San Antonio Spurs

N/A

Tag Type
Slug
san-antonio-spurs
Short Name
Spurs
Abbreviation
SAS
Sport ID / Foreign ID
583ecd4f-fb46-11e1-82cb-f4ce4684ea4c
Visible in Content Tool
On
Visible in Programming Tool
On
Root
Auto create Channel for this Tag
On
Parents
Primary Parent
Primary Color
#000000
Secondary Color
#bac3c9
Channel State
Eyebrow Text
San Antonio

Popovich: Victor Wembanyama Spurs Restrictions Won't Be Lifted vs. Joel Embiid, 76ers

Jan 21, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC -  JANUARY 20: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs look on during the game against the Washington Wizards on January 20, 2024 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC -  JANUARY 20: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs look on during the game against the Washington Wizards on January 20, 2024 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)

San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama might soon be able to play more than 30 minutes per game.

That change won't be taking place Monday against the Joel Embiid and the 28-13 Philadelphia 76ers, however.

"Not by next game, but perhaps after that," Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich said when asked about lifting Wembanyama's minutes restriction Sunday, per the San Antonio Express-News' Tom Orsborn.

The rookie has averaged just 24.7 minutes per game since suffering a sprained ankle Dec. 23 during pregame warmups for a road contest against the Dallas Mavericks.

Wembanyama sat out the Spurs' 124-120 loss to the Charlotte Hornets Friday night as part of ongoing restrictions on his playing time.

The Spurs were set to play the Washington Wizards Saturday, and Popovich said after the loss that Wembanyama has been told not to play back-to-back games while he recovers from injury, per the Express-News' Jeff McDonald.

"It's not rest. It's doctor's orders," Popovich said Friday night. "He's got a minutes restriction and he's not allowed to play back-to-backs. It will probably change very soon, but for now we still have to abide by that restriction."

Wembanyama returned Saturday to record 24 points and eight rebounds in a 131-127 win over the Wizards.

Wembanyama has only played more than 35 minutes in a game twice in his young career, but he still leads the Spurs with 19.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per game. That's part of the reason the Spurs, 8-34 overall, have gone 0-6 without their star rookie.

Popovich's comments seem to indicate Wembanyama could see his playing restrictions lifted Wednesday, when the Spurs host the Oklahoma City Thunder, or before next weekend's back-to-back set of home games against the Portland Trail Blazers and the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday and Saturday.

Victor Wembanyama Wows NBA Fans by Leading Spurs' Comeback Win vs. Wizards

Jan 21, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC -  JANUARY 20: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs rebounds the ball during the game against the Washington Wizards on January 20, 2024 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC -  JANUARY 20: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs rebounds the ball during the game against the Washington Wizards on January 20, 2024 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)

The San Antonio Spurs pulled off a late comeback to beat the Washington Wizards 131-127 Saturday night.

The win snapped a four-game losing streak for the Spurs and puts them at 8-34 on the year as they sit in last place in the Western Conference standings.

It was another positive game from sensational rookie Victor Wembanyama, who is still on a minutes restriction as he works his way back from an ankle injury. Wembanyama had 24 points, eight rebounds and a whopping six blocks on the night behind a huge second half.

As Wembanyama continues to gain his footing in the NBA, fans were impressed by another big game from him.

Wembanyama had a slow start to the game with just six points through the first 24 minutes. Like he has done several time this season though, Wembanyama exploded in the second half to finish with a solid stat line.

While the Spurs have struggled this season, it's clear the future is bright with Wembanyama leading them. As he continues to get healthy and gets his minutes up, Wembanyama is likely to continue putting up big performances and leading the Spurs to more wins like he did on Saturday.

Victor Wembanyama Impresses NBA Fans Despite Spurs' Loss to Jayson Tatum, Celtics

Jan 18, 2024
BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 17: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs looks to pass the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics on January 17, 2024 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE  (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 17: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs looks to pass the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics on January 17, 2024 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

Victor Wembanyama's first visit to TD Garden didn't go as he had hoped.

Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics took down Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs 117-98 on Wednesday night to extend their home record to 20-0 and their NBA-best record to 32-9.

Wembanyama had a solid performance despite the loss, finishing with 27 points, five rebounds, one assist and one block in 27 minutes.

