Spurs finally got a break from the NBA and they better not waste it

It's been a long road up to the second seed in the Western Conference. And we are only halfway through the season. The Spurs have been forced to play a difficult schedule full of contenders. They have battled the Oklahoma City Thunder four times and faced nearly every championship-caliber squad in the league.

Through their gauntlet, the Spurs have been extremely successful, thus providing evidence that this squad is championship-ready.

As a reward for their hard work so far, the NBA is gifting San Antonio the easiest remaining schedule of the Western Conference contenders. The road ahead is difficult, but it's easier than what other teams in the West madhouse face.

The Spurs have a favorable rest-of-season schedule

As it currently stands, the Spurs have the 10th-hardest remaining schedule, according to Tankathon. San Antonio's most difficult games on tap are three battles with the Denver Nuggets and two against the Detroit Pistons.

Outside of completing those season series, the Silver and Black only play other true contenders once apiece. And yes, I am excluding the Houston Rockets because we aren't afraid of them.

Along with these matchups, the Spurs have more favorable games against the Pelicans, Pacers, Kings, and Jazz.

While the 10th-hardest schedule is by no means a luxury, it is helpful given that the Nuggets and Thunder hold the two hardest remaining schedules in the NBA, while the Lakers, Suns, and Timberwolves all fall in the top 10.

A Spurs Western Conference victory is on the table

As the Spurs prepare to enter the second half of their season, they will have one goal in mind: earning the one-seed. Even the most optimistic Silver and Black fans wouldn't have predicted this young team would be in the running for the West's first seed, but here we are.

There is no turning back now. The NBA has helped the Spurs by giving them a clear path to the top. San Antonio must handle business going forward and bring their A-game in the most important matchups. In particular, planting the flag against the Nuggets and Pistons will be huge.

If the Thunder falter again, playing as they did after Christmas, the Spurs could take the top seed. It won't be easy given the six-game gap between the two squads, but crazier things have happened. If San Antonio wants to take over the NBA, that must begin now. Once we return from the All-Star break, all systems will be a go.