CHAMPS READY FOR SEASON OPENER
The San Antonio Spurs have done many things to warrant being called the team of the decade thus far. Winning consecutive NBA championships for the first time in franchise history would cement that status. The start is 30 October - a game vs Trail Blazers.
This season, the Spurs return essentially the same team as Duncan and Finals MVP Tony Parker will lead the effort to win back-to-back titles. San Antonio failed to repeat in both 2004 and 2006, losing in the conference semifinals both times.
"It helps having the same guys coming back this year,'' said Duncan, who averaged 20.0 points and 10.6 rebounds last season. "All in all, what it comes down to is we've got the guys that have been through it, that have been through the wars and know what it takes and what it's about. So that gives us an advantage.''