After a thrilling and dominating return to the NBA Finals in 2014, the San Antonio Spurs lead the charge to return to the Finals for the chance at winning a second straight NBA Title. Over the years, the public has time and again expected other teams to break out and win championships. Obviously the public has been right most of the time.
The Spurs lost year after year following a 2007 NBA Championship. In 2011, the Spurs were the No. 1 seed in the West only to fall to a rising power in the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round. The 2012 playoff hunt started with a 10-game win streak followed by four straight losses to an Oklahoma City Thunder team with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden and Serge Ibaka in the Western Conference Finals.
In 2013 the Spurs nation had high hopes as San Antonio swept the Grizzlies and met the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals. The team finally made it back to the Finals and was about 28 seconds away from a fifth title until Ray Allen had other plans.
The stage was set for the Spurs to reclaim their spot on top of the NBA, but the new Big 3 proved to be too much. Year after year the Spurs improved, making it one step closer than the year before. The stage was set for 2014 with nowhere to go except back to the Finals.
San Antonio made it back with a slightly different team and dominated the competition. Save for a tough first round battle against the Dallas Mavericks, the Spurs completely controlled the NBA Playoffs. After such a dominating season in which the Spurs once again finished with the best record in the league, a letdown is almost expected. The Spurs, however, are looking to repeat, and there aren’t many reasons to doubt them.
If critics wish to harp on old age and a lack of athleticism for the millionth time, let them. San Antonio lost no pieces from a championship team and is still expecting a productive season from future Hall-of-Famer Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and its cast of countless role players.
Just because the Spurs found the light doesn’t mean their future isn’t bright. After all, this entire article about the Spurs’ future was written without mentioning Kawhi Leonard.
Jonathan Brannon is a San Antonio Spurs writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @jbrannon89, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
Chicago Bulls PF Pau Gasol has silenced doubters and is playing some of the best basketball of his career with the Bulls. Read More
Although the Miami Heat are having a rough season, they shouldn't rush into signing just any player during the trade period. Read More
The Miami Heat are in the midst of a six-game stretch against the NBA West. With the season possibly riding on the next five games, here are my game predictions. Read More
The Portland Trail Blazers look to continue with their winning ways against the Los Angeles Lakers. Find out how the game will play out. Read More
Two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference will square off when the Washington Wizards take on the Atlanta Hawks. Find out how things will play out. Read More
The Philadelphia 76ers' young roster has often been scrutinized because of Sam Hinkie and the team’s front office. But after their most recent stretch of wins, they are becoming a very likable cast. Read More
Approaching the March 1 NBA trade deadline, the Oklahoma City Thunder should target these five players. Read More
The Boston Celtics should make these five trades to expedite the rebuilding process. Read More
Kobe Bryant choosing to continuously sit out shows that he is done with the Los Angeles Lakers organization. Read More
The Philadelphia 76ers do not have many must-keep guys, but Tony Wroten, despite interest from the Los Angeles Clippers, is certainly one of them. Here’s why. Read More
The recent struggles of the Toronto Raptors appear to have dented Kyle Lowry's chances of starting in this year's NBA All-Star game Read More
The Warriors are 29-5, but in the incredibly competitive Western Conference, you always need to look for ways to improve. Read More