NBA Western Power Rankings Week 8: Clippers hang onto 4th
By Tom West
Dec 23, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich speaks with guard Tony Parker (9) in the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Spurs win 108-83. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
2nd: San Antonio Spurs (42 points)
By Jose Salviati
Record: 25-5
Last 10 games: 9-1
When the Spurs signed both David West and LaMarcus Aldridge several were left scratching their heads. Why would the team with the best power forward in the history of the game in Tim Duncan sign not one, but two, quality players at the same position. Some questioned the sanity of the decision. In typical Spurs fashion, however, they made it work.
The Spurs are not about players – they are about team. In Aldridge and West they found two players who wanted to be a part of something bigger than themselves; the rest would take care of itself. The rest has taken care of itself in spades. The Spurs are once again, inexplicably, good.
Much like Westbrook and Durant in OKC, the mash-up that is the Spurs would never work on most teams. Imagine if Kobe would have been willing to co-exist with Shaquille O’Neal, or visa-versa. Imagine if Stephon Marbury wasn’t so jealous of Kevin Garnett in Minnesota. Most basketball players are used to being “The Man”. In San Antonio that mindset gets you a seat next to coach Gregg Popovich.
The Spurs are a collection of good basketball players who make up one of the very best basketball teams in the NBA. A perfect week leaves them by the top of the standings.
Next: Golden State Warriors