Jeff Garcia here, the host of the daily Locked On Spurs podcast, with your daily Locked On Spurs newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Spurs and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Rockets: What went wrong in 127-100 loss
Nov 6, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images|Troy Taormina/Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Spurs Face Challenges Amidst Key Player Absences
The San Antonio Spurs are navigating a challenging period, with Jeremy Sochan sidelined indefinitely due to a broken left thumb. This injury has already impacted the team’s performance, as evidenced by their recent defeat against the Houston Rockets. The absence of Sochan, a crucial defensive asset, was felt immediately. His ability to guard multiple positions alongside Victor Wembanyama has been a cornerstone of the Spurs’ defensive strategy. Without him, the team struggled, allowing Houston to dominate from start to finish.
Impact of Sochan’s Absence
Losing Sochan is a significant blow. His defensive prowess and energy on the court have been vital for the Spurs. This season, he was off to a career-best start, averaging double figures in scoring and bringing a gritty, competitive edge to every game. His absence leaves a void that the team struggles to fill, especially on the defensive end. The Spurs’ defensive stats, which were among the league’s best, will likely suffer without Sochan’s presence.
The ripple effects of Sochan’s injury extend beyond defense. The Spurs also miss head coach Gregg Popovich, Devin Vassell, and Tre Jones, which has left the team scrambling to find a cohesive rhythm. The recent 127-100 loss to Houston highlighted these issues, with turnovers and a lack of focus contributing to the defeat. The team needs to address these recurring problems to avoid further setbacks.
Looking Ahead: Spurs vs. Blazers
The Spurs must regroup quickly as they prepare to face the Portland Trail Blazers. The Blazers, despite their own struggles, present a formidable challenge. The Spurs must find ways to compensate for Sochan’s absence, particularly on defense. Players like rookie Stephon Castle, who started in Sochan’s place against Houston, must step up. However, Castle is still adjusting to the NBA, and the team will need more from its veterans to fill the gap.
Keldon Johnson, in particular, is expected to take on a larger role. Known for his energy and leadership, Johnson’s performance against Houston was underwhelming. With the team needing a spark, Johnson’s ability to motivate and lead by example will be crucial. The Spurs’ success against Portland will depend on their ability to bring intensity and focus, both of which were lacking in their last outing.
The Spurs are entering a critical stretch of home games, which could provide the stability they need to turn things around. Playing in front of their home crowd might offer the boost they need to regain their footing. As they face the Blazers, the Spurs can reset and refocus, aiming to break their losing streak and build momentum for the games ahead.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Spurs’ current challenges and strategies, 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’ defensive struggles without Jeremy Sochan
- The impact of Gregg Popovich’s absence on team dynamics
- A preview of the upcoming home stretch and its significance
- Player performances and potential lineup changes
- Insights into the Spurs’ strategy against the Portland Trail Blazers
We’re about 10% of the way through the season, which means we’ve seen enough of the rookie class to make iron-clad judgments on them that will never change. First impression, last impression.
Kidding, of course; sample sizes are still small, and both we and the debutants themselves are learning a ton. Watching this class take their first baby-giraffe steps in the league has been a blast, so I’ve selected four rookies worth discussing.
1) Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies
Edey’s performance has been predictably up-and-down. On the one hand, he’s started to figure out how to defend without fouling. After infamously fouling out in just 15 minutes in his NBA debut, Edey hasn’t accrued more than three infractions in any of his last six games (although he did pick up three in just 15 minutes last night). Opponents are shooting just 55.6% against him at the rim, a better number than Anthony Davis or Rudy Gobert, and they take fewer attempts at the rim when he’s on the court. There’s a slight deterrence factor already at play.
Edey had a game where he went 11-for-12 from the field, but most of his damage has been done on putbacks and dump-offs. He has only generated 13 points on his 21 post-up possessions, a terrible mark, and his beloved hook shot has abandoned him.
Most peculiarly, a man I predicted might lead the league in screen assists has not been nearly as impactful a screener as I expected. Part of that is the Grizzlies leaning a bit away from the pick-and-roll-centric attack they’ve heavily featured in the past, and part is on some junior-high-school-level chemistry with Ja Morant (see here, where Edey whiffs on the screen and then can’t get to the lob quick enough). That said, he’s already mastered the rolling Gortat screen, a key tool for creating space for Morant. Now, he just needs more reps.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Personnel Owen Phillips of The F5 examines whether a coach can translate their styles between different teams. For example, what trends and principles has Kenny Atkinson instilled in the Cavaliers that we first saw in his Nets tenure?
Analysis ESPN’s Kevin Pelton looks at some early trends, such as the impact Jeremy Sochan’s injury might have on Victor Wembanyama’s offense, the Thunder defense, and more.
Must Read Joseph Casciaro and Joe Wolfond of theScore have 10 observations on the young season, including a look at the Bulls’ blistering pace, KAT’s defensive issues, and much more.
Trade Spurs consider trading a rising star to the Warriors as trade rumors intensify around a $24.8 million asset. (Sporting News)
Analysis Spurs’ loss to the Rockets reveals critical areas for improvement, highlighting defensive gaps and offensive inconsistencies. (Pounding the Rock)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Zaccharie Risacher’s Big Night Brings Fantasy Basketball Questions
Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (10) shoots over New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) during the second half at State Farm Arena.|Photo by Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
In the world of fantasy basketball, player performances can fluctuate wildly, and Wednesday’s games were no exception. While Zach Edey had previously dazzled fans with a standout performance against the Nets, his recent outing was less than stellar. Facing tougher competition, Edey managed just eight points and seven rebounds in 15 minutes. This game served as a reminder that while Edey has potential, consistency is key, and fantasy managers should be cautious about overcommitting to him based on a single strong performance.
On the flip side, Zaccharie Risacher delivered a performance that turned heads and could have significant fantasy implications. Starting for the Atlanta Hawks, Risacher exploded for 33 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks. His shooting was on point, and he contributed across multiple categories, making him a hot commodity in fantasy leagues. With De’Andre Hunter still sidelined, Risacher’s role in the starting lineup seems secure for now, and his ability to fill the stat sheet makes him a valuable asset.
Risacher’s breakout game highlights the importance of monitoring player roles and opportunities. While his previous performances were inconsistent, this game showcased his potential when given the chance. Fantasy managers should consider adding Risacher, especially if he continues to see significant minutes and usage.
As always, staying updated on player performances and team dynamics is crucial for fantasy success. Keep an eye on how these players develop in the coming games, and adjust your fantasy strategies accordingly. For more insights and analysis, be sure to follow the latest episodes of the Locked On Fantasy Basketball podcast.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Spurs podcasts.
Discussing Project Marvel + San Antonio Spurs-Jazz gameday preview
With the current Frost Bank Center lagging behind other NBA arenas, the San Antonio Spurs and the city are exploring a possible new arena to enhance their marketability and revitalize the downtown area.
Let’s take a look at San Antonio Spurs lineups
The San Antonio Spurs are experimenting with lineup combinations, and the results might surprise you. With Victor Wembanyama’s evolving role, the team is exploring whether focusing on inside play or perimeter shooting will maximize his potential.
Victor Wembanyama’s improved shooting; San Antonio Spurs-Thunder preview
Victor Wembanyama’s recent shooting improvements have caught the attention of NBA fans and analysts alike. With his field goal percentage jumping from 41% to 50% and his three-point accuracy soaring from 23% to 39%, the San Antonio Spurs’ rising star is redefining expectations.
