Spurs' dominant NBA Cup run foreshadows the unexpected for the league

Just like that, the San Antonio Spurs are just a game away from reaching the NBA Cup finals. Fresh off a dominant win over the Los Angeles Lakers in the tournament's quarterfinals, there is no reason you shouldn't be smiling as a Spurs fan right now. They have trekked through a gauntlet of competitors and found themselves just a couple of games away from winning the whole damn thing.

While their next challenge is their greatest yet, they have proven many pivotal things along the way. With wins over the Rockets, Nuggets, and now Lakers, the Spurs have shown that to be the best, you have to beat the best—and they have done that. Whether you think the tournament is some joke or not, you have to admit the Silver and Black have looked amazing.

The Spurs have clearly taken this tournament seriously and have displayed a level of grit and toughness that no one had expected. Entering the Lakers game as underdogs on the road, San Antonio came out with a bang and left Los Angeles in disarray. Their aggressive style of play and unique attention to detail were at the forefront. It's clear that they came to play. Now we must ask: Is this a preview of something greater?

The Spurs NBA Cup dominance is sign of the future

I, for one, would like to believe that this tournament means something for the players and motivates them as a playoff game would. These are some of the greatest competitors in the world; do you really think they would brush off a sack of money and the opportunity for bragging rights? Plus, they will get to hold a trophy; that's something that not many players have done in their lives.

So, if everyone is taking this seriously and the Spurs are coming out on top, then they truly are legit. The good guys got the best out of the Rockets, Nuggets, and Lakers and still won these games. Most fascinating, this could be a sign of what's to come.

It's pretty clear now that the Spurs will land somewhere in the group of eight Western Conference playoff teams. They will be playing playoff basketball. With that solidified, it's impossible to stop thinking about what could happen when that day arrives. Well, if their NBA Cup supremacy says anything, it's that this team is undoubtedly ready.

The Spurs are built for playoff basketball

Beyond shot-making or on-court displays of talent, the Spurs have shown they are willing to win basketball games and will always come prepared. This team wants to win with one another and will do anything in their power to do so. They have refused to let anyone out-hustle or outwit them; this team is as solid as a rock.

All of this makes it clear as day that the Spurs will be prepared when the playoffs arrive. The role players will do their jobs, and the stars will support them. They are one complete unit. This will come in handy during the playoffs. Just look at what the Pacers did last season.

No matter what happens against the Thunder, it is important to recognize how the Spurs have played in the NBA Cup thus far. Win or lose, this journey has been one for the books and will only help them in the coming months. Buckle up, NBA, because this squad is coming.