Analysis GRADES: 12/10/2025 Spurs 132 @ Lakers 119

[scott]

SPURS BEAT THE LAKERS, IMPROVE TO 17-7 AND ADVANCE TO CUP SEMI-FINALS V THUNDER

Scott's Notes:

• Right off the top, props to Mitch. Two straight games of 3rd quarter collapses and we game out strong in the second half today. I loved the game plan, and not because it's the one I was calling for ahead of the game. We ran at these guys relentlessly and they could not keep up. I don't want to dance on anyone's grave, but Mitch has also rightfully moved some players to a deep bench position where they belong at this moment, which isn't an easy thing to do.
• Domination from Steph. That boy is a dog. Turnovers still could use some cleanup, but it was still a stellar, easy 5 performance. Well done.
• Fox looked like he was going to go on a heater early, but he was still solid throughout. On the chase down block from LeBron, I'd like to see Fox dunk that. He only has one dunk all year, which is uncharacteristically low for him. He had another steal and 1 v 1 on Reaves and he settled for a pull up 3, I'd like to see him just blow by Austin and get the layup there. What needs to be pointed out... Fox get a great job of settling things and taking care of the ball last night. Only 1 TO.
• I thought Champ was EXCELLENT last night, as was Keldon.
• I was torn between a 3 and a 4 for both Devin and Kelly. They didn't fill up the stat sheet, but they both had huge contributions. Devin's was on the defensive end, and Kelly was with some steadying bench play and dishing 4 assists in only 12 minutes.
• Luke's gonna need an ice bath after this one. Dude has been taking a beating and no one is as eager for Wemby's return as Luke probably is.
• Zach Lowe alluded to this in the post-game show, but I think this game against OKC Saturday is the official kick off of THE rivalry in the NBA for the next 5+ years. We've arrived ahead of schedule, but we're here. GSG.

What You Said:

• @Fabbs - Overall game a 5.
• @Area 51.247 - Sleep deprivation be damned! Spurs coalesced behind a rampaging hydra that exploited the weaknesses of a strong team that had been playing well. Most impressive was the young guards keeping their composure after picking up early fouls, staying on the floor and running the gameplan. Maestro and the M's deserve karaoke shout-out for gameplan and rotations.
• @couchman - We all have our gripes with the coaching at times but Mitch was perfect in this one: pushing the pace relentlessly, getting our guards downhill, drop coverage to keep their creators away from the rim, and forcing their role players to beat us. At some point we have to recognize Mitch. Getting all of these wins without Wemby is a fantastic coaching job. COTY is an honest discussion.
• @Robz4000 - FTL imo tbh fwiw.
• @heyheymymy - Story of the game shifts from a king to the Castle. This big win earns the Spurs a heavyweight matchup in postseason atmosphere as a test for a young team with playoff aspirations. Viva Las Vegas!
• @LeBowen -
• The most impressive thing was everyone's resilience. Some bad plays happened, Lakers had some runs, but our guys endured. Obviously Castle's career game.

 

[jeebus]

Sochan with the DNP CD. The first of many to come?

 

[Fabbs]

Doncic tried to take Harry Barnes knee?
You guys see that play later in the game. Draymundo style leg kick but from the back. Barnes could not see it coming. Could have easily caused a serious injury.

Also the eggagerated hand smack when KJ (or was it Fox) shot the corner 3.
Ya bullshit Doncic was just doing a normal defensive swing. He fully intended to crunch his fingers and did.
Maybe i can find a few vids.

 

[wemvp]

Luka doesn't care to play defense unless he's pushed in to it by the coaches/team. He played better defense on the mavs than the garbage he's showing now. I think because Kidd expected it from the team and Reddick doesn't

 

[Guru of Nothing]

@Area 51.247 - Sleep deprivation be damned! Spurs coalesced behind a rampaging hydra that exploited the weaknesses of a strong team that had been playing well. Most impressive was the young guards keeping their composure after picking up early fouls, staying on the floor and running the gameplan. Maestro and the M's deserve karaoke shout-out for gameplan and rotations.

