How many games will the S.A win this year?

[tlongII]

Can they top the Bulls all-time mark? I don't think so, but they should be in the high-60's. What do you think?

[King]

No, they don't.

[Money316]

They do today.

[tekdragon]

I stick by my prediction from a few months ago:

68

[T Park]

If Duncan doesn't suffer any injuries.

This team wins 73.....

[50 cent]

I think they will be the first team to be favored in every game of the season next year.

[mavsfan1000]

No because they don't have the best scorer, best rebounder, and the best 3 point shooter on the same team like the bulls did have.

[yavozerb]

65 wins max...

[Kori Ellis]

62-67 depending on health.

[sa_butta]

I am very optimistic about the upcoming season but to say we will win 73 this early, cant do that. I say we win 64+, that is as far as I can go at this point.

[TheWriter]

No because they don't have the best scorer, best rebounder, and the best 3 point shooter on the same team like the bulls did have.

Best scorer? no.

Best rounder? Tim is a pretty damn good one. As is Nazr/

Best 3 pointer? Well, that won't be determined until the end of the season, but with NVE and Finley getting 10x more open looks in SA than they ever have, I could see them getting the title. Hell, the Bulls don't have the amount of good 3 point shooters as the Spurs currently do:

Manu
Finley
NVE
Barry
Horry
and on a smaller level Beno.

[TheWriter]

I could see 68 wins.

[MiNuS]

whatever the record may be it's sure going to be an EXCITING SEASON!

can't wait to see NVE,OBERTO AND FINLEY on the court! This will be more exciting than the 04-05 season for sure.

[Trainwreck2100]

I say 65

[mavsfan1000]

I'm sure San Antonio has alot of 3 point shooters but some nights those shots aren't falling. They would have to be more consistent 3 point shooters like Kerr was. Also Rodman was huge on the glass for that bulls team and played good defense. San Antonio has the depth but some nights the ball won't go in. Now the question is if there is enough balls to go around for the spurs.

[sa_butta]

I'm sure San Antonio has alot of 3 point shooters but some nights those shots aren't falling. They would have to be more consistent 3 point shooters like Kerr was. Also Rodman was huge on the glass for that bulls team and played good defense. San Antonio has the depth but some nights the ball won't go in. Now the question is if there is enough balls to go around for the spurs.Only 1 ball necessary on this team, Spurs know how to share and if one the new guys does not he will learn very quickly or find himself in Pop's dog house riding pine. They will get it. Especially if they want to win they can not be greedy.

[2centsworth]

if the scrub suns can win 62 the defending champs with the new talent should easily surpass that mark. 68-72 wins if they stay healthy.

[mavsfan1000]

Yeah but most players need alot of shots to get in a rhythm. Finley will struggle if he isn't getting enough shots. He is a streaky shooter but he won't get many shots with the spurs and could cause him to lose his confidence.

[sa_butta]

Yeah but most players need alot of shots to get in a rhythm. Finley will struggle if he isn't getting enough shots. He is a streaky shooter but he won't get many shots with the spurs and could cause him to lose his confidence.Well thats why we have Gino, Barry, Horry, Parker, Beno and NVE, one of them is bound to hit some 3's.

[ObiwanGinobili]

I'm betting on 60+ for sure. :tu :tu
but not 70+. :nope

[mavsfan1000]

You don't need 10 3 point shooters. Just have 2 or 3 great shooters and that is better. Barry is like Finley. They need the minutes to get in the flow in the game. I don't see the spurs being any better with or without Finley. Van Exel was important because of the backup point guard but Finley is old.

[2centsworth]

You don't need 10 3 point shooters. Just have 2 or 3 great shooters and that is better. Barry is like Finley. They need the minutes to get in the flow in the game. I don't see the spurs being any better with or without Finley. Van Exel was important because of the backup point guard but Finley is old.
First off all forget the 3 pt shot, the spurs Offense revolves around Gino and Tony's penetration. Just the threat of 3pt shooting will open up gaping lanes. Also, it will be rare occassions that Gino, Tony, Bruce, Brent, Finley, NVE, Beno and Horry all go cold at the same time.


Freakin' sick!

[JamStone]

If any team has a chance to come close this upcoming season, it's the Spurs. They have covered all of their weaknesses. They have depth at every position. And, they have added TWO crunch time players. I have always been a fan of Nick Van Exel. And, he is straight ice-cold under pressure. I wouldn't be surprised if NVE was in the game in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter in close games against good teams.

