Miami lights it up as the Spurs drop their third straight game
Jan 20, 2025
Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
Highlights from the Spurs loss to the Heat. Things aren’t looking great for the San Antonio Spurs right now. They’ve been blown out in three straight games, and nothing seems to be working. Their offense is struggling, and they’ve never looked worse defensively. That was all on display in a brutal 128-107 loss to the Miami Heat.
If you’re looking for a reprieve from the negativity online around the team, you came to the right place. We are here to see the highlights, not dwell on the lowlights!
stepback triple #NBAAllStar https://t.co/HneqEHixzX pic.twitter.com/WiE7ZMN7Mc— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) January 19, 2025
Despite not being his usually impactful self, Victor Wembanyama managed to put up a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds. He got off to a quick start with a layup off a pick-and-roll, and then this sweet step back three. If Wemby and the Spurs can find more opportunities to get him involved outside and in the paint, the offense should benefit.
ST3PH pic.twitter.com/vQHPkhvPZn— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) January 19, 2025
This play is a great example. Teams have to respect Wembanyama’s shot fake. This leads to an easy drive and kick situation that gets Stephon Castle a wide-open three. Finding more consistency from deep would make these plays near automatic. Castle had a decent game after playing some of his best ball in the last week. He finished with 11 points.
OH MAMA, WEMBANYAMA‼️ pic.twitter.com/EEnP9W9paw— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) January 19, 2025
High-post isolation a la Dirk Nowitzki has been some of Wembanyama’s bread and butter this season. When teams put a guard on him, this is a spot where he can elevate for jumpers, or easily get to the rim in one dribble for a finish. This was one of the most explosive moves he made all game for an easy dunk over Tyler Herro.
makin' it look easy! #NBAAllStar https://t.co/HneqEHhZKp pic.twitter.com/76WnkFfb71— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) January 19, 2025
The Spurs should also find more opportunities to get out and run. Teams have punished their poor transition defense in the last three games. They need to take the attack back to their opponents. They look great when they get out and run. It’s been a theme all year. They have excellent playmakers and finishers in transition. It makes up for some of their offensive creation issues in the half court. Playing with more pace could help them get back on track.
YEAH VIC pic.twitter.com/mbSyGZ09FA— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) January 19, 2025
Kel’El Ware had his best game as an NBA pro on Sunday. He beat up the Spurs from inside and out for 25 points and 8 rebounds. Wembanyama still managed to get the rook for a poster slam in the fourth quarter.
.@Tre3Jones THROWS IT DOWN pic.twitter.com/LYly8NrZZg— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) January 19, 2025
The dunk of the night award should probably go to Tre Jones, who got up for a slam in the third quarter. It’s always nice to see shorter guards get up for slams. Especially in the half court where they have less of a runway. I’ll say it – Jones is a sneaky athlete!
CP3 from deeep pic.twitter.com/D9wI631wh1— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) January 19, 2025
There was a brief moment in the fourth quarter where it looked like San Antonio might get back into the game. Chris Paul started aggressively looking for his shot which tremendously helped the Spurs’ offensive attack. A lot of things open up when they have a ball-handler who can take the top off a defense with their pull-up shooting ability. CP3 hit three triples on his way to 10 points and 9 assists, but it wasn’t enough.
MAMUUUUUU pic.twitter.com/otxiQ8gLzP— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) January 19, 2025
It’s always good to see Sandro Mamukelashvili, even if it’s in garbage time. Mamu was on the floor during the stretch where the Spurs finally got their offense going again in the fourth quarter. His floor spacing and passing abilities always provide a spark.
San Antonio now heads to Paris where they’ll face the Indiana Pacers on Thursday. In front of Wembanyama’s countrymen, they’ll have a chance to get back on track. Check out full highlights from the Heat game below.