The Spurs are having a complicated start to 2025. For their last home match before the “NBA Paris Games”, Victor Wembanyama and his teammates once again surrendered against the Grizzlies (deprived of Ja Morant), two days after a first defeat against Memphis, with in passing their heaviest defeat of the season (-28, 140-112). “The Grizzlies are very disciplined and consistent in their efforts”greets Mitch Johnson. “They know exactly what team they are and respect their DNA. »
“Wemby”, still as dissuasive in defense, on the other hand stalled again in attack. The complete opposite of Stephon Castle, author of an interesting new match. The former UConn point guard continues to score points in the race for the title of “Rookie of the year”. Author of ten points in the first quarter, he finished the match with 20 points on 7/11 shots, 4 rebounds, 4 assists in 25 minutes. One of the rare satisfactions of a match without much flavor for Texan supporters.
Santi Aldama in top form
In front of a short header at halftime (64-62), the Alamo City protégés once again experienced a gap in the air after returning from the locker room. A stereotypical game on offense, a mess of missed shots and award-winning shots left to the Grizzlies too easily…. “Go Spurs!” »we could hear in the aisles of a Frost Bank Center already emptying and stunned by this air gap in the third quarter.
Still deprived of Jeremy Sochan, injured in the back, the Spurs have indeed come across a gala Santi Aldama: the Spaniard, already author of 20 points against the Spurs in the middle of the week, has once again made the Frost Bank Center his garden , with 29 points coming off the bench. Enough to break his NBA points record.
The end of the match, with a false rhythm and without intensity, was not the most reassuring for the Spurs before their two matches in Paris against the Pacers, on January 23 and 25.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– A 3rd quarter still fatal. Like two days ago, the Spurs completely collapsed after returning from the locker room, conceding a 40-22 in the period to let go of the match. From +2 at halftime to -16 at the start of the 3rd quarter, they paid cash for their lack of vigilance in defense.
– Victor Wembanyama does not dominate before the two matches in Paris. In difficulty against the smaller and very lively interiors, and targeted, “Wemby” did not dominate in attack: after his 13 points two days ago against these same Grizzlies, he finished this time at 19 points, but at 8/19 shooting, 12 rebounds and 6 assists.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
From our correspondent in San Antonio (United States).