If the Spurs have a realistic shot at 72+ wins however, HEALTH is always an issue. Even with their depth, losing a key component against good teams will make it tough to sustain the type of caliber play throughout an 82 game grind. And, there must be no let-ups even against the weaker teams in the league.

But, I wouldn't count against the Spurs getting 70+ games. Your team is THAT good.

[50 cent]

Finley is 32. That's not exactly "OLD".

[Solid D]

Let's not turn this announcement today into a curse, folks.

Besides, a Portland fan started this thread. Not a lot of good in it.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

I don't know about 70 wins but I know I'm taking the over and the Spurs whenever we line up to play _allas :lol

[tlongII]

Let's not turn this announcement today into a curse, folks.

Besides, a Portland fan started this thread. Not a lot of good in it.

:lmao

[BillsCarnage]

Yeah but most players need alot of shots to get in a rhythm. Finley will struggle if he isn't getting enough shots. He is a streaky shooter but he won't get many shots with the spurs and could cause him to lose his confidence.

You should know by now that posting anything on this board objective right now is a waste. They're practically pissing themselves over the signing.

Wait for them to calm down.

[Willinsa]

You don't need 10 3 point shooters. Just have 2 or 3 great shooters and that is better. Barry is like Finley. They need the minutes to get in the flow in the game. I don't see the spurs being any better with or without Finley. Van Exel was important because of the backup point guard but Finley is old.

We know Dallas we not win jack next year, so stop being bitter.

[BillsCarnage]

They have a good chance to win 60-65 games as long as they don't have to play Tmac every game ;-)

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=241209010

[mavsfan1000]

You people think Finley is so great but I have watch Finley for a while. The guy is overrated right now but San Antonio probably would be the favorites with or without Finley. I don't get why Finley all of a sudden is so great. He just went through surgery. You are caught in the hype like most spurs fans. The guy is not that good anymore and his poor shooting cost Dallas the game against Phoenix last year. Finley is not going to improve San Antonio any over Barry.

[stress]

Yes!

[FromWayDowntown]

You should know by now that posting anything on this board objective right now is a waste. They're practically pissing themselves over the signing.

Wait for them to calm down.

Even assuming that objective view proves to be 100% correct, why does that cut against the Spurs winning 65+, and maybe as many as 70 games? I mean, if you look at last season, Barry fits the very same description.

With that guy on the roster playing big minutes, and without a legitimate back-up center for the first 4 months of the season, and with Tim Duncan missing most of March and April, and with Manu missing stretches of games during the season, the Spurs won 59 games and were within reach of the best record in the regular season. Assuming that a summer of rest will result in at least marginally better health for Manu and Tim, and with the addition of two more shooters, plus improved depth at center, it certainly seems plausible to think that even if Finley struggles at times (ala Barry) the Spurs could put up a fairly significant number of wins.

I don't think 70 or 72 is terribly realistic, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. But something around 65 (with good health) strikes me as realistic, making 70 an outside possibility with some lucky bounces and other breaks.

[FromWayDowntown]

They have a good chance to win 60-65 games as long as they don't have to play Tmac every game ;-)

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=241209010

They'd be a lock to win 70 if they played the Suns more frequently.

Spurs Thrash Suns (http://www.nba.com/games/20041228/PHOSAS/boxscore.html)

Spurs Blowout Suns in 4th and OT (http://www.nba.com/games/20050121/SASPHO/boxscore.html)

[sanman53]

You people think Finley is so great but I have watch Finley for a while. The guy is overrated right now but San Antonio probably would be the favorites with or without Finley. I don't get why Finley all of a sudden is so great. He just went through surgery. You are caught in the hype like most spurs fans. The guy is not that good anymore and his poor shooting cost Dallas the game against Phoenix last year. Finley is not going to improve San Antonio any over Barry.

I am sure you know a lot about Fin. You say he is not good anymore. That his surgery will suddenly make him a horrible player. He is overrated? Wow, maybe Miami, Phoenix, T-Wolves and Spurs should have listened and not tried to get Finley. Maybe we need to tell him no thanks.

