Spurs Look to Rebound After Early Season Challenges, Fueled by Rising Stars and Veteran Leadership
The Spurs are 1-3 to open the 2024-25 NBA season following losses in Dallas (120-109) and at the Frost Bank Center Monday against Houston (106-101). The sole win was also against the Rockets in the first home game of the young season and the first of a Home-Home stand with Houston. The Silver and Black took the first meeting 109-106.
After three games the Spurs currently sit in the 12th spot in the Western Conference. They rank 25th in offense and 14th defensively. I believe as the season progresses, the Spurs will get back to their roots and be a top ten team defensively. ESPECIALLY with VDub as the anchor.
Speaking of the Alien, VDub has gotten off to a good start leading all scorers with 23 ppg while adding eight rebounds and two blocks per contest. He’s only shooting 43% from the field however that should come up as he gets more games in. He did have his first 20 rebound game of the season in Monday’s loss to the Rockets.
I think one of the biggest surprises early is the play of Jeremy Sochan. In his third season Sochan is averaging 17.5 ppg and leads the team in rebounds at 9.5. More importantly he’s connecting on 56% of his shots. He seems to be a lot more comfortable in his role as a natural power forward as opposed to last season’s pressure of playing the point.
Though still early, the acquisition of Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes is paying dividends. Paul leads the team in assists with 8.5 a game in 27 minutes of play, which is tied for fourth overall in the league. His presence and experience is a stabilizing force both on the court and while on the bench. Barnes is contributing 14 ppg in his 28.5 minutes on the court thus far.
The biggest thing I’ve noticed in the Silver and Black this season, which should be a good sign for Spurs fans is Popovich’s energy level. He definitely appears renewed and engaged. I believe the addition of a veteran like Paul with the experience he brings allows Pop to have a coach on the floor to help shoulder the burden of leading the young core.
Despite dropping two out of the first three games, Spurs fans should have a lot to be excited about this year. I’m still predicting that the Silver and Black will surprise some teams and win 40 games this season while contending for the 9-10 play-in spot in the playoffs. It might be a lofty prediction but after two consecutive 22-60 seasons, UP is definitely on the horizon.
Upcoming Games:
Wed, Oct 30 @ OKC (3-0) 830pm (ESPN)
Thu, Oct 31 @ Utah (0-3) 8pm
Sat, Nov 2 vs Minnesota (2-1) 7pm
Mon, Nov 4 @ LA Clippers (2-1) 930pm
 and at the Frost Bank Center Monday against Houston){kind=link}