Nearly 50 games into the 2025-26 season, and the San Antonio Spurs have exceeded all expectations. Even so, their play over the last month hasn't inspired much confidence.
They are just 9-8 over the last 17 games, and potential cracks have started to emerge. San Antonio has struggled to stay healthy all year, has seen their 3-point shooting fall off, and has seen starter Harrison Barnes regress.
ESPN's Tim Bontemps [says as much about their recent play](https://youtu.be/-4DpcTDZNeg?si=FE9FmVxqX5aqyY_X&t=546). He also points to star Victor Wembanyama needing to be more dominant. To Wembanyama's credit, he has put up several strong games of late, including dropping 28 points, 16 rebounds, and 5 blocks against the Houston Rockets.
However, Tim Bontemps points to him blocking fewer shots, not getting to the line as much, and him wanting Wembanyama to dominate inside. He also wants him to play less on the perimeter.
The Spurs' recent play is cause for concern
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Some of those criticisms are valid but need context. For one, Wembanyama is blocking fewer shots, going from swatting 3.7 shots per game earlier this season to averaging just 2.7 blocks now.
Some of that has had to do with him playing a few minutes when he was on a minute restriction. Teams have also been trying him less at the rim, which has helped San Antonio reemerge as a top-three defense.
To be clear, 2.7 blocks per game is still ridiculous, but he's had fewer opportunities to reject shots at the rim of late. Offensively, his game has shifted away from the post and back to the perimeter.
The Spurs' problems may soon be behind them
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That might make him less dominant inside, but it's been better for both him and the Spurs' offense. Taking around five threes and four mid-range jumpers per game has increased his shot quality and fits better with San Antonio style play.
They have three quick guards who can all get into the paint. Having them throw entry passes to Wembanyama and just stand there doesn't make sense. Instead, they have Wembanyama pull his defender away from the basket.
That opens up driving lanes and leads to more shots at the rim as well as open threes. He has also been operating more near the free throw line. Wembanyama has attacked mismatches by getting to the center of the lane and shooting midrange jumpers over them.
It's true that having Wembanyama dominate will get the Silver and Black back on track. But the reason why they got off track was because they missed Devin Vassell, and Wembanyama was on a minutes restriction.
Fortunately, that's no longer an issue, and we can now see how the Spurs look at full strength heading into the trade deadline and All-Star break.