2 Studs and 2 Duds as Spurs stretch extended losing streak against Clippers

Dud: The Spurs' three point defense

The Spurs are having a tough time with defense lately, especially when it comes to rotating and closing out against three-point shooters. They are often caught off guard and allow their opponents easy opportunities to score from beyond the arc. Unfortunately, this issue persisted in their recent matchup against the Clippers, who created countless triples with their relentless dribble penetration.

The starting point for San Antonio to improve their defense is tightening up on the perimeter. Their undisciplined approach has seen defenders flailing in the air after leaving their feet on pump fakes. As you might expect, the Spurs have been innefective on this end. Opponents have used screens to target this young roster, and their lack of communication on switches has resulted in open shots.

The Silver and Black have built a reputation on lockdown defense over the years, but this season is another story. Once the threes start flowing, San Antonio overcommits to protecting the perimeter with reckless contests. These breakdowns cause the entire defense to shift and get caught out of position, ultimately leading to shoddy execution on rotations. This cycle repeated all game, letting the experienced Clippers go on massive runs.