Grades: Spurs vs. Rockets - Oct. 26, 2024

[timvp]

https://www.spurstalk.com/grades-spurs-rockets-2025-game-2/

[heyheymymy]

Any word on Castles' wrist injury?

[Fireball]

Just watched the game ... lots of fun despite a tough second half. Will this team ever play a good third quarter?
Great to see Castle playing lots of minutes. Loved Sochans rebounding as well and Wemby was closer to the Wemby we need.

Rockets were on a b2b, so not much to take away from where the Spurs stand in the grand scheme of things, but its too early for that anyway.

Go Spurs Go!

[joeyjfive]

Thanks for the grades. Felt like Wemby took his matchup with Sengun personal. Last year Sengun worked him over for 45 points, this time Wemby was more prepared for his physicalness around the rim. This is the kind of focus he needs to bring every night.

Hoping Castle doesn’t miss any time, after Wemby his minutes are the ones I enjoy watching the most. The kid can play even without the 3 point shot. If the shot comes around we have a star. Great time to be a Spurs fan.

[cutewizard]

Grades like a college prof

Good job!

[DAF86]

The A+ for Pop is too high. Castle needed to be the first guard off the bench and Wemby needs to be playing more than 30 mpg on close games. Hopefully these are things that get corrected with time, I'm just tired of Pop being always late to the party, same shit last season with the Sochan PG experiment and Wemby at PF.

[Davidicus]

Impressed with Sochan this game. Feels like he’s really comfortable in his do-everything role at the 4.

Our high pick n roll defense continues to get destroyed. Rockets, Mavs, and most NBA teams have the range to exploit that.

Really loved Pop getting into it in the 4th when our lead was collapsing. You could tell he did not want to lose this game.

I’m enjoying the evolution of Keldon, albeit a slow one. Feels like his ultimate ceiling will be determined by his spot up shooting. Still has work to do there.

Castle…I mean cmon man. Outside of Wemby I dont remember being as impressed with a rookie as Stephon since Timmy. Both in his abilities and the way he carries himself. The dude is 19 years old.

[Dejounte]

The A+ for Pop is too high. Castle needed to be the first guard off the bench and Wemby needs to be playing more than 30 mpg on close games. Hopefully these are things that get corrected with time, I'm just tired of Pop being always late to the party, same shit last season with the Sochan PG experiment and Wemby at PF.

Wemby was clearly fatigued out there. Even the Rockets broadcasters mentioned it. They said he was tired the entire second half. He kept passing the ball in crunch time because he was tired.

[SouthernFried]

Wemby does seem to get tired a lot? Noticed it last season as well.

[Strategic]

Good write. Castle’s ability to dribble in the lane and dish makes him a force. We’ll see how teams respond. Things are gonna get physical on him I’m afraid.

[tbdog]

Wemby does seem to get tired a lot? Noticed it last season as well.

Yeah, my theory is that he plays so hard, cuts hard, closes out hard, and has huge usage. Over time, he'll work out when you need to go all out.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Loving what I’m seeing from Castle! I hope he is well enough to play these next few games after that wrist flare up

fun game to attend and looking forward to Monday. Hopefully we don’t lay an egg and get blown out.

[jeebus]

Just watched the game ... lots of fun despite a tough second half. Will this team ever play a good third quarter?
Did you watch? The 3rd quarter wasn't too bad, Rockets made a comeback and the Spurs held them back for the most part. The 4th quarter was when it all went to complete shit

[Mr. Body]

Closing games out isn't an easy thing to do.

Wembanyama - He'll look very different offensively in five years, I feel. Still learning how to get shots closer to the rim. Defensively he seems pretty rusty.

Paul - I don't mind the lack of scoring. He has shots he can take. More, he's settling the team down.

Barnes - Seems to know when the team needs a play to keep the wheels turning, also very helpful.

Champagnie - Is he turning into a valued role player? Hope this continues when Devin comes back.

Sochan - Looking really effective right now, cleaning up important boards, being disruptive and cutting.

Branham - Glimpses of how he can be an effective bench scorer, more important his defense was good.

and...

