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.
Spurs stats we like
Feb 23, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) gets the rebound against Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports | Gary A. Vasquez/Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Spurs’ Progress: Sharing the Ball and Holding Leads
As a dedicated San Antonio Spurs fan, it’s exciting to see the team making strides this season. With a .500 record of 12-12, the Spurs are showing signs of development and maturity, a significant improvement from last season. The presence of veterans like Zach Collins and Chris Paul is making a noticeable impact, and their influence is evident in the team’s performance on the court.
Ball Movement and Teamwork
One of the standout aspects of the Spurs’ game this season is their impressive ball movement. Currently ranked eighth in the league for assists, the team has a record of 9-4 when they record 28 or more assists in a game. This statistic highlights the Spurs’ commitment to sharing the ball and involving multiple players in the offense. While Victor Wembanyama is a key player, the contributions from Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, and Jeremy Sochan are crucial in ensuring the team isn’t overly reliant on one individual.
Chris Paul, a veteran point guard, is leading the team with an average of 8.5 assists per game. His role as a facilitator is vital, and his ability to distribute the ball effectively is a significant reason for the Spurs’ success in this area. Paul recently moved to the number two spot on the NBA’s all-time assists leaderboard, underscoring his importance to the team. Behind Paul, Collins and Wembanyama also contribute to the team’s assist numbers, with Wembanyama showing potential as a facilitator.
Holding Leads and Veteran Influence
Another positive development for the Spurs is their ability to hold onto leads, starkly contrasting last season’s struggles. When leading after the third quarter, the Spurs boast a 9-1 record, and they remain undefeated at home in similar situations. This ability to maintain leads is a testament to the team’s growth and the influence of experienced players like Paul and Harrison Barnes.
The presence of these veterans provides stability and guidance, helping younger players like Wembanyama and Tre Jones remain composed in high-pressure situations. The Spurs’ improved performance in holding leads clearly indicates their maturation and understanding of the game.
While there are still areas for improvement, such as starting games strong, the Spurs are on the right track. The combination of veteran leadership and young talent creates a promising foundation for the team’s future success.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Spurs’ progress, 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’s leadership on the Spurs’ young roster
- Analysis of the Spurs’ defensive improvements this season
- A look at the Spurs’ upcoming schedule and key matchups
- Fan comments and reactions to recent Spurs performances
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots over Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) during the first quarter in game six of the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center. | Kevin Jairaj/Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Whether you’re an NBA Cup convert or still a little dubious about the necessity of the in-season tournament, a primer might help. For one, the format has grown slightly less confusing moving into the eight team, single-elimination round — win or go home is pretty simple to follow. And if you’re hoping to soak up all the basketball you can in the minimal stretch of it through the next 10 days of Cup contention, you’re stuck with the tournament.
Let’s look at the four teams hitting the floor tonight.
Orlando Magic vs. Milwaukee Bucks
The Magic were delivered a particularly cruel blow to what’s been a hybrid Cinderella and simultaneously gritty season, with Franz Wagner’s injury. Wagner is out with a torn right oblique, the same injury the Magic’s star and his running mate, Paolo Banchero, is out with. Wagner’s timeline is indefinite, while Banchero is gearing up for a return, but there’s a slim chance it will come within the In-Season’s tournaments bounds. The Magic don’t want nor have any reason to rush things.
That said, this team has shown a next man up mentality in its extremes. What’s usually a coach-coded turn of phrase is taken literally by Orlando’s roster. On Sunday against the Suns, Goga Bitadze put up 21 points, Jalen Suggs had 26, Cole Anthony chipped in 14 and Franz Wagner’s elder brother, Moritz Wagner, came up with 10. All down the roster, everyone is doing a little bit of everything, and while the frustration is certainly there in losing two of their best players, it’s not what’s fuelling their effort.
The Bucks won’t be an easy team to beat, but the Magic will throw everything at them.
