They say bad things come in threes and it might be very well the case for San Antonio Spurs' Tony Parker.
After playing at a high-level to garner NBA MVP attention, in a game in San Antonio versus the Kings, he injured his left ankle suffering a grade 2 sprain. At first he was to come back in four weeks but came back sooner than later. However, when he did return, he suffered a sprained right middle finger versus the Denver Nuggets and in the recent game against the Clippers, he took a huge hit to the head in the game's final minutes. He did get back up but needless to say, Parker is getting banged up at the worst time for the Spurs — the stretch run towards the playoffs.
But for Spurs fans who might be worrying about Parker's health, and especially his recently injured ankle, coach Gregg Popovich says Parker is fine and building confidence with each passing game since his return.
"I think that every game he's feeling more and more confident with his ankle," Popovich said after the win over the Clippers. "So it's coming back really well."
Since his return, Parker is averaging 21.8 points, 7.8 assists, 3.0 rebounds while shooting 52% from the field and 86% from the free-throw line. Seems he isn't feeling any effects from that left ankle and this is exactly what the Spurs will need out of their All-Star guard.
It goes without saying, this team will go as far as Parker goes. Yes, Tim Duncan is playing great this season, but this team needs Parker to guide 
the ship, take pressure off Duncan, and create havoc for teams defensively.
It is a point guard dominated era in the NBA and the current West playoff teams showcase some of the best in the league. Aside from Parker, there's Ty Lawson, Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, and Stephen Curry. All heading to the playoff and all could be in the Spurs' path to title number five and the Spurs will need Parker at 100%.
Around this time of the season, a lot of players are banged up and playing hurt. Parker is no exception. However, he will gut through it and be fine with the physicality leading up to the playoffs as long as the team wins as he said after taking the shot to the head versus the Clippers.
"I will survive. It's been a tough couple of games, but it's always better when we win. I'll be fine."
Now let's hope the "bad things come in threes" superstition is over for the rest of the season for Parker.
