Been There Done That

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The nucleolus of the San Antonio Spurs has been together for five NBA Championships and six visits to the finals, their team is also littered with veteran role players with playoff experience. They also have the benefit of having one of the greatest coaches in NBA history – Gregg Popovich patrolling their sidelines. Unsurprisingly, the team has again gone without much acclaim; being overshadowed by Kobe’s final season, drama in Cleveland, and the historic run the Warriors have been on.

This is despite the team finished with 67 regular season wins. More times than not the Spurs have gone without being the mainstream favorites, however that has not deterred their success over the past two decades.

Thunder Challenge

Unlike the Cavs who are running through a continued “challenged” Eastern Conference, San Antonio is currently embroiled in a series with a talented – yet undisciplined Thunder team. Nobody should expect the Spurs confidence to waver even after a tough defeat tonight. If they continue to the Western Conference Finals they will again receive a tough test from the Trail Blazers or Warriors. There is something to be said about overcoming adversity, despite conventional wisdom stating rest would favor an aging group.

Despite the current challenge presented; the Spurs consistency, depth, and discipline should be able to propel them past the Thunder – which could end Kevin Durant’s run as the face of the Oklahoma City franchise.

What Makes Them The Favorite

Their depth and experience is what truly makes them the team to beat, especially as the series against OKC moves back to San Antonio. This is still a team that brings Manu Ginobili,

The San Antonio Spurs celebrate with the Larry O’Brien NBA Championship Trophy after the Spurs defeated the Miami Heat 107-84 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals to win the NBA Finals Championship, June 15, 2014 in San Antonio,Texas. From left are: MVP Kawhi Leonard, Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Patty Mills. The Spurs won the best of seven series 4-1. AFP PHOTO / Robyn Beck (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)

Patty Mills, David West, and Boris Diaw off the bench. Pop still has prolific scorer Kevin Martin on the bench as well if he ever decides to grant him more playing time. Even with the depth the Warriors present, there isn’t a more competent bench in the league.

With the offense Aldridge brings, play making skills of Parker, two-way game of Leonard, and leadership of Duncan there’s never a situation where the Spurs cannot find a way to win whether it be a game, series, or NBA Championship.