Paul Garcia
@paulgarcia.bsky.social
NBA writer covering the San Antonio Spurs for TheSpotUpShot.com. Podcast host of The Spot Up Pod.
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Ep. 57: Spurs Qualify for NBA Cup Quarterfinals
Podcast Episode · The Spot Up Pod · 12/02/2025 · 19m
podcasts.apple.com
🎙️New pod!
🏆 Spurs qualify for NBA Cup Quarterfinals
🏀 Spurs on offense and defense in 7 games without Wemby so far
🏀 Previewing games vs MEM, @ ORL (B2B), and @ CLE.
🎧 Apple podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
🎧 Spotify open.spotify.com/episode/7aAF...
🎧 Youtube
youtu.be/h90zoBopfIM
🏆 Spurs qualify for NBA Cup Quarterfinals
🏀 Spurs on offense and defense in 7 games without Wemby so far
🏀 Previewing games vs MEM, @ ORL (B2B), and @ CLE.
🎧 Apple podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
🎧 Spotify open.spotify.com/episode/7aAF...
🎧 Youtube
youtu.be/h90zoBopfIM
With the loss, the Spurs are now...
...5-3 as underdogs. The Cavs were favored by 5.5 and won by 13.
...12-5 when leading by double digits.
...3-5 when trailing by double digits.
substacktools.com/sharex/7JMqT...
...5-3 as underdogs. The Cavs were favored by 5.5 and won by 13.
...12-5 when leading by double digits.
...3-5 when trailing by double digits.
substacktools.com/sharex/7JMqT...
Notes and Observations as Spurs Fall Apart in Third Quarter in Loss to Cavaliers
The Spurs led at halftime, but then the third quarter began. After 12 minutes in the third, they trailed by 17 points heading into the final quarter.
substacktools.com
December 6, 2025 at 5:06 AM
With the loss, the Spurs are now...
...5-3 as underdogs. The Cavs were favored by 5.5 and won by 13.
...12-5 when leading by double digits.
...3-5 when trailing by double digits.
substacktools.com/sharex/7JMqT...
...5-3 as underdogs. The Cavs were favored by 5.5 and won by 13.
...12-5 when leading by double digits.
...3-5 when trailing by double digits.
substacktools.com/sharex/7JMqT...
No Wemby or Kornet on defense = 65% of Cavs shot attempts in paint, 80 paint points for CLE (Opp season high), and 71% paint accuracy for CLE (also opp season high)
substacktools.com/sharex/7JMqT...
substacktools.com/sharex/7JMqT...
Notes and Observations as Spurs Fall Apart in Third Quarter in Loss to Cavaliers
The Spurs led at halftime, but then the third quarter began. After 12 minutes in the third, they trailed by 17 points heading into the final quarter.
substacktools.com
December 6, 2025 at 5:04 AM
No Wemby or Kornet on defense = 65% of Cavs shot attempts in paint, 80 paint points for CLE (Opp season high), and 71% paint accuracy for CLE (also opp season high)
substacktools.com/sharex/7JMqT...
substacktools.com/sharex/7JMqT...
New 📝 on the Spurs' loss in Cleveland: substacktools.com/sharex/7JMqT...
😬 The third quarter struggles
🔓 Open paint defense without Wemby & Kornet
🏀 Player ratings and observations
😬 The third quarter struggles
🔓 Open paint defense without Wemby & Kornet
🏀 Player ratings and observations
December 6, 2025 at 5:02 AM
New 📝 on the Spurs' loss in Cleveland: substacktools.com/sharex/7JMqT...
😬 The third quarter struggles
🔓 Open paint defense without Wemby & Kornet
🏀 Player ratings and observations
😬 The third quarter struggles
🔓 Open paint defense without Wemby & Kornet
🏀 Player ratings and observations
The Spurs fall to the Cavs by 13.
The Spurs are now...
...15-7 overall
...7-3 without Wemby
...6-5 on the road
...6-1 vs the East
...6-5 vs .500 and above teams
The Spurs are now...
...15-7 overall
...7-3 without Wemby
...6-5 on the road
...6-1 vs the East
...6-5 vs .500 and above teams
December 6, 2025 at 3:02 AM
The Spurs fall to the Cavs by 13.
The Spurs are now...
...15-7 overall
...7-3 without Wemby
...6-5 on the road
...6-1 vs the East
...6-5 vs .500 and above teams
The Spurs are now...