"Ranks #16 in the NBA in Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage(0.407) "

" CAREER AVERAGES "

YEAR TEAM G GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% OFF DEF RPG APG SPG BPG TO PF PPG
95-96 PHO 82 72 39.2 .476 .328 .749 1.7 2.9 4.6 3.5 1.04 .38 1.62 2.40 15.0
96-97 PHO 27 18 29.5 .475 .255 .812 1.3 3.2 4.4 2.5 .67 .15 1.63 1.60 13.0
96-97 DAL 56 36 35.6 .432 .387 .807 1.0 3.5 4.5 2.8 .89 .36 2.14 1.70 16.0
96-97 -- 83 54 33.6 .444 .361 .808 1.1 3.4 4.5 2.7 .82 .29 1.98 1.70 15.0
97-98 DAL 82 82 41.4 .449 .357 .784 1.8 3.5 5.3 4.9 1.61 .37 2.67 2.00 21.5
98-99 DAL 50 50 41.0 .444 .331 .823 1.4 3.9 5.3 4.4 1.32 .30 2.14 1.90 20.2
99-00 DAL 82 82 42.2 .457 .401 .820 1.5 4.8 6.3 5.3 1.33 .39 2.39 2.10 22.6
00-01 DAL 82 82 42.0 .458 .346 .775 1.3 3.9 5.2 4.4 1.44 .39 2.32 2.10 21.5
01-02 DAL 69 69 39.9 .463 .339 .837 1.3 3.9 5.2 3.3 .94 .36 1.70 2.10 20.6
02-03 DAL 69 69 38.3 .425 .370 .861 1.6 4.3 5.8 3.0 1.10 .30 1.65 1.50 19.3
03-04 DAL 72 72 38.6 .443 .405 .850 1.1 3.4 4.5 2.9 1.17 .54 1.15 1.60 18.6
04-05 DAL 64 64 36.8 .427 .407 .831 .7 3.4 4.1 2.6 .75 .28 .94 1.90 15.7
Career 735 696 39.3 .449 .370 .807 1.4 3.7 5.1 3.7 1.16 .30 1.88 1.90 19.0
Playoff 56 56 41.4 .417 .382 .851 1.3 3.9 5.2 2.9 1.27 .38 1.64 2.40 17.8
All-Star 2 0 14.5 .476 .250 1.000 1.0 1.0 2.0 2.5 .00 .00 1.00 .00 11.5
(taken from www.nba.com)

I see what you mean by overrated. 19 points per game. 45% FG%.
37% Three%. 81% FT%.

Yeah, we made a mistake. :lol

[spurster]

Yes, if there are no serious injuries.

Yes, Spurs fans are a little giddy right now. We need a couple of stinker games to get us back to earth.

[picnroll]

No way Pop wants to coach the all star game again. He's going to sandbag the first half of the season.

[Mixability]

who cares about the regular season?! :drunk as long as the Spurs make the playoffs and take the trophy again! :elephant

[LilMissSPURfect]

75! baby :smokin

[mavsfan1000]

You'll see why Finley is overrated. Dallas would not just get rid of him unless they knew he is not the same he once was. He was great at one time but those days are over.

[Mixability]

You'll see why Finley is overrated. Dallas would not just get rid of him unless they knew he is not the same he once was. He was great at one time but those days are over.

and to think your team is still paying him! :lol

[2centsworth]

Funny how fans from other teams only chance of any type of joy is to hope the spurs fail. A morale victory for them is if the spurs don't win 70 games, i guess they just gave up on winning a championship or else we would hear how their team is going to beat the spurs.

[mavsfan1000]

I don't hate the spurs team but I hate fans that are so arrogant and assuming the spurs already won it. The lakers thought the same thing in 2004. Just stop being so cocky because you don't know what will really happen.

[BillsCarnage]

Even assuming that objective view proves to be 100% correct, why does that cut against the Spurs winning 65+, and maybe as many as 70 games? I mean, if you look at last season, Barry fits the very same description.

I've stated on this board that 60-65 is possible w/ or w/o Finley. It's as if the Spurs never won anything and all of a sudden Finley is the savior of the franchise. If they win it next year it's not like everyone will be saying, "Oh, that Finley guy is the reason we won." Sure the Spurs are a bit better with him, but they were just fine w/o him too.

[BillsCarnage]

I don't hate the spurs team but I hate fans that are so arrogant and assuming the spurs already won it. The lakers thought the same thing in 2004. Just stop being so cocky because you don't know what will really happen.

Yeah, and after i said that's why ya still have to play the games you'd have thunk i was Osama from the backlash.

[FromWayDowntown]

I've stated on this board that 60-65 is possible w/ or w/o Finley. It's as if the Spurs never won anything and all of a sudden Finley is the savior of the franchise. If they win it next year it's not like everyone will be saying, "Oh, that Finley guy is the reason we won." Sure the Spurs are a bit better with him, but they were just fine w/o him too.