Castle - Huh. I had confidence he would be a rotation piece and pick up the new league fairly quickly. I didn't know he'd be playing nearly 30 minutes and closing out his second game.

[Pauleta14]

Any word on Castles' wrist injury?

He says it's fine, just sore


https://youtu.be/LTwH5d3hytY?si=xvQNQmp5x29HH2xo

[John B]

Happy with the win. And even happier with limiting Sengun to 6 pts. Wemby was determined to carry the team to a victory with 29 pts. While CP3 was fine finding people and setting up good plays. Sochan was all-over the place with 17 pts and 12 rebounds. If he plays like this every night, he will be a fun player to watch. Keldon provided the spark off the bench. While Wesley did a great job as the backup PG. I’m happy with Champ’s play. He’s really taking this opportunity to earn solid minutes as part of the rotation, he’s shooting well, rebounding and playing great defense. Barnes was solid, nothing fancy but just being a veteran presence and knocking down shots when needed.

Now for Castle, the kid is polished. I’m one of those who wants him to start. But him coming off the bench removed those pressures as the 4th overall and allows him to slowly adjust. But Pop also knows to throw him out there when it’s time and he did not disappoint. Great stuff!

[Mr. Body]

He says it's fine, just sore


https://youtu.be/LTwH5d3hytY?si=xvQNQmp5x29HH2xo

It's hard to quantify when a player gets the game more than some other players. Some guys play because they're tall and good athletes. Listen to this kid talking about coverages and how the Rox were starting to run guard-guard screens that they weren't running earlier in the game. He comes in with a higher level of understanding this sport than many players ever will have.

[bluebellmaniac]

A+ for Pop.

Fire Pop!

[couchman]

Im very encouraged by Sochan’s play so far this season.
I see across the board improvements in rebounding, defense, and scoring efficiency.

Castle is showing a very polished all around game even earlier than I expected.
The shooting of course sucked again but that will take time and hopefully he figures it out.
He’s a good jumper away from being a star.

[jjspur]

Finally the spurs are playing like and an up and coming team as opposed to the crappy teams of the last few years. Players are playing within their skills and not playing out of position or some Pop experiment - and its paying dividends.

Wembanyama - Yeah he looks tired, but he's young and will adjust over the course of the season.

Paul - He's old and slowing but still skilled with the ball in his hands.

Barnes - A professional who plays within his skills, the definition of a utility guy.

Champagnie - Very nice find by the spurs, he's what the spurs always try to find but usually don't.

Sochan - Finally playing the position we drafted him for, rather than point guard. Cutting and rebounding are his top skills, lets hope he can keep it up for the season.

Branham and Wesley If used for just a few minutes here and there, they can be effective. Play them too many minutes and their weaknesses are really exposed

Castle - Notice how many minutes he played in the 4th quarter. Yeah he's something special. Absolutely worth the 4th pick. How are Sarr and Risacher doing in the 4th quarter of games ?

Pop Hopefully the tank is over. We have a halfway decent team now, lets try to win.

[jjspur]

It's hard to quantify when a player gets the game more than some other players. Some guys play because they're tall and good athletes. Listen to this kid talking about coverages and how the Rox were starting to run guard-guard screens that they weren't running earlier in the game. He comes in with a higher level of understanding this sport than many players ever will have.

He is a great athlete and was coached well at UConn. You don't win an NCAA championship without learning something valuable.

[DAF86]

Wemby was clearly fatigued out there. Even the Rockets broadcasters mentioned it. They said he was tired the entire second half. He kept passing the ball in crunch time because he was tired.

I don't care, playing him more minutes is the way to have him build stamina. Or are you, Pop and the rest of tge people really expecting Wemby to just be a 30 mpg player for the rest of his career? If he can't play 35 minutes at 20 years old, he never will.

[Mr. Body]

He is a great athlete and was coached well at UConn. You don't win an NCAA championship without learning something valuable.

Absolutely true. I want to say, though, that he was capable of it. A freshman would have been riding the bench if he didn't have the capacity of absorbing and executing those high level UConn sets and assignments.