...15-7 overall
...7-3 without Wemby
...6-5 on the road
...6-1 vs the East
...6-5 vs .500 and above teams
And then the 3Q started...
December 6, 2025 at 2:30 AM
And then the 3Q started...
The Spurs are down 20 for just the second time this season.
SA enters 0-1 when down by 20.
CLE largest lead has been 22
SA enters 0-1 when down by 20.
CLE largest lead has been 22
December 6, 2025 at 2:22 AM
The Spurs are down 20 for just the second time this season.
SA enters 0-1 when down by 20.
CLE largest lead has been 22
SA enters 0-1 when down by 20.
CLE largest lead has been 22
The Spurs have trailed by 15 points for just the 4th time this season.
SA enters 1-2 when down by 15.
CLE by 17
SA enters 1-2 when down by 15.
CLE by 17
December 6, 2025 at 2:18 AM
The Spurs have trailed by 15 points for just the 4th time this season.
SA enters 1-2 when down by 15.
CLE by 17
SA enters 1-2 when down by 15.
CLE by 17
The Spurs and 3Qs...
December 6, 2025 at 2:14 AM
The Spurs and 3Qs...
The Spurs have trailed by double digits in 36% of their games this season.
SA enters 3-4 when down double digits.
Cavs winning 3Q 28-9
SA enters 3-4 when down double digits.
Cavs winning 3Q 28-9
December 6, 2025 at 2:12 AM
The Spurs have trailed by double digits in 36% of their games this season.
SA enters 3-4 when down double digits.
Cavs winning 3Q 28-9
SA enters 3-4 when down double digits.
Cavs winning 3Q 28-9
HALF: Spurs by 8. SA wins 2Q 37-34.
REB: SA +5
3PT PTS: SA 33-12 (46% vs 31%)
2PT PTS: CLE 42-28
2nd chance PTS: SA +9
FB PTS: CLE +8
Vassell 25 pts, 7/10 3PT, 1 blk
Fox 15 pts
Mitchell 15 pts
Mobley 13 pts, 2 blk
REB: SA +5
3PT PTS: SA 33-12 (46% vs 31%)
2PT PTS: CLE 42-28
2nd chance PTS: SA +9
FB PTS: CLE +8
Vassell 25 pts, 7/10 3PT, 1 blk
Fox 15 pts
Mitchell 15 pts
Mobley 13 pts, 2 blk
December 6, 2025 at 1:46 AM
HALF: Spurs by 8. SA wins 2Q 37-34.
REB: SA +5
3PT PTS: SA 33-12 (46% vs 31%)
2PT PTS: CLE 42-28
2nd chance PTS: SA +9
FB PTS: CLE +8
Vassell 25 pts, 7/10 3PT, 1 blk
Fox 15 pts
Mitchell 15 pts
Mobley 13 pts, 2 blk
REB: SA +5
3PT PTS: SA 33-12 (46% vs 31%)
2PT PTS: CLE 42-28
2nd chance PTS: SA +9
FB PTS: CLE +8
Vassell 25 pts, 7/10 3PT, 1 blk
Fox 15 pts
Mitchell 15 pts
Mobley 13 pts, 2 blk
De'Aaron Fox has 15 points in the first half, pushing the pace before CLE can set up in halfcourt.
He scored a floater while being fouled on a drive.
Side step 3PT
Set up Barnes for wide open corner 3PT
SA by 7
He scored a floater while being fouled on a drive.
Side step 3PT
Set up Barnes for wide open corner 3PT
SA by 7
December 6, 2025 at 1:41 AM
De'Aaron Fox has 15 points in the first half, pushing the pace before CLE can set up in halfcourt.
He scored a floater while being fouled on a drive.
Side step 3PT
Set up Barnes for wide open corner 3PT
SA by 7
He scored a floater while being fouled on a drive.
Side step 3PT
Set up Barnes for wide open corner 3PT
SA by 7
22 point first half for Devin Vassell
He's 6/9 from distance while being fouled twice shooting 3s
SA by 8
He's 6/9 from distance while being fouled twice shooting 3s
SA by 8
December 6, 2025 at 1:37 AM
22 point first half for Devin Vassell
He's 6/9 from distance while being fouled twice shooting 3s
SA by 8
He's 6/9 from distance while being fouled twice shooting 3s
SA by 8
De'Aaron Fox is up to 10 first half points. His last 2 buckets:
Pull-up mid-range in ISO vs Mobley
Drive and layup vs Cavs in zone
Spurs by 5
Pull-up mid-range in ISO vs Mobley
Drive and layup vs Cavs in zone
Spurs by 5
December 6, 2025 at 1:27 AM
De'Aaron Fox is up to 10 first half points. His last 2 buckets:
Pull-up mid-range in ISO vs Mobley
Drive and layup vs Cavs in zone
Spurs by 5
Pull-up mid-range in ISO vs Mobley
Drive and layup vs Cavs in zone
Spurs by 5
After the Spurs lost their 10 point lead, David Jones Garcia helps them get a lead back.
