Late Surge Amid Spurs’ Struggles: V-Dub’s Stellar Rise
The Spurs seem to have found a little momentum to close out the season as they saw their first three game win streak of the season before falling to the Golden State Warriors 117-113 at home on Easter Sunday.
The Silver and Black were without Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, and Jeremy Sochan who is likely done for the season with an ankle injury. VDub led the shorthanded Spurs with a stat stuffing 32 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocks.
While the Spurs have been eliminated from the playoffs, the Warriors came into the game in desperate need of a win as they held a slim one game lead over the Rockets for the last and final play-in berth. The Rockets are currently the hottest team in the league winning 11 of their last 12 contests.
With only seven games left in the season and the Spurs sitting at 18-57, the Silver and Black are looking to avoid the worst season in franchise history. That unfortunate distinction belongs to the 1996-97 Spurs squad that went 20-62. Prior to Sunday’s Loss the Spurs were 4-6 in their last 10 games, by far the best stretch of the season.
“I think that we have changed a lot since the beginning of the season. We are a totally different team. I think that you can see that, obviously, when we’re playing on the court, we’re much different. We obviously know now what everybody is capable of. Using [Victor Wembanyama], Devin [Vassell}, Jeremy [Sochan], [Keldon Johnson]. Everybody has their own role and now everybody understands as individuals what we have to do. I think we’re better. I think if the season were to have started today, we would be in a different spot. I really do believe that. But I’m proud of how we fought tonight, and it was a good game for us.”, said Coach Popovich after the loss to the Warriors.
Despite the team’s lack of success, VDub continues to make history and his mark on the league. He comes into the final month of the season averaging 21 points, 11 rebounds, 3 blocks, and a steal, all team highs. This includes a career high 40 points and 20 rebounds against the Knicks on Friday at the Frost Bank Center. While he did not make the All-Star team in his rookie season, he is a leading candidate for both Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Upcoming Games:
Tue, Apr 2 @ *(3)Denver (52-23) 8pm
Fri, Apr 5 @ *(6)New Orleans (45-29) 7pm
Sun, Apr 7 vs *(8)Philadelphia (40-35) 6pm
Tue, Apr 9 @ **Memphis (24-50) 7pm
*-denotes team’s current Conference standing.
**-denotes team has been eliminated from playoffs
