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.
Are the Spurs the real deal?
Mar 29, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts after scoring a three point basket in overtime against the New York Knicks at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports | Scott Wachter/Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
Are the San Antonio Spurs the Real Deal?
As a dedicated San Antonio Spurs fan, I’m thrilled to witness the team’s unexpected rise this season. With a record of 9-8, the Spurs have managed to take down formidable opponents like the Golden State Warriors, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Houston Rockets. This performance has sparked a debate: Are the Spurs the real deal this season?
A Surprising Start
The Spurs were initially projected to be among the league’s bottom teams, yet here they are, defying expectations. Their recent victories have not only boosted their standings but also their confidence. Despite being only 17 games into the season, the Spurs are showing signs of a team that refuses to be underestimated. This resilience is evident in their ability to return from deficits, a sorely lacking trait last year.
Key Players and Strategies
One of the most significant factors contributing to the Spurs’ success is the influence of veterans like Harrison Barnes and Chris Paul. Their leadership and experience have been invaluable, instilling a never-give-up mentality in the younger players. Barnes, for instance, has been instrumental in guiding the team, even pulling players aside during games to offer advice and encouragement. Paul’s role as a floor general has also been crucial, helping to stabilize the team during critical moments.
The Spurs’ defense has been a cornerstone of their recent success. Currently ranked in the top percentile for defensive rating, the team has shown remarkable improvement. This defensive prowess, combined with a reduction in turnovers, has allowed the Spurs to maintain their leads and secure victories.
However, the offense still needs work. While the team has shown flashes of brilliance, there are moments when they struggle to find their rhythm. Improving their shooting consistency and ball movement will sustain their success throughout the season.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, it’s essential to temper expectations. While the Spurs have shown promise, it’s still in the early days. The team needs to continue building on their strengths and addressing their weaknesses. If they can maintain their current trajectory, there’s a real possibility of pushing for the play-in tournament.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Spurs’ potential this season, tune into the Locked On Spurs podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Spurs Podcast:
- Fan reactions and comments on the Spurs’ performance
- The impact of the Spurs’ recent rebranding efforts
- Analysis of the Spurs’ upcoming games and potential challenges
- Discussion on the role of young players in the team’s success
It was the three second violation heard round the world. Kidding, but it was strange enough that you looked to confirmation of what you were seeing to those around you, and/or rewatched the replay of it several times.
Posted up under the Raptors basket, Rudy Gobert had Scottie Barnes on his back in a mismatch and was calling to Julius Randle for the ball. Beyond the arc. Randle dribbled the ball, unhurried, as the shot clock ticked down. He’s eyeing the lane, would clearly prefer to drive, and even plants a foot to take off from when the whistle finally comes for Gobert, strolling out of the key nonchalantly, with all the urgency you’d approach a dental appointment.
Still frustrated, Gobert then needlessly hip-checked Barnes at the other end, sending him to the line and sending the Raptors up in the match and in momentum. Toronto won 110-105.
You can take your pick for what’s more worrisome, because the perspective shifts depending on the root of a few problems the Wolves face.
That Gobert opted to showboat his frustration is definitely the most obvious, in terms of visibility. It isn’t the first time he’s let his petulant side out on the floor. That Randle saw Gobert — impossible not to with his long arm up and waving — and chose to ignore him, dribbling the ball into oblivion instead, is another concern. The biggest question around the Randle and Karl-Anthony Towns trade was fit — for playing style and chemistry. A slight detail that nearly gets lost in the sequence is that Jaden McDaniels hustled for a really long rebound, swung it to Randle, and the urgency of that move was immediately sapped by what transpired.
Taken individually, these would be wrinkles for a working team to smooth by the next match. And yes, both Randle and Gobert addressed the sequence, with Randle prompting media to “name a perfect family” and Gobert saying “people think great teams are the teams where the sky is always blue”. Normally, I’d enjoy an athlete beginning with a euphemism, in this case, it feels like aversion.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Feel Good Victor Wembanyama continues to look up to Steph Curry, exemplifying the growing influence of NBA stars on emerging talents. This ongoing admiration highlights the cross-generational impact within the league. (Sports Illustrated)
Recap Stephon Castle took on a significant role against Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors, showcasing his potential in a high-stakes game. This matchup highlighted Castle’s abilities and the challenges ahead for the Spurs. (Sports Illustrated)
Legacy Nikola Jokic continues to redefine basketball creativity with his full-court swat attempt against the Lakers, nearly achieving an incredible buzzer-beater despite the constraints of the Trent Tucker rule. (CBS Sports)
Biz NBA Hall of Famer Grant Hill discusses his investment in women’s sports and managing Team USA, highlighting his active retirement and commitment to sports development. (The Ringer NBA Show)
Rumor Western Conference coaches and executives are reportedly frustrated with the East’s playoff picture, suggesting a shift to a 1-16 seeding format to enhance fairness and competition. (Bleacher Report)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Ja Morant Is Set To Return And Impact Fantasy Basketball Leagues
Nov 17, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) takes videos with his phone after the game against the Denver Nuggets at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas/Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
As we wrap up another thrilling week in the NBA, it’s time to reflect on the standout performances and crucial player updates that could impact your fantasy basketball strategy. With six games on the slate this past Sunday, there was no shortage of action and intrigue.
Player Updates and Injury News
One of the most significant updates this week involves Ja Morant, who has been upgraded to questionable. The Memphis Grizzlies have a consistent pattern of moving players from doubtful to questionable before they return to play, so Morant’s return seems imminent. Marcus Smart is also off the injury report, ready to make his comeback. However, the Grizzlies are still without Vince Williams Jr., who is sidelined for weeks, and Zach Edey.
In New Orleans, the return of key players is on the horizon. While Herb Jones remains out, Jordan Hawkins is back, and CJ McCollum is expected to play soon. Dejounte Murray has been upgraded to doubtful, indicating he might return later this week. These returns will undoubtedly shake up the rotations and fantasy implications for players like BJ Boston and ElfridPayton.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been idle since Wednesday, and Alex Caruso, who aggravated a hip injury, is out again. This extended absence is concerning for fantasy managers holding Caruso. Meanwhile, Ousmane Dieng’s fractured finger will keep him out for three to four weeks, opening up reserve minutes for Dillon Jones until Jaylin Williams returns.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Spurs podcasts.
San Antonio Spurs-Knicks Christmas Day preview with Locked On Knicks
The San Antonio Spurs are making waves in the NBA, thanks to rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama. With impressive stats and a game-changing presence, Wembanyama is redefining the Spurs’ strategy. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, are gearing up for a thrilling Christmas Day showdown.
Spurs’ Trade Rumors: Is De’Aaron Fox San Antonio bound?
As rumors swirl about De’Aaron Fox potentially joining the San Antonio Spurs, fans are excitedly buzzing. This episode dives into the possibility of a Fox move, analyzing its impact on the Spurs’ strategy and rebuilding timeline.
Mitch Johnson’s future with San Antonio Spurs: Head Coach in waiting?
The San Antonio Spurs are at a crossroads, with Mitch Johnson emerging as a potential future head coach. As the team navigates coaching changes and Greg Popovich’s health concerns, the spotlight is on rookie sensation Stephon Castle and his impressive Rookie of the Year award bid.
