The solution to all the Spurs' problems is frustratingly simple

Consistency, consistency, and (checks notes) consistency. That has been a big bugaboo for the San Antonio Spurs, who have struggled of late. After three big wins against the Oklahoma City Thunder in December, it looked as though they had officially arrived as contenders.

Then reality slapped them in the face, and hard. They got smoked by the mediocre Utah Jazz at home. Then they blew a game to Jaren Jackson Jr. and a bunch of random players against the Memphis Grizzlies.

And don't get me started on their recent game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. They choked after having a 17-point second-half lead. That game underscores several problems happening all at once for San Antonio.

The Spurs are learning some hard lessons all at once

A major issue is that San Antonio's 3-point shooting has cratered since Devin Vassell has been out, connecting on 28.4% of their threes in the new year thus far. Another is that Stephon Castle and especially Dylan Harper have been awful of late. Then there is Harrison Barnes, who has been mostly terrible for about a month.

If that weren't enough, they struggle to defend the 3-point line even though they are a top-10 defense. All of those flaws have seemingly hit San Antonio at the same time and raised questions about this team's ceiling.

Take their vaunted guard trio, for example. De'Aaron Fox went from shooting a blistering 38% from three to hitting just 31% from deep after his latest slump. Meanwhile, Castle and Harper, especially, can't seem to finish at the rim anymore. What's up with that?

The solution to all the Spurs' problems is frustratingly simple

The answer appears to be that teams are more willing to pack the paint and dare the Spurs to hit threes. The Silver and Black should be making teams pay, but seemingly nothing is falling from outside, compounding both problems.

They don't have space to finish, and the Spurs can't hit threes. Getting Vassell back should help considering that he is arguably their best shooter. Victor Wembanyama starting again should also help pull his man far away from the rim.

That would free up driving lanes for Fox, Harper, and Castle. In turn, them getting into the paint should create more open opportunities for Barnes, Julian Champagnie, and Vassell.

Hopefully, those two changes will solve most of San Antonio's problems. Only time will tell, with the next few games being a big test.