Werdsniper2
01-27-2011, 04:13 PM
From Bleacher Report:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/585441-san-antonio-spurs-why-they-will-maintain-the-lead-in-the-western-conference#page/1
I don't typically follow Bleacher Report too much, mostly due to the fact that the writing can sometimes seem amateur. I like their slide shows, however, and thought some might find this interesting.
If you want the full experience, check out the link.
8. Home Court Advantage
Contrary to popular belief, the Spurs' season-long goal has not been to win 70 games (although it would be nice), but rather to have home court advantage throughout the playoffs. The only way to accomplish that is by having the best record in the NBA.
Last season marked the first time during the Duncan era that the Spurs did not have home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. While they did make it to the second round, they were obviously at a disadvantage they couldn't overcome.
After addressing the need to start the season stronger to maintain a better record, the Spurs are running a away with the conference by simply focusing on each individual game instead of the long run. It's certainly paying off.
http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/667/784/98755037_display_image.jpg?1296042206
7. Already Have a Very Maintainable Lead
To emphasize starting strong, the Spurs are 22-1 against teams who currently have a losing record. They are winning the games they are supposed to win, which is something that could not be said of last year's squad.
They are also 19 to six against currently playoff-bound teams. The only Top-10 teams (record-wise) the Spurs have yet to beat are the Boston Celtics (a two-point road loss on the second night of a back-to-back can be overlooked) and Miami, whom they have yet to play.
The only team with a reasonable chance of catching up with the Spurs in the West is the Lakers, who have a much tougher road ahead of them after failing to take advantage of the softest first-half schedule in the league.
Basically, it would take a miracle run by the Lakers (or maybe the Dallas Mavericks) along with an absolute fallout by the Spurs to lose their six-game lead in the West. Neither seems too likely.
http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/667/792/108300307_display_image.jpg?1296044427
6. Always Better in The Second Half
If there is one trend in history the Spurs would like to repeat, it's finishing the second half of the season with a better record than the first. It will be hard to repeat their franchise-best 35-6 start, but it can definitely be done.
The usual second-half success has always started with the annual Rodeo Road Trip, which has proven to be a time of unity for a team that has always come back better than before. After a home game against a beatable Houston squad this weekend, they could easily start that trip with an impressive 40 to seven record.
This year's nine game, 17-day trip that includes three back-to-backs will be a good test to see where the Spurs stand, especially with games against the Lakers and Chicago Bulls in the mix.If the Spurs continue the trend of winning big during the trip and carrying that momentum throughout the rest of the season, it will be pretty tough for others to catch up with them in the standings.
http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/671/021/108370532_display_image.jpg?1296127265
5. Still Room For Improvement
As dominant as the Spurs have been so far, they are still not satisfied with the way they have played. Just ask them. There are several things they think they could do so much better, starting with defense.
Having one of the best offenses in the league has somewhat overshadowed the fact that the Spurs are not living up to their reputation as a tenacious defensive team. It has gotten better over previous weeks, but there is still room for improvement on the defensive end.
They also would like to do a better job of taking care of the ball. Even though they average only 13.2 turnovers per game (tied for ninth fewest), they still tend to have sloppy stretches in games that either allow opponents to get back in it or put the Spurs in a hole they have to dig out of.
As good as the Spurs are doing now, imagine how much better they could be if they start playing to what they believe is their true potential. Watch out, NBA!
http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/671/024/108370568_display_image.jpg?1296128911
4. No Distractions
It's always easier to win when the upcoming game is the only thing a team has to worry about. Just ask the Nuggets, Nets, Heat, Lakers, and other teams who have outside distractions.
The Denver Nuggets and New Jersey Nets have both struggled lately after months of endless negotiating in an attempt to trade Carmelo Anthony. Since the Nets pulled out of that discussion last week, they have won four of five.
The Heat and Lakers have had to put up with a high amount of media pressure after being labeled the clear favorites for the Finals during the preseason. Neither has lived up to that reputation yet, and while they may welcome all the attention and fame, it is hurting them in the long run.
The Spurs, on the other hand, have quietly strolled along with the league's best record for a good majority of the season without much media fanfare to go with it. That's fine with them. All it means is they can simply focus on the game, not what's going on in the outside world.
http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/671/035/108061769_display_image.jpg?1296130108
3. Depth and Balance
Here is a quote straight out of a recent article by Fox Sports writer Mike Piellucci (the link is below):
"San Antonio won’t have the single-best player against many contending teams but very few have a top three as strong as Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, or Tim Duncan, with even fewer rolling out a better starting five and practically no one capable of employing a better nine-man rotation, especially one that is versatile enough to create so many different lineups and mismatches."
