The Spot Up Pod

For now, this will be my final episode of The Spot Up Pod. I want to thank you all for listening to or watching each episode since I launched the podcast in August of 2024.Don’t worry, I'll still be podcasting and talking about the San Antonio Spurs, only on the BLEAV network podcast called Small Market Bias, which was formerly hosted by my pal Matthew Tynan of Corporate Knowledge.I’ll continue to let you know when I have new episodes on the podcast feed here in the newsletter, and I’ll also have short videos with segments from each episode on the YouTube channel.Here’s the first episode of the new pod:Another Spurs 8-Game Win Streak, Wemby’s MVP Case, and Keldon Johnson for 6MOYIn the latest episode of Small Market Bias, host Paul Garcia is joined by guest Collin Reid to discuss:* (03:52) The San Antonio Spurs blowing out the Miami Heat, Memphis Grizzlies, and Milwaukee Bucks to stretch their winning streak to 8 games.* (21:14) How Victor Wembanyama has been scoring more often in the paint, with eight double-digit paint scoring games in a row.* (27:54) Wemby’s case for MVP over Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, and Nikola Jokic. Also, why Wemby playing fewer minutes than the other three players might hurt his case.* (40:41) Looking at Keldon Johnson moving into the frontrunner position according to Vegas for the 6th Man of the Year award.Sign up for the newsletter at TheSpotUpShot.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In the latest episode of The Spot Up Pod, host Paul Garcia discusses:* (00:39) The San Antonio Spurs defeating the Los Angeles Clippers on the road last Monday. * (02:40) The Spurs blowing out the Sacramento Kings on the second night of a back-to-back, on a night where San Antonio made a new franchise record 25 threes. * (04:10) How a Victor Wembanyama game-winning jumper helped the Spurs secure a playoff spot in a win over the Phoenix Suns. Plus, what the Spurs and Suns going 2-2 against each other in the regular season could mean for a potential round one matchup. * (07:23) The Spurs winning comfortably against the Indiana Pacers and what Pacers Head Coach Rick Carlisle had to say about the Spurs being championship contenders. * (14:29) Breaking down the Spurs’ shooting from three, the paint, and mid-range in detail for this season.* (31:35) Previewing the Spurs’ next three games against the Miami Heat, Memphis Grizzlies, and Milwaukee Bucks.Sign up for the newsletter at TheSpotUpShot.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In the latest episode of The Spot Up Pod, host Paul Garcia discusses:* (00:41) The San Antonio Spurs defeating the Boston Celtics in a game where Jaylen Brown was ejected early in the game. * (03:33) The Spurs letting a 20-point lead slip away against the Denver Nuggets in a game where San Antonio was without Victor Wembanyama. * (08:09) The Spurs’ defense locking down the Charlotte Hornets’ high-scoring offense in a win. * (11:05) The Spurs finishing their 6-game homestand 5-1 against the Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Celtics, Nuggets, and Hornets. * (11:54) Stephon Castle’s improved 3-point shooting since February began. * (17:48) De’Aaron Fox’s increased playmaking in the last 6 games. * (22:09) Looking at different small-ball Spurs lineups and the French Vanilla lineup with Wemby and Luke Kornet. * (26:42) Previewing the Spurs’ next four games against the Clippers, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, and Indiana Pacers.Sign up for the newsletter at TheSpotUpShot.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In the latest episode of The Spot Up Pod, host Paul Garcia discusses:* (00:45) The San Antonio Spurs ending the Rodeo Road Trip with a 40-point win in Philadelphia. * (02:10) The Spurs taking down the Detroit Pistons for the second time this season.* (04:55) The Spurs making a 25-point comeback against the Los Angeles Clippers on the second night of a back-to-back. * (10:38) The Spurs ending the regular season series 3-1 with a 25-point win against the Houston Rockets. * (16:38) The Spurs dominating and being a juggernaut since mid-January.* (26:14) Looking at in-season honors for Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, Keldon Johnson, and Head Coach Mitch Johnson.* (34:00) Previewing the Spurs’ next three games against the Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, and Charlotte Hornets.Sign up for the newsletter at TheSpotUpShot.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In the latest episode of The Spot Up Pod, host Paul Garcia discusses:* (00:41) The San Antonio Spurs defeating the Detroit Pistons, the best team by record in the Eastern Conference.* (02:40) The Spurs making a 15-point second-half comeback to defeat the Toronto Raptors in crunch time. With the win, the Spurs are now 6-9 this season when trailing by 15 points. * (04:10) The Spurs taking care of business and comfortably defeating the Brooklyn Nets on the second night of a back-to-back.