After trading away Kawhi Leonard, many people had written off the Spurs, believing that trade signaled the end of one of the most incredible runs in sports history.

However, DeMar DeRozan has brought a new energy to this team, and he and LaMarcus Aldridge have maintained the level of excellence that fans associate with the San Antonio Spurs.

“DeMar is definitely playing like a superstar. He’s filling that role that Kawhi filled for them,” Pierce said. “A lot of people doubted them when they lost their guards. They lost two guards before the season started, and everybody was wondering if they were going to be able to play with these other top guards in the league.”