The Spurs have not been able to break their now 14-game losing streak after their 110-120 loss to the Charlotte Hornets. This is the last game on the Rodeo Road Trip before they get to settle down for a few days and enjoy the All-Star Weekend.
I’m pretty sure fans are hoping they take a moment to hone their skills on the defensive end before gearing up to play the Dallas Mavericks when they return.
Scoring Doesn’t Equal Winning
Final from the Spectrum Center! #PorVida | @FrostBank | #ad pic.twitter.com/n73kroLKaL
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) February 16, 2023
There is almost always a silver lining one must look for when enduring losing streaks from their favorite franchise. Starting with Malaki Branham; last night he was the leading scorer with 23 points, six rebounds, and three assists.
Keldon Johnson wasn’t too far behind the rookie with 21 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. As a group, they shot 38.3% percent from the field and managed to give away 20 points off turnovers.
Despite their lackluster shooting, the renovated team was able to keep up with the Hornets for the majority of the 48 minutes. Yet, the public knows closing isn’t their strong suit and late in the third the gap began to broaden.
Diagnosing The Issue
This entire season people have been trying to diagnose the key issue the Spurs run into that withholds them from wins. There are many excuses that can be made for the San Antonio team. They are young, new to this level, building chemistry, or lacking teammates. The excuses are running thin not just for their audience, but even for Coach Popovich.
Coach Pop took the blame for the less-than-favorable defense demonstrated by the squad. “At some point, you have to take pride in what you’re doing, execution-wise and competitively and that starts with defense” Coach expressed to the media post-game.
The Spurs have lost 14 games in a row following a 10 point loss to the Hornets.
The Spurs are now…
…14-45 overall
…5-24 on the road
…9-15 vs the East
…0-6 on the RRT pic.twitter.com/vJOm4aF1zM— Paul Garcia (@PaulGarciaNBA) February 16, 2023
Facing Dallas With No Devin
Many are hoping they begin to take that dimension of the game seriously before they face a new Mavericks team that is accompanied by Luca Doncic and now Kyrie Irving. The Road-trip will kick back off in Dallas on Thursday, February 23rd at 7:30 pm.
There is no security on if Devin Vassell will be back on the court by then. Vassell has been undergoing rehabilitation after a minor invasive knee surgery. The question is, is it even worth him returning with the path his fellow teammates are going down? Or should Vassell just rest up for the remainder of the year and reacclimate after the draft?
