By Tom Orsborn, Staff writer | San Antonio Express-News (SAEN), 2025-01-18 12:34:37
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。
1月17日星期五，在圣安东尼奥的弗罗斯特银行中心举行的NBA比赛上半场，圣安东尼奥马刺队前锋哈里森·巴恩斯(Harrison Barnes)（40号）与孟菲斯灰熊队前锋布兰登·克拉克(Brandon Clarke)（15号）争抢篮板。
迈阿密——周五深夜，在马刺以140-112惨败于孟菲斯灰熊之后，更衣室里传出一个平静而令人安心的声音。
这是马刺本赛季最大的输球分差，也是他们近六场比赛中的第五场失利。由于贾·莫兰特(Ja Morant)脚伤缺阵的灰熊队在弗罗斯特银行中心横扫了这两场比赛。他们已经在这个球馆取得了11连胜，包括周三在莫兰特出战的情况下以129-115获胜，并且在过去16次与马刺的交锋中赢下了15场。
这些都是难以接受的事实。但文班亚马(Victor Wembanyama)在赛后保持了清醒的头脑。
“我们知道在一个赛季中不可能一帆风顺，”这位球星中锋说道。“会有起起伏伏。这并不容易。我们不可能在这个赛季取得82胜0负的战绩。我们会有连败。但我对我的队友们的意志力充满信心。”
虽然目前很少有人怀疑这支求胜若渴的马刺队的毅力，但这场惨败确实让人们对他们战胜快节奏球队的能力产生了疑问。
自12月5日以来，马刺队（19胜21负）在面对联盟节奏排名前五的球队时战绩为2胜5负，节奏是指一支球队每48分钟的控球次数。孟菲斯队（27胜15负）在这个类别中排名联盟第一，这也是他们场均得分高达联盟领先的123.4分的一个重要原因。
“这不是‘年轻’的问题，所以我不会这么说，”马刺代理主教练米奇·约翰逊(Mitch Johnson)说道。“但我确实认为这是一个经验问题，要理解什么是虚假的繁荣，找不到更好的词来形容了。要理解在前三节，一切感觉并不像看起来那么好。”
事实上，马刺在周五的第二节一度领先多达10分，但半场结束时仅以64-62领先。到第三节还剩大约三分钟时，比分是89平。
但灰熊队在第三节结束时打出了一波14-0的攻势，在第三节以40-22的比分赢过了马刺队，他们在周三晚上的第三节也占据了主导地位。
“就拥有真正的球队特质并将其发挥出来而言，他们处于联盟的顶级梯队，”约翰逊说。“他们在这一方面非常非常自律和始终如一。这与比分、比赛结果、裁判、谁在场上（比赛）无关。他们非常清楚自己作为一个团队是谁。”
桑蒂·阿尔达玛(Santi Aldama)替补出场，为灰熊队砍下了职业生涯最高的29分。德斯蒙德·贝恩(Desmond Bane)贡献了22分和14次助攻，杰伦·威尔斯(Jaylen Wells)贡献了22分。
德文·瓦塞尔(Devin Vassell)的21分领衔马刺队，杰里米·索汉(Jeremy Sochan)因背部伤势连续第四场缺阵。新秀斯蒂芬·卡斯尔(Stephon Castle)得到20分，文班亚马得到19分、12个篮板和6次盖帽。
马刺队在联盟节奏榜上处于中游，周日下午对阵热火队（20胜20负）时他们会得到一些喘息的机会。迈阿密的节奏排名接近联盟垫底。
但下周他们在巴黎与印第安纳进行两场比赛时，情况可能会再次变得棘手。步行者队的节奏排名第七。
约翰逊说，“纪律”是防守快节奏球队的关键。
“你必须以某种不屈不挠的精神来对抗，但它需要有纪律性，”他补充道。
卡斯尔表示，解决节奏问题的关键在于改进沟通，并强调防守转换，尤其是在投篮不中之后。
“我觉得我们会错位，有时我们试图跑回自己的对位球员而不是建立一道墙，这就是对手打出一波流的方式，”他说。
至于马刺队陷入困境，卡斯尔和文班亚马一样，并不打算惊慌失措。
“我不会说这令人担忧，”他说。“我觉得每支球队都会经历这个阶段。我们只需要回到我们以防守为核心的特质，为球场上的防守感到自豪，尤其是面对那些喜欢打快节奏的球队。我们只需要找到一种方法来渡过难关，尤其是在对手开始打出一波流的时候。我不会说要打得慢一点，而是要努力为自己争取更容易的得分机会，不要过多地勉强出手。
“HB（哈里森·巴恩斯）在我们的一个暂停时提到了这一点，要努力在每次进攻中打到第二和第三个战术，努力让他们防守，让他们有点疲惫，这样也会有助于我们的防守转换。”
文班亚马说，这一切都归结于在球场上“努力做正确的事情”。
“继续努力打球，付出努力，做出回应，专注于球探（报告），”他说。“当情况艰难时，基本功不会失效。”
Memphis Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) passes to teammate Zach Edey (14) as he is defended by San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama (1) and Harrison Barnes (40) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, in San Antonio.
