The San Antonio Spurs were last season's NBA champions, with a strong roster and formidable power. Ever since Duncan entered the league, they had consistently been one of its top-tier teams.
Before the season began, David Robinson, Danny Ferry, and Steve Kerr retired. Speedy Claxton signed with the Golden State Warriors, Stephen Jackson signed with the Atlanta Hawks, and Steve Smith signed with the New Orleans Hornets. However, the San Antonio Spurs acquired Hedo Turkoglu and Ron Mercer in trades, while also signing free agent Robert Horry (who had won championships with the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers) and center Radoslav Nesterovic.
Coupled with the continued improvement of Tony Parker and Ginobili, the San Antonio Spurs were actually stronger this season than last.
However, the Pacers defeated them on the road.
Before the game started, Su Xi persuaded Rick Carlisle to use a dual point guard strategy and got Reggie Miller on board with the plan.