Then what the hell is your point?

I don't think anyone here (at least the reasonable faction, which is generally readily evident) is saying that Finley is a savior or that he will determine whether the Spurs win or lose in 2005-06. I think what most are saying is that Finley helps the Spurs to become better than they were in 2004-05. The idea here is that signing guys like Finley to add to this mix is the difference between winning 59 games and possibly winning 65-70 games. The idea of the Spurs winning 65+ games (or even 70 games) would be a sign that the Spurs were a little bit better than they were in 2004-05, wouldn't it?

Certainly, they have to go out and play and win games if they're to repeat. They have a lot of work to do. But we, as Spurs fans, certainly have reason to have higher expectations now for the coming season and a more legitimate hope that our team will repeat. What's bothersome about that?

[BillsCarnage]

Then what the hell is your point?

What's the title of this thread?


I don't think anyone here (at least the reasonable faction, which is generally readily evident)...

Check the other threads, people are shitting themselves, or that's what they're saying in their posts. :spin



The idea here is that signing guys like Finley to add to this mix is the difference between winning 59 games and possibly winning 65-70 games. The idea of the Spurs winning 65+ games (or even 70 games) would be a sign that the Spurs were a little bit better than they were in 2004-05, wouldn't it?

Finley will make them a bit better, but not 11 games better. C'mon.


Certainly, they have to go out and play and win games if they're to repeat. They have a lot of work to do. But we, as Spurs fans, certainly have reason to have higher expectations now for the coming season and a more legitimate hope that our team will repeat. What's bothersome about that?

Nothing at all, and you're allowed to have optimisim, just like the other 29 teams. But people are almost too giddy over this. Spurs fans should be more concerned with winning the division than 70 games. That Houston team might be a handful for the division.

Rational thinking? Watch the comments flow after that last sentence..
:fro

[mavsfan1000]

Spurs are the same team with or without Finley. I predict 61 wins. I don't see Finley making them any better than Barry did last year. I thought they would win it without Finley to so this doesn't make the spurs any better.

[2centsworth]

Nothing at all, and you're allowed to have optimisim, just like the other 29 teams. But people are almost too giddy over this. Spurs fans should be more concerned with winning the division than 70 games. That Houston team might be a handful for the division.

Rational thinking? Watch the comments flow after that last sentence..

pot calling the kettle black. you should be worried about not getting swept.

Phoenix sucks, they're the spurs' bitch.

[slayermin]

This team will win 50 games by just showing up.

I can easily see them winning 70, if they stay healthy. For any conspiracy theorists left on the bandwagon, this upcoming season will be very interesting.

[FromWayDowntown]

What's the title of this thread?

With the exception of a few posters, the premise of the thread has been rejected by many, who've weighed in with an opinion similar to yours. Again, I don't see the point of your argument with those people, and again, those people are the majority of posters in this thread.


Check the other threads, people are shitting themselves, or that's what they're saying in their posts. :spin

I think fans are excited, but not because they believe Finley is a savior. Why shouldn't we be excited about this. Had he signed in Phoenix, Suns fans would be soiling themselves with excitement, too. Probably moreso there than here, all things considered.


Finley will make them a bit better, but not 11 games better. C'mon.

Finley alone might not. But he does add depth. Depth, coupled with better health to Duncan and Ginobili, plus a full season with an improved situation at the center position, plus a year of continuity with a core group that has been to the top -- those things might be enough to suggest that an improvement of say 8-10 games is possible. Is it not?


Nothing at all, and you're allowed to have optimisim, just like the other 29 teams. But people are almost too giddy over this. Spurs fans should be more concerned with winning the division than 70 games. That Houston team might be a handful for the division.

Rational thinking? Watch the comments flow after that last sentence..
:fro

Then why are you digging on anyone for having that optimism? This franchise has won 3 titles in the last 7 years and has won division titles in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005 and finished one game back of the division title in 2004 with a good T'Wolves team in the division. Will Houston be better? Probably. Will the Spurs be better? Probably. If the Spurs are better and the Rockets are better, will the Rockets improvement be enough to surmount the Spurs? Perhaps, but it wouldn't be likely if the Spurs put together even 62-65 wins. And, as you've already acknowledged 60-65 is realistic here.

We may be giddy, but you almost sound jealous.

