Disappointing end to Spurs' first NBA Cup game shifts uncertain opinion to fact

When the Lakers came to town, you expected exactly what you got from the Purple and Gold: a fight. One of the most storied organizations in American sports, Los Angeles is known for competing at the highest level. It's why they butted heads with San Antonio so often in the 2000s. The year is 2024, and while LA still has elevated aspirations, the Spurs are working their way up the ladder.

When you're not operating at the same tier as the elite teams in the league with consistency, the details matter more than ever. You can steal games from teams better than you, but any mistakes made and players missed are magnified. The Spurs almost overcame some of their miscues but couldn't overcome the absence of Jeremy Sochan in a game that perfectly illustrated his value.

You can't replace good players like Sochan with scheme alone

Ever since Sochan went down, the Spurs defense has taken more than a step back—it's been more like a Michael Jackson-esque moonwalk. In the six full games the Polish Prince played, San Antonio only gave up 110 or more points once. Since he's been out, they've allowed their opponents to reach or surpass that number five times in seven games.

This isn't really a big team—nor a strong one—without him. When you go up against teams like the Lakers, who can put two players as imposing as LeBron James and Anthony Davis, you need to be able to throw your size back at them. Otherwise, a player like James gets 16 rebounds and orchestrates their offense to the tune of 12 assists with little resistance.

Anthony Davis ended the night with 40 points, negating Victor Wembanyama's 28-point outing. Sochan wouldn't shut down Davis, but his help defense would have helped to contain and frustrate the talented big man. San Antonio boasted a top-five defense when he was in the lineup. That ranking has plummeted in his absence.

Let's not forget the offensive impact Sochan brings to the table on top of his strong defensive prowess. He's averaging 15.4 points on 51.2% FG. He averages 2.4 offensive rebounds per game and adds three assists to his stat line.

You know how you see those guys on other teams that don't have plays run for them, but they always find a way to get themselves involved? That's Sochan. You don't have to call anything for him, but he's often in the right place at the right time. He's willing to do the dirty work to get the win, and the Spurs miss him dearly, especially in matchups against teams with skilled players with size.

According to acting head coach Mitch Johnson, Tre Jones will be back soon. That will certainly help some, but it won't solve everything on defense. Unfortunately, it may be a while before they get their colorfully-haired forward back on the floor.

Until then, they have no choice but to attempt to stay afloat with timely stops and an explosive offense. They turn around immediately with a back-to-back against the rival Dallas Mavericks. The Mavs are on a four-game skid, but that's a talented team, and they'll be looking to take advantage of a Spurs team coming off such a physical matchup. Get ready for another dog fight.