NBA 2018-19: 3 Talking points from the San Antonio Spurs' 125-107 win against the Toronto Raptors

#3 Perspective

Before the game, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich told the media that "this is just another game."

Asked Popovich about #Raptors tomorrow... said to him ..it’s just another game #Spurs @TheAthleticNBA 🎥 pic.twitter.com/tvG3zErWjx

— Jabari Young (@JabariJYoung) January 2, 2019

From the start, it was evident that the players (and fans) did not think so. The players played with high energy and a very Spurs-like 55% overall efficiency.

Ibaka had a torrid time trying to contain Aldridge, who torched the Raps for a game-high 23 points on 10-14 shooting to go with 2 rebounds and 5 assists, but the energy exuded by Bryn Forbes, who scored 20 points on 6-7 3PT shooting with 3 rebounds and assists each, or Derrick White, who went for 19 points on 8-11 FG (2-3 from 3 point land) with 4 assists was infectious: San Antonio's defense was as stifling and long as is usual for the Spurs.

This game was a statement game, and the fans knew it, as evidenced by the "MVP! MVP!" chants that broke out for DeRozan during the game.