2005 San Antonio Spurs Preview

At the time of publish the NBA regular season is around the corner. What better way to get you locked and loaded for a winning season than a free season preview from Maddux Sports. We remind you that MadduxSports.com is an expert NBA handicapper and offers NBA Picks against the point spread. For more information on this years basketball package click here. Onto the individual team preview for this years San Antonio Spurs.

2005 San Antonio Spurs Team Preview

Three championships in seven years, including last year’s crown, define the winning ways of the San Antonio Spurs. Tim Duncan, who’s spent his nine NBA seasons with this perennial contender, is the superstar centerpiece of a team that stresses defense, a solid bench, and shot blockers. Last year the Spurs won 40 of 45 games that were decided by 10 points or more. And of course last year they out slugged the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals 4 games to 3.

This year should be more of the same for the club from San Antonio. This is a veteran team with experienced starters, an aging bench, and a revered coach—Gregg Popovich (455 wins- 233 loses in 9 years with the Spurs). Popovich’s system certainly seems to work—force the other team out of the paint and to the sides where they have to shoot over the big guys. Challenge the other guy’s offense—stay consistent and disciplined. When they have the ball Popovich lets his guards be creative and offers them options by using the pick-and-roll.

Last year Tim Duncan did the usual, leading the team in points (20.3) and rebounds (11.1) per game. The good news going into this season is that Duncan and his weary ankles rested this summer instead of running up and down the court for the national team. A textbook style player, Duncan provides solid, fundamental performances that serve as a foundation for his team’s success.

Manu Ginobili, shooting guard, and Tony Parker, point guard, are the two other major point-makers in the starting five. Ginobili, from Argentina, is a take-no-prisoners type of player who averaged 16 points per game. He gives the Spurs a special energy born from his intrepid attitude.

Tony Parker, with 16.6 points per game, continues to improve. When he drives to the basket, which is often, he’s tough to stop, but as of last year he had not yet developed a reliable outside shot. If he can do this, Parker-- the Belgium-born and French-national point guard—will add yet another weapon to the Spurs’ arsenal.

In a league that extols flashiness over uniformity and individual play over team effort, the Spurs seem to be an anomaly. But they’re an anomaly that translates into wins and championships. San Antonio should win their division again this year and they may, for the first time in their history, repeat as NBA champs.

For more information on the 2005 San Antonio Spurs Team, click here to visit their official team website.