So apparently I have NBA TV. Who knew? I’ve never had digital cable before, and I just assumed I wouldn’t have NBA TV. But I was so frustrated to see that tonight’s game was on NBA TV (and thus not on League Pass) that I figured I’d at least check to see if I had it. Imagine my surprise when I found myself watching the 4th quarter of Game 3 of the Nets-Celtics series from 2002.
Imagine my total lack of surprise at watching the Spurs let a 26 point 2nd quarter lead slip all the way down to 7 midway through the 3rd, before putting the clamps down and running away with the game in the 4th, ultimately winning by 25. Again, it was one bad quarter that let the other team back into the game. This time, it was the 2nd quarter, in which we gave up 33 points. In the other quarters, we gave up 23, 19, and 15.
Overall, it’s tough to sustain large leads in NBA games. There’s just too much talent and too much time. So in a way, I’m glad that the Clippers made a move, and I’m glad that they did it in the 2nd, giving us time to regroup at half time and come out focused. All things considered, this was a really good win for us. We played great O, moving the ball, getting great looks, and having 6 players score in double figures; and we played strong D for most of the game, contesting shots and just stifling their offense, especially in the second half. We gave up a few too many offensive boards (14), and although we kept the turnovers down (13), we had 3 in the last 3 possessions of the first half, really allowing the Clippers come back.
The real story of the game–and an emerging story from the season–is the play of our bench. Our bench leads the league in pts/game (averaging right around 42). Tonight our bench outscored their bench 57-32, and was responsible for really blowing the game wide open in the 4th quarter. 20 of the Clippers bench points came from Baron Davis, who normally starts. (He had the flu.) Do the math, and that tells you that the score of the starters was 53-58.
I love having such a strong bench, and it’s a great relief especially given the last few years of having a fairly mediocre bench (Ginobili excluded). But there is something to be concerned about when relying upon your bench for so much of your offensive workload: the playoffs. In the playoffs, rotations shorten, starters’ minutes increase, and the importance of the bench is diminished. One could argue that the Spurs could break the mold and continue to play the bench large minutes and still get the same production. But as other teams curb their rotations and increase their starters’ minutes, our bench will no longer be playing against the other teams bench–they’ll be playing against the starters. One of our great advantages will have suddenly become a disadvantage.
This is obviously no concern for panic just yet. And obviously everything I say about our bench disregards Ginobili, since he is a starter in all ways except actuality. But this is something to watch as the season progresses and as the rotation becomes more set.
Observations:
I love listening to the Clippers broadcasters, because they love the Spurs. Seriously, it’s like a 3 hour sensual massage with a happy ending. You almost feel dirty watching.
Game Ball:
It’s a tie between Ginobili and Blair. Ginobili really sparked us in the first half, hitting huge 3s, making sick assist passes, and being his usual disruptive and brilliant self. Blair also had a strong game, snagging huge boards on both ends of the floor and giving us 14 points. His basketball IQ is high, and he has a very innate understanding of spacing and movement. Let’s hope that he’s alright after that scary landing.
Looking Forward:
We play the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. This is a big game. We need a win over a good team. Phoenix is playing surprisingly well this year. Oh, and there’s a little history between these two teams.
We always seem to have their number, especially when it counts. Obviously. But this game is especially important for me. I want to see us beat a team that is currently either equal or better than us. I want to see us extend our winning streak to 4 games. And I want to feel like we’re starting to take positive steps forward. Every time I think we might be improving and gelling, we have a set back. We’ve won 3 in a row (after 3 dispiriting losses), but we need a statement win. Beating Phoenix in Phoenix (and handing them their first home loss) would be said statement.
great recap–as always.
I don't know how I missed the Suns on the schedule Tuesday. Looking forward to see if this success
translates.
In re NBA TV, it comes in handy the 3 times the Spurs play on their channel.
It was all about teamwork with the Spurs performance against the Clippers. Finally coach Pops has found a way to get the best out of all his players without relying too much on his big names.
RJ is feeling more comfortable being a Spurs and seems to be doing everything right at the moment. George HILL is getting better and better every game and is proving a great deputy for Manu and PARKER. Then there is the beast, De Juan BLAIR who seems to be looking good in becoming Rookie of the Year type of player. Lets not take away anything from Roger MASON, Matt BONNER, Antonio McDYESS and Keith BOGANS as their little contribution is equally important.
These performance allowed the Big Three to shake up all the pressure that was handed on them from Day 1 to carry the Spurs. If the entire supporting cast keeps this up, the Spurs could probably heading to a great finish.
Now what about Manu? (Please read my post)
Well I had my fair share of doubts about him being getting back to his usual form. Don’t get me wrong, as we all know that he still best fighter on the court the Spurs can ever have but my problem with him just how much more longer can he still do it considering the amount of injury he has already suffered.
Looks like after three consecutive games, I would like to agree that good old Manu is back for good. He seems to be more confidence these days and let us pray that will continue for the coming months.