First of all, today was a huge game. Beating a rival on the road for the division lead is massive. Especially since we had to face our 4th qtr demons to do it. While I hoped, I certainly didn't expect (nor "Believed") we'd pull it out. But this wasn't the best team we've beaten so far, and going to be the toughest since they were sans Manu G. One could argue that winning in Utah or L.A. would be a heck of a lot tougher.... So where does this win rank?
Beating Boston in Boston, beating Cleveland at home, beating Utah in double OT are the top ones that came in mind
I don't think it matters who other teams are 'without' - we're without McGrady for the rest of the season. And, say what you will about him, one must admit that one of our key players is out. So if the Spurs missed Manu I don't think we should be discrediting the value of our win at all. Tough to beat the Spurs on their home court after the All-Star break any season. That's a massive win - especially since it was a duke-out for the divisional lead. BUT - I think I agree with ya - beating Utah in Utah in a few days time would probably be a bigger win! And taking down LA in Lala land would also be immense. "luckily" we have the chance to attempt both those things in the next week... If we can get through the next 5 games 4-1 then we're a real chance at winning this division.
Beating Boston in Boston, Cleveland in Houston, and this one are the biggest. Utah one wasn't since they were out 3 players.
Beating LA in LA would take beating an Elite Championship contender plus Beating the league officials. It would be HUGE!
I would say to-date this was the biggest. If only because of the confidence boast it will give our team at just the right moment. This win can spur us to victory in Utah or L.A., but even if we lose, we won't lose confidence. Our guys now know they can top the big guns. They know they don't have to choke against good teams when their defense tightens up. Today was more than a victory, it was the arrival of a team. Today, we see this team take a immense step forward....if not in the standings or playoff picture, but mentally. The impact of this win may not mean we win in the playoffs this year, but it could be one of those wins that sets a foundation for the future of Yao, Artest, Brooks, Lowry, Shane, Scola, Wafer and the gang...and yes, it's a win that may even impact the way this team receives back t-mac.
