SAN ANTONIO SPURS

The Spurs finished seven wins away from a repeat championship—a remarkable feat considering the ridiculous race in the West, and the supposed detrimental age of the core players.

Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili comprise the league's most complete star trio. The Celtics' Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen are in close range after winning a championship, but still need to catch up.

However, offensive offense sunk the Spurs in the conference finals, as it had all year. A five-point quarter against Atlanta, and a 90-64 loss to the Utah Jazz, offer examples of the scoring droughts that plagued the 2007 champions in 2008.

Likely returns:

·     Tim Duncan

·     Tony Parker

·     Manu Ginobili

·     Fabricio Oberto

·     Kurt Thomas

·     Brent Barry

·     Jacque Vaughn

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