Grades: Spurs vs. Wizards - Game #12

[benefactor]

https://www.spurstalk.com/grades-spurs-wizards-2025-game-12/
:toast

[Raven]

I am willing to say it. We are good.

[TheBallsbreakers]

I am willing to say it. We are good.
Certainly better than last year, which is not really a feat to write home about.
But we're finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel, sorta.
Guys are fighting hard each game.

[Dejounte]

They really need to get of Zach Collins garbage ass

[NASpurs]

Why did timvp abandon us :cry it still hurts

[Brazil]

Mitch is doing a good job, I liked the rotations and the focus on the 3 pts, like it or not today's NBA is all about 3 pts shooting.

Victor and Spurs FO are on something insisting playing on the perimeter and letting him shooting that many 3s, it opens up his game tremendously. We were looking at Victor go to, well faking 3s and going for the penetration is maybe just that. Victor needs space to operate inside, he is not built yet to bully inside but if he has dat space, he is unstoppable.

[tbdog]

88 three point attempts in that game. Both teams shot the exact same and made the exact same from down town.

[Davidicus]

I’m probably reaching, but I bet Timmy and Boris in the practice facility gave Wemby that extra mental juice last night. Plus playing against two Frenchmen.

On his development - I won’t say “I told you so” to the 3P haters, I’ll just see yall in a bit when he’s in a slump. In the 2nd half, the Wizards started playing Victor much tighter on the break, to not give him any space for deep 3s. That opened up the court for others, plus Victor put the ball on the floor and made moves to the basket. These are the two reasons Pop told the team to keep Victor facing forward (and a certain % of this board lost their mind). Great to see this work & pain paying off. There will be slumps, but the concept is sound.

Collins has turned himself from absolutely atrocious to a somewhat decent backup C. Congrats! In all seriousness, it’s kind of been really fun to watch? Happy for him. The 3 looks much smoother, and hes doing good dirty work down low.

On that note, this team absolutely collapses when Vic goes to the bench AND Vassell is having an off night. This, combined with the reminder that CP3 is 39, reminds me that we very much still need 2-3 solid pieces at Castle’s quality in this years draft + FA for me to really feel good about our future. I don’t think we win this game (and a few others this season) without CP3.

[Thunder1]

What happened to timvp?...

[Mr. Body]

They really need to get of Zach Collins garbage ass

Not even four comments and some bare-ass moron starts beefing about Zach Collins.

It's a mental disease, right? Like a virus?

[Mr. Body]

Team is really missing Sochan. Could use another big body. We don't have enough against the big centers. And giving Poole a different look on D was necessary.

[Dejounte]

Not even four comments and some bare-ass moron starts beefing about Zach Collins.

It's a mental disease, right? Like a virus?

Hook, line, and sinker. What are you? Zach’s cousin? Everywhere to defend him like it’s your job. Sit down. Get off his dick.

[timtonymanu]

I actually don’t think Collins is terrible right now all things considered. And I’m one of the biggest haters of him.

[Ice009]

What happened to timvp?...

Yeah, 2 or 3 games ago, I went directly to Spurstalk and found the grades as I thought Timvp stopped doing them. Is he OK. What is going on there?

[Leetonidas]

I am willing to say it. We are good.

We needed a 50 ball from Victor to beat the fucking Wizards at home :lol not exactly the statement I'd make after that game tbh

[LeBowen]

I'd say the team is getting better at certain things, but there's still so much work to be done.
We'll see how it goes against the Lakers and Mavs.

[Mr. Body]

Can someone please start bitching about Branham? I feel like we're really missing something here.

[RC_Drunkford]

There’s a reason Branham got benched in the 2nd half

[John B]

Nice win. Other than Poole torching us with 42 points. Castle had his 1st personal encounter with a hyper-scoring guard. That’s on Castle to deny the ball or talk on a switch. He’s the designated POA specialist. I’m sure he was making mental note. The kid Carrington was pretty good, as Sean mentioned he’s a baller. The Wizards shot the same 44 attempts and making 40% of their 3’s like us. That didn’t make it easy for our guys. I think protecting the 3 is still Spurs Achilles hill. CP3 tries to close out with his 39 yrs old body, looks painful but at least he tries. Other than that, it was a good day at the office. Oh yeah, Wemby’s 50 was a cherry on top.

