TNT (DR) / San Antonio Spurs (DR) </p>
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San Antonio is quietly becoming a force in the Western Conference, even upsetting reigning champions.But here’s a twist: the Spurs actually have a slightly better record when rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama is *on* the bench.
Charles Barkley was among the first to point out this curious trend. The former MVP noted San Antonio’s resilience despite Wembanyama missing twelve games this season due to a calf injury. “The captivating thing about Spurs is that they have a better record without Wemby than with him. It’s very close, but they’re at something like nine wins and three losses without him,” Barkley observed on ESPN.
This isn’t to say Wembanyama is expendable-far from it. Instead, it underscores the depth and collective maturity the team has cultivated around him. When sidelined, the Spurs haven’t faltered, adapting their approach, increasing the pace, and redistributing offensive responsibilities without sacrificing effectiveness.
A collective Force Beyond the Star
During Wembanyama’s absence,the guard duo of De’Aaron Fox and Devin Vassell have elevated their games. Fox has spearheaded the offense,averaging over 25 points and 6 assists,while Vassell has emerged as a consistent threat from beyond the arc. Their ability to create scoring opportunities and exploit defensive weaknesses has consistently challenged opponents.
Kenny Smith echoed this sentiment,attributing the Spurs’ success against Oklahoma City to stylistic matchups rather than individual presence. “When a team has your number, they have your number. Facing their circle protectors, the Spurs have players capable of scoring between two, of sneaking into spaces” he analyzed, highlighting the team’s tactical acumen.
This composure extends to the players themselves. de’Aaron Fox, who scored 29 points in a christmas Day victory, emphasized the team’s focus on self-improvement. “it all starts with focusing on ourselves. It doesn’t matter who the opponent is. We apply our game plan, we try to make life tough for their stars, and we continue to play our basketball” he explained.
This pragmatism reflects a broader change within san Antonio. Wembanyama remains a cornerstone of the franchise, a game-changing talent on both ends of the court. However,the Spurs have demonstrated they are no longer solely reliant on him to secure victories. after years of rebuilding, San Antonio has achieved a rare equilibrium: a superstar capable of shifting momentum, and a cohesive unit capable of thriving even in his absence.
