At the beginning of every season for the past decade, the San Antonio Spurs have been all but written off ‘old’ and they go through the slog of the long season, sometimes rife with injury, sometimes not but always showing up in the postseason. The Admiral sets sail and they win. Slam Duncan sets records in nearly all statistical categories over a 17 year career and still manages to average 13.6 points per game, 9.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 2.0 blocks shooting 50% from the floor and career high 7.% from the line in under 30 minutes a game.
And now, we are in the midst of the passing the throne. First from Five-O to Duncan to Ginobili to Parker and now to Kawhi Leonard.
“It’s going to be Kawhi’s team, anyway,” Parker said. “Timmy transitioned to Manu, Manu transitioned to me, and now it’s going to be transitioned to Kawhi. I’ll try my best to stay aggressive and be involved, but Kawhi is going to be the man.”
That came after the Spurs sent their in-state rival Houston Rockets home confused and concerned in a 110-98 thumping. Leonard, who has been averaging 19.9 ppg, 5.8 RPG, 2.8 steals and 2.7 assist over the past 10 games had an off night of 20 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and four steals.
“Give them credit, they took us out of our game and we couldn’t sustain anything in the second half,” Rockets coach Kevin McHale said.