SAN ANTONIO – The top two teams in the NBA, the Golden State Warriors, who lead the Western Conference, and the San Antonio Spurs take the court tonight for the third and final time in the regular season.
The Spurs won the first two meetings.
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The game could actually be a preview of the Western Conference Finals since both the Spurs and the Warriors plan on playing their star players, unlike the last time the two met when a total of nine players sat out, including four Warriors.
They come into the contest separated by a two and a half games.
If the Spurs are going to catch the Warriors for the best record in the West, tonight is basically a must win.
"It's a great test, the best test you can get in the NBA today," said Manu Ginobili.
The Spurs are coming off that big win over the Cleveland Cavaliers 103-74 Monday. Holding the defending NBA champs to an opponent low for the season.
The Warriors are coming off a 113-106 win over the Houston Rockets Tuesday night in Houston.
Stephen Curry scored 32 and Klay Thompson added 25.
As a team they only shot 27 percent from beyond the three point arc, but they did shoot a lot of them. They were 11 of 41.
That is one thing the Spurs will be aware of, they can't stop them from shooting three's but maybe they can slow them down.
"That's the goal, is to limit them because you know it is almost impossible to not let them get any, that's that game plan is to try and limit those three point looks that they get especially in transition," said Patty Mills.
"They are great shooters, catch and shoot players, you have to be very attentive, focused," Manu said.
As the Spurs head down the stretch towards the playoffs leadership will be a factor during what could be a championship run. This year there will be no Tim Duncan.
"As we all know the regular season is one beast, but as we all know it is going to take a whole lot of leadership to be able to get through the playoffs," Mills said.
While there are still several veterans to turn to, Kawhi Leanord is separating himself as the one to look to.
"Leadership in terms of actions, demanding and wanting the ball," Mills said.