[2centsworth]

Finley alone might not. But he does add depth. Depth, coupled with better health to Duncan and Ginobili, plus a full season with an improved situation at the center position, plus a year of continuity with a core group that has been to the top -- those things might be enough to suggest that an improvement of say 8-10 games is possible. Is it not?

don't forget what a healthy Tim Duncan would mean.

[dunkman]

I think it will be 65-68 wins this year. Pop's team start slowly, and it's difficult to keep being focused in the regular season after winning an championship.

[TDMVPDPOY]

We started hot early in the season last year, i can see it happenning again this season.

I be happy if we get 60+ wins or even 70+ wins, then that will automaticallly make duncan = another mvp year :D:D

[z0sa]

Spurs are the same team with or without Finley. I predict 61 wins. I don't see Finley making them any better than Barry did last year. I thought they would win it without Finley to so this doesn't make the spurs any better.

So you're saying we didn't get any better by adding Finley? Right...

[slayermin]

Spurs are the same team with or without Finley. I predict 61 wins. I don't see Finley making them any better than Barry did last year. I thought they would win it without Finley to so this doesn't make the spurs any better.

First, Finley>>>>Barry.

Second, the Spurs were on pace to win like 65 games if TD didn't go down.

Third, stop hating. It's our time. Eat it and take it like a man. Like the Admiral said, it all starts with a good foundation. The Admiral layed that foundation and he is seeing it flourish in the third row of the SBC.

The big question I want an answer to is:
"Are the Spurs a better franchise than the Patriots?"

[Trainwreck2100]

Yes, because Brady's a weiner.

[Mavs<Spurs]

If any team has a chance to come close this upcoming season, it's the Spurs. They have covered all of their weaknesses. They have depth at every position. And, they have added TWO crunch time players. I have always been a fan of Nick Van Exel. And, he is straight ice-cold under pressure. I wouldn't be surprised if NVE was in the game in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter in close games against good teams.

If the Spurs have a realistic shot at 72+ wins however, HEALTH is always an issue. Even with their depth, losing a key component against good teams will make it tough to sustain the type of caliber play throughout an 82 game grind. And, there must be no let-ups even against the weaker teams in the league.

But, I wouldn't count against the Spurs getting 70+ games. Your team is THAT good.


Thanks. It is nice to have posters from other teams that aren't trolling and trashing!
I have to get your Pistons credit for a tough series! They could have hung it up after the first two games, but they put us on the mat in games three and four.
They also have the players who can cover Duncan one on one better than anyone else.
Finally, due to all that length (Prince esp and Rasheed) and the presence of Ben Wallace (defensive player of the year), I have to give them props and say that imo their defense was the best in the league, a shade better than ours.

IMHO, this is an impressive lineup. My biggest fear is health and I won't say what I fear most, but almost any Spurs fan and most NBA fans know what keeps me up at night (in terms of fears of what could happen to the Spurs).
I'm excited. I'm also ready for the season to start already. Seems like it is taking forever!
:fro

Finally, tell me how you think your team will compete against the new Heat (not sure if they are better or not!), the Nets (who are probably better than last year) and the Pacers (with Artest back and O'Neal healthy). Will your team be as good without Brown (distracted as he was and with his health issues, he still is an incredible coach)? :fro :fro

[DieMrBond]

My guess is right about the same as it was this year ... 59-62 wins at most - i can see us starting slowly, and then gaining momentum as the year goes on. We do have a fairly tough early schedule, dont we?

My question tho is this - will we still have those annoying games that we should of won, but got slack at the end and the opposition comes back to win? Ie toronto? Will the collection of 'clutch' players that we have allow that?

[ginobme]

I think they will be the first team to be favored in every game of the season next year.

Not if they're playing the Heat and you ask Stephen A Smith. I hate that guy, Im actually going to watch his monologue today to hear how he thinks it still won't be enough to put us over the top.

[Warlord23]

I think 65+ is a good target to aim at.

The biggest advantage of depth is that players can be saved from tiring out during the regular season. The Suns of last year were an example of this. I think if Pop handles the minutes correctly, our Spurs can stay relatively fresh and healthy late into the reg season, and more importantly, into the playoffs. There is no pressure on Manu to play 35+ mpg in reg season games now.

A second advantage is that when it becomes clear that a player is in a total funk during a game, he can replaced with a player of decent quality. If Parker goes cold for 3 quarters, Pop can have NVE play the full 4th .. meaning there won't likely be many liabilities that the opposition can bank on .. they can't dare the off-form player to shoot, cuz the back-up will step up in that scenario .. and the back-up will be pretty darned good.