Memphis Grizzlies’ Desmond Bane (22) grabs the rebound ahead of San Antonio Spurs’ Charles Bassey during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, in San Antonio.
San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) passes the ball during the second half of their NBA game with the Memphis Grizzlies at the Frost Bank Center on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in San Antonio. Memphis beat the Spurs 140-112.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) shoot a layup ov Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13)during the second half of their NBA game at the Frost Bank Center on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in San Antonio. Memphis beat the Spurs 140-112.
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) is fouled by Memphis Grizzlies forward Jake LaRavia (3) under the basket during the second half of their NBA game at the Frost Bank Center on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in San Antonio. Memphis beat the Spurs 140-112.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) stands with guard Chris Paul (3) during the second half of their NBA game with the Memphis Grizzlies at the Frost Bank Center on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in San Antonio. Memphis beat the Spurs 140-112.
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) drives on Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. (1) during the second half of their NBA game at the Frost Bank Center on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in San Antonio. Castle scored 20 points in a losing effort as Memphis beat the Spurs 140-112.
San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (0) makes a shot at the basket against Memphis Grizzlies forward Jake LaRavia (3) during the second half of their NBA game at the Frost Bank Center on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in San Antonio. Memphis beat the Spurs 140-112.
San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) dunks on Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) during the second half of their NBA game at the Frost Bank Center on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in San Antonio. Memphis beat the Spurs 140-112.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) drives on Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama (7) during the second half of their NBA game at the Frost Bank Center on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in San Antonio. Memphis beat the Spurs 140-112.
San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) during during the first half of their NBA game with the Memphis Grizzlies at the Frost Bank Center on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in San Antonio. Vassell led the Spurs with 21 points in their 140-112 loss the Grizzlies.
San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) tries to block a shot by Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) during the first half of their NBA game at the Frost Bank Center on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in San Antonio.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) guards Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) during the first half of their NBA game at the Frost Bank Center on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in San Antonio. Memphis beat the Spurs 140-112.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) signals three after hitting a 3-pointer during the first half of their NBA game with the Memphis Grizzlies at the Frost Bank Center on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in San Antonio. Memphis beat the Spurs 140-112.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) pins a shot my Memphis Grizzlies guard Luke Kennard (10) against the backboard during the first half of their NBA game at the Frost Bank Center on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in San Antonio. Memphis beat the Spurs 140-112.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) defends Memphis Grizzlies forward Jake LaRavia (3) during the first half of their NBA game at the Frost Bank Center on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in San Antonio. Memphis beat the Spurs 140-112.
San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan sports a new blue hair style on the bench during the first half of their NBA game with the Memphis Grizzlies at the Frost Bank Center on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in San Antonio.
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) dunks a ball during the first half of their NBA game with the Memphis Grizzlies at the Frost Bank Center on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in San Antonio. Castle finished with 20 points though the Spurs fell to Memphis 140-112.
San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) tries to keep a ball from going out of bounds while guarding Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) during the first half of their NBA game at the Frost Bank Center on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in San Antonio. Memphis beat the Spurs 140-112.
