By Jeff McDonald, Staff Writer | San Antonio Express-News (SAEN), 2024-12-30 00:06:10
由生成式人工智能翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。
2024年12月29日星期天，在明尼阿波利斯举行的NBA篮球比赛上半场，明尼苏达森林狼队的后卫丹特·迪温琴佐(Donte DiVincenzo)（左）庆祝他的三分球，而圣安东尼奥马刺队的后卫克里斯·保罗(Chris Paul)（3号）在一旁观望。(美联社照片/马特·克罗恩)
明尼阿波利斯——当杰里米·索汉(Jeremy Sochan)投出一记侧旋三分球时，这个球看起来就不太妙。通常情况下，这样的球都不会进。
当球落地时，看起来也不太妙，终场蜂鸣器响起时，球只碰到了篮板，马刺以112-110惜败明尼苏达森林狼。
马刺在比赛的关键时刻所能做的最好的事情，就是一个三分球命中率只有25.8%的球员在外线绝望地出手，这说明了森林狼的防守有多么出色。
“他们是精英级别的，”马刺代理教练米奇·约翰逊(Mitch Johnson)说道。
这也说明了马刺的一些问题，他们在标靶中心又一次以微弱的差距输掉了比赛，结束了1胜3负的客场之旅。
“我认为我们感受到了与强队在客场打NBA比赛是什么样的，”约翰逊说。
周日的失利是马刺本赛季最长客场之旅的第三场败仗。在此前的客场之旅中，他们还以111-106输给了费城，在圣诞节以117-114输给了纽约，中间夹杂着一场轻松战胜布鲁克林的比赛。
在明尼苏达的失利是马刺客场之旅中差距最小的一场。
“我们正在学习赢球有多难，尤其是在客场，”控球后卫克里斯·保罗说道。“在客场，一切都很重要。”
维克托·文班亚马(Victor Wembanyama)砍下34分，领衔马刺。马刺在第四节初曾以微弱的8分优势领先。森林狼凭借丹特·迪温琴佐替补出场砍下的26分以及其他五名得分上双的球员的均衡得分努力反击。
哈里森·巴恩斯(Harrison Barnes)为马刺贡献了24分，德文·瓦塞尔(Devin Vassell)贡献了22分。
森林狼在比赛还剩3分39秒时凭借鲁迪·戈贝尔的补篮扣篮取得了最终领先，并保持到了最后。迪温琴佐在比赛还剩12.8秒时两罚一中，马刺有机会扳平或反超比分。
但森林狼成功地瓦解了马刺随后的界外球战术，当时间到点时，球落在了距离篮筐23英尺的索汉手中。
索汉实际上在第一节用一记三分球为球队首开纪录。但在比赛的关键时刻，他的投篮严重回归了平均水平。
最后一投的结果与数学预期基本一致。
以下是马刺这场失利的三个要点，这场失利使马刺的战绩回到16胜16负：
- 晚开赛没有造成问题
周日下午，球员们正在享用赛前餐，这时他们得知原定晚上7点的比赛被推迟到了8点。
原因是什么？标靶中心球场上的部分装饰涂层脱落了。
马刺在周日早上的投篮训练中就注意到了这个问题，但直到来不及按时开赛时，这个问题才得到解决。
在更换了新的地板后，比赛得以在一个小时后进行，这还好。
“如果时间更早一些，那真的会打乱球员的赛前餐或赛前小憩之类的安排，”约翰逊说。“如果说有什么影响的话，这可能只是一种烦恼，因为他们想在常规的开球时间比赛。”
- 替补中锋回归
在客场之旅的前三场比赛中使用了缩短的九人轮换阵容后，约翰逊在明尼苏达的比赛中再次延长了轮换阵容。
共有11名马刺球员上场，不同之处在于替补中锋查尔斯·巴斯(Charles Bassey)和扎克·科林斯(Zach Collins)的回归。
这一举动在理论上是合理的，因为马刺需要额外的体型来对抗森林狼更大的锋线。
但这在场上并没有取得多大成效。
巴斯上场4分42秒，表现平平，得到4分和2个篮板。科林斯自12月8日对阵国王的比赛以来首次出场——当时一次可怕的摔倒让他进入了伤病名单——他只上场了7分钟。
科林斯刚上场就几乎立刻领到第一次犯规，最终领到三次犯规。他没有得分也没有抢到篮板。
“当你拥有一群好人，他们不仅为自己，也为身边的队友努力，有时这会对你的人性产生反作用，”约翰逊说。“仅仅因为你太渴望了，你就会忽略你的直觉。”
总而言之，加长的板凳席基本上没有发挥作用。凯尔登·约翰逊(Keldon Johnson)拿下了替补阵容19分中的13分。
- 马刺的老将们度过了美好的一天
马刺并不指望巴恩斯总是能打出像周日那样的得分之夜，但知道他仍然有这样的能力是很好的。
这是巴恩斯本赛季第四次得分超过20分，也是他自11月23日对阵金州勇士队以来的第一次。
在今晚的比赛之前，巴恩斯在之前的三个客场比赛中总共得到12分，包括在费城的一场零分比赛。
“他可能是少数几个从一开始就与他们的身体对抗和毅力相匹配的球员之一，”约翰逊谈到这位32岁的前锋时说。
想想看，队里唯一比巴恩斯更有经验的球员也度过了美好的一晚。
克里斯·保罗没有投进一个球，6投0中。但他送出了14次助攻，这是他身披马刺球衣以来的最高纪录。
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) celebrates his teams win as San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan (10) reacts to his teams loss after an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley, left, celebrates his three-point basket with guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley, middle, fouls San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)
San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell, left, works around Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) works around San Antonio Spurs guard Tre Jones (33) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)
San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell celebrates his 3-point basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) works around San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) works around San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, middle, drives toward the basket as San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) and forward Jeremy Sochan defend during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) works around San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan (10) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, right, celebrates his 3-point basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, left, works around Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)
San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell, left, works toward the basket as Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama celebrates his three-point basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)
San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell, left, works toward the basket as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 29: Rudy Gobert #27 (L) and Donte DiVincenzo #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves interact after the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Target Center on December 29, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Spurs 112-110.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 29: Julius Randle #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves goes up for a shot against Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs in the fourth quarter at Target Center on December 29, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Spurs 112-110.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 29: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs dunks the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter at Target Center on December 29, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Spurs 112-110.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 29: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs goes to the basket against Anthony Edwards #5 and Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter at Target Center on December 29, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Spurs 112-110.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 29: Jeremy Sochan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs dribbles the ball against Donte DiVincenzo #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second quarter at Target Center on December 29, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 29: Donte DiVincenzo #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates a victory against the San Antonio Spurs with fans after the game at Target Center on December 29, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Spurs 112-110.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 29: Nickeil Alexander-Walker #9 of the Minnesota Timberwolves passes the ball against Keldon Johnson #0 of the San Antonio Spurs in the third quarter at Target Center on December 29, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Spurs 112-110.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 29: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates his basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the third quarter at Target Center on December 29, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Spurs 112-110.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 29: Chris Paul #3 and Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs react against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter at Target Center on December 29, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 29: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates his basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter at Target Center on December 29, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Spurs 112-110.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 29: Donte DiVincenzo #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots the ball against Tre Jones #33 of the San Antonio Spurs in the third quarter at Target Center on December 29, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Spurs 112-110.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 29: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs (R) reacts against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter at Target Center on December 29, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Spurs 112-110.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 29: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves goes up for a shot against Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs in the fourth quarter at Target Center on December 29, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Spurs 112-110.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 29: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots the ball against Julius Randle #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter at Target Center on December 29, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 29: Julian Champagnie #30 of the San Antonio Spurs drives to the basket against Donte DiVincenzo #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second quarter at Target Center on December 29, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 29: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves goes up for a shot against Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs in the third quarter at Target Center on December 29, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Spurs 112-110.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 29: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots the ball against Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter at Target Center on December 29, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 29: Devin Vassell #24 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots the ball against Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second quarter at Target Center on December 29, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
点击查看原文：Spurs 34 points from Victor Wembanyama in loss to Timberwolves
Spurs 34 points from Victor Wembanyama in loss to Timberwolves
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo, left, celebrates his three-point basket as San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) looks on during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)
MINNEAPOLIS – The ball did not look good on the way up. They usually don’t when Jeremy Sochan lofts a side-spinning 3-point shot.
