The NBA schedule for the upcoming season was recently unveiled. While Spurs fans have been able to enjoy some highlights, including having a quarter (21) of their games broadcast on national television, including a Christmas Day game in New York against the Knicks, league officials have not been very kind to the Spurs during the second half of the season.
Heading into the playoffs (if all goes well), the Spurs have nine straight games scheduled in the latter part of the season. They have 15 in total this season, but players need rest and energy in the latter part of the season. That’s when all systems go, trying to earn a spot to contend for the O’Brien Trophy.
Spurs are young and will be full of exuberance, especially if they are in contention towards the end of the season, which is what most of the silver and black nations would expect at this stage. They have veterans Players, especially Chris Paul, who will likely rest some of those two-game stretch. The younger players should counteract that, though, and fans will likely see more of the likes of Stephon Castle and Tre Jones when Paul sits.
Jones was a reliable and consistent player last season, running the attack well and providing leadership. That won’t change this year, and the Spurs will be better for it. Coach Pop will also be counting on role players like Mamu and Charles Bassey to provide quality minutes at forward in these back-to-back games. While their opportunities are limited, both players have been able to shine when they’ve had more playing time than usual.
Even though the task is daunting, the Spurs can mitigate some of the tribulations of back-to-back games later in the season. The NBA has done the Spurs no favors, but a successful team must overcome adversity to reach the top.