However, it should be noted that Kristaps Porziņģis didn't play due to knee soreness and the Celtics most often stuck bench players Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta on Wembanyama. It's worth wondering how the Frenchman would have faired against a tougher defender in Porziņģis.

That said, Wembanyama has been on a minutes restriction, and what he was able to accomplish on Wednesday night in Boston was nothing short of impressive.

Wembanyama's performance on Wednesday night generated some well-earned praise from NBA fans as he notched 25-plus points for the third straight game:

https://twitter.com/deuceedeucee/status/1747803461100409037

While the Spurs, now 7-33 on the season, continue to plummet in the Western Conference standings, Wembanyama has been a bright spot for the franchise as he provides a glimmer of hope and a glimpse into what the future may look like.

The 2023 No. 1 overall pick is having a solid rookie season. He entered Wednesday's game averaging 19.6 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 3.2 blocks in 34 games while shooting 45.9 percent from the floor and 29.2 percent from deep.

Wembanyama is firmly in the Rookie of the Year race alongside Oklahoma City Thunder big man Chet Holmgren, and he still has the second half of the season to prove why he deserves the honor.

Victor Wembanyama: 'I Like to Be Coached and Sent to the G League' If I Play Poorly

Jan 15, 2024
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 15: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs warms up before a game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on January 15, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 15: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs warms up before a game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on January 15, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama didn't shy away from saying how the team should approach him if he begins to play poorly.

According to ESPN's Mark J. Spears, Wembanyama believes he should get the same treatment that any other player would get if they play poorly and be sent to the G League.

"I like to be coached and sent to the G League if I don't play the right way," Wembanyama said.

Luckily for Wembanyama, that probably won't be happening anytime soon. The rookie is putting up 19.4 points and 10.2 rebounds so far for the Spurs.

Wembanyama has certainly excelled on the offensive end, especially for a rookie, but he's also establishing himself as an elite defender. The 7-foot-4 Wembanyama leads the league in blocks at 3.2 per game while also getting about a steal per game.

The play of Wembanyama has not translated to wins for the Spurs, however. San Antonio is 7-32 on the year, sitting in last place in the Western Conference. The Spurs picked up consecutive wins for just the second time last week, beating the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets. Wembanyama had 16 points and 26 points in those wins, respectively.

While the Spurs likely won't be making a playoff push this season, they show promise as one of the youngest teams in the league, and they'll be looking to their star rookie to lead the way for years to come.

Victor Wembanyama Thrills NBA Fans Despite Spurs' Loss to Trae Young, Hawks

Jan 15, 2024
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots the ball during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on January 15, 2024 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots the ball during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on January 15, 2024 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)

It looked like it was going to be a nightmare day for Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.

The Atlanta Hawks absolutely pulverized the Spurs in the opening half, cruising to a 69-34 halftime lead. Wembanyama was extremely ineffective to that point, scoring zero points and having a -20 rating.

While San Antonio was unable to complete a comeback, an excellent second half effort from Wembanyama and the team should at least serve as a moral victory.

San Antonio outscored Atlanta 65-40 in the second half to lose 109-99. While it drops the Spurs record to a touch 7-32, the team showed some fight.

Wembanyama's second half was a complete reversal from his opening one. He scored 26 point and also grabbed 13 rebounds and had five blocks to finish with a strong day despite the opening half struggles.

This production came despite him playing just 27 minutes due to him being on a minutes restriction. The rookie also lit up highlight reels with one of his scoring plays.

Fans on social media praised Wembanyama's second half and celebrated his potential for growth going forward.

https://twitter.com/TheRowski123/status/1747026238932128177

The performance highlights Wembanyama's constant improvement as the season has gone on.

He is averaging 23.2 points, 10.3 rebounds and 3.5 blocks since the calendar turned to 2024 and is flashing plenty of ability on both ends of the court.

While the Spurs remain one of the weakest teams in the NBA, the future with Wembanyama looks bright at least.

He and San Antonio will next be in action Wednesday against the Boston Celtics.

