It really didn't hit us until after the Dallas game," David Robinson said. "That's when we thought, 'You know, we've actually been playing good basketball for a while now.'"

Now that the Spurs have finally recognized the depth of their success ? "It really doesn't feel like we've won 12 in a row," Antonio Daniels said ? continuing their run figures to get a lot tougher when they begin a four-game West Coast trip that could be part playoff tuneup, part scouting mission.

The Spurs could end up playing any of their next three opponents ? the Clippers (tonight), Portland (Wednesday) or Seattle (Friday) ? in the first round of the playoffs. Concluding their Best of the West swing is an NBC-televised date with the Lakers on Sunday.

The trip, which covers eight days and matches their longest sojourn of the season, should test the Spurs' endurance. Which is one reason why they're hoping Steve Smith, who has missed the past four games with a sprained right ankle, will be able to play tonight or Wednesday. Terry Porter is not expected to play tonight after straining his right calf Saturday.