Without Victor Wembanyama, Spurs beat Pacers

it hurts againVictor Wembanyama wasn’t there (just like Devin Vasell), but this team was Spurs has a resource and a victory (123-113) among Pacers proves it. At the end of a generally controlled match, where the advantage was taken in the first half, only to be given up afterwards.

In the first half, given their internal dominance (in second chances) and better possession, we initially felt that Spurs were just a touch of skill away from the knockouts. Pacers on the scoreboard. He didn’t disappoint: in the second quarter, they pounded them (16-4) from the moment the outside shots started coming.

Dylan Harper’s energy and Kelly Olynyk’s activity make the difference, while the Fox/Castle tandem is also in good shape to answer Andrew Nembhardt, Jace Walker and TJ McConnell, certainly skilled in shooting, but limited in the rest, as their defense takes water too easily (71-58).

after a break, Indiana he is finally starting to play better, especially limiting his turnovers and letting Pascal Siakam operate near the circle or at mid-range, while Saint Anthony it starts spraying again. The deficit is then back to two possessions and we have to wait until the start of the fourth quarter for Keldon Johnson, on 3 points, and Dylan Harper, all aggressive, to sign the fatal “run” for the Rick Carlisle gang.

Despite Mike Potter’s last efforts and above all else Pascal Sakak (23 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists), the Pacers finally decide to lay down their weapons, ahead of De’Aaron Fox (24 points, 7 rebounds), Dylan Harper (22 points), Stephen Castle (19 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists) and others.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

No Webby, No Problem (Again). When Victor Wembanyama missed a month of competition between November and December, Spurs won nine of their twelve matches. They, therefore, know how to cope without their leader and, again tonight, they showed a beautiful face, with a team that is still very attractive. De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle were presences in the backcourt, Luke Cornett continued his role as a control tower under the panels, and the awkwardness of the Barnes/Champagnie duo could be offset by contributions from the bench (see below).

The impact of Dylan Harper and the Texas bench. Without ‘Wembey’, Spurs really needed everyone to raise their level of play, even more so against a Pacers team that should never be taken lightly at home, and mission accomplished. Still comfortable in the sixth man role, Dylan Harper increased the number of baskets and positive actions in the attack, in his style that is so pleasant to watch. As for Keldon Johnson, Kelly Olynyk and Lindy Waters III, they also brought a lot of good stuff, especially in the second (Olynyk, Waters III) and fourth (Johnson) quarters.

Indiana is sinking. This now makes eleven consecutive losses for the Pacers, who only had an illusion in the first quarter, when the address was only on one side. Even so, rebounding and ball errors kept the Spurs going and, later on, things got complicated as, together, the two teams were not in the same category. Now dead last in the entire NBA, the 2025 finalists will struggle – and that’s a good thing? – to reverse the trend of this season, which started well more than ever.

https://vvv.youtube.com/vatch?v=lasVA5m5vzo

How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / 3 points in an attempt; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.