Pounding The Rock - All PostsFor all your Manu Ginobili loving and San Antonio Spurs newshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/12497/ptr-fv.jpg2024-03-18T17:56:27-05:00http://www.poundingtherock.com/rss/current/2024-03-18T17:56:27-05:002024-03-18T17:56:27-05:00Victor Wembanyama’s historic performances continue in Austin
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<p>Once again, Wemby enters the history books, showcasing his dominance on the court.</p> <p id="aBwO9g">The San Antonio Spurs wrapped up their two-game stint in Austin with a memorable performance from their rookie sensation, Victor Wembanyama. He had an absolute monster game, carving his name into the history books yet again. Wembanyama’s extraordinary display made him the first player ever to achieve the remarkable feat of tallying 30+ points, 15+ rebounds, 5+ assists, and 5+ blocks while shooting over 50% from the field.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wemby put together a HISTORIC performance in the Spurs overtime win against the Nets! <br><br>33 PTS | 15 REB | 7 AST | 7 BLK | 14-26 FG<br><br>Victor Wembanyama is the first player in NBA history with 30+ points, 15+ rebounds, 5+ assists, and 5+ blocks while shooting 50% FG in a game <a href="https://t.co/W5rtw2RvDT">pic.twitter.com/W5rtw2RvDT</a></p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1769557703230173422?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="v9dNss">It’s truly incredible to witness Victor putting up these staggering numbers at just 20 years old. At times, it almost feels cliche to use the word “historical,” but the rookie continues to carve out a place for himself in basketball history, surpassing records held by Hall of Fame players like Shaquille O’Neal and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. In this instance, the young phenom became the youngest player to achieve a 30+ points, 15+ rebounds, 5+ assists, and 5+ blocks stat line, surpassing Shaq. Looking back, one can’t help but wonder if Shaq anticipated the Frenchman’s meteoric rise and his subsequent rewriting of the record books during his rookie campaign. After all, he did compare him to Bol Bol early on, which, in hindsight, wasn’t exactly the most flattering compliment.</p>
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<p id="EDzJBf">Nevertheless, what Wembanyama has been doing on the court is nothing short of amazing. A glance at his performance over the last month reveals the uniqueness of his achievements. No other player in the NBA seems capable of rewriting history as frequently as the Frenchman. Sam Quinn from CBS did an excellent job of <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/spurs-victor-wembanyama-is-making-history-so-often-that-hes-practically-breaking-it/">summarizing this</a>, highlighting the rookie’s recent string of top-notch performances.</p>
<p id="s8vFiI">Victor is normalizing extraordinary output, but let’s not mistake it for normal. There’s nothing ordinary about this rookie, and the best part is that this journey is just beginning. According to Victor himself, he’s far from reaching his peak.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">NBA beware: “I’m not even close to being at my best,” Wemby said.</p>— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) <a href="https://twitter.com/tom_orsborn/status/1769606222620119170?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="oTzXSF">Buckle up, NBA fans, because we’re in for an exhilarating ride.</p>
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<p id="hsWsIs">The Spurs playing in France will become the event of the year next season. Every NBA fan should mark their calendars because witnessing Wembanyama play on home soil promises to be must-see TV. We’ll catch a glimpse of this spectacle this summer as he represents France at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wemby's homecoming: Popovich confirms Spurs will play in Paris next season <br><br>"It’s going to be very special," Wembanyama said.<a href="https://t.co/RsIIQG91EE">https://t.co/RsIIQG91EE</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/ExpressNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@expressnews</a></p>— Spurs Nation (@Spurs_Nation) <a href="https://twitter.com/Spurs_Nation/status/1769749574950826043?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="YcaduL">Following the game, Wemby shared his thoughts on his defensive dominance compared to Rudy Gobert. Despite Vegas favoring Rudy for the Defensive Player of the Year award, the numbers may suggest otherwise. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Blocks since the All-Star Break:<br><br>51 — Victor Wembanyama<br>51 — 2nd and 3rd place combined <a href="https://t.co/lB0GrYfI4a">pic.twitter.com/lB0GrYfI4a</a></p>— WembyMuse (@Wemby_Muse) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wemby_Muse/status/1769800941333590458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Blocks Per Game | Since All-Star Break<br><br>1. Victor Wembanyama: 4.6 <br>2. Rudy Gobert: 2.7<br>3. Anthony Davis: 2.2<br>4. Myles Turner: 2.1<br>5. Derrick White: 1.9</p>— Kirk Goldsberry (@kirkgoldsberry) <a href="https://twitter.com/kirkgoldsberry/status/1769726926455734721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="zTTmIJ">Wembanyama also boasts an impressive ranking in defensive win shares, sitting at 10th in the league with 3.4. Despite the team’s lack of wins, he’s been carrying the Spurs on his shoulders night in and night out in an exemplary fashion. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Despite the Spurs having only won 15 games, Victor Wembanyama is 10th in Defensive Win Shares at 3.4.<br><br>He is also...<br>• 12th in Player Efficiency Rating<br>• 8th in Player Impact Rating<br>• 20th in Box +/-<br>• 3rd in Defensive Box +/-<br><br>This is coming from a ROOKIE on a bad team. <a href="https://t.co/YRuHRN9MlM">pic.twitter.com/YRuHRN9MlM</a></p>— Ty Jäger (@TheTyJager) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTyJager/status/1769717182555115999?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">“Wemby doesn’t impact winning” <a href="https://t.co/7z5UG5ZPtn">pic.twitter.com/7z5UG5ZPtn</a></p>— BKB (@brayknowball) <a href="https://twitter.com/brayknowball/status/1769516812142534895?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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https://www.poundingtherock.com/2024/3/18/24105343/victor-wembanyamas-historic-performances-continue-in-austinMikey Rouleau2024-03-18T13:30:00-05:002024-03-18T13:30:00-05:00Week in Review: Spurs salvage rough week with thrilling OT win in Austin
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<p>Despite four straight “home” games — three against fringe teams — the Spurs only managed one win last week.</p> <p id="Ef39kA"><em>Welcome to the Week in Review: a Monday feature that looks back at the week that was for the </em><a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/"><em><strong>San Antonio Spurs</strong></em></a><em>, takes a look at the week ahead, and more. Enjoy!</em></p>
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<p id="rLCVa2"><a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/2024/3/11/24097077/week-in-review-spurs-end-roller-coaster-week-on-a-high-note?_gl=1*1no59in*"><strong>Week 20</strong></a><strong>:</strong> After a disappointing effort in Houston and heartbreaker in Sacramento, the shorthanded Spurs came out swinging to steal a win in Golden State.</p>
<p id="mGdmyc"><strong>Week 21: </strong>1-3 (15-53, 15th in West)</p>
<p id="7a54xO"><strong>102-112 loss vs. Golden State Warriors</strong></p>
<p id="GhWbAX"><a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/2024/3/11/24098003/spurs-warriors-final-score-victor-wembanyama-jackson-davis">Recap</a> — After a couple of red hot games, the Spurs’ offense returned to earth, with a dreadful third quarter spelling their doom to close a miniseries against the Warriors.</p>
<p id="D5ysEQ"><a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/2024/3/12/24098698/what-we-learned-from-the-spurs-loss-to-the-warriors">What we learned</a></p>
<p id="vcthrW"><strong>101-103 loss vs. Houston Rockets</strong></p>
<p id="ojfRA7"><a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/2024/3/12/24099223/san-antonio-spurs-cant-complete-fourth-quarter-turnaround-in-loss-to-houston-rockets-wembanyama">Recap</a> — In similar fashion to the previous game, the Spurs got out to strong start against the Rockets but sputtered in the middle two quarters before a failed comeback attempt in the fourth.</p>
<p id="YcnkzW"><a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/2024/3/13/24099579/what-we-learned-from-the-spurs-loss-to-the-rockets">What we learned</a></p>
<p id="QiPhi8"><strong>106-117 loss vs. Denver Nuggets (in Austin)</strong></p>
<p id="e9J766"><a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/2024/3/15/24102520/spurs-nuggets-final-score-austin-nikola-jokic-victor-wembanyama">Recap</a> — In a reverse of trends, after a slow start, the Spurs made an admirable comeback in the middle quarters before the defending champions put their foot on the gas in the fourth.</p>
<p id="zOeg5T"><a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/2024/3/16/24103114/what-we-learned-from-the-spurs-loss-to-denver">What we learned</a></p>
<p id="IEKNDO"><strong>122-115 OT win vs. Brooklyn Nets (in Austin)</strong></p>
<p id="jNqDfO"><a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/2024/3/17/24104437/san-antonio-spurs-vs-brooklyn-final-nets-122-115-win">Recap</a> — After a back-and-forth game, the Spurs made a late rally (spurred by a <a href="https://twitter.com/BalaPattySZN/status/1769532041853341817">pointless flagrant foul</a> from the Nets’ Day’Ron Sharpe that resulted in a five-point play) to force overtime and win their second game in Austin on the back of another <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1769557703230173422">historic performance</a> from Victor Wembanyama.</p>
<p id="CRNeRV"><a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/2024/3/18/24104817/what-we-learned-san-antonio-spurs-win-over-brooklyn-nets">What we learned</a></p>
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<h3 id="k5N4fQ">In case you missed it</h3>
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<li id="xhdSPr">
<a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/spurs-victor-wembanyama-is-making-history-so-often-that-hes-practically-breaking-it/">Victor Wembanyama is breaking NBA history</a> — CBS’s Sam Quinn breaks down Wemby’s insane run of historical performances, putting together accomplishments in just his rookie season that no other player has combined for in their entire careers.</li>
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<a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/2024/3/11/24097516/victor-wembanyama-is-the-best-scoring-rookie-since-michael-jordan">Victor Wembanyama is the best scoring rookie since Michael Jordan</a> — While apologizing for laughing off Wemby as a Rookie of the Year candidate earlier in the season, JJ Redick dropped a bombshell stat: he has the most points per minute for a rookie since Michael Jordan at 0.72.</li>
<li id="M6hIM4">
<a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/2024/3/13/24099577/gregg-popovichs-most-notorious-lineup-decisions">Gregg Popovich’s most notorious line-ups</a> — From undersized centers to munchkin lineups and no point guard, we looked back at some Pop’s most notorious lineup decisions that have stuck in our memories over the years.</li>
<li id="CQDIbs">
<a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/39741326/nba-memo-says-officiating-focus-foul-hunting-contributing-factor-scoring-decline">The NBA is cracking down on foul hunting</a> — Have you noticed more physical play being allowed and a slight decrease in scoring lately? That’s because in an attempt to find some balance between offense and defense, the NBA sent a memo to the officials telling them crack down on foul hunting by focusing on legal guarding position and players who stray away from their path to the basket just to draw contact. So far, it seems to be helping.</li>
<li id="JZpTsY">For even more things Wemby, check out <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/every-day-is-wembsday">Every day is Wembsday</a>, courtesy of Mikey Rouleau.</li>
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<h3 id="gqXLKS">Power Rankings</h3>
<p id="ISMCkA"><a href="https://www.nba.com/news/power-rankings-2023-24-week-22"><strong>John Schuhmann, NBA.com</strong></a><strong> </strong>— 25 (last week: 25)</p>
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<p id="qZjtn1"><strong>OffRtg:</strong> 109.7 (27) <strong>DefRtg:</strong> 117.0 (23) <strong>NetRtg:</strong> -7.3 (26) <strong>Pace:</strong> 101.9 (3)</p>
<p id="PYiUbd">The Spurs went 1-3 on the first half of the eight-game homestand that included two games in Austin last week, getting a (rare) comeback win over Brooklyn on Sunday.</p>
<p id="otmlo8"><strong>Two takeaways</strong></p>
<p id="my4zbe">1. The Spurs had two more losses (dropping to 10-17) in games that they led by double-digits last week. They were 4-46 (with 14 straight losses) in games they <em>trailed</em> by double-digits before Sunday, when they came back from a 10-point deficit with less than six minutes left to force overtime. In that game, Victor Wembanyama had <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/events?CFID=&CFPARAMS=&GameEventID=718&GameID=0022300981&Season=2023-24&flag=1&title=Wembanyama%201%27%20Alley%20Oop%20Dunk%20(33%20PTS)%20(Vassell%208%20AST)">the go-ahead, alley-oop dunk</a> with 38 seconds left. The rookie had shot just 19-for-49 (39%) over <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/player/1641705/boxscores-traditional">his previous four games</a>, but had 33 points (on 14-for-26 shooting), 15 rebounds, seven assists and seven blocks against the Nets, rejecting Dennis Schroder’s attempt to get the lead back on the possession after his dunk.</p>
<p id="MZA3y7">2. Keldon Johnson hit a big 3 in regulation, scored 24 points off the bench on Sunday and has seen the seventh biggest post-break jump in effective field goal percentage (<a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/player/1629640/advanced">from 51.3% to 61.2%</a>) among 176 players with at least 200 field goal attempts before the break and at least 75 since. Tre Jones, who scored 24 points against the Rockets earlier in the week, has seen the fifth biggest jump (<a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/player/1630200/advanced">from 53.7% to 64.6%</a>) among that group. As a team, the Spurs have seen the second-biggest jump in points scored per 100 possessions (<a href="https://www.nba.com/news/nba.com/stats/team/1610612759/advanced">plus-4.0</a>), ranking <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/teams/advanced?SeasonSegment=Post%20All-Star&dir=A&sort=OFF_RATING">15th</a> offensively since the break.</p>
<p id="DGiWII">The Spurs won just four of their first 37 games against the 18 teams that currently have winning records, but they’ve got three wins against good teams (the Thunder, Pacers and Warriors) in the last few weeks, and 10 of their final 14 games will be against that group. Two of those <em>first</em> four wins came against the Suns, who will be in San Antonio for a two-game series starting Saturday.</p>
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<p id="uxXLhF"><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-power-rankings-week-22-clippers-suns-flaws-before-playoffs"><strong>Brett Siegel, Clutch Points</strong></a> — 26 (last week: 26)</p>
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<p id="hwNatK">The San Antonio Spurs currently own the worst record in the Western Conference, giving them yet another shot at landing the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. It may not be long until Victor Wembanyama is paired with another top overall pick, which would surely boost the Spurs’ potential moving forward.</p>
<p id="DVqXoe">The fact of the matter with the Spurs is that they aren’t a bad team. Unfortunately, they are just young and don’t have the right pieces in place yet. In time, the Spurs will be a juggernaut once more, especially since Wemby continues his journey to becoming a superstar in this league.</p>
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<p id="5gUc23"><strong>Coming up: </strong>Tues. 3/19 vs. Dallas Mavericks; Fri. 3/22 vs. Memphis Grizzlies; Sat. 3/23 vs. Phoenix Suns</p>
<p id="NiSVss"><strong>Prediction 1-2</strong> — When I believe, I get burned. It’s hard to believe the Spurs can keep up with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving (who always brings his best to San Antonio for some reason), and although the Suns are struggling again, odds are they haven’t forgotten what happened at the beginning of the season. However, the Spurs should do something they haven’t done all season: beat a depleted Grizzlies that is Jaren Jackson Jr and little else.</p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2024/3/18/24104755/week-in-review-spurs-salvage-rough-week-with-thrilling-ot-win-in-austinMarilyn Dubinski2024-03-18T12:09:53-05:002024-03-18T12:09:53-05:00What we learned from the Spurs win over the Nets
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<p>The Spurs leave Austin with a Feel Good moment </p> <p id="in1Fvj">I’ve been feeling warm and fuzzy about this team recently. It has a lot to do with Wembanyama making the leap from “look at the size of the lad!” to “he’s really great!” to “he might be one of the most impactful players in the league as we speak.” This has, obviously, been an extremely fun development, but there’s something else happening too. I feel like I’m watching a franchise start to realize its potential and understand what its capable of. The players, the front office, and even the fans are starting to wake up to the reality of what they have on their hands here. The future isn’t just bright. It’s almost blinding.</p>
<p id="M1ERgf">Can you be nostalgic for something that’s still happening? I mean, look, I’m certainly not going to miss the part of this process where the <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com">Spurs</a> lose all the time. I think we can all agree on that. But sometime in the future we’re going to be watching a team that’s sitting on a 55 win pace heading into the playoffs and it’s going to be stressful. We’re going to be squinting to find improvements on the margins. We’re going to be sweating potential playoff matchups. We’re going to be living and dying night after night with this team — and that’s fun! That’s clearly the desired outcome of this whole operation. It’s just a very different animal than what we we’re dealing with right now and I’m not sure how ready I am for it.</p>
<p id="1gOI4e">It’s a luxury to be able to write certain things off to youthful exuberance. That’s something I don’t think we’ve fully appreciated. Sochan makes an awful turnover? Come on, he’s only 20. Sochan makes an unreal defensive play, drives the length of the court and hits Wemby with a lob? Come on! He’s only 20! It works both ways. We’re in that moment right now where anything <em>could</em> potentially happen. The ceiling for this group is impossible to define and that makes it ok to dream big. Maybe Tre Jones isn’t the answer at point for the future. But, also, maybe he’s a sneaky All-Star pick two years from now. He’s only 24! Prove me wrong. You can’t! (yet.)</p>
<p id="5GM4gn">I like that this seems like a team that likes each other. I like that it doesn’t feel like I’m watching the Hunger Games out there where everyone is just frantically competing for a spot on next year’s team. They are <em>trying</em> to play together. They are <em>trying</em> to work and improve within a system that doesn’t necessarily reward individual brilliance. The hugs and high fives feel authentic. The enthusiasm for each other looks like it comes from a real place. Maybe I’m just a mark and maybe I’m just seeing what I want to see, but it feels like watching a family out there. </p>
<p id="AIcHrr">That extends outside court too. I was certainly one of those people who was, initially, supremely annoyed at the concept of the Spurs playing games in Austin. Other NBA teams aren’t doing stuff like this. The Cavs aren’t playing games in Louisville. The Grizzlies aren’t playing games in Nashville. What does it all mean? Are they trying to move there? Is San Antonio not good enough? What’s Austin got that we don’t have?</p>
<p id="WziMxt">Well. They’ve got people there. People who care about the Spurs. People who are enthusiastic about the team and want to join the party. Why should we be scared of that? The Austin series has been tons of fun and it’s been genuinely cool to see the franchise try to expand its fanbase and bring people in after spending years just accepting whatever label the outside world wanted to put on us. I’m tired of trying to be some sort of exclusive club with a persecution complex. Let’s be a big tent. Let’s be welcoming. Let’s be fun.</p>
<p id="LzsFII">I hope we play more games in Mexico. I hope we play a game in France. I hope we go play in Argentina. Can you imagine the scene when Wembayama and the Spurs are hosting the Lakers in Buenos Aries? Manu and Fabricio leading <em>Go Spurs Go</em> chants? A building full of rabid Spurs fans a world away from San Antonio showing a team from Los Angeles what home court advantage is actually like? </p>
<p id="pEaFe3">We spend so much time talking about Spurs Culture around here and now feels like the right time to start walking the walk. If our culture is that special and that important then let’s grow it. Let’s get it out there and let’s bring people in. Are you tired of people calling San Antonio a small market? This is how we change that. The Spurs could be the biggest thing in Texas, sure. But, like, that almost seems too easy. The Spurs could be the biggest thing in basketball. The Spurs could be a global brand. The Spurs could be Real Madrid. </p>
<p id="41LIcT">I know that sounds crazy — and maybe it is. But a guy like Wembanyama makes it possible to dream things like that. His play is incredible, sure, but he also has the presence and personality to be the kind of ambassador for this team that makes the world want come along for the ride. He’s just an impossible wealth of promise and opportunity. I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future, but I know that right now anything feels possible. </p>
<p id="4pXaU4">Enjoy this moment. Enjoy this time we have where each loss is a learning opportunity and each win is a sure sign of things to come. Let your mind wander and dream big. This next generation of Spurs basketball isn’t going to be the same as the one that came before it. We’re not going to have Pop and we’re not going to have Timmy, Tony and Manu. It’s going to be a different ride and I know that seems scary, but it doesn’t have to be. We can embrace it and we can build on it and we can grow with it. </p>
<p id="duRC2v">It’s not going to be the same, but for the first time I’m starting to believe it might be better. </p>
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<h3 id="n7Bnh8"><strong>WWL Post Game Press Conference</strong></h3>
<p id="WXbfdP"><em>- Wow, no takeaways? This is the first time I can remember breaking with the format like this.</em></p>
<p id="jyowCA">- I mean, the main body was over 1000 words already, I feel like you have to give your audience some of their day back at some point. This isn’t a novel.</p>
<p id="IsRlkN"><em>- Fair fair. Did you have any takeaways though?</em></p>
<p id="q3EBme"> - That Wembanyama kid’s pretty good. Liked Devin’s resilience in this game after a rough start. Tre Jones remains pretty fun. Sochan was in a fight he didn’t technically start! Fun to see Lonnie Walker again. </p>
<p id="erRojG"><em>- Perfect. You could save people a lot of time if you just made the whole column like that.</em></p>
<p id="SISim0">- But then people wouldn’t get to experience the totality of my winning personality every week.</p>
<p id="4BdARi"><em>- Right. We can’t lose that. </em></p>
<p id="lbUMou">- We’ve lost so much already. </p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2024/3/18/24104817/what-we-learned-san-antonio-spurs-win-over-brooklyn-netsCharlie Thaddeus2024-03-18T10:26:55-05:002024-03-18T10:26:55-05:00Victor Wembanyama dominates in Spurs’ overtime win against the Nets
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<img alt="Brooklyn Nets v San Antonio Spurs" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3zsiC2TDhcRt9aWGDJlau5wSFcw=/0x735:3800x3268/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73215280/2084810381.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>We’ve been on the run, driving in the sun, looking out for number one.</p> <p id="Q3sO5J">The Spurs found some mettle and won an overtime game. Behind their prized rookie (*cough* of the year *cough*), the Silver and Black received a 33 point, 15 rebound, 7 assist, and whopping 7 block game from one Victor Wembanyama. Devin Vassell also shared the load in volume shooting with 25 points and 8 assists. Keldon Johnson was hot from downtown and contributed 24 points with 5 - 8 from three-point land. </p>
<p id="LMg22B">Plenty of highlights abound, and Wembanyama’s box score stuffing night leads the way. </p>
<div id="DRRFWF"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_44K-HnlxJ0?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="KQIaxT">If I had a nickel for every block Wembanyama has made this season, I’d put it in cryptocurrency and end up with I have no idea how all that works so let’s say a gabillion dollars. Are GameStock steam stocks still a thing?</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">❌ BLOCKED ❌ <a href="https://t.co/kq5X9wF0aO">pic.twitter.com/kq5X9wF0aO</a></p>— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) <a href="https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1769539573334339780?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="G6imD4">Raucous play for the raucous crowd. Devin Vassell found his way deep into the paint and fed a hungry Wembanyama for the slam. </p>
<p id="paEKTW">Speaking of raucous crowd, it was nice seeing ATX coming out to cheer on the Spurs, incidentally sporting the “SATX” on their jerseys. When I was living in the SATX, I was always told not to call it SATX much like people who live in the O.C. always say not to call it The O.C., whether or not you’re a fan of the early ‘00s teen angst drama.</p>
<div id="izbwwA">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">YESSIR! <a href="https://t.co/GFxf08DL4v">https://t.co/GFxf08DL4v</a> <a href="https://t.co/D1H1dWqRBF">pic.twitter.com/D1H1dWqRBF</a></p>— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) <a href="https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1769538928665559119?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="FOuSSw">Tre Jones went deep down the seam and found Vassell on the other end for the flush. I’m not not saying that Tre Jones would make a decent quarterback, but there are at least 5 NFL teams who could do a lot worse than Tre Isiah Jones of Apple Valley, Minnesota. </p>
<div id="FO5zq4">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dev with the finish <a href="https://t.co/HZkUr8kLXl">pic.twitter.com/HZkUr8kLXl</a></p>— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) <a href="https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1769537680512053356?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="mXv9Wc">Wembanyama is dining out on this feed from Vassell. This particular dunk late in the game also tied the score for good measure. Even if both teams might be out of playoff contention (well, the Nets still have a shot at making the play-in tournament), games like this are certainly valuable for young players to learn how quote unquote win. </p>
<div id="aGFcuV">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">LET'S GOOOOOOOOOOO‼️ <a href="https://t.co/Cev8HVM3Fu">https://t.co/Cev8HVM3Fu</a> <a href="https://t.co/AqBiENdIw8">pic.twitter.com/AqBiENdIw8</a></p>— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) <a href="https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1769535638775214280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="4clNbS">Whenever you bank a shot while barely lifting your feet from the floor, we call that the “Tim Duncan.” </p>
<p id="TuS0OF">Wembanyama looks like he already perfected this move. He’s also doing something more and more these days that Duncan was a master at: never bringing the ball down lest it gets swiped or blocked. </p>
<div id="YsmOrP">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Vic for ✌️ <a href="https://t.co/Z8tCbECO2z">pic.twitter.com/Z8tCbECO2z</a></p>— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) <a href="https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1769529145099169795?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="x6dgXU">Devin Vassell! Upsetting the balance of the universe with this rim rocker. Vassell has particularly been aggressive in 2024, with all of his 20+ attempt games coming in the new year. Do we still say Happy New Year even though it’s March? I saw someone on my social media post a picture of an “Easter Tree,” which suggests to me they were too lazy to take down their Christmas Tree so they put pink and yellow ribbons on it to pass it off as such—so I guess Happy New Year can live on in March.</p>
<div id="kaM9R2">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">cleared for takeoff <a href="https://t.co/uUwImxFFQe">pic.twitter.com/uUwImxFFQe</a></p>— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) <a href="https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1769526066119365049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="vkf0fh">The Spurs look like they have been practicing their lobs to Wembanyama, which seems quite obvious to say is a cheat code. And you don’t have to buy one of those game genie cartridges or press up up down down left right left right B A select start to get 99 lives on Contra or pretend Horace Grant is Michael Jordan on NBA Jam. </p>
