So, uninspired defense with bad rotations and late closeouts plus 1-9 from 3 and 11 turnovers at the half. Ooof...
We did come back from a 19-point deficit to get to withing six points at the half, so it was a positive trajectory.
THEN, in a topsy turvy turn of events, we stormed back, could hardly miss a shot and they couldn't buy one, and climbed to a 19-point lead of our own.
Cue the last 5:48 of the fourth. *sigh*
We were up 105-86.
If there are some early patterns emerging, it's the slow starts, all out chemistry and effort, and lulls that we just allow ourselves to slip into. It's so frustrating that we get cute and comfortable and just watch as opponents blow - three not really contested floaters in our key in a row, or settling for shots - four LMA left side Js in a row, this when his outside shot was off most of the game - rather running the variety of sets that got us back in the game. They kept driving at us and getting to the FT line, and next thing you know we're in a dog fight.
Much has been made of DeMar's two missed FTs (you could just as easily say the same for Dame's three missed 3s late in the game), but if it weren't for him on O and Derrick on both ends, especially in the fourth, we'd not have pulled through.
That said, make your FTs, Spurs.
Patty Thrills came through with three key 3s on 50% shooting from the arc. In the long-ball era, we took a gamble and traded our best sharp shooter in exchange for versatility, so the 3-by-committee is all the more important. He did his part.
Beli had spurts, and to his credit he kept playing and got some key baskets late, but it's still not at a level where it offsets his defensive liabilities, and frankly, it needs to be to justify his minutes. Great off-ball movement, and it garnered some fouls, too, but the pressure of other guards needing time may be a factor. For a second game in a row, fans were chanting Lonnie's name.
The argument can be made that when we had a big lead was the time to put Lonnie in, and maybe DeMarre, too. But our opponents then put together a huge run in about three minutes. It was like those recurring dreams where you know that thing you hate is about to happen, you dread it, and it happens anyway.
I forget that this is Dejounte's first full season as a starter, and that he's so young, because for the most part he makes better decisions on O and is an incredible defender, showing a tenacity and instinct beyond his years. But tonight, we were also reminded of some aspects of his inexperience, like rushed drives one-on-three that were turnovers when we were on the brink of taking a lead, or passes behind team mates, or behind the back to no body. He got a little ahead of himself and the rest of the team with those, and Pop pulled him, complete with a glare that Tony is most familiar with.
The great thing is that Dejounte's defense is always there, even when his O is off. And as it turns out, Derrick was the poised PG we needed late in the game, with some key shooting and defense to help us do just enough down the stretch to get the result.
LMA had 5 blocks tonight, and our whole starting unit was great on the boards, led by Trey. Our overall defense after the anemic start and the reverting to first gear for about four minutes late in the game, was actually better. We did well to stay in front of ball handlers, rotated better, switched, and the help D to recover for shot contests and blocks were solid. Our opponents have such a dynamic back court, more experienced, and we have to learn that our tenacity and all out effort will have to be there to compensate for that lack of experience. That said, Derrick's growth from last season and this summer showed in his vision, steadiness, and assertiveness.
We got a glimpse of what happens when we don't assert our game from the start on both ends or take leads for granted. For all the complaining, I'd still rather be on the winning end of the lesson. The thing is, these were games that, statistically, we were not winning last season. I hope we learn and implement lessons on our first road trip of the season.
Say what you will, but there's no points taken away fo ugly wins. Later in the season, these early Ws add up, and count in our favour the end. We're finding ways to win. Let's figure out how not to get in our own way when we do.
NOTEWORTHY STAT OF THE NIGHT:
