Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images There is a low margin for offensive error against one of the best defenses in the league. The San Antonio Spurs have been one of the better defensive teams in the NBA this season, especially when they are close to full health. Their personnel has improved, and the young players have bought in on that end. Despite having the most impactful defensive player in the NBA, they still aren’t anywhere close to the best defensive team. They found that out the hard way on Sunday night. The Minnesota Timberwolves put on a defensive masterclass in the Spurs’ 106-92 loss. They held San Antonio to 40.7% shooting from the field and 24.4% shooting from deep. The Spurs, who have mostly put their turnover issues behind them, coughed it up 19 times as the Wolves scored 30 points off those giveaways. Minnesota was fierce at the point of attack—particularly Jaden McDaniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who had six steals combined (McDaniels had 4). San Antonio just never found an offensive rhythm in the half-court. When they forced turnovers and misses in the third quarter, they started to go on a bit of a run. The Spurs’ scoring was a result of mostly hustle and the occasional Victor Wembanyama takeover. It’s not like they are the only team to struggle against Minny’s defense. The Wolves are 4th in the NBA in points allowed (106.1) and defensive rating (107.8). They are legitimately one of the best defensive teams in the league. The Spurs half-court offense is still a work in progress. They move the ball well and have offensive weapons. It’s not something to be overly concerned about, but it was not great on Sunday night. You might just chalk that up to running into a defensive buzzsaw in the Timberwolves. Takeaways I love watching Jeremy Sochan play basketball. I don’t care that he doesn’t provide three-point shooting. The defensive ability and motor are such a big boost to the team. He had 17 points and 15 rebounds, 5 of them were offensive. Despite his lack of floor-stretching ability, he has great synergy with Wembanyama. They cut off each other well, and his passing has led to a few Wemby buckets in the last two games. He can do all the dirty work underneath that Wembanyama doesn’t need to do. He’s physical, feisty and athletic. Sochan has been playing some good ball lately. Harrison Barnes is so smooth. His hesitation game has been well-crafted over time. He’s near automatic from the corner. Barnes has been a perfect fit in San Antonio. He had 17 points on an efficient 6-10 shooting from the field and 4-7 from deep. It was a tough night for the Spurs guards as they were hounded by Minnesota’s defenders. Chris Paul logged 0 points but had 9 assists and 2 steals. Devin Vassell was ice cold, going 2-11 from the field for 4 points. The rookie, Stephon Castle, who has looked stronger than most of his competition this year, could not bully his way to the rim against the Wolves as he finished with 2 points on 1-8 shooting. Blake Wesley probably had the best game out of all of them, fighting hard defensively and putting up 4 points and 5 assists in just 9 minutes. Guard play is so important in the NBA. San Antonio will need more from their ball-handlers moving forward. I know it’s garbage time, but those corner threes from Sidy Cissoko looked clean! I was a big fan of Cissoko’s game with the G League Ignite before San Antonio drafted him. He’s kind of been stuck at the end of the bench, as he’s only played three games with the Austin Spurs this season. I’d like to see the second-round pick get some more run either in Austin or with the NBA team. I’m admitting my bias here, but I think Cissoko can provide some energy and physicality on the wing off the bench. If he’s knocking down shots, he’s worth a look.