It’s a thing. It has its own Wikipedia entry.
The 40-20 Rule states that a team must win 40 games before losing 20 to have a chance at winning the championship in that season. Since 1980, only four teams have won a championship despite not winning 40 before losing 20.
The rule was introduced by Phil Jackson, which should make Spurs fans suspect. After all, this is the man who posited the 1999 NBA Championship should have an asterisk for being a shortened season. To the best of my knowledge, Jackson never
made a comment when the Lakers won the 2020 title in a shortened season. But I digress…
After earning their 40th win on Saturday night against the Sacramento Kings, Spurs forward Harrison Barnes commented that hitting 40 wins before 20 losses was a goal the team had. And Barnes should know about setting goals as a team, he was a member of the Golden State Warriors 2015 title run.
Now keep in mind, the Spurs are not alone. The Oklahoma City Thunder and Detroit Pistons also hit the mark, and the Boston Celtics are three wins away from being the fourth team positioned to follow the rule.
Out of those four teams, the Spurs are definitely making their run ahead of pundit predictions. But if you ask the members of the Silver & Black, they’ll tell you they are right on schedule.
In the midst of a nine-game winning streak (the most recent also ending the Pistons five-game streak), the Spurs have a tough schedule ahead, especially considering they will spend the remainder of the month on the Rodeo Road Trip.
How are you feeling, Pounders? Put your Silver & Black tinted glasses aside and see through an impartial viewer’s eyes.
Is this the Spurs year?
Welcome to the Thread. Join in the conversation, start your own discussion, and share your thoughts. This is the Spurs community, your Spurs community. Thanks for being here.
Our community guidelines apply which should remind everyone to be cool, avoid personal attacks, not to troll and to watch the language.
