Why Are Spurs Urged to 'Fight Human Nature'?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jonah Kubicek | Last updated Jan 7, 2025 1:27 PM ET

After leading by as many as 19 points, the San Antonio Spurs fell to the Chicago Bulls on Monday, losing 114-110. This season, the Spurs have been defined by their inability to close out close games, and on Monday night they couldn't step on the Bulls' neck to eke out a win.

In the fourth quarter, the Spurs were outscored 32-15. Victor Wembanyama scored only a single point, the Spurs turned the ball over twice as much as the Bulls did, and they made only one 3-point shot compared to Chicago's five.

After the game, both Chris Paul and acting head coach Mitch Johnson lambasted the Spurs' poor showing down the stretch. Johnson thought the Spurs were too comfortable and have to "fight human nature."

"I think the attention to detail and respect for some of the little things that went into what we got the lead wavered, and then we had a fight on our hands," said Johnson. "You have to fight the human nature of being complacent or happy with yourselves when things are going well in the middle of a game, and you felt the game flip. It flipped and I think that lack of respect at times for some of the details played a part."

The loss was not a result of the Spurs doing poorly when Wembanyama had to sit. The Spurs were actually plus-four in the fourth quarter when he headed to the bench, and his woeful final frame is not safe from criticism.

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

More must-reads: