Preview: Spurs vs. Lakers - Apr. 11

[timvp]

Considering that the Spurs could end up playing the Lakers up to ten times in the six weeks, it's a good idea to get acquainted with these guys. Even though Kobe Bryant will be out due to a shin injury, there are still many things to watch for tonight:

Can Tim Duncan be effective?
Last year against the Lakers, Tim Duncan was absolutely horrible. Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum dominated him on both ends of the court; he has never looked so helpless on a basketball court. In those three games last season, Duncan averaged 4.0 points and 6.3 rebounds in 28.3 minutes per game while shooting 19.2% from the field (5-for-26). Obviously, the Spurs need their foundation to play much, much, much better this year.

How will Tony Parker do against Ramon Sessions?
Derek Fisher finally reached the end of the road, so the Lakers replaced him with Ramon Sessions. Sessions is a solid offense player but has never been known to be much of a defender. If Tony Parker can dominate this matchup, San Antonio's hopes against the Lakeshow will improve dramatically.

Can Manu Ginobili thwart World Peace?
No player has defended Manu Ginobili as well as Ron Artest through the years. In 14 career regular season matchups, Ginobili averages only 13.4 points on 39.7% shooting from the floor and 30.6% shooting on three-pointers. Will Manu Ginobili have more success against Metta World Peace? Let's hope so.

Can DeJuan Blair survive the size?
While DeJuan Blair has had success in the past against the Lakers, it's almost always been against either Gasol or Bynum -- but very rarely against both at the same time. Blair's lack of size is never as obvious as when he's trying to score over the Lakers' imposing frontline. Can he somehow change that perception tonight?

Will the Lakers shutdown the corner threes?
The Spurs need corner three-pointers to be at their best on the offensive end. The Lakers make it a point to not allow teams to shoot corner threes. It'll be interesting to see if the Spurs can crack their defense or if they'll be forced to score in other ways.

Will San Antonio's depth play a major role?
There's no doubt that the Spurs have the far superior depth. In fact, San Antonio's depth may be the strongest aspect of this team. In theory, if the Spurs can push the pace and turn the game into a sprint, their depth advantage should shine.

How much will size be an advantage for the Lakers?
On paper, the Spurs are at a major size disadvantage. The Spurs won't just have to figure out how to slow Gasol and Bynum, they'll need to figure out ways to score over the top of that imposing duo. If Pop uses his normal rotation, the Spurs will undoubtedly be stretched to their limits. However, that leads to the game's most interesting subplot...

Will Pop play Tiago Splitter next to Tim Duncan?
If Pop is ever going to play Splitter next to Duncan, this will be the game. In theory, it's the perfect answer to Gasol and Bynum. But, as we've seen all season, Pop is very hesitant to play his two biggest players at the same time. Will that change tonight?

[EVAY]

Great questions and great issues/observations, imo.

1. Can Tim be effective? I don't think that Tim can be effective against BOTH of their big men without some help. Offensively, Tim's midrange jumper is far better this year than last, so he can try to draw one of the their bigs to him and open some room under the basket, but he will not be able to do the 'give me the ball, let me turn my back to the basket and dribble until I decide to turn and shoot' move with any effectiveness, I fear. Those days are behind him whenever he is faced with a talented and strong post defender these days. Bynum will block him time after time if he tries, I believe.

Defensively, he will need some help on Gasol in the post, and I'm assuming that Leonard may be asked to help him there.

2. Tony vs. Sessions. To me, the question about Tony is not who is on the perimeter with him, but how he will fare going into the paint against twin towers. Not well, I fear. The Lakers defend the pnr quite well, I believe, partly because it only takes one of their bigs chasing our screen setter while another can stay home to block or alter shots at the rim. It will really depend on whether or not Ton'y floater is working, imo. In the alternative, if whoever is not involved in the pick and roll can block out their other big, Tony (or Manu or whomever) could have a fine time at the rim. The lakers are good (at least under Jackson they were good) at defending the passing lanes, and that is huge part of the Spur's offense.

3. Manu and World Peace. Wouldn't the issue here be to let Stephen Jackson drive Artest right over the very narrow ledge of sanity that he seems to walk and just let him take himself out of the game? Does anyone imagine that it wouldn't happen?

4. No.

5.Historically the Lakers were the best team I saw at getting their guys to 'stay home' on the perimeter players. I don't know if this will continue under Brown as coach, but we now have the talent (unlike prior years) to put the ball on the floor and make a midrange jumper if the three is denied. I don't think this is a problem.

6.San Antonio's depth. It can make a huge difference if we could get Pop to keep running different combinations of players at different times at them and keep them off base. Otherwise, they have been good at telling each player on their team "this is your guy...here is his scouting report...this is what he always does and this is how you counter him". And they were ALWAYS prepared for their assignment. That's why I think it will be important to change up our lineups to keep them guessing as to who they need to keep in their lineups.

