The Spurs Shouldn’t Be Considered Boring!

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Created on Thursday, 31 May 2012 01:12

Last Updated on Thursday, 16 May 2013 07:51

Written by David Rountree

The San Antonio Spurs just picked up their tenth straight win in the playoffs, doing so in electrifying fashion. They are defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder with a powerful offense that utilizes every player on the floor.

The Spurs are defining the meaning of “team basketball” and are nullifying the Thunder’s individually-orientated game plan. The Spurs are averaging a healthy 24 apg this post season versus the Thunder’s 17.

They have been known for being a defensive juggernaut, but now they have become a fast-paced offensive force—fully taking advantage of the Ginobili/Parker speed combo. The team is averaging a hefty 104 points a game. So what exactly about this team is shattering the “boring” stereotype?

Parker/Ginobili Combo
•  The Spurs’ duo is in vintage form and is putting a lot of pressure on defenses this post season. Parker and Ginobili are continuing the trend by carving up the Thunder’s interior defense and doing so with amazing finishes at the hoop. The duo is averaging a blazing 49 ppg in the Western Conference Finals, adding to the Spurs’ already powerful offense.

•  Parker has attacked with a different array of tear-drop layups and floaters. He has wowed audiences with several crossovers and spins in the paint. Ginobili has followed suit with his own combination of moves in the lane; he continues to freeze the defense with several ball fakes and behind the back passes. Also he is showing the ability to hit clutch three-point and free-throw shots, making him a walking fourth quarter juggernaut.

Duncan/Leonard Posters
•  The NBA fan base loves to see dominance in the paint; they love to see players become embarrassed by a slam dunk.  Tim Duncan and Kawhi Leonard had two of the best dunks in the series so far. Leonard dunked on Kendrick Perkins early in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals—becoming one of the game’s top plays.

•  Tim Duncan struggled in the game but had two hugely entertaining plays. The first coming at the expense of Serge Ibaka (who is a prolific shot-blocker); Duncan may have had the dunk of the playoffs when he laid down the hammer on him.

The second came with Duncan sending back a powerful dunk attempt by Russell Westbrook, who was vehemently denied at the basket.

The Streak
•  The San Antonio Spurs are on historic winning streak. They have won 20 consecutive games dating back to the regular season. It is an impressive feat in today’s NBA and even more impressive that they are also undefeated in the playoffs. They are 10-0 versus playoff teams and are winning in dominant fashion. They have defeated teams on average by double-digit points over 70% of the time.

The Spurs are showing that they have the talent to be a memorable team and showing there is absolutely nothing boring about their wins.