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.
Throwing out solutions for the struggling San Antonio Spurs
Mar 27, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) drives as Utah Jazz forward Brice Sensabaugh (8) defends during the third quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports | Rob Gray/Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
The San Antonio Spurs are currently facing a challenging stretch, having disappointingly dropped their last three games. What’s particularly concerning is not just the losses themselves, but how they’re occurring. The team has been competitive in the first half of these games, only to see things unravel dramatically in the second half.
Looking at the numbers, the contrast between the Spurs’ first and second-half performances is stark. In the first half of these games, they’ve posted a respectable offensive rating of 112 (17th in the league) and a solid defensive rating of 105.3. However, the second half tells a completely different story. Their offensive rating plummets to 109.9 (22nd in the NBA), while their defensive rating nosedives to a league-worst 158.7.
The third quarter has been especially problematic. Within this three-game losing streak, the Spurs’ offensive rating in the third quarter has fallen to 92.5, while their defensive rating has ballooned to an abysmal 159.3, dead last in the league. It’s as if the team simply loses focus and energy coming out of halftime.
So, what can be done to right the ship? One potential solution is to recommit to defense. While the team may lack consistent offensive firepower beyond Victor Wembanyama, a renewed focus on the defensive end could help keep games competitive. The return of Zach Collins, while not a cure-all, could provide a boost in this area.
Another option worth considering is shaking up the rotation. The Spurs’ original starting five of Collins, Chris Paul, Harrison Barnes, Malaki Branham, and Wembanyama was effective earlier in the season. Reverting to this lineup, even if it means moving Devin Vassell to the bench, could help stabilize both the starting unit and the second team.
Addressing the bench’s recent struggles is crucial. In the last five games, the Spurs’ bench production has slipped to 17th in the league, a significant drop from their season-long ranking of 6th. Strengthening the second unit could provide the consistency needed to maintain leads or remain competitive throughout all four quarters.
Ultimately, finding ways to support Wembanyama is key. While the rookie sensation has been impressive, he can’t do it all alone. The supporting cast, including veterans like Barnes and emerging players like Vassell, must step up consistently to take some pressure off the young star.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Spurs’ current challenges and potential solutions, tune into the Locked On Spurs podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Spurs Podcast:
• Analysis of the Spurs’ dramatic drop-off in defensive rating from first to second half
• Discussion on whether opposing teams have “figured out” the Spurs
• Updates on Victor Wembanyama’s recent performances and the need for supporting cast to step up
Jan 19, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dunks against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Paycom Center. | Alonzo Adams/Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Back with the second half of our midseason report specifically focusing on changes with a farther reaching affect than just this season. A midseason report adjusted for inflation, if you will. If you missed the first half, you can find it here.
Shifting hardware
If Shai Gilgeous-Alexander takes home the MVP trophy this season (as predicted in this newsletter back in mid-October), we’re in for a shift. While merit for the award comes down to performance, it also hinges on a slew of other factors, and some of those skew intangible.
The pool of MVP candidates, season-to-season, stays largely the same because athletes who are that good tend to stay good for stable stretches of time and because once someone has gained our attention, we don’t tend to shift it. We’re creatures of habit, and the people tasked with MVP voting are, too.
Thunder fans have been banging the SGA drum for seasons now, but it’s just this year that he’s finally managed to break through into the broader collective consciousness. We give a lot of weight to the concept of “readiness”, as in, when young athletes break through an invisible barrier and are able to handle some combination of the spotlight, leadership responsibilities, consistent high-level competition, and yes, award consideration.
The reality of readiness is that it’s mostly reached through repetition. Occasionally that’s accelerated through a trade — Henry Abbott at TrueHoop wrote a compelling case on how this could be true for Houston’s Jabari Smith Jr.
Household names get that way because we’ve said them so many times, not because some invisible cue or professional marker was met.
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
Fans Oui, s’il vous plait. Check out the Spurs’ exclusive pop-up shop at Maison NBA House in Paris for unique merchandise and fan experiences, coinciding with their game against the Indiana Pacers. (Pounding the Rock)
Rumor A wild trade idea suggests Zach LaVine could be a potential target for the Spurs, sparking intrigue and speculation about how he would fit into the team’s dynamics. (Bleacher Report)
Celebrate San Antonio Spurs rookie Stephon Castle is set to participate in the 2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, promising an exciting showcase of his athletic skills. (CBS Sports)
Analysis The Sixers and Suns’ struggles won’t end “Big Threes” in the NBA. (Forbes)
Watch Inside the NBA: On MLK Day, a look back at the movement to overcome. (ESPN)
NBA Tuesday Fantasy Basketball Preview: Streaming Options and Injury Updates
Jan 11, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Miami Heat center Kel’el Ware (7) dunks the basketball during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen/Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
As we look ahead to Tuesday’s NBA action, there are several key storylines and player situations to monitor. With five games on the schedule, fantasy managers have some interesting decisions to make regarding lineups and streaming options.
The Brooklyn Nets are dealing with multiple injury concerns. Ben Simmons is probable to return from illness, while D’Angelo Russell is questionable with hamstring tightness. This creates uncertainty around playing time and roles. Nic Claxton’s value is also in question due to inconsistent minutes and performance. For streaming purposes, Noah Clowney could be worth a look if Simmons sits.
One of the biggest spots to watch is what Miami does with rookie big man Kel’el Ware. Ware started the second half last game, next to Bam Adebayo, and is a guy to grab in case he begins a run of being a starter.
In Orlando, the Magic will be without Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, and Goga Bitadze. This opens up opportunities for Wendell Carter Jr. and Cole Anthony to see increased usage. Both are solid streaming options in most formats for Tuesday’s matchup against Toronto.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Fantasy Basketball Podcast:
• Schedule analysis for the upcoming week
• Five-game and two-game team outlooks
• Deeper league streaming targets
3peat (ICYMI)
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Spurs podcasts.
The San Antonio Spurs are in a brutal losing skid The San Antonio Spurs face a challenging period with a three-game losing streak, raising questions about their performance in the NBA. The team’s struggles, particularly in the third quarter, are a hot topic.
Where have the San Antonio Spurs not improved? Can the San Antonio Spurs overcome their shooting woes and lack of physicality to rise in the NBA ranks? As the Spurs continue their rebuild, questions loom about their roster construction and the need for a second star to support Victor Wembanyama.
Where have the San Antonio Spurs improved? The San Antonio Spurs are turning heads this NBA season with a revitalized mindset and competitive edge. With star players like Victor Wembanyama and Keldon Johnson leading the charge, the Spurs are no longer the team that endured an 18-game losing streak.
