Wemby Watch: Spurs Beat Another Playoff Team (Pacers), Still Possess 3rd Worst Record

Story of the Game

As we march through these last 20+ games, I’ve got a close eye on the standings. Recently, both the Hornets (15–46) and Blazers (17–42) have picked up some wins so this means the Spurs (Pop) have a little room to operate when it comes to winning basketball games while still tanking for the third worst record in the league.

In their last game, the Spurs beat the 2nd seed in the West (OKC) and tonight they beat a playoff bound Pacers team (34–28). The mainstream narrative will be the Spurs are just now starting to figure things out, but the more accurate portrayal is we’re seeing what the Spurs are capable of when they’re not being artificially suppressed.

This team has always been talented and capable of making the playoffs, but other than a few select games this season, they’ve been weighed down by “curious” coaching decisions that kept them from racking up wins.

And even with these recent victories, the Spurs still aren’t at maximum capacity. For example, Victor only registered 31 minutes of playing time tonight even though his minutes restriction is supposedly lifted.

Victor Stats

31 points, 6 assists, 12 rebounds, 6 blocks in 31 minutes

11–17 fgs, 3–4 3 fgs

Quick Thoughts

Tyrese Haliburton had an off night, going 0–6 from three, but TJ McConnell had a career night with 26 points in 26 minutes, hitting 13–15 from the field.

Despite the boost off the bench, the Pacers never found their footing in this game as the Spurs steadily plotted forward with Wemby anchoring the team on offense and defense.

Victor Wembanyama looked like a true superstar this game, like as in recognized leader and producer of the team superstar. He’s obviously had great games, dominant games, highlight filled games, amazing stat games, etc. But tonight he finally looked settled as the clear #1 on the team. The offense mostly ran through him and the Spurs reaped huge rewards. And defensively he was an enormous presence, erasing and preempting many buckets from the Pacers.

Wemby was really, really impressive.

Usually I have a few bullet points to add as critiques, but I don’t have anything on my iPhone notepad.

The only thing I’ll add is he was battling and didn’t get pushed around.

One more: I think he’s now the best player in the NBA.

After Victor, the supporting three in the big four: Devin, Jeremy, Keldon all had very nice outings.

And Malaki Branham came through with a very nice 18–4–6 game in 30 minutes. If Branham continues to play at this level, the Spurs become a matchup nobody looks forward to on the calendar.

Also, another thumbs up to Zach Collins. He played solid again. However, I did wonder in my notes why the Spurs seem insistent on getting him the ball and posting him up when he comes in the game.

When he came in in the first quarter, it was like the Spurs had to get him the ball or they’d run sprints in practice.

This was a very good performance from the Spurs. They genuinely looked like the better team. However, in the Pacers defense, they looked off from the opening tip.

Watch those bottom standings. If the Spurs keep playing like this, they could easily eclipse the Hornets (15 wins) and the Blazers (17 wins). After that, the Grizzlies are at 20 wins.

I’m very interested to see if this upward trajectory stalls out.

Again, had Pop not tanked this season, the Spurs are a playoff team.

Pre-game Setup

The Indiana-San Antonio matchup is game #61 for the Spurs.

Betting: Spurs +6.5, Over/Under 243

(Guess-Prediction: I’ll take the Spurs and the over.)

Betting Record going into the game 43–46–1.

The Pacers traveled to San Antonio for this contest.