Coming into this season, expectations of success were not high, especially after going 22-60 in VDub’s rookie year. With the additions of veteran’s Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes, as well as #6 overall pick Stephon Castle, the Silver and Black have quietly put together a competitive squad. The on court product is a vast improvement over last year’s team.
I predicted prior to the season that the Spurs would win 40 games and contend for the 10th spot in the playoff play-in tournament and possibly sneak into the playoffs, a tremendous feat for a team that lost 22 consecutive games just a year ago.
Those goals are still attainable.
Coming into this week at 20-23 the Spurs still have an opportunity to get that shot at the post season, however that window of opportunity is slowly closing.
I’ve written over the last few months about the log jam that’s the Western Conference, primarily for the teams currently seeded 5-12. Just five and a half games separate the twelve and fifth seeds.
The Lakers currently hold the fifth seed at 26-18. They are only a half game ahead of the clippers in sixth at 26-19.
And then the true madness starts. The 7-10 seeds are separated by only one game with Minnesota fighting to hold on to the seventh spot with a 24-21 record. They are followed by Phoenix (23-21) and Dallas (24-22) who are essentially tied for the eighth spot and only a half game behind Minnesota. That leaves Sacramento in 10th at 23-22 and just a half game behind Dallas, Golden State in 11th at 22-23 and one game behind Sacramento, followed by the Spurs at 20-23 just a game behind Golden State.
I know complete insanity. It should make for a lot of end season drama.
My guess is the team that can run off 3-5 games in a row and gain momentum down the stretch will write their own playoff ticket. Adversely, God forbid a team hits a bad patch and drops 3-5 games in a row, that would basically put them on the outside looking in.
The Silver and Black have their work cut out for them as we head into February. The team is currently trying to rebound after dropping the second game of a two game series versus the Pacers in Paris 136-98. The Spurs took the first game 140-110 behind a monster effort by VDub in his French homecoming. The kid had another 30 point double-double with 11 boards, 6 assists, and 5 blocks.
The team has three home games remaining before embarking on the annual Rodeo Road Trip. It would behoove the team to take advantage of those games to catch a wave heading on the road. If not this season may be over by March.
Upcoming Games:
Wed, Jan 29 vs (6)LA Clippers (26-20) 7pm
Fri, Jan 31 vs (4)Milwaukee(26-18) 7pm
Sat, Feb 1 vs (6)Miami (23-22) 730pm
Mon, Feb 3 @ (3)Memphis (31-16)
7pm