点击查看原文：Back-to-back losses to Grizzlies underscores Spurs' pace problem
Back-to-back losses to Grizzlies underscores Spurs’ pace problem
San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (40) fights for a rebound with Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15)during the first half of their NBA game at the Frost Bank Center on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in San Antonio.
MIAMI – A calm, reassuring voice emerged from the Spurs’ locker room late Friday night after their 140-112 drubbing at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies.
It was the Spurs’ largest losing margin of the season and their fifth loss in their last six games. The Grizzlies, who were without Ja Morant due to an injured foot, swept the two-game set at the Frost Bank Center. They’ve won 11 in a row in the building, including a 129-115 victory with Morant on Wednesday, and have triumphed in 15 of their past 16 meetings overall with the Spurs.
Tough facts to swallow. But Victor Wembanyama kept things in perspective afterward.
“We know in a season it is not going to be a straight line,” star center said. “It’s going to be ups and downs. This is not easy. We’re not going to go 82-0 in the season. We’re going to have losing streaks. But I’m very confident in the will that my guys have.”
While the hungry Spurs’ intestinal fortitude isn’t being doubted much at this point, the shellacking did raise questions about their ability to beat teams playing at a fast pace.
Since Dec. 5, the Spurs (19-21) are 2-5 against teams ranked in the top five in the league in pace, the number of possessions a team gets per 48 minutes. Memphis (27-15) ranks No. 1 in the NBA in that category, a big reason why they average a league-leading 123.4 points per game
“It’s not a ‘young’ thing, so I’m not going to say that,” acting Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said. “But I do think it is an experience thing of understanding fool’s gold, for lack of a better term. Understanding that everything isn’t as good as it feels in the first, second and third quarters.”
Indeed, the Spurs led by as many as 10 points in the second period Friday before settling for a 64-62 halftime lead. With about three minutes left in the third period, the score was knotted at 89.
But the Grizzlies closed the period on a 14-0 run to outscore the Spurs 40-22 in the third after they also dominated the third on Wednesday night.
“They are in the top tier of the league in terms of having a real identity and playing into that identity,” Johnson said. “They are very, very disciplined and consistent in that regard. It does not go with the score, the results of a play, the refering, who’s in (the game). They’re very clear on who they are as a team.”
Santi Aldama came off the bench to pump in a career-high 29 points for the Grizzlies. Desmond Bane added 22 points and 14 assists, and Jaylen Wells contributed 22 points.
Devin Vassell’s 21 points led the Spurs, who were without Jeremy Sochan (back) for the fourth consecutive game. Rookie Stephon Castle added 20, and Wembanyama finished with 19 points, 12 rebounds and six blocks.
The Spurs, who are in the middle of the pack in the league in pace, get a break when they face the Heat (20-20) Sunday afternoon. Miami ranks near the bottom of the league.
But things could get dicey again when they face Indiana in a two-game set in Paris next week. The Pacers rank seventh.
Johnson said “discipline” is the key to defending fast-paced teams.
“And you have to fight that with some relentlessness back, but it needs to be disciplined,” he added.
Castle said the solution to the pace problem centers on improved communication and an emphasis on transition defense, especially after missed shots.
“I feel like we’d be cross matched and sometimes we’re trying to run back to our matchup instead of building a wall, and that’s how teams go on runs,” he said.
As far as the Spurs hitting a rough patch, Castle, like Wembanyama, isn’t ready to panic.
“I wouldn’t say it’s concerning,” he said. "I feel like every team goes through it. We just got to get back to our identity with defense, taking pride on that side of the court, especially with teams that like to play fast. We just got to find a way to weather the storm, especially when teams start to go on runs. I wouldn’t say play slower, but just try and get easier buckets for ourselves, not settle as much.
“HB (Harrison Barnes) mentioned it in one of our huddles, try and get to the second and third action every possession, trying to make them guard, tire them out a little bit and then that’ll also help our transition defense.”
Wembanyama said it all boils downs to “trying to do the right thing” on the court.
“Keep on playing hard, making the efforts, answering, being locked in to the scouting (report),” he said. “When it’s tough, fundamentals don’t fails.”
By Tom Orsborn, Staff writer, via San Antonio Express-News