[smeagol]

68-14.

Ans BC, you would be shitting in your pants if Finley would've signes with the Suns.

[ManuTastic]

I would say SA could reasonably shoot for around 70 wins, but probably won't, because Pop needs to work out his rotations, and will likely try some experiments that wind up costing some games but teach him a lot about who should play with whom. This will help come playoffs time, and is the right thing to do.

On the other hand, since the West got weaker overall, it might not matter too much. Phoenix got worse, IMO, Seattle lost Nate and AD, LA will continue to be a circus, not a winning team, LogDogs got nada. Dallas is probably a push. On the other hand, SActo and Houston made some upgrades.

So yes, on paper SA looks more formidable. But as the Lakers' failed 4-star experiment showed, confirmed by SA's and Detroit's team-first championships, stocking up on names does not equal more wins. And that's without even mentioning Portland.

[Phenomanul]

I hope they can match the 72 wins or surpass the mark, however unlikely... It seems as though this will be the only way people 15-25 years down the road will remember the Spurs....

Unless we can show our dominance...
Unless we become historic...
Unless we rampage through the playoffs on route to a repeat

Then people will forget us and write us off as a footnote in NBA lore.

If we target that record, people will have to say... "Oh yeah, that awesome Duncan team that kicked everybody's rear has got to be one of the best teams ever!!"

[spurster]

I think the question was:

Do the Spurs have a chance at 72 wins?

The answer:

Yes, there is a chance, but it depends on health and new talent showing up and blending in.

Is that way over optimistic?

No, just merely over-optimistic. But keeping your title rotation players, and then adding Finley, van Exel, and Oberto are good reasons for optimism.

[td4mvp21]

I think they will get 60-61. Every team is gonna be out to be them because they're the champions and I'm expecting a slow start but an exceptionally strong finish.

[my2sons]

i'm just interested in 16 wins come playoff time

[101A]

Pop isn't going to put a target on the back of his team; so that EVERY game is a playoff game for the competition.

The Spurs WILL NOT run away from the pack this regular season - it makes it too difficult and demanding on the team. They already get every teams "best" game for being champions, they don't need to draw out that "playing way above their head game" from every team in the league by chasing some "greatest team of all time" title.

The Spurs have added fantastic depth, and Pop will use that depth not to blow teams out, but to rest the players he is going to need in the playoffs; having the 8 people who will see time come May - June next year being as fresh as absolutely possible is what this does.

I predict the Spurs have the best record in the West (Indy of Miami may, or may not have a better record) next year by 1 game. Then they simply ROLL through the playoffs.

[Phenomanul]

Pop isn't going to put a target on the back of his team; so that EVERY game is a playoff game for the competition.

The Spurs WILL NOT run away from the pack this regular season - it makes it too difficult and demanding on the team. They already get every teams "best" game for being champions, they don't need to draw out that "playing way above their head game" from every team in the league by chasing some "greatest team of all time" title.

The Spurs have added fantastic depth, and Pop will use that depth not to blow teams out, but to rest the players he is going to need in the playoffs; having the 8 people who will see time come May - June next year being as fresh as absolutely possible is what this does.

I predict the Spurs have the best record in the West (Indy of Miami may, or may not have a better record) next year by 1 game. Then they simply ROLL through the playoffs.

I agree wholeheartedly.....

I guess what I'm trying to say is that as much as I relish the present... I want my children and grandchildren to know just how special this team was...
Unless they make it historic no one outside of San Antonio will care...

Look what people say about the Spurs' championships... "Yeah they're champions, but a weak ones because it took them 7 games to knock out Detroit"

or

They'd be taken to school by Magic's showtime Lakers and Michael's Bulls
.... I'd personally think they would matchup well against those former champions based simply on their defensive prowess and offensive versatility (as demonstrated against the Suns)...

The fact that the Spurs record in the playoffs was 16-7 doesn't make them any less dominant than the 01' Lakers that went 15-1. To that I simply say that the competition now was much much better and balanced. And let's face it the Lakers didn't do too well against the Pistons themselves...

[cherylsteele]

Yes, if there are no serious injuries.

Yes, Spurs fans are a little giddy right now. We need a couple of stinker games to get us back to earth.

Shut up,,,shut up:D

Lalalala....I can't hear you (as I cover my ears).

