After seeing the league attempt to emulate a style that San Antonio perfected over the years, the Spurs have created a new style of their own.
It’s difficult to tell whether or not the Atlanta Hawks enjoyed being referred to as the "Spurs East" for the last couple of seasons. You would have to think that being compared to a seemingly undying franchise with five championships in 16 years would be a compliment, but I can see how it could also be taken as a bit of an insult -- not having an identity of your own.