Well that about sums it up. With so many different players to call upon on any given night, the Spurs provide a balanced attack and can score from anywhere on the court.
They are also able to rest the veterans building up to the playoffs. Parker averages the most minutes per game at 32, while 11 players overall average more than ten minutes.
As deep as they already are, imagine how much better they will be when James Anderson returns in the next week or so to fill in the three-spot: possibly the only weakness in the Spurs bench.
http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/671/041/108370569_display_image.jpg?1296131272
2. Team Chemistry
There's a reason the Spurs and Celtics comfortably have the two best records in the NBA: team chemistry. Other teams like the Lakers and Heat have shown that even with the most star-studded teams, it is very difficult to win with selfish and unfamiliar players.
Ginobili is the Spurs' highest scorer at 18.7 points per game, but they have four other players who score in double digits and four more who average seven or more points.
Having such a balanced attack requires a great deal of unselfishness and ability to work together. The Lakers have a losing record when Kobe Bryant attempts more than 20 shots.
The Heat have struggled at times while getting to know each other better. Being best friends does not necessarily mean you can play well together.
Coach Gregg Popovich has always preached the art of team unity, and it has payed off big time. In Pop's system of team play, players either learn to adapt or leave. It's that simple.
http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/671/053/106640539_display_image.jpg?1296132503
1. Health*
This one comes with a big asterisk next to it for a big reason.While it is one of the biggest reasons for the Spurs' success so far, it can also be their undoing.
The Spurs entered the season with the Big Three 100 percent healthy for the first time since their last championship. They are the only team who have started the same starting lineup for every game of the season.
Despite some nagging injuries to bench players like Anderson, Matt Bonner and George Hill, the Spurs have been fortunate so far. Tim Duncan nearly gave the entire city a heart attack on Monday after tweaking his knee and initially not getting up.
Fortunately he was fine. In reality he probably scared himself more than anyone else, but it was still a humbling moment and reminder of just how lucky this team has been (*knock on wood*).
If the Spurs can stay healthy and continue to do everything they have done to gain such a huge lead in the standings, they will still be on top of the West and hopefully the league come playoff time. That has been their ultimate goal, besides winning the championship, and they are over halfway there.
http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/671/061/108299496_display_image.jpg?1296133413
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/585441-san-antonio-spurs-why-they-will-maintain-the-lead-in-the-western-conference#page/1
I don't typically follow Bleacher Report too much, mostly due to the fact that the writing can sometimes seem amateur. I like their slide shows, however, and thought some might find this interesting.
If you want the full experience, check out the link.
8. Home Court Advantage
Contrary to popular belief, the Spurs' season-long goal has not been to win 70 games (although it would be nice), but rather to have home court advantage throughout the playoffs. The only way to accomplish that is by having the best record in the NBA.
Last season marked the first time during the Duncan era that the Spurs did not have home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. While they did make it to the second round, they were obviously at a disadvantage they couldn't overcome.
After addressing the need to start the season stronger to maintain a better record, the Spurs are running a away with the conference by simply focusing on each individual game instead of the long run. It's certainly paying off.
http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/667/784/98755037_display_image.jpg?1296042206
7. Already Have a Very Maintainable Lead
To emphasize starting strong, the Spurs are 22-1 against teams who currently have a losing record. They are winning the games they are supposed to win, which is something that could not be said of last year's squad.
They are also 19 to six against currently playoff-bound teams. The only Top-10 teams (record-wise) the Spurs have yet to beat are the Boston Celtics (a two-point road loss on the second night of a back-to-back can be overlooked) and Miami, whom they have yet to play.
The only team with a reasonable chance of catching up with the Spurs in the West is the Lakers, who have a much tougher road ahead of them after failing to take advantage of the softest first-half schedule in the league.
Basically, it would take a miracle run by the Lakers (or maybe the Dallas Mavericks) along with an absolute fallout by the Spurs to lose their six-game lead in the West. Neither seems too likely.
http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/667/792/108300307_display_image.jpg?1296044427
6. Always Better in The Second Half
If there is one trend in history the Spurs would like to repeat, it's finishing the second half of the season with a better record than the first. It will be hard to repeat their franchise-best 35-6 start, but it can definitely be done.
The usual second-half success has always started with the annual Rodeo Road Trip, which has proven to be a time of unity for a team that has always come back better than before. After a home game against a beatable Houston squad this weekend, they could easily start that trip with an impressive 40 to seven record.
