Popovich's plan works, Spurs win 3 straight.

After Coach Pop's decision to bench the stars of the team for the sake of proficiency and rest once the playoffs begin, the final stretch of games brought some unease for fans of the Spurs. But for now, those fears have dissipated and the process has proven to be trustworthy. It still took hard work by the players, but the bench and role players certainly delivered to Popovich's liking.

First, it was a game against the rival OKC Thunder, led by Russell Westbrook. It was a close game throughout, anyone's for the taking in the fourth quarter, but the Spurs were able to win this dogfight and surge for a lead in the final minutes.

The Clippers brought Lob City to town as well, and while it was close, the Spurs more easily bested them than Westbrook's crew.

However, the Spurs would lose the final two games to the Golden State Warriors, despite gaining a brief lead in Oakland on the road, and then in what was more of a classic showdown, whiffed on a pass in the final seconds that would've given them the lead had they scored on a drive by Kawhi Leonard.

Frustrating, certainly, but the Spurs are rested for the playoffs now.