The San Antonio Spurs are facing a challenging stretch, having lost their last three games by 20 or more points. This losing streak has raised concerns about the team’s ability to compete consistently throughout a full 48 minutes of play.
As we approach the halfway point of the season, the Spurs have lost six of their last seven games and nine of their last thirteen. It wasn’t long ago that they were two games above .500 just before Christmas. This rapid decline has been alarming and has left fans and analysts questioning what’s going wrong with the silver and black.
One of the most glaring issues has been the team’s performance in the third quarter. In the last three games, the Spurs have a net rating of -66.8 in the third period, ranking dead last in the NBA. Their offensive rating in this stretch is 92.5, good for 28th in the league, while their defensive rating is an abysmal 159.3.
The eye test reveals a team that struggles to maintain intensity and focus throughout the game. They often start competitively but seem to wilt as the game progresses, particularly in the third quarter. This pattern has become all too familiar and is a significant factor in their recent losses.
Victor Wembanyama, the team’s star rookie, has shown signs of fatigue. The team’s reliance on him has been evident, and when he’s not at his best, the entire squad seems to struggle. Even solid performances from players like Zach Collins, who has been putting up 20+ point games during this losing streak, haven’t been enough to secure victories.
Defensively, the Spurs have been particularly vulnerable. In their recent game against Miami, they allowed a season-high tying 46 points in the third quarter alone. This defensive collapse has been a recurring theme and needs to be addressed if the team hopes to turn things around.
Looking ahead, the Spurs face a critical juncture in their season. With the upcoming rodeo road trip on the horizon, the team needs to find solutions quickly. Whether it’s through lineup changes, increased minutes for energetic bench players, or a renewed focus on fundamentals, something needs to change to halt this downward trend.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Spurs’ recent struggles, tune into the Locked On Spurs podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Spurs Podcast:
• Analysis of the Spurs’ offensive woes in recent games
• Discussion on potential lineup changes to spark the team
• Preview of the upcoming Paris game and its implications for the season
