When you dig into what’s actually working for the San Antonio Spurs this season, one stat jumps off the page: free throws. Not just the volume - though that’s impressive - but the how behind it.
San Antonio’s top three usage players are doing exactly what you want from your offensive engines: they’re putting pressure on the rim, forcing defenders into tough spots, and earning trips to the line. It’s not flashy, but it’s been one of the most quietly effective tools in Mitch Johnson’s offensive arsenal.
The Spurs Are Leaning Into Physicality - and It’s Paying Off
While the rest of the league is obsessed with spacing, threes, and five-out lineups, the Spurs are zagging - and doing it with purpose. Sure, in a perfect world, you'd surround Victor Wembanyama with elite shooters at every position to stretch the floor and open up driving lanes. But building a roster full of guys who can shoot, dribble, pass, and defend isn’t just difficult - it’s borderline impossible, especially for a young team still finding its identity.
So instead of chasing an idealized version of modern offense, the Spurs have leaned into what they do have: size, athleticism, and relentless rim pressure. And it’s working.
They’ve found a balance - not elite shooting, but enough to keep defenses honest. That’s opened the door for rookie Stephon Castle to play downhill and get to the line about six times a night, not far off from Wembanyama’s 6.7 attempts.
Even De’Aaron Fox, who thrives in transition and off the dribble, is getting to the line over four times a game.
Rim Pressure Is Changing the Game - Literally
What makes this approach so effective isn’t just the points from the line - though those are always welcome - it’s the ripple effect it has on opposing game plans. Between Wembanyama, Castle, and Fox, the trio is drawing nearly 17 free throws per game - almost identical to what the Spurs are allowing on the other end. As a team, San Antonio averages 25.6 free throw attempts per night, with meaningful contributions from Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, Dylan Harper, and even Julian Champagnie, who’s quietly getting to the stripe nearly twice a game.
That kind of foul pressure forces opposing coaches into early decisions. Star defenders get into foul trouble, rotations get scrambled, and suddenly, the opponent’s best laid plans are out the window. The Spurs are dictating terms - not by launching 40 threes a night, but by playing physical, aggressive basketball that forces teams to react.
Free Points, No Gimmicks
Now, could the Spurs improve their free-throw percentage? Absolutely - 79% leaves some room for growth.
But the fact that they’re getting to the line this often, and doing it the right way, makes it a sustainable weapon. This isn’t about baiting refs with flops or exaggerated contact.
It’s just smart, aggressive basketball - attacking closeouts, driving with purpose, and forcing defenders to make tough decisions.
And that’s a credit to the coaching staff and the players buying into a style that fits their current roster. They’re not trying to be something they’re not. They’re playing to their strengths - and that’s a big reason why, even in a developmental year, San Antonio is giving teams all they can handle.
So while the league continues to chase shooting utopias, the Spurs are carving out a different path - one built on rim pressure, physicality, and a steady march to the free-throw line. It’s not always pretty, but it’s effective. And in today’s NBA, that’s more than enough to turn heads.