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I'd love to knock off the Rockets, but they've been pretty bad this entire span.
1998' Phoenix Suns
1999' Minnesota Timberwolves
1999' Los Angelas Lakers
1999' Portland Trailblazers
2001' Dallas Mavericks
2001' Minnesota Timberwolves
2002' Seattle Supersonics
2003' Phoenix Suns
2003' Los Angeles Lakers
2003' Dallas Mavericks
2004' Memphis Grizzlies
2005' Denver Nuggets
2005' Seattle Supersonics
2005' Phoenix Suns
2006' Sacramento Kings
2007' Denver Nuggets
2007' Phoenix Suns
2007' Utah Jazz
2008' Phoenix Suns
2008' New Orleans Hornets
2010' Dallas Mavericks
2012' Utah Jazz
2012' Los Angelas Clippers
2013' Los Angelas Lakers
2013' Golden State Warriors
2013' Memphis Grizzlies
2014' Dallas Mavericks
2014' Portland Trailblzaers
2014' Oklahoma City Thunder
The Duncan era spurs have beaten every franchise in the Western conference in a post season series, except the Houston Rockets. That's insane. They've even claimed wins over both Seattle and Oklahoma city in playoff series.
It's insane to me, because when I look at this list, you really get a picture of how many cores have started and broken up over the Duncan era. See how many teams on this list were once considered "teams of the future" or "contenders'. It's amazing that the spurs kept it together this long.
I'd love to knock off the Rockets, but they've been pretty bad this entire span.
I was hoping they would play this past season because I know a lot of Rockets fans that like to talk. Too bad in the Duncan era the Rockets have been mediocre making the playoffs 10 times and only making it past the first round twice.
The 2014 playoffs were a couple of games away from being the ultimate revenge gauntlet. The Mavs edged out the Suns for the 8th seed on the final day of the regular season, and the Rockets lost a somewhat close series to the Blazers.
In an alternate reality, the Suns get the 8th spot and Houston beats Portland in round 1. Then the Spurs get to go through Phoenix, Houston, Oklahoma City, and Miami on the way to a le. Those were the only four teams (other than some long-ago Eastern conference matchups) to beat the Spurs in their last playoff meeting (Suns 2010, Rockets 1995, Thunder 2012, Heat 2013).
That would have been insane. The Spurs would have had a win in their most recent playoff series against EVERY team in the West. The rest of the list:
Lakers 2013, Clilppers 2012 (up to that point), Kings 2006, Warriors 2013, Suns 2014 (if it had happened), Blazers 1999 (in this scenario they never meet the Spurs in 2014), Wolves 2001, Nuggets 2007, Thunder 2014, (bonus: Sonics 2006), Jazz 2012, Grizzlies 2013, Mavs 2010 (here they miss the playoffs in 2014 altogether), Rockets 2014 (if it had happened), Pelicans/Hornets 2008.
Now to make that claim, the Spurs would have to beat the Rockets, Suns, and Clippers without losing to any other Western conference team. I suppose it's possible, but I can't see the Spurs making the Finals without meeting the Warriors.
Id like to ask this question then
Who was better overall, Duncan or Olajuwon??
Talent-wise, Hakeem probably gets the nod.
As far as longevity and overall impact goes, has to be Tim.
Olajuwon will get placed on a pedestal because he played in yesteryear but I'd say Duncan was better overall.
Disagree on the talent side, Duncan came into the league as a clear #1 overall talent and has had a better career across the board in advanced stats. Plus, Duncan will not finish his career on a cesspool team like the Raptors.
I'd like to think Duncan has the edge over Olajuwon but its always difficult comparing players from different eras.
We've truly been blessed as fans
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