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How strong are Spurs? Succeed Jordan finished OK, beat James violently, and let the universe bravely make off-the-plate moves

Spurs Dynasty: An underrated legend, a forgotten snack

The 2023-2024 season saw the Spurs come to an abrupt end, becoming the first team to miss the play-offs. The glory of the past seems to have been wiped out, and people are gradually forgetting the team's former dominance and the profound impact they have had on the NBA. Today, let's go back to those eventful years and explore the legend of the Spurs dynasty and why it's underrated.

The cornerstone of the dynasty: understated greatness

The establishment of the Spurs dynasty was not achieved overnight, but from long-term accumulation and precipitation. In 1997, the gears of fate turned, and the arrival of the No. 1 pick allowed the Spurs to get Tim · Duncan. The taciturn superstar became the cornerstone of the Spurs' 20-year success. Duncan's arrival has set the Spurs' solid tone and shaped their unique team culture.

From 1997 to 2017, the Spurs made the playoffs for 20 consecutive years, winning more than 50 games except for a shortened season, reaching the finals six times and lifting the championship trophy five times. Such an achievement is comparable to that of any team in history. Compared to other dynastic teams, the Spurs are unusually low-key. They don't have a flashy style of play, they don't have a flamboyant personality, they just train and play day in and day out, and they have a persistent pursuit of victory.

Succeed Jordan, finish OK, challenge James: The glory moment of the Spurs dynasty

Several key moments for the Spurs are mentioned in the original article: taking over Jordan, ending the OK dynasty, and beating James. These events were not simple victories, but the profound impact of the Spurs dynasty on the league landscape at different times.

Succeed Jordan:

In 1999, Jordan retired for the second time, and the NBA entered a brief power vacuum. The Spurs seized the opportunity to win the first championship in franchise history under Duncan, heralding the dawn of a new era. This was not only a victory for the Spurs, but also the establishment of a new order in the league.

End of the OK Dynasty:

The era of the Lakers OK combination was another peak of the league. The Spurs defeated the Lakers in the 2003 Finals, ending their three-straight championship dream. This victory is not just a battle between two teams, but also a collision of two basketball styles. The Spurs defeated individual heroism with team basketball and pointed the way for the future of the league.

Challenge James:

James is one of the greatest players of the 21st century. The Spurs have played against James many times, and the Spurs have shown a strong competitiveness in James' youth and prime. In the 2007 Finals, the Spurs swept the Cavaliers, teaching a valuable lesson to the young James. In the 2013 and 2014 Finals, the Spurs played six and five games against the Heat Big Three, showing the experience and tenacious fighting spirit of the old spicy.

Underrated Greatness: The Dilemma and Reflections of the Spurs Dynasty

Despite their brilliant achievements, the Spurs dynasty is often underestimated. There are both objective and subjective reasons for this.

Low-key team culture:

The Spurs have always championed team basketball, emphasizing discipline and defense. This low-key and pragmatic style, while successful, also made them lack the star aura and topicality of other dynasty teams.

Impact of the Small Ball Era:

With the rise of the Warriors, the small-ball era has officially arrived. The Spurs' traditional style of play has been challenged, and their efficiency on the offensive end has gradually decreased, making it difficult to adapt to the new pace of the game.

Lack of Superstars:

Compared to other dynastic teams, the Spurs lack a superstar who can stand alone in the post-Duncan era. Leonard's departure made the Spurs even worse.

The data corroborates the following:

According to Basketball-Reference, the Spurs had a whopping 61% regular-season win rate during the Duncan era (1997-2016), one of the highest winning percentages in NBA history.

According to the NBA's official website, the Spurs won a total of 5 championships during Popovich's tenure (1996-2023), making them one of the most championship-winning coaches in NBA history.

FiveThirtyEight's ELO rating system shows that the Spurs proved their dominance by reaching an all-time high after winning the championship in 2014.

Future Prospects: The Inheritance of the Spurs Spirit

Although the Spurs dynasty has come to an end, their spirit and culture will continue to live on. The Spurs have produced a number of outstanding players and coaches who will carry the Spurs' basketball philosophy to other teams and continue to influence the development of the league.

Original Perspectives:

The success of the Spurs dynasty lies in its unique team culture. This culture emphasizes discipline, selflessness and dedication, allowing the Spurs to remain competitive for up to 20 years.

The Spurs dynasty is underrated for its low-key style. In this age of individual heroism, the Spurs' team basketball philosophy seems a bit out of place.

The future of the Spurs dynasty lies in developing new leaders and adapting to new times. The Spurs need to find new core players and adjust their tactical play to re-emerge in the competitive NBA.

Case Study:

In the 2017 Western Conference finals, Leonard was injured and the Spurs were eliminated by the Warriors. This case illustrates the importance of superstars. If Leonard hadn't been injured, the Spurs would have had a good chance of beating the Warriors and even eventually winning the championship.

Future Trends:

The Spurs are in the midst of a rebuild, and they need time to develop young players. The Spurs may not be a strong title contender in the coming years, but they will still be a competitive team.

The legend of the Spurs dynasty lies not only in the number of championships they have won, but also in their understanding and interpretation of basketball. They proved that the power of team basketball can overcome anything. Even after the dynasty has ended, the Spurs spirit will forever inspire future generations. What place do you think the Spurs dynasty should occupy in NBA history? What can their success tell other teams? These questions deserve our in-depth consideration.