<div id="M5Ybyk">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="qme" dir="ltr"> <a href="https://t.co/M6DdSBRr54">pic.twitter.com/M6DdSBRr54</a></p>— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) <a href="https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1769523343890206827?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="1jsFpL">Wembanyama showing off his craft with a crafty behind-the-back move before finishing at the rim. Maybe Wembanyama is looking to submit a mix tape to And-1 because he was in his bag on Sunday. </p>
<div id="Q60u2s">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">behind the back with it <a href="https://t.co/pQHm8gmrh0">pic.twitter.com/pQHm8gmrh0</a></p>— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) <a href="https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1769521507250610222?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="CdaHnD">It’s low-hanging fruit to say, but if Wembanyama can do this as a rookie, it’s exciting to see him grow his game in the future. It’s both mesmerizing and incredulous to see someone do this on the court. And Wemby makes it look organic and fluid at the same time. </p>
<div id="shPiUI">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">gettin' fancy with it <a href="https://t.co/Z0vnh4H8Bk">pic.twitter.com/Z0vnh4H8Bk</a></p>— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) <a href="https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1769512840518365276?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
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<p id="JUPVWU">The Wembanyama super slam is the star of this sequence, but I wanted to also highlight Jeremy Sochan dribbling into the defense, pivoting around, and it almost looked like his face realized, “Oh yeah hey, here comes Victor roaring down the court, let’s see what happens when I feed him the ball.” And good things were had by all.</p>
<div id="QrnOLY">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">BEEP! BEEP! <br>Vic comin' thru <a href="https://t.co/12w605WOE6">pic.twitter.com/12w605WOE6</a></p>— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) <a href="https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1769504772934062292?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
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<p id="fKqGbm">If you missed the game because you were too busy dyeing your pancakes green, here are the full-game highlights:</p>
<div id="GAbOXO"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/osCi4azmkS4?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="IJoxTv">Next up, the Spurs head back down I-35 to the confines of the Frost Bank Center for a match-up with the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. </p>
<p id="DF4mIo"></p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2024/3/18/24104753/victor-wembanyama-dominates-in-spurs-overtime-win-against-the-netsSon Q. Trinh2024-03-18T06:00:00-05:002024-03-18T06:00:00-05:00Open Thread: Lakers and Warriors suffer strange clock issue
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<img alt="Golden State Warriors v Los Angeles Lakers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9LqDkoirhMnfobnHbWfNlc68ubY=/0x0:4775x3183/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73214671/2090270424.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The last two minutes of their game took over twenty minutes to resolve</p> <p id="Lm8zma">On Saturday night, the <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com">Los Angeles Lakers</a> hosted the <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com">Golden State Warriors</a> in a game with possible play-in tournament repercussions. </p>
<p id="tW5StL">Anthony Davis left the game with an eye contusion, altering the momentum and scoring in the Warriors favor.</p>
<p id="KvaZGz">In the 4th quarter, with the Warriors beginning to pull away, LeBron kept willing his Lakers toward a possible come-from-behind upset. The enduring superstar hit a three-pointer bringing the game to 124-120 score with just under two minutes remaining. </p>
<p id="mIvXQ8">There was an out-of-bounds call at the other end that triggered a Coaches Challenge by the Lakers to reverse possession of the ball. </p>
<p id="wESnvX">During the break, it was determined that James’ foot was on the out-of-bounds line, which negated his three and left the score at 124-117. </p>
<p id="sqA0Gu">And then the shot clock just stopped working.</p>
<div id="pxZjnq"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/s_SyF55ZCrw?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="R5aG8k">They tried multiple times to restart the game. Over the next nineteen minutes, they dealt with the disabled clock.</p>
<p id="49TZvW">Both LeBron and Steph Curry expressed frustration, stating that it is difficult to stay warmed up over that amount of inactivity.</p>
<p id="IHRKTh">Eventually, they had the in-arena announcer call the time in five second increments for the remainder of the game. </p>
<p id="FE8SbD">The Warriors held onto their lead and stole a win in Los Angeles, keeping them in ninth and the Lakers in tenth place in the Western Conference standings respectively. Each game has impact in determining their postseason futures. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="xLMzwN">
<p id="aardBf">Welcome to <em>The Thread</em>. Join in the conversation, start your own discussion, and share your thoughts. This is the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/san-antonio-spurs"><strong>Spurs</strong></a> community, <em>your</em> Spurs community. Thanks for being here.</p>
