Ten Keys to the Spurs' Success in the Postseason

(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

1. Manu Ginobili is out. Move on.

Basketball is a team game. Press on and go for it. The NBA Championship, that is.

2. Collectively play with energy, extreme passion, intensity, and with a sense of urgency.

Pump things up. Show emotion. Dunk the basketball with authority on occasion. Play with street-ball-like intensity.

3. Play the game of basketball in the playoffs as if you’ve never won a championship.

Never become complacent or satisfied until the NBA Larry O’Brien trophy is hoisted.

4. Tony Parker needs to improve his free-throw shooting.

A 79 percent clip is not going to cut it with the amount of free-throws he will be shooting in the playoffs with his offensive penetration to the rim. Parker has missed countless free-throws at important moments this season. This needs to stop.

5. Parker has to distribute the basketball more.

He could learn a thing or two by watching New Orleans’s Chris Paul on film and how he assists his teammates. Or, perhaps he will witness it again in person in the playoffs if they become matched up.

6. Tim Duncan must improve his shooting from the foul line.

This has always been a weakness for Duncan, but this basketball “fundamental” will have to be performed better if the Spurs want to advance in the playoffs. Without Ginobili, there is no room for error. Games can be won and lost from the charity stripe.

7. Roger Mason Jr. should work on his three-point shot positioning, as long two-pointers or attempts are not going to cut it.

Mason Jr. will have to step up in Ginobili’s absence. He needs to improve upon his defensive game as well. In addition, Mason Jr. should realize that driving or attacking the rim is not his game. Focus on set and clutch three-point shooting, where you have had success this season.

8. Maximize Drew Gooden.

Rely on his size and shooting ability as well as rebounding ability. Gooden must not hesitate on his jumpers. Take the shots with confidence. Gooden will be the best option to fill Ginobili’s shoes.

9. Get better defense out of Matt Bonner.

Bonner’s defense is inept. It needs to improve, or he is just not helping the Spurs. Just attempting or hitting three’s as a center is not going to go far in the NBA. Bonner also needs to avoid getting into foul trouble which he has been susceptible of during the season.

10. Try not to get too fancy with the passing game.

Take the open shot when it is available instead of trying to make impossible passes.

Note: With tonight’s 99-89 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio has won 50-plus games for 10 straight seasons. Someone tell me what NBA team has recently matched this accomplishment?

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?