Jaw-dropping stat reveals Spurs' embarrassment of riches rivals can only envy

After making massive strides last season, one stat shows just how far the San Antonio Spurs have come. The Spurs previously struggled on defense but leveled up on that end of the floor last season.

So much so that the Spurs had two players ranked among the league's best in points saved per 100 possessions.

Having two players ranked in the top eight in points saved is a feat only surpassed by the Oklahoma City Thunder and a luxury that 28 other NBA teams don't have.

Victor Wembanyama leading the NBA in points saved isn't much of a surprise. Still, Luke Kornet ranking in the top 10 proves he was a fantastic free agent signing from last summer.

The Spurs have not one but two elite rim protectors

With two top-tier rim protectors, it's no surprise that San Antonio ranked second in defensive rating last season. They relied heavily on that defense during their run to the NBA Finals, and there is reason to believe they could be even better next season.

Having that added experience will be huge for such a young team. Also, going up against the best players in the NBA in the playoffs should make players such as Stephon Castle, Carter Bryant, and Wembanyama better defensively next season.

Even with former Spurs defensive coordinator Sean Sweeney leaving to coach the Orlando Magic, they will still have the defensive principles he drilled into them. The Silver and Black also have the benefit of knowing which lineups work best.

The Spurs will be even better defensively next season

The Spurs rarely used the double-big French Vanilla lineups, but they were gangbusters defensively last season. On the other hand, that pairing struggled offensively.

When Wembanyama was the only big man on the floor and paired with three guards and a forward, the Spurs were terrific on both ends. Expect the Spurs to continue to lean into those lineups.

In fact, the De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, and Julian Champagnie lineup was their best starting five unit last season. With the addition of Tobias Harris and Dylan Harper expected to play more, we could see some different lineup configurations.

But as long as Wembanyama or Kornet is on the floor to anchor those units, the Spurs have a major advantage over the rest of the NBA.

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