Over 20 years removed from missing the postseason, the San Antonio Spurs find themselves in unfamiliar territory late this season. Though they currently hang on to the eighth and final playoff seed out West, the Spurs remain a game away from falling out of the postseason picture.
A perennial title contender under head coach Gregg Popovich, the Spurs have been slowed down by injuries and controversy surrounding Kawhi Leonard this season. One of the few bright spots for Popovich and San Antonio has been point guard Dejounte Murray who still has faith in his Spurs. Murray recently told San Antonio Express-News that the Spurs playoff streak will continue this season and cited improving the team’s weakening defense as the key to getting there.
We’re not missing the playoffs…
“I just want guys to have the same intensity and aggressiveness on defense,” said Murray. “That’s the main thing. If you have a team that plays defense; if we all come out aggressive on the defensive side, and then on the offensive side play Spurs basketball and share the ball, we can do a lot of great things.”
The Spurs have dropped 11 of their last 15 and their passive defense has been one of the main culprits for their recent skid.
In his second season with the Spurs, Dejounte Murray has developed into the team’s point guard of the future with veteran Tony Parker taking a backseat. Murray’s length and athleticism allow him to make an impact on both ends of the court and his activity has complemented the play of veteran LaMarcus Aldridge well as the Spurs cling to their playoffs hopes.
The absence of Kawhi Leonard has obviously played a huge role in the Spurs’ down year. With his return nowhere on the horizon, Murray says there can be no waiting and the urgency is there for San Antonio to make their move.
“It’s time,” said Murray. “You got to take care of home court. We have the opportunity to go home and handle business. But it starts now. There is no starting Thursday. There is no starting next week.
“We’re at the end of the stretch where we have to turn things around,” added Murray. “I believe. But we need everybody to believe.”
