Currently, it looks like the San Antonio Spurs and their followers are oscillating between “it’s so over” and “we’re so again.” Each Spurs loss sends the followers right into a frenzy, and each win has the expectations set larger. At 13-13, the Spurs are profitable simply sufficient to stay round in a tricky Western Convention.
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In accordance with the most recent Pounding the Rock ballot, San Antonio is correct the place the fan base anticipated them to be. Solely 2% of followers mentioned they failed to satisfy their expectations, and even that seems like a mis-click. San Antonio was projected to win round 35 video games this season. If the present tempo retains up, they’re properly on their solution to exceeding that complete.
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One of many large causes for the Spurs’ success is the surprising NBA-readiness of rookie Stephon Fort. The UCONN product is averaging 11.7 factors and three.9 assists in 25 video games this season. His protection and physicality have been above the place most rookies are getting into the league. With Jared McCain taking place for an prolonged time period, Fort is firmly within the lead for the Rookie of the 12 months award.
Julian Champagnie has additionally shocked Spurs followers, incomes practically 1 / 4 of the vote. The wing has plugged into the beginning lineup properly, enjoying strong protection and pulling down photographs. He’s averaging 12.8 factors and 5.2 rebounds whereas taking pictures 35.6% from three.
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So, what are the expectations for the Spurs transferring ahead? In the event that they proceed to play this properly, the Play-In Event appears real looking. That’s what 69% of voters suppose, anyway. San Antonio is eleventh within the West, only a sport behind the Los Angeles Lakers, who’re in tenth. The Spurs have plenty of competitors for the highest 10 spots within the West. You’d must suppose that the Sacramento Kings will issue into the playoff race sooner or later, that means there will probably be 12 groups realistically vying for 10 spots.
San Antonio will probably be an element within the playoff race, and that’s greater than they’ve been in a position to say within the final two seasons. Making the Play-In could be an enormous step for a younger group that’s steadily bettering.
