When it comes to stopping the Spurs, the old adage of relying on physicality might need a serious rethink after their latest performance in Detroit. San Antonio just notched their ninth consecutive win, effortlessly handling the league's most physical team.
Devin Vassell was the standout today, but the real story is the Spurs' team dynamic. It's not about one player stealing the spotlight; it’s about a collective effort. They excel at finding the hot hand, feeding him, and playing stellar defense, all while other players capitalize on opportunities.
The Pistons aimed to disrupt Victor Wembanyama and stifle the guards in the paint. They executed this plan fairly well, yet it didn’t faze the Spurs. Despite Detroit's physicality, they still fell by 11 points on their home court, a result that should send a warning to the rest of the NBA.
San Antonio has consistently shown they can thrive under physical pressure. The Pistons' approach is reminiscent of the Rockets, who also try to dominate physically.
The Spurs have a 2-1 record against them, and in their victory, Reed Sheppard channeled his inner Steph Curry in the second half. This strategy has left the Rockets trailing six games behind San Antonio.
Interestingly, physicality hasn't been the primary cause of most Spurs losses. Their rare defeats usually come from shooting woes or lapses in focus, not a lack of toughness.
Let’s break it down: teams that rebound effectively, block shots, and frequently get to the free-throw line are anything but soft. The Spurs excel in all these areas, debunking the myth of their supposed vulnerability.
Perhaps opponents assumed San Antonio's youthful roster would struggle with the intensity of high-stakes basketball. However, this squad is proving to be tougher and quicker to adapt than anticipated.
Their path to victory lies in minimizing mistakes, and under Mitch Johnson's guidance, they’re playing smart, adaptable basketball. The way they adjust and continue to dominate is making a championship run feel increasingly attainable.
Fans should start believing it too.