After 30 regular season games, the San Antonio Spurs (26-4) remain on top of the NBA standings. While it is nice to be league leaders in terms of games won, the Spurs will be the first ones to point out their relatively easy schedule early on helped them to maintain a little cushion over the NBA’s elite teams. Not to mention a 12 and 10 game winning streak.
Some may think the Spurs two double-digit winning streaks were not as impressive because of lack of quality opponents. Then the Spurs were blown out in a second game of back-to-back at the hands of the Orlando Magic, and the loss could have fueled the Spurs naysayers.
They bounced back by beating a short-handed Washington Wizards team (94-80) using defense. As the season continues, their upcoming schedule will provide a tough test, that should they succeed, will prove doubters wrong.
It starts today with a visit from the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers, followed by road game against the Dallas Mavericks. They will then play the Oklahoma City Thunder at the AT&T Center on New Year’s Day, before playing the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics on the road on back-to-back nights.
The Spurs took care off business by winning early and often this season. However, they will now have the proverbial “bulls eye” on their back when they face opposing teams. Especially the teams they will play against in the upcoming days. Besides, who doesn’t want to take down the NBA’s best team?
Now, the team’s resolve will be challenged as they face a tough stretch. This will be a good measuring stick to see where this team is really at.