NBA's latest power rankings leave Spurs perfectly positioned

The Spurs came in at number two on John Schuhmann's NBA power rankings for a second consecutive week. San Antonio hasn't lost a game, but neither has OKC, keeping them in first place. But the gap between the two teams is only three games in the loss column, and with 12 games to go, the good guys are poised for a last-minute run to take control of the league.

The Thunder have the most difficult strength-of-schedule remaining, while the Silver and Black have a less arduous path with the 10th-easiest, according to Tankathon. The Spurs hold the tie-breaker between the two franchises, so if Oklahoma City slips just enough, that number one seed could slip right along with them.

The Spurs have a much easier schedule heading down the stretch

Before I get into these details, let me remind you why it's important for the Spurs to end the season number one in the power rankings and with the top seed in the league.

San Antonio's one weakness, as everyone keeps pointing out, right now is their experience. The best thing they can do to insulate themselves from the pressures that come with being a lower seed and going on the road for a potential Game 7 is to get homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs.

While just getting invited to the dance would have been enough to satiate the postseason appetite of fans and personnel alike when this campaign first began, things have changed. They're too good to punt this season and chalk up an early exit to growing pains. They're good enough to win the whole thing, and they'll need every advantage they can get to make that happen.

Walking down OKC would put the cherry on top of a great Spurs year

Even with a tough schedule, everyone knows that OKC will be up for the challenge. They won the championship last year for a reason. Jalen Williams is re-joining their team after a 5-week injury absence, too, but that could cause them to stumble. The Thunder didn't perform up to their standard the last time he was in the lineup, so they could have some chemistry issues.

The power rankings part of it is even simpler to understand: I just want to be the best. It's very selfish of me, I know, but I believe the legend is would be that much more mesmerizing when you can say the Spurs went from 13th in the Western Conference to first in the league by record and reputation, especially if they can end the year with a title.

It's a cool story, and I like cool stories. Sue me.