Spurs Lakers Thoughts

1st Quarter

*No Ginobili today.  Reports are that he could’ve played, but Pop is holding him out.  Can’t say I disagree, the Spurs can beat a team without Manu, though, it would actually require Tim Duncan to be a dominant offensive player, something he’s patently avoided for a while.

*I’ve had a man crush on Lamar Odom for what seems like forever.  He’s long, he can dribble, he can rebound, he can even shoot some times.  The issue has always been whether or not he has the desire, but he seems re-energized with a more share-oriented Kobe and a top-seeded Lakers team.

*Tony Parker has done more than I’ve expected.  Take that last Spurs possession–misses the layup, gets his own rebound, immdiately goes back up again, and scores.  First quarter stats: 10 points, 4 rebounds, 3 dimes on 4 of 8 shooting.  Pretty good.

2nd Quarter

*How on Earth do the Spurs expect to score with the lineup they’ve started this quarter with?  Damon Stoudamire and Jacque Vaughn in the backcourt, together?!  They’ve got to hope the Lakers don’t do a lot of scoring, because the Spurs just can’t keep up with much at this point.

*Oh, that’s right, that’s why I’m watching this game, and not coaching in the NBA.  I knew there was a reason.  First 4 minutes of the quarter with the Spurs +4 for the Quarter, before Duncan comes back in, Damon hits a 3, Vaughn with a jumper and two assists.  Nice job gentleman.

*Duncan does not look good thus far.  I don’t care that he’s got 9 points, of the four shots he’s made, I believe 3 have been dunks.  His long jumpshot looks off, and his drive to the basket looks stale (he got just stuffed by Pau on one runner).

*Going into a timeout with under 3 minutes left, the Spurs are playing just like they always have this year.  At times (usually the start of the game) with a ton of energy and Tony Parker is the leader of that charge.  At other times, no energy and indescribable lethargy (lazy passes off inbounds, off full court presses, etc.).  I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again, they areclearly good enough to beat these other teams, so long as they just give a full 48 minutes.  If not, it’ll be over by the start of the 4th.

*There isn’t a man wearing white that hasn’t been absolutely embarassed by Tony Parker.  Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom, Derek Fisher.  He’s undressed them all.  Tied at half, TP to thank for that (18 points).

halftime

3rd Quarter

*Derek Fisher is an assassin who haunts my dreams. Period.

*Duncan’s trying to go to work on Pau Gasol, but it seems to me as if either Duncan isn’t quick enough (very possible) or Gasol is too long (not as much).  Fact is, TD just can’t make a shot, and the looks he’s getting aren’t bad.  Lakers are playing zone, or at least were, and the SPurs are struggling with it.

*You know you want to see that Spike Lee joint about Kobe.  Just admit it.

*Looking for that “when did this happen” moment?  Probably the Kobe goaltend that didn’t get called and then the Vlad Rad saunter through the lane for a dunk.  That’s my pick.

*Proof of insanity:  Udoka misses three with under 5 seconds left, Gasol gets board, throws a 3/4 court pass that lands directly into the palms of Kobe Bryant, who proceeds to nail a 3.

 * Great quarter for the Spurs:  outscored 26 to 14, missed 14 of the 17 shots the took.  No explanation.

4th Quarter

*I have nothing positive left to say.  Duncan can’t make any shots, anywhere.  Kobe and Derek Fisher don’t miss.  Part of me worries that maybe Duncan just doesn’t have that much left, that he’s just not that good.  The other part of me says, OK, no Manu today, this team usually turns it on the playoffs and Barry and Horry should be back soon, so maybe its all good.  Time will certainly tell, but it might be from the road locker room.