NBA does Spurs serious scheduling injustice for NBA 2024-2025 season
The NBA schedule for this upcoming season was revealed yesterday. Although there are some highlights for fans of the Spurs, including a quarter (21) of their games on national television—including a Christmas Day clash in New York versus the Knicks—league officials provided no favors for the Spurs during the second half of the season.
During the march to the playoffs (assuming everything goes well), the Spurs have nine back-to-back games planned during the latter portion of the season. They have 15 total back-to-backs this season, but players need their rest and their energy high for the remaining stretch of the season. That’s when all systems are full go, hoping to gain a position to challenge to lift the O’Brien trophy.
The Spurs will have to negotiate a challenging schedule in the second half of the season
The Spurs are youthful and will be full of excitement, especially if they’re in contention at the conclusion of the season, which much of silver and black country expects at this stage. They’ve got several seasoned players, most notably Chris Paul, who will likely rest during parts of these back-to-backs. The young players should offset that, however, and it’s likely fans will see more of the likes of Stephon Castle and Tre Jones while Paul sits.
Jones was a consistent, steady player last season who handled the offense efficiently and offered leadership. That won’t change this year, and the Spurs will be better for it. Look for Coach Pop to lean on role players like Mamu and Charles Bassey to offer solid minutes at the forward positions during these back-to-backs as well. Although restricted in opportunity, both players have been able to dazzle when given more playing time than normal.
Although a formidable assignment, the Spurs can lessen some of the hardships of back-to-back games later in the season. The Spurs weren’t helped by the NBA, but a winning team has to endure hardship to reach the pinnacle.
