The San Antonio Spurs couldn’t rest on their high horse too long. After coming off an invigorating win against the Denver Nuggets, they failed to overcome the Oklahoma City Thunder. The final score was 102-90 after a rough shooting night for both teams.
Final from the AT&T Center. See y'all back here Tuesday night for our 2014 Championship Night! #PorVida | @FrostBank | #ad pic.twitter.com/jPCWDRvbQN
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) March 13, 2023
A Rough Shooting Night for Everyone
The leading scorers were Zach Collins and Devonte Graham. Collins had 23 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists. Graham followed with 20 points, three rebounds, and three assists. Both the Spurs and the Thunder shot in the 30th percentile. San Antonio at 37.5% and Oklahoma City at 37.9%. That is not a big gap but when your opponents shoot better at the free throw line and you give away 17 points off turnovers you give away the game.
When Graham was asked about the ever-changing lineups, and how that affected the flow of the game he had this to say.
“I’m kind of used to it now—fifth year. I’ve been a part of a bunch of rotations; injuries, guys being out, next man up, and stuff like that, but I feel like it’s good for this team. Guys have to make sure to stay ready and professional not knowing when you might get in or when you might play. It’s just a part of being in the NBA.”
Although it’s just part of the process it’s definitely a process that comes with its own difficulty. You’re asking for a poor return when your traditional shooters can not reach their spot because they are compensating in other roles.
Preparing for a Long Week Ahead
Next up San Antonio has a lot of visitors. First, a back-to-back featuring the Orlando Magic on Tuesday and Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. They will have one day off before they play the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday.
Sunday will be the first night former Spur Dejounte Murray will step back into the AT&T Center as a Hawk as San Antonio faces the Atlanta team. Graham and Collins both say in order to prepare for the week ahead you have to keep up with the basics. Getting rest, proper treatment, and eating healthy.
