The New Orleans Pelicans slid down a spot last night after the OKC Thunder, San Antonio Spurs game. San Antonio is moving up after beating the OKC Thunder 103-99.
The New Orleans Pelicans had the night off last night. However, there was a critical game with playoff implications. The Oklahoma City Thunder took on the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs emerged victorious, causing the Pelicans to move down to the sixth spot. The Spurs and Thunder are now tied and a half-game in front of the Pelicans.
The Pelicans are in action tonight against the Cleveland Cavaliers, a win would put them in a three-way tied record-wise with the Thunder and Spurs. The Spurs are always a dangerous team and they could be a first-round opponent for the New Orleans Pelicans.
San Antonio has always been an internal organization. Because of this, you almost never hear about locker room issues or any issues involving coach Gregg Popovich. The Spurs have not missed the playoffs since 1997 and currently have a few future Hall-Of-Famers on their roster.
The Spurs are always flying under or off the radar. They’re almost like a black-ops NBA team, everyone knows they exist, but no one really talks about them until the playoffs.
This season, however, has been completely different. The Spurs have something they normally do not ever have. Drama, at the beginning of the season it was reported that LaMarcus Aldridge was upset with Gregg Popovich and was leaning towards wanting a trade. That story was quickly followed up with an “Everything is ok now” story.
There’s drama brewing in San Antonio
Now, there’s drama with Kawhi Leonard. Leonard, despite being medically cleared to play weeks ago, has been reportedly reluctant to resume playing for San Antonio. There are numerous rumors that Leonard is going to ask for a trade and that he’s had a falling out in San Antonio. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted on March 22nd, that the Spurs held a players-only meeting imploring Leonard to return. That tweet was disputed by Spurs guard Danny Green and Leonard has yet to return to game action.
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The New Orleans Pelicans have a sizable advantage against the Spurs if the two were to meet in the first-round. That advantage is Anthony Davis. Davis is averaging a double-double against the Spurs this season. Davis is just too skilled and too quick on his feet for Aldridge or Pau Gasol to defend.
The Spurs are still the same team they always are this season. They rank first in opponents scoring allowing 99 points a game. Without Leonard, the scoring and rebounding have been coming from Aldridge. He’s carrying the Spurs this season averaging 23 points and eight rebounds a game.
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The role players from San Antonio are always prevalent and capable of making big plays when their time comes. From Kyle Anderson to Patty Mills the Spurs have weapons that can space the floor. As a result, the defense of the Pelicans will have to be on display if they’re matched with the Spurs.