Spurs continue to roll

When facing a 24-point deficit before the half time buzzer has sounded, most teams would drop their heads en route to the eventual drubbing they were about to receive, not the San Antonio Spurs.

After an opening quarter that saw the Spurs miss countless chances at the rim, the Los Angeles Clippers punished them for their failure to convert by scoring 33 points in the opening period.

There was no panic in the San Antonio side though, no rash changes by Gregg Popovich, no rushed offenses or sloppy mistakes. No, the regular season champions were as calm as always and set about to complete the job they went out to do. Unfazed by Blake Griffin’s 20-point first half, Tony Parker feels the team were far from feeling discouraged.

“They came out like we expected, very strong. Blake was making crazy shots,” Parker said. “We just took our time. It’s a long game, a very long game. At halftime, we were very calm.”

Led by the ever-reliable Tim Duncan (19 points, 13 rebounds), Tony Parker (23 points, 10 assists) and Manu Ginobili (13 points, 6 assists), the Spurs slowly found their groove before tearing the Clippers in the third quarter for a 24-0 run.

Winning the game 96-86, Gregg Popovich’s side took a 3-0 lead in the series, as well as stretching their incredible winning streak to 17 games. Looking to win the team’s fifth NBA title and their first since 2006-07, this Spurs side have been bolstered this season by the addition of a number of valuable pieces to the puzzle.

After falling out with the Bobcats’ head coach, Paul Silas, Boris Diaw left Charlotte in March and reunited with former French National teammate Tony Parker in San Antonio.

The addition of Diaw has been extremely beneficial, as the adaptable forward/centre has thrived in a team loaded with veterans. As well as giving the coaching staff another potential mismatch to utilize, Diaw has his best friend, Tony Parker, to keep him motivated.

Enduring a career that has seen him criticized for his effort, weight and mercurial personality, the influence of Parker has helped Diaw produce his most consistent performances in a long time.

Another new addition to this season’s Spurs is rookie forward/guard Kawhi Leonard. The 6-foot-7 Leonard was acquired by the Spurs from the Indiana Pacers in exchange for George Hill on trade deadline day.

Averaging 7.9 points per game, 5.1 rebounds and shooting 38-percent from the three-point line during the regular season as well as tallying 14 points and 9 rebounds in their game three win against the Clippers, he’s certainly impressed coach Popovich.

In addition to his offensive ability, Leonard’s capacity to play strong defence, make timely buckets and exhibit good court awareness have made him a favourite in San Antonio already.

With some likening him to the former Spurs legend Bruce Bowen, Leonard has clearly made an impressive start to his career in black and white and if he can continue to produce it in the playoffs, it will certainly not be the last time you hear the name Kawhi Leonard.

The addition of Stephen Jackson to the deep San Antonio bench has also been a major boost to both the Spurs and Captain Jack. While Jackson has been able to play his own game and boost the team’s offensive output, the Spurs’ veterans have been able to tone down the eccentricity of his play and get the most out of him.

So, but for a miracle turnaround by the Clippers, San Antonio looks set for the Western Conference finals where they will almost certainly go head-to-head with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Stocked with young, talented, driven players, the Thunder will provide the ultimate test for a Spurs side who’s key players are on the wrong side of thirty.

Set to complete their second sweep in two series, lead by the most reliable big three in the game today as well as one of the top NBA coaches of all-time, who would bet against the Spurs claiming their fifth ring this season?

Well, you’d either have to be mad, or an OKC fan.