Second straight bad 3-point shooting game. Spurs are better than most in overcoming that, but it's tough when you're shooting 20%.

Wemby needs to come off the bench, he starts, we lose

LawHall88 said:

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Second straight bad 3-point shooting game. Spurs are better than most in overcoming that, but it's tough when you're shooting 20%.

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Yep. Shot 39/23 tonight. You aren't going to beat many teams when you shoot like dog*****

Also, Keldon is shooting 61% over his last 9 games and they don't get him a single 3pt look? Feed the hot hand. He's only had 1 game in the last 9 where he shot lower than 50% from three.

Hawks lost (7 straight) and Bucks won.

Bucks now just 0.5 games out of knocking Atlanta out of the playin.

Hawks play Minnesota in 2 days.
Milwaukee plays the Wizards in 2 days.

Panic trade incoming

Second game in a row spurs get outshot in their own gym

This team needs more shooters.

Julian's sole role is to knock down shots. If he isn't making them then quit giving him minutes.

The only way that makes sense is if it's Vassell going out and it's a big improvement on what he shoots. Fox, Castle and Harper and Wemby are playing. And Barnes is fine as a shooter. The only trade that makes sense to me is some sort of Vassell + Olynyk for MPJ. They make that trade and this team could be a finals contender.

But barring a trade, this is our team and so we need to make sure we don't allow teams to force us into 40 plus 3 point attempts in a game. Keep attacking.

And as guitar said, maybe get Keldon some more run.

I advocated for MPJ in the past just because of his size/shooting filling out forward need better, but I can't see the Spurs doing it unless they would take Devin+Kelly (or Sochan works as well) and no 1sts. I feel like Devin has improved enough defensively where his defense is a lot better than MPJ's is defense which evens out some of the advantage of MPJ being a better/more consistent shooter. But MPJ has historically been such a ball stopper within an actual good offense - how well would that work in the context of our more motion-type offense?

But I think someone will be desperate and overpay for MPJ - or at least pay more than I would now. If they want Devin/Sochan, I think you do it.

And while MPJ is taller than Devin, he isn't real physical and I really want some more size, because it really seems like we've been having problems with the physicality of Nurkic, Jarrett Allen, Mitchell Robinson, etc.

I would really like to get a PF/C that can muscle up like Isaiah Stewart or Naz Reid. And while neither is really on the block, both the Pistons and Wolves have been active in trade talks by all indications. If the Pistons made a move for a big to compliment Duran like AD or Sabonis, then Stew could be traded so they can keep Holland/Thompson. Same with Minnesota and trying to get a PG. Minn basically can't get anyone without moving Gobert, Reid, Randle or McDaniels. Maybe if Minnesota makes a move to get Giannis help, we can snag Bobby Portis (47% on C&S 3s). Or the Lakers make a move and we can get Rui (44% on C&S threes). Royce ONeale is at 43% on C&S threes. Wiggins from Miami if they make a move.

I think there is room for a minor, inexpensive upgrade by getting involved in a bigger trade and using the expirings from Olynyk/Sochan to improve the lineup. But I am not sure I want to make something big happen at this point unless the value proposition can't be turned down.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25262746-2026-nba-mock-draft

Wasserman's latest Mock had us taking Karim Lopez, who I do like for us, but maybe my 3rd player at that range after Haugh and Yaxel. A few of the players to keep an eye on.

Thomas Haugh - Florida
Position: SF/PF | Size: 6'9", 215 lbs | Age: 22
Pro Comp: Jeff Green
Thomas Haugh's draft case gets stronger by the week as he continues to hit threes, deliver above-the-rim finishes and give scouts the occasional flash of creation into drives or dribble jumpers.
He's earned the easy-fit label with 6'9" size, shooting, athleticism and IQ/hustle.

Karim Lopez - NBL Breakers
Position: PF | Size: 6'8", 225 lbs | Age: 18 | Country: Mexico
Pro Comp: Franz Wagner
Even at 18 years old, Karim Lopez has been outmuscling NBL forwards/bigs on drives and finishes. He's shown impressive ball-handling and footwork attacking the rim.
His size, physicality and improving perimeter skill continue to create coveted scoring versatility for a projected NBA power forward.
No post, mid-range or pull-up game will just put extra pressure on his three-point shooting. But so far, he's at 39.0 percent on 59 attempts, showing encouraging improvement from last season.

