NBA: 10 Biggest Disappointments So Far In 2016-17

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Nov 11, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich talks with guard Tony Parker (9) during the first half against the Detroit Pistons at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

9. San Antonio’s Home Dominance

Last season, the San Antonio Spurs were an NBA-best 40-1 within the confines of the AT&T Center, tying the 1985-86 Boston Celtics for the best home record in NBA history. They beat teams by an average margin of 14 points per game, second to only the Golden State Warriors (+14.4).

This season, however, the Spurs have looked awfully mortal at home. Maybe it’s the absence of the greatest player in franchise history now that Tim Duncan is retired. Maybe it’s early injuries to Danny Green and Tony Parker. Or maybe it’s just an early season fluke that will correct itself as the season goes on, much like this one is starting to correct itself:

Despite some hiccups, Spurs currently have the No. 7 defense in the NBA. In first quarters at home, however, they rank dead last.
— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) November 10, 2016

So far, however, you’d expect San Antonio’s immaculate road record (6-0) to be flipped with their paltry home record (3-3). Six games is a small sample size in either case, and the Spurs’ three home losses have come against the Jazz, Rockets and Clippers — three likely playoff teams. No one should be panicking about a 9-3 team.

But let’s not act like the Spurs posting a -1.3 point differential at home and almost dropping a fourth home contest to the lowly Miami Heat is in keeping with the status quo for Gregg Popovich and company.