The San Antonio Spurs concluded their season with a fan appreciation day at the Frost Bank Center. However, the decision by coach Gregg Popovich to sit out rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama did not sit well with some fans. Nevertheless, Popovich defended his reasoning, stating that Wembanyama has a long career ahead of him and will be participating in the Olympics.

Wembanyama, who is tipped to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award, agreed with his coach's decision, emphasizing the importance of trusting the medical staff and working together as a team. With the rookie sidelined, the Spurs showcased their depth by giving playing time to other players like Jamaree Bouyea, RaiQuan Gray, David Duke Jr., and Sidy Cissoko in their 123-95 blowout win over the Detroit Pistons.

The victory marked the Spurs' seventh win in their last 11 games and helped them avoid both the worst record in club history and last place in the Western Conference. Despite a challenging season, the Spurs showed improvement after the All-Star break. They finished with a net point differential of minus-1.9, a significant leap from their ranking of 28th before the break.

Coach Popovich praised the team's character and resilience throughout the season, especially during an 18-game losing streak. He commended their positive attitude, lack of blame, and ability to stay focused despite adversity. The Spurs' strong finish also included notable victories over teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Indiana Pacers, Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, and the Denver Nuggets.

The win against the Nuggets was particularly meaningful, as Wembanyama contributed 32 points, including 19 in the second half, to rally the Spurs from a 23-point deficit. Nuggets coach Michael Malone acknowledged the Spurs' intensity but lamented his team's lack of defensive consistency after building a significant lead.

Looking ahead, Wembanyama expressed his confidence in the Spurs' project and his belief that San Antonio is the right place for him to become an NBA champion. The rookie remains positive despite the challenges faced during his first season, stating that his confidence was never shaken.

The Spurs' relatively strong finish provided a glimpse of their potential, highlighting the trust players have in their coach and the organization's long-term vision. Although they fell short of reaching the playoffs this season, the Spurs are poised to continue their growth and strive for success in the coming years.

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