NBA Rumors: Spurs' Victor Wembanyama to Compete in 2024 All-Star Skills Challenge

Jan 15, 2024
DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 10: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts during the game against the Detroit Pistons on January 10, 2024 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 10: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts during the game against the Detroit Pistons on January 10, 2024 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)

San Antonio Spurs star rookie Victor Wembanyama is one of the most unique players in the NBA, and he reportedly will get to showcase his talents during All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, Wembanyama plans to commit to participating in the Skills Challenge on All-Star Saturday night.

A 7'4" center with the skills of a guard, Wembanyama was considered a once-in-a-generation prospect on his way to being selected with the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA draft. He has shown flashes of brilliance during his rookie season, though he has so much more room to grow into a dominant force in the league.

Wembanyama has appeared in 33 games for the 7-31 Spurs and he leads the team with 19.4 points, 10.2 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game, the latter of which ranks first in the NBA. He's also adding 3.0 assists and 1.1 steals. His efficiency has left much to be desired, as he's shooting 45.2 percent from the field and just 29.4 percent from beyond the arc.

Still, the 20-year-old has shown the ability to impact the game in a multitude of ways. He recorded his first career triple-double in Wednesday's win over the Detroit Pistons, producing 16 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in just 21 minutes of action. It was the second-fastest triple-double in NBA history.

As Wembanyama continues to develop, there's no doubt that he will be a superstar who can lead the Spurs back to prominence after the team's struggles over the past few years.

Wembanyama and the Spurs will be taking on the Atlanta Hawks on Monday afternoon.

Tre Jones, Spurs Impress NBA Fans Despite Loss to DeRozan, Bulls Without Wembanyama

Jan 14, 2024
SAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 13:  Tre Jones #33 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots a three point basket during the game against the Chicago Bulls on January 13, 2024 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photos by Darren Carroll/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 13: Tre Jones #33 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots a three point basket during the game against the Chicago Bulls on January 13, 2024 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photos by Darren Carroll/NBAE via Getty Images)

The San Antonio Spurs lost to the Chicago Bulls 122-116 Saturday night without star rookie Victor Wembanyama.

While the Spurs are certainly disappointed to lose another game, there were some positive takeaways, like the performance of point guard Tre Jones. Jones, who started his fifth game of the season for the Spurs on Saturday, had a career-high 30 points and picked up nine rebounds, nailing four three pointers in the game.

The Spurs have been looking for a consistent option to step up alongside Wembanyama, and if Jones can continue playing how he did on Saturday, he could be the answer.

After the game, fans were excited about Jones' performance even with the loss.

https://twitter.com/pain1993bydrake/status/1746379156651188440

With the loss, the Spurs dropped to 7-31 on the year, and they'll be looking to get back on track against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday. San Antonio missed Wembanyama on Saturday, but it was a positive sign to see Jones stepping up in his absence.

Dejounte Murray Trade Rumors: Spurs 'Knocked on the Hawks' Door' About Potential Deal

Jan 12, 2024
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 07: Dejounte Murray #5 of the Atlanta Hawks dribbles the ball during the first half of a game against the Orlando Magic at the Kia Center on January 07, 2024 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 07: Dejounte Murray #5 of the Atlanta Hawks dribbles the ball during the first half of a game against the Orlando Magic at the Kia Center on January 07, 2024 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

The San Antonio Spurs reportedly engaged with the Atlanta Hawks regarding a potential trade involving point guard Dejounte Murray, according to ESPN's Zach Lowe.

"I heard from a number of people, an unexpected team that at least knocked on the Hawks' door about Dejounte Murray: Spurs," Lowe revealed during the latest episode of The Lowe Post (1:01:45 mark).

Murray was initially a member of the Spurs before he was dealt to Atlanta in a June 2022 trade.

In 36 starts this season, Murray is averaging 21.1 points, 5.0 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. He's shooting 46.6 percent from the field, 39.4 percent from three, and 81.4 percent on free throws.

Although he's experienced individual success in Atlanta, the Hawks' backcourt duo of Murray and Trae Young hasn't been as impactful on both ends of the court as many envisioned following the trade. The team has gotten off to a disappointing 15-21 start to the season, only good enough for 11th place in the Eastern Conference.