The attempt did not look good when it landed either, connecting only with backboard as the final buzzer sounded on a 112-110 loss for the Spurs at Minnesota on Sunday.
That the best the Spurs could muster with the game on the line was a desperate hoist from a 25.8% 3-point shooter firing away from beyond the arc says something about the Timberwolves’ defense.
“They’re elite,” Spurs acting coach Mitch Johnson said.
It also says something about the Spurs, who completed a 1-3 road trip with another so-close-yet-so-far defeat at the Target Center.
“I think we felt what road NBA basketball looks like against good teams,” Johnson said.
Sunday’s defeat was the third on a trip that also included a 111-106 loss at Philadelphia and a 117-114 loss at New York on Christmas Day, sandwiched around an easy-does-it win at Brooklyn.
The loss in Minnesota was by far the closest of the Spurs’ longest road trek of the season.
“We’re learning how hard it is to win, especially on the road,” point guard Chris Paul said. “Everything matters on the road.”
Victor Wembanyama had 34 points to lead the Spurs, who held a narrow eight-point lead early in the fourth quarter. Minnesota fought back thanks to 26 points off the bench from Donte DiVincenzo and a balanced scoring effort that saw five other Timberwolves in double figures.
Harrison Barnes had 24 points and Devin Vassell chipped in 22 for the Spurs.
The Wolves took their final lead on a Rudy Gobert follow dunk with 3:39 to play, and held on from there. The Spurs had a chance to win or tie after DiVincenzo missed one of two foul shots with 12.8 seconds remaining.
Minnesota snuffed out the Spurs’ ensuing inbounds play, leaving the ball in the hands of Sochan from 23 feet as time expired.
Sochan had actually opened the night’s scoring with a successful 3-point attempt in the first quarter. With the game in the balance, his shot regressed badly to the mean.
The final shot went about as what was mathematically expected.
Here are three takeaways from Sunday’s defeat, which dropped the Spurs back to .500 at 16-16:
1. No issues with the late start
Players were in the middle of their pregame meal Sunday afternoon when the learned the scheduled 7 p.m. tipoff had been moved to 8.
The reason? Parts of the decorative coating on the Target Center floor were coming unglued.
The Spurs noticed the issue at shootaround Sunday morning, but the problem was not addressed until it was too late to start on time.
After the floor was swapped out for a new one, the game could go on an hour late, which was fine.
“If it was something earlier, that could really upset a guy’s pregame meal or pregame nap or that sort of thing,” Johnson said. “If anything, this was probably just an annoyance because they wanted to play at the regular tipoff time.”
2. The backup bigs are back
After using a shortened nine-man rotation for the first three games of the trip, Johnson lengthened it out again in Minnesota.
Eleven Spurs played in all, with the difference being a return to the rotation for backup big men Charles Bassey and Zach Collins.
The move made sense on paper, as the Spurs needed added size against the Wolves’ bigger frontline.
It did not pay off much on the court.
Bassey logged four minutes and 42 minutes of action and was largely ineffective with four points and a pair of rebounds. Collins played in his first game since Dec. 8 against Sacramento – when a frightening fall sent him to the injured list – and logged only seven minutes.
Collins picked up his first foul almost immediately upon entering the game, and finished with three. He did not record a point or a rebound.
“When you have good people that want to do well, not just for themselves but for the teammate next to him, sometimes that can work against you as a human,” Johnson said. “Just because you want it so bad you override your instincts.”
All told, the elongated bench was mostly a no-show. Keldon Johnson scored 13 of the second unit’s 19 points.
3. The Spurs’ old dogs had a day
The Spurs don’t expect Barnes to always have the kind of scoring night he produced Sunday, but it’s nice to know he still has them in the chamber.
It marked Barnes’ fourth 20-point outing of the season, and his first since Nov. 23 against Golden State.
Coming into the night, Barnes had totaled 12 points in the previous three games of the road trip, including a scoreless outing at Philadelphia.
“He was probably one of the few guys who matched their physicality and grit from the start,” Johnson said of the 32-year-old forward.
Come to think of it, the only player on the team with more years under his belt than Barnes had himself a night too.
Chris Paul did not make a field goal, going 0 of 6 from the field. But he did hand out 14 assists, his most in a Spurs uniform.
By Jeff McDonald, Staff Writer, via San Antonio Express-News