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30 Facts About Spurs Vs. Cavaliers

Lesley Korte

Written by Lesley Korte

Published: 15 Dec 2025

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Source: Scene7.com

Who has the edge in the Spurs vs. Cavaliers matchup?

The San Antonio Spurs and Cleveland Cavaliers have a rich history of thrilling games. Both teams boast impressive rosters and passionate fanbases. The Spurs, known for their disciplined play and strong defense, have consistently been a force in the NBA. On the other hand, the Cavaliers, with their explosive offense and star power, have made significant strides in recent years. When these two teams clash, it's always a spectacle. Who comes out on top? It often depends on key factors like player performance, coaching strategies, and home-court advantage. Dive into these 30 facts to see how these elements shape the rivalry and determine who might have the upper hand.

Table of Contents
01Spurs vs. Cavaliers: A Rivalry to Remember
02Star Players and Their Impact
03Memorable Games and Moments
04Coaching Strategies and Tactics
05Records and Achievements
06The Final Buzzer

Spurs vs. Cavaliers: A Rivalry to Remember

The San Antonio Spurs and Cleveland Cavaliers have faced off in numerous memorable games. Their matchups have provided basketball fans with thrilling moments and unforgettable performances. Here are some fascinating facts about this exciting rivalry.

  1. The Spurs and Cavaliers first met on October 30, 1976. The Spurs won that game 116-104.

  2. The 2007 NBA Finals was the first time these two teams met in the championship series. The Spurs swept the Cavaliers 4-0.

  3. LeBron James, playing for the Cavaliers, made his first NBA Finals appearance in 2007 against the Spurs.

  4. Tim Duncan, the Spurs' legendary power forward, won his fourth NBA championship in the 2007 Finals.

  5. The Spurs' head coach, Gregg Popovich, has been with the team since 1996, making him one of the longest-tenured coaches in NBA history.

  6. The Cavaliers' head coach during the 2007 Finals was Mike Brown, who later became an assistant coach for the Spurs.

Star Players and Their Impact

Both teams have had their share of star players who have left a significant mark on the rivalry. Let's take a closer look at some of these key figures.

  1. Manu Ginobili, a crucial player for the Spurs, was known for his clutch performances against the Cavaliers.

  2. Tony Parker, the Spurs' point guard, was named the Finals MVP in 2007 for his outstanding play against the Cavaliers.

  3. LeBron James scored a career-high 57 points against the Spurs on November 3, 2017.

  4. Kawhi Leonard, another Spurs star, was known for his defensive prowess against LeBron James.

  5. Kyrie Irving, playing for the Cavaliers, had several high-scoring games against the Spurs, including a 57-point performance on March 12, 2015.

  6. Kevin Love, a key player for the Cavaliers, often matched up against Tim Duncan in their games.

Memorable Games and Moments

The Spurs and Cavaliers have provided fans with numerous memorable games and moments. Here are some highlights.

  1. On January 21, 2016, the Spurs ended the Cavaliers' eight-game winning streak with a 99-95 victory.

  2. The Cavaliers defeated the Spurs 117-103 on March 27, 2019, with Collin Sexton scoring 24 points.

  3. In a thrilling overtime game on January 14, 2015, the Cavaliers edged out the Spurs 128-125.

  4. The Spurs' 103-74 victory over the Cavaliers on March 27, 2017, was one of the most lopsided games in their rivalry.

  5. On February 25, 2010, LeBron James recorded a triple-double against the Spurs with 43 points, 13 rebounds, and 15 assists.

  6. The Spurs' 112-90 win over the Cavaliers on March 12, 2018, saw LaMarcus Aldridge score 27 points.

Coaching Strategies and Tactics

Coaching plays a significant role in the outcomes of these games. Let's explore some of the strategies and tactics used by the coaches.

  1. Gregg Popovich is known for his defensive schemes, which have often stifled the Cavaliers' offense.

  2. Mike Brown, during his tenure with the Cavaliers, focused on a defense-first approach to counter the Spurs' scoring.

  3. Tyronn Lue, who coached the Cavaliers to their first NBA championship in 2016, emphasized ball movement and three-point shooting against the Spurs.

  4. Popovich's use of the pick-and-roll offense has been particularly effective against the Cavaliers' defense.

  5. The Cavaliers have often employed a small-ball lineup to counter the Spurs' size advantage.

  6. Popovich's ability to make in-game adjustments has been a key factor in the Spurs' success against the Cavaliers.

Records and Achievements

Both teams have set numerous records and achieved significant milestones in their matchups. Here are some notable achievements.

  1. The Spurs hold a winning record against the Cavaliers in regular-season matchups.

  2. LeBron James has the most points scored in a single game against the Spurs with his 57-point performance.

  3. Tim Duncan has the most rebounds in a single game against the Cavaliers with 23.

  4. The Spurs' 2007 NBA Finals sweep of the Cavaliers is one of only eight sweeps in NBA Finals history.

  5. The Cavaliers' 128-125 overtime win on January 14, 2015, is one of the highest-scoring games in their rivalry.

  6. The Spurs' 112-90 victory on March 12, 2018, marked their 50th win of the season, continuing their streak of 18 consecutive 50-win seasons.

The Final Buzzer

Spurs vs. Cavaliers games have given us unforgettable moments, from buzzer-beaters to intense rivalries. These two teams, with their rich histories and passionate fanbases, always bring excitement to the court. Whether it's the Spurs' strategic plays or the Cavaliers' electrifying performances, each matchup is a spectacle.

Remember, the Spurs' disciplined approach contrasts sharply with the Cavaliers' flair, making every game unpredictable. The stats, the players, and the strategies all contribute to the magic of these encounters.

Next time you watch a Spurs vs. Cavaliers game, you'll appreciate the depth and history behind every dribble, pass, and shot. Keep these facts in mind, and you'll see the game in a whole new light. Enjoy the thrill, the drama, and the sheer talent on display. Basketball at its finest!

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