NBA Power Rankings week 12: injury fallout, OKC Thunder highs and lows

San Antonio Spurs:

Offense: (110.7)  10th
Defense: (111.5) 21st
Net: (minus -0.9) 16th

Games Week 12 (3-1): Won vs. Bucks: 126-104, Celtics: 129-114, Raptors: 105-104, Lost vs. Grizzlies: 121-134
Games Week 13 (3 games): Weds at Heat | Fri vs Hawks | Sun vs Heat

The Spurs bowled over three of the East’s top four seeds and will begin week 13 looking to make it a clean sweep facing the other one in Miami. That win might pose the biggest challenge given the Heat are 17-1 on their home court.

As it was the Raptors served up the most resistance and the Spurs lucked out somewhat with a massive 30-11 free throw advantage to capture the one-point victory in the 6ix.

I’m not sure what is more impressive – that the Spurs took down the Bucks, Celtics, and Raptors in succession or that the Grizzlies easily took down San Antonio amid their blistering roll.

Part of the Spurs’ success is stemming from an improved defensive effort and their new 3-point sniper — LaMarcus Aldrige. Through the four games played in week 12, Aldridge took 23 deep shots connecting on 10 for a robust 43.5 percent efficiency.

DeMar DeRozan hasn’t abandoned the mid-range but it didn’t stop him from putting up impressive stats of 29.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 6.0 assists this week. Don’t be surprised if DeRozan gets the nod as Western Conference Player of the Week.