To The Victories Of A Spoiler
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Thirteen games remain and the Spurs’ fate in the balance.
My, how times have changed; as has expectation.
Gone are the forgone conclusions of a Lakers team being the only obstacle. And gone are the days of Tony Parker being the one player you needn’t worry. Sixty-nine games in and so much has changed, all while remaining the same; similar questions and worries applied to a new face and cir stance.
This team and their past resume lead fans, those who opine and compe ors, to see this team as it could be. The endgame was all you need consider, as it was an assumed inevitability. Questions of fit and overall composition (go one-by-one down the roster and ask yourself what kind of role each player is capable of assuming on a championship team, and then ask what kind of role they have to play on the Spurs for them to be successful) would be overlooked in light of the brand that was Duncan, Parker, Ginobili, Popovich and the Spurs.
Respect. The Spurs had earned it with a decade of dominance and received it (even if begrudgingly).
What that respect lead to, was the benefit of a doubt. Fans, commentators and opponents alike, dismissed early struggles and underwhelming play: ‘They’ll get it together. It’s only a matter of time.’, the prevailing wisdom.
But with time waning, a grueling schedule looming and a shorthanded team left to bear the brunt, ‘They’ll get it together.’ and, ‘It’s only a matter of time.’ has given way to, ‘They’re no longer a threat. And, ‘Their time is up.’
Championship aspirations have all but expired; the champions anchoring the Spurs’ roster?
Not just yet.
Manu Ginobili is back, if you hadn’t noticed. The dominant player of ’08 has all but reemerged and proven the talk of his demise, was, at best, premature. He’s back to putting his imprint on the game, as only he can, and playing with the heart and fire that’s always made this team special; the fear-instilling assassin is again the opposition’s bane.
Duncan has had one of the more remarkable seasons in recent memory. In context of all that transpired last year and the concerns borne from all that entailed, to have him be among the league-leaders in player efficiency for the majority of the year (putting up comparable numbers to his career averages in fewer minutes), it’s frankly something the Spurs just couldn’t have expected. He’s carried the team for a good part of the season (on questionable knees and a lack of adequate help), something that’s looked to take its toll of late, and he’s done so with the same class and professionalism that’s defined his career; his numbers have tapered, similar to last year, but fatigue, the opposition (blowouts) and others relieving him from the reins, looks to be the culprit more than the broken and worn player of last year.
With Duncan and Ginobili on board and playing the type of ball they’ve been able to display this year, there’s reason for hope if one’s expectation is adjusted.
From a perceived favorite to also-ran is a tough pill to swallow; it’s also not a fair description of the reality (middle-ground is hard to find when the expectation is consistently championship). But when the underachiever becomes the underdog? Now you’re talking. When the pressure of expectation turns into the freedom of none? You’ve got the making of a spoiler.
The Spurs have made some positive strides as a team and individually, recently. The defense has picked up, Jefferson’s found a semblance of game, and the experience Hill’s been getting in Parker’s absence can only bode well; the notion that he could play alongside him and be backing him up prior to the playoffs start, bodes even better. What if the time off improves Parker’s health considerably and he regains his form as quickly as he’s done in the past? Would that not instill some trepidation, and maybe even fear, in a Nuggets or Jazz team?
It should; the prospect of the Spurs having their Big 3 intact and playing anywhere near what’s become their standard would give them an opportunity of defeating either. Throw in an ever-improving Hill, a better knowledge of how to utilize Jefferson and an X-Factor like Blair, and there’s all of a sudden reason for optimism.
You can either take a defeatist at ude and allow this season’s ending to resemble a walking of the plank or being lead to slaughter; or you can allow yourself to enjoy a couple of the all-time great champions, the promise of their youth and accept this team for what they currently are: a spoiler.
It’s said to be good etiquette to properly alert someone of such a presence . . .
The Spurs finishing strong should suffice.