Why the Spurs Are Deeper Than You Think
The San Antonio Spurs' early success is no coincidence. They remain one of only three undefeated teams and boast a franchise-best start with five consecutive wins.
Despite missing key rotation players—All-Star De’Aaron Fox, alongside backup big men Kelly Olynyk and Luke Kornet—the team continues to impress. One can't help but wonder how much more dominant they might be with all key players available.
Strong Performance Despite Absences
The Spurs currently hold the highest average margin of victory in the NBA, winning by 14.4 points per game. However, two of those wins were against still-winless teams: the Brooklyn Nets and New Orleans Pelicans. Their toughest opponent so far has been the Miami Heat, who have a 3-2 record.
Strategic Pace and Defense
San Antonio plays at the fourth-slowest pace in the league but ranks first in fastbreak points. This suggests they strike selectively in transition, capitalizing on opponents' weak transition defense rather than pushing the tempo constantly.
The Miami Heat rank first and second in pace and fastbreak points respectively, yet the Spurs outperformed them in both areas during a recent six-point victory.
"With Fox, they’d likely be playing quicker because of his dynamic abilities in space, but the team has operated at such a high level, showing they can get by without him."
Interestingly, the absence of Fox brings a defensive advantage. Defender Castle has stepped up, aggressively pressuring opponents on the perimeter, which contributes to the Spurs holding the NBA's second-best defensive rating.
Summary
The Spurs’ depth and strategic playstyle highlight their ability to win impressively even without key players, suggesting a strong foundation for sustained success.