<p id="qlhrTq"><em>Our </em><a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/community-guidelines"><em><strong>community guidelines</strong></em></a><em> apply which should remind everyone to be cool, avoid personal attacks, do not troll and watch the language.</em></p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2024/3/18/24104196/nba-los-angeles-lakers-and-golden-state-warriors-suffer-strange-clock-issue-lebron-stephen-curryJeph Duarte2024-03-17T20:59:34-05:002024-03-17T20:59:34-05:00San Antonio vs. Brooklyn, Final Score: Spurs rally in 122-115 win
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<img alt="NBA: Brooklyn Nets at San Antonio Spurs" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AQcTVehtp-Qql7nyZ0aJpP_t2ek=/0x0:3863x2575/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73214276/usa_today_22801891.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>No lead is safe against these Spurs. </p> <p id="IOGoJu">Thank the basketball gods for instant replay review. It allowed officials to overturn what would’ve been a robbery of a signature defensive moment for Victor Wembanyama. The <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com">San Antonio Spurs</a> held a 117-116 lead in overtime when Dennis Schroder attacked the rim and was stuffed by the heralded rookie. The audacity of the attempt was more puzzling than the eventually overturned missed call. </p>
<p id="CWouEa">Again, we were left asking ourselves if the Spurs could finish and secure a win. </p>
<p id="bpJtsP">Recently? The answer had been no. Sunday was different, in large part due to Keldon Johnson, who netted two free throws with a three-point lead to put things out of reach and give the Spurs a 120-117 victory. </p>
<h3 id="kO9URA">Observations: </h3>
<ul><li id="9ML2q4">Do you know why teams don’t stop shooting threes? They need to give the opposing team something to respect. So, despite a team-wide horrid shooting night, Brooklyn had to respect every look the two-man game featuring Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell had to offer. The result? Giving Keldon Johnson too much space, allowing him to give the Spurs a lead, which eventually would turn into overtime. </li></ul>
<p id="d3Kycx">Perhaps “team-wide” isn’t a fair description because Johnson didn’t struggle to hit shots. He had the hottest hand in the building from long-range, going 5-of-8 from beyond the arc. But outside of Johnson, it was a nightmare for both teams as they haunted lovers of the three-ball in Austin. </p>
<p id="20HwJ8">As frustrating as it is to watch players hoist up shots when they are ice cold, they need to keep the hope of winning alive. The Spurs, like their opponent, can get hot at any given moment, regardless of what percentages and trends say about the likelihood of it happening. In football you must establish the run even when getting stuffed, in boxing you must establish the jab even when unable to land it, on the hardwood you must keep shooting; always. </p>
<p id="VQ16e7">Well, unless you’re Houston in a Game 7 against the Warriors. </p>
<ul>
<li id="9dZGmu">Young teams struggle to finish games, which usually boils down to late-game execution. Whether it was the Spurs taking too long to run their offense on the final possession of the fourth quarter or poor rotations leaving Dennis Schroder wide-open in the moments prior– a lack of precision led to a missed opportunity to win it in regulation. Ultimately, it was a harmless learning moment. </li>
<li id="d0FvQ8">Wemby gives us nightly reminders that he’s an absolute treat to watch. His behind-the-back move, avoiding a potential Mikal Bridges steal, was the latest example of his video game-like ability. </li>
<li id="H5H909">Keldon Johnson may have kept the game from becoming a blowout when he caught fire in the second quarter. At one point, he drilled three straight shots from beyond the arc, including an and-one after being fouled by Cam Thomas. Brooklyn led 47-39 before the spurt but saw its lead trimmed to 51-48. A stalling offense suddenly finds its life when a player can act as a jumper cable and provide a spark. San Antonio’s offense was much smoother from that point on. </li>
<li id="zeBfc0">As mentioned above, you can’t afford to stop shooting threes as a team. But as a player, putting up shots when they aren’t falling can be deterring. Wembanyama and Devin Vassell showed why they are the team’s two leading scorers by not allowing missed shots to waver confidence. Both drilled threes in crunch-time to spark a rally. </li>
</ul>
<p id="PFTCLr"></p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2024/3/17/24104437/san-antonio-spurs-vs-brooklyn-final-nets-122-115-winRaymond Lucas Jr2024-03-17T17:30:00-05:002024-03-17T17:30:00-05:00Game Thread: San Antonio Spurs vs Brooklyn Nets (Austin)
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<img alt="San Antonio Spurs v Brooklyn Nets" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PZU3Y5xo6bMvYrS67iVHl4_SojE=/0x0:4034x2689/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73213859/2001178346.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Spurs are in Austin for their second game at Moody Center </p> <p id="meJqIh"><em>Welcome to the Game Thread. Veterans of the Game Thread know how we do things around here, but for all you newbies we have a few rules. Our </em><a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/community-guidelines"><em><strong>community guidelines</strong></em></a><em> apply and basically say be cool, no personal attacks, don’t troll and don’t swear too much. </em></p>
<p id="PQBDTM">I’ve been out of town the last week, but it looks like the Spurs didn’t miss a beat. They lost three out of four games, but were competitive and Victor Wembanyama does amazing things on the court, even when he’s not playing his best. </p>
<p id="jmK9br">Tonight they face the <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com">Brooklyn Nets</a>, who are in 11th place in the East, chasing the unexpectedly mediocre Hawks for a fading chance at that last play-in spot. With 15 games left to play and a 3.5 game lead for Atlanta, the Nets would have to pick things up quite a bit to qualify for the tenth spot. Miami proved last year that a play-in team can get to the finals, so they might be looking to start to put things together.</p>
