Five games into the season, and people were already starting to wonder. After a 2-3 start, the San Antonio Spurs just didn’t look like the defending NBA champions they were. After some pretty lackluster performances and the healing of Kawhi Leonard’s eye, the Spurs started to get back on track.
Since that 2-3 start, the Spurs are 9-1 and are currently riding a six-game winning streak. In their last 10 games, the Spurs have wins over the L.A. Clippers, Golden State, Cleveland and Indiana. Six of the last 10 games were played on the road. Whatever people were wondering (or hoping) about the Spurs’ age finally catching up with them will have to keep waiting because San Antonio looks like a title contender yet again.
San Antonio has had some issues with injuries to start the season. It’s not exactly the situation that’s happening in Oklahoma City, but the Spurs have been without key contributors up to this point. Patty Mills has missed all games and is not likely to return until at least late December. Tiago Splitter has played very limited minutes and has really been unable to contribute or get in a rhythm at all. Leonard missed games early due to an eye infection, and Marco Belinelli and Matt Bonner both have missed multiple games.
However, despite all the injuries that initially slowed the Spurs, they find themselves in fifth place in the Western Conference and on a six-game winning streak. Head coach Gregg Popovich has even missed a couple of games, but the team just keeps winning.
It’s important to remember that games early in the season aren’t necessarily indicative of what will happen in the playoffs, but early wins are better than early losses. The Spurs are fighting through significant shots to their roster to put themselves in a position to succeed once everyone is healthy and ready to play.
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.
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
Everyone said Dwyane Wade was on his last legs, but the veteran currently leads the Miami Heat in scoring, even ahead of Chris Bosh. However, the Heat star should not be the high scorer. Read More