Spurs excelling when it matters most
 

If the NBA had the equivalent of a Mortal Kombat-style fatality, it would be the San Antonio Spurs finishing off yet another opponent in the fourth quarter.

They added to their growing list of victims on Thursday, outscoring Milwaukee by 11 over the final 12 minutes to break open what had been a tie game. In doing so the Spurs improved to 8-2 when tied or trailing entering the fourth quarter, a huge reason why they’re off to a 15-4 start — tying rival Oklahoma City for the league lead — despite a variety of injuries.

Not surprisingly, the Spurs are No. 1 in fourth-quarter scoring at 27.6 per game. They’re outscoring opponents by an NBA-best average of 4.3 points in the final period, accounting for nearly two thirds of their overall margin of victory, 6.8 points, in just 12 minutes.

The Spurs’ eight victories when tied or trailing down entering the fourth –

at New Orleans: Tied at 71-all, outscored Hornets 28-24 in the fourth to win 99-95.

Oklahoma City: Tied at 66-all, outscored Thunder 20-18 in the fourth to win 86-84.

Utah: Tied at 79-all, outscored Jazz 31-21 in the fourth to win 110-100.

at Portland: Trailed 79-73, outscored Blazers 39-30 in the fourth to win 112-109.

at Indiana: Trailed 77-73, outscored Pacers 31-20 in the fourth to win 104-97.

at Toronto: Trailed 70-69, outscored Raptors 42-36 in the fourth and two overtimes to win 111-106.

Memphis: Trailed 73-60, outscored Grizzlies 39-22 in the fourth and overtime to win 99-95.

Milwaukee: Tied at 76-all, outscored Bucks 34-23 in the fourth to win 110-99.

The list does not include a pair of victories — 97-86 at Sacramento, 84-82 at the L.A. Lakers — in which the Spurs led by just one entering the final quarter.

Spurs Nation

I guess this tells two things:

1. We have arguably the BEST coach in the NBA. No wonder here since Pop had won the coach of the year last year.
2. Our Spurs are back with BETTER effort to finish off what they left off last year!!!This year our Spurs are more DETERMINED to get that business finsihed! :smirk

When they interviewed with David Aldridge (sp?) about a week ago on the radio, he said that Spurs usually start slow and they get the grind going and peak at the second half. Last year and this year he is seeing a trend in the Spurs they start strong and continue strong.

Well in a tough Western Conf Pop learned that they need to stay on the top all year because it is very hard to play it at the second half and keep climbing up and then Boom the PO comes along. Pop is doing it by committee and experimenting now but so far all Spurs *Thank Goodness* have been responding to Pop's change in system. They are all very smart and mature players who are looking to win. No surprise here when our leaders The Big Three are guiding everyone.

It is good to be a Spurs fan!
:hat

Go Spurs Go

The spurs just keep growing an dhoep they stay healthy and finish strong!