3 Key Takeaways from the Spurs’ Loss to the Suns

On Tuesday night, the San Antonio Spurs were knocked out of the NBA Cup after a loss to the Suns. Here's what we learned.

Dec 3, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) shoots the ball against Phoenix Suns center Mason Plumlee (22) in the first half of an NBA Cup game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Tuesday night didn’t go the way Spurs fans had hoped. San Antonio fell to the Phoenix Suns, 104-93, in a game that not only hurt their pride but also dashed their NBA Cup hopes.

While there were some individual highlights, the overall performance left plenty of room for improvement.

Let’s break down the key takeaways from the game.

1.) Mixed Bag for Wembanyama

Dec 3, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) against San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) and center Victor Wembanyama (1) in the first half of an NBA Cup game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Victor Wembanyama’s stat line was impressive on paper: 15 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists. However, his efficiency told a different story. Shooting just 6-18 from the field and 1-9 from three, Wembanyama struggled to find his rhythm offensively. He also committed 4 turnovers and finished with a -15 in plus/minus.

Despite the shooting woes, his presence on the boards and ability to facilitate kept the Spurs in the game early.

Wembanyama’s versatility is undeniable, but this game highlighted the growing pains that come with being a centerpiece of a young team.

2.) Devin Vassell’s Scoring Surge

December 1, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; San Antonio Spurs interim head coach Mitch Johnson (let) talks to guard Devin Vassell (24) against the Sacramento Kings during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images / Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

If there was a bright spot for San Antonio, it was Devin Vassell.

Coming off the bench, he poured in 25 points on 10-14 shooting, including an impressive 4-5 from beyond the arc. His offensive efficiency stood out on a night when the rest of the team struggled to score consistently.

Vassell’s ability to create his own shot and hit from deep gave the Spurs a much-needed spark.

Unfortunately, his efforts weren’t enough to overcome the Suns’ balanced attack. Still, his performance showed the continued importance of Vassell as a reliable scoring option moving forward.

3.) Team Shooting and Turnovers Prove Costly

Dec 3, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) against the Phoenix Suns in the first half of an NBA Cup game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Spurs’ shooting woes were evident throughout the game. As a team, they hit just 35% from the field and 18% from three (8-for-44). Key starters struggled mightily:

• Julian Champagnie: 3-10 FG, 1-8 3PT
• Chris Paul: 1-9 FG, 0-5 3PT
• Harrison Barnes: 1-8 FG, 0-3 3PT

Turnovers were another issue, with the Spurs coughing up the ball 13 times. These mistakes allowed the Suns to capitalize, even after losing Kevin Durant to an ankle injury in the second quarter.

The Suns, led by Devin Booker’s 29 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, executed efficiently despite their setback, shooting nearly 50% from the floor and maintaining control for much of the second half.

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