The San Antonio Spurs are ranked in the top three of virtually every NBA power ranking, but it's clear that the national media has already made up its mind.
The San Antonio Spurs do not have the best record in the NBA, nor do they boast the best player, and they do not have playoff experience as a unit.
And yet, fans and the media alike will tell you that doesn't matter: these Spurs are a legitimate threat to the title, if not frontrunners, mostly thanks to Victor Wembanyama's ability to break any game.
On top of that, the Spurs have winning records against both the Oklahoma City Thunder and Detroit Pistons. As the season goes on, they have overcome injuries, adjusted to physicality, and improved their 3-point shooting.
At this point, if you have a real concern about the team, you're just grasping at straws, although NBA Power Rankings aren't quite ready to give the Spurs their flowers.
NBA Power Rankings All Have Same Trend
Even the power rankings that have the Spurs first in the league hem and haw about the postseason viability of the San Antonio team.
"March is here, and the Spurs had their worst offensive showing of the season in New York," wrote The Athletic's Law Murray. "San Antonio will return home from the Rodeo Trip for a rematch with the Pistons, who presumably will have added muscle with the return of Isaiah Stewart. And then the Spurs have an opportunity to clinch the regular-season series against the Rockets."
Despite winning 11 games in a row, some writers would prefer to focus on one shortcoming, projecting that failure onto the rest of the season.
"San Antonio holds on to the top spot despite the fact that Sunday’s loss in New York was the Spurs’ worst loss of the season," pointed out NBC's Kurt Helin. "You can be sure other teams took note of how the Knicks attacked and spaced out Victor Wembanyama, and they will follow suit."
Despite beating the Pistons and being 4-1 this season against the Thunder, those two teams have a leg up over San Antonio, according to some.
"The most compelling narrative is between the Pistons and Thunder, who are still not quite fully healthy, but got a massive boost with the return of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander," added USA Today's Lorenzo Reyes.
So, what can the Spurs do? Nothing! Do they care about power rankings or what folks at NBC or our very own RoundtableSports have to say? Nope! However, as the Spurs overcome every "what if" and obstacle thrown their way, perhaps media members should start paying attention; this team is legit.