This would be a daily segment on the blog wherein I discuss some puzzling and mind boggling things on the NA Playoffs. I know I've started late and may use some 'old' material but nevertheless I hope I provide an exciting new daily segment on the blog.
Day 2
THE NEW LOOK SPURS: STILL WINNING---DIFFERENTLY AND EFFORTLESSLY
No one exactly has the exact blue print to success. Each team is composed of different individuals; different characters with a unique set of skills and attitudes. There are different uncontrollable components involved. Indeed, success is difficult to maintain especially in different eras. Different time periods have their own distinct style, pace, and flare to it.
Thriving under these circumstances are the San Antonio Spurs. They have won four championships in the past thirteen season and chasing their fifth championship in franchise history this season. Everybody talks about that the Spurs is built and ran solely on the offensive prowess of Tim Duncan or their tenacious defense.
Their all wrong.
The Spurs are built around talent development, selflessness, and a bunch of international players who work together as one cohesive unit. Gregg Popovich is one great tactician who seems to understand the game like we don't. His ideas often seem bizarre and outrageous but point is, it gets the job done.
In the earlier seasons of the Tim Duncan era, the Spurs were a low-scoring team who ran selectively and went to Duncan in the post as their primary option. Duncan, who I consider the BEST Power Forward to ever play the game, used his skills to score at will but at the same time to set his teammates up for great looks.
That was where Bruce Bowen made his mark in the NBA. One of the best perimeter defenders in the last decade and a deadly marksman from downtown (just the corner), he was one of the key players for the Spurs. Someone who could shadow the opponent's best perimeter scorers but able to provide a deep threat to allow Duncan to have more space to operate.
San Antonio in my opinion, the only team who seem to heavily rely on international talent and from a bunch of unwanted players in the NBA. This was where many players resurrected and cemented their legacy---as a San Antonio Spur.
Tony Parker, the speedy French Point Guard, was one Popovich's long projects. Known for his speed, Parker was a horrific defender who had a horrible outside shot. This is where the Spurs testament to patience lies. Instead of giving up on potential, they build and develop it. Instead of allowing Parker just to be that same player, they patiently worked with him to become somebody great.
Parker developed the most unstoppable teardrop in the league. An effortless shot which still fools players to this day. He has developed a respectable mid-range jump shot which keeps his opponent's in bay. He has also tremendously improved his defense making him one of the best defending Point Guards in the league.
What's most important is that he still is that same player--- lightning quick and talented but much much better.
That's not solely the reason the Spurs have been winning.
They have been the only team to adapt through time. Throughout the league, we've noticed that there has been an increase in speed. An uptempo game which not only provides each team with a better chance to score but also at the same time excites the fans.
The Spurs being a team which favors the slow break, they struggled with the change. Initially, they just couldn't seem to find the right set of players to do what they exactly want but as time passed, they did.
DANNY GREEN BABY!!!
The Spurs is a team with high character. They value value winning and they understand how to do it in its purest essence. They develop the right sets of players with the right attitudes.
They age like wine, as they grow older, they player better and more beautiful basketball.