DJG went to the side-step 3PT to get an open look vs his defender and made the shot.
Then he drove inside the paint, drew in the defense, and kicked to a wide-open Lindy in the corner.
Spurs by 3 again
DJG went to the side-step 3PT to get an open look vs his defender and made the shot.
Then he drove inside the paint, drew in the defense, and kicked to a wide-open Lindy in the corner.
Spurs by 3 again
December 6, 2025 at 1:20 AM
After the Spurs lost their 10 point lead, David Jones Garcia helps them get a lead back.
DJG went to the side-step 3PT to get an open look vs his defender and made the shot.
Then he drove inside the paint, drew in the defense, and kicked to a wide-open Lindy in the corner.
Spurs by 3 again
DJG went to the side-step 3PT to get an open look vs his defender and made the shot.
Then he drove inside the paint, drew in the defense, and kicked to a wide-open Lindy in the corner.
Spurs by 3 again
1Q: Spurs 35, Cavs 30.
REB: SA +4
TOV: CLE 5, SA 3
2nd Chance PTS: SA +8
Vassell 13 pts, 1 blk
Keldon 7 pts, 1 blk
Sochan 6 pts
Mitchell 9 pts
CPJ 5 pts
REB: SA +4
TOV: CLE 5, SA 3
2nd Chance PTS: SA +8
Vassell 13 pts, 1 blk
Keldon 7 pts, 1 blk
Sochan 6 pts
Mitchell 9 pts
CPJ 5 pts
December 6, 2025 at 1:13 AM
1Q: Spurs 35, Cavs 30.
REB: SA +4
TOV: CLE 5, SA 3
2nd Chance PTS: SA +8
Vassell 13 pts, 1 blk
Keldon 7 pts, 1 blk
Sochan 6 pts
Mitchell 9 pts
CPJ 5 pts
REB: SA +4
TOV: CLE 5, SA 3
2nd Chance PTS: SA +8
Vassell 13 pts, 1 blk
Keldon 7 pts, 1 blk
Sochan 6 pts
Mitchell 9 pts
CPJ 5 pts
The Spurs have led by double digits in 82% of their games this season.
SA enters 12-5 when ahead by 10
Vassell 13 pts in opening quarter
SA enters 12-5 when ahead by 10
Vassell 13 pts in opening quarter
December 6, 2025 at 12:59 AM
The Spurs have led by double digits in 82% of their games this season.
SA enters 12-5 when ahead by 10
Vassell 13 pts in opening quarter
SA enters 12-5 when ahead by 10
Vassell 13 pts in opening quarter
Reposted by Paul Garcia
Spurs: Fox, Vassell, Champagnie, Barnes, Biyombo
Cavs: Mitchell, Tyson, Tomlin, Hunter, Mobley
Cavs: Mitchell, Tyson, Tomlin, Hunter, Mobley
December 6, 2025 at 12:38 AM
Spurs: Fox, Vassell, Champagnie, Barnes, Biyombo
Cavs: Mitchell, Tyson, Tomlin, Hunter, Mobley
Cavs: Mitchell, Tyson, Tomlin, Hunter, Mobley
Reposted by Paul Garcia
Indications are it's going to be Bismack Biyombo.
A little more than an hour before tipoff tonight in Cleveland, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson still isn't sure who will start in place of the injured Luke Kornet.
"It will be probably be a lot of just shooting from the hip," Johnson said.
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
"It will be probably be a lot of just shooting from the hip," Johnson said.
www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs...
Who will start for the Spurs with Luke Kornet out?
The Spurs are without their fill-in starting center Luke Kornet on Friday in Cleveland
www.expressnews.com
December 6, 2025 at 12:19 AM
Indications are it's going to be Bismack Biyombo.
Reposted by Paul Garcia
Luke Kornet (ankle) is OUT tonight in Cleveland.
Spurs will be playing super small against Evan Mobley and the Cavaliers
Spurs will be playing super small against Evan Mobley and the Cavaliers
December 5, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Luke Kornet (ankle) is OUT tonight in Cleveland.
