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’ Wembanyama + Vassell: Dynamic duo in action
Jan 27, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) warms up before a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports | Scott Wachter/Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
Spurs’ Resilience Shines in Sacramento Comeback
The San Antonio Spurs showcased their tenacity and growth in a thrilling victory over the Sacramento Kings, overcoming a significant deficit to secure a 127-125 win. As a Spurs writer, I couldn’t be more impressed with the team’s resilience and the standout performances that fueled this comeback.
Victor Wembanyama’s Dominance
Victor Wembanyama was the star of the night, delivering a remarkable performance with his third career triple-double. He tallied 34 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists in just 36 minutes. His aggressive approach, particularly his willingness to attack the paint stood out. Wembanyama’s ability to recognize and capitalize mismatches was evident, as he confidently took advantage of smaller defenders like Malik Monk. His efficiency was notable, shooting 65% from the field and connecting on five three-pointers. This level of play is precisely what the Spurs need from their generational talent as they continue their rebuild.
Devin Vassell’s Impact
Devin Vassell also played a crucial role in the victory, contributing 21 points on 8-for-12 shooting. His ability to make tough shots and provide balanced scoring throughout the game was impressive. Vassell’s return to form is a positive sign for the Spurs, as he continues to build chemistry with Wembanyama and the rest of the team. The question now is whether Vassell will reclaim his starting position or continue to bolster the bench, adding depth and scoring punch to the second unit.
The Spurs’ bench was a significant factor in the win, contributing 45 points. This depth is a testament to the team’s development and the potential for a potent second unit. Players like Julian Champagnie and Keldon Johnson have stepped up, providing valuable contributions off the bench. As the team gets healthier, the rotation decisions will become more challenging, but it’s a good problem to have.
The Spurs’ victory over the Kings highlighted their growth and resilience, but it also underscored the need for better starts. Falling behind early in games can be risky, and while the Spurs’ ability to mount comebacks is commendable, they must avoid consistently putting themselves in such positions. The Spurs are still rebuilding, but the progress is evident, and the future looks promising.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Spurs’ performance and prospects, tune into the Locked On Spurs podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Spurs Podcast:
- The impact of Chris Paul on the Spurs’ young roster
- Analyzing the Spurs’ bench depth and potential rotations
- The latest updates on Trey Jones’ injury status
- A look ahead to the Spurs’ upcoming matchup against the Phoenix Suns
December 1, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) celebrates against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | Kyle Terada/Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
You’d be forgiven if, a quarter of the way through the season (yes), you haven’t given the following teams that much attention. Maybe your main rooting interest has been struggling, and it’s taken all your psychic energy to will them through the slump. Better yet, maybe your team is thriving and you’ve been enjoying the ride. Maybe you’re still looking for a team to get behind, in which case, the following three franchises would make great options.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks being on this list has not alleviated my general wariness of the Hawks as a whole, but they’ve been playing through some of the things that make me doubt them. First, the Hawks love to play up. That is, they tend to excel against technically better and markedly more skilled teams; teams farther along the competitive timeline that I always get they feeling Atlanta would rather emulate than put the work in to be at the same level with.
This season, the Hawks are still playing up — they’ve beat the best in conference Cavaliers twice — but they’re recognizing what should be easy wins, like against the Charlotte Hornets. With Trae Young injured and in and out of the lineup, Atlanta’s bench has provided some of the most needed and entertaining offensive bursts in the league, with De’Andre Hunter back with a vengeance after being out for 10 games with a knee injury. Hunter’s regularly putting up 20-plus points per night, and hounding the glass.
Atlanta has a string of high-low games this week, facing the Pelicans, Bucks, Lakers and Nuggets, which should be an ample test to whether they can play and stay consistent.
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
Analysis The NBA logo challenge provides an engaging look at how the San Antonio Spurs fare against other teams’ branding. This analysis dives into the cultural and historical significance of each logo. (Pounding The Rock)
Milestone The San Antonio Spurs overcame a shaky start to dethrone the Sacramento Kings, marking a significant achievement for Victor Wembanyama and the team’s resilience. (Pounding The Rock)
Replay The Spurs secured a thrilling comeback win over the Kings with a final score of 127-125. Key plays and strategies turned the tide in this nail-biting match. (Pounding The Rock)
Milestone Jimmy Butler misses shot so Bam Adebayo can record a triple-double in Heat win (Bleacher Report)
NBA Cup: Spurs @ Suns Tuesday, Dec. 03 | 7:00 PM | Footprint Center (Phoenix, AZ) | Get Tickets
Bulls @ Spurs
Thursday, Dec. 05 | 7:00 PM | Frost Bank Center (San Antonio, TX) | Get Tickets
Kings @ Spurs
Friday, Dec. 06 | 7:00 PM | Frost Bank Center (San Antonio, TX) | Get Tickets
3peat (ICYMI)
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.
