The San Antonio Spurs beat the Portland Trail Blazers in five games to win their first-round playoff series, and they refuse to overlook one aspect of their success.
The San Antonio Spurs beat the Portland Trail Blazers, as expected, in their first-round playoff series, winning in five games.
In the next round, the Spurs will take on either the Denver Nuggets or the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Wolves lead 3-2, although they will be without Donte DiVincenzo and Anthony Edwards for this series, as well as the next one.
The Spurs had a losing record against both Denver and Minnesota in the regular season, although Victor Wembanyama missed the majority of those games. Granted, both the Wolves and Nuggets are much more seasoned teams than the Spurs, although Wemby is perhaps one of the most game-breaking players in the league.
No matter who they play, the Spurs will have a key hidden advantage in their Conference Semifinals series.
Spurs Clinch Rest Before Second Round
With Edwards out, fans shouldn't be surprised if the series between Denver and Minnesota goes the distance. Game 6 is scheduled for Thursday night, and the earliest the Spurs will next play will be on May 4.
That means, at minimum, the Spurs will have six days of rest between the two series. While the Spurs headed off the floor after Game 5 fully healthy, having nearly a week to digest film, recover, and condition, it can't be overlooked.
It's one of many reasons why the Spurs were eager to put the Blazers away quickly.
"It's great," said Julian Champagnie of closing out the series early. "It's not too often that you get rest in the NBA. We play games after games after games. So having a week, or however long it may be, off to just prepare and take care of your body and be well-rested to go into the next physical series to fight it out, it's big for us. And I think we'll definitely take the days and we'll take the time to adjust, get our bodies back right, and attack the next series."
The Nuggets, between Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic, have one of the best offensive engines in the NBA. The Wolves, meanwhile, have one of the league's best defenses, and both Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert should both be healthy.
The Spurs won't be able to pick their poison, but any advantage--rest included--will be key for the up-and-coming squad in the second round.