In sports, as in the stockmarket or in driver’s ed, we’re warned about the “over-correction.” This is what occurs when something unexpected or undesirable happens, perhaps over a protracted period of time, and efforts taken to correct the occurrence are meted out a bit more aggressively than what is usual under ideal circumstances. In the stock market, this can result in the overinflation or deflation of stocks; in sports, it tends to manifest itself in abnormal usage percentage or counting stats on an individual basis and in effort or effectiveness on a team basis.
The Spurs, after a fluky, unexpected, and undesirable start to their home schedule in 2016-17, and after a tongue-lashing from coach Gregg Popovich following their 918th consecutive game with a double-digit deficit, were overdue for an overcorrection.