San Antonio Spurs Are On The Brink Of History This Season
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Last season was a compilation of achievements for the San Antonio Spurs that culminated with an NBA Finals championship. The Spurs’ regular season record of 62-20 was impressive for many reasons, but one stands out the most. They were only 11 wins away from breaking the record for most regular season wins.
During the 1995-96 regular season, the Chicago Bulls went an unprecedented 72-10 and ultimately ended up winning the NBA Finals. Many similarities have been drawn between the two franchises. If the Spurs can repeat this year, they will have matched the Bulls’ six titles. The coaching styles of Phil Jackson with the Bulls are not the same as Gregg Popovich, but they are both in the conversation as two of the best coaches in NBA history. Some could even argue that where the Spurs lack in superstar talent (i.e. Michael Jordan), they make up for in depth and team chemistry.
Last year’s 20-loss season could’ve easily turned into a 10- or nine-loss season, but the Spurs were hampered with injuries for the majority of their games. With almost the exact same team coming back, there is no doubt that the Spurs could easily obliterate the Bulls’ 72-10 season. This idea could be in direct opposition of the philosophy that has worked so well for Popovich, which removes importance of looking good in the regular season and places more stock in being ready for the playoffs.
San Antonio’s best regular season came in the 2005-06 season, when they went 63-19. The result was an early exit in the Western Conference Finals, but this year’s team can change the narrative. The championship experience and this season most likely being Tim Duncan’s last could be the ingredients for a perfect storm that leads the Spurs into history once again.
Winston Harris is a San Antonio sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @winstonharris34. “Like” him on Facebook and add him on Google.
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