The Spurs are one week and four games into the new season, and they're already showing this isn't last year's team. The Silver and Black are shooting 39% from three, good for seventh-best in the league. You have to preface everything these days with a qualifier, so it's obviously early, but it's a great sign of what they're capable of.
Last season, San Antonio finished the season 20th in 3PT shooting, so watching the guys splash shots from all over the court is a refreshing change for Spurs Nation. This team hasn't finished in the top 10 since the 2019-20 campaign. They're well overdue for a resurgence in that area, and it couldn't have come at a better time.
Spurs are using the 3PT line the right way
It's reassuring to know that Mitch Johnson isn't instructing his players to just fire away from outside because that shot has gotten increasingly popular. The Silver and Black have guys who can knock them down, but that's not where the strength of the team lies. It's better to attack the paint with their downhill guards and the size of Victor Wembanyama.
Right now, they attack relentlessly, and that's the right way to play offense for this iteration of the team. After four games, the Spurs are 27th in three-point attempts per game. They only average 29 a night. But their ridiculous efficiency forces defenses to respect the weapon, opening up the floor during the perfect season for things to fall into place.
This is pretty much everything Wembanyama could hope for in his third season. He has several dynamic ball handlers with all-star potential—one is a vet and proven scorer—he has shooters around him, a formidable center to back him up, a fiery coach who pays attention to detail, and the entire team has bought into playing defense. It's a dream scenario.
The Spurs' front office and his supporting cast did their jobs in the offseason. They took it seriously and gave him everything he needs to get into the playoffs and compete with the big dogs this season. There's no need to wait for those predictions. It's become easy to see San Antonio as a top four seed, making it to the second round or Western Conference Playoffs.
They're the only team in the league with top-six numbers in both defensive and offensive ratings. As a young team, there will be a question of sustainability, but if they can keep up their production on both sides, don't be surprised to see this team make a deep postseason run.