Spurs will be playing super small against Evan Mobley and the Cavaliers
Spurs will be playing super small against Evan Mobley and the Cavaliers
The Cavs are favored by 5.5 tonight against the Spurs in Cleveland.
Wemby & Castle are out for the Spurs, while Kornet is questionable.
Garland, Allen, Merrill, Nance Jr., Proctor, & Strus are out for the Cavs
Wemby & Castle are out for the Spurs, while Kornet is questionable.
Garland, Allen, Merrill, Nance Jr., Proctor, & Strus are out for the Cavs
December 5, 2025 at 1:59 PM
The Cavs are favored by 5.5 tonight against the Spurs in Cleveland.
Wemby & Castle are out for the Spurs, while Kornet is questionable.
Garland, Allen, Merrill, Nance Jr., Proctor, & Strus are out for the Cavs
Wemby & Castle are out for the Spurs, while Kornet is questionable.
Garland, Allen, Merrill, Nance Jr., Proctor, & Strus are out for the Cavs
The Math Game for the Spurs through 21 games: substacktools.com/sharex/qNPPE...
Still winning 2s and the free throw line, but not the 3-point line
Still winning 2s and the free throw line, but not the 3-point line
December 5, 2025 at 5:06 AM
The Math Game for the Spurs through 21 games: substacktools.com/sharex/qNPPE...
Still winning 2s and the free throw line, but not the 3-point line
Still winning 2s and the free throw line, but not the 3-point line
The Spurs' 12th ranked defense through 21 games: substacktools.com/sharex/qNPPE...
December 5, 2025 at 5:05 AM
The Spurs' 12th ranked defense through 21 games: substacktools.com/sharex/qNPPE...
The Spurs' 8th ranked offense through 21 games: substacktools.com/sharex/qNPPE...
December 5, 2025 at 5:04 AM
The Spurs' 8th ranked offense through 21 games: substacktools.com/sharex/qNPPE...
% of games played for Spurs rotation players through 21 games:
100% - Vassell, Barnes, Julian, Keldon
71% - Sochan
67% - Kornet
62% - Fox, Castle
57% - Wemby
52% - Harper
The Spurs still haven't had their full lineup available for even one game: substacktools.com/sharex/qNPPE...
100% - Vassell, Barnes, Julian, Keldon
71% - Sochan
67% - Kornet
62% - Fox, Castle
57% - Wemby
52% - Harper
The Spurs still haven't had their full lineup available for even one game: substacktools.com/sharex/qNPPE...
The Spurs Through 21 Games
Analyzing the Spurs' strengths and weaknesses on both ends of the court through the first 21 games of the season.
substacktools.com
December 5, 2025 at 5:03 AM
% of games played for Spurs rotation players through 21 games:
100% - Vassell, Barnes, Julian, Keldon
71% - Sochan
67% - Kornet
62% - Fox, Castle
57% - Wemby
52% - Harper
The Spurs still haven't had their full lineup available for even one game: substacktools.com/sharex/qNPPE...
100% - Vassell, Barnes, Julian, Keldon
71% - Sochan
67% - Kornet
62% - Fox, Castle
57% - Wemby
52% - Harper
The Spurs still haven't had their full lineup available for even one game: substacktools.com/sharex/qNPPE...
With the Warriors' loss tonight, GSW drops below .500.
That means the Spurs improve to 6-4 vs .500 and above teams, but are no longer perfect vs below .500 teams. They're now 9-2 (GSW = 2 losses) vs below .500 teams.
substacktools.com/sharex/qNPPE...
That means the Spurs improve to 6-4 vs .500 and above teams, but are no longer perfect vs below .500 teams. They're now 9-2 (GSW = 2 losses) vs below .500 teams.
substacktools.com/sharex/qNPPE...
The Spurs Through 21 Games
Analyzing the Spurs' strengths and weaknesses on both ends of the court through the first 21 games of the season.
substacktools.com
December 5, 2025 at 5:00 AM
With the Warriors' loss tonight, GSW drops below .500.
That means the Spurs improve to 6-4 vs .500 and above teams, but are no longer perfect vs below .500 teams. They're now 9-2 (GSW = 2 losses) vs below .500 teams.
substacktools.com/sharex/qNPPE...
That means the Spurs improve to 6-4 vs .500 and above teams, but are no longer perfect vs below .500 teams. They're now 9-2 (GSW = 2 losses) vs below .500 teams.
substacktools.com/sharex/qNPPE...