Post#11 » by G R E Y » Sat Apr 14, 2018 6:58 pm
We started so well in the first quarter, moving assertively, passing confidently, getting the open lanes and shots. Our transition D to O was also quick, and though I’m still not crazy about taking a 3 even if it’s open in those situations (better to take it to the basket for a higher percentage shot and a potential foul), we were locked in to the task at hand.
Then AD, that freak of a guard-forward-center menace with great body control and foot movement got in our head. We don’t do well with athletes of this ilk – AD, Alphabet – and we tend to shrink to the outside once we get blocked a couple of times down low. But the thing is, there are ways to get through these walls (a lot of it is mental) like when Manu and Tony drove and used the basket and their bodies for protections from getting blocked. We didn’t do this often enough, though we did make jumpers to bring them out from under the basket.
It’s hard to win when LMA, who had 8 points at the half, finished the game with a tie for team-high 11 points (5-12 – well under his 23 points on 18 FGAs per game, 5 rebounds and a steal) with Tony and Murray (3-10, 5-5FTs, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and a block); a tough scoring night for Dejounte, but to his credit, he was aggressive in taking it to the basket all game long. Pau didn’t get enough looks (6 points on 2-4, 2-2FTs, 7 rebounds, 4 assists); that happens, and when it does other guys had to step up.
To that end, Rudy pitched in 8 points (3-10, 1-3 from 3, 1-1FT, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal), and Paul was a nice surprise with 10 points (4-6, 1-2 from 3, 1-2FTs). Also, it was great that Tony found his jumper (11 points on 5-10, 1-2FTs, 2 rebounds, 1 assist), largely because he had noticeably more bounce to his step. Bryn found his shot at just the right time (10 points on 3-9, 2-5 from 3, 2-2FTs, 1 rebound, 1 steal), too. Just as it was wonderful to see Manu step up and help carry us in the third and second last games of the season, so too was it great to see Tony and Bryn stepping up the last two games of the season. It’s perhaps small consolation given the loss, but we need momentum going in to the post-season, so it’s better to see these positive signs than still be waiting for them.
Danny (3-5, 2-4 from 3, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals) and Kyle (4-7, 1-1 from 3, 1-1FT, 5 rebounds, 1 steal) were efficient scorers but with too few shots between them, they combined for 18 points. They always contribute on the defensive end, whether their stats show it or not; we need them on both ends. But another low scoring quarter – 17 in the second to their game high 34 – was a huge difference. It has been the case this season when we take a big punch in a quarter and play well enough to otherwise stay with opponents, but we can’t afford to get down like that. It’s harder for us to come back than if we had a full team.
They wre determined to double LMA early and often, and that’s something we’re going to have to adjust to as it’s a simple go-to strategy for opponents. Everyone else will be needed to move into good positions for LMA to pass out to and look for odd-man advantages (make opponents pay for doubling LMA) or clear space for him to try and make a move.
We still needed Minny to win to get the seventh seed, but I’ll take it. We faltered at times this season, but our NBA leading defense, scoring-by-committee around the resurgence of LMA, and staying resilient in the face of a trying season gave us this post-season opportunity. It is a huge achievement, but it’s now the new floor. I love our team.
GO SPURS GO!



The Spurs Way
Thinking of you, Pop

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