Spurs’ title chances get boost from age-old rule for NBA champions

Even despite being the hottest team in the NBA in February and sporting the second-best record in the league, the San Antonio Spurs still have their share of skeptics.

The perception is that the Silver and Black are too young and inexperienced to be true contenders since they haven't proved it before. Technically, they're right with this being their first season together with their core.

However, they do have some championship experience. Harrison Barnes has played 70 postseason games and won a title with the Golden State Warriors back in 2015.

Luke Kornet also has 53 games of playoff experience and a championship ring, winning one with the Boston Celtics in 2024. However, perhaps more importantly, that San Antonio recently became the third team this season to beat the 40-20 rule

The Spurs are a true contender based on the 40-20 rule

For those who aren't aware, more than 90% of NBA champions over the last 44 years have won 40 games before losing 20. This season, only 3 teams won 40 before they lost 20: The Oklahoma City Thunder, the Detroit Pistons, and, last but not least, the Spurs.

The Spurs further proved that they were contenders by winning 11 straight games in February. They beat several playoff teams during that span, including the Thunder and Pistons, and flexed their dominance on both sides of the ball.

They boasted the second-best offensive rating and the third-best defensive rating in the NBA during that span. That hot streak put them in a fantastic position to end up with the best overall record in the NBA. Having the best record would guarantee them home court throughout the playoffs.

The Spurs have their best chance to win a title in years

That would be an incredible accomplishment considering that San Antonio hasn't made the playoffs in six years. Doing so would make a deep playoff run more realistic for the young Spurs.

However, it might be more advantageous for them to end up with the second seed. That would force the Thunder to have the tougher path to the Western Conference Finals, ahead of a potential showdown with the Silver and Black.

All told, whether they finish with the first or second-best record in the West, San Antonio is no doubt a contender. And if the 40-20 rule holds true, the Spurs have a 33% chance of winning a championship, giving them their best chance in years to win it all.