It’s April, and the San Antonio Spurs are once again the talk of the NBA. The Spurs are currently 11-1 in their last 12 games and are on a 10 game winning streak. After dealing with injuries to many of their key players, the Spurs are fully healthy and have become to favorites to win the Western Conference by many.
It is impossible to take away from any of the wins the Spurs have on this win streak. Seven of the 10 wins have come against playoff teams. The average margin of victory in the past 12 games is 17.0 PPG. Once March and April come around, the Spurs are showing once again the ability to take their game to a new level. Beating the best in the league becomes a cakewalk for them. It does not matter what seed the Spurs are come playoff time. They have no problem winning a big playoff game on the road. That is what the entire NBA world has become accustomed to. Earlier in the year, it seemed as if this may finally be the year the Spurs do not make a deep playoff run. But when it comes to talking about the defending champs, they remind everyone why they have been so good for so long.
The Big Three for the Spurs have been great during this win streak. Tony Parker has dealt with injuries all season, and is finally healthy. At full strength, he can compete with any point guard. Parker is one of the best finishers in the entire league, which makes him even more exciting to watch. Manu Ginobili comes off the bench and always provides a spark. He is always on the floor down the stretch and is never afraid to take the big shot. He has stepped up big time for the Spurs. And of course, let us not forget about the big fundamental, Tim Duncan. He may be the oldest player on the roster, but he has actually been the most consistent player for the Spurs. Duncan is averaging a double-double at 38 years old, hats off to him. His drive for a sixth championship has motivated him.
The smartest thing the Spurs have done this season is giving Kawhi Leonard the freedom to do what he wants on the court. Leonard is the future of the Spurs, and has made great strides in his offensive game. Greg Poppovich has made play calls specifically for Leonard, and it has been a success. His post game has really improved this season. At his best, no one in the West can stop the Spurs. They are going to go as far as Leonard takes them. They are an entirely different team with him. His defense has been remarkable as usual. Against the Warriors, Steph Curry scored 13 points in about two minutes. The Spurs put Leonard on Curry, and he did not score for the rest of the game. That just shows his drive to lock down the best players in the league.
Right now, no one wants to play the Spurs in a seven game series. For me, they are the favorites to win the Western Conference. While it will be hard to get back to the Finals for a third straight year, they seem prepared to get the job done. If anyone can stop Golden State, it is the Spurs.