The Bucks are coming off a losing skid, beating the Nets over the weekend, are playing at home, and have gone undefeated in tournament games. Gary Trent Jr., who started the season off quiet, has looked great and Bobby Portis, who some fans have felt a cooling off for, is still filling the gaps where his team needs him to. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard have averaged 29.3 points in tournament play, and Khris Middleton is back to round out that arsenal of very deep shooting.
Still, they find a unique matchup with the Magic though, given that Orlando’s defence allows the least amount of threes in the league. Even short-handed, the Magic will be pushing Milwaukee’s shooting threats as far out as they can, or else double- and triple-teaming them.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Mavs have found their footing after a slippery start to the season, winning seven of their last eight matches. Simultaneously, Luka Doncic was named Western Conference Player of the Week — he’s been averaging 29.3 points, 11.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game over the last week.
The last time the Mavs and Thunder faced each other, OKC was short Chet Holmgren, Alex Caruso, and Isaiah Hartenstein and the Mavs were with Doncic. Now, all but Holmgren are back on the floor on what’s going to be a fun, potentially chippy, and playoff preview style game.
Doncic is traditionally loathe to hide his in-game reactions and mood, while the Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is unreadable, cool as anything partially as a way to further frustrate opponents. The two of them face-to-face, given their signature handles, disruptive flow, and steps ahead playmaking makes for a compelling matchup with an extra layer of body language translation.
The one weakness OKC has that the Mavs can capitalize on is bullying Hartenstein and hoping for early foul trouble. As the big man’s come back into the Thunder’s typical small-ball rotation, he’s been getting into foul trouble. It’s been manageable, but the Mavs will be looking to press it.
Both these teams are at different points in their competitive trajectories; the Mavs have felt a regression while the Thunder are finally and fully surging with confidence and the skill to back it up. It feels a little like a contested passing of the West’s proverbial torch, with OKC hungry for it and Dallas’ loathe to give it up. It’ll be good basketball.
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
Milestone Chris Paul’s teammates celebrated his latest assist milestone with a heartfelt tribute video. This achievement cements Paul’s legacy as one of the game’s greatest playmakers. (Pounding the Rock)
Analysis Exploring the San Antonio Spurs’ rebuild process, this analysis delves into the strategies and decisions shaping the team’s future. (Sports Illustrated)
Must Read How the Raptors’ RJ Barrett ended up exactly where he needs to be. (SportsNet)
Friday, Dec. 13 | 7:00PM | Moda Center, Portland, OR | Get Tickets
Timberwolves @ Spurs
Sunday, Dec. 15 | 6:00PM | Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX | Get Tickets
Hawks @ Spurs
Thursday, Dec. 19 | 7:00PM | Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX | Get Tickets
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
NBA Cup Quarterfinals: Key Fantasy Basketball Streaming Strategies
Dec 8, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50) dribbles the ball against the Phoenix Suns in the second quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images | Jeremy Reper/Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images
As we gear up for the NBA Cup quarterfinals, it’s crucial to identify where the streaming value lies for fantasy basketball enthusiasts. With only two games on Tuesday, the schedule is light, but the potential for strategic plays is significant.
Orlando Magic vs. Milwaukee Bucks
The Orlando Magic face off against the Milwaukee Bucks, with the Bucks entering as seven-point favourites. The Magic are dealing with significant injuries, with Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Gary Harris out, while Jonathan Isaac is questionable. This opens up opportunities for Cole Anthony, who is expected to step up in the absence of key players. Anthony’s scoring potential makes him a valuable addition to your fantasy roster, especially with the Magic needing someone to fill the scoring void.
On the Bucks’ side, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and MarJon Beauchamp are listed as probable.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Dallas Mavericks take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in what promises to be an exciting matchup. The Thunder are slight favourites, and both teams have straightforward schedules, playing Tuesday and then either Saturday or Sunday, depending on the outcome.
The status of Paul Washington Jr. and Naji Marshall is uncertain, which could lead to increased minutes for players like Spencer Dinwiddie and Quentin Grimes.
Click the button below to get more tips on streaming options for this week of action.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Spurs podcasts.
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