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NBA: 5 Things We Learned On Opening Night

By Josh Cornelissen

Oct 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; General view during the ring ceremony and NBA championship banner raising ceremony before a game against the New York Knicks at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; General view during the ring ceremony and NBA championship banner raising ceremony before a game against the New York Knicks at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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October 25, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) dribbles the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Spurs defeated the Warriors 129-100. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
October 25, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) dribbles the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Spurs defeated the Warriors 129-100. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

The Spurs Are Not Going to Fold Now That Tim Duncan Is Retired

Perhaps no team in NBA history has come off a 67-win season to as little fanfare and support as the San Antonio Spurs. They set a franchise record in wins, trotted out an historic defense, and introduced the league to the true cheat code for slowing the Warriors.

A lackluster playoff series and the formation of the A-Team in Oakland, and suddenly the Spurs are yesterday’s news. Tim Duncan retiring meant this team couldn’t retain its lofty heights.

No matter than the team’s two best players last season were Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge, not Duncan and his aging wingmen.

The Spurs came to play Tuesday night and they smoked Golden State from the start.

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    • Kawhi Leonard officially stamped his MVP campaign, dropping a career-high 35 points (15-for-15 from the line), five steals, and magnificent defense on Kevin Durant and Draymond Green, depending on who was on the court.

    The Spurs got solid contributions from the new core, as LaMarcus Aldridge put up 26 points and 14 rebounds and backup point guard Patty Mills chipped in 11 points, five assists, four steals, and a game-high plus-35 in less than 18 minutes of action.

    The true wild card was Jonathon Simmons, who came off the bench to put up 20 points on 14 shots, including a number of dagger threes late in the second quarter to set the Spurs apart for good.

    He was ferocious on defense and attacking the rim, and his athleticism seemed to overwhelm Golden State at times.

    Those saying San Antonio is done had to eat their words Tuesday night. It may be time to give up doubting Gregg Popovich entirely.