The San Antonio Spurs wrapped up their Paris trip with a mixed bag of results, going 1-1 against the Indiana Pacers. In the first game, we saw a complete Spurs performance, dominating the Pacers from start to finish. Victor Wembanyama shined with 30 points and 11 rebounds, but it wasn’t just a one-man show. The team’s balanced attack saw multiple players stepping up, including Devin Vassell and Doug Collins, who both scored 20 or more points.
The third quarter, which had been our Achilles’ heel during recent losing streaks, turned into our strongest period. We outscored the Pacers 45-23 in that frame, showcasing the potential of this young team when firing on all cylinders. Our bench also came through, outscoring Indiana’s reserves 53-33.
However, the second game told a different story. The Pacers adjusted their strategy, doubling down on Wembanyama and getting physical. This approach exposed our inconsistency and lack of adaptability. Turnovers plagued us, with 22 compared to Indiana’s 10. The fourth quarter was particularly brutal, as we were outscored 38-12.
Off the court, the Paris trip was a resounding success for the Spurs brand. We funded two new basketball courts in Wembanyama’s hometown and engaged in various community initiatives. The presence of Spurs legends like David Robinson and Tony Parker added to the excitement. The global spotlight on Wembanyama helped elevate the team’s international profile.
Midseason Grades for Guards
As we hit the midway point of the season, it’s time to evaluate our guard corps. Chris Paul has been a standout, providing veteran leadership and clutch performances. His impact goes beyond the stat sheet, earning him a solid A grade.
Tre Jones has seen his minutes and production decrease with the addition of Paul and the emergence of Stefan Castle. While his numbers are down across the board, he’s still providing valuable minutes as a third option.
Stefan Castle has been a pleasant surprise, showing maturity beyond his years. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor and his fearlessness in taking on star opponents have been impressive. While there’s room for improvement in his three-point shooting, Castle has established himself as a foundational piece alongside Wembanyama.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Spurs’ performance in Paris and our guards’ midseason grades, tune into the Locked On Spurs podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Spurs Podcast:
• Detailed analysis of the Spurs’ offensive and defensive stats from the Paris games
• Discussion on potential trade scenarios as the deadline approaches
• Preview of upcoming games and the looming Rodeo Road Trip