[Pauleta14]

I am willing to say it. We are good.

I don't think we are, but the league is incredibly getting weaker every year.

Too many youngsters not ready, too many rosters instabilities/turnovers, too many injuries...

So yeah, we got a shot at the PO but not bc we're that good. We're a young team that is capable of the best and the worst within a game and we have a cheat code that hides many deficiencies.

[Pauleta14]

Can someone please start bitching about Branham? I feel like we're really missing something here.

Good scorer, poor court vision and defense, tough to use him.

Happy?

[Mugen]

I am willing to say it. We are good.

We're not good but I don't think we're as terrible as last year tbh.

The Ws against the Wolves and Kings came with both these teams on a b2b. Lost to the Jazz and barely beat a tanking Wizards team despite Wemby putting up 50 :lol

Also just a little much reliance on CP3 having to close these games for us. With Devin back, I'd like to see him and Wemby shoulder more of that load in close games tbh.

[Mugen]

I don't care if it's a win but Mamu not getting minutes when Branham is healthy is criminal tbh.

[NASpurs]

Good scorer, poor court vision and defense, tough to use him.

Happy?

He's never happy if he's not bitching about people bitching. The irony of it all.

[DAF86]

I am willing to say it. We are good.

Mmh, I wouldn't go that far yet. A good team would have ran the Wizards off the floor last night, tbh.

[John B]

We’re not good yet, but there’s a path to goodness. Those Wemby 3’s can open a lot of lanes for Vassell, Castle (and later Sochan) to attack the rim. Wemby is doing a good job dishing to open cutters. We need to see more of that. Castle is learning from the best finishing the game strong. That’s the big difference last year when they were up just to fall short at the end. CPE and Barnes are doing a great job weathering the storm, and our young guys are learning to close for a win. A little thin on the paint when we go up against dominant bigs, so Bassey getting more minutes if he can be up the task.

[exstatic]

We’re not good yet, but there’s a path to goodness. Those Wemby 3’s can open a lot of lanes for Vassell, Castle (and later Sochan) to attack the rim. Wemby is doing a good job dishing to open cutters. We need to see more of that. Castle is learning from the best finishing the game strong. That’s the big difference last year when they were up just to fall short at the end. CPE and Barnes are doing a great job weathering the storm, and our young guys are learning to close for a win. A little thin on the paint when we go up against dominant bigs, so Bassey getting more minutes if he can be up the task.
They can open lanes for WEMBY. Everyone was oohing and ahing over his 3 point shooting, but he shot 10-13 INSIDE the arc.

[james evans]

Hook, line, and sinker. What are you? Zach’s cousin? Everywhere to defend him like it’s your job. Sit down. Get off his dick.
He's in love with him and has the biggest crush. Dude is easily one of the worst players in the league and this guy follows everyone around on the forum acting like we're criticizing a future hall of famer.

[james evans]

I actually don’t think Collins is terrible right now all things considered. And I’m one of the biggest haters of him.
did you not see the game and how easy he was getting scored on? Valenciunas was looking like Wilt when he was on the floor. He adds nothing.

[Leetonidas]

Can someone please start bitching about Branham? I feel like we're really missing something here.

You know your constant whining about ST posters opinions/thoughts/etc is just as annoying as the people who constantly whine about certain players right? Why do you post here at all? All you do is complain about the people who post here. Clearly you should stick to reddit if you don't like differing opinions

[NASpurs]

did you not see the game and how easy he was getting scored on? Valenciunas was looking like Wilt when he was on the floor. He adds nothing.

