Spurs Refuse to Go Away Quietly
Last season, after the painful loss in the NBA Finals, many wondered if we’d seen the last of the San Antonio Spurs and Tim Duncan as a championship contender. After all, Duncan missed a bunny, then missed the put-back that could have tied the game late in Game Seven. This may not have been Bill Buckner or Nelson Cruz, but it was not insignificant by any means. How many times had Duncan hit that shot in his career? And how does a superstar miss one like that at the most inopportune time? It had to be his age, right? And if Duncan cannot cut it anymore, what chance do the Spurs have of getting all the way back?
From the looks of things, the Spurs have not gotten the memo that their window has closed. They are now leading the NBA with a 13-1 record. They have now won 11 in a row going into their Wednesday night showdown with the Oklahoma City Thunder. They lead the Southwest Division by 3.5 games over the second place Houston Rockets who are 10-5 and by 4.5 over the Dallas Mavericks at 9-6.
Typically, we have heard nothing of this. That should not surprise anyone as the Spurs just go quietly about their business of winning basketball games every year. Last season nobody really paid them much attention until they ended up in the Finals against the defending champion Miami Heat. the next thing we knew, they were on the verge of winning it all. But that loss was so painful, surely they would not be back and surely they would get off to a rocky start. Wrong.
Tony Parker is playing as well as he ever has. He truly is one of the best point guards in the NBA although more celebrated players at the position such as Derrick Rose, Chris Paul, Rajon Rondo and Kyrie Irving get more publicity. Parker just keeps scoring and dishing with little fanfare. He is averaging 18 points and six assists per game and is leading the Spurs in scoring. Eight Spurs are averaging at least eight points per game and of course they are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA. So there is a great chance they will make a deep playoff run again this season.
TopBet has the odds on Wednesday night’s games in the Western Conference:
San Antonio at Oklahoma City– The Spurs are +2.5 -110 and the Thunder is -2.5 -110 ATS. Over/Under is 200 with both -110. Again the Spurs get no respect. Win 11 in a row and you’re still an underdog. Of course the Thunder is 9-3 and are very talented with a healthy Russell Westbrook. and Kevin Durant. But the Spurs have convinced us, even if we are in the minority. Take the Spurs +2.5 -110 and the over -110.
Golden State at Dallas– Here is another good one between teams who are looking towards the playoffs. Golden State is +3.5 -110 and the Mavs are -3.5 -110 ATS.O/U is 208. We like the Warriors +3.5 -110 and the over -110.
New York Knicks at Los Angeles Clippers– New York vs L.A. is always fun. the Knicks are +10 -110 and the Clippers are -10 -110 ATS. O/U is 204.5 with both -110. The Clippers mauled the Chicago Bulls in their last outing. Can they keep it up? We think so. Take the Clippers -10 -110 and the under -110.
