Don't look now...

[Seventyniner]

...but the Spurs have climbed to 3rd in DRtg and 2nd in DRB%, both supposed areas of weakness. One was overblown (the Spurs have been a good to excellent defensive rebounding team for a while), while one was a rightful concern (the Spurs were 10th in DRtg last season). Some context for the stats:

Defensive Rating
1. Pacers, 98.8
2. Grizzlies, 99.7
3. Spurs, 100.4
4. Bulls, 100.8
5. Clippers, 100.9
6. Bucks, 103.1
League average: 105.3

Defensive Rebounding Percentage
1. Warriors, 75.1
2. Spurs, 75.0
3. Magic, 75.0
4. Wolves, 74.9
5. Rockets, 74.9
6. Knicks, 74.6
League average: 73.0

For both stats, there is a dropoff from 5th to 6th, which is why I listed 6 teams. A few bad games could see the Spurs slip to 5th in both categories. A few good ones, though, and the Spurs could be within striking distance of the Grizzlies for DRtg and could take over the top spot in DRB%.

Also, the Spurs are #29 in ORB% with 21.0, with #30 Miami knocking on the door (20.9). I wonder if Pop has an adjustment in his back pocket if he goes down 2-1 or 3-2 in a playoff series: start sending more guys to crash the offensive glass. The Spurs obviously don't do that now; the very low ORB% number is more by design than skill. Still, the Thunder (the team most likely to put the Spurs in that 2-1 or 3-2 hole) are an average defensive rebounding team (DRB% 73.1, 16th) and of the Spurs' starters, only Parker is not an above average rebounder; he would be tasked with getting back in transition anyway, even if Pop sends 3 or 4 guys to the offensive glass. It would be quite a shock to a coach trying to gameplan against the Spurs, and while it would give up some transition opportunities, it would lead to more putbacks and extra possessions to wear out opposing defenses.

[Brunodf]

Thanks, but getting back in transition> offensive rebounds

[ElNono]

Didn't look...

[Spur|n|Austin]

Good info, thanks!

[JingleJangleJingle]

hopefully they continue so Duncan can win DPOY.

[Dex]

Didn't look...

I'm not sure if we are really supposed to look, or not?

This is like when people say "heads up!" in situations where putting your head up is the worst possible option.

[racm]

The sharp increase in the Spurs' opp. eFG ranking is their vastly improved 3 point defense. Not only are they good at chasing shooters off the 3 point line they rarely get them wide open looks.

It also helps that the at rim FG% and FGA have gone down with Timmy protecting the paint even better than in the previous seasons, as well as Tiago easing his load in that regard.

[therealtruth]

Thanks, but getting back in transition> offensive rebounds

It depends on if the other team can take advantage of the transition opportunities.