NBA Playoffs: Ailing Clippers No Match For Streaking Spurs

In fact, for those that are into advanced statistics*, the Spurs have now put together a streak of 15 consecutive victories. It’s actually been over a month since the Spurs last lost -- and, were it not for the playoff victories, this might not even be the most impressive string of wins that San Antonio put together during this lockout-truncated season.

That’s a lot of winning!

The Clippers probably don’t beat the Grizzlies without Eric Bledsoe playing so well in limited minutes. They probably don’t stand a chance against the Spurs unless he plays a lot of minutes. He has 21 points and three steals in just 19 minutes, along with his usual pesky defense and highlight plays. Without him, this isn’t even a game.

Here’s why I love watching the San Antonio Spurs: they combine the two essential elements of unselfishness.

On the one hand, they have many different playmakers on the roster. Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Danny Green, Boris Diaw and Tim Duncan can also find cutters whenever they want.

Tim Duncan should not be beating DeAndre Jordan to loose balls or throwing him a vintage spin move for a layup. He is, though, and that’s the reason the Spurs are so much scarier in the playoffs this year. Last year, Duncan looked old. This year, he looks way, way younger.

When you play the San Antonio Spurs, you have to pay attention to the guys who don’t have the ball as much as you pay attention to the guys who do have the ball. Randy Foye doesn’t seem to understand that. He keeps letting Danny Green get free, both from beyond the three-point line and by cutting backdoor.

Also, the Clippers might want to guard some of the shooters in transition. Kawhi Leonard had all century to shoot his last open three.

He’s not wrong, of course.