Spurs Not Focused on Dominating Statistical Discrepancy

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jonah Kubicek | Last updated Feb 27, 2025 1:01 PM ET

On Wednesday, the San Antonio Spurs fell to the Houston Rockets, losing 118-106. The Spurs were led by Keldon Johnson and Stephon Castle, who both scored 22 points, and trailed the entire game.

The Spurs were out-rebounded by the Rockets 41-60, with both Alepren Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr. recording double-digit boards. The Spurs, meanwhile, were led by Castle's seven rebounds, but Mitch Johnson didn't seem too concerned about the statistical discrepancy.

"I do think of all the aspects of the game, I actually didn't have too many possessions where I was pissed off at the fight and the effort on the boards," said Johnson. "There was a couple of times it was actually more loose ball on the ground. And I thought we could have got to the ball quicker. But the physicality I thought was pretty good."

Since losing their 7-foot-4 best player and rebounder in Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs have, predictably, struggled on the boards. Charles Bassey has been hurt, which even further limits their size and paint presence.

On the season, the Spurs are a middling (and acceptable) 14th in the league in rebounds per game. However, without Wembanyama over the last five games, the Spurs have fallen to 26th in the NBA. The New Orleans Pelicans, who played the Spurs twice in that span, have skyrocketed up to first in the Association.

The Spurs will have a few days off before taking on the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday. Memphis has had the Spurs' number for the last several years and ranks second in rebounds per game this season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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