Victor Wembanyama, Spurs have plenty to figure out after 0-2 start

AUSTIN, Texas — The subtle significance of Victor Wembanyama’s potential game-tying layup attempt — resulting in an incredible block by Rockets wing Amen Thompson — should not be buried underneath the rubble of a surprising 0-2 start by the San Antonio Spurs. 

It would be unwise and disingenuous to shovel the bulk of blame for San Antonio’s sluggish showing on the Frenchman’s sleek shoulders. Yes, he shot just 3-for-11 in the second half (9-for-21 from the field overall) and succumbed to opposing, wide-ranging physicality for the second time this week. These are simply more hurdles for the superstar to maneuver on the path to basketball immortality — similar to a handful of his Finals mishaps. 

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But the Spurs’ overreliance on the 22-year-old in an attempt to override a season-opening embarrassment to Oklahoma City are symptoms of a lineup switch and three-guard approach that has yet to bear fruit. 

“We made some mistakes that were very costly,” Wembanyama said following the 114-110 loss at the Moody Center. “That’s our problem. We work hard for a time and then we go away. But it was better [than last game].”

For all the potential problems San Antonio’s three-pronged guard roulette can cause teams, Friday night was a prime example of the rough spots that still remain. The Spurs’ starters were minus-11 in 11 minutes together, producing a meager offensive rating of 76.4 and a walloping minus-47 net rating. Narrowing that production down to new starter Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox, San Antonio lost their minutes by 12, with just six assists to four turnovers. 

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Their issue is two-fold. Outside of Wembanyama, there’s not a true pecking order or offensive flow between the three guards, which can make things confusing in high-pressure moments. Fox was once again diminished in the final frame, both from usage and shot-creation standpoints, attempting just one shot compared to 10 combined from Castle and Harper.

Wembanyanma was naturally going to assume a more aggressive role after a subdued opener, which is another interesting angle given what we saw and heard in…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/victor-wembanyama-spurs-have-plenty-to-figure-out-after-0-2-start-072937010.html

Author : Kelly Iko

Publish date : 2026-10-24 07:29:00

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