Shocking Spurs update gifts them dream scenario they haven’t had in a decade

The San Antonio Spurs look to bounce back from their NBA Cup Finals loss in a big way now that they are fully healthy. While their loss to the New York Knicks definitely stings, it does come with the positive tidbit that it doesn't actually count toward their regular season record.

That means that they still have a top three record in the Western Conference. Now that they are fully healthy, they could quickly make a play for the best record in the West, with them just 4.5 games out of first place.

Their early season success also comes with a major plus: the Spurs are currently five games ahead of the Phoenix Suns for seventh in the Western Conference. That means that assuming they can hold on to that lead, they can avoid the play-in tournament.

Obviously, the goal should be for them to end up with a top four seed, which would come with home court advantage and at least one round. Better yet, if they can finish with the second- or third-best record in the West, they wouldn't have to face those unethical ballers, the Oklahoma City Thunder, until the Western Conference Finals.

Spurs gifted something they haven’t had in nearly a decade

As the kids say, "Let's keep it a buck." --Do they still say that? Anyways, the last time the Spurs were concerned about playoff seeding was back in the 2018-19 season.

That was back when the likes of LaMarcus Aldridge, Rudy Gay, and DeMar DeRozan were the team's big three, and they were battling for the seventh seed. Eight seasons later, the Spurs appear poised to make the playoffs again.

Unlike that team, this team has higher aspirations. That Spurs team ran into the Denver Nuggets and went seven games in the first round before bowing out.

This team doesn't necessarily have to win a championship or even make the NBA Finals to live up to expectations this season. Instead, making at least the second round would be a reasonable outcome, and the Western Conference Finals would be a better-than-expected result for this team at this point.

The Spurs gained valuable experience from the NBA Cup Playoffs

Hopefully playing in the NBA Cup Playoffs and the NBA Cup Finals gave this team a taste of success, and they will be better prepared come playoff time.

It is interesting to point out that many great teams generally experience crushing failure first. For instance, the Golden State Warriors—before they won three championships in a 5-year span—lost to the Spurs in 2013. Hopefully, losing to the Knicks is a similar catalyst for success for this team.

With the Silver and Black having a big cushion in the standings, they should set their sights on ensuring a top four seed at the minimum. Better yet, potentially a top three seed to increase their chances of going further in the playoffs.