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NBA: Two Darkhorse Title Contenders in Each Conference

By Evan Massey

Apr 3, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) signals a play during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 101-87. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) signals a play during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 101-87. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 24, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) and guard Manu Ginobili (20) and forward Tim Duncan (21) prepare to face the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Spurs 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) and guard Manu Ginobili (20) and forward Tim Duncan (21) prepare to face the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Spurs 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Western Conference – San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs are usually one of the championship favorites heading into the NBA Playoffs, but they aren’t this season. Currently, they are 49-26 which is good for the sixth seed in the Western Conference playoff race.

Even though they may not be one of the top seeds in the playoff race or one of the most talked about teams, they are going to be a very tough team to face in the playoffs. It seems that every single year they play their best basketball in the postseason. Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Kawhi Leonard are all capable of taking over games, and that has given them a very dangerous balance for opposing defenses.

One of the most important areas of the Spurs’ success has been their passing. It seems to be their forte each and every season, and they are currently ranked fifth in the NBA in assists per game. They put so much pressure on opposing defenses with their ball movement, and never settle for contested shots.

San Antonio has also been one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, and are ranked fourth in the league in points allowed.

Their combination of offense and defense has been successful in years past, and it will be successful again this year. Coaching is a very underrated part of basketball as well, and Gregg Popovich is the best coach in the NBA.

All of that adds up to the Spurs being a very strong championship candidate once again and a team to watch. They are going to be extremely difficult to beat in a seven-game series, and have the potential to make another championship winning run. The big three still have more basketball left in them, and it should be another competitive playoff appearance for them.

Next: Eastern Conference - Washington Wizards