Something about big European dudes exposes Collins severely. Dude is constantly getting shat on by the Valancunis, Zubac, Nurkic's in the league. (Not even going to mention Jokic).

[jesterbobman]

Wemby's made shots over the last few games, and today I think the shot selection was the best it's been. He's still behind the line, but there's a difference in shot quality between:
1. A shot that's off a pick and pop / off of other action where he's spotting up, where he's a foot or two behind the line, and
2. Some of the earlier in the season attempts where he was dribbling up, isolating from the logo, pulling up and attempting a 30 - 35 footer with 16 seconds left on the shot clock.

He made some of those, but that's bad process. He's popping to 25 feet rather than 30, which makes those shots easier.

I hate Collins in a 1 big lineup. He doesn't have the size to be a drop big, so needs to play up at the level, but that means there's no rim protection in cases where he comes up. It means we can keep the same offensive system in place (to an extent, he's obviously less involved than Wemby), as he's a good passer, and can stay on the perimeter as a centre with his shooting. I think Mamu would have the same issue as a C, as he's even more of a true 4. Roster construction issue, to be expected given where we are as a team.

[NASpurs]

Mmh, I wouldn't go that far yet. A good team would have ran the Wizards off the floor last night, tbh.

Aren't the wizards the worst defending team in the league and the Spurs are bottom half in the league on offense?

Yeah definitely need to see more.

[james evans]

Something about big European dudes exposes Collins severely. Dude is constantly getting shat on by the Valancunis, Zubac, Nurkic's in the league. (Not even going to mention Jokic).
and it helps for my parlay because I know eventually wemby is going to the bench and the other team's center is going to eat. Easy betting.

[NASpurs]

and it helps for my parlay because I know eventually wemby is going to the bench and the other team's center is going to eat. Easy betting.

:lol that's true. Once Collins is in the game and I see the big European dude from the other team is about to check in or check back in, I know the other team is going to go on a run.

Add Keldon and Branham not playing defense per par and you can see why the Spurs can go up by 16 and the other team ties in that same quarter. It's going to be the theme for the year.

[Mugen]

Sochan being out complicates rotations tbh.

In an ideal world, Zollins isn't on the court without Sochan playing alongside him. And Mamu isn't on the court without Wemby playing alongside him.

I'd rather not play Branham at all but playing him, Keldon, and Zollins at the same time is just asking for the team to make a run tbh.

[Mr. Body]

He's in love with him and has the biggest crush. Dude is easily one of the worst players in the league and this guy follows everyone around on the forum acting like we're criticizing a future hall of famer.

Nah, man. I don't give much of a crap about Collins. He is what he is.

What I'm making fun of, because you're full fucking imbecile, is how you monkeys follow every single win with immediately bitching and whining about Collins and Branham.

It's full fucking stupid. You guys are idiots. Like, Wemby drops 50. Jesus Fucking Christ could give us each a blowjob and you'd start whining about Zach fucking Collins.

It happens all the fucking time. Every fucking time. And it's fucking hilarious.

[Mugen]

^ Mr. Meltdown :lol

[Leetonidas]

^ Mr. Meltdown :lol

Dude can't help but make a fool out of himself constantly. It happens all the fucking time. Every fucking time. And it's fucking hilarious. :lmao

[exstatic]

Sochan being out complicates rotations tbh.

In an ideal world, Zollins isn't on the court without Sochan playing alongside him. And Mamu isn't on the court without Wemby playing alongside him.

I'd rather not play Branham at all but playing him, Keldon, and Zollins at the same time is just asking for the team to make a run tbh.

I get the past Branham hate, but there’s really no reason to hate now. He has actually turned into our second perimeter three level scorer, Vassell being the first. His long ball has finally come around. His shooting splits are 53/50/83.

Literally the only thing I don’t want him ever doing is bringing the ball up the court. His handle is fine for self creation, but he’s not great handling full or half court pressure, and not a great passer.

