The Spurs keys to the le..

[Russ]

Ability to play half-court basketball. On both ends of the floor.

Against teams with legit bigs (if necessary).

If they can't do that, not much else matters.

[therealtruth]

2. Mental toughness. As witnessed in the Heat, Bulls and Celtics games, when a tough, physical defense get's into the Spurs' jerseys, they crumble. They lack direction and purpose offensively. Come playoff time, letting a team know that physical play bothers you is a death knell. Somehow, someway, they've got to remain poised when this happens.

Good defenses know the best way to stop a soft jump shooting team is by being physical with them and messing with their rhythm.