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 don’t like
Nov 6, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina/Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Spurs Struggles: Free Throws and Three-Point Woes
As a dedicated San Antonio Spurs fan, it’s crucial to keep a pulse on the team’s performance metrics that might be holding them back this season. While the Spurs have shown improvement compared to last year, there are still some stats that are cause for concern. Let’s dive into two key areas that need attention: free throw shooting and three-point accuracy.
Free Throw Frustrations
The Spurs’ free throw performance is one of the most glaring issues this season. Starting the season with a decent 80% in October, the team has seen a decline, dropping to 75% in December. This inconsistency at the charity stripe is troubling, especially when games can be won or lost by a few points. The Spurs are getting to the line more frequently, with 28 attempts in December compared to 21 in November, but the conversion rate needs to improve. Free throws often reflect a team’s maturity and focus, and for the Spurs, this is an area ripe for development.
Three-Point Troubles
Another area of concern is the Spurs’ three-point shooting. The team started the season with a 32% success rate from beyond the arc in October, improved slightly to 35% in November, but has since regressed back to 32% in December. This erratic performance significantly affects their losses, as today’s NBA heavily relies on three-point efficiency. The Spurs are making only 13 three-pointers per game while attempting 39, which is insufficient to keep up with the league’s best. Players like Victor Wembanyama and Julian Champagnie have shown potential, but the team as a whole needs to elevate their game to a more respectable level.
The Spurs’ struggles with free throws and three-point shooting highlight areas that need immediate attention. Addressing these issues could be the difference between staying competitive and falling behind. For more insights and a deeper dive into the Spurs’ performance, tune into the Locked On Spurs podcast.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Spurs Podcast:
- The impact of Victor Wembanyama’s playing style on the team’s dynamics
- A discussion on the potential of Jeremy Sochan and his role in the team
- Fan comments and reactions to the Spurs’ current season performance
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) waves to the crowd after making a three point shot in against the New York Knicks in the fourth quarter during game five in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. | Wendell Cruz/Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
A strange development of last night’s first round of quarter finals matchups is that I wasn’t anticipating having my heart break for the Orlando Magic. What an effort by a team that has been told over and over again that they are both down and out, and still refuses to acknowledge the veracity of either point.
Orlando’s game against Milwaukee felt contentious, engaged, and energetic, a game with stakes. The NBA Cup has been drawing out competition across the board but I have to give the Magic credit for showing up on the stage the tournament set. That was all them, and all heart.
But enough gushing (for now), onto tonight’s final two games.
Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks
There are a handful of athletes in the NBA, anywhere really, comfortable with playing the villain. Trae Young is one of them. Young has leaned into every opportunity to add fuel to the fire of Knicks’ fans disdain for the showy shooter, a grudge going strong since the 2021 playoffs.
It’ll be tougher for Young to take a bow against this Knicks team.
Though they were slower to get on the same page, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns have synced up as maybe the best and most overpowering offensive duo in the league. The Knicks are first overall in points scored per 100 possessions since the start of this season, and second overall in their effective field goal percentage. In their efficiency differential — points per 100 possessions minus points allowed — they trail only the heavy hitters of the season: OKC, Boston, Cleveland and Memphis. Things are clicking in New York.
The Hawks have had a string of injuries, notably Jalen Johnson and Bogdan Bogdanovic/ De’Andre Hunter and Young himself are both listed as probable for the game in New York. The silver lining, beyond whatever happens inside Young’s brain when he gets within the municipality limits for New York City, is that the Hawks have a 5-1 record against the Cavs, Celtics, Knicks and Bucks this season — this team loves to play up. They’ve also taken a defensive jump, are 6th in the league for offensive rebounds thanks to Johnson, rookie Zaccharie Risacher has been a boon, and Atlanta doesn’t mind playing the pest.
Whether this will be the kind of number found on Broadway or off, it’ll be a show.
Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets
What the Rockets aren’t generous about is their defence — the team is one of the most smothering defenders in the league. What they are generous about have been their fines, with head coach Ime Udoa and guard Fred VanVleet ponying up (you’ll be happy to know all fines go to charity). Houston will need all of its efforts in the former to beat the Warriors tonight.
Where the Rockets can’t do much defensively has been way out in the offensive no man’s land of the floor, the place where Steph Curry thrives. The Warriors have a 15 game winning streak going against Houston, largely because of Curry, in general, and lately because of where he capitalizes his efforts against a young team he can easily disorganize with his disruptive shooting.
Houston’s opportunities come in second chance points when they blitz the glass, in pressuring turnovers, and in playing very close basketball. The Rockets are one of the worst shooting teams in the NBA and yet, they’ve made it work, digging in to make every possession matter. The Warriors are in a slump, but the duo of Curry and Draymond Green can make light work of any team when they’re on the floor, Jonathan Kuminga continues to climb, and head coach Steve Kerr’s said that Andrew Wiggins should see minutes tonight.
Udoka called the Rockets last game against the Warriors, when they were thoroughly pummelled, one of the team’s “softest games” since his arrival, so there’s plenty of incentive for Houston to take the win tonight. Those are also the kinds of games, and hopes, that Steph Curry loves to snuff out like a candle.
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 transformed into “Santa Wemby” to spread holiday cheer at Opportunity Homes. Julian Champagnie joined as his elf, bringing smiles to many faces. (Pounding The Rock)
Analysis The NBA’s three-point problem is rooted in quality over quantity, emphasizing the need for strategic shot selection. This analysis delves into how better shot quality can enhance game efficiency. (Pounding The Rock)
Rumor Top 2026 NBA Draft pick AJ Dybantsa expressed his desire to play for the San Antonio Spurs, making waves in the basketball community. Dybantsa’s statement has fans excited for future possibilities. (Pounding The Rock)
Celebrate Here’s why Jared McCain is using his platform to highlight women’s sports. (Inquirer)
Analysis Trae Young has beef with the Knicks — this is why. (Sporting News)
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Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Takeaways From Tuesday’s NBA Cup Games
Dec 10, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots over Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) and center Dereck Lively II (2) during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams/Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
NBA Cup Quarterfinals: Winners, Losers, and Fantasy Takeaways
Two of the four NBA Cup quarterfinal games are in the books, and it’s time to dissect the outcomes and what it means for fantasy managers.
One of the most pressing issues is the status of Immanuel Quickley. Despite the frustration surrounding his limited playtime due to injury, I firmly believe in his potential as a top 50 player this season. However, if you’re struggling with multiple injuries on your roster, it might be time to reconsider holding onto him. Evaluate your roster carefully and weigh Quickley’s potential against the immediate needs of your team.
Scottie Barnes’ situation is equally concerning. Although initial X-rays were negative, the possibility of a Lisfranc injury looms large. If confirmed, this could sideline Barnes for a significant portion of the season. Fantasy managers should brace for his absence and explore alternative options to fill the void.
Waiver Wire Trends and Player Evaluations
The waiver wire has been buzzing with activity, and several players have emerged as hot commodities. Kelly Olynyk’s rise in popularity is likely a response to Barnes’ injury, but his role remains uncertain. While Olynyk is a solid fantasy option, his long-term value is questionable given his defensive limitations and the presence of younger, more versatile players.
Cole Anthony’s recent performance has sparked debate among fantasy managers. Despite a lackluster shooting night, the decision to add him was sound, given the Magic’s need for shot generation. It’s crucial to focus on the process rather than the immediate results when evaluating players like Anthony. His role may fluctuate, but the potential for future contributions remains.
Click the button below to get a full breakdown on who fantasy managers should keep an eye on after last night’s games.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Spurs podcasts.
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