Does the San Antonio Spurs’ Losing Streak Matter?

The San Antonio Spurs began the season 3-2 and are now 3-16 due to a 14-game losing streak.

Does their losing streak matter? A 3-16 start would probably cost most coaches in the NBA their job regardless of who they are. Gregg Popovitch has earned the right to be trusted whatever the results. One would never want to second guess a coach of such legend. But perhaps Popovitch is testing different lines ups and experimenting? Maybe trying give his players experience? Young teams are often helped by a veteran presence. This does not seem to be the road thus far for the San Antonio Spurs. They have talented players in Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson who have been growing.

Experience the best teacher

The San Antonio Spurs have certainly played better than their record suggests. Closing out games and holding on to leads are challenges for experienced teams. It is even harder for young teams. Perhaps if a few crucial late game plays turned out differently they might be 10-9. But more experienced teams can rely on that what they have been through in the past to get results. Maybe this says that the Spurs are worthy of having the number 1 draft pick in Victor Wembanyama. Experience is often said to be the best teacher. By the San Antonio Spurs going through this they will be likely better equipped to eek out wins in the future.

The other team has NBA Players too!

Charles Barkley has admonished us all that “The other team has NBA Players too!” It may seem obvious on the surface. However it is an important insight. The players who make it into the NBA are all highly skilled whichever team they suit up for. With most pursuits in life the margin between the very best is especially small. 0.5 seconds is fleeting in our everyday life but enormous in a 100-yard dash. NBA players are all working hard to be successful in the game they love. Therefore there are no easy games on the schedule. There are no easy wins. With the NBA on most measures becoming more competitve in recent years this is especailly salient.

The Losing Streak Does Matter

The losing streak does matter. Pride is one reason. Representing the storied history of the San Antonio Spurs and the city. The fans. The team works and plays to win. However, it also about growth and development. Losing is not a nice feeling. Learning from losses can also help us to learn how to win. I expect that in years to come we will look back on this losing streak. There is a strong chance that it will have been a catalyst to success for the San Antonio Spurs. Just as it has been in the past.