I still have my reservations about the team being able to survive the season, as last year they ran themselves into the ground and would have been beaten in the west playoffs by any team other than New Orleans. How you start a season means in the NBA. I do see some positives that weren't there last season though. For instance, the Spurs aren't depending on Richard Jefferson not being a worthless piece of for their wins this season, unlike last year's hot start. Secondly, Splitter is really showing some consistency and giving the Spurs a decent low post and pick and roll option when Duncan is on the bench.