Hannes Steinbach - Washington
Position: C | Size: 6'11" | Age: 19 | Country: Germany
Pro Comp: Moe Wagner
Hannes Steinbach's production has been consistent and earned by using size, touch, instincts and exceptional body control in transition. Games like his 24-point, 16-rebound effort against USC, when he also made two threes and delivered three assists, could help teams picture significant offensive upside.
At 6'11", he's highly skilled with excellent hands, shooting range and high IQ.
There may be skeptics who question his vertical explosion or defensive fit, but there are bound to be plenty of believers in Steinbach's overall polish, craftiness and feel. Recent success of bigs such as Alperen Sengun and Derik Queen can't hurt.

Yaxel Lendeborg - Michigan
Position: PF | Size: 6'9", 240 lbs | Age: 23
Pro Comp: Al Harrington
Yaxel Lendeborg's offensive versatility was on full display during his 29-point, nine-assist night against Maryland. He showcased the entire bag, hitting four threes, attacking with his dribble, finishing with force and finding teammates in position to score.
Age will limit his draft-stock ceiling, but if he's able to maintain this level of shooting, production and impact for a projected No. 1 seed, enough NBA teams will see a well-rounded pro rotational forward.

Joshua Jefferson - Iowa State
Position: PF | Size: 6'9", 240 lbs | Age: 22
Pro Comp: Kyle Anderson
Joshua Jefferson has registered on scouts' radar with his improved shooting and playmaking at 6'9", 240 pounds. He's making spot-up threes with persuasive fluidity.
Passing has always been a strength, but more offense is running through him, and it's shining more light on his playmaking potential.
His 24 points against Iowa really stood out, with Jefferson confidently stepping into threes and generating offense off his dribble. His versatility will help cast a wide net of suitors.

Carter Bryant blew it twice on national TV. Then he told me how sure he is that this will help make him “one of the best players in the world.”

Gift link to one of my favorite conversations of 2025, with a rookie who finds hope even in his misses:https://t.co/exZdsROV3d

— Mike Finger (@mikefinger) December 30, 2025

Love this kid and can't wait until he is a productive role player.

The Spurs have ruled out Devin Vassell (left adductor strain) tomorrow against the Knicks, while Steph Castle is questionable with a left thumb sprain.

— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) December 30, 2025

duck79 said:

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Julian's sole role is to knock down shots. If he isn't making them then quit giving him minutes.

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shooting from Barnes, Vassell, and Champagnie has been atrocious the last two games, which has forced Steph Castle to be a shot creator around the free throw line which is not his forte and leads to a ton of TOs and forced shots

Knicks say Mitchell Robinson again OUT New Year’s Eve vs Spurs - left ankle injury management

Ariel Hukporti QUESTIONABLE - lip laceration

Tyler Kolek PROBABLE - sore right ankle

Josh Hart remains OUT - right ankle sprain

Landry Shamet still OUT - right shoulder sprain pic.twitter.com/SQwJKEP8yx

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) December 30, 2025

No Hart or Robinson? We may just not get crushed on the boards after all.

I hadn't really been paying attention because... well the Kings suck, but quietly Maxime Raynaud has put up 15/9 in December on 57/41 shooting.

I was a bit miffed when we sold our 2nd round pick to Indiana, and even more miffed now because it seems silly to me that we (as mentioned above) still lack physical rebounding at times and this guy could have obviously plugged a bit of that hole for us while also giving us Wemby's chess buddy and another really cheap option for depth.

AggieEP said:

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I hadn't really been paying attention because... well the Kings suck, but quietly Maxime Raynaud has put up 15/9 in December on 57/41 shooting.

I was a bit miffed when we sold our 2nd round pick to Indiana, and even more miffed now because it seems silly to me that we (as mentioned above) still lack physical rebounding at times and this guy could have obviously plugged a bit of that hole for us while also giving us Wemby's chess buddy and another really cheap option for depth.

