Analysis GRADES: Oct 27, 2025 - Spurs 121 Raptors 103

[scott]

SPURS 121 - RAPTORS 103. SPURS IMPROVE TO 4-0.

Scott's Thoughts

• I did not catch the game live and the abbreviated replay on League Pass does lose a little bit of context though I was able to catch most things, just putting that caveat out there
• Just a casual 25/15 from Vic on 7/8 shooting and some crazy highlights. It just pure insanity at this point
• Welcome to the regular season, HB
• Really nice rebounding contribution from Champ
• Continue to love the way Devin is playing
• Ditto with Keldon
• Castle's recklessness with the ball needs to be gotten under control, ASAP
• Dylan continues to impress
• I've been saying this since last season... but Biyombo is a horrible basketball player. People were so desperate for any kind of C play when he got minutes last year that he confused some of you into believing he is an NBA player. He is not, and even as a emergency backup big we could do better
• Please get well soon, Korndog

What You Said

• @ginobilized - Another spectacular lead, squandered and victory reclaimed type game. It's really scary to think about us having a full roster. Once Fox, Sochan, Waters, Kornet and KO acclimate/return, I could see us having some notable winning streaks. Still a ton of sloppy play to clean up, but, the future is finally here bums!!!
• @brazil - Castle: What a mixed bag of a performance... the goods are very good 22 5 4 2 shooting .50 with good effort on defense, some key steals, an important 3 and a lot of energy attacking the basket and drawing fouls but the bads are very bad 5 TOs, unecessary hero ballin', not feeding Victor, 5 FTs missed and at times an all over the place energy when the team needed to run the clock, also dat ball handling was often cringy contrasting with the calm and the poise of Dylan.
• @mazerrackham - Am I crazy for thinking Victor did a lot of sleepwalking this game? And yet we still get a healthy dose of dazzling highlights and game-bending defensive presence despite it. My Spurs brethren we are blessed.
• @Em-City - Barnes waking the f###up is a good sign, and getting some better looks for champ from the corner helps, but harper is the real deal here - he's ready to maintain a big role, even once fox is back
• @spursfanfromafar - The ingredients for a playoff team seem to be coming together in this squad but the Spurs need their backup bigs to get off the DL quickly. Biyombo won't cut it. Also Castle is still hit and miss and needs to tighten his passing. But otherwise this is the best Spurs team since 2019.
• @LeBowen - I was thinking about giving Castle a 2, but he's not a natural PG, so I won't take the turnovers against him. But if Fox is not back soon, Harper needs to start alongside Castle. Harper who was great yet again, he's so consistent.

Change to get that 5 game win streak against MIA on Thursday... GSG

 

[100%Duncan]

There’s a trend with Castle this season, he starts off every game strong like 2-3 layups/dunks in the first quarter. Then he makes some stupid bullshit lackadaisical passes in the 2nd-4th quarters only to “make up” some of it late in the game with a clutch shot or whatever.

That middle portion just throws everyone off, and it’s annoying to see. Especially his lazy passes, he’s too nonchalant sometimes.

 

[heyheymymy]

I was actually higher on Castle than most. Definitely agree with the mix bag comments and his bad stuff was really bad: the TOs, missing FTs, just looking like he's forcing things. But he was 22pts on 50% shooting and kinda crucial to the win at the same time. I like that bully ball finishing at the rim and getting the and-1s but as others have said, ironic that one of our best at drawing fouls is also one of our worst FT shooters lol

I don't penalize Castle as much since Fox and Korn are out which probably warps the gameplan and schemes beyond Castle's comfort zone. Pulled into more primary ball handling which seems like something he is still developing/may not naturally be strong at. I feel like once Fox returns and Korn, Oly, Sochan add in as well, the full strength system gameplan will see Castle operate off ball more and scoring in more opportune chances mostly and then he will look better not forcing too much and playing more within his current skillset.

Same thoughts bode well for Dev and KJ bc if they look like this now, what happens when Fox returns who is good for what, 20,25 a night, easily hitting 30pts in some really intense games too? So Dev and KJ can sit back even more and selectively pick their moments instead of having to just heave stuff up more often. Should balance out nicely imo but still pretty early limited sample size to go on so really just preliminary forecasting subject to change.

 

[Corso]

Dylan does more than impress.
He is something bigger than what most want to handle right now.

And I mean that in multiple ways.
Mainly opponents. Did you see how they gameplanned keeping the ball away from Harper towards the end?
Total respect.

 

[gilmor2002]

There’s a trend with Castle this season, he starts off every game strong like 2-3 layups/dunks in the first quarter. Then he makes some stupid bullshit lackadaisical passes in the 2nd-4th quarters only to “make up” some of it late in the game with a clutch shot or whatever.

That middle portion just throws everyone off, and it’s annoying to see. Especially his lazy passes, he’s too nonchalant sometimes.

