Spurs news and notes: Best in the West, Splitter tweaking free throw shot, and more

• NESN.com asks whether the San Antonio Spurs are the best team in the Western Conference:

For the past few years, the answer to this question has been a no-brainer, as the Los Angeles Lakers have seen heaps of success behind their fearless leader Kobe Bryant and their frighteningly deep bench that doesn’t shy away from the postseason.

But now, as we head toward what should be another exciting trip into the NBA playoffs, are the Purple and Gold still the best in the west?

• Express News’ Tim Griffin talks about Tiago Splitter working on foul shooting:

Spurs rookie forward Tiago Splitter spent a few minutes after his teammates left  the court experimenting with different foul shots under the watchful eye of Spurs assistant coach Chip Engelland. Splitter is struggling from the line, hitting 55.9 percent from the foul line.

• MVPTexas.com asks if the Spurs are fading down the stretch.

Hit the jump to read about an the dreaded “.4,” Austin Toros player making it to the NBA, newest Spur to make his debut, former Spur Bruce Bowen is a Cuban music fan and more.

• The LATimes.com remembers a moment that will conjure up painful memories for Spurs fans, .4:

And it all played out in 0.4 seconds. That’s how much time was left on the clock when San Antonio’s Tim Duncan made a shot to give the Spurs a one-point lead. Fisher followed with a winner. He took an inbound pass from Gary Payton and in the same motion turned and fired an 18-foot shot over Manu Ginobili before the horn sounded.

“As it got closer,” Fisher said, “I knew the ball was going in.”

• RedsArmy.com continues its Spurs watch.

• Playmakeronline.com talks about the Spurs.

• Pounding the Rock interviews some Spurs fans.

• Austin Toros’ Kyle Weaver got a call-up to the Utah Jazz. Find out the details at Toros Nation.

• New Spur Da’Sean Butler will finally make his Toros debut tonight against the Texas Legends.

• Cuban music band My Secret Radio says former Spur Bruce Bowen is a fan:

‘San Antonio’ is our homage to that wonderful city and to the memorable reception we received from San Antonio Spurs three-time NBA champ Bruce Bowen,” continues Gomez.