[cherylsteele]

You people think Finley is so great but I have watch Finley for a while. The guy is overrated right now but San Antonio probably would be the favorites with or without Finley. I don't get why Finley all of a sudden is so great. He just went through surgery. You are caught in the hype like most spurs fans. The guy is not that good anymore and his poor shooting cost Dallas the game against Phoenix last year. Finley is not going to improve San Antonio any over Barry.

I bet you would love to have kept Finley on the Mavs....don't deny it.

[mavsfan1000]

Finley in his day was a great player for Dallas but the last 2 years hasn't been great. Just look at his stats in the playoffs and you will see what he is.

[Sense]

Finley in his day was a great player for Dallas but the last 2 years hasn't been great. Just look at his stats in the playoffs and you will see what he is.



With who?

The Mavericks..


Just shut up, your like every other Mavs fan...stop crying about the fact that he's here. I'm sure you know he'll win in this franchise, and that he'll be happy.

Coming off the bench, he has enough time to rest and improve as a role player, and I'm sure he'll do that.


Spurs>Mavericks

That's what you're still crying about, go mourn some more in mouse's shoulders, he needs it too.

[ChumpDumper]

Just look at his stats in the playoffs and you will see what he is.40% from the arc?

Sold!

[mavsfan1000]

I know the spurs are better than the mavericks. I also know that Dallas is glad to have Finley gone. He has been a big disappointment for Dallas in the big games.

[duncan_21]

No because they don't have the best scorer, best rebounder, and the best 3 point shooter on the same team like the bulls did have.

Having the best in those categories wasn't the real reason that they won all those games. They were in a weak conference and an even weaker division.

If you put the blazers team that won in the high 60's or this years team(if they stay healthy) I think they equal or beat the win record.

If the spurs were in the leastern conference they would definitely reach the 70 win mark, if they stay healthy.

I'm guessing somewhere between 66-71 wins.

[Nikos]

Wow I can't beleive this 70 win talk.

To win 70 games + a title would make this team one of the best of all time. Are they really that good? I seriously doubt it.

If Duncan, Parker, and Ginobili improve their offensive efficiencies, and the bench gives a nice scoring punch while playing good defense, the team could win 65, which would be amazing. But 70? Pretty much a pipe dream even if the team is 100% healthy AND lucky.

[llp]

the only way chicago won 72 games they gave the ball to jordan and pipen

[Dex]

To talk about this team being one of the best of all time would be a jinx.

But every time I look at our lineup, I like to think that we have as good a chance as we're going to get. :spin

[CalsonicKansei]

How many games do you think the dream team is gonna win this year? My prediction is about 66. That may be a little too high based on our passed years, but you have to think about injuries etc. I think 55 to 59 is a good estimate, but the bench is soo deep, that we might overshoot that, 60 to 65 is a really good guess, TD is healthy Parker, we wont even mention Manu cause he breaks he leg every fucking game for us. And 65+ is kind of over estimating, but it's a possibillity. Lets get into details, bring out a depth chart and lets think about this. Or lets vBookie it so we can see who's a winner at the end of the year.

DISCUSS.

[TOP-CHERRY]

http://spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24280

They think 72 could be a possibility. ;)

[CalsonicKansei]

They just can't think about "72" they gotta think about 80 or something, I wanna be the best, The team to win the most games ever. Then we will get real respect. Then only then, will Van Excel acknoledge that he didn't join the team to win a championship.

[SoupIsGood]

55-63 wins

[Kori Ellis]

I merged the threads together.

[CharlieMac]

I think the league is much more competive now than it was when Jordan, er......the Bulls dominated.

No way they get 72. How many times a year do they have PHX, Houston, and Denver alone?

[Dex]

163!

[nzkickass]

Spurs rule,

Nuff said

oh hang on

Go Sean Go

[mookie2001]

i think it would be kind of bad for the spurs to win 70+
they could do it for sure
but id rather have them win 62 and tie our record

[Jimcs50]

I say 63 wins

[lotr1trekkie]

The salary cap restrictions make for parity. Most teams got better of stayed the same. Wins will be more difficult to come by. Barring an injury to TD the Spurs will have the best record in the league 62 to 64 wins.

[boutons]

I'd say low/mid 60's. We'll lose 5 games on FTs alone, and another 5 on the road to good teams, and a give away a few shitty games on the road to lottery teams, and few to injuries.

Unless Pop makes the season record a priority and coaches that way, I think getting over 65 will be highly unlikely, and getting to 65 will be a big surprise.

