2015 NBA Playoffs: SCIC’s Big Basketball Postseason Preview

Apr 10, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs players celebrate after defeating the Houston Rockets 104-103 at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

San Antonio Spurs

By Tom West

Record: 55-27

First Round Opponent: Los Angeles Clippers

Season Series: Tied 2-2

The San Antonio Spurs have been replaced atop the Western Conference standings by the Golden State Warriors. Who, in every definition available, are by far the best team the NBA has to offer on paper. That being said, the Spurs are healthy again and are starting to find their form at just the right time; in the weeks leading up to the start of the playoffs.

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This is just how Gregg Popovich would want it. He’s never been about regular season theatrics, All-Star accolades, or even worrying whether or not he has an MVP candidate on his team. In the case of the great Pop, it’s all about the win, and always about the team. Now, his San Antonio Spurs are riding a ten game win streak, with no signs of slowing down.

Over the last couple of weeks, the Spurs have defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder (by the means of a 39 point deficit), the Memphis Grizzlies, the Houston Rockets (twice), and most importantly on April 6th, they dismantled Warriors in the midst of their dominance, by a clear margin of 15 points. Their almost clinical approach to the game has always been able to dissect the best of teams, and the immense level of efficiency that they execute their team-minded style of basketball makes winning look effortless.

Right now, they’re living up to this Spurs nature better than ever. And since their first quarter against the Warriors, where they leapt forward to a 31-17 lead, they displayed just how easily their ball movement and rotations on defense are able to disrupt the best teams that the postseason will be able to throw at them. Not only did the Spurs out perform them in every facet of the game, and top their field goal percentage for the game by 10 percent (53 to just 42.9), they never even let the Warriors even take the lead. Not once.

Of course, they wouldn’t be able to do that every game if these two teams go head-to-head in the Western Conference Finals, but if the Spurs can do that against the NBA’s top team, just think what they can do against everyone else.

Apr 5, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs power forward Tim Duncan (21) shoots the ball over Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12) during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Tim Duncan has proven that he doesn’t age. Even at nearly 39 years of age he’s schooling the NBA’s youngest and most athletic big men on how to operate in the post, facilitate to guys cutting to the basket and how to defend the rim. He’s been limited to just under 29 minutes per game this year, as Popovich always likes to keep his core fresh for the playoffs, but per 36 minutes the Big Fundamental is still a walking double-double with averages of 17.2 points, 11.4 rebounds and 2.5 blocks.

Tony Parker has had a couple of issues with injury this year, but now he’s at full health and doing everything that could be asked of him. Just look at his performance in a 110-98 win over the Rockets. He can still create opportunities one-on-one, attack the basket against defenders who tower over him, and he’s even expanding his range (now shooting a career best 43.2 percent from three).

Parker is taking exactly a quarter of his field goals from within three feet, whilst making 61 percent of these shots at the basket. This may not be the most efficiency mark of his career, but when expanding his range to short jumpers and floaters from up to ten feet, he’s shooting 9.1 percent better than last year (now 51.7).

His ability to create by himself will be as valued as ever in the playoffs, and his energy is just one of many assets can utilise in their attempt to secure a sixth championship.

Parker is just the beginning of the guards that the Spurs have at their disposal, though. He may be their most experienced, but alongside the likes of Danny Green (who offers defense and an effortless three-point stroke), Patty Mills as his backup, Marco Belinelli and the magic of Manu Ginobili, the Spurs have a lot of firepower in their backcourt. They just have so many three-point threats in their lineup, which is a major strength for any team when every big shot counts down the stretch. Thankfully for the Spurs, they have several guys they can count on, as they rank fifth in team three-point percentage with 36.6.

This kind of depth has arguably been the most important part of the Spurs’ success, and this year is no different.

The only real difference now, is that they have a young star who is looking more ready than ever to carry the torch after the days of the Big 3 are over. That man is none other than the reigning Finals MVP, Kawhi Leonard.

Mar 25, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) dunks the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook (0) and center Enes Kanter (34) defend during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

He’s always been renowned for his defensive abilities since joining the league, which stem from his physical attributes of a 6’7″ 230 lbs frame, huge hands and 7’3″ wingspan (one of the largest ever for a player 6’7″ and under). This season, he’s continued to make the most of his length, and has applied it to his expanding knowledge and confidence perfectly. Now, at just 23 years of age, Leonard ranks first in the NBA in defensive rating (96.1) and steals per game (2.4).

Kawhi is simply relentless on defense. He can smother anyone, and his instincts in the passing lanes are better than anyone (as he displayed so well with a seven steal performance against the Warriors). When he’s on the court, the Spurs’ opponents score an average of 5.3 points less per 100 possessions. Considering the fact that everyone on the Spurs plays good team defense, that speaks volumes about the defensive impact that Leonard can have.

If he’s not the best perimeter defender in the league, just try and name someone who’s better.

In addition to this, the most significant part of his 2014-15 campaign has been his development as an offensive threat. Which, once the days of Timmy and Tony are over, will be essential for the Spurs continue their relevance atop the Western Conference.

Now that he’s beginning to find his talents as a scorer, Leonard is showing that he’s far more well versed on the offensive end of the floor than people give him credit for.

He’s increased his point production by 36 minutes by at least 2 every single season, and now he’s averaging 18.8 points on 48 percent shooting. He can post up with the occasional hook or fade-away jumper, shoot from mid range (shooting 48.7 percent between 10-16 feet) and can finish with authority at the rim, now making a career best 72.4 percent of his chances within three feet.

The big three of the Spurs alone are capable of leading Popovich’s men into another strong playoff battle, but add in the constantly improving Leonard, and it’s no surprise San Antonio have played this season like the Champions they are. They’ve rested their key players by controlling minutes and have timed a late season surge perfectly, as they sit 3rd in the Western Conference at 55-26 after winning their last 11 games.

So as they prepare for a clash with the Clippers in the first round of the playoffs, you can be assured that other than the Warriors (who cannot be underrated) the Spurs are more than capable of dealing with anyone in their way, in the exact same fashion as they did when winning the title just one year ago.

Next: Playoff Rondo?