[J_Paco]

I don't care, playing him more minutes is the way to have him build stamina. Or are you, Pop and the rest of tge people really expecting Wemby to just be a 30 mpg player for the rest of his career? If he can't play 35 minutes at 20 years old, he never will.

His season is starting just like last year where it took him time to really 'ramp up' his play and minutes. His stamina and fatigue level aren't going to just improve over night. And playing him when he's clearly tired or exhausted increases the chance of him injuring himself.

I think patience and building up his minutes throughout the season is the much smarter way to go. He's only 20 years old and not a 21 -22 year old workhorse like David Robinson or Tim Duncan were.

[Ice009]

His season is starting just like last year where it took him time to really 'ramp up' his play and minutes. His stamina and fatigue level aren't going to just improve over night. And playing him when he's clearly tired or exhausted increases the chance of him injuring himself.

I think patience and building up his minutes throughout the season is the much smarter way to go. He's only 20 years old and not a 21 -22 year old workhorse like David Robinson or Tim Duncan were.

Yeah, I agree with you. Can't just ramp them up. He needs to build stamina first and slowly bring them up.

[TekXX]

If Castle can develop some sort of offensive game, we'll be in buisness.

[exstatic]

Impressed with Sochan this game. Feels like he’s really comfortable in his do-everything role at the 4.

Our high pick n roll defense continues to get destroyed. Rockets, Mavs, and most NBA teams have the range to exploit that.

Really loved Pop getting into it in the 4th when our lead was collapsing. You could tell he did not want to lose this game.

I’m enjoying the evolution of Keldon, albeit a slow one. Feels like his ultimate ceiling will be determined by his spot up shooting. Still has work to do there.

Castle…I mean cmon man. Outside of Wemby I dont remember being as impressed with a rookie as Stephon since Timmy. Both in his abilities and the way he carries himself. The dude is 19 years old.

The countermove to Houston benching Sengün should be to have someone else guard Landale, and have Wemby roam as a free safety to stop that penetration.

[rjv]

I want to thank the Rockets for taking Reed Sheppard ahead of Castle. Also, not sure why Udoka basically benched Sengun for most of the 2nd half.

[exstatic]

If Castle can develop some sort of offensive game, we'll be in buisness.

He has a very well rounded offensive game, he just needs a three pointer.

[exstatic]

I want to thank the Rockets for taking Reed Sheppard ahead of Castle. Also, not sure why Udoka basically benched Sengun for most of the 2nd half.

That benching opened the lane for Green, because Wemby couldn’t sag off Landale, who is a real 3 point threat. It was the key to their comeback.

[ambchang]

Overall the spurs are showing glimpses of what they could be when they get the experience and knowledge to be a good team. There are still things to cleanup now, will defensive lapses and questionable offensive decisions but the team does have decent talent at some positions.

I was worried when wemby was jacking up those threes early in the game, he made them but if that’s what he does it will not be good basketball. But then he opened up the lane for himself and his teammates. His defense was stout, wish he’d crash the board a bit harder but I’d say this is a B game for him. Great for anyone else, but just average for him because he’s just that good.

Paul is a really calming presence on the court. I hope the young guys soak up all they could from him. I didn’t like him as a person, especially as the union rep, but as a basketball player he is just an all time great for a reason. So smart on offence and defence.

Sochan is looking good early in the season. His role is more defined and this is what the major difference is. He still had some mental lapses on defence and was blown by bad a few times, but overall he was good. He’s not a great run and jump athlete, but he maintains balance and has very impressive lateral speed, he can be an amazing defensive player with more experience. His offence is fitting the role now, cutter, clean up, garbage man type. Would be great for him to shoot some of those open shots but they will have to come with time.

Champaigne is looking real good right now. His shot is confident and consistent. He mixed it up with some drives, and his defence is really stepping up. He’s a $3M playing performing like a $15M guy now.

KJ0 is the same old. I still love his intensity, and I think he’s getting somewhat better defensively (no where close to good) but this is a guy you just can’t hate. His infectious personality, his passion for the game is off the charts. Yes, heads down drives with no plans whatsoever and his out of position defence is a concern, but hey, if he’s for everything he’d be a max player.