With Murray's four-year, $120 million extension set to begin at the start of the 2024-25 season, the Hawks are expected to speak with teams regarding his availability before the Feb. 8 deadline. The Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat, and Detroit Pistons are all reportedly prepared to "engage" with Atlanta in trade talks (via Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports).

The Spurs also appear to be interested in a reunion as the team searches for a dependable backcourt option to pair alongside standout rookie Victor Wembanyama. Although San Antonio ranks No. 4 among all teams in assists per game, head coach Gregg Popovich doesn't have a point guard who can consistently find Wembanyama in the paint.

In fact, no player in the Spurs' lineup is averaging at least five assists each night. If San Antonio is focused on finding a dependable guard that can help Wembanyama's development while also improving upon the team's 6-30 record, Murray could be an option.

Spurs' Popovich: Victor Wembanyama Criticism Similar to Backlash LeBron James Faced

Jan 12, 2024
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 10: Head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs talks to Victor Wembanyama #1 during the second half while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on January 10, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. San Antonio Spurs won the game 130-108. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License  (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 10: Head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs talks to Victor Wembanyama #1 during the second half while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on January 10, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. San Antonio Spurs won the game 130-108. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich discussed the unique criticism that standout rookie Victor Wembanyama received following the team's 117-115 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday.

"When he caught that ball, he could have gone up, but he had a wide-open guy right here at the rim, so he made the pass," Popovich said, per Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News. "So, it's not even a topic. He probably made the best basketball play."

As the Spurs trailed by two points with less than 20 seconds remaining in the game, Wembanyama had the ball in the paint and passed it to teammate Jeremy Sochan. Sochan attempted to kick it out to a shooter, although he ended up committing the game-sealing turnover.

The three-time Coach of the Year likened the distinctive criticism that the former No. 1 overall pick has received to LeBron James, as the NBA's all-time leading scorer has faced similar complaints regarding his willingness to pass the ball to open teammates in clutch situations.

"Every time he shot it, they said he should have passed it," Popovich said, via Orsborn. "When he passed it, they said, 'He didn't have any guts'...Just silly, ignorant comments."

Wembanyama didn't allow the detractors to affect him during San Antonio's following game, a 130-108 victory over the Detroit Pistons. The 20-year-old recorded the first triple double of his career as he recorded 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in just 21 minutes of action. This included an incredible full-court pass to Sochan for a transition dunk.

Wembanyama became the youngest player in franchise history to record a triple double.

Victor Wembanyama's Historic Triple-Double Wows NBA Fans as Spurs Rout Pistons

Jan 11, 2024
DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 10: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball during the game against the Detroit Pistons on January 10, 2024 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 10: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball during the game against the Detroit Pistons on January 10, 2024 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)

Here's how Victor Wembanyama's night went on Wednesday—the rookie big man put up the first triple-double of his career in about 21 minutes as the San Antonio Spurs (5-30) rolled to a 130-108 blowout win over the hapless Detroit Pistons (3-34).

The final numbers for Wembanyama's historic evening were absurd, as the French phenom put up 16 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists and no turnovers while shooting 6-of-16 from the field.

Some of his assists on the night were absolutely silly:

And then, of course, there were his normal "he barely lifted off the ground but still easily dunked" highlights because... look, the man is very, very tall.

So to recap—a 20-year-old posted the first triple-double of his career just 32 games into his rookie season, nearly did so in the fewest minutes required to hit the benchmark in NBA history and became the youngest center in the league's existence to do so.

Just chew on that for a second. Wemby has been scorching hot in his last six games, and it's a testament to his overall impact on the court that his most impressive showing in that streak was the only one where he didn't reach 20 points.

Suffice to say, NBA fans and pundits alike were amazed by the all-around performance:

"He's a very good passer," head coach Gregg Popovich told reporters regarding Wemby's big performance on Wednesday after the game. "He was a good passer before he got here."

"We went to him a lot more tonight," he added. "We made him the focus offensively in the minutes he played. ... We're learning where he wants the ball, where he feels most comfortable, and the other guys are learning how to cut around him. We had some good cuts out on the court, and he finds those people. If they move, he'll find them."

They hype for Wemby was immense heading into his rookie season, but he's managed to handle it with aplomb. The Wembanyama Experience continues to be special to witness.