See whatchu mean: The Spurs, have now played exactly half of their 82-game schedule, and won 35 of the 41 games. Everybody's friends at Elias have noted that only six other teams ever won at least 35 of their first 41 games since the merger. Four of them went on to win the NBA title (see: 1982-83 Sixers, 1991-92 Bulls, 1995-96 Bulls, 1996-97 Bulls). But the last one to do it didn't do it (see: 2005-06 Pistons). The other one to come up short was the 1977-78 Blazers. So, advantage Michael Jordan. And Dr. J. SportsCenter Rundown : UNFRIENDLY PAT-DOWN (January 17)