By Sean Simara @Sean_FootyMad @TLE_Sport
The San Antonio Spurs have been going along nicely, maybe even a little under the radar for much of the season as other teams in the Western Conference make the headlines. We can’t forget though that this team are the current NBA Champions, beating the Miami Heat last year in convincing style.
This year the Spurs look like they will finish between 5th and 7th in the Western Conference so what chance do they have to make it a repeat and go all the way?
For me their season will depend on a few things clicking in the team at the right time: young legs, experience and a bit of luck. The San Antonio Spurs have their own NBA ‘Big 3’, a slightly older one compared to the rest of the league that consists of Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker and Tim Duncan. They have over 40 years of NBA experience between them and 13 championship rings in their trophy cabinets. That sort of haul can’t be matched anywhere in the league.
The San Antonio Spurs know what to do when it comes to play-off basketball and would fancy themselves to win at any court in the NBA which of course is vital in the NBA play-offs. They also have probably the best coach in the league in Gregg Popovich, so they simply can’t be ignored.
Fitness is key and it has been a bumpy road for the Spurs this year especially with the older legs in the team. However they do have a mix of younger stars too such as Danny Green (Guard-Forward) and the soon to be franchise player Kawhi Leonard (Forward) to go with their veterans. Kawhi was the finals MVP last year against the Miami Heat when the Spurs blew out Lebron’s team. Don’t forget the other pieces in San Antonio’s jigsaw such as Patty Mills, Boris Diaw and Tiago Splitter, plus they have a good bench too.
I did mention about how fitness is vital and at the minute the Spurs players are all getting into shape at exactly the right time. They will all need to be on their ‘A’ game especially in what I deem to be the more difficult Western Conference. I feel though that they are ready to fire as always for the play-offs.
Spurs have a fine record and have 5 Championship banners at their home court. So don’t ignore San Antonio and don’t underestimate this ‘Big 3’ as they will not let their title slide away easy.
Look out for other NBA posts on The London Economic where I discuss the regular season MVP: Stephen Curry, James Harden, Russell Westbrook or Lebron James?
For more from Sean visit his blog threeminutesinjurytime.blogspot.co.uk and follow him on twitter @Sean_FootyMad