This year's nine game, 17-day trip that includes three back-to-backs will be a good test to see where the Spurs stand, especially with games against the Lakers and Chicago Bulls in the mix.If the Spurs continue the trend of winning big during the trip and carrying that momentum throughout the rest of the season, it will be pretty tough for others to catch up with them in the standings.
http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/671/021/108370532_display_image.jpg?1296127265
5. Still Room For Improvement
As dominant as the Spurs have been so far, they are still not satisfied with the way they have played. Just ask them. There are several things they think they could do so much better, starting with defense.
Having one of the best offenses in the league has somewhat overshadowed the fact that the Spurs are not living up to their reputation as a tenacious defensive team. It has gotten better over previous weeks, but there is still room for improvement on the defensive end.
They also would like to do a better job of taking care of the ball. Even though they average only 13.2 turnovers per game (tied for ninth fewest), they still tend to have sloppy stretches in games that either allow opponents to get back in it or put the Spurs in a hole they have to dig out of.
As good as the Spurs are doing now, imagine how much better they could be if they start playing to what they believe is their true potential. Watch out, NBA!
http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/671/024/108370568_display_image.jpg?1296128911
4. No Distractions
It's always easier to win when the upcoming game is the only thing a team has to worry about. Just ask the Nuggets, Nets, Heat, Lakers, and other teams who have outside distractions.
The Denver Nuggets and New Jersey Nets have both struggled lately after months of endless negotiating in an attempt to trade Carmelo Anthony. Since the Nets pulled out of that discussion last week, they have won four of five.
The Heat and Lakers have had to put up with a high amount of media pressure after being labeled the clear favorites for the Finals during the preseason. Neither has lived up to that reputation yet, and while they may welcome all the attention and fame, it is hurting them in the long run.
The Spurs, on the other hand, have quietly strolled along with the league's best record for a good majority of the season without much media fanfare to go with it. That's fine with them. All it means is they can simply focus on the game, not what's going on in the outside world.
http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/671/035/108061769_display_image.jpg?1296130108
3. Depth and Balance
Here is a quote straight out of a recent article by Fox Sports writer Mike Piellucci (the link is below):
"San Antonio won’t have the single-best player against many contending teams but very few have a top three as strong as Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, or Tim Duncan, with even fewer rolling out a better starting five and practically no one capable of employing a better nine-man rotation, especially one that is versatile enough to create so many different lineups and mismatches."
Well that about sums it up. With so many different players to call upon on any given night, the Spurs provide a balanced attack and can score from anywhere on the court.
They are also able to rest the veterans building up to the playoffs. Parker averages the most minutes per game at 32, while 11 players overall average more than ten minutes.
As deep as they already are, imagine how much better they will be when James Anderson returns in the next week or so to fill in the three-spot: possibly the only weakness in the Spurs bench.
http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/671/041/108370569_display_image.jpg?1296131272
2. Team Chemistry
There's a reason the Spurs and Celtics comfortably have the two best records in the NBA: team chemistry. Other teams like the Lakers and Heat have shown that even with the most star-studded teams, it is very difficult to win with selfish and unfamiliar players.
Ginobili is the Spurs' highest scorer at 18.7 points per game, but they have four other players who score in double digits and four more who average seven or more points.
Having such a balanced attack requires a great deal of unselfishness and ability to work together. The Lakers have a losing record when Kobe Bryant attempts more than 20 shots.
The Heat have struggled at times while getting to know each other better. Being best friends does not necessarily mean you can play well together.
Coach Gregg Popovich has always preached the art of team unity, and it has payed off big time. In Pop's system of team play, players either learn to adapt or leave. It's that simple.
http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/671/053/106640539_display_image.jpg?1296132503
1. Health*
This one comes with a big asterisk next to it for a big reason.While it is one of the biggest reasons for the Spurs' success so far, it can also be their undoing.
The Spurs entered the season with the Big Three 100 percent healthy for the first time since their last championship. They are the only team who have started the same starting lineup for every game of the season.
Despite some nagging injuries to bench players like Anderson, Matt Bonner and George Hill, the Spurs have been fortunate so far. Tim Duncan nearly gave the entire city a heart attack on Monday after tweaking his knee and initially not getting up.
Fortunately he was fine. In reality he probably scared himself more than anyone else, but it was still a humbling moment and reminder of just how lucky this team has been (*knock on wood*).
If the Spurs can stay healthy and continue to do everything they have done to gain such a huge lead in the standings, they will still be on top of the West and hopefully the league come playoff time. That has been their ultimate goal, besides winning the championship, and they are over halfway there.
http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/671/061/108299496_display_image.jpg?1296133413