spurs also are trying to win in the finals without a player averaging 20 points a game last time 1961 boston
- During these playoffs, they have 7 players with a PER above the average(15)..the only other NBA Finalist in modern history to match this feat is the 1999-2000 Indiana Pacers
- The Spurs don't have a single player averaging 33 minutes per game or more during the playoffs, which is the first time for a Finalist in modern NBA history
- They are only the 2nd team(early 80s Sixers-Andrew Toney) in modern history to make the NBA Finals despite their #1 usage player having a net-negative +/- in the playoffs
- Their leading scorer is averaging 17 PPG, which is the lowest top scorer for a finalist in modern NBA history(thanks ducky)
It's very easy to make the argument that the 2014 Spurs are the most unique, balanced and team-oriented squad in NBA Finals history, tbh..it would be truly amazing if they win the NBA Finals, and something that has never been done before..
Last edited by Malik Hairston; 06-04-2014 at 11:16 PM.
spurs also are trying to win in the finals without a player averaging 20 points a game last time 1961 boston
Good catch, tbh, crazy..
Question: If the Spurs were to pull off the win (or even if they didn't, maybe), would it establish a precedent for a more team-oriented style of play (incl. the media's selling of the game), or would it be just seen as an anomaly?
At least the 2013 team had two Top 10 players in Parker & Duncan. You could make the case that this year's team didn't have a Top 15 player in the league this season tbh.
Their only All Star and All NBA Teamer was Parker, who many would agree was only selected because of the team's success.
It'll be forgotten if the Spurs don't ring but it's just a crazy, crazy accomplishment and a testament to the team ball the Spurs play. I don't think any team will be able to replicate what they've done for a long ass time....
A le would also validate Pop as the greatest coach of all-time, too, tbh..
It would be seen as an anomaly because it would be an anomaly. There are no teams that are even close to as well balanced as this Spurs team. And not many players in the league are willing to have their minutes cut during the regular season so that the bench might be useful in June. Carlisle IMO is the only other coach with the balls and reputation to ask star players to play 28mpg and not have them laugh in his face or just mope and sign elsewhere.
The Spurs have build a Rube Goldberg machine of a roster, but that doesn't mean the rest of the league will stop overpaying for chainsaws. And I don't even blame them, really. Everything has aligned perfectly this year, but we've seen in past years (2011, 2012) how star power can just outshine role players in big moments.
No because franchises are bought or built to make money and fans can talk about championships all they want, few are willing to give up superstar face time and monkeyball to get there. Any team who legitimately tried to do what SA has done would probably go bankrupt. You cannot stand pat every off season (minus the obligatory random name acquisition) and continue to hold on to core players who have received national and even international accolades for their play. It's not going to happen. Players want to get paid, they aren't going to take less so some billionaire can make more, and the wins are nice but the earning years are about making money, not playing extra games. "Hey, you guys want to work a few extra months this year and if we are the best, you'll get this ring and a small percentage of your salary... but you can brag about it... oh and take a huge pay cut so we can hire someone who hopefully replaces you one day".
No.
I've said it back in March (IIRC), this is probably one of the best Spurs *teams*, top to bottom, in the Duncan era.
Would be amazing to cap it off with a ring, so they can earn their rightful place in NBA and franchise history, tbh.
Whenever selfless team ball is brought up I usually think about Detroit in 2004.
I'm surprised they had a 20 point scorer ten years ago.
RIP could still drop 20 off the gimmicky curl offense LB ran, but their offensive sets were awful. Those Pistons were all about defense... games were in the 80's, low 90's all the time.
This Spurs team isn't anywhere near as good defensively, but the offense is a beauty when it's working full tilt.
Please provide a definition of "modern history" - I assume you mean 1980 to current.
Anyway, yes, but the 2004 Pistons also come to mind.
spurs are deep and talent drops off quick after the top 3-4 heat players but the spurs are 7-9 great players deep runing a system everyone is a part of.
The 2004 Pistons were not deep, though..
They didn't have a superstar player(like these Spurs), but they had 2 players that played 40 MPG during their playoff run, and only 1 semi-reliable bench player..they also had a 20-point scorer and a top 10 all-time defender in his prime..
They were certainly unique, but not nearly as balanced and team-oriented as the 2014 Spurs..
Which is why if they somehow win the 'ship, other than td getting his 5th, it would be just extra special
This is definitely the most unique team I can remember and the most diverse and deep Spurs team. Pop and the big 3 deserve a ton of credit of setting the tone and coaching up players as they go. Obviously if the big 3 were in their prime, Spurs couldn't afford this deep of a team, but that's what makes it so special.
Amen brother! I have a wonderful life that includes being a fan of this wonderful team. It's hard to quantify or define why they mean so much to me and my wife, but a lot of it has to do the grace in which they carry themselves. Their fans get it, the lack of grandstanding, gloating, and posturing. 'It's easy to be a fan of this team.' To cap this off with a "ring' would be absolutely magnificent. I'll be there tonight screaming my ass off! So it's almost a guaranteed win....
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Very true! Interesting perspective....
It kinda sucks having to watch it with your wife right? I hate watching games with my girl. It's an uneasy feeling tbh
You can tell this team is unique when we are banking on Boris Diaw to cause mismatch problems for the Miami Heat![]()
didn't see it from that angle before, solid take.
When I hear "modern" as it relates to basketball, I typically think post-merger. So 1977-present.
Wasn't that done by the 04 pistons?
Duncan and Ginobili were horrible tonight, Parker was mediocre, yet the Spurs just won an NBA Finals game by double-digits..
Win or loss in the Finals, enjoy this, because this is easily the most unique team in NBA history, tbh..this has never been done before..
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