This Spurs season has been all about the future. Developing the next generation of players, and getting in a good position to select some the high-end talent at the top of the NBA Draft. With one game left, it’s fitting that the benefit of losing their final game outweighs that of winning it. They will head to Dallas with one last chance to improve their lottery standing.
The Mavericks were eliminated from playoff contention with a loss to the Chicago Bulls on April 7th. They decided to aim for more ping pong balls, rather than a chance in the play-in tournament, sitting starting players in an important game.