* (05:04) The Spurs falling to the New York Knicks by 25 points on Sunday, and why the Knicks haven’t been a good matchup for the Spurs this season. Plus, how De’Aaron Fox has been struggling on offense against top-level teams, like the Knicks. * (12:05) The Spurs being 14-8 this season against teams with .600 and above records. * (12:17) Breaking down the Spurs’ strengths and weaknesses on offense (12:43) and defense (14:33) through 60 games this season. Which areas are still worth monitoring come playoff time?* (16:54) Analyzing the math game for the Spurs in how much they’re winning 2-point, 3-point, and free-throw scoring against their opponents. * (17:25) Mason Plumlee signing a contract with the Spurs for the remainder of the season and Plumlee’s projected role once he recovers from injury.* (18:59) Why Mitch Johnson, Victor Wembanyama, and Dylan Harper are strong candidates to win some of the monthly February awards from the NBA. * (20:36) Previewing the Spurs’ next five games against the Philadelphia 76ers, Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, and Boston Celtics. Sign up for the newsletter at TheSpotUpShot.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In the latest episode of The Spot Up Pod, host Paul Garcia discusses:* The San Antonio Spurs going 2-0 this past week with wins over the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings in Austin (00:41).* The Spurs joining the Thunder and Pistons in the ‘40-20’ championship contender qualification (07:20).* The Spurs taking care of business recently against below .500 teams and teams dealing with injuries (14:07).* Mason Plumlee signing a 10-day contract and the Spurs getting additional national television games (18:32).* Previewing the Spurs’ four games this week against the Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets, and New York Knicks (22:15).Sign up for the newsletter at TheSpotUpShot.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In the latest episode of The Spot Up Pod, host Paul Garcia discusses:* The San Antonio Spurs going 2-0 this past week with road wins over the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors (00:46).* Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, and Carter Bryant participating at All-Star Weekend (05:00).* How the Spurs compare to other top teams at the All-Star Break (11:34).* Jeremy Sochan getting waived, and the Spurs opening a roster spot (20:19).* Carter Bryant’s improved play on both ends of the floor (22:39).* Previewing the Spurs’ two games this week against the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings in Austin (27:31).Sign up for the newsletter at TheSpotUpShot.comAfter launching The Spot Up Pod on August 25, 2024, the podcast has already moved into the Top 10 among Spurs podcasts according to the rankings from MillionPodcasts.com. Thank you so much for taking the time each week to listen to and/or watch each episode! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In the latest episode of The Spot Up Pod, host Paul Garcia discusses:* The San Antonio Spurs going 3-0 this past week with a win over the Oklahoma City Thunder and two victories against the Dallas Mavericks (00:46).* Stephon Castle being named the Western Conference Player of the Week after he had a standout performance with a 40-point triple-double against Dallas (04:35).* The Spurs not making a move at the NBA trade deadline as the buyout market begins to take shape (11:28).* Jeremy Sochan not getting moved at the trade deadline (13:27).* Previewing the Spurs’ two upcoming games against the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors before the All-Star break, and which Spurs players will be participating in All-Star Weekend (19:58).Sign up for the newsletter at TheSpotUpShot.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In the latest episode of The Spot Up Pod, host Paul Garcia discusses:* The latest trade rumors involving the San Antonio Spurs that include Jeremy Sochan, Guerschon Yabusele, Jose Alvarado, and whether Trey Murphy III might be available for trade at the deadline. (01:15).* How the Spurs went 2-1 this past week with wins over the Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic, and lost on the road to the Charlotte Hornets (19:37).* Victor Wembanyama was named the January Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month, as well as some All-Star updates (25:00).* Previewing the three upcoming games this week against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and two straight games against the Dallas Mavericks (27:00).Sign up for the newsletter at TheSpotUpShot.