Chapter 46: 45. Collapse Comes Earlier?

```

103-95 defeating the Wizards, 99-89 defeating the Nets, 104-99 defeating the Trail Blazers, the Spurs took an 8-game winning streak, elevating their record to 48 wins and 8 losses.

By February 19th, the Spurs' winning streak came to an end at the hands of the Chicago Bulls. With Rose exploding for 40 points and 9 assists, the home-playing Bulls defeated the Spurs 109-102.

In the face of their ninth loss of the season, Popovich wasn't overly concerned.

The game merely exposed their biggest issue—that apart from Ginobili, no one else could battle through tough games.

Duncan's ability to break through defenses had been declining over the past two seasons. After losing 5 kilograms last summer, that ability was basically gone.

Parker was fierce in regular games, especially when playing with a lead, but in adverse situations, if you depended on this speedster, he would show you what the best sixth man looks like, from the opposing team.