Spurs soar after Warriors victory, win 17 straight games

The Spurs look unbeatable, winning 17 games in a row

After defending home by a narrow margin of victory, the Spurs have used its defeat of the Warriors as a catapult to reel off 17 straight wins, including a few games before the Golden State battle. Rudy Gay has recovered from his ankle injury, and recently had 22 points in a come-from-behind win against the Sacramento Kings, a team that looked poised to take its place among only four teams in the league to defeat the Spurs at home. San Antonio won 105-106 once Tony Parker's go-ahead 3PTer splashed in to the roar of the crowd; Kawhi Leonard had 20 points in the victory, and Patty Mills had 15 points with 10 assists.

"I told you guys I'd still have my moment," Parker joked with reporters after the game. A clutch shot indeed, the veteran point guard has stepped up lately due to some struggles by Patty Mills.

Jeremy Lamb has seen an uptick in contribution, but to even more surprise was sharpshooter Bryn Forbes erupting for a career-high 27 points, making several shots from deep and even driving to the rim. Forbes had a nice drive in the Kings game, too, adding some punch from the bench. Bismack Biyombo continues to be a defensive presence, and Pau Gasol played tremendously in a win over the Grizzlies.

The Spurs now have 14 games left on the schedule, still trailing Golden State, but boasting the league's best home win/loss record, now only one win behind the Warriors. They could potentially go 69-13 if they never lose again, but it seems like fatigue may be setting in. Every opponent is now gunning to break the streak, which included a close victory over the Trailblazers in Portland. Their tremendous late surge comfortably improves upon last year's record, which Popovich is proud for. "We are on a roll right now. We can't let ourselves get a big head, as we know the Playoffs are right around the corner and every team goes back to zero, but I'm real proud of my guys for the hard work and tenacity they've shown during this streak."

The most exciting patch of games left includes a triple-header for the Spurs, in which they'll face the Cavaliers, the Warriors and lastly the Thunder. Coach Popovich will likely begin to rest more players to be healthy and fresh for the Playoffs, but surely there are some bragging rights and psychological chess at stake in those three games. The Spurs finish the season on the road, taking on the Jazz.

The Cavaliers match-up will be the Spurs first look at Isaiah Thomas in the lineup.