The Spurs find themselves with an 11-0 record, atop the entire league in the standings, even with the Lakers just one game behind at 10-1. This is a far cry from a league-record 41-game win streak San Antonio set just 3 seasons ago after winning 70 games, but it's definitely promising, given the roster shakeup this summer and the turbulent recovery period after Kawhi Leonard's departure from the team two seasons ago.
Kent Bazemore has been impressive, shooting above 40% from long range, including a new career-high 33 points performance already in the background. Trey Lyles is excelling in the mid range and Jarrett Allen is almost too good as a backup, certifying a large contact, whether it comes as an extension before the deadline by San Antonio or by another team next summer as a free agent. Brandon Ingram has shown a new scoring prowess, as other core players show improvement--a testament of the training staff's hard work over the last couple seasons. "The way Brandon eyes that net now, and how fierce Dejounte is on the fast break--it is impressive, let me tell you. We had a part in that, but the credit goes to our players most of all. They have tremendous heart, and a warrior spirit," Coach Popovich said, next to Assistant Coaches Tim Duncan and Becky Hammon, who he continues to mentor on the sidelines.
"We're off to a strong start, but we got a rough set of games coming up. We gotta keep strong."
The Spurs will soon face the Los Angeles Clippers (8-3) and Utah Jazz, the former ousted without Brandon Ingram on the court, and the latter stretching the Spurs out to 7 games last season.
Not far behind the Lakers is the Utah Jazz at 9-3, who San Antonio would be wise to keep an eye on. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks stand at 6-7, just 4-3 at home, roster standing pat for the most part from two consecutive Finals runs, before bowing out to the 76ers last season. Not a good sign, considering that the Greek Freak will be the most-prized free agent next summer.
Down South, the Miami Heat now appear to be contenders once more at 8-3, after a lengthy absence from the wars of this Spurs team's earliest title victories; a refreshing sight as it was Miami that last defeated the Spurs in the NBA Finals, yet so long ago. The acquisition of Kevin Love from the Cavaliers and Andre Iguodala has definitely paid off. The basketball gods may be finally shining light upon the New York Knicks, if only some light, as LaMelo Ball has been a rookie sensation so far, propelling the Knicks to a 9-2 record (5-0 at Madison Square Garden). The Atlanta Hawks, with LaMarcus Aldridge, Trae Young & #1 Pick Anthony Edwards lead the Eastern Conference at 10-2 having won 6 in a row (7-1 at home).
Lastly, the 76ers (fresh off a 1-4, NBA Finals defeat to San Antone) have started out solidly at 8-5, aiming to defend the Eastern Conference Title. Then, there's the Toronto Raptors, sans DeMarr DeRozan (and Marc Gasol, now a Laker) staggering out to a 2-10 tally (1-7 on the road), looking to Pascal Siakam to carry the torch from Kyle Lowry. If it helps, the Magic are just 3-10 with DeRozan. With a now-healthy John Wall, the Washington Wizards are 0-10, scoring just 79.9ppg thus far, as a leadership tension seems to be building between Bradley Beal & Wall, the former this past summer saying he'd like to play his entire career in Washington, since it's different to have an NBA Team build the roster around you, seeming to imply that John Wall's time is up as the front-man of the Wizards.
In closing, the NBA Season is still young, as the undefeated Spurs head into Charlotte to match up with the 1-10 Hornets, who have their own problems with promising sophomore prospect, P.J. Washington & third-year talent, Devonte Graham contending against second-year signing, Terry Rozier, III. Danilo Galinari's free-agency arrival has done little to win games, with Rozier clearly struggling to lead the team in Kemba Walker's wake. Rozier shot 37% last year, including 30% from 3PT distance. 11 games in, he is shooting worse at 36% and a shocking 28% from 3PT range, averaging just 3 assists and 10ppg. Charlotte also has the albatross contract in Nicolas Batum, who's not been able to live up to the agreement due to injuries and roster acclimation. So, even with Michael Kidd-Gildchrist now in Dallas with his own hefty contract in the past, Jordan's organization clearly has a rocky future ahead.
