Spurs Week in Review: Disastrous defense returns in 0-4 week

Welcome to the Week in Review: a Monday feature that looks back at the week that was for the San Antonio Spurs, takes a look at the week ahead, and more. Enjoy!

Week 12: The Spurs covered the whole spectrum of game types in one week, with a disappointing loss, acceptable loss, satisfying loss, and a win.

Week 13: 0-4 (13-31, 27th in NBA) — 113-121 L @ Memphis Grizzles; 129-135 L @ Memphis Grizzlies; 113-144 L vs. Golden State Warriors; 119-132 L vs. Sacramento Kings

That was not a good week of basketball for one glaring reason: defense. The Spurs already have a historically bad defense and point-differential, but any NBA team that gives up an average of 133 points per game across four games deserves criticism. Back in early December, I wrote that the most maddening part of the Spurs’ horrific November slump was how bad their defense was, in large part because their scheme of double-teaming often leaves shooters wide open, and this young squad lacks the discipline to keep rotating.

That problem became extremely obvious again in three of their four games last week, beginning with a mini-series in Memphis (which was actually closer than I expected). The first game was a wash with both teams missing their top scorers, but the Grizzlies unsurprisingly had more depth to make up for it. But beginning with the second match-up, with Ja Morant returning to the line-up, a pretty good week on offense was wasted by that horrific defense. Double-team Morant (who still had 38 points)? Get burned by Desmond Bane and Jaron Jackson Jr, and the theme would continue from there.

Next, was Home at the Dome vs. the Warriors in front of an NBA record crowd of 68,323. While they had Steph Curry back from an 11-game absence, they were still the worst road team in the league with 3-16 record at the time. Between the crowd and Warriors’ road woes, I at least expected a competitive, exciting game. Instead, the pressure to perform seemed get the best of the young Spurs, while the Warriors relished in the moment and took advantage of a confused defense. The Spurs never had a chance after giving up over 40 points in both the second and third quarters, and the fourth was just extended garbage time.

Finally, the surprisingly 4th-seeded Kings visited town, and while the Spurs held the lead at halftime of an entertaining game, Sacramento became just another in a long line of teams that took advantage by hitting the open threes given to them and separated themselves from a Spurs team that is now 0-29 when trailing by double-digits this season. This squad will not have the fire power to outshoot high octane offenses on most nights, especially while Devin Vassell is out, so they must continue to work on improving the defensive side. They have the personnel (at least theoretically), now they need the discipline.

Lottery Odds

So far, the “upside” of losing isn’t paying off for the Spurs as well as some may have hoped, as the Pistons, Hornets and Rockets (10 straight losses!) continue to be worse. As a result, Even an 0-4 week got the Spurs no closer to a bottom three spot to share the top lottery odds. If there is an upside, the barrier between them and the 26th team (Orlando Magic) continues to gradually grow.

Tank-a-Rankings

John Schuhmann, NBA.com — N/A (last week: 27)

Coming Soon

Zach Harper, The Athletic — N/A (last week: 27)

Coming Soon

Enzo Flojo, Clutch Points — N/A (last week: 28)

Coming Soon

Coming up: Tues. 1/17 vs. Brooklyn Nets; Fri. 1/20 vs. Los Angeles Clippers

Prediction: 1-1 — Look at that: a relaxing week! It’s been a while since the Spurs (and fans) have had one of those. Even though the Nets are without Kevin Durant for at least another week, I don’t see the Spurs ending their losing streak in that game, especially with noted Spurs-killer Kyrie Irving coming to town. As for the Clippers, while they have Kawhi Leonard back from injury and Paul George is day-to-day, they have struggled of late, going 3-7 over their last 10 games. Maybe a well rested Spurs squad that has had a knack for taking advantage of middling teams at home can get a similar win again.