The Spurs should have several dates circled on the recently released NBA schedule, but the Clippers should be at the top of the list—specifically, Kawhi Leonard. There's no bigger villain to the city of San Antonio than the Klaw, and he's defeated the Silver and Black in 10 straight games. Unfortunately, we won't get our chance at revenge until March 6.
Last season, the guys finally pulled out a win over LA, but Leonard wasn't in the lineup, so the win felt empty. He needs to be on the floor when the Spurs put them down. This is a man who still receives a chorus of boos every time he touches the ball when he visits the city.
The disgust with his actions still rings loudly, and the treatment he receives prompted Coach Pop to grab a microphone in the middle of a game to tell the crowd to knock it off. As much as the fan base loves and respects the coach with the most wins in NBA history, his request fell on deaf ears. The jeers continued without missing a beat, but he got the last laugh as his team walked out with another win.
The Spurs weren't put in a favorable position
The time Spurs Nation will have to wait for an opportunity to right the consistent wrongs that have plagued this matchup for years isn't the only problem with the schedule. San Antonio will also be on the second night of a back-to-back with the first game being against the Detroit Pistons. The Mo-Town boys made strides last year, so that won't be an easy game.
They'll have to dispatch a physical Pistons team, get one sleep, and get ready for a deep Clippers team that will come at them in waves. The one good aspect of the ordeal is knowing that both games will be played in San Antonio. The game against LA will be shown on national TV, set to air on ESPN, so they know that there's something to the matchup, but they didn't go the full mile.
In fact, while Alamo City is fighting Detroit, the Clips will be resting. They won't be forced to play consecutive games heading into a highly anticipated game. A lot is working against the Spurs here. I know, these are professionals and they need to be ready for the rigors of the season, but they're still human, and a tough circumstance is still a tough circumstance.
Hopefully, they can meet the challenge. I, like every other fan, am tired of seeing Leonard walk away from every single game with a win.