Zollins is going better than I thought. I admit I have him as my virtual whipping boy, like his effort sometimes but he is just way too soft defensively most of the time and can’t throw the ball in the ocean. But hey, as long as he produce.

Maliki I’m still not sold on.

Wesley im still high on. Would love to have him as our Brandon knight

[Dex]

He has a very well rounded offensive game, he just needs a three pointer.

And to earn respect from the refs. That crew last night was abusing him, but that won't last forever

[Mr. Body]

Overall the spurs are showing glimpses of what they could be when they get the experience and knowledge to be a good team. There are still things to cleanup now, will defensive lapses and questionable offensive decisions but the team does have decent talent at some positions.

I was worried when wemby was jacking up those threes early in the game, he made them but if that’s what he does it will not be good basketball. But then he opened up the lane for himself and his teammates. His defense was stout, wish he’d crash the board a bit harder but I’d say this is a B game for him. Great for anyone else, but just average for him because he’s just that good.

Paul is a really calming presence on the court. I hope the young guys soak up all they could from him. I didn’t like him as a person, especially as the union rep, but as a basketball player he is just an all time great for a reason. So smart on offence and defence.

Sochan is looking good early in the season. His role is more defined and this is what the major difference is. He still had some mental lapses on defence and was blown by bad a few times, but overall he was good. He’s not a great run and jump athlete, but he maintains balance and has very impressive lateral speed, he can be an amazing defensive player with more experience. His offence is fitting the role now, cutter, clean up, garbage man type. Would be great for him to shoot some of those open shots but they will have to come with time.

Champaigne is looking real good right now. His shot is confident and consistent. He mixed it up with some drives, and his defence is really stepping up. He’s a $3M playing performing like a $15M guy now.

KJ0 is the same old. I still love his intensity, and I think he’s getting somewhat better defensively (no where close to good) but this is a guy you just can’t hate. His infectious personality, his passion for the game is off the charts. Yes, heads down drives with no plans whatsoever and his out of position defence is a concern, but hey, if he’s for everything he’d be a max player.

Zollins is going better than I thought. I admit I have him as my virtual whipping boy, like his effort sometimes but he is just way too soft defensively most of the time and can’t throw the ball in the ocean. But hey, as long as he produce.

Maliki I’m still not sold on.

Wesley im still high on. Would love to have him as our Brandon knight

My thought on Champ, too. If he plays like this he's an insane bargain. He has physical limitations, but is a smart player and plays solid defense. He picks up multiple stats in a clean-up way.

Collins is who he is. It looks like he could be back to a competent backup big who is not physical, athletic, or skilled enough to be more, but that's what we need right now.

Wesley got yanked for fouling on a three. I like that he'll still get time. Dude just can't finish to save his life - can get inside anytime he wants.

Malaki looked more what I think he can become. If he's not overthinking he's an offensive threat, and his defense is looking great compared to where he was.

I think we're going to see more things from Wesley and Branham. They're showing signs.

[Bruno]

Aside of Wembanyama, the best part is Castle and Sochan playing well. It gives some optimism about Spurs being in the right path with their rebuilding process.

[BackHome]

One thing I like is it seems the whole Spurs team really really dislikes Houston which is something I agree on

[spurs10]

Great game and way to spend a Saturday night! Wemby, Castle, Sochan....woot!

[Atl Spur]

Good write. Castle’s ability to dribble in the lane and dish makes him a force. We’ll see how teams respond. Things are gonna get physical on him I’m afraid.

Physical is actually his game! We will see more mid range and post up I suspect.

[lefty]

Angry Pop is back

Zollins has arrived


The end is near

[J_Paco]

If Castle can develop some sort of offensive game, we'll be in buisness.

For the Spurs to reach their peak - sooner or later - they need Castle to fall somewhere in the vain of a Jimmy Butler, Kris Middleton or Jaylen Brown type 'second banana.' I think him and a hopefully soon healthy Devin Vassell can find their niche playing next to a future superstar like Wemby.

