A Girl & the Timberwolves

The Spurs. The most fundamental team in the league. The most elemental, lucid team in the NBA. You know what you’re playing against. You know your competition. They are methodical. They are successful.

I grew up disliking the Spurs for the very reasons I now appreciate them. I thought they were boring. No Kobe, no Carmelo, no KG. No drama. Not entertaining enough. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Tim Duncan slam dunk; but rather grew to despise his calculated bank shot. Gregg Popovich killed me. Not enough emotion, I thought. ”Jazz it up, Popp, let me get an alley-oop,” I whined, “do something, anything! No, not the pick and roll!”

As I’ve grown older, it’s the consistency the Spurs bring the the court that I adore, that I’ve missed in my other favorite teams. It’s the strength of their bench that makes me excited. It’s that Tim Duncan, the most boring player in basketball, is still the most boring player in basketball 10 years later. That he still relies on his bank shot. That he is confident and cool beyonce (beyond) measure.

Ginobili is one of the strongest bench players in the league. He is eager and consistent. He plays his role well.

I was wrong about Gregg Poppovich, by the way. Sure he doesn’t wear his emotion on his sleeve, but he has become more flamboyant in his old age. He is smart. He is a smart-ass. He knows the game and he knows his players. He is responsible. He respects his players and he takes care of them. I admire that.

The Tracy McGrady pick up is so nostalgic, I can’t get over it. I’m happy to see him on the roster.

Parker, Ginobili & Duncan. That’s my Big Three. Those hardworking, fundamentally sound, diligent basketball players. That’s who I want to win.

Don’t get it confused, the Spurs are not my favorite team in the playoffs. I would love to see the Oklahoma City Thunder face off against the Miami Heat in the championship series. But, thoughtfulness and honesty has allowed me to realize the San Antonio Spurs are the only team in the West that can beat the Heat. The Kobe-less Lakers are ineffective. The Clippers, as fun to watch as they are, lack the experience needed to dominate a team as powerful and well rounded as the Heat. Grizzlies, not a chance after the Rudy Gay trade.

My money is on the Spurs.