Wemby Watch: Spurs Dig Into 3rd Worst Record with Loss to Spaceships

Story of the Game

These last two games we’ve seen some prime trace material of tanking.

Gregg Popovich must feel like he’s out at sea, trying to hold his old rickety shrimpboat afloat against a monster monsoon because things are getting shaky; it’s quite the balancing act to pull the team back and seem like you want to win at the same time. What makes matters even more difficult is when the team is continually striking towards a win.

Tonight we saw random appearances of Davonte Graham and Sandro Mamumukelashvili for some reason. Mamu actually played well, but take note of the fact that neither of these guys usually play — they typically reside at the very end of the bench.

Part of the art of tanking is doing subtle things to pull the team in the wrong direction. Gregg Popovich is crafty enough to know that all it takes are a few strings pulled the wrong way to increase the odds of a loss. And Mamu and Davante Graham’s playing time may very well have been one of those strings.

This Rockets contest was one of six left for the Spurs against non-playoff teams. It’s important they lose a few of these games to maintain their buffer over the Hornets.

Victor Stats

13 points, 6 assists, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks in 31 minutes

5–12 fgs, 2–7 3 fgs

Quick Thoughts

Isn’t the minutes restriction a funny thing?

It’s supposedly lifted but Victor hits 31 minutes an uncanny amount of times.

It feels slightly pointless to critique the Spurs because Gregg Popovich is obviously coaching in a certain way to elicit a lower probability of winning.

For example, the Spurs allowed Dillon Brooks to guard Victor, but if Pop really wanted to, he’d solve the Houston defense in two seconds.

Other thoughts:

• It was great to see Alpi Sengun’s injury wasn’t too serious and I hope he recovers quickly. Victor owes him something next time they play.
• The Spurs last two games were definitely winnable games, but the Spurs (Pop) don’t have the luxury of the Spurs getting too close to the Hornets. Follow that win arc. I’ll bet $100 right now they don’t catch the Hornets.
• I think Victor was shorted another block. He only finished with two. Somebody go back and check the tape — I think he blocked Jock Landale for his third.
• I need to start taking the unders. Ever since the NBA suddenly changed to not calling fouls after the break, the scores are way down. It shows you the power of the officiating. #MoneyGesture

Pre-game Setup

The Houston-San Antonio matchup is game #66 for the Spurs.

Betting: Spurs +3.0, Over/Under 221

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

Betting Record going into the game 44–51–1.

The Rockets traveled to San Antonio for this contest.