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, Wembanyama throttle the Pacers in Paris
Mar 29, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts after scoring a three point basket in overtime against the New York Knicks at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports | Scott Wachter/Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
The San Antonio Spurs put on a show for the Paris crowd, delivering a resounding 140-110 victory over the Indiana Pacers. This win wasn’t just another notch in the belt; it was a statement game that showcased the team’s potential and the star power of Victor Wembanyama.
From the opening tip, it was clear the Spurs came to play. They dominated every quarter, including a blistering 45-point third quarter that put the game out of reach. The team’s offensive efficiency was off the charts, shooting an impressive 60% from the field for the game and a scorching 72-74% in that decisive third period.
Wembanyama, playing in front of his home country crowd, didn’t disappoint. The French phenom put up a monster stat line with 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists. His performance was a perfect blend of skill and showmanship, giving the Parisian fans exactly what they came to see.
But this wasn’t just the Victor show. The entire team contributed to the win, with six players scoring in double figures. Harrison Barnes had an efficient 20-point outing, while Devin Vassell continued his hot streak with 25 points. Even Jeremy Sochan, coming off the bench, provided a spark with 13 points and 9 rebounds in just 17 minutes of play.
What stood out most was the team’s ball movement. The Spurs dished out an incredible 43 assists, showcasing the unselfish play that has become a hallmark of this young squad. This willingness to share the ball led to open looks and easy baskets, contributing to the team’s high shooting percentage.
Defensively, the Spurs stepped up their game as well. They held the Pacers to just 23 points in the third quarter while exploding for 45 of their own. This two-way dominance is exactly what we’ve been looking for from this team all season.
The atmosphere in Paris was electric, with French fans donning Spurs jerseys and cheering on their countryman, Wembanyama. The presence of Spurs legends like David Robinson, Manu Ginóbili, and Pau Gasol added to the special nature of the event.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Spurs’ performance in Paris, tune into the Locked On Spurs podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Spurs Podcast:
• Chris Paul’s impact on the team’s assist numbers
• The importance of consistency moving forward
• Preview of the second game against the Pacers in Paris
Jan 23, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) reacts following the win over Sacramento Kings at Ball Arena. | Ron Chenoy/Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
If you watch NBA basketball then you know 3-pointers are up. You know because you’re seeing it, night after night, no matter the team you follow. Matter of fact, if you look at this season’s 3-point attempts there is going to be a deep-court shooter on your team. It doesn’t mean they are making those shots, but boy, are they chucking them.
You likely also know because we can’t stop talking about it. The royal “we” in this case of NBA media, and then onto fans, then back to media in a never-ending cycle. You may be sick of hearing about threes at this, the halfway point of the 2024-2025 season but I’m sorry say — tough luck.
At least half tough luck. Threes aren’t going away — we can pretty plainly see this to be true night after night — but the good news is their volume and habituality will make it so sooner or later our approach to them is less wide-eyed and speculative than accepting. They’ll become the new normal.
No other athlete embodies this normalization better than the greatest NBA player in the world at present: Nikola Jokic.
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
Analysis The Spurs’ victory over the Pacers revealed significant insights into their team dynamics and strategies. Key takeaways include the impact of Wembanyama’s performance and the team’s defensive adjustments. (Pounding the Rock)
Feel Good In a heartwarming moment, Victor Wembanyama and Sandro Mamukelashvili engaged in a friendly half-court shot contest in Paris, showcasing their camaraderie and the light-hearted side of the Spurs. (Pounding the Rock)
Honor Legends were on hand to witness the Spurs in Paris, underscoring the NBA’s global reach and the historic significance of the game. Their presence added a layer of prestige to the event. (Sports Illustrated)
Ranking With the trade deadline approaching, the Spurs’ position in the latest NBA power rankings highlights their current form and potential areas for improvement. (Bleacher Report)
Analysis Victor Wembanyama is reshaping the NBA as we know it. (The Ringer)
Must Read The chosen one: Scottie Barnes as hope and saviour for the Raptors franchise. (Toronto Life)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Crucial Streaming Decisions in a Topsy-Turvy Week
Jan 15, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) in action against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher/Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
As we approach Friday’s NBA action, we’re faced with an unusual schedule that demands careful consideration for fantasy managers. With only three games on the slate, it’s a critical day for streaming, especially given the peculiar schedule ahead.
The coming week presents a unique challenge: over the next six days of NBA action, several teams have zero quality game days. This means that adding a streamer without careful planning could result in zero games played, effectively wasting a roster spot. Teams like the Nets, Celtics, Bulls, Mavericks, Nuggets, and Pistons all have three games over the next six days, but none on streamable days.
Portland stands out as the best team for streaming, with three quality games over the next six days. Philadelphia is the only other team with more than one, boasting two quality games. This schedule advantage makes players from these teams particularly valuable for the short term.
Friday’s games feature the Blazers vs. Hornets, Cavaliers vs. 76ers, and Pelicans vs. Grizzlies. All teams playing on Friday are part of a back-to-back, with Portland coming off a Thursday game and the others playing again on Saturday.
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.
