Now that I’ve had some time to digest this game, the main impression of us was that being overwhelmed by our inability to make shots got to us on both ends, and it affected our compete level. Games like this is when Pop stands out all the more as mentally toughest. And that’s how it should be, but you want the players to channel that more, too. When they don’t, it reminds us of the room we have to grow.
In the first half we shot 40.9FG% and 33.3% from 3 (connecting on 3-9) yet allowed almost 9% more on each. By the end of the game, our FG% increased slightly, and our 3% decreased slightly, while we hit 9-15FTs; neither number is good by our standards. That first half FG% was marred in part by so many missed bunnies. We have to get fundamentals reinforced in our heads and put the ball in off glass wherever possible or down with both hands. On the other end, we did not do well enough to get physical on them, and allowed too many, too open 3s on too many chances because of late rotations.
We had only 7 turnovers so ball protection was good, but 17 assists hinted at our laboured scoring. That Jakob led us in assists, and that he did so with 4, shows our offense was not coming from where or how we normally generate it. When we’re flowing on offense, assists are spread among more Spurs and they’re most often generated by our guards who are looking to exploit P&Rs, finding open lanes, driving and kicking, or finding open team mates when doubled. Good for Jakob for stepping up, having an efficient all around game (12 points on 6-7, 7 rebounds, including team-high 4 on O). He, along with Derrick and DeMar (and to a lesser extend Beli who wasn’t great but better than before) found ways to contribute offensively. But that no Spur scored more than 17 points even though four of five starters were in double figures highlights that we did not create the good to great scoring chances we have been.
LMA had the only double double with 17 and 10 (7-13, 1-1 from 3, 2-3FTs, 2 steals, 1 block) but this is a case of such stats masking some really poor play, especially in the third because of which he flat out needed to sit. I was a bit harsh on him on the GB during the game, but it was rare to see him settling for bad outside Js, turning it over with weak telegraphed passes, fouling recklessly. It looked like frustration was taking over and he was making poor decisions on both ends.
He sat all of the fourth last game, and I wondered if he’d see court time after being subbed out with about 5 minutes left in the third of this one, but Pop put him back in to start the fourth. We had a hard time running our P&R much of the game, but we went back to basics and he and Derrick were able to run some successfully and he hit his shots in rhythm from his spots. It was also good for Patty, Beli, and Davis to see their shots go in in the fourth just in terms of breaking through and having that in mind through execution. It’s no secret that we need better play from our bench collectively, and they say a shooter just needs that one rhythm shot to go in to get going again, so it’s a positive that they all made some shots, even if late in the game. Put these in the mental bank and use them for when it counts next game.
Watching the first half highlights later opened my eyes and balanced perspective that we did do some things well; LMA ran down the court for easy points, Jakob used his smarts and hustle for points and second possessions, ball movement generated some good scoring chances from a variety of spots. The shot chart showed we shot most of our 3 attempts in the first and fourth quarters, with only 2 attempts in the second and 3 attempts in the third, so we need to create more quality opportunities for a more consistent offensive attack. We do need to be mindful of being scored against as well, particularly at the end of quarters; three of four quarters saw late points against that added up.
When a lot goes wrong as it did in this one, Pop’s post-game reactions are not always what you expect. Given this outcome you’d think he’d be one-word answer surly, but he was in good spirits, as if to say well might as well let this one go and not brood about it. We have to have a quick recovery and focus on adjustments given the stakes. Back in early January in the midst of our winning streak that we continued from before the New Year, Pop looked downright sad in post-game interviews. That was also the case the previous year at around the same time, but in retrospect a lot of weird BS was hitting the fan back then. You never know the weight and impact of all the things we don’t see, but you get the sense that every now and again they seep through. It’s only human.
I think the same may be happening with Rudy. He’s getting his shots just missing a lot of them, though it is taking uncharacteristically long to snap out of the funk (taking a 3 on his first shot may not be ideal). Perhaps it’s the weight of the moment or perhaps something is going on we don’t know about. Physically Rudy looks less sprightly but Pop said in the presser said Rudy was fine. We would not let him play if there were risk of injury. Pop was forthright about our game and about more guys needing to step up on the whole. What went wrong wasn’t a mystery.
The good thing is that we can play way better and have proven we can make the necessary changes to do it. It’s also good we do not have too much time to lament. Making sure we tap into mental fortitude reserves, stay even keeled, and resilient throughout will be key. We have to bring all the lessons we've learned throughout the year now and show our best again for when it matters most.
Noteworthy AchievementsSpurs:
Pop:
