The Spurs’ returned from the All-Star break with a win, but one that is hard to get too excited about. Some of their weaknesses were exposed and the execution on both ends was at times disastrous in their visit to Washington, so the only positive takeaway is that their 157-153 victory counts the same as any other in the standings.
Maybe it was just a lack of urgency on the first game back, but it was clear from the jump that defense was not going to play a big part in the first half. The Wizards were hitting three-pointers that the Spurs conceded and took advantage of some mismatches after switches, while San Antonio was getting good looks in the paint in transition and with cuts.