San Antonio Spurs: Early Exit to Grizzlies Marks the End of an Era for the Spurs

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

San Antonio Spurs run out of gas for good

The clock was ticking for the Spurs before the season started.

With an aging Tim Duncan and Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili getting older there was no way to look at San Antonio as a legit contender for more than a season.

So Gregg Popovich, in his infinite wisdom, changed the direction of the team. He scraped and clawed and pulled just enough from everyone to make them a threat in the West again.

But there was only so much he could do. In the end the Spurs weren’t playing Spurs basketball; the thing they do best.

They were no longer the methodical half court team with a good inside game and able to get stops when needed. They were now a fast paced team that lived and died by the three, getting out quickly in transition, pushing the ball toward the rim to set up the three.

MUST READ: 2011 NFL Mock Draft: Re-Drafting the First Round with NBA Players

It wasn’t a new concept but it was attempt to cover up the realities for the Spurs: there wasn’t much left in them.

By the time the Memphis Grizzlies came to play, with their youthful energy, the Spurs simply had run out of gas. It happens to a team that has played extended seasons for more than a decade straight. There was fight left in the Spurs as they stayed close and battled back time and time again in their 4-2 series loss to the Grizzlies.

But it just wasn’t enough.

The Spurs will have to start rebuilding now. If they can’t win with this aging roster, it’s doubtful they ever will.

The Spurs had a hell of a run, but change is going to come.

Most recent updates:

Flag

Props (0)