7.See the answer to No.1

8. Who knows? The sky could turn purple tomorrow too. So it COULD happen...but I sorta doubt it.

[foodie2]

:depressed Well, now I'm depressed.

[JRHernandez88]

I predict that Tim Duncan continues with his solid play this season and goes for an all around good game. His confidence is at a point that i haven't seen in a few years.

[DesignatedT]

Good points. I can see Pop playing the normal rotation to see how it fares and if it's obvious we need a lot more size than I'd expect Tiago to play more in the next 2 games. Personally I think the 3rd game against LAL on 20th will be the game that is really telling. Both teams will be pretty familiar with each other by that point and it will be the last times the teams meet until possibly the 2nd round.

[gameFACE]

Sizewise we are the same as last year with the exception of Diaw. But it's not proven if width is better than height yet, no matter how good of a passer you are. If DuJuan Blair has a great game tonight, that's great. But I bet you that doesn't happen in the next meetings. Duncan will be fresh so the potential for a good game is there.

I don't think Sessions is going to get the better of TP. TP won't let thet happen. It's whether or not he gets in the lane at all.

With Peace, Not only is there Stephen Jackson but Danny Green. Green doesn't have Peace's muscle but he can allow Manu some freedom.

The Spurs will win this one run-n-gun style.

[JRHernandez88]

Will Pop play Tiago Splitter next to Tim Duncan?
If Pop is ever going to play Splitter next to Duncan, this will be the game. In theory, it's the perfect answer to Gasol and Bynum. But, as we've seen all season, Pop is very hesitant to play his two biggest players at the same time. Will that change tonight?

This is the question that I'm sure we are all anxious about tbh. We've yet to see what our 7 footers can do together on the floor and we're all begging for the chance. It would definitely be encouraging to see them share some minutes though but I doubt that we see much of it. Hopefully I'm wrong though.

[Mugen]

The loss of Odom and Phil is huge, IMO. Especially in the playoffs.

Odom was a matchup nightmare and Phil always had a mental edge against Pop.

They should just pick n roll them to death instead of 4 down for Timmy where he has struggled against Bynum/Gasol. The Lakers have been a very poor defensive team since the Sessions trade.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Preview? timvp sounds stoked for the game

[Spur|n|Austin]

I don't see Pop all of a sudden showing the world a Duncan/Tiago tandem, unfortunately.

[jjktkk]

Free Tiago Pop.

[Obstructed_View]

Many of us have commented that Duncan looks refreshed and better than he's been in recent years, despite the stats that seem to prove the opposite. The proof should begin to become clear, one way or another.

[DesignatedT]

I agree that the loss of Odom at least makes it a little easier down low. All three of those guys on the court together (Bynum,Gasol,Odom) just killed us. I'm cool with Artest playing or Murphy or whatever else they got now.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Going to be a Morale crusher if we lose this or barely win

[LongtimeSpursFan]

Will Pop play Tiago Splitter next to Tim Duncan?
If Pop is ever going to play Splitter next to Duncan, this will be the game. In theory, it's the perfect answer to Gasol and Bynum. But, as we've seen all season, Pop is very hesitant to play his two biggest players at the same time. Will that change tonight?

Haven't we seen the answer to this question? In games with a big frontcourt....Lakers (last year) and Memphis (playoffs and this year), also, in games against Wolves, Pop has played Splitter in more minutes than usual. Maybe not the 32-35 minutes people would like but maybe 24-26 minutes. I could have sworn that Tiago was the first big off the bench against Lakers last years and Memphis (first game) this year.

[Sportcamper]

This…

Will San Antonio's depth play a major role?
There's no doubt that the Spurs have the far superior depth. In fact, San Antonio's depth may be the strongest aspect of this team.

Other than Josh McRoberts funny socks the Lakers bench is not much to look at…

[Spur|n|Austin]

Going to be a Morale crusher if we lose this or barely win

How is barley winning a morale crusher?

[timvp]

Haven't we seen the answer to this question? In games with a big frontcourt....Lakers (last year) and Memphis (playoffs and this year), also, in games against Wolves, Pop has played Splitter in more minutes than usual. Maybe not the 32-35 minutes people would like but maybe 24-26 minutes. I could have sworn that Tiago was the first big off the bench against Lakers last years and Memphis (first game) this year.

Duncan and Splitter haven't played even one second together against the Lakers. Against Memphis in the playoffs, the Duncan and Splitter combo was a last ditch effort by Pop to save the series. Overall, he's played those two together a little bit this year ... but most of that was early in the season. In recent weeks, I can't remember a time Pop played those two together in instances that didn't include foul trouble or injury.

Recent history tells us not to expect Duncan and Splitter together. Logic tells us it's the Spurs' best way to survive L.A.'s bigs.

[Old School 44]

tbh, without Kobe, I expect a 20+ point win.

