Cohen: 2013‑14 Game Day Storylines
1 / 2410/22/13 at Spurs Cohen’s Analysis: The San Antonio Spurs reached the NBA Finals last season and were a couple of made free throws, a defensive rebound, a Ray Allen missed 3-pointer and some possible foul calls away from winning their fifth title since 1999. However, actual occurrences spoiled San Antonio’s chance at another championship. While most claim it was the Spurs who lost the Finals rather than the Heat winning it, the truth of the matter is that San Antonio was a fringe finalist all along. Tim Duncan, while still All-Star caliber, is not the dominant force he was several years ago. Manu Ginobili isn’t as complicated of a cover as he once was. Tony Parker continues to deal with nagging injuries. It’s not to shame or disrepute San Antonio’s accomplishments last season, but I think a trip to the Finals was more of a coincidence rather than an upcoming trend. Are the Spurs right now better than the Thunder if Russell Westbrook is healthy come playoff time? Are they better than a Dwight Howard & James Harden-led Rockets? Can they handle the speed and shooting of a more experienced Warriors team?