Grading the most impactful Spurs in their In-Season Tournament finale

The San Antonio Spurs had another close contest but ultimately lost, extending their losing streak to 11 games. Despite this heartbreaking stretch, San Antonio has been more competitive, especially in crunch time. The Golden State Warriors owned an 18-point lead in the fourth quarter, but this young team battled back and closed the gap to four points in the final minutes. While some players faltered, others delivered resounding performances.

Victor Wembanyama

San Antonio's star rookie put up an encouraging fight on Friday night, launching relentless attacks on the Warriors from all over the court. We witnessed glimpses of his impressive post moves and skill at using his length to finish effectively around the rim. Additionally, he demonstrated his ability to hit tough jump shots, though inconsistency on those looks remains an issue.

The Frenchman has the potential to become an unstoppable force, but he needs to find a balance between utilizing his body in the paint and transitioning into midrange shots. Despite his height, he struggles to capitalize on smaller opponents guarding him. While his teammates may not put him in the best position to score, he must be ready to catch passes. Against the Warriors, he had five turnovers, and San Antonio never found a rhythm. If he can improve these areas, he will be dominant.

Victor displayed his defensive prowess, blocking two shots and snagging a steal. His ability to alter perimeter shots was exceptional, but he needs to work on not leaving his feet on every pump fake. These are minor mistakes the teenager can eventually correct with more experience. Though Wembanyama has put together better performances this season, he still had a fantastic outing against Golden State.

Grade: B+