But until this season, the champs have never pulled it off. San Antonio went a total of 41-0 at home this season, withstanding their fiercest rivals and overcoming double-digit deficits. This adds yet another notch to the championship belt that has run through the Spurs franchise over the last fifteen seasons.
The key to finally achieving this tremendous feat of basketball prestige, also an NBA record, was the addition of even more perimeter shooting. The trio of Buddy Hield, Otto Porter & Fred VanVleet has been deadly, boosting the Spurs into the #1 spot in 3PT percentage of 30 teams.
Defenses have to guard all three scoring threats, since the trio has been in San Antonio's starting lineup for most of the season, barring injury or roster experimentation. As soon as an opening reveals itself, the Spurs capitalize and execute, as only the Spurs offensive scheme can, and does, and moreover has done: Spur-Fection throughout this dynastic reign.
A career high night by Buddy Hield, a 38-PT performance by Fred VanVleet and Otto Porter in the running for #6th man of the year all point to the passion and success of the San Antonio Spurs.
The Rest:
San Antonio trailed 28-22 after the 1st Quarter, but Buddy Hield finished with 30 points, splashing in eight daggers from long range territory. Brandon Ingram had 17 behind him. Kris Dunn dished 10 assists, as the Magic went way cold hitting just 5-31 from 3PT. Both teams had a rough night shooting the ball, each at 39% FG overall. Orlando had 21 turnovers, though, losing the 3rd Quarter by a 30-12 margin. Brandon Clarke had 11 rebounds for the Spurs.
