21-9VERSUS
25-4______________________________________________________________________________________
TV:KCAL
TIME: 5:30PM
ARENA: AT&T CENTER (18,797 CAP) SAN ANTONIO,TX.
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GAME PREVIEW
The Lakers are coming into San Antonio on a two game losing streak after losses to the Bucks and Heat at home. The Lakers are 4.5 games behind the Spurs in the conference, and are currently 4th based on conference records.
The Spurs come into the game off a loss to the Orlando Magic last Thursday, their next game is against the Washington Wizards Sunday in Washington.
KEY MATCH UPS
Bryant vs Ginobili
For the first time in a long time Manu Ginobilli is healthy and playing excellent ball. Kobe for the last few games has struggle with his shooting and his defense has been spotty. He can't roam as much off Manu, so he'll have to stay home or in range of him most of the game when matched up. Manu has the ability to make plays off the dribble for others now as the Spurs have moved away from Tim Duncan being the primary focus on offense. Kobe will have to stay near and push him from side to side and try to funnel him to the interior help. Bottom line it's time for Kobe to earn his praise of a 1st All Team defender.
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Gasol vs Duncan
Tim Duncan is averaging career lows in points, rebounds and minutes played. Popvich is easing the load on his 34 year old center and placing more of the offense on his guard trio of Parker, Ginobili and George Hill. Duncan is averaging 13 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks a game. Pau's job is simple make him work harder on defense. Pau's play lately has been not acceptable. Pau will have to go to work quickly once he receives the ball in the post, make the Spurs decide on and how quick to double. Seeing as the Spurs are under sized compared to the Lakers, Pop may elect to have Tim guard Pau one on one. Pau must win this match up period. These two match ups will decide who comes out on top.
KEYS TO WINNING
Tempo- The Spurs are one of the top teams in fastbreak points, they now look to push tempo.
Not the same team from the past that look to slow it down.
Rebounding-The Lakers are ranked 2nd in the league while the Spurs are tied for 9th.
The Spurs are 12th in offensive rebounding, the Lakers have to limit them to one
shot and out.
Interior Scoring- Bottom line is simple......pound the Spurs interior defense relentlessly.
Put pressure on Duncan and Blair especially.
Final Analysis
All this means nothing if the Lakers don't come ready to play, judging by the last 2 games we just don't know what this team will do or even if they decide to show up.
What we lost to the Heat, didn't notice, opening gifts. What's that, Heat board ? There was a game today ? Where are the Heat from? Is that the Cleveland team? I get so confused. Stop shouting Heat fan, what ? LALALALALALALALALA, I can't hear you, LALALALALALALALALA.
