It’s not surprising we’d deal with an emotional lull after the high of the previous game, and sure enough we didn’t seem to have the early energy and focus. Although LMA blocked their first shot, we started slow on both ends. Early in the game we had two consecutive possessions in which we rushed shots because each was close to the end of the shot clock, indicative of some lack of awareness and not imposing our game from the start. On the other end, we didn’t contest or rush them off our 3 line, and they drove on us inside too much.
Despite an early 6-0 deficit, we got it to within 11-9 when they hit two 3s between LMA missing a long J. Pop called a timeout to stem their momentum and likely light a fire under us, after which we proceeded to turn it over for a steal and another two points, quickly putting us down 19-9. The pass that led to the turnover was lacking zip and purpose, and was so telegraphed you could see the steal coming. Pop called another timeout. Uh oh. Times like this you wish you could be a fly in the huddle, but though they scored again for a 21-9 lead, Pau and Patty had good energy on the boards, we got our transition game in gear, and you could feel that we’d get back in it if we just settled into our game and focused our intensity more. To that end, good game management, and good response by our guys as the game progressed.
Finally Derrick drove at them – something we’ve been doing so much better the last month or so, but lacked early in this game – and manufactured some energy for us on O while Pau blocked their alley oop attempt on D with good timing and quick hands. We pushed the ball to Beli who drove and got to the FT line. After their timeout, Beli stole the ball and we transitioned quickly to Patty for an in-rhythm 3. Getting quality stops from stifling D and rebounds on one end and creating good inside and outside shots on the other got us rolling. We ran our sets, spread the floor, and improvised in transition, getting scoring from a variety of players in a variety of ways. That twelve point deficit turned into a six point deficit after the first Q, and to an eight point lead at the half because of it.
It used to be a big concern when Rudy was out given his driving instincts to break defenses down, great post-ups, and outside shooting on one end, and blocking and rebounding on the other. But since we’ve gelled so well and Derrick has risen to the challenge of his position, we’ve done much better to cover absences. We’ve had to do it for the second season in a row now, so on the one hand it’s dealing with ongoing challenges, on the other, it’s learning to play through them and it has brought guys together, and given them opportunities to step up. With our system, there isn’t so much of a drop off when, say, Rudy, is off or unable to play. That’s a compliment to both how we play and how guys have stepped into and at times up beyond their roles.
That said, LMA (25 on 9-12, 7-8 Fts, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block) and DeMar (26 on 12-21 a surprisingly low 2-2FTs, but leading us also with 7 rebounds, and 9 assists, plus 2 steals and 2 blocks) combined for 51 points on very efficient shooting, and we need them to keep pouring it on. LMA got to his spots either by outrunning opponents or by post-ups and our guys did a great job getting him the ball at the right times and spots (most of his shot makes were in the key or to the left of it). He was also such a reliable force late in the game in getting to the line. Their synergy has grown throughout the season, and their games compliment each other so well now with LMA’s inside-out abilities, and DeMar’s passing (his two-man game with passing to a cutting Jakob down low has stood out) and a variety of scoring (his shot chart makes were in and all around the key). It’s also great to see them on the bench discussing the game and generally getting along well.
The other 68 points were spread around well as four starters were in double figures, and everyone who played scored. Jakob started in Rudy’s absence and pitched in 7 points (3-4 along with 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block), but he could have been in double figures as well had it not been for his poor 1-6FTs. He’s got good form but seemed to miss many to the right of the hoop in this game. One way or another, be it through his improved play that gets him to the FT line or being targeted for his poor shooting there, he’ll be getting to the charity stripe more, so he’ll have to become an asset for us in this aspect. He is learning his position and has shown improvement in terms of positioning, doing his part in running plays, and as always being a difference maker on the boards with good fundamental boxing out and keeping the ball up. He’s deft at tapping it out, keeping it alive, and following after it to maintain the possession for us. He’s grown, which a good, but better is the room for improvement.
I’m glad for Bryn that he did well in his homecoming. He scored 15 points on 5-12, 3-7 from 3, 2-2FTs with 4 rebounds and 1 steal. He has such great fundamentals (curling off screens, two dribbles, stops and pops for a balanced textbook shot) and is far better in making quick decisions be it taking in- rhythm 3s or driving off screens for floaters or muscling in for layups. He’s worked hard to change his body and all the repetition and absorbing the system has him playing in a smooth, smart way. Derrick is back now, but in his absence it has been Bryn who thankfully made the most of his starting PG opportunity and now is also consistent in the SG role.
Derrick has been a revelation, but if we harken back to pre-season expectations, the Spurs staff is not surprised; he and Dejounte were said to have made the biggest, most noticeable leaps in their game, and Derrick really looks like he’s coming into his own. Since he’s become more comfortable as the starting PG, he has grown into a deft passer, good decision maker as to when to pass or drive and shoot (a fine balance of both) and has good instincts of taking it upon himself to generate O when we’re in a lull and need an energy play with crafty and at times physical but always fearless drives. On top of that, he is our steadiest and best guard defender.
Patty lead the bench with 13 points (4-10, 2-5 from 3, 3-3FTs, and 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) but his energetic presence infused the team. Beli (9 on 3-6, 1-3 from 3, 2-2FTs, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal) made a steady contribution with clutch timely shots borne of his ever constant movement because of which he gets assists for various players. Davis was one such passer, and our sharp shooter expanded his game to lead the bench with 5 assists to add to his 5 points on 2-5, 1-4 from 3, and 3 rebounds. He also did a solid job defensively staying in front of his man, upright with quick feet and hands up, running over screens to catch up to his man, contest shots, and force passes.
Pau played 9 minutes and scored for the first time since he’s returned. He’s a step slower, but you could see that some ingrained habits of positioning of body and hands for rebounds (2), and running the plays from the top of the key ( 1 assist) are still there.
We had 24 assists to only 9 turnovers, giving up 9 points while scoring 17 points off of their 13 turnovers. Rebounding was low for both teams and just about even with a 38-37 edge for us; whereas they had one main player grabbing most of the boards, ours was more rebounding by committee and it worked.
Our FT was 81.3% but that was high because we got to the line 32 times, making 26 so the six missed free throws don’t stand out as much, but we haven’t been as sharp in making them. In a closer game, they stand our all the more, so hopefully we get the percentage up even more. It was a balanced contribution on both ends: our movement and shooting stemming from better team defense forced bad passes and shot clock violations, and our transition, passing, and drive and kick game led to everyone scoring. We do need to work on protecting the arc and closing it out better or force opponents off the 3 line, protecting our key by collapsing earlier and protecting the ball from careless turnovers.
We overcame some early mental lapses which led to two 30+ Q’s against us, but we won three of four Q’s and had two 30+ point Q’s of our own. Whereas we’ve had a string of games in which we started each half strongly, we had to work our way into the game, and really the latter half of the first flowing into a dominant second set the tone and led for the most part to us imposing our game for our first road win of the new year. Hopefully it’s a harbinger for improved road play to come.
Noteworthy achievementsPop has a disdain for public acknowledgement of his individual achievements, but too bad, I'm happy to extend congratulations:
Derrick:
Bryn:
DeMar:
