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’ second-half surges: A sign of team growth
Catch the Spurs back in action this fall. | Photo by Reginald Thomas II via San Antonio Spurs
Spurs’ Second Half Surge: A Tale of Growth and Maturity
The San Antonio Spurs are turning heads with their impressive second-half performances, showcasing a level of maturity and resilience with fans buzzing. As a Spurs writer, I’ve been closely following their journey, and it’s clear that this team is evolving right before our eyes.
Second Half Dominance
The Spurs’ recent victory over the Utah Jazz is a testament to their second-half prowess. Tied at 66 at halftime, the Spurs flipped the switch, outscoring the Jazz 62-49 in the latter half. This isn’t just a one-off; it’s a pattern. The Spurs have consistently shown they can rally from deficits and maintain leads, a sign of their growing maturity.
Veteran presence has been crucial in this transformation. Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes have been instrumental, especially in crunch time. Their calm demeanor and strategic play have rubbed off on the younger players, helping them make more intelligent decisions on the court. The team is no longer relying on isolation plays but is instead focusing on finding the best shot, reminiscent of the “beautiful game” style that Spurs fans cherish.
Defensive Tenacity and Team Chemistry
Defensively, the Spurs are locking in during the second half. They’re more aggressive, active, and focused, evident in their ability to hold opponents to lower scores. This defensive intensity is a collective effort, with players like Charles Bassey and Julian Champagnie stepping up to make significant contributions.
Champagnie attributes the team’s improved performance to maturity and the influence of veterans. The Spurs are playing for one another, diving for loose balls, and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities. This camaraderie and teamwork are paying off, as seen in their four-game winning streak.
However, there’s a concern about their tendency to start slow. While their ability to recover is commendable, it would be ideal for the Spurs to dominate from the start. This would prevent the need for energy-draining comebacks and ensure more comfortable victories.
Despite this, the Spurs’ second-half numbers are staggering. Their defensive rating ranks among the best in the NBA, and their offensive rating has seen a significant leap. This combination has resulted in a net rating outpaces many of their competitors, highlighting their potential to exceed expectations this season.
As the Spurs continue to grow and refine their game, the possibility of surpassing their projected win total and making a play-in tournament appearance becomes more realistic. The team is poised to strengthen even further with key players returning from injury.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Spurs’ second-half success, tune into the Locked On Spurs podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Spurs Podcast:
- Preview of the Spurs vs. Lakers game and potential for a five-game winning streak
- Discussion on the impact of injuries and player rotations
- Analysis of the Spurs’ defensive strategies and key player performances
Nov 26, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) shoots the basketball over Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro/Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Here’s the thing, Scary Terry has hops. At 30-years-old and with a decade of play under his belt, Terry Rozier can cut like a knife, shake loose defenders, deflect, drive, and kick the ball out to the wing on a layup with the court vision still 20/20. He shoots, too. Tidy jumpers, deep and swooning corner threes, tricky little one-handed layups, fastbreak two-handed deliveries, Rozier runs through them like a personal rolodex.
Perhaps it’s a good reminder, for you as much as me, that age really doesn’t have anything to do with it. For one, despite what we’re led to believe by watching NBA basketball and listening to people talk about it, 30 isn’t old. Besides age, there’s a more important personal factor: whether an athlete keeps up. NBA basketball gets pushed in new directions every season as competitive teams break the mold and not yet competitive teams try to keep up.
Optimization is an unfortunate word in our modern and decidedly capitalist lexicon, but it’s what good athletes do. If there’s a skill to develop, they figure out what it is. Giannis Antetokounmpo in the mid-range this season is a perfect and very successful example. The bigger thing these smaller improvements add up to are teams with a depth of different weapons to pull out against the seemingly unbeatable juggernauts at the top. Occasionally, front offices identify what their unique skillset or style of play can be — think the decidedly big Cleveland Cavaliers, or the micro, play-every-position, Thunder — and build toward it.
For an athlete like Rozier, who many were quick to call a Kyle Lowry 2.0 when he arrived in Miami, the improvisation he’s shown with the Heat was born out of necessity but also an aptitude for reading the room. The Heat are a workaholic organization with a next-man-up mentality they don’t just talk about as an inspirational soundbite, but is twined through the fibre of all that they do.
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
Watch Enjoy a captivating time-lapse video of the San Antonio Spurs’ City Edition floor being set up. Witness the transformation from an empty court to a stunning game-ready surface. (Pounding the Rock)
Preview The San Antonio Spurs face the Los Angeles Lakers in an anticipated matchup. Key players Victor Wembanyama and LeBron James are set to take the spotlight. Expect an exciting game filled with strategic plays and intense competition. (Pounding the Rock)
Biz Area 51 shines as the Spurs top the Jazz, keeping their NBA Cup hopes alive. This victory not only boosts team morale but also strengthens their competitive standing. (Sports Illustrated)
Watch Victor Wembanyama’s three-point shooting continues to impress as he showcases his skills against the Jazz. His long-range accuracy adds a new dimension to his game. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis The point guard position is in good hands. Shaun Powell takes stock of the position and what the future looks like. (NBA)
Opinion The NBA can tinker with the All-Star Game format all it wants, but there’s only one fix. (The Athletic, subscription required)
Feel Good What happens with the money collected from fines? How the league turns bad moments into good deeds. (SB Nation)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Another Lauri Markkanen Injury For Fantasy Basketball Managers To Digest
Nov 26, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward/center Lauri Markkanen (23) on the floor after a collision with San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama (1) during the second half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images | Christopher Creveling/Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images
Injury Concerns and Player Updates
Joel Embiid’s ongoing knee issues are another significant concern. With a history of multiple meniscus surgeries, Embiid’s situation remains precarious. His recent absences highlight the risks associated with drafting him early in fantasy leagues. The high failure rate of such surgeries suggests that Embiid’s availability might be limited, making him a risky trade target.
Donovan Clingan’s grade 2 MCL sprain is also noteworthy. The Portland Trail Blazers plan to reevaluate him in two weeks, but this type of injury typically requires a longer recovery period. With Clingan sidelined, players like Ayton and Rob Williams are expected to see increased playing time, making Williams a valuable addition to fantasy rosters.
Lauri Markkanen’s Injury Impact
Lauri Markkanen’s recent knee injury adds another layer of complexity to fantasy basketball strategies. Markkanen, who has been dealing with back and knee issues, was helped off the court after a knee knock. While the injury doesn’t appear to be a severe ACL or MCL tear, it could sideline him for at least a week, if not longer. This development opens up opportunities for players like John Collins to step up and fill the void, potentially increasing their fantasy value.
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.
