New NBA power rankings slight Spurs in inconceivable way

The NBA just released their latest power rankings, and there’s a Victor-Wembanyama-sized problem with them. The Spurs got bumped down to second after spending three weeks in first place, with the Oklahoma City Thunder stealing the top spot.

The Thunder have been playing some of their best basketball of the season, but so have the Spurs, and there’s no reason why San Antonio should be anywhere lower than first in the power rankings.

The NBA apparently hasn’t noticed that the Spurs keep getting better

The Spurs have only lost twice since the All-Star break. They’re 11-2 in games since the hiatus, boasting wins over Detroit, Boston, Houston, Toronto, and the red-hot Hornets in that stretch. This team is rolling. They look unstoppable at full health.

The Silver and Black have had one of the best defenses in the league throughout this season, which has been the foundation of their rampant success. Lately, though, their offense has been phenomenal too. They hung 145 points on the Rockets and 121 on the Pistons, two elite defensive teams, in their most recent matchups. 

Overall, the Spurs are now fourth in the NBA with their 117.7 offensive rating, quite the slap in the face to those who have doubted this team’s ability to put up points due to their occasionally questionable shooting. On top of that, San Antonio is still third in defensive rating. We’re looking at a two-way juggernaut here.

So, why did the NBA bump the Spurs off their power rankings throne? Well, they did blow a lead to Denver last Thursday, ultimately surrendering a 136-131 win to the Nuggets. Meanwhile, the Thunder are 11-1 since the All-Star break, including a couple loud recent wins against Denver and Boston.

However, San Antonio’s loss to Denver was about as encouraging as a defeat can be. They scored 131 points against a top contender despite missing Victor Wembanyama. If anything, that sends a threatening message to the rest of the league. This team doesn’t need their superstar to compete at the highest level. That can’t be said about most clubs with talents of Wemby’s caliber.

San Antonio can only laugh at this disrespect and keep proving doubters wrong

Not everyone who covers this sport is going to give the Spurs the flowers they deserve right now. They’re still a young team that hasn’t proved anything in the playoffs, while their peers at the top of the power rankings have won championships (or at least a series or two).

That said, everyone in San Antonio should have full confidence that they’re the best team in hoops right now. After everything they’ve proven so far this season, they have no reason not to. And, if they maintain this level of play into the postseason, the rest of the world will surely wake up to how special the Spurs are.