Hoops Habit
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NBA Power Rankings: Hot or Cold Edition

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 11, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) shows emotion against the Washington Wizards in the second quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) shows emotion against the Washington Wizards in the second quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 12, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (left) presents President Barack Obama (right) with a ball signed by the Spurs during a ceremony honoring the NBA Champion Spurs in the East Room at The White House. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (left) presents President Barack Obama (right) with a ball signed by the Spurs during a ceremony honoring the NBA Champion Spurs in the East Room at The White House. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

10. San Antonio Spurs

Previous: No. 11

Record: 23-16

Last Week: 2-1

Verdict: Warming Up

The San Antonio Spurs haven’t been at full strength very often in 2014-15. Paired with seven back-to-backs in December, that’s a major reason why the Spurs have underachieved early in the season.

You know, if you consider a record of 23-16 to be underachieving.

San Antonio’s beginning to round into form, and the return of its key playmakers is a primary reason why. Both Patty Mills and Tony Parker are suiting up, thus enabling the Spurs to execute in the prolific offensive manner that we’re accustomed to seeing.

The pending return of 2014 Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard will do nothing but further improve the Spurs’ championship aspirations.

Just 9.0 games back of the No. 1 seed, this season is far from lost for the Spurs.

Having made consecutive NBA Finals appearances, San Antonio is the last team to count out in the Western Conference. Being the defending NBA champion only makes its case that much more appealing.

So long as they can stay healthy, the Spurs will be one of the most intriguing teams in the NBA.

Next: Still Developing Chemistry