2. Inability to guard high-scoring players
Give the Spurs credit, Keldon Johnson and especially Devin Vassell are two players who have All-Star potential. But the way in which both of them had their way with the Suns on each night was concerning, but it proved what so many of us thought to be true. This group will struggle to get stops.
On Tuesday, Johnson went off for a game high 27 points, and stole the ball from Durant in what was the defining moment of the game. The Suns struggled to contain his quick pace and ability to score from all three areas of the court. Johnson knocked down four 3-pointers, and his ability to drive at the Suns’ bigs was a problem all night.
Frank Vogel on Keldon Johnson's game-winning steal from KD.
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) November 1, 2023
"Yeah, they fouled him. The refs didn't call it." pic.twitter.com/8peFoTaPvL
It was a similar story on Thursday, only this time it was Vassell’s turn to go at the Suns. He may well end up being the Most Improved Player this season – he’s certainly an early frontrunner – but again the Suns have to be able to contain a player of his ability if they want to win a championship. Every contender has at least one player who can do what Vassell does, and usually even better.
Wembanyana’s historic night certainly helped Vassell get off, his 17 points coming from going for 7-for-10 from the floor and a perfect 3-from-3 from deep. But even when he had the ball in his hands, Vassell was constantly a threat. Just like Johnson had been two nights previously. Imagine how much Jayson Tatum, Luka Doncic or Jamal Murray would have gone off in that scenario.