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Yeah, he's been a solid rotation piece and his contract is just 3y6M with 3rd year (2.5M) as a team option.

But at least we have Bismack for $2.2M this year instead or Raynaud at 1.2M.

I do know Raynaud wanted to stay in the NoCal area, but you can't tell me he wouldn't have been thrilled to team up with Wemby, too.

I don't get why we have only used seconds on two-way or stash players when we have roster spots open.

Also, we traded a 2nd to Charlotte to get them to eat Graham's 2.9M guarateed contract so we could do the Barnes trade, and that 2nd became Ryan Kalkbrenner.

The first four picks in the 2nd last year are all guys I would have loved to have landed.

Rasheer Fleming (PHX traded two 2nds to Minn for this pick)
Sion James
Noah Penda (French D&3 SF shooting 44% from three in limited minutes)
Ryan Kalkbrenner

Not taking swings on our tons of 2nd round picks is pretty annoying, especially now that we are an over the cap team. Last 2nd we gave a contract to was Tre Jones.

The Hawks sit Trae Young, boom, they're up 20 on the Timberwolves. Probably doesn't hurt that Porzingis is back.

The Wemby effect.

Was also just told this from the NBA:

The San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder game in the 2:30 p.m. window became ESPN’s most-watched NBA Christmas game in the timeslot since 2017 (Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors NBA Finals rematch). The Western Conference… https://t.co/mX7nu6OheC

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) December 31, 2025

LawHall88 said:

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The Hawks sit Trae Young, boom, they're up 20 on the Timberwolves. Probably doesn't hurt that Porzingis is back.

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Tanking Trae's value even further. Sucks they won, but they were due.

Day off then @KNicks @Raptors (back to back) then a day off and @ Raptors again.

Looks like Bryant is going to see more minutes in Vassell's absence.

Mitch Johnson says Spurs are still awaiting additional tests on Devin Vassell's groin strain for clarity but he'll be out "more than a game or two."

— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) December 31, 2025

Brunson should get T'ed up for that nonsense.

Well, never mind. You have got to be kidding me.

LawHall88 said:

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Brunson should get T'ed up for that nonsense.

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Absolute horse*****

NBA should just give a punt return halo, that is effectively what it is.

Refs called this a "reckless closeout"

This was called a flagrant foul on Dylan Harper. Adam Silver has ruined basketball pic.twitter.com/5atzyfmxgr

— hymn duncan (@hymnduncan) January 1, 2026

This better be called a flagrant also.

Guitarsoup said:

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Refs called this a "reckless closeout"

This was called a flagrant foul on Dylan Harper. Adam Silver has ruined basketball pic.twitter.com/5atzyfmxgr

— hymn duncan (@hymnduncan) January 1, 2026

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Such nonsense. He jumped three feet forward.

Yep. Flagrant as it should have been - way more flagrant than Harper standing to the side of Brunson. What is he supposed to do?

Brunson got a 5 point play and went on a 12-2 run.

Gonna be a long night if nyk going to shoot 60% from three and get the calls.

Well good, but bad Spurs defense at the end. Giving up 45 points in a quarter is no bueno.

This is the first time I’ve seen a flop technical all season. Please bring it back. pic.twitter.com/tDcGUnifZS

— Mike Vigil (@protectedpick) December 31, 2025

Garland got a flop technical.

Show this to the Knicks refs and Brunson will be ejected by halftime.

Keldon Johnson told me earlier tonight that despite not winning the NBA Cup, he did go ahead and purchase the 🦙 and in his words the llama is “in transit”. No name yet but he’s willing to take fan suggestions.

— Dan Weiss (@DanWeissPBP) December 31, 2025

Harrison Barnes how?!? 🤣

pic.twitter.com/f9PJxAa5eo

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 1, 2026

BS bailout of Kat by stripes.

FTAG 2000 said:

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BS bailout of Kat by stripes.

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Yep then another BS call on Fox.

Refs loves the Knicks more than Spike Lee.

These refs suck donkey balls

FTAG 2000 said:

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These refs suck donkey balls

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They keep getting worse.

These refs are terrible, but this team has had no fire the last three games. Throwing up too many jumpers and not running the floor either way.