If you haven't heard the news, the Memphis Grizzlies are falling apart from the inside. Kickstarted by the strange comments of superstar point guard Ja Morant in a postgame presser, the Grizzlies' downfall may be happening sooner than expected. To the Spurs' benefit, their downfall is occurring at the perfect time.
In the heated race up the Western Conference ladder, the Grizzlies were a team that the Spurs needed to leap over. As the Spurs look to avoid the play-in tournament altogether, seeing the Grizzlies fall apart is a significant first step.
Pushing towards the playoffs was never going to be easy for San Antonio, although it may look like that so far. If the Spurs want to make the playoffs, getting some help along the way would be incredibly beneficial. Thus making this Grizzlies pitfall all the more intriguing.
The Spurs are aiming towards the top of the Western Conference
The Spurs' quest to the peak of the Western Conference is off to a wicked hot start. The team is sitting at a comfortable 5-2, which places them fifth in the conference, but they have the same record as Houston and Denver. They're the third and fourth seeds. This is as good a start as we could have imagined.
Heading into the year, the expectations were high for San Antonio. Some expected a playoff berth, while others aimed even higher for a spot at the top of the conference. However, it appears that the Spurs' idea of just sneaking into the playoffs this season is behind them; they are aiming for the top.
The Spurs don't need a gelling period or a transition year; they are ready to conquer the NBA. It wouldn't be the first time that a team has made a massive leap in its respective conference. The Houston Rockets achieved this just last year, while teams such as the previously mentioned Grizzlies and Thunder have also accomplished this in recent seasons.
The Spurs have a blueprint for winning in the regular season. They have an elite defense and a deep bench, along with a mega-star leading the way. While their youth and injury concerns may hold them back from achieving their greatest goals, the destination is clear.
So, keep an eye on the Grizzlies and any other Western Conference team that falls. The Spurs are on a path to success, but securing a spot in the top six of the conference is by no means guaranteed. They will take all the help they can get in their journey to the playoffs.