Dont think it's nonchalant.. He is just not adept at the point guard position. Once the opposing team put a person on him when he brought the ball up.. u can see he is not comfortable.. and using his other arm to fend off that defender.. whereas Harper is a natural at bringing the ball, penetrate and pass to the open men

 

[Weeks]

The Heat just dropped 144 on Charlotte so we'd better be ready for shit to spiral out of control Thursday

 

[NASpurs]

The Heat just dropped 144 on Charlotte so we'd better be ready for shit to spiral out of control Thursday

Especially if we don't get Kornet back. Biyombo getting minutes will consistently put us in a double digit deficit.

 

[spurraider21]

Miami just hammered a 3-0 hornets team after beating up on the Knicks and Grizzlies. Thursdays game will be a real test but at least it’s at home.

And they’ve been doing this with Herro sidelined

 

[sKiN20]

Miami just hammered a 3-0 hornets team after beating up on the Knicks and Grizzlies. Thursdays game will be a real test but at least it’s at home.

And they’ve been doing this with Herro sidelined

Bam will kill the spurs again with a buzzer beater.

 

[Ice009]

How are the Heat playing? Are they playing a high pace game? Who's playing well for them. Sounds like it will be a really good test. Spurs are going to have to be locked in.

 

[024]

Barnes showing up and Vassell/Champaigne/KJ continuing to be 3 pt threats really holds up the offense.

Castle and Harper have an array of moves at the basket but can get predictable after a while without a mid range game or 3 pt shot. Given how streaky the shooters can be, the offense can start looking bad if defenders aren't punished when they over help. Spurs have also been a bottom 3 team in 3 pt attempts. Really need more options to pass out and swing the ball. If Olynk and Waters can be rotation players, that would help alleviate the problem.

Wemby had a super efficient game and shut down the paint just by being near it. Wanted to see him be more aggressive and the team did miss some opportunities to get him the ball. Haven't had a lot of chance to show his improved playmaking that we saw in the preseason where he can start being an offensive hub.

Bryant might be heading to the G league once the roster is back at full strength.

There's got to be better 3rd string centers than Biyombo.

Will be good to see how the Spurs adjust against the Heat. The Heat will no doubt try to exploit the Spurs weakness in shooting and find ways to gameplan around Wemby. Another opportunity to see if the Spurs are legit as they face their first playoff level team.

 

[100%Duncan]

Dont think it's nonchalant.. He is just not adept at the point guard position. Once the opposing team put a person on him when he brought the ball up.. u can see he is not comfortable.. and using his other arm to fend off that defender.. whereas Harper is a natural at bringing the ball, penetrate and pass to the open men

He’s not for primary ball handling duties, that’s been established. But my nonchalant comment was based on his lazy passes not necessarily regarding his dribbling.

 

[Spursgenius]

Dont think it's nonchalant.. He is just not adept at the point guard position. Once the opposing team put a person on him when he brought the ball up.. u can see he is not comfortable.. and using his other arm to fend off that defender.. whereas Harper is a natural at bringing the ball, penetrate and pass to the open men

mitch doesnt want to offend Castle so he will just wait for fox to replace Castle instead of a rookie replacing him. Castle is not a good pg. But all this on ball experience will help his handles for when we need him for isos. Harper is an outstanding pg.

 

[Spursgenius]

The Heat just dropped 144 on Charlotte so we'd better be ready for shit to spiral out of control Thursday

we still cant guard the three adequately and we arent a good three shooting team. Ultimately that will be our downfall this season. Wouldnt be surprised to see a team like Heat beat us.

 

[gilmor2002]

He’s not for primary ball handling duties, that’s been established. But my nonchalant comment was based on his lazy passes not necessarily regarding his dribbling.

Castle was stripped or ball-poked repeatedly also; then you can see he turned and dive for the stripped ball to no avail. There was a play against Raptors that I was particularly annoyed about is when the opponet caught a steal, instead of confronting and defend the opponent player he just let him ran and passed the ball to another opposing player near the net; resulting in an easy 2.

 

[Fireball]

How are the Heat playing? Are they playing a high pace game? Who's playing well for them. Sounds like it will be a really good test. Spurs are going to have to be locked in.

Strong bench play and Jaquez has a resurgence after his bad last season. Looking forward to watch how he challenges Wemby going to the rim.

 

[The Truth #6]

Tangent here but wtf was Collin Murray Boyles doing raining 3s in this game? I thought his issue was he couldn't shoot shit which is why he didn't make sense for the Spurs. He looked solid for a rookie.

Not hating on Carter Bryant because he still projects to be solid for us.

 

[brazil]

Miami will indeed be a strong test for us... they will exploit our lack of 3s and perimeter shooting. If we want a chance we need Vassell, Barnes, Champ to connect 3s early on. I can see Victor firing up from 3s this game too, paint is going to be crowded

 

[wemvp]

People keep saying they have a lack of 3 pt shooting but through 4 games Spurs are 7th in the league in 3 pt percentage at 39.3% and 18th in overall makes at 46/just under 12 a game. That's pretty damn good as a team so far and with Champ and Barnes starting the first 3 games slow from 3.

Other notables...

10th in scoring at 121 per game.
1st in FG% at 52.4%
2nd in rebounds at 49.5 per game
3rd in blocked shots at 6.8 per game

So far winning with overall shooting, 3 pt shooting, rebounding, and defending the paint.

Things needed to improve...

