Post#5 » by G R E Y » Wed Dec 27, 2017 10:30 pm
Solid comeback win after a lacklustre performance versus Utah. The Spurs-Kings stats were actually comparable in several categories, but throughout the game it never felt as if our victory was in doubt; strange how the flow of the game, even when close, can convey that sense.
With so many players in and out of the line-up, Pau's steady presence, inspired play, and cohesion with LMA helped ease the load that LMA has so staunchly shouldered this season. He's been such an anchor for us, so it was great getting a largely veteran-led win with five Spurs in double figures stepping up. The key was matching their bigs, and with Pau back, he and LMA were able to get the better of Randolph and Cauley-Stein. You can play around and isolate whichever players' numbers to make a point, but to the extent that the 4 and 5 match-ups were important, the rest of our team had a slim 65-64 point edge over all other Kings not Zach and Willie, so Pau and LMA's 43-35 advantage over their counterparts' tandem was essential. They started putting the work in early, with LMA hitting 2-3FGs and 2-2 from the 3 and Pau 2-2FGs and 1-2 from the 3 in the first Q alone. Add to that the rest of the team hitting 3-5 3s and our excellent shooting kept it on par with the Kings, who held their own.
The Kings went on a 10-point run in the first Q for a 15-10 lead, with Garrett's O rebound and putback leading Pop to call a timeout from which Spurs regrouped and Pau scored. The rest of the Q saw both teams trading shots. The 31-31 finish was as good for the O as it was sketchy for the D. We established our O presence early, but the Kings' 4 and 5 connected on most of their shots as well, just put up fewer shots than our 4 and 5 duo did. Kings also hit 100% from the 3. Spurs were a step behind in guarding it, whether by preventing the pass or getting to the open shooter. This needs work.
In the second Q our bigs had fewer shots, but hit them at an excellent rate, LMA 3-6FGs, Pau 1-1 from the 3 while their counterparts were a combined 0-5. Tony, Murray, and Manu kept their D busy early with drives and outside shots. We went on a 10-2 run led by LMA and Pau to end the Q with a 13-point lead.
The Kings showed grit to start the third Q, and took it to us with faster tempo, penetration, hitting Js while we went away from our pass and move game, and instead of patiently finding the open man, settled for quick outside shots. We didn't get a point in several opportunities for two and a half minutes, while in that span the Kings hit three shots in a row and chipped away at the lead, bringing it down to 7. Pop timeout. Regroup. Tony basket after the timeout. This is just about automatic, but once again I can't overstate how pleasing it is to have confidence in timely and productive timeouts. Murray hit a last-second J to end the Q with an 84-75 lead, but from that Tony layup to the final shot, it was the savvy play of vets LMA, Patty, and Manu that maintained the lead and faith in the outcome.
Rudy only shot 3-8 overall, but they were timely. All of his points came in the fourth Q on 2-4 FGs and 1-1 from the 3. It was a strong start to offset that of the Kings in the third. His consecutive makes established a momentum that Pau, Tony, Murray, Patty, and LMA built upon. Besides LMA's team-high 39 minutes, the rest of the team had balanced minutes in which to step up.
Our young guys can sometimes play consistent minutes collectively, but I really like the team play better when inserting one or two young players with the vets; it raises their level of play with no drop off in the group. Spurs cohesive play resulted in an excellent 29-8 assist to TO ratio. In 25 minutes, Murray was the lone youth who excelled with the vets, getting 13 points on 6-11 FGs, grabbing seven rebounds, and six assists. He did very well playing to his strengths within the team. Whereas Murray raised his game, as imagump said, Bryn's shot has been up and down, and in this game he was off. He has the green light to keep shooting, but I think being in the starting role is making him push a bit more as if he has to prove or live up to the position, and seems a bit tight, missing shots. Anderson was off, too, but he's adjusting to return from injury. Bertans had an unusual bagel in his ten minutes as well. Joining Murray was LMA's 29 (13-22 2-3 from 3), and 10 rebounds, Pau's tremendous triple-double 14 (5-8), team highs 11 rebounds and 10 assists, Tony's 10 (5-11) and six assists, and Manu's 15 (6-10), three rebounds, an assist, and two steals. I marvel at Manu's game every time he plays; he always provides a worthwhile contribution - crafty, supportive, assertive on both ends, and so intelligent. It would be the ultimate swan song for the Spurs to win another championship before he retires...
Pop has said that he had to let Manu be Manu in all his unorthodox ways and that opened up his play to the benefit of the team. With Pop adjusting to LMA asserting his own game as well, wherever the Spurs play, that left block is LMA's home. The Spurs have been able to sustain the ups and downs of injuries, players adjusting to line-up fluctuations, and a West conference-high eight back-to backs. The young players are coming along, but the vets stepped up and showed why they're the backbone of a system that, despite adversities, continues to find a way.
I love this team. GO SPURS!
The Spurs Way
Thinking of you, Pop
#XX
