3 Key Things Spurs Must Focus on After 4-Game Road Trip Without Victor Wembanyama Tips Off With Loss

NBA: Atlanta Hawks at San Antonio Spurs - Source: Imagn
3 Key Things Spurs Must Focus on After 4-Game Road Trip Without Victor Wembanyama Tips Off With Loss. [photo: Imagn]

The San Antonio Spurs lost without Victor Wembanyama for the first time on Sunday. San Antonio opened a four-game road trip in Phoenix with a 111-102 defeat at the hands of the Suns. The Spurs played well in the first half, but the absence of Wemby, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper proved too much to overcome.

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The Spurs will finish their away schedule without their 7-foot-5 center and two of their lead guards, making it crucial they improve in certain areas. San Antonio has a three-day rest after the loss to the Suns before facing the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson could use the time to regroup to avoid consecutive losses.

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3 Things Spurs must improve during current road trip without Victor Wembanyama

#3. Cut down on turnovers

San Antonio has little room for error, particularly with Victor Wembanyama not even traveling with the team. Against the Suns, they lost the turnover battle 19-6. Had Devin Booker and Co. been more efficient in punishing the Spurs for their mistakes, the Suns would have had a more lopsided win.

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The Spurs' bigs, who are sometimes asked to survey the offense from the top of the key, should try to limit turnovers. Kelly Olynyk failed to do that in the loss to the Suns. The veteran center had four errors when De’Aaron Fox, who handled the ball most of the time, made only two.

Without Victor Wembanyama to help bail them out, San Antonio’s offense must be crisp and decisive.

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#2. Ball and man movement must improve

Mitch Johnson’s troops moved the ball well in the first half, a key reason they led 56-49 at halftime. The rhythm and flow created by passing the ball around stuttered, particularly in the third quarter. Once the ball stagnated and players stopped moving, the Spurs struggled, allowing the Suns to take control of the game.

Without Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper, the Spurs have arguably only De’Aaron Fox who can create shots for himself and others. To get open looks, it is imperative for Johnson to convince his team to find loopholes in the defense by moving the ball.

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#1. David Jones Garcia must step up

When the Spurs beat the Atlanta Hawks 135-126 on Thursday, David Jones Garcia stole the limelight. The former undrafted player contributed 12 points, six assists, five rebounds, three steals and one block. He made the big plays on both ends to help carry the team, particularly when De'Aaron Fox sat on the bench.

Against the Suns, Jones Garcia looked every bit the G League player he has been. The Suns, who had time to prepare for him, weren’t surprised by what he could do. They paid attention to him and held him scoreless.

Without Victor Wembanyama and other key guards, it is even more imperative for Jones Garcia to help Fox run the offense.

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Edited by Michael Macasero
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