Nothing coming easy for Spurs as they defend their title
The San Antonio Spurs have mastered the art of managing minutes in the regular season to gear up for playoff success.
But in their first title defense since 2008, even Gregg Popovich, Tim Duncan and the experienced Spurs have found it difficult to get their bearings.
The Spurs are 23-15, good for seventh place in the Western Conference playoff race. But they are three games behind sixth-seeded Dallas and haven't won three straight games in more than a month.
A litany of injuries has contributed to the sluggishness.
After beating Minnesota on Saturday for their fourth win in five games, the Spurs said they needed to start putting things together soon.
The Spurs play at Washington on Tuesday.
San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, right, and Tim Duncan, left, react to a call during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns, Friday, Jan. 9, 2015, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 100-95. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
The Associated Press
San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (21) shoots over Minnesota Timberwolves center Gorgui Dieng during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Hannah Foslien)
The Associated Press