As the San Antonio Spurs await word on star Victor Wembanyama, they may have to rely more on backup center Luke Kornet. He came up big in both Game 1 and Game 2, averaging 10 points in 21 minutes.
However, he could have to play big minutes if Wembanyama misses Game 3 and Game 4. San Antonio is an impressive 12-6 without their star, and Kornet is a large reason why. He is a terrific rim protector and rebounder and even adept at finishing alley-oops.
That being said, that was during the regular season, and the playoffs are a different beast. He could provide San Antonio with all those aspects in Game 3 and Game 4, but they could still struggle against Portland’s front line.
The Spurs’ thin front line may struggle against the Blazers
After Wembanyama went down, the Blazers mercilessly attack San Antonio on the offensive glass. Blazers’ starting center Donovan Clingan snagged six offensive rebounds while Portland had 15 overall.
Robert Williams has also been a thorn in the Spurs’ side. He’s been active on the glass, crushing lobs, and even hitting threes. Williams is also better defending away from the rim, making him and Clingan uniquely equipped to hurt the Wembanyama-less Silver and Black.
San Antonio has struggled at times this season keeping teams off of the offensive glass. Without a backup to their backup, the Spurs have resorted to going small with Kornet off the floor.
Let’s be real. How ironic is it that San Antonio focused on adding depth behind Wembanyama last summer but has only one other center they trust? Bismack Biyombo, Kelly Olynky, and Mason Plumlee didn’t see a second of playing time in Game 2.
That means coach Mitch Johnson would rather go small than play any of them. Ouch.
Luke Kornet is suddenly the Spurs’ most important player
In theory, the Spurs can survive playing small, but they got wrecked on the offensive glass.
Worse yet, they couldn’t hit the broadside of a barn from three or at the free throw line. If they hit two more threes or shot closer to their average from the free throw line, then San Antonio would be up 2-0.
San Antonio needs Kornet to play at least 30 minutes, knowing that he can more than hold down the fort starting at center. Backup center is a bigger question mark.
Winning the non-Kornet minutes could swing the game in the Spurs’ favor. The obvious benefit of playing small is playing faster, having more spacing, and having more switchability.
The Spurs have the size on the perimeter to be able to do so. Still, they actually have to hit threes and do a much better job on the glass to survive without Wembanyama.
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