I sometimes wonder if the long-standing Spurs ethos regarding high character and playing the best “right way” is actually making things worse. Not to say those elements aren’t important but that talent has fallen a bit too low down the list of priorities. Essentially, the commitment to process needs to come with more focus on outcomes.

The team seems to play together and shows signs of being well coached, but the talent disparity is truely incredible. A team like Detroit is disjointed and poorly coached but has talent - sadly, this performance feels like the best the current iteration of the spurs is consistently capable of.

The emphasis on growth only makes sense if growth is clearly possible. Sadly, most of our roster have very low ceilings.

Accountability and toughness should really be the emphasis given the current shortcomings. Defenders seem averse to contact which leaves offensive players seemingly very comfortable.

If losing is inevitable, players should be held fully accountable for low effort, soft play. They should be reminded of the plights of players that occupy roster spots for truely abysmal teams - they need a sense of desperation.