Golden State Warriors

Don't forget the Spurs, who actually lead the Warriors in one big stat

Published Dec. 15, 2015 12:26 p.m. ET

foxsports

The San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors are undisputedly the two best teams in the NBA. But who's No. 1?

It seems like an odd question. The Spurs are good, sure. But they haven't started the 2015-16 season on a historic pace or set records so far this season. It has to be the Warriors, right?

Maybe. We're certainly not here to question Golden State's dominance. But if you dive into the numbers just a little bit and look at net rating -- a statistic that measures a team's margin of victory -- then the Spurs are the superior squad, by a nose hair.

Here's more, courtesy of Uproxx:

The Spurs have the best defense in basketball, two All-Stars in or nearing their prime, and a few aging all-time greats who are still bringing it at a high level.

After the San Antonio Spurs drubbed the lethargic, short-handed Utah Jazz by a score of 118-81 on Monday night, Gregg Popovich’s team became the league leader in point differential at +13.2. Where do the Warriors rank? One tenth of a point behind the black and silver, naturally, at +13.1.

The Warriors are fantastic and looked unbeatable before the Milwaukee Bucks beat them, but the Spurs are right there. Just like every season, the Spurs deserve your respect, even if they're not drawing your attention.