By Joël Pütz | Sports journalist
San Antonio is doing much better than expected this season, but all is not perfect in Texas yet. Local supporters are particularly annoyed by the use of one of Victor Wembanyama's main teammates, which they consider strange.
The match against the Clippers will be an opportunity to end 2024 on a good note. But above all, the Spurs could take advantage of this to get back above 50% of victories while their record is perfectly balanced (16 victories for 16 defeats), thus allowing them to stay in contact in the battle for the Play-In.
While we did not necessarily expect them to be so high in the Western Conference (9th), especially after the sidelining of Gregg Popovich for his health problems, the Texans ultimately proved to be particularly tough in the 'year 2 with Victor Wembanyama as a figurehead. It must be said that this summer's additions allowed the franchise to immediately take a big step forward in terms of results.
Stephon Castle's treatment at Spurs questions
We of course think of Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes, the two veterans who arrived during the offseason, but also of the rookie Stephon Castle. Selected in fourth position, its use by replacement coach Mitch Johnson has however been controversial lately, with fans getting quite angry on social networks:
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@SpursAlien : Steph Castle's confidence has plummeted since he returned to the bench. I don't like that Mitch prioritized players who won't even be on the roster in the years to come. Castle is expected to play alongside Wemby.
It is true that the rookie's situation is a bit confusing in San Antonio…
Long an essential cog in the team, to the point of becoming number 1 in the race for ROY, he has nevertheless seen his playing time drop sharply in recent matches. Against the Wolves, he only played eight minutes for no points scored… Enough to really annoy the local fanbase, the latter demanding a more important role for him.
@ZachDimmitt7 : It's a shame
@tkuba79 : Trade Tre Jones for a backup for Wemby and give Castle his minutes
@Clairbois88 : Castle's confidence in the 4th quarter has contributed to the Spurs' recent victories. I don't understand what the Spurs are doing with this team.
Stephon Castle had won over at the start of the season, but Mitch Johnson seems to have less confidence in him in recent days. Is this for the good of Spurs? The coming weeks will tell us, but be careful not to disrupt his progress curve.