<p id="m91Xqx">Nic Claxton had a really strong outing the last time these teams met, and his strength and defensive intensity is the kind of game that gives Wembanyama issues. He’s learning to adapt to teams focusing their defense on him, but his teammates need to step up, which has been a work in progress so far this season. The Spurs have been eliminated from the post-season for a while, so the remainder of the games this season will be focused on improving teamwork and individual efforts for the Silver and Black. They will be in front of an enthusiastic Austin crowd tonight in Moody Center, so it’s going to be loud and fun to watch tonight. If the fans can help the Spurs, this should be a fun game to watch tonight, so let’s tune and watch. For myself, I’m excited to see my first live game is a week. so it’s going to be amazing. See you in the game thread!! </p>
<h4 id="CnxjVi"><strong>Game Prediction:</strong></h4>
<p id="CJRhrS">Marcus Morris will be partying on Sixth Street when he finds out he’s no longer on the Spurs, about two weeks after being released.</p>
<p id="a9tneh"><strong>One final word:</strong></p>
<p id="nFTExA">Go Spurs GOOOOOO!! </p>
<h3 id="Ic8xi7">
<strong>San Antonio Spurs vs Brooklyn Nets (Moody Center, Austin)</strong><br><strong>March 17, 2024 | 6:00 PM CT</strong><br><strong>Streaming:</strong> NBA League Pass<br><strong>TV: Bally Sports SW, NBA TV</strong>
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<p id="TVC2BF"><strong>Reminder: </strong>It is <strong>against site policy to post links to illegal streams</strong> in the comments, but it is not against site policy to exchange email addresses, for instance. </p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2024/3/17/24103872/its-time-for-basketball-spurs-vs-netsMark Barrington2024-03-17T12:00:00-05:002024-03-17T12:00:00-05:00March Madness, Sad Water and Women’s History Month
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<img alt="Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament - Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UuzRVAoSxRdcOiLvfdYOLJ1s5O8=/0x0:5412x3608/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73213358/2073746484.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>This year, the stars of March Madness are the women.</p> <p id="T7oarc">Every year at this time, I send out my “March Madness and Sad Water” post. Back when I was coaching college basketball, the men’s March Madness was a special time. I attended eight consecutive Final Fours, and each was memorable. Even though I was coaching at the Division III level, I was very familiar with the top teams and the top players. Along with looking forward to the Final Four weekend in whatever city was hosting that year, we also looked forward to seeing how the players we all knew well would perform on what was the biggest stage they had ever been on in their careers. </p>
<p id="Dgw1NK">For some reason, this season’s March Madness on the men’s side does not have that same allure. Actually, I know the reason: the best men’s collegiate players go to the NBA after one or two seasons, and we don’t get to know them nearly as well as years past. Also, many of the top picks come from abroad and don’t participate in the NCAA tournament — to pick a name at random, Victor Wembanyama.</p>
<p id="kHuEx8">Instead, this year’s shining collegiate basketball star, the one player everyone knows, is Caitlin Clark, the wondrous guard playing for Iowa. She just broke all the Division I scoring records — men and women — and is far and away the most well-known player in college hoops this year. </p>
<p id="V8ZYWR">And it does not end with Caitlin. The second most famous college basketball player this season may be Angel Reese, the star forward playing for defending champion LSU. In last season’s championship game, her Tigers beat Caitlin Clark’s Iowa team.</p>
<p id="4yHY83">Here in Los Angeles, we have a third women star who also may be more well-known than any men’s player: USC’s first-year player JuJu Watkins (I just learned first year students are not called “freshmen” any more). Watkins is truly great, and may become more famous than anyone in either the men’s or women’s game before she graduates. </p>
<p id="pUaWDv">The most famous men’s player this year? Probably Zach Edey of Purdue. Yawn. Or Bronny James, who is averaged 5 points, 3 boards and 2 assists per game. USC, the team Bronny plays for, will not be in the tourney. In his final game, a 70-49 loss to Arizona, he scored 3 points, got one rebound and had no assists in 22 minutes, so it is probably better we don’t have to see that in the tournament. Without any true stars, this year’s men’s March Madness may be like the Oscars in those years when films like <em>Nomadland</em> or <em>Moonlight</em> win for Best Picture, even though few people actually saw the film. </p>
<p id="hiKFfa">But the women’s March Madness may be more like the 2024 Oscars with blockbusters such as<em> Barbie</em> and <em>Oppenheimer</em> vying for the top prize. But instead of famous actors, directors and movies, it will be Clark, Reese and Watkins and their teams competing for the big awards, while having to beat other strong teams such as South Carolina, Stanford, Texas and UCLA. With March being Women’s History Month, it is only appropriate that we recognize that the NCAA women’s March Madness has more compelling storylines in 2024 than the men’s.</p>
<p id="1w2H4n">This basketball season, my March Madness and Sad Water post should be about the 132 teams competing in the men’s and women’s tournaments, not just the 68 in the men’s. Because at least for 2024, the stars are in the women’s Madness. And speaking of great films, Sad Water could be how the Fremen in <em>Dune</em> describe <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/2021/3/18/22338742/tears-are-part-of-what-we-are-march-madness-and-sad-water">tears</a>.</p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2024/3/17/24099422/march-madness-sad-water-and-womens-history-monthLee Dresie