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 fans starting to believe the Spurs are better than advertised?
Nov 7, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) dribbles against Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) in the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images | Daniel Dunn/Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Spurs Fans Weigh In: Is the Hype Real?
As a San Antonio Spurs enthusiast, I find myself caught up in the excitement surrounding our team’s recent performance. With a four-game winning streak and standout performances from players like Castle and Barnes, it’s hard not to feel optimistic. But are we getting ahead of ourselves? Are the Spurs truly the real deal this season, or are we just riding a wave of early success?
The Young Guns and Their Impact
The Spurs have been showcasing a blend of youthful energy and veteran experience, which has been pivotal in their recent victories. Despite a rocky start to the season, the team has managed to string together impressive wins, even without key players like Devin and Sohan. This resilience is largely thanks to what I like to call the “young guns,” who have been stepping up and delivering when it matters most.
Castle, in particular, has been a revelation. His defensive prowess and ability to shut down opponents like Steph Curry have been instrumental in the Spurs’ success. It’s not just about individual performances, though. The team as a whole has been putting the clamps down defensively, especially in the second half of games, which has been a significant factor in their winning streak.
Cautious Optimism or Overhyped Expectations?
While it’s tempting to get swept up in the excitement, I can’t help but wonder if it’s too soon to declare the Spurs as playoff contenders. We’re only 17 or 18 games into the season, and while the foundation looks promising, it’s important to remember that this is still technically a rebuilding phase. The team is ahead of schedule, but there are still areas that need improvement, such as playing a complete 48 minutes consistently.
Fans are understandably hyped, and murals are popping up all over San Antonio, celebrating the team’s success. However, it’s crucial to temper expectations and not become prisoners of the moment. The Spurs have already surpassed their win total from this point last season, which is a positive sign, but there’s a long road ahead.
The key will be maintaining consistency and integrating players like Devin and Sohan back into the lineup effectively. If the team can continue to build on their current momentum and address any lingering issues, there’s no reason why they can’t make a legitimate push for the play-in tournament.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Spurs’ journey this season, tune into the Locked On Spurs podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Spurs Podcast:
- Exclusive Spurs merchandise highlights and where to find them
- A closer look at Castle’s potential as a future All-Star
- Discussion on the Spurs’ defensive strategies and their impact
- Insights into the team’s upcoming schedule and challenges ahead
Nov 27, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts to a call against the Sacramento Kings in the third quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images | Brad Rempel/Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Anthony Edwards went off on Wednesday night, and it wasn’t in the game.
The Timberwolves star had a lot of frustration to share after Minnesota lost to the Kings, and tallied their fourth straight loss in a row.
“We thought defense was our identity, and it’s not looking like that,” Edwards said in the locker room. “Our identity right now, me and Mike [Conley] was talking about it, I think is we soft as hell as a team, internally. Not to the other team, but like internally we soft, like we can’t talk to each other. Just a bunch of little kids, just like we playing with a bunch of little kids. Like everybody, like the whole team, we just can’t talk to each other and we gotta figure it out, man, because we can’t go down this road.”
He spoke at length, not holding much back, but the most interesting flag came in Edwards comments about the team as a whole. He noted that everyone on the team had their “own agenda”, which made it particularly difficult for him, as the de facto leader, to get them on the same page. Wolves beat reporter for the Star Tribune, Chris Hine, said Edwards lamented the team was “growing apart”, partly because it felt so difficult to have honest conversations with teammates.
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
Biz Former Timberwolves GM and current president of Paris Basketball David Kahn predicts the NBA will be in Europe “within two years” (EuroHoops)
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Fans A new mural in San Antonio featuring Victor Wembanyama has replaced the iconic Manu Ginobili artwork, reflecting the city’s excitement for the talented rookie. (Pounding the Rock)
Feel Good Reflecting on the 25th anniversary of Sean Elliott’s kidney transplant, a pivotal moment in Spurs history. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis Victor Wembanyama’s second season is drawing comparisons to LeBron James, as the young star strives to meet the generational hype with his performances. (CBS Sports)
LaMelo Ball Is Out On Friday - What Are The Fantasy Basketball Implications?
Nov 27, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) reacts after scoring a three point basket during the first half against the Miami Heat at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images | Sam Sharpe/Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images
As we gear up for a packed NBA schedule, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the game with the latest injury updates and strategic streaming options. With ten games on the horizon, there’s plenty to consider for your fantasy basketball lineup.
Injury Updates and Streaming Strategies
The New York Knicks and Charlotte Hornets face off in an early game, and the injury report has thrown a few curveballs. Precious Achiuwa and Mitchell Robinson are out for the Knicks, while the Hornets are missing key players like Mark Williams, Nick Richards, and Miles Bridges. The unexpected absence of LaMelo Ball due to a calf issue adds another layer of complexity. With Ball sidelined, Vasa Micic becomes a prime streaming target, offering value for both Friday and Saturday games. Keep an eye on Jalen Brunson, who seems to be finding his rhythm again, which is a positive sign for fantasy managers.
On the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks front, Darius Garland’s recent dip in usage and shooting is worth monitoring. Meanwhile, Trae Young’s impressive assist numbers continue to shine, despite some Achilles concerns. For streaming, Ty Jerome is a viable option if Dean Wade and Caris LeVert remain out, while DeAndre Hunter offers potential upside for the Hawks.
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.