[Mugen]

I get the past Branham hate, but there’s really no reason to hate now. He has actually turned into our second perimeter three level scorer, Vassell being the first. His long ball has finally come around. His shooting splits are 53/50/83.

Literally the only thing I don’t want him ever doing is bringing the ball up the court. His handle is fine for self creation, but he’s not great handling full or half court pressure, and not a great passer.

I've made my bones with each of Branham, Keldon, and Zollins getting rotation minutes. My least favorite players on the team but I'm a realist and I know they're gonna get more opportunities than more deserving guys because of their contracts and the draft capital invested (Mamu getting shafted again this season tbh).

What I can't abide by is all 3 playing at the same time. That's a recipe for disaster tbh.

[exstatic]

I've made my bones with each of Branham, Keldon, and Zollins getting rotation minutes. My least favorite players on the team but I'm a realist and I know they're gonna get more opportunities than more deserving guys because of their contracts and the draft capital invested (Mamu getting shafted again this season tbh).

What I can't abide by is all 3 playing at the same time. That's a recipe for disaster tbh.

Fair. Keldon has disappointed me the most, because I expected his 3 ball, his best attribute, to improve with a real PG on board.

[spurraider21]

Fair. Keldon has disappointed me the most, because I expected his 3 ball, his best attribute, to improve with a real PG on board.
:lol

[james evans]

I've made my bones with each of Branham, Keldon, and Zollins getting rotation minutes. My least favorite players on the team but I'm a realist and I know they're gonna get more opportunities than more deserving guys because of their contracts and the draft capital invested (Mamu getting shafted again this season tbh).

What I can't abide by is all 3 playing at the same time. That's a recipe for disaster tbh.

as soon as all 3 are on the court together, the lane opens up immediately. We sent Wemby and Paul to the bench with a 20+ point lead last night in the 4th and lost that in a matter of a few minutes. We all see that it's not working, but Popovich and Johnson refuse to stop. It's like in teh 2016 playoffs against the Thunder when Popovich kept going with West/Diaw/Slow Mo lineup seeing that it wasn't working, but he refused to stop using it until we were eliminated 4-2

[Kuvai]

Team is really missing Sochan. Could use another big body. We don't have enough against the big centers. And giving Poole a different look on D was necessary.

nah. I actually think we are betting off without Sochen.

Last 3 games our spacing and shooting got a lot better.

[Sugus]

On his development - I won’t say “I told you so” to the 3P haters, I’ll just see yall in a bit when he’s in a slump. In the 2nd half, the Wizards started playing Victor much tighter on the break, to not give him any space for deep 3s. That opened up the court for others, plus Victor put the ball on the floor and made moves to the basket. These are the two reasons Pop told the team to keep Victor facing forward (and a certain % of this board lost their mind). Great to see this work & pain paying off. There will be slumps, but the concept is sound.

Lol, that part is all too real, man. Why are people so damn reactive? You just know they're waiting for his next subpar shooting performance to come out with their "Wemby needs to play in the post!!" shit.

It's insane to think that Wemby has been so vocal, from such a young age, about not being placed into a mold or pigeonhole because of his height, and he's still having to drop career highs in scoring and shooting to get people to shut up and let him develop. At 20 years old. Crazy.

[timtonymanu]

did you not see the game and how easy he was getting scored on? Valenciunas was looking like Wilt when he was on the floor. He adds nothing.

I’ve accepted his defensive shortcomings, but at least he’s hitting his 3s more and he’s a good passer. Do I want him in the rotation? No, but he was worse last year.

[itzsoweezee]

I’ve accepted his defensive shortcomings, but at least he’s hitting his 3s more and he’s a good passer. Do I want him in the rotation? No, but he was worse last year.

Collins was much better in the third quarter. So it’s clear he’s capable of passing defense when he tries.

[Fireball]

Malaki is the real deal --- 3rd place in last nights dunk score list :lol

[sananspursfan21]

If our guys keep up this weird new winning thing, I’m gonna have to get rid of this terribly done AI image and find something a little more GSG…