Apr 07 8:16a by Tom Ziller
Read More: San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers
The San Antonio Spurs pounded the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, and later watched the Los Angeles Lakers forfeit to the Golden State Warriors. Those results clinched the West's No. 1 seed in the 2011 NBA Playoffs for the Spurs. San Antonio had a commanding 8.5-game lead for No. 1 just weeks ago, but a six-game losing streak combined with L.A.'s continual excellence after the All-Star break put home court advantage in danger. But the Lakers have lost three straight as the Spurs pick themselves up off of the ground, and San Antonio will be start every series in the West bracket at home.
The Spurs still have the Chicago Bulls to be concerned with; the Bulls, 57-20, have five games remaining, and are effectively just one game behind the 60-19 Spurs. Should the teams meet in the NBA Finals, whichever squad had the better regular season record would have home court advantage. If they finish the season tied, humorously enough, according to John Schuhmann, a random draw would determine home court advantage. The teams split their season series and have identical 23-7 records against the opposite conference, which are the first two NBA Finals tiebreakers.
0 comments
NBA Playoffs 2011: Spurs Clinch Home Court Advantage In West With Win, Lakers Loss
Apr 7
The 5 biggest sports stories, hand-picked for your inbox. Show more info?
We’ve developed a unique newsletter that delivers the five most interesting sports stories fans are talking about, direct to your email three times a week. Each email is curated by an SB Nation editor who follows sports the way you do: as a fan. One email three times a week, with stories worth your time.
You can unsubscribe at anytime, and we'll never use your address for evil. Not interested? Make this bar go away forever. You can always sign up later.






Comments
Comments For This Post Are Closed