Why the Spurs Title Window is NOT Shut

Recently, the Spurs looked like an unstoppable machine. They hadn't lost a game in 50 days and started 10-0 in the playoffs. Then the Thunder came in, hungry and ready to win. Oklahoma City was younger and more athletic and they played like the best team in the NBA and won 4 straight games to win the series. After the series the inevitable questions about whether the Spurs run had ended started creeping up again, just like any other time the Spurs get knocked out. The simple answer to that question is no.

First off, the officiating was beyond terrible. I am not one to try to get into this too much, but Joey Crawford SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED to ref Spurs games. Perhaps he should not be allowed to ref any game. The first thought in the mind of any Spurs fan when they see Joey Crawford reffing the game is, why is this turkey reffing our game. Crawford is the guy who gave Duncan the double technical from the bench. He is also the guy who Tim Donaghy (the guy who fixed games) talked about with his bookies. Donaghy told the bookies to pick against the Spurs when Crawford was the ref. You can look it up. It is horrible that Crawford can referee the pivotal Western Conference Final matchup. I don't think it had a large impact on the outcome, but it had an impact. It is also clear that the NBA is doing everything it can to get the Heat and Thunder in the NBA Finals. Just despicable. Here is Duncan and Popovich talking about the loss.

Anyways, back to the Spurs. It wasn't all about the officials, the Spurs looked bad in at least two games this series. However, they aren't done. How can you suggest a team that won 20 straight games and 10 in the playoffs is done? These sports writers kill me with this one. They have the greatest power forward of all time. They have a PG that nearly won the MVP (and probably should have). They have the greatest coach in the league, who is fresh off a coach of the year award. Sure changes have to be made, but those changes will be made and the Spurs will be right back in the thick of it like always. Tim Duncan will not go out like this.

-Noland