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Taking Over the Alamo

Their record may say otherwise, but the 2005-2006 versions of the San Antonio Spurs seem to have some major deficiencies. In their two losses against the Pistons, the Spurs were outworked and out hustled by the vigorous Pistons. The Spurs also looked old at times with Nick Van Exel and Robert Horry in the lineup. Yet the still lead the league in opponents FG% at 42.5%, also surprisingly the league in their own FG% at 47.7% and have about a 6 PPG differential.

In the space of 22 days hammered the Spurs twice by 15 points and out-rebounded them both times by 20 or more boards. This was particularly true against the Pistons. One expects the Spurs but to to truly get it going at some point in the season, but the players and the coaches, despite their statistics have to be concerned that they need to step up their games to get out of the West.

Moreover, the Spurs new additions of Michael Finley and Nick Van Exel have not been as impressive as hoped as both are shooting from the floor at around 40%. Perhaps, now with Manu Ginobili back as a starter, the Spurs will gel and these two will get it going. However, it might not be enough to beat the Pistons if the two teams ever to meet in the playoffs.