San Antonio Spurs Had 'Hell of a Good Group' Despite Poor Record This Season

Despite winning only 22 games this season, Gregg Popovich thinks the San Antonio Spurs play just as well as teams of the past.

Apr 14, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich observes his team against the Detroit Pistons / Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

The San Antonio Spurs went 22-60 this season, tying their record last year for the third-worst season in franchise history. However, due to the continued improvement of Devin Vassell and Jeremy Sochan and the arrival of "The Alien" Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs managed to cobble together a fun, albeit unsuccessful, season.

The Spurs have always been heralded as one of the pioneers of team basketball, and this season was no different. Their 29.9 assists per game was second in the league and passed the 2013-14 "Beautiful Game" Spurs, who averaged a league-leading 25.2 dimes per game.

Apr 14, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) throws a ball to fans while the Spurs play the Detroit Pistons / Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

In the final game of the season, the Spurs beat the Detroit Pistons with a motley crew of players. David Duke Jr., Devonate' Graham, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Jamaree Bouyea, RaiQuan Gray, and Sidy Cissoko all got extended minutes in a game that did not matter too much. Instead of using the game to prove that they deserve minutes next season, they combined for 33 assists and provided a well-balanced scoring attack.

It's the Spurs' way.

"Eight guys scored in double figures, and we had 33 assists," emphasized Gregg Popovich after the game. "They play hard, they play for each other. That's why I've said all the things I've said all year about them. So, no need to repeat. But it's a hell of a good group."

The Spurs have emphasized all season that they have bought into the long-term success and progress of the organization. As the Spurs gear up for next season, expect to get a sense of deja vu. The 1997-2016 Spurs firmly belonged to Tim Duncan, but everyone bought into the culture and did their part. As the Spurs build around Wembanyama, expect a similar sense of identity to form.