On New 12 months’s Eve the San Antonio Spurs have been lastly capable of put what has been a shedding yr behind them. The Spurs have been drubbed once more, this time by the Boston Celtics, 134-101. It was a recreation that clearly confirmed the distinction between a championship contender and a rebuilding staff. This was at all times going to be a troublesome recreation for the Spurs, however with out a few key contributors, it was even tougher.
“That’s a troublesome problem at this specific time for our group,” Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich mentioned after the sport. “The trouble was there. It helps to make photographs, and we didn’t. However I used to be happy with their effort and their capability to hold in one of the best they may.”
Boston seemed like a well-oiled machine on the ground. Shifting the ball, getting dribble penetration and discovering huge open seems as they shot 54.3% from the sector and 36.6% from deep. Jayson Tatum led the best way with 25 factors, however Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Kristaps Porzingis all pitched in on the offensive effort. They dominated the Spurs on the glass, out-rebounding them 57-39, grabbing 13 offensive rebounds.
In some ways it was a typical loss for the Spurs in 2023. They have been merely outclassed by a greater staff, and didn’t do themselves any favors with pointless turnovers, chilly capturing and poor rebounding.
It’s been a yr of shedding basketball, however 2024 brings hope of a greater future for followers. Victor Wembanyama is hitting his stride, and the way forward for the franchise seems higher than it’s current. Maybe a calendar yr reset is what the Spurs want to complete the season on a extra constructive observe.
Observations:
What would Wembanyama be able to with out a minutes restriction? Over the previous few video games he’s begun to determine some issues out. He had 21 factors, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and a block on Sunday night time. The Spurs need to get him the ball within the paint, which has helped their offense tremendously. It’s beginning to really feel like they’re enjoying by means of him relatively than with him. That’s led to extra help alternatives and photographs across the rim. His deep ball is falling extra typically, as he went 3-8 from three. In fact the finger roll/dunk over White is what everybody will likely be speaking about, however extra encouraging to me was the shot pretend, one-dribble-pull-up he remodeled Al Horford. These are the sort of performs that earn him his alien moniker.
What a bounce-back recreation it was for Dominick Barlow. The 20-year-old had 8 factors, 5 rebounds and a pair of steals off the bench on Sunday. He seemed good on protection, working laborious to guard the rim and rebound. He even hit his first NBA three-pointer within the fourth quarter! I’m excessive on Barlow’s potential. With Zach Collins set to overlook 2-4 weeks with an ankle damage (in line with Popovich,) it could be nice to see the large man get some extra minutes. He’s proving it within the G League, now give him a shot to take action with the NBA squad.
A defensive quirk in Jeremy Sochan’s recreation has stood out like a sore thumb recently. He’s not closing out correctly. Sochan tends to lunge out at offensive gamers, which is why he picks up so many fouls on shot fakes. As an alternative of chopping his toes and on the point of contest the shot or slide along with his man off the bounce, he sprints out and is commonly beat off the dribble. Sochan is a proficient and laborious working defender. If he can clear that a part of his recreation up, it’ll pay dividends to the Spurs defensive assault.
