The Spurs are coming off an extremely disappointing home loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. This is alarming fans as the Spurs go through arguably their worst stretch of the season. However, even before that loss, the Spurs had losses to the Memphis Grizzlies and Portland Trailblazers. Both teams are currently in possession of losing records. Despite Victor Wembanyama’s great play recently, and the Spurs being as healthy as they have been all season, the Spurs struggles have continued to a point when the worst team in the west can beat them at home. What is the Culprit of the Spurs’ Midseason Slump?
Why Are The San Antonio Spurs In A Midseason Slump?
Harrison Barnes
The man dubbed “Mr. 100%” by former player and Spurs commentator Sean Elliot is unfortunately shooting nothing close to 100%. In the month of January, he is shooting less than 35% from the field, his worst production of the season. Don’t let his numbers dropping in January fool you, this has been happening all season. His shooting percentage and total points have dropped progressively from the start of the season. When Harrison Barnes came to the Spurs following the 2023-2024 season, he was an offensive weapon meant to improve the Spurs’ spacing and shooting. His first season with the Spurs was his first season shooting over 50% from the field.
In the modern NBA, teams mostly live and die by the three-pointer. After shooting lights out last season, it is no surprise that the team is struggling to win games with less spacing. What could be the culprit for this slump? Perhaps it is the wear the season has put on Barnes, who had to play an extra game for the NBA Cup Championship. Maybe he isn’t fully healthy. Overall, going through rough stretches is normal, but without having consistency from Barnes and with Jeremy Sochan potentially leaving the team, the Spurs may have more problems at the power forward position than they realize.
Stephon Castle
Eerily similar to the Harrison Barnes situation is the Stephon Castle one. Just like Barnes, Castle is shooting in the 30’s for January. He is following up his ROTY-winning first season with another excellent season. In particular, this is highlighted by the seven assists he is averaging. Despite his under-the-radar guard skills improving, Castle is another Spur who is in the starting lineup but is struggling to score and causing spacing problems for the Spurs with his limited three-point shooting. In 29 minutes on the court, he left the game with only five points to show for it. As a young player, this is probably only natural; he will bounce back before eventually slumping again until he gets more consistent. But there is definitely something bigger at play than just Castle and Barnes.
Conclusion
The San Antonio Spurs peaked before they fell; that much is clear. As much as you can fault individual players, it is the whole team’s job to make possessions go their way. San Antonio beat OKC twice and made it to the NBA Cup finals for the first time in franchise history. It is possible that after achieving all this, the Spurs took their foot off the gas somewhat. Are they fully to blame for that? The Western Conference is extremely top-heavy. Despite the Spurs’ losses, they have retained the second seed. That won’t last for long, as Jokic will come back, and the Rockets threaten to take the Spurs’ place as well. Great teams are constantly striving for improvement. If the Spurs want to upset teams this playoff season, they have to go back to the drawing board and focus on playing the right way.
Featured Image: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
