Chicago has been winning without its signature player all season. That trend wouldn’t last Monday night, as they lost to a San Antonio team playing without their familiar “Big Three,” 103-89.
That 14-point differential should tell you all you need to know about the Spurs this year. They have the best record in basketball, again. Greg Popovich is coaching is ass off, again. But perhaps what was most on display Monday night was their incredible depth. Again. Playing without Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan (who missed time for various reasons), San Antonio’s superb supporting cast carried the load. Kawhi Leonard (26 points) was the star of the show, offering more evidence that – when the sun does set on the Tim Duncan era – the Spurs have the personnel in place to keep on the winning tradition.
On the other side, Chicago has to feel pretty embarrassed. But, Derrick Roses’s imminent return should sooth all hard feelings.