Game 77 Preview: Blazers vs. Spurs

A Look at the Spurs

Like a trip to the ocean or Multnomah Falls the Spurs change slowly over time, if at all.  But they don't need to because when it comes right down to it the classics are always best and you wouldn't want them any different than you remember.  Everything you expect from the Spurs is still there.  Defensive juggernaut?  Check.  Offensive efficiency?  Check.  League-leading point differential?  Check.  You have a hard time finding a serious weakness in their game.  Forget the flashier nouveau contenders, this is who you want to be.

You may think the Spurs would rest up for the playoffs the final two weeks of the season but they're in a battle with Phoenix for the second best record in the conference.  Tim Duncan just came off of a 28-point, 15-rebound, 4-block night against the Warriors. Tony Parker scored 35 a couple games ago against the Suns.  Ginobili?  25, 7, and 7 last game also.  Michael Finley has come alive late in the season and is working on eight straight double-digit games.  They've also got a boatload of veterans at other positions.  Some are injured but it's unlikely the Spurs will need them tonight anyway.  They've won 22 of their last 25 and it'll be a miracle if they don't add another one this evening.

What I'd Like To See:

Since we're still the rolling hospital ward and you can't be sure who will play from night to night it seems silly to hope for anything but the chance to get this over with and then limp home.  You hope for energy.  You hope for passion.  You hope not to look quite as lost as we did versus Dallas the other night.  But any strategic advice would come from the "when you see the flash, duck and cover" file.  Yeah...good luck with that.  As Matthew Broderick and Ally Sheedy taught us so long ago, well...

--Dave (blazersub@yahoo.com)