San Antonio Spurs: Can we all applaud what just happened?

The San Antonio Spurs did not defeat the Golden State Warriors in Game 5, but their comeback effort in the fourth quarter was the epitome of their season.

Let’s start with Game 5. The San Antonio Spurs lost to the Golden State Warriors, 99-91, and were officially sent home from the NBA playoffs. This happened after the Silver and Black extended the series in Game 4, defeating the Warriors at home. So, this interesting 2017-18 season came to an end, but not without a fight that represented the team’s effort since October.

The Spurs battled through a fourth quarter that saw them take a gritty, steady approach. They battled for points, even as the Warriors found trouble getting on the board. The lead went from 10 points to 8, 6, 5, 4 and 2 points within the final minutes of the quarter. Attribute this to a perfect night from the free throw line for LaMarcus Aldridge, an impactful dunk and a 3-pointer from Davis Bertans.

The score was 93-91, Warriors. However, one more basket from Kevin Durant proved to be the end of San Antonio’s run. Four free throws followed, leading to the 99-91 win to send the Spurs home.

Well, that does it. Herculean effort from the Silver and Black to the bitter end, but it was just not enough. Couldn’t be prouder of the heart they showed tho.

— Pounding the Rock (@poundingtherock) April 25, 2018

Everything the Spurs did in the fourth quarter represented their 2017-18 season. They grinded and scrapped for production, which turned into victories for most of the campaign. Most of this was done without Kawhi Leonard, but with a revitalized run from Aldridge, who led a group of end-of-the-line veterans, Rudy Gay, and a bevy of young players. This group never shined but they worked for their success and found a way into the postseason.

Game 5 almost saw this grind pay off, but the abilities of Durant, who could shoot over almost every Spur with ease, proved too much. It sent the Spurs home after a season that will be dissected, unlike any other in franchise history.

Next: Top 25 players in Spurs history

The offseason will not be a grind, though. Instead, look for drama and speculation that makes a quiet organization seem loud. Then, let’s see where things are in about six months.