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San Antonio Spurs’ losing streak extends to three in brutal loss to Minnesota

By Dylan Carter

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 13: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves is held back by Dejounte Murray #5 of the San Antonio Spurs after Towns got into a scrum with Rudy Gay #22 (not pictured) in the second quarter of the game at Target Center on November 13, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 13: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves is held back by Dejounte Murray #5 of the San Antonio Spurs after Towns got into a scrum with Rudy Gay #22 (not pictured) in the second quarter of the game at Target Center on November 13, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) /
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LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan combined for 50 points, but the San Antonio Spurs’ defensive woes continued in the 129-114 loss in Minnesota.

In uncharacteristic fashion, the San Antonio Spurs have been extremely sloppy since starting off the season 3-0. They’ve given up an average of 126 points per game in their last three outings, all resulting in losses. They’re now below the .500 mark for the first time this season – a jarring sight for one of professional sports’ winningest franchises.

On Wednesday evening, the Spurs went on the road to Minnesota to face a surging Timberwolves squad rallying around the spectacular play of former No. 1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins. The 24-year-old posted a loaded stat line of 30 points, eight boards, seven assists and two steals on 12-of-23 shooting from the field. He poured in four of the T-Wolves’ 11 triples, which the Spurs couldn’t seem to slow throughout the evening.

All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns scored 28 and Spur-killer Jeff Teague scored 18 points on 10 shots off the bench.

San Antonio was abysmal from the three-point line, shooting 17.6% in the contest on 17 attempts from behind the arc. To make matters worse, they were extremely disorganized on both ends of the floor, resulting in 11 turnovers and 23 fouls tonight.

Although LaMarcus Aldridge (23 points, four rebounds) and DeMar DeRozan (27 points, five rebounds and two blocks) were both efficient and effective from the field, they combined for a –32 plus/minus as the Spurs gave up huge scoring totals in their combined 65 minutes.

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Only five of the 12 Spurs to log minutes shot 50% or better from the field – Aldridge, DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl and Chimezie Metu.

Tonight was another rough outing for Dejounte Murray, who spent the majority of the night on the bench due to foul trouble and finished with 11 points on 2-of-6 shooting. He didn’t log any defensive stats but managed to go all 22 minutes without a turnover and made all seven of his shots from the charity stripe.

Even though he didn’t shoot the ball all too well, Rudy Gay made his presence felt by posting 10 points, eight boards, three assists and a block in 22 minutes off the pine. He played aggressively and showed off intense defensive effort – something he’s clearly emphasizing in the new season.

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The Spurs will have a travel day to head down to Orlando for a one-game matchup with the Magic, who’ve reportedly expressed interest in trading for DeRozan. As one of the less explosive offensive teams in this league, the Spurs will look to bounce back from this terrible dry spell that’s dampened their early-season success.