Spurs enter 2013 Playoffs Banged Up

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It's no surprise to Spurs fans. This same script has played out the last few seasons almost in the same fashion with the same cast of characters injured. The recipe revolving around the big 3, Duncan, Ginobili and this year it's Tony Parker with an ailing ankle and sore neck and Manu Ginobili with a chronic hamstring. Last year, there was a glimmer of hope as the San Antonio faced Oklahoma City in the NBA Conference Finals. By the time San Antonio disposed of the Clippers in a sweep they were running on fumes. Holding the best record for most of the year and unsuccessfully integrating the youth of Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green and Tiago Splitter in time for the playoffs.  In 2011, Ginobili played with a broken arm in the Memphis series. Tim Duncan hobbled with plantar fasciatis in 2010.  So, as you can see, Spurs fans are hopeful but have seen the team's drive for 5 NBA Championships halted mostly by injury concerns. Will this be the year? For most of this season, the Spurs have held on to the top spot in the Western Conference, only to unravel in the last five contests. With two straight losses to Miami @home with no Lebron or Wade the team played out of sorts and then a subsequent loss to playoff contender Memphis. The Spurs won against a limited Orlando team, followed by a disappointing loss to OKC in a statement game. San Antonio almost faltered in a near loss against a cast of near unknowns in the Atlanta Hawks at home. Giving the Spurs a 2-3 record in that span. It's obvious the Spurs are sputtering at season's end without their best play-maker and facilitator in Tony Parker. The only reason the Spurs have held on to the top spot, simply due to a rejuvenated Tim Duncan. Duncan's averaging an amazing double-double for the season with 17.0 ppg, 10.0 rbg and 2.7 bgp. Tim's playoff tested demeanor has kept the Spurs close in these last 5 games. Another test comes tomorrow as the Spurs face against Denver Nuggets in Denver. Even without Gallinari, who was lost to a recent ACL injury, the Nuggets present tough match up problems because of their swingman flexibility on the perimeter and defense. Coach Pop will rest his main guns in Duncan along with ailing Ginobili and Parker as in years past, but with the hopes that this time he can finally have his unit firing on all cylinders. Especially now that the young talent of Kawhi Leonrad, Tiago Splitter and Danny Green has proven their resolve most of this NBA season and should pay dividends in the 2013 playoffs. Spurs can only hope, cross fingers, and light candles for their hard court heroes.
- Rafael Andrade Garza, (c) April, 2013.