They all need to learn how to player together and figure out who will be option #2 & #3. I think they have the bones of being a very good trio. With a possibility of becoming a good foursome if the Spurs add another high-end lottery pick.

[DPG21920]

Aside of Wembanyama, the best part is Castle and Sochan playing well. It gives some optimism about Spurs being in the right path with their rebuilding process.

And Dev had a really good season last year as well…cant wait for him to be back and added to this group.

[100%duncan]

Wemby is quite high imo for his standards. This seems more like a B or B+ game for him. There were times were he was there at the rim vs Jalen Green and he wasn't able to block the shot. Also, he needs to involve himself more. Instances where he isn't able to score for a 5 min stretch should not be a thing if we want to really improve this year. Hopefully with CP's and Castle's playmaking, this won't be the case.

Sochan, outside of not fouling on the last play and almost fouling right when Green took a 3, had an A game for his standards.

CP3 and Barnes are very good vets. It's crazy being a Spurs fan all these years where we took that shit for granted. Imagine last year's vet presence that played significant mins were KJ and Zollins lmao.

I can't wait to get Dev back tbh. We really need a bucket-getter in this team and Vassell is that dude until Wemby polishes his offense further.

[The Truth #6]

Branham had an interesting game. A few moments of offensive ingenuity and composure. A moment running in circles, lost on the court. But big picture, glimpses of some microwave scoring probably not seen since the Spring of his rookie year. He still seems like an airhead, but if he can play his midrange game and feel confident, there's a bench player in there.

Wesley - doing much better pushing the pace and making good decisions with the ball.

Comparing the two, Blake feels more like a Pop player...yet players who can score and play awful defense have had a weird allure for Pop, so will be interesting. I expect one of them to get another contract but not both.

[Chinook]

It seems obvious the Spurs LOVE Sochan. They think he's way more important than the average STer seems to. It's good that he's coming out the gates and delivering, because the Spurs are continuing to put him in all sorts of situations and don't care at all that they have two other forwards in the top seven of their rotation. Jeremy leads the team in minutes.

[z0sa]

Sengun went from dropping 45 to being benched :lol
Wemby looked absolutely dominant. That was the main takeaway from this one - he legitimately looked like a true 1A superstar on offense. Some might say he definitely looked like it last season, and yeah, I definitely agree there were stretches where his 3 was falling and he racked up points like a mad lad.

BUT

This game, he showed a consistency in his execution that blows away anything from last season, in my humble opinion. He got to the top of the key/high post and made great decisions. His PnR offense was killer. His instincts on the break were amazing. He limited his turnovers immensely. His moves from the triple threat position had his defenders guessing repeatedly.

He truly looked like he could be The Guy night in and night out. I was worried he would be too streaky and reliant upon random streetballer moves and his A+++ defense to carry games, which would inconsistent. Not anymore. And he's only going to improve - by a lot.

[exstatic]

Sengun went from dropping 45 to being benched :lol
Wemby looked absolutely dominant. That was the main takeaway from this one - he legitimately looked like a true 1A superstar on offense. Some might say he definitely looked like it last season, and yeah, I definitely agree there were stretches where his 3 was falling and he racked up points like a mad lad.

BUT

This game, he showed a consistency in his execution that blows away anything from last season, in my humble opinion. He got to the top of the key/high post and made great decisions. His PnR offense was killer. His instincts on the break were amazing. He limited his turnovers immensely. His moves from the triple threat position had his defenders guessing repeatedly.

He truly looked like he could be The Guy night in and night out. I was worried he would be too streaky and reliant upon random streetballer moves and his A+++ defense to carry games, which would inconsistent. Not anymore. And he's only going to improve - by a lot.

Most of our players need to learn how to cut to the basket. Castle and Sochan do it pretty well, but if your man goes to double or even just turns his head to look Wemby’s way, GO. It’s an easy bucket, and Wemby is pretty good atfinding cutters.

Sengün has a pretty good toolset, but two knocks on him pre-draft were his size, a legit actual 6’9”, and the fact that he doesn’t space the floor with his shooting. He’s not really big enough to check most centers, and he’s definitely not athletic enough to check PFs.