Kori Ellis
05-31-2006, 12:16 AM
The Water Cooler: Fending off Spurs withdrawal
Web Posted: 05/31/2006 12:00 AM CDT
San Antonio Express-News
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA053106.2C.COLwatercooler.page2.17b225c7.html
The collective ennui that has pervaded San Antonio in the past few days is a noticeable reminder of life without the Spurs.
A playoff march that was expected to last for several more weeks ended w-a-a-a-a-y too soon for most Alamo City residents.
The team's second-round exit in the Western Conference finals was hard for most fans to accept.
Don't believe it? Just listen to the local radio talk shows and watch the TV sports shows. Stories that wouldn't be considered two or three weeks ago now are being talked about.
And watching NBA playoff games without the Spurs' involvement? It's about as palatable to the San Antonio faithful as eating one of those cholesterol-busting fried chicken-gravy-cheese-and-corn mashed potato bowls being served up at a major fast-food chain.
Even the presence of former Spurs coaching both teams in the West finals hasn't piqued the interest. So much for Avery Johnson's heroics in winning the team's first championship in 1999. And Mike D'Antoni is just another guy who grabbed a cup of coffee with the Spurs in 1976-77.
So it means that fans are left in a dull stupor, wondering what to do during the month of June.
There's always the Missions. And the Silver Stars should remain in the playoff hunt for at least the first few weeks of the season.
Father's Day is approaching in a couple of weeks. And summer vacation for the kids should make it fun for most families over the next few weeks.
But no Silver and Black means that the "Go Spurs Go" signs have been taken down for another season. The videos of the Spurs' stunning Game 7 overtime collapse against Dallas have been erased — or worse.
No more "Big Shot Rob" commercials. No more lining up in the middle of the night for commemorative T-shirts. No river parades. And the Tim Duncan-Brent Barry reading lessons have ended for the summer.
But salvation will come before too long for those fans who absolutely must have the team in their lives.
Don't worry. The NBA draft is only a few weeks away. And the team still might consider stocking a team in the Rocky Mountain Revue this summer.
Web Posted: 05/31/2006 12:00 AM CDT
San Antonio Express-News
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA053106.2C.COLwatercooler.page2.17b225c7.html
The collective ennui that has pervaded San Antonio in the past few days is a noticeable reminder of life without the Spurs.
A playoff march that was expected to last for several more weeks ended w-a-a-a-a-y too soon for most Alamo City residents.
The team's second-round exit in the Western Conference finals was hard for most fans to accept.
Don't believe it? Just listen to the local radio talk shows and watch the TV sports shows. Stories that wouldn't be considered two or three weeks ago now are being talked about.
And watching NBA playoff games without the Spurs' involvement? It's about as palatable to the San Antonio faithful as eating one of those cholesterol-busting fried chicken-gravy-cheese-and-corn mashed potato bowls being served up at a major fast-food chain.
Even the presence of former Spurs coaching both teams in the West finals hasn't piqued the interest. So much for Avery Johnson's heroics in winning the team's first championship in 1999. And Mike D'Antoni is just another guy who grabbed a cup of coffee with the Spurs in 1976-77.
So it means that fans are left in a dull stupor, wondering what to do during the month of June.
There's always the Missions. And the Silver Stars should remain in the playoff hunt for at least the first few weeks of the season.
Father's Day is approaching in a couple of weeks. And summer vacation for the kids should make it fun for most families over the next few weeks.
But no Silver and Black means that the "Go Spurs Go" signs have been taken down for another season. The videos of the Spurs' stunning Game 7 overtime collapse against Dallas have been erased — or worse.
No more "Big Shot Rob" commercials. No more lining up in the middle of the night for commemorative T-shirts. No river parades. And the Tim Duncan-Brent Barry reading lessons have ended for the summer.
But salvation will come before too long for those fans who absolutely must have the team in their lives.
Don't worry. The NBA draft is only a few weeks away. And the team still might consider stocking a team in the Rocky Mountain Revue this summer.