Last night, the San Antonio Spurs beat the Seattle Sonics 104-95. The win gave the Spurs their 60th win of the season. My point? My point is that with all the attention the Pistons have gotten this season, although they deserve that attention, they are on pace for their best season in franchise history.
In the 1994-95 season, behind David Robinson, Dennis Rodman, Sean Elliott, and Avery Johnson (Current Mavs head coach), the Spurs posted a 62-20 record. With four games left this season, the Spurs need to only win two of those to tie that record and win three to break the franchise record. Not even any of the Spurs three title teams have gotten to 62 wins (Although one season was during the lockout shortened, 50 game season).
Despite the injuries the Spurs have had this season, they are quietly having their best season. Manu Ginobili has missed 16 games, Tim Duncan has been bothered by plantar fasciitis, and Robert Horry has missed 19 games. But despite all of that, Tony Parker has emerged as an All-Star, Bruce Bowen has become one of the NBA's iron men in addition to its best perimeter defender, and Michael Finley has filled in where needed.
In addition to the injuries following the Spurs, this veteran team has had trouble playing in back to back games. 10 of the Spurs' 18 losses have come in the second game of a back to back. The Spurs' age coupled with the nagging injuries bothering key players in the rotation have lead to the majority of the losses.
With all of the injuries the Spurs have had, the aging process taking its toll on this them, and the consistency of the Detroit Pistons, the Spurs are still my, and many people's pick to win the NBA championship this season. And remember this, there are no back to back games in the playoffs. We'll see you tomorrow.
