Scott Wachter-Imagn Images An example of how the Spurs can get to the next level. All the talk over the weekend about the San Antonio Spurs being a competitive team with one of the best players in the NBA, Victor Wembanyama, still stands, even in the face of a 122-111 overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets. If anything, it further validates the point and shows how they can get to the next level. The second game of a two-day home and away is a grind. Both teams are feeling it. Which team can overcome that and execute down the stretch determines the game's outcome. On Saturday night, the Nuggets found consistent offense in the fourth quarter and overtime to bury the Spurs while San Antonio struggled to buy a bucket. The Spurs have been above average in these clutch situations all year, but the Nuggets put on a masterclass in how to secure a win late in the game. Denver ran every action with the intent of creating a look for one of their three best players, Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. San Antonio’s offense often seemed random or pointless in the clutch. A lot of that could have been due to tired legs, which seemed to be a big issue in overtime. Finding consistent plays that create good looks for your best players that you can run effectively over and over is what separates good teams from contenders. On top of that, valuing possessions and making sure you come away with a good look on every trip down the floor is paramount. The Spurs turned the ball over or took poor shots way too many times in the fourth quarter and overtime. If dead legs are the issue, then San Antonio is learning the type of condition required to compete. All that is to say, the Spurs are right there. They can play with the best in the league. They are learning the next step that’s required to reach a higher level. One that will eventually lead them to compete in an NBA playoff series. If these last two games are a sign of anything, it may be coming sooner than many think. Takeaways: Wembanyama’s 23 points and 20 rebounds are one heck of a stat line, but he was clearly gassed near the end of the game, and his production fell off. I’m not the first to say this, but teams are digging in on his dribble heavily now. Every player has a weakness, and great teams can exploit that. Denver didn’t let Wemby get anything easy when he faced up, swiping the ball when he brought it below his chest. Taking care of the ball in his face-up game is something Wembanyama can improve on. Jeremy Sochan missed just one game with a back injury, returning on Saturday. He looked a bit hobbled in his 26 minutes. He seemed less active, and some balls he usually gets to on the glass just didn’t reach his hands. He still made big plays in the fourth quarter, including a corner three and a put-back dunk. It’ll be interesting to see how he holds up as the Spurs hit the road for a few games. Devin Vassell has looked good over the last few games. Is it just me, or does he have more spring in his legs this season? Some of these explosive dunks at the rim have legitimately surprised me. Vassell had 19 points and, for the second game in a row, only hit one three-pointer. He’s getting to the cup and finishing with athleticism. The Spurs’ wings have generally been good lately. Julian Champagnie probably deserves more minutes with his shooting and defense. Keldon Johnson has been hustling his tail off and making winning plays for San Antonio in the clutch. Harrison Barnes is a perfect fit on the team and has elevated the squad with his shooting and movement. Maybe you’d like to see the Spurs get another wing who can create some offense for himself, but it’s hard to argue the current crew isn’t effective. San Antonio could use a bit more offensively from Chris Paul. Don’t get me wrong, his ability to orchestrate the team enhances their offense tremendously, but having a bit more scoring from that lead guard position opens up the offense. We’ve seen it when CP3 has been aggressively scoring this season. Getting more of that Paul, even at 39 years old, would help the Spurs get over the hump in these games.