Every game counts.
When you go back in time to the fourth and fifth games of the 2023-24 season, the 2-1 Suns hosted the Spurs for back-to-back games. Entering the game, knowing that San Antonio had the rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama playing in the first games of his career with a team around him that appeared to be in reconstruction mode, you figured it would be two easy wins for Phoenix.
But a no-call at the end of a spooky Halloween night battle and an 11-point loss two nights later and the Suns gave the Spurs their second and third wins of the season. Four months later, the team has won 11 games since.
Wemby looked great in his game against the Suns on November 2, and it served as his coming-out party. 15-of-26 from the field and 3-of-6 from three led to 38 points, and he added 10 rebounds and a pair of blocks as well.
The Spurs are playing for next season at this point, although the competitiveness Wemby possesses will always have them in a game.
The Suns, however, are in the thick of the postseason standings muck in the middle of the Western Conference standings. You can’t help but look back at the season and clinch your fists when you think of the losses against the Spurs. Those wins would come in real handy right about now.
It is what it is, and what it is is frustrating. Focus on the present, not the past, and you won’t drive yourself crazy with “what-if-itis”.
Probable Starters
Injury Report
Suns:
Jusuf Nurkic — PROBABLE (Orbital Contusion)
Josh Okogie — QUESTIONABLE (Lower Abdominal Strain)
Damion Lee — OUT (Right Meniscus Surgery)
What to Watch For
You know what your eyes will be glued to. Victor Wembanyama.
A player who entered the NBA with the most hype since LeBron James has delivered in his rookie season. His build is unique, his footwork is special, and his length is legendary. Yes, in such a short time in the NBA, Wemby has made quite the impact, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
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