The San Antonio Spurs are grappling with a familiar issue that has persisted throughout their season—an inability to start games strongly. This weakness was on full display during their recent 136-122 loss to the Chicago Bulls, a game in which the absence of star rookie Victor Wembanyama due to back soreness left a glaring gap on the court. Without his defensive presence, the Bulls exploited the Spurs’ vulnerabilities, turning the matchup into a one-sided affair. However, the team’s troubles go beyond just this game, revealing a broader trend that needs urgent attention.
The Spurs’ tendency to come out flat in the first quarter is becoming a defining feature of their season, and not in a good way. This recurring problem reared its head against Phoenix earlier in the week, where they were outscored 29-19 in the opening period. The same pattern was evident against the Bulls, with San Antonio falling into a 36-22 deficit by the end of the first quarter. Despite their ability to rally in the second half—boasting one of the best third-quarter net ratings in the league—this reliance on comebacks is unsustainable in the hyper-competitive Western Conference.
A puzzling aspect of the Spurs’ struggles is their lack of early-game energy. For a young and dynamic team with playoff ambitions, their lethargic starts are both surprising and frustrating. Acting head coach Mitch Johnson candidly described the early efforts as “lethargic,” a term that has become synonymous with the team’s performance in too many games this season. While their resilience and ability to mount comebacks are admirable, these traits can only take them so far. A consistent lack of urgency at the start of games undermines their potential and risks setting them back in a crowded playoff race.
Compounding their issues is the coaching staff’s experimental lineup choices, such as starting Jeremy Sochan at center against Nikola Vucevic in the Bulls game. While Johnson defended his decision as an opportunity to explore options, the outcome proved costly, further emphasizing the need for stability and effective decision-making from the opening tip. The coaching staff must ensure the team is mentally and physically prepared to compete from the very first whistle, particularly when facing tough opponents.
Luckily for the Spurs, they don’t have much time to dwell on their recent losses. They’ll face the Sacramento Kings at home tonight, offering a swift opportunity to course-correct. Regardless of Wembanyama’s availability, the team needs to address their lack of focus and energy early in games. If they hope to stay competitive in a stacked Western Conference, they’ll need to shed their reputation for slow starts and embrace the urgency required to succeed.