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In the latest episode of The Spot Up Pod, host Paul Garcia discusses:* The San Antonio Spurs going 2-2 in their last four games, with wins over the Utah Jazz and losses to the Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans (00:34).* The 9-man rotation returning to full health, and whether Julian Champagnie should start in place of Harrison Barnes? (08:20).* The NBA trade deadline being less than two weeks away, and a report that the Spurs may have interest in New York Knicks forward Guerschon Yabusele (15:11).* Victor Wembanyama being named an All-Star starter, and teammates Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, and David Jones Garcia joining him at All-Star weekend in the Rising Stars game (20:40).* Previewing the three upcoming games this week against the Rockets, Charlotte Hornets, and Orlando Magic (22:00).Sign up for the newsletter at TheSpotUpShot.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In the latest episode of The Spot Up Pod, host Paul Garcia discusses:* How the San Antonio Spurs fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder, but defeated the Milwaukee Bucks and Minnesota Timberwolves in the last week (00:39). * Where the Spurs stand through 42 games this season (09:28). * The Spurs’ improved 3-point shooting in the last four games, after the team had been in a shooting slump for several weeks (10:30).* The upcoming trade deadline is on February 5. The players who might be traded and the draft picks the Spurs have to trade (13:23). * Then, looking at players who would fit via trade as shooters off the bench or starting forwards (17:00).* Previewing the four upcoming games this week against the Utah Jazz, Houston Rockets, Jazz again, and the New Orleans Pelicans (30:24). Sign up for the newsletter at TheSpotUpShot.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In the latest episode of The Spot Up Pod, host Paul Garcia discusses:* The San Antonio Spurs’ one-point loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. (00:44)* The Spurs’ 16-point win over the Los Angeles Lakers. (02:00)* The Spurs defeating the Boston Celtics by five points. (03:48)* The Minnesota Timberwolves coming back from a 19-point deficit to defeat the Spurs in crunch time. (05:50)* Where the Spurs stand through 39 games and how they’re 10-5 against teams that are .600 and above. (09:40)* The Spurs’ struggles on offense in the last eight games. (10:58)* How the Spurs’ defense has improved in the last eight games and has kept the team afloat. (15:57)* Bismack Biyombo and Lindy Waters III’s contracts fully guaranteeing and where the roster stands with the trade deadline approaching in February. (18:13)* Jeremy Sochan getting back into the rotation lately, and whether he may be a trade candidate. (20:21)* Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones reportedly are not being made available for trade. (21:30)* Previewing the Spurs’ upcoming games this week against the Oklahoma City Thunder (22:58), Milwaukee Bucks (24:17), and the Timberwolves (24:43). Sign up for the newsletter at TheSpotUpShot.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In the latest episode of The Spot Up Pod, host Paul Garcia discusses:* The San Antonio Spurs finishing 2-3 in their last five games, with wins over the New York Knicks (03:12) and Indiana Pacers (05:00), and losses to the Utah Jazz (01:05), Cleveland Cavaliers (02:16), and Portland Trail Blazers (06:18).* Diving deep into the Spurs’ struggles shooting the ball from outside in the last five games (09:00). * Looking at the latest injuries for Victor Wembanyama (26:46) and Devin Vassell (28:10), as well as Head Coach Mitch Johnson being named the Western Conference Coach of the Month in December (28:50), and De’Aaron Fox (29:06) and Dylan Harper ( 29:15) being recognized for their play in December.* Finally, previewing the four games this upcoming week that include a back-to-back against the Memphis Grizzlies (29:44) and the Los Angeles Lakers (30:07), and then a weekend back-to-back against the Boston Celtics (30:39) and the Minnesota Timberwolves (31:07). Sign up for the newsletter at TheSpotUpShot.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In the latest episode of The Spot Up Pod, host Paul Garcia discusses:* The San Antonio Spurs’ 8-game winning streak, where they’ve defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder three times, Washington Wizards twice, and Atlanta Hawks (00:55).* How the Spurs have taken down the Thunder three times in the last two weeks (7:47).* Looking at the Spurs’ strengths and weaknesses on offense (12:19) and defense (18:14) through 30 games of the season, and where the Spurs are winning in the math game (21:25). * After defeating the Thunder three times this season, are the Spurs now a championship contender (24:22)? Sign up for the newsletter at TheSpotUpShot.