As occurred in the 2003 and 2005 championship campaigns, the Spurs opened the 2007 dash by laying more eggs than layups. Before going any further, I must disclose that I did not watch this game as I was travelling internationally at the time. But in looking at the box score and in knowing this team as thoroughly as any casual diehard fan, I'm gonna assume that the Spurs shot miserably, got pushed around on the boards and displayed nothing near novice level, video game clutch play. The Spurs just got slapped by the ever so confident Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony led Denver Nuggets.
But let me tell you guys something. This ain't the 2005 Nuggets. This team has ultra compe ive Iverson wreaking havoc on the offensive end alongside redemption seeking Anthony. It has tough, athletic bruisers in Nene Hilario and Marcus Camby.
So while I'm not discounting the possibility of the Spurs advancing past Denver, I just want to say that I hope this team re-grows that steel set of championship-caliber playoff balls it now so desperately needs. Denver is now on an 11/12 streak and has home court advantage. I hope the Spurs can find a way to win this series. I pray that they can do it in six to get as much rest as possible against hungry Phoenix.
In conclusion, the Spurs sucked tonight. They put forth a flat peformance and let their fans down early in a playoff series, but we've seen it before. However, the Spurs deserve the benefit of the doubt that they will not lose this series, and three fairly recent championships should be enough to command respect. But deny not the fact that this specific Denver team at this point in time could run circles around that 2005 version. The Spurs are a little bit older, can they come back?
I honestly think they can and will, but the question is worth debating.