Spurs taking unique approach to dominating the NBA

Published Jan. 13, 2011 1:57 p.m. ET

foxsports

By MICHAEL DUGAT
FOXSportsSouthwest.com
Jan. 13, 2010

The San Antonio Spurs have the best record in the NBA. Here's what should concern the other 29 teams: They might be sandbagging.

Essentially, the Spurs are voluntarily playing with one arm behind their back as they limit Tim Duncan to 29.4 minutes per game, easily the fewest of his career. In turn, the 34-year-old is on pace to set new career lows by averaging 13.7 points, well beneath his previous low of 17.9, and 9.3 rebounds (which would be the first time Duncan has ever ventured below double-digit rebounding numbers).

Even as they rest their leader, and one of the all-time great power forwards, the Spurs have managed to maintain the best record in the NBA (33-6). They