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’ woes: A deeper look at the loss vs. the Bucks
Nov 7, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs acting head coach Mitch Johnson gives directions in the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images | Daniel Dunn/Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
The San Antonio Spurs took a tough loss against the Milwaukee Bucks, falling 121-105 in a game that highlighted our ongoing offensive struggles. As we dissect the defeat, it’s clear that our inability to generate consistent offense was the primary culprit.
Our shooting percentages were abysmal, with the team collectively shooting just 36% from the field. Devin Vassell, typically a reliable scorer, went 4-for-17. Even Victor Wembanyama, despite securing a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, couldn’t dominate as he has in recent games.
The lack of reliable outside shooting is becoming a glaring issue for our squad. Opposing defenses are sagging off our shooters, daring us to beat them from the perimeter. This strategy is proving effective, as we’re unable to make them pay consistently from long range.
Chemistry and Ball Movement Concerns
Beyond the poor shooting, our offensive woes stem from a lack of chemistry and ball movement. We’ve regressed from the fluid, sharing style of play we demonstrated earlier in the season. Instead, we’re seeing more one-on-one attempts and forced shots in traffic.
The absence of Jeremy Sochan was felt, particularly on the defensive end. However, our issues run deeper than missing a single player. The team seems to be struggling to find its identity, with various lineup combinations disrupting the flow we had established earlier in the year.
Fourth Quarter Collapse
Perhaps most concerning is our performance in the fourth quarter during this three-game losing streak. Our offensive rating plummets to a league-worst 77.3 in the final frame, resulting in a net rating of minus-42.9. This inability to close out games speaks to a lack of grit and determination that needs to be addressed immediately.
Chris Paul and the coaching staff have hinted at the team’s softness, suggesting that we need to develop a tougher mentality to compete at the highest level. As we look ahead to our next matchup against the Lakers, it’s clear that we need to rediscover our early-season form and play with more purpose and intensity.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Spurs’ recent struggles, tune into the Locked On Spurs podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Spurs Podcast:
• Analysis of individual player performances against the Bucks
The Cavs, the Thunder, and the joy of a job well done
Jan 8, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Caris LeVert (3) during the first half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. | Ken Blaze/Imagn Images
The ESPN broadcast had its usual coach interview at the start of the fourth quarter, but the dialogue was far from typical. Instead of anodyne coach-speak, a smiling Kenny Atkinson marveled at the basketball being played before him.
“What a great basketball game,” the Cavaliers coach gushed. “I wish I could just sit back and watch it.”
As someone who did precisely that, I can say that Atkinson sure wasn’t wrong.
Cleveland/OKC had something for everyone. There were loud dunks, post moves, occasional but far from overwhelming flurries of three-pointers, high-level shotmaking, ping-pong ball movement, and great all-around defense (despite what the final score might indicate).
The major players exerted maximum effort on both sides and played more than their usual share of minutes. Coaches unveiled tactical adjustments at a lightning pace, counters to counters at a rate you usually only see in the playoffs. There was even a lot of zone defense (which, if you read Basketball Poetry, you would’ve been prepared for!). The refs were largely inobtrusive and inconsequential.
Frankly, if you didn’t like this game, there’s not much hope for you.
Something that struck me halfway through an exquisite third quarter: everyone on the court was simply doing their job. I don’t love how that sentence reads on paper; it makes it sound like a dull affair, people clocking in and clocking out before going to a chain bar with flashing neon signs instead of character for their preferred domestic light pilsner of choice.
That couldn’t be further from the truth. What is an NBA player’s job if not to entertain?
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Analysis Victor Wembanyama’s performance is critically evaluated, noting his impact alongside teammates like Mamukelashvili and Sochan. The article dives into key player dynamics shaping the Spurs. (Pounding the Rock)
Stat In a tough loss to the Bucks, the Spurs were overpowered, with key statistics underscoring areas for improvement and strategic adjustments. (Sports Illustrated)
Milestone Victor Wembanyama’s ascent continues as he surpasses Curry on Bleacher Report’s 2025 NBA MVP Leaderboard, signaling his burgeoning impact in the league. (Bleacher Report)
Watch Victor Wembanyama dazzled fans with highlight plays against Giannis and the Bucks, showcasing his incredible talent despite the team’s loss. (Bleacher Report)
Analysis A look at the state of zone defense in the NBA. Who’s running it, and who isn’t? (Basketball Poetry)
Must Read NBA greats think this D-II coach is a basketball genius. So why don’t you know who Jim Crutchfield is? (The Athletic)
Analysis Is this the worst rookie class in modern NBA history? Jared Dubin examines box-score production to compare this year’s rookies to the past. (Last Night in Basketball)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Must-Add Players and Surprising Drops
Jan 7, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) is defended by Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images | John Hefti/John Hefti-Imagn Images
As we approach the NBA trade deadline, it’s crucial to stay on top of the fantasy basketball waiver wire. Let’s dive into the most added and dropped players over the last 48 hours, and discuss some must-roster options for your fantasy teams.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. tops the list of most added players on Basketball Monster. While he’s had two solid games recently, I’m cautious about his long-term value, especially if Jimmy Butler is traded. Remember, any incoming player in a Butler trade could easily take over his role and minutes.
Ryan Dunn is another popular add, likely due to the Suns’ five-game week. However, he’s not a long-term hold for 12-team leagues. Use him for the extra games this week, but be prepared to move on quickly.
Kelly Oubre Jr. is seeing increased opportunities with Paul George out, making him a solid short-term add. Naji Marshall has also been playing well and is worth considering, despite a recent poor shooting night.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Spurs podcasts.
Fan episode: How do fans grade the San Antonio Spurs at the mid-season?
The San Antonio Spurs are making waves in the NBA, with star players like Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell leading the charge.
But how do Spurs fans feel about the team at the mid-season point?
Emergency show: Reacting to the latest San Antonio Spurs-De’Aaron Fox rumor
On this emergency episode of Locked On Spurs, host Jeff Garcia welcomes Jack Thompson, formerly with San Antonio Spurs Star, and Spurs on Sports Illustrated’s Matt Guzman, to react to the latest rumor involving the San Antonio Spurs and Kings guard De’Aaron Fox.
San Antonio Spurs in Paris wrap up; Midseason grades: The guards
The San Antonio Spurs, led by rising star Victor Wembanyama, recently showcased their skills in Paris, leaving fans buzzing about their potential. With the NBA season at its midpoint, the Spurs’ performance, especially the contributions of their guards, is under the microscope.
