I haven’t been as confident in this team’s chances to win the championship this season as I am now after watching the Spurs lose to the Mavericks. Although they lost 104-68, the Spurs showed great heart. The Mavs, to put it simply, had far too many weapons. The Spurs, on the other hand, had two of their major weapons sidelined and numerous other players struggling with either injury or just poor shooting.
This Spurs team had it too easy. They started the season beating every team like they were the varsity team and that the rest of the league was the JV. They were healthy for much of the beginning of the season. And while a couple players weren’t playing up to their potential, the team as a whole was at a historic pace as far as wins and point differential.
Then controversy struck. A well liked member of the team and organization was traded. The team’s best players took turns being out injured. They’ve had to integrate new players onto the team and ask them to gel almost instantaneously. The Spurs have now gone through their adversity.
After seeing how they reacted tonight, I’m confident. While they weren’t going to win, they didn’t give up. They kept being physical and they kept to their guns. Whether it was Brent Barry getting into Keith Van Horn’s face or Nazr Mohammed taking the ball physically and relentlessly at Dirk Nowitzki, I could see this team grow right before my eyes.
Don’t worry, Spurs fans. This storm will pass. Tim Duncan will come back healthy. Manu Ginobili will find energy. Tony Parker will step up. The role players are clicking and believe in their roles. For as bad as things look now, the fight this team shows will bring them closer together. Once Duncan returns, this team will be better than ever.
In a Western Conference that hasn’t been this weak in almost a decade, the Spurs are clearly at the head of the class. They’ve been through the battles. This team knows what it’s like to win. With Tim, Manu and Tony leading the way -- followed by a cast of believing role players -- the sky is the limit.
This game was the turning point. This team will fulfill its destiny.
Believe.
