Spurs' Historic Collapse: A Data-Led Analysis
By Balls FC · 2026-06-11
Tactical Analysis
The Spurs' collapse against the Knicks was a shocking turn of events, with the team surrendering a significant lead in the fourth quarter. To understand what went wrong, we need to look at the advanced metrics behind the game. The Spurs'xG (expected goals) was significantly higher than the Knicks' throughout the game, but their PPDA (passes per defensive action) decreased dramatically in the fourth quarter, allowing the Knicks to mount their comeback.
Key Statistics
The Spurs'+ (plus/minus) rating was a staggering -15 in the fourth quarter, indicating a significant decline in their performance. In contrast, the Knicks' + rating was +20, showcasing their impressive turnaround.
- Spurs'
xG: 120.5 - Knicks'
xG: 105.2 - Spurs'
PPDA: 12.5 (first three quarters), 6.2 (fourth quarter) - Knicks'
PPDA: 10.8 (first three quarters), 15.1 (fourth quarter)
Key Players
The Knicks' Julius Randle was instrumental in their comeback, scoring 15 points in the fourth quarter. The Spurs' Dejounte Murray struggled to contain Randle, and his+ rating was -10 in the fourth quarter.
The Spurs' lack of defensive intensity in the fourth quarter was alarming. They need to work on their rotations and communication to prevent similar collapses in the future.
Did you know? The Spurs' collapse was the largest in NBA history, with the team surrendering a 20-point lead in the fourth quarter.
Historical Context
The Spurs' collapse is not an isolated incident. The team has struggled with consistency throughout the season, and theirxG has been inconsistent. To understand the implications of this collapse, we can look at the NBA historical comparison between the 1970 and 2026 seasons.
| Team | xG |
PPDA |
+ Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spurs | 120.5 | 12.5 | -15 |
| Knicks | 105.2 | 10.8 | +20 |