26th in FT% at 73%
18th in turnovers at 16 per
21st in assist/turnovers ratio at 1.5

 

[brazil]

People keep saying they have a lack of 3 pt shooting but through 4 games Spurs are 7th in the league in 3 pt percentage at 39.3% and 18th in overall makes at 46/just under 12 a game. That's pretty damn good as a team so far and with Champ and Barnes starting the first 3 games slow from 3.

Other notables...

10th in scoring at 121 per game.
1st in FG% at 52.4%
2nd in rebounds at 49.5 per game
3rd in blocked shots at 6.8 per game

So far winning with overall shooting, 3 pt shooting, rebounding, and defending the paint.

Things needed to improve...

26th in FT% at 73%
18th in turnovers at 16 per
21st in assist/turnovers ratio at 1.5

Well yes the % of 3s is good but the volume compared to other teams is low... that's the point. Heat takes 39 Spurs 29 per game.. Heat has 5 guys taking at least 4 a game and 9 at least 3, Spurs have 4 and 5 among which Vassell is at 7,5 per game shooting .433 not sustainable. Spurs have Dylan, Castle, KJ, Kornhub, Victor and then we will add Fox and Sochan who operates near the circle or drives a lot... 1/3 of our FGA are within 3 feet to the basket which is great but it means you need space and it will be even more needed when the team will be healthy. That's why I cringe hard when somebody is suggesting that Barnes is our weakest link. With our current roster it will be hard to play extended minutes without one of 3: Vassell, Barnes and/or Champ. Let's pray they stay healthy. To a lesser extend we have same issues with mid range.

Spurs had a solid offseason but they did not address the biggest need.. shooting. A core of Victor, Castle, Fox and Harper needs 3&D dudes and more 3 than D tbh.. I prefer right now a 3 guy without D than the contrary. To be provocative for this team at this moment Barnes>>Sochan.

In the RS this roster is enough to make the POs but comes POs time it won't fly. In function of our ambitions evolving, I do expect a move to add shooting.

On a side note OKC shoot 39 3s per game like the Heat, they don't score that much inside but they drive a lot, push in transition and gets rewarded by tons of FTs that they convert (looking at you Castle)

 

[wemvp]

If you're shooting 39% as a team and middle of the league in raw makes per game that's enough to space the floor adequately. As we've seen.

They have to continue to perform like this, but what they're doing so far is perfectly fine from 3. They're better off shooting them less but making a higher percentage. Means they've cut down on the stupid out of rhythm 3s.

 

[brazil]

If you're shooting 39% as a team and middle of the league in raw makes per game that's enough to space the floor adequately. As we've seen.

They have to continue to perform like this, but what they're doing so far is perfectly fine from 3. They're better off shooting them less but making a higher percentage. Means they've cut down on the stupid out of rhythm 3s.

Point being it is unlikely to maintain 39%, last year we were 35% with Barnes in a career % so far we have Vassell at 7,5 attempts per game at 43% it won't continue.

And I disagree yes volume matters for a team who has 5 players or more relying on attacking the rim because you need space to operate. If you believe Spurs is not lacking shooting, not sure what to tell you.

 

[DTW]

Well yes the % of 3s is good but the volume compared to other teams is low... that's the point. Heat takes 39 Spurs 29 per game.. Heat has 5 guys taking at least 4 a game and 9 at least 3, Spurs have 4 and 5 among which Vassell is at 7,5 per game shooting .433 not sustainable. Spurs have Dylan, Castle, KJ, Kornhub, Victor and then we will add Fox and Sochan who operates near the circle or drives a lot... 1/3 of our FGA are within 3 feet to the basket which is great but it means you need space and it will be even more needed when the team will be healthy. That's why I cringe hard when somebody is suggesting that Barnes is our weakest link. With our current roster it will be hard to play extended minutes without one of 3: Vassell, Barnes and/or Champ. Let's pray they stay healthy. To a lesser extend we have same issues with mid range.

Spurs had a solid offseason but they did not address the biggest need.. shooting. A core of Victor, Castle, Fox and Harper needs 3&D dudes and more 3 than D tbh.. I prefer right now a 3 guy without D than the contrary. To be provocative for this team at this moment Barnes>>Sochan.

In the RS this roster is enough to make the POs but comes POs time it won't fly. In function of our ambitions evolving, I do expect a move to add shooting.

On a side note OKC shoot 39 3s per game like the Heat, they don't score that much inside but they drive a lot, push in transition and gets rewarded by tons of FTs that they convert (looking at you Castle)

Good point. Spurs went from 8th to 23rd currently in 3-point attempt rate and that's without Fox and Sochan and increased minutes for Vassell, Barnes and Champagnie.

Obviously the good outweighs the bad, but it's the one downside of Wembanyama's new paint centric shot profile.

 

[brazil]

Good point. Spurs went from 8th to 23rd currently in 3-point attempt rate and that's without Fox and Sochan and increased minutes for Vassell, Barnes and Champagnie.

Obviously the good outweighs the bad, but it's the one downside of Wembanyama's new paint centric shot profile.

Yes and you are right also to mention the increased minutes for our 3 pts guy, dat 29 attempts per game could drop.