Interesting stat from 82games.com

[Cry Havoc]

Listed on the SI Power Rankings page:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/britt_robson/12/07/power.rankings/index.html

San Antonio Spurs (17-3)
The Spurs' fast-paced, high-powered attack is becoming increasingly well-known, but their defense isn't too shabby either -- they're seventh in defensive efficiency and are allowing their fewest points per 100 possessions since 2007-08. Although merely average in opposing field-goal percentage, the Spurs rank second in steals while committing the fewest fouls, a testament to the intelligence (and lobbying abilities?) of Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili on traps and rotations. Freed from the need to score as often this season, Duncan is setting the tone for a defense that permits 9.4 fewer points per 100 possessions when he plays compared to when he sits, according to 82games.com.

So yeah, I'm not exactly worried about his lower scoring totals this year, especially since we've got a plethora of gentlemen who aren't afraid to throw the ball through the twine. :Toast

[jjktkk]

Good stuff, thanks for posting.

[Mel_13]

Some discussion here:

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=167788

[boutons_deux]

Tim means most of his time playing with the A team, not the B team, so his defense alone is not the only contributor.

[jjktkk]

Though not a dominant defense, the Spurs defense is solid, and should continue to improve as the season progresses. Combine that with a great offense, and David Stern is gonna have trouble sleeping again, knowing that the Spurs are, once again, a contender.

[Cry Havoc]

Some discussion here:

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=167788

Ah, my mistake. It's an 82games.com stat, not from SI, they just snagged it, so when I went through the thread titles I was looking for that.