The San Antonio Spurs, a team with a storied history in the NBA, transformed their fortunes dramatically following the 1996-97 season. The Spurs’ abysmal 20–62 record that year did prove to be a turning point, as it became the lowest point in franchise history. Still, this defeat sowed the seeds for future victories. In that 1996-1997 season, the Spurs lucked into a draft lottery. They capitalized by drafting Wake Forest’s dominant big man Tim Duncan with the first overall pick. As it turned out, this was a hugely consequential decision in the years that followed.
As such, the arrival of Tim Duncan was no less than completely, unquestioningly, and downright magically transformative in San Antonio. With those issues of back and foot maladies coming to bear in that grueling 1996-97 season. Partnering with him, Duncan formed a lethal one-two court punch. Combined, they made the Spurs the most consistent powerhouse in the league. The duo’s immediate compatibility on the court led to rapid success, with the Spurs winning the NBA championship in 1999.
The 1999 NBA Finals victory ushered in a Spurs golden era unlikely to be matched in NBA history. The team went on to dominate over the next two decades. They continued to find success with four more NBA championships in 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014. It was this level of dependable excellence that carried them beyond their peers to the summit of professional basketball. This victory crowned them as one of the greatest franchises in NBA history.
Yet the Spurs’ incredible stretch was about much more than winning titles. From 1998 through 2019, they made the postseason every year—yes, every year. This 22-year streak is a testament to their amazing tenacity and talent. It further equaled them with the Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers franchise for the most consecutive years making the playoffs in NBA history.
Leave a Reply