +8.8 (4) Tempo: 98.8 (27)
The Spurs obtained off to the primary 5-0 begin in franchise historical past, however the get together got here to an finish on Sunday, after they trailed by as many as 31 factors in Phoenix.
Three takeaways
1. The Spurs proceed to dominate inside and on the glass. They’re the one crew that ranks within the high 5 in each offensive and defensive rebounding proportion, having ranked within the backside 10 in each final season. A number of Spurs have contributed on the offensive glass, however Victor Wembanyama has greater than twice as many defensive boards as any of his teammates.
2. They’ve additionally outscored their opponents by greater than 20 factors within the restricted space in 4 of their six video games. That features their recreation in Phoenix on Sunday, when the rating on the basket couldn’t make up for the distinction on the perimeter. The Suns shot 19-for-33 (58%) from 3-point vary, outscoring the Spurs by 27 factors from past the arc.
3. De’Aaron Fox ought to be getting near his season debut, however the Spurs misplaced Dylan Harper to a calf harm on Sunday. Fox’s eventual return ought to have the largest impact on Stephon Fort, who ranks twelfth within the league in time of possession at 6.3 minutes per recreation. The reigning Rookie of the Yr has shot significantly better each contained in the arc and from past, whereas additionally registering a free-throw charge of 62.2 makes an attempt per 100 pictures from the sphere, fifth highest amongst 137 gamers with not less than 50 subject aim makes an attempt and up from 34.8 per 100 final season.
Arising: After visiting the Lakers on Wednesday, the Spurs will play seven of their subsequent eight video games at house. They’ll open NBA Emirates Cup motion with an enormous matchup in opposition to the Rockets on Friday, having scored simply 105.1 factors per 100 possessions (their second-worst mark vs. any opponent) in opposition to Houston final season.