[ObiwanGinobili]

I'm still sticking with a 60+ win season - as a possibility. i can see it happening , but won;t gaurentee it (injuries are an unplannable bitch).

just reitterating.

[JamStone]

them getting 72 wins means 10 losses

and the teams that we have to play

suns x 4
mavs x 4
wolves x 4
nuggs x 4
sonics x 4
kings x 4
rockets x 4
heat x 2
pistons x 2
pacers x 2

you get the idea.....i see alteast 6-8 loses there and i know for sure there will be atleast 5-7 junky teams beating us due to lack of focus/injury/chemstry


WOW!!! At least 6-8 losses in 34 games against the league's elite???? Let's not go overboard now!! Why not just say you'll sweep everyone except the Suns and the Heat? I also think the "72 games" talk is pretty bold. Expansion over the last 20 years have definitely brought down the quality of play in the league. But, with that and the salary cap, talent has been dispersed more, and just like the NFL, there's a move towards parity in the league.

For an NBA team to reach anywhere near 72 wins, a lot of things have to happen:

1. Remaining relatively injury free (by far the biggest key to a 72 win season)
2. No suspensions to key players or coaches
3. No stretches of loss of focus.
4. Team chemistry on the court with the new players must develop
5. Team chemistry in the locker room must be a constant
6. No off-the-court issues with key players (not only media hype like Eva Longoria, but, sad to say, even deaths in the family or similar type tragedies could affect play on the court and consequently wins and losses)
7. Players must still be hungry (directed more towards Tony Parker than anyone, with his youth, media romance, and healthy contract, he could be one of those players who may lose focus at some point during the year)


Of course, there are a myriad of other factors that may come into play for a season like this. Is it possible? With this Spurs team, sure it is. They have the talent, depth, coaching, and chemistry to do it. But, as has been mentioned, the talent in the league is probably a little better now than when the Bulls, and for that matter, the Bill Russell Celtics went on their respective dynasty runs, at least in terms of the number of "good" teams. To think the Spurs would only lose 10 games when you list all the good to great teams in the league is still pretty bold. Houston, Phoenix, Dallas, Sacramento and Denver alone will give the Spurs a tough time and may result in 5-7 losses in those 20 games alone. And, Detroit, Indiana, and Miami should be good for at least 2 wins. About 7 or 8 losses right there. And, then the Spurs would basically have to sweep the rest of their games ... 56 games??? Win about 52-53 of the other 56 games, with other tough teams like Minnesota, Cleveland, Washington still left on the schedule, and road games at MSG in New York, LA Staple's Center, Boston's Fleet Center, which always have tough crowds and are tough stadiums to play in.

It would truly be a feat for any NBA team to win 72 games now. If the Spurs are able to do it ... in fact, if the Spurs can even reach 70, I personally wouldn't even have a post-season. I would consider them champs again.

[TOP-CHERRY]

For an NBA team to reach anywhere near 72 wins, a lot of things have to happen:

1. Remaining relatively injury free (by far the biggest key to a 72 win season)
2. No suspensions to key players or coaches
3. No stretches of loss of focus.
4. Team chemistry on the court with the new players must develop
5. Team chemistry in the locker room must be a constant
6. No off-the-court issues with key players (not only media hype like Eva Longoria, but, sad to say, even deaths in the family or similar type tragedies could affect play on the court and consequently wins and losses)
7. Players must still be hungry (directed more towards Tony Parker than anyone, with his youth, media romance, and healthy contract, he could be one of those players who may lose focus at some point during the year)
1. I agree.
2. Suspensions aren't really an issue for this team.
3. Pop won't let that happen too long
4. True. But considering we still have the core players of last season, I doubt that will be a major issue.
5. True.
6. Deaths in the family? That can happen to anyone, in any team. That's a very vague argument. And considering we're a small market team, I doubt the Eva situation will be a distraction. (If you saw games last year, they would show Eva in the stands, maybe interview her for a bit, show Tony walking w/ her... That's about as far as it went)
7. Good point. He's always scared me in that aspect.

I also think it's going to be a hard feat. Obviously, (and history has shown it repeatedly) teams will ALWAYS want to beat the Championship team. We'll be the measuring stick for all teams. They'll all want to prove they can be contenders by beating us... That will be biggest road block.

I still don't think any team has ever been as talented as the old Bulls. They were just simply amazing. It also doesn't mean we can't do it. So we'll just see what happens.

[howbouthemspurs]

The spurs will win 81 but will loose one to the bobcats