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The Spurs' starting five has completely destroyed the league over the past month, posting a +31.5 net-rating in March in 164 minutes of play. It's been the bench that has been inconsistent and unable to maintain, much less extend, leads, but on Wednesday night it was the still-finding-their-way bench that did the dominating in the first half while the starters were outplayed. Check out the dramatic difference in plus/minus:
At the half, Aron Baynes led the Spurs with 12, but Marco Belinelli (8) showed signs of life, including knocking down a tough, off-balance jumper and Boris Diaw put up a line that is quintessential Diaw: 6-3-3-2-1.
The starters were better at the start of the third and the bench continued their excellent play as the lead grew over 20, ensuring that the starters would get plenty of rest. By the time it was over the bench scored 69, or 67% of the team's points, in a very comfortable win over the young Magic.
Pop quote:
Well, they're all high character guys, they care about what's going on and they want to keep getting better up until the playoffs I guess. They're just good people.
GIF of the Night:
Who doesn't love a Manu nutmeg? Look at where the ball hits Baynes...insane placement from the magician.
Up Next:
The Spurs will host the Denver Nuggets Friday night, where they'll look to make it their 16th-straight 50-win season, before they end the week against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday at the AT&T Center.