Is this bizarro NBA or what? I don't know which is weirder -- that we scored so many points or got scored on so much; that we dominated with LMA in the middle yet gave up 74 points in the paint; that we shot better from the 3 (53.6%) than FG overall (51.5%).
The game was such a blend of excitement and anxiety that I blanked on some important moments. I liked Dante in the starting line-up for defensive purposes, and recall his initial 3, but was surprised to see that he grabbed 12 boards and that he fouled out. I don't recall either. He's the kind of Spursy player who makes his mark even when the stat line hints more than explicitly indicates a solid contribution towards a win. An assist here, a block there, a couple of steals. All the while, his main assignment was guarding LBJ who got his, but was equalled by DeMar (both had 32 points, 14 assists, and 8 rebounds) and allowed us to establish our rhythm on O which we did early to what must be or close to a first quarter record: 72.7%FGs and 71.4% from 3. For a team that is still coming together, we consistently created a variety of great looks.
Sure enough, though we finished with high shooting percentages, these were not sustainable. That we could score 143 is a credit (on only 97 shots!), but that we needed all of them to win by one is what needs more attention and effort to improve. For the third game in a row, we have given up the most points in the middle two quarters (60, 75, and 70 points respectively). You could see the joy and relief in the post-game interviews of Patty and LMA that we pulled through, but Patty was also clear there is a lot to clean up on the defensive end. Pop was complimentary of our efforts, too, but you could tell by how he phrased it that there won’t be mincing of words behind closed doors about our showing on the other end. You have to figure that any time now (if it hasn't happened in practice already) there will come an increased intensity to the honesty being conveyed about our defensive breakdowns.
We are vulnerable in opponent D to O transitions, drives down the middle of our key, and defending the 3 consistently (more often than not we contest. We are putting a lot of effort into working around screens to stay with shooters, but every now and again watch the shot go up. That’s just that extra effort needed). Our help D (Davis stood out again) and rebounding (especially on O) have been noticeably good, so there are positive signs. Still, it takes one guy to break down a team defensive effort. To that end, and it's something I hope stays infrequent, on D DeMar missed some passes to backdoor cutters that ended up right beside him, and complained about foul calls late in the game rather than hustling back on D. Just can't have that. At. All. Still, he bodied LBJ well on one possession that ended up being called a foul, and Rudy in particular did a great job staying with and contesting LBJ just enough, especially on the last play. LBJ tends to be challenged by taller players who can at least make their presence felt physically. Solid D fundamentals by Rudy with a balance of a good close out, moving his feet with his hands up, bodying LBJ and contesting.
We hung with the Lakers on O, did not wilt when they cut into our big early lead, weathered their surges, and came back from behind to seal it.
Much has been made of DeMar’s shooting woes late in the game and into OT. I agree to the extent that, though it’s good to take the shots that are there when down and time is limited, the one and done shots tunnelled our opportunities. Then again, he did score 10 points in the 4th and OT largely through getting to the line. Plus, DeMar’s torrid early start allowed for the kind of attention that may have stopped him from scoring as easily, but opened chances for teammates. He assisted on four 3s in the 4th and OT that helped keep us in the game and eventually pull away for the win. Good-to-great is optimal and the ultimate goal each possession, but a solid start nonetheless given it’s all a work in progress.
I appreciate DeMar’s contributions, but they shouldn’t overshadow LMA’s (37 and 10 including 5 O rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 1 block) and Rudy’s (16 on 7-8 and 2-3 from 3, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block) incredible nights and starts to the season. This is a three-pronged O attack that is giving opponents fits already. Kudos to Bryn as well who is doing a great job contributing (16 on 6-14 but 4-8 from 3, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal) while still learning to run the team. The midrange game is alive and well, thank you very much, and we are making this strength work for us.
It is facilitated by great off-ball and ball movement and great spacing which opens multiple threats not just with different players but for each player. Being closer to the basket opens up chances to either put up a J or take a short drive for 2. Of course, attention to them opens up many more 3 looks. Outside of DeMar, everyone shot at least 50% from beyond the arc. We do need to better our FT percentage, especially since we're getting to the line more. Still, that every player got at least one assist and everyone scored (six players in double figures) speaks to the nice balance we have from our system.
We ended up with 32 assists to only 9 TOs and 9 steals which is great on the road. The 4-man bench, led by Beli’s 15 points and Patty’s running the unit, pitched in 39 points. I love the synergy among our guys. They look as if they like playing with and for each other (loved the enthusiasm and support of the bench throughout the game). It is a fun O style with everyone needing to be involved to make it work, and it is a pleasure to watch.
Lots to clean up on the other end, especially since this is our core identity. It’s great that we can score in a variety of ways, and sometimes we’ll need to do just that to get the win, but it’s not something we should be overly relying on at the expense of defensive excellence. Still, while we are learning the plays and the system, and emphasizing the right ways of executing, adjustments going in indicated we really wanted this one. Pop ran a tight 9-man experienced rotation and we pulled through. It was an important win for the bonding and spirit of the team, especially since it was a close one that we led and had to come from behind to win -- a better atmosphere in which to take in the things we need to improve. October has us playing six of seven games against West opponents. It is important to find ways to win while we are learning. Given all the challenges, staff and players are doing a great job balancing both. While there's room to grow, you can see the benefits already.
Noteworthy achievementsSpurs:
Beli:
DeMar:
