The birth of a superstar and 4 other Spurs revelations through 5 games
2.) This team is all in on running and gunning
It is interesting to ponder what a past version of Popovich would think of this rendition of the Spurs. Historically, San Antonio has been known for their deliberate tempo and methodical ball movement to find the best shot. However, this season, they have taken a different approach, ranking ninth in pace and three-point attempts per game. This young team seems more focused on pushing in transition, attacking the rim, or taking a shot from beyond the arc. This playstyle is new for them, and it will be exciting to see how it develops over time.
On the flip side, the old-school ways of San Antonio fielding a stingy top-tier defense are gone. While youngsters like Wembanyama and Jeremy Sochan have been solid stoppers, the Spurs are bottom five in the league in defensive rating. Knowing how Coach Pop preaches defense, this is something this group should eventually clean up. They are the youngest team in the NBA, and they are learning how to balance their offense and defense.
The Silver and Black have evolved over time, and though it may lead to some mixed results, it is a positive sign that they are willing to adapt. Previously, there were concerns that the team would struggle to keep up with trends of modern basketball. But thanks to the brilliance of Coach Popovich, they have managed to make necessary changes while staying true to the foundation of Spurs culture.