When you look at the [nine major statistical categories](https://www.nba.com/stats), they're top fives are littered with playoff teams. These teams have identities that you can somewhat see based on the things they emphasize and are good at. If the Spurs want to get back on top, they can't just be mediocre in several areas; they'll need to corner the market on a bunch of different stats.
The nine major stats are points per game, rebounds per game, assists per game, blocks per game, steals per game, field goal percentage, three-pointers made, three-point percentage, and free throw percentage. There will be more to making the playoffs than this, but there's something to it when you see that not a single non-playoff team finished top five in anything.
2024-25 Playoff teams and the categories they're top five in
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The only exception to this was at the bottom of the Eastern Conference field. That's not a surprise to anyone. The East has been the weaker of the two halves for over two decades. Miami made it in, and they finished as a 10th seed, and Orlando was a seventh seed with a .500 record (41-41). The theory holds true for everyone else.
Eastern Conference
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### 1 - Cavaliers
Points per game, steals per game, field goal percentage, three-point percentage, free throw percentage
### 2 - Celtics
Blockers per game, free throw percentage
### 3 - Knicks
Three-pointers made
### 4 - Pacers
Points per game, assists per game, field goal percentage, three-pointers made, three-point percentage
### 5 - Bucks
Points per game, assists per game, three-point percentage
### 6 - Pistons
Blocks per game, free throw percentage
Western Conference
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### 1 - Thunder
Points per game, rebounds per game, assists per game, steals per game, field goal percentage, three-pointers made
### 2 - Rockets
Rebounds per game, steals per game, three-point percentage
### 3 - Lakers
Free throw percentage
### 4 - Nuggets
Rebounds per game, three-pointers made
### 5 - Clippers
Assists per game, blocks per game, steals per game, field goal percentage, three-point percentage
### 6 - Timberwolves
Points per game, assists per game, field goal percentage, three-pointers made
### 7 - Warriors
Steals per game
### 8 - Grizzlies
Rebounds per game, blocks per game, free throw percentage
San Antonio must develop an identity and commit to it
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It would be great to be the best at everything, but that's not realistic. The Spurs can begin their journey back to the top by identifying what their strengths are and [going all in on being the best](https://airalamo.com/harrison-barnes-powerful-message-define-spurs-summer) at those things. Interestingly enough, had Victor Wembanyama not gotten injured, San Antonio would have undoubtedly led the league in blocks. So, would they have made the playoffs? Who knows.
What we can say comfortably is that had they made the playoffs, they likely wouldn't have made it very far. The Knicks are the only team to make it into the conference finals with just one top-five stat to their name. They've had an unlikely run, and I think everyone not from the New York area would agree.
The Silver and Black have a blueprint to follow, and it's rather simple. Be better at a few things than everyone else.