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In the latest episode of The Spot Up Pod, host Paul Garcia discusses:* The San Antonio Spurs defeating the Memphis Grizzlies (00:34) and the Orlando Magic (01:38). Then the Spurs fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers (04:20), going 2-1 this past week and surpassing expectations (08:44). * Injured players could be returning soon, with Stephon Castle and Luke Kornet being listed as questionable to play Monday in New Orleans. Plus, Wemby and Castle were back at practice on Sunday (09:20). * Trade rumors could start to heat up involving the Spurs if Giannis Antetokounmpo asks out of Milwaukee (11:08). Plus, if the Pelicans start listening to trade proposals for Trey Murphy III, could the Spurs resurface as an interested team (23:03)?* A preview of the games ahead this week against the New Orleans Pelicans (26:50) and Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Cup Quarterfinals (27:04). Then an explainer on the Spurs’ two scenarios, whether they defeat the Lakers or fall in Los Angeles, to know who their next opponent will be (28:16). Sign up for the newsletter at TheSpotUpShot.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In the latest episode of The Spot Up Pod, host Paul Garcia discusses:* The San Antonio Spurs defeating the Portland Trail Blazers (01:03) and Denver Nuggets (01:41) on the road to qualify for the NBA Cup Quarterfinals. The Spurs will now face the Los Angeles Lakers on December 10 in the Quarterfinals (03:28). From there, reviewing the Spurs’ most recent loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves (04:28). * Analyzing the Spurs on offense (10:53) and defense (12:50) in their first seven games without Victor Wembanyama, where they’re 5-2 (09:55).* A preview of the games ahead this week against the Memphis Grizzlies, Orlando Magic, and Cleveland Cavaliers. (15:57)Sign up for the newsletter at TheSpotUpShot.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In the latest episode of The Spot Up Pod, host Paul Garcia discusses:* The Spurs defeating the Memphis Grizzlies (00:44) and Atlanta Hawks (02:14) last week, then falling to the Phoenix Suns (05:03). De’Aaron Fox led the Spurs last week, and he ended up being a Western Conference nominee for his play during the week (08:51). * Diving into the Spurs’ struggles during third quarters in the early season (10:13).* A preview of the games ahead this week against the Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets, and Minnesota Timberwolves. (16:09)Sign up for the newsletter at TheSpotUpShot.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In the latest episode of The Spot Up Pod, host Paul Garcia discusses:* Monday’s news that Victor Wembanyama will be out for a few weeks with a calf strain injury. (00:26) Wemby joins Dylan Harper on the injured list (03:03), as well as Stephon Castle and Jordan McLaughlin (06:00).* How do the Spurs move forward without Victor for a few weeks? Who will be relied upon, and which players will receive more minutes and role increases? (06:33) How will the Spurs fare now against different levels of opponents? (13:18)* A preview of the games ahead this week against the Memphis Grizzlies, Atlanta Hawks, and Phoenix Suns. (18:30)Sign up for the newsletter at TheSpotUpShot.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In the latest episode of The Spot Up Pod, host Paul Garcia discusses:* The Spurs’ last three games, with a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers (00:42), and wins against the Houston Rockets (03:19) and New Orleans Pelicans (07:45). This past week, the Spurs welcomed back De’Aaron Fox, Jeremy Sochan, Lindy Waters III, and Kelly Olynyk from the injured list. * With Fox, Sochan, Olynyk, and Waters III back, could Luke Kornet be on his way back to the court soon? (14:23) Also, how much has the Spurs’ defense struggled when Victor Wembanyama is off the floor? (16:40).* An overview of where the Spurs stand at 7-2 through their first nine games of the season. (19:48)* Previewing the upcoming games for this week against the Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors (twice), and Sacramento Kings (22:49). Sign up for the newsletter at TheSpotUpShot.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In the latest episode of The Spot Up Pod, host Paul Garcia discusses:* The Spurs’ last three games, with wins against the Toronto Raptors (00:53) and Miami Heat (02:28), and their first loss of the season, to the Phoenix Suns (04:10).* Dylan Harper joining the injured list with a left calf strain injury (09:07), and how Jeremy Sochan, Kelly Olynyk, and Lindy Waters III may return to the lineup soon (10:39).* The Spurs being 5-1 through six games of the season (13:56), and some brief observations on the players in the rotation (15:48).Sign up for the newsletter at TheSpotUpShot.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe