Open Thread: What two nights in Phoenix says about the Spurs season
It’s still too soon rose-tint all of our glasses
The Spurs just bested the Phoenix Suns in two consecutive appearances. What was more impressive about the second game was that the Phoenix Suns inserted Devin Booker back into their line-up.
Booker, who was one rebound from a triple-double, scored 31 points after going scoreless in the first period. In typical form, he had no trouble getting his shots, drawing fouls, or having big moments. But his big moments were just not enough to phase the San Antonio Spurs.
So let’s pair the Spurs sweep in Phoenix with the Texas Rangers winning the World Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks and it becomes obvious that the Spurs will win the entire thing this year. Place your bets, boys and girls, the Spurs are going all the way.
While the assumption is ridiculous, it is no more ludicrous than writing off Victor Wembanyama after the first game of the season, or comparing him to Bol Bol simply because of height (I think Spurs Webb would have something to say about that).
What the first five games offer is reassuring while simultaneously promising absolutely nothing.
These Spurs are resilient.
In Halloween’s meeting with Kevin Durant and the Suns, the Spurs showed that they have the capability of coming back form a 20-point deficit to win against a team specifically designed to make a run toward the Finals this season. Think about those teams who have that one player who can consistently take over and finish games. Who would make your list of most feared opponents? LeBron, Stephen, Luka Doncic? Where would KD fit into that list? No matter, Keldon Johnson will just strip the ball from one of the biggest basketball stars on the planet and take the lead with 1.2 seconds left in the game.
On Thursday, the Spurs took an early lead with two big Phoenix stars on the court. A team as deliberately constructed as the Phoenix Suns were assuredly not going gentle into that good night, and with 4:20 left, the Suns had chipped away at the Spurs lead. A Keita Bates-Diop three tied that game at 116 a piece.
The Spurs then responded with a 10-0 run over the next 2 minutes 10 second, deflating the Suns and showing the basketball world that the Silver & Black are all right being under the microscope this season.
Five games is a small sample size, but what was shown is immeasurable.
The youngest team with the oldest coach fine tuning tomorrow’s stars in real time. Victor Wembanyama continues to progress as a player. The team continues to understand his capabilities meaning they will have to revamp what they know about the sport. Passing is different when your guy can catch from almost any spot. Three-point shooting will take on a new face as VW is double-teamed and players are open beyond the arc.
Sprinbkle in a few more games showcasing Victor’s scoring and teams will be altering their defensive strategies for one player on one team.
It’s about to get real right in front of our very eyes. But, put the rose-colored glasses away for now, you’ll want 100% clarity for every upcoming moment. Good or bad, each is valuable in what the guys learn from it.
What will we all learn from tomorrow’s game against the Raptors? Tune in and find out.
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