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’ defensive struggles: What’s going wrong?
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 are facing a significant challenge on the defensive end of the court. Despite having Victor Wembanyama, one of the most promising defensive talents in recent years, the team’s overall defensive performance has been alarmingly poor, especially during their current three-game losing streak.
Looking at the numbers, the Spurs’ defensive rating over the last three games has plummeted to a league-worst 131.9. This is a stark contrast to their season-long defensive rating of 114.2, which ranks them in the middle of the pack. The decline is particularly noticeable in the second half of games, where their defensive rating drops to an abysmal 158.7.
One of the key factors contributing to this defensive collapse appears to be the absence of Jeremy Sochan. His versatility and ability to guard multiple positions have been sorely missed. Without Sochan, the Spurs have often found themselves undersized against opponents who are deploying two big men to counter Wembanyama’s presence.
The team’s struggles are also evident in their rebounding and turnover statistics. During the three-game losing streak, the Spurs rank 24th in rebounding percentage and 20th in turnover percentage. These issues, combined with their defensive woes, have led to lopsided losses, with the team being outscored by significant margins, particularly in the second half.
Interestingly, the Spurs have shown flashes of solid defensive play, especially in the first half of games. Their first-half defensive rating during the losing streak is actually sixth-best in the league at 105.3. However, their inability to maintain this level of play throughout the game has been their downfall.
The coaching staff, led by Mitch Johnson, will need to make significant adjustments to address these issues. Potential solutions could include giving more minutes to Zach Collins, who has shown promise on the defensive end, or reverting to the starting lineup that began the season strongly.
As the Spurs prepare for their upcoming game against the Indiana Pacers in Paris, addressing these defensive concerns will be crucial. The Pacers, known for their fast-paced play, will pose a significant challenge to the Spurs’ struggling defense.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Spurs’ defensive struggles, tune into the Locked On Spurs podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Spurs Podcast:
• Preview of the Spurs vs. Pacers game in Paris
• The impact of pace on the Spurs’ recent losses
• Potential adjustments to the Spurs’ lineup and rotation
Nov 27, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) reacts after scoring a three point basket during the first half against the Miami Heat at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images | Sam Sharpe/Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images
Listen, it might not happen. LaMelo Ball currently leads the Eastern backcourt by a billion fan votes, giving him a substantial leg up in the race to be an All-Star starter. But that’s only half the accounting. He’ll have to do better than last year’s seventh-place voting among both media and players to snag himself a spot as a starter, or else his selection falls to the mercy of coaches who have historically valued winning.
But Ball undoubtedly is better than he was last year, or the year before, or even the year before that, when he did make the All-Star game as a reserve in just his second season. Health is a major reason; Ball played just 58 games in those two non-All-Star seasons, and he’s played half that many this year alone.
Is better enough? The progression isn’t linear; Ball has skipped into a whole new chart entirely, leaving behind the constraints of a two-dimensional line graph for a multi-dimensional view. That can confuse people, and confusion breeds distrust. He inspires a special dislike in people who consider themselves real basketball fans. They take the game Seriously and expect Ball to do the same.
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 Explore how the San Antonio Spurs are adopting French basketball terms as they prepare for their game in Paris. The article delves into cultural integration and its impact on players like Wembanyama and Cissoko. (Pounding The Rock)
Preview The Spurs are set to face the Indiana Pacers in Paris. This game preview covers key matchups, player insights, and what to watch for as the team takes the court overseas. (Pounding The Rock)
Injury R.C. Buford provides updates on Greg Popovich’s status ahead of Thursday’s game. The Spurs’ head coach’s health is under scrutiny as the team prepares for their Paris matchup. (Sports Illustrated)
Ranking In the 2024-25 Midseason Report Card, the Spurs receive their grades. The analysis breaks down team performance, strengths, and areas needing improvement. (Bleacher Report)
Rumor Surprising potential landing spots for top NBA trade targets have been identified. The San Antonio Spurs could be involved in these trade speculations, stirring up excitement and discussions. (Bleacher Report)
Preview The Spurs face the Pacers in Indiana at 7:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Must Read Mike Shearer of Basketball Poetry takes a look at who actually deserves to be in the 24-man All-Star game based on their season to this point.
NBA Fantasy Basketball Thursday Preview: Injury Updates, Streaming Options, and Key Matchups
Jan 19, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) walks off the court after greeting court-side friends following the victory over the San Antonio Spurs at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | Jim Rassol/Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
The NBA slate for Thursday features nine games, including an early start in Paris between the Spurs and Pacers. As we look ahead to the action, there are several key injury updates and streaming options to consider.
In the Spurs-Pacers matchup, Jeremy Sochan is the only player currently on the injury report, with indications he may return. For the Pacers, Aaron Nesmith’s recent return impacts the minutes distribution for players like Bennedict Mathurin and T.J. McConnell. Keep an eye on Stephon Castle as a potential streaming option for the Spurs.
The Blazers-Magic game has a lengthy injury list. For Portland, Deandre Ayton and Anfernee Simons are questionable, while Matisse Thybulle is out. On the Magic side, Jalen Suggs is out, Goga Bitadze is doubtful, and Franz Wagner is questionable to return. This game presents numerous streaming opportunities, with Robert Williams and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope as intriguing options.
Jimmy Butler Suspended
In an unsurprising turn of events, Jimmy Butler has been suspended for two games for missing a team flight. This situation continues to be frustrating for the Miami Heat and fantasy managers alike. With Butler out, look for increased opportunities for players like Caleb Martin and Nikola Jović.
Injury Updates and Streaming Options
As we approach Thursday’s games, it’s crucial to stay updated on injury reports and be prepared for early lineup locks, especially with the Paris game starting at 2 PM Eastern.
For more insights and a deeper dive into Thursday’s NBA action, tune into the Locked On Fantasy Basketball podcast for this and much more.
3peat (ICYMI)
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.
