Spurs Get First Crack at 'Superteam' Warriors
By Reylan Loberternos
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 24 Oct 2016
Folsom, California - For the first time in almost 20 years, the San Antonio Spurs will open the season without Tim Duncan. The Golden State Warriors, on the other hand, have added another arsenal to its already deadly combination of stars in former league MVP Kevin Durant. The Spurs and Warriors are the league's top two teams of the past regular season - the Spurs finishing with a franchise best 67-15 win-loss record and the Warriors with a magical run of 73 wins and only 9 losses that ended anticlimactically, bowing to eventual champions Cleveland Cavaliers after giving up a 3-1 advantage in the 2016 NBA Finals last June.
The Spurs and the Warriors will faceoff on NBA opening night this Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California, home of the Warriors, with tip-off set at 10:30 PM ET (Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at about 10 Philippine Time).
The Warriors will parade four all-stars in reigning back-to-back MVP Steph Curry, reigning All-Star 3-point shootout champion Klay Thompson, arguably the leagues most versatile bigman in Draymond Green, and former league MVP Kevin Durant. On the flipside, the Spurs will showcase three all-stars and probably the league's best frontcourt composed of the reigning back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year Kawhi Leonard, backed up by crafty and sweet-shooting big men in LaMarcus Aldridge and new recruit Pau Gasol.
The Warriors love to rain it down from deep, banking on the sniping capabilities of the splash brothers Steph and Klay. Now they add another 'splasher' in Durant. On paper, it is going to be a defensive nightmare for opposing teams. The Spurs have two of the best perimeter defenders in the league on its roster, but only one will get to see the court Tuesday night. Kawhi Leonard will certainly have his large hands full without 'bruise brother' Danny Green, who will miss 3 weeks of game action with a quad strain.
These are two of the most disciplined teams in the league. Coached by two of the Coach-of-the-Year awardees of the past 3 years in Gregg Popovich for the Spurs (2013-14) and Steve Kerr for the Warriors(2015-16), both teams are expected to maximize their strengths at every opportunity and try to force each other to adjust. Kerr will most certainly bank on the shooting prowess of his troops, while Popovich will probably dump the ball down low as often as possible, like they did when they became one of only 9 teams to beat the Warriors last season. A shootout will definitely favor the Warriors and the Spurs will improve their chances if they control the pace and make it a low-scoring game.
Apart from the blockbuster addition of Durant, the Warriors have also added big men Zaza Pachulia, JaVale McGee, and curiously, David West, who played for the Spurs last season. They will also have another 7-footer in 30th overall rookie pick Damian Jones out of Vanderbilt and 6'7" point guard and 38th overall pick Patrick McCaw out of UNLV in tow.
On the other hand, the Spurs have added big men Dewayne Dedmon and former Warrior player David Lee, along with Gasol, to try to fill the large shoes left by Tim Duncan. Four rookies will also try to bolster the Spurs bench this season, including 29th overall pick Dejounte Murray, who most NBA General Managers consider as the biggest steal of this year's rookie draft. But much buzz has been generated by the 6'10" sweet-shooting and athletic wingman Davis Bertans out of Latvia, who is expected to instantly become part of Popovich's regular rotation this season, owing to his impressive performance on both sides of the court in the preseason games. Also forming part of the Spurs rookie invasion is undrafted rookie guard Bryn Forbes out of Michigan State and another guard in Nicolas Laprovittola out of Argentina.
This game might just be a preview of this upcoming season's Conference Finals. Too much anticipation is in the air. The wait is almost over. The NBA is definitely back!
Comments are highly appreciated. You may send them to reylanloberternos@yahoo.com.ph and you may follow me on twitter @reylan_l
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Reylan Loberternos.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
GEORGE KAMBOSOS JR. VS. VASILIY LOMACHENKO TALE OF THE TAPE
By Maloney L. Samaco, Sun, 12 May 2024Masbate looms as boxing hub
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 12 May 2024Mexican Warriors Collide: Rafael Espinoza-Sergio Chirino Featherweight World Title Battle Set for June 21 at BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas on ESPN+
Sun, 12 May 2024Teen prodigy Jirah Floravie Cutiyog captures Imus Open rapid chess title
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 12 May 2024Amar wins Zugzwangers open blitz chessfest
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 12 May 2024ENNIS AND CROWLEY MEET AT PHILLY PRESSER AS TICKETS FLY FOR ‘BOOTS’’ HOMECOMING
Sat, 11 May 2024Nembhard late heroics lift Indiana over New York, 116-111; Denver Finally Beats T-Wolves
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 11 May 2024Weights from Perth: Vasiliy Lomachenko - 134.9 lbs., George Kambosos Jr. - 134.2 lbs.
Sat, 11 May 2024WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER FROM AGUASCALIENTES
Sat, 11 May 2024Granite Chin's Official Weights from Quincy, MA
Sat, 11 May 2024MERCADO AND ALI WORLD TITLE CLASH CONFIRMED FOR PHOENIX
Sat, 11 May 2024Weights From Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
Sat, 11 May 2024ROCKIN' FIGHTS 47 WEIGH-IN FRIDAY MAY 10 at NOON Hilton Long Island /Huntington Open to Public
Sat, 11 May 2024Gaballo in upset loss to Torres by 1st round TKO; Tapales dispatches Jakaew in 1st round
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 10 May 2024Cavs, Mavs Get Back at Celts, OKC; Tie Semis Series at 1-1
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 10 May 2024