Defense Wins Championships

Earlier in the year I drew comparisons to several of the Spurs loses and victories by focusing on their opponent's field goal percentage. When it exceed 50% the opponents won. Just like clock work the Spurs have used their Rodeo trip to fine tune their playoff engines. Since that trip we have seen marked improvement in there offense and defense but most importantly their defense. Over the last 10 games the Spurs defense has held opponents offense to 41% and the results are a 9-1 record during this time. What happens next? With the acquisition of Kurt Thomas, the Spurs appear primed to improve on their defense, a defense that has earned them 4 championships. Could a 5th championship be on the way? Time will tell.

Is It Gambling Time?

The trade deadline is less than 3 weeks away. The Lakers acquisition of Pau Gasol probably have alot of GMs thinking trade, trade trade! The Spurs have acquired point guard, Damon Stoudamire (former teammate of Gasol) but could the Spurs make another unexpected trade before the deadline? Sure, why not. Of all the possible players/teams in the trade market, my bet would be a trade between the Spurs and Kings. If the Kings are looking for cap flexibility similiar to want prompted Memphis to trade their only all-star, then the Spurs have the perfect deal for them. Kings receive shooting big man (Matt Bonner) to compliment Brad Miller and Brent Barry's expiring contact. The Spurs acquire Ron Artest! Perhaps this trade is onesided, (I am a Spurs fan, of course it would be onesided) but if it works for the Lakers why not the Spurs.