Excellent point I'd forgotten about. Castle and Harper playing well with foul trouble early. With our depth at guard, we can probably give a fuck or two less about foul troubles compared to most teams. If you get Fox and Castle in trouble, no problemo, have some Harper and Vassell.

I have not seen it discussed much, but if the Spurs are operating at full capacity, our bench should run circles around the opposition, literally, I think. That's to say we can win a lot of games this year if our starting lineup can merely match the opposing starters, ESPECIALLY IN THE 3RD QUARTER.

We've made a lot of progress in two years. It seems like yesterday I was celebrating Cedi Osman shots. ... actually liked Cedi, hope he's doing well.

 

[Quentin_Compson]

Luka doesn't care to play defense unless he's pushed in to it by the coaches/team. He played better defense on the mavs than the garbage he's showing now. I think because Kidd expected it from the team and Reddick doesn't

From what I've seen, read and heard, it seems that Doncic has actually pretty been solid on the defensive end this season. He was terrible against the Spurs, though, indulging in all his worst antics like complaining on every play an not getting back in transition.

 

[Exstatic]

Doncic tried to take Harry Barnes knee?
You guys see that play later in the game. Draymundo style leg kick but from the back. Barnes could not see it coming. Could have easily caused a serious injury.

Also the eggagerated hand smack when KJ (or was it Fox) shot the corner 3.
Ya bullshit Doncic was just doing a normal defensive swing. He fully intended to crunch his fingers and did.
Maybe i can find a few vids.

It was KJ’s 3, and there was enough of an impact that he missed all three FTs,

 

[scott]

From what I've seen, read and heard, it seems that Doncic has actually pretty been solid on the defensive end this season. He was terrible against the Spurs, though, indulging in all his worst antics like complaining on every play a not getting back in transition.

I generally never watch the Lakers (or the Mavs) unless we are playing them. But it seems like Luka crying on every play is his standard style. Is he like this against everyone?

 

[onechance87]

Send bryant to the gleague to play some ball.He barely played his freshman year in college,Now he aint
getting no play time in his rookie year.He needs reps anywhere

 

[Quentin_Compson]

I generally never watch the Lakers (or the Mavs) unless we are playing them. But it seems like Luka crying on every play is his standard style. Is he like this against everyone?

I'd say there are games where he does it a lot, and then there are games when he does it REALLY a lot ...

 

[wemvp]

I generally never watch the Lakers (or the Mavs) unless we are playing them. But it seems like Luka crying on every play is his standard style. Is he like this against everyone?

Here in Dallas it got talked about often on sports talk. Every season he'd either get a suspension or get very close from accumulated techs.

Right now at this moment, disregarding the salary match requirements, if you could trade Castle for Luka straight up would you do it?

 

[scott]

Here in Dallas it got talked about often on sports talk. Every season he'd either get a suspension or get very close from accumulated techs.

Right now at this moment, disregarding the salary match requirements, if you could trade Castle for Luka straight up would you do it?

I despise Luka and I love Castle... but... c'mon now.

 

[wemvp]

I despise Luka and I love Castle... but... c'mon now.

The age combined with poor diet starting to cause durability issues, poor defense, bad attitude, and questionable fit with Harper, Fox and Wemby wouldn't give you pause?

Of course he's the more talented player, but just amassing talent without fit doesn't win. I think it's closer than you think. I don't trust him to be anything more than an oft injured, slow footed scorer by the time Castle hits his prime.

 

[Paramore]

Best win of the season so far..................

 

[Area 51.247]

It was KJ’s 3, and there was enough of an impact that he missed all three FTs,

At 6:58 in third quarter.

 

[Quentin_Compson]

Castle for Luka straight up ... fucking hilarious.