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 Coach Gregg Popovich, known for pacing his teams throughout the
marathon regular season and preserving key players when possible,
sat LaMarcus Aldridge, Kawhi Leonard, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili,
Danny Green and Boris Diaw as the Spurs lost to the Denver Nuggets
102-98. The defeat was of little consequence to San Antonio (65-14)
who has already clinched the second seed in the Western Conference.
"We're locked into the position we're in, so (Popovich is) going to
do what he's always done and make sure we are fresh and healthy for
the start of the playoffs and on through," Spurs veteran Tim Duncan
told reporters. But with Golden State set to visit San Antonio on
Sunday, something more will be on the line.
The Warriors (70-9) need to win their final three games to surpass
the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls who finished 72-10 for the best ever
regular season mark. The Spurs, who lost to Golden State on
Thursday, are also shooting for a bit of history as they are a
perfect 39-0 at home and have a chance to top the 1985-86 Boston
Celtics who were a record 40-1 at home.
"I think (Sunday vs. Golden State) is important from the aspect as
far as us needing to work on some things,” said San Antonio guard
Kevin Martin.
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"We have a great plan going forward to be full strength for the
playoffs, and that's the most important thing."
(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; editing by Amlan
Chakraborty)
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