Well. We did get off to a strong start and establish our game early. And we did keep our wits about us at the end. Let's then keep that abysmal middle part in perspective, move on, but remember what happens when we get too loose and lose focus. Mr. Fourth Quarter, our MVP, LMA, went on a tear.
We won the final Q 28-12, with LMA scoring 7-10 from the field and 5-5FTs, and with Patty, Danny, and Davis each hitting a 3, that's the fourth.
The game plan was simplified to something along the lines of
move without the ball to move your man along with you so that we can pass the ball around to an open LMA. Less heralded was Patty's and Kyle's defensive shadowing tonight. It helped keep us from unraveling when our O was more painting blindfolded than Michelangelo.
Rudy had a key O stretch for us in the first half, and Murray was a spark plug on both ends getting rebounds a steal and our first six points early in the third. Thank goodness they did because Manu, Pau, and Tony combined for 1-15FGs for the game. Yikes. It happens, so thank goodness other guys are stepping up. Rudy's been great for us on both ends, and Murray's offense in both shots and decisions (when to drive, when to pass, better game management) have grown noticeably this season. His defense already stands out, and he's just learning how to handle the NBA PG reins.
Kyle needs to get more shots. He's been so good for us in all facets of the game, but he has been getting fewer than five attempts per game for a while now. He can score in a variety of ways be it jumpers (and he's been attempting 3s more the last few games or so) or crafty drives, so if he gets more opportunities, it'll take pressure off LMA and keep opponents honest and out of rhythm on D.
We did what we needed to do in the end, and while we got away with some wayward play for a stretch there, better to keep winning as we clean up our play and learn from it.
Thank God Pop was open to listening to LMA and LMA was open to listening in return this past off-season. Very underappreciated, attractive quality. Where would we be this year if they hadn't spoken honestly, and if each wasn't malleable to change the situation for the better, best really, for both sides. Rare. I'm so happy and grateful we have them both. I love our team.
GO SPURS GO!