The San Antonio Spurs are making waves with a remarkable turnaround, going from a rebuild in 2023 to becoming a legitimate contender in just three years. With a current standing as the second seed in the Western Conference and a trajectory toward 58 wins, it's a significant leap from their 34-win season just a year ago.
But as any NBA fan knows, the regular season is just the prelude. The real test comes in the playoffs, where teams often need to endure setbacks before achieving glory. The concept of "playoff scars" is well-known; it's the idea that experiencing defeat in the playoffs can be a necessary step toward eventual success.
So, how often do teams defy the odds and leap from regular-season success to playoff triumph without those scars? History offers some intriguing examples. Since the turn of the century, a few teams have managed to transform their fortunes dramatically.
Take the 2021 Phoenix Suns, for instance. After missing the playoffs for over a decade, they surged to the Finals in 2021. Their success was fueled by an undefeated run in the Orlando bubble and a pivotal trade for Chris Paul, with Monty Williams nearly clinching Coach of the Year honors.
Then there are the 2020 Lakers, who ended a six-year playoff drought by winning the championship in the bubble. Key to their success was the addition of Anthony Davis alongside LeBron James.
LeBron's influence is also seen with the 2015 Cleveland Cavaliers. By signing James and trading for Kevin Love, they launched a four-year Finals streak after years of mediocrity.
The 2024 Indiana Pacers also made a notable leap, reaching the Conference Finals after a three-year playoff absence. This was largely due to the emergence of Tyrese Haliburton and the acquisition of Pascal Siakam.
These examples share a common thread: the addition of major talent and the presence of generational players. While most deep playoff runs are preceded by earlier playoff exits, the Spurs have the potential to defy this trend.
With Victor Wembanyama, a generational talent, and the recent addition of De’Aaron Fox, San Antonio boasts a formidable lineup. Supported by a strong cast of role players, the Spurs are well-positioned to make a significant impact. It won't be easy, but if they continue on this path, they could very well join the ranks of those teams that have rewritten the narrative.