Dear San Antonio Spurs,

I'm writing this only a few days after you (or we) were kicked out of the playoffs by the Oklahoma City Thunder. I won't lie, I'm still fairly upset about the loss, but that's not what this letter is about; I wanted to say thank you.

Thank you for having class. As a team and as individuals, you live up to a standard -- mostly thanks to Pop, but that's beside the point. You play with dignity and sportsmanship, and you always play your hardest. I've watched your games since I was a little girl, and seeing the way you play as a team affected my own view of basketball when I began playing. I figured if Timmy and Tony and Manu and Bruce Bowen (I still miss you, Bruce) can play nice, so can I. Thank you for not being in the news for drugs or tickets or other questionable behavior, and thank you for representing our city well.

Thank you for being consistent. I cannot remember a season when you did not get 50+ wins in the regular season -- probably because I was a baby the last time it happened. We might not have the most titles, but every year when basketball season rolls around, I know I can expect to see good competition from my team and at least 50 wins. Also, the playoff consistency does not hurt either.

Thank you for caring about the community. From "Silver and Black Give Back" to your basketball camps, it has always been obvious that you as a franchise love San Antonio. Maybe that's the reason we love you so much. But it isn't just the franchise. Tim Duncan, your character program encourages kids to do their best and help others, and you've made an impact on kids' lives, including my own. And David Robinson, even though you've been retired for years, I will never forget the time you came to one of my basketball games (granted, it was because we were playing your school, but still). You took the time to compliment and listen to a sixth-grade little girl who just loved the game, and she hasn't forgotten that.

Thank you for being a team and being individuals. Thank you for giving us years of the Big Three (I'm still hoping none of y'all are retiring). My love for you has grown right alongside Manu's bald spot, and I can't imagine watching the team without you. And thank you for the new players too, for Kawhi and Aldridge and the rest of the new generation who will continue to lead us on the Race for Seis.

Most of all, thank you for being my team, a team I am never ashamed to represent. I have traveled the country wearing Duncan jerseys or Spurs sweatshirts. Just like I was not afraid of people in LA two years ago, I am not afraid of Mississippians now. I know that wherever I go, I can represent my team with pride. Thank you for your love of the game and of us. And know that the Alamo city loves you too. Go Spurs go!

Much Love,

A dedicated Spurs fan