The 34-6 San Antonio Spurs have have been flying under the radar yet again. This is mainly because of the Golden State Warriors record-breaking winning streak to start the season, but folks must now start taking notice of the Spurs since they are still undefeated (22-0) at home.
Tim Duncan has somehow become the first superstar ever to graciously accept a lesser role, but he is also doing this while putting up numbers worthy of a defensive player of the year. Kawhi Leonard‘s ascension into a superstar has aided this process, but head coach Gregg Popovich is also a factor in the way things have played out. He is a master of managing egos; however, he does this while also being one of the best tacticians the NBA has to offer.
What is truly wild about the Spurs is that LaMarcus Aldridge hasn’t achieved a comfort level yet, and if he can find his place in the offense by the playoffs, then San Antonio will be a team nobody wants to meet. As of Tuesday afternoon, Aldridge is only averaging 16.1 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. There is definite room for improvement with his play.
Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker have both mastered their roles as well, but it is the Spurs’ depth that has kept them on the heels of the Warriors in the standings. No one doubts anymore that Golden State has the best starting five in basketball, but what would happen if Popovich was somehow able to outcoach Steve Kerr in a long playoff series due to San Antonio’s superior bench? It is difficult to give the Spurs anything less than top grades for their performance so far this season, but it feels right to refrain from giving them an A+ due to the few losses that have put them behind the Warriors.
Final First Half Grade: A