[DesignatedT]

I remember earlier in the year (late jan?) Pop was starting to play Duncan and Splitter together a little bit more and more, even bringing Splitter 1st off the bench for Blair. This happened for like 2 or 3 games and then Splitter hurt the calf and Pop has since stayed away completely from the combo.

[timvp]

Very good post, EVAY :tu


Preview? timvp sounds stoked for the game


Going to be a Morale crusher if we lose this or barely win

Tbh, even though I feel like a Suns fan just for typing this, I do think tonight is basically a must-win for the sake of the team's confidence. A loss tonight would cause a lot of second guessing, which isn't something you want with ten games remaining.

The Spurs don't necessarily have to blow them out but they need to win, IMO.

[sehui]

Are the big 3 expected to play in this one?

[Obstructed_View]

I don't necessarily think it's crucial for the team's confidence, but I think Pop gets way too into his own head about games like this, so it comes down to a "must play well" for everyone that gets time. What was a rather insignificant game for the Spurs which the Lakers treated like a playoff game turned out to have huge repercussions on the team last year.

[temujin]

3 days ago, with Bynum ejected, Brown played Murphy against Scola and got completely destroyed in the 4th.
Bynum and Gasol better play long minutes, because the replacements look just terrible.

[TheSkeptic]

Playing the Lakers just isn't the same without Kobe imo.

Their bigs are probably going to have a good night and all but I think the Laker bench is what's going to cost them the game. For some reason that "coach" of theirs hasn't really been playing Goudelock as of late apparently.

I just don't understand what he's thinking since he can play the bench/Goudelock with Bynum and start getting at least *some* consistent production throughout the game as opposed to these (hilarious) problems they're going through right now. They should just get it over with and promote Messina.

I think their bench will struggle to put up 20 (I'm being generous) and if the starters can keep it even San Antonio's bench can hopefully take care of the rest.

Reading the Laker forums, they've also been saying that defensively the team is pretty hit and miss. Blair should play well against Gasol but not Bynum and vice versa for Tim Duncan. That said, apparently Sessions is a bad pick and roll defender while Bynum is lazy and Gasol is slowing down. Problem is Artest and the others do show up against stars and teams they respect.

In any case, I say the bench play ends up being the deciding factor.

[boutons_deux]

Lakers-Spurs matchup: Five things to watch

http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-la-lakersspurs-matchup-five-things-to-watch-20120411,0,932987.story?track=rss

Lakers finally get reacquainted with their old rivals, the Spurs

http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-spurs-20120411,0,6428312.story

[birdy219]

GO :flag: GO

[Cant_Be_Faded]

How is barley winning a morale crusher?


Very good post, EVAY :tu





Tbh, even though I feel like a Suns fan just for typing this, I do think tonight is basically a must-win for the sake of the team's confidence. A loss tonight would cause a lot of second guessing, which isn't something you want with ten games remaining.

The Spurs don't necessarily have to blow them out but they need to win, IMO.

I think a last second prayer win, or a dog fight deep into the fourth quarter would be almost as mentally damaging as a loss. No Kobe says it all.


Parker never seems to hit ANYTHING at the rim against these lakers.
so Evay is spot on about that

[Cant_Be_Faded]

An understated aspect of a spurs lakers game/series:

Coach Pop is spurs coach, and the lakers are coached by Mike freaking brown.
This is a guy who needed an assistant coach to draw up game winning plays for him.
Its gotta count for something in our favor

[Seventyniner]

On paper, it seems like the best choice to start next to Duncan is actually Matt Bonner. He would draw one of the bigs out of the paint when the Spurs have the ball, allowing a TP/Duncan pnr to get the other big moving, and Bonner's post defense is actually pretty good. Defensive rebounding would be the concern, but is Bonner that much worse than Diaw or Blair there? I'm assuming no Tim/Tiago pairing.

[polandprzem]

that's all bad

:pctoss

[Nathan89]

Coach Pop is spurs coach, and the lakers are coached by Mike freaking brown.
This is a guy who needed an assistant coach to draw up game winning plays for him.
Its gotta count for something in our favor

Even more of an advantage to play them three times so close to the playoffs and also together.

[TD 21]

I'm confident we'll see the Duncan-Splitter pairing against the Lakers, Grizzlies and Rockets (Pop likes to have Splitter guard Scola). I don't think we'll see it as much as we'd like though, especially down the stretch. Bonner will probably get the call.

EVAY, I disagree that Duncan can't score with his back to the basket on Gasol. He can, because he still has an advantage over him and that is strength. It's the Bynum's and Marc Gasol's of the world that he has the most trouble against at this stage in his career, because he has no physical advantage over them. He's still slightly quicker than both, but not to the point that he can consistently beat them off the dribble.

And Duncan's got to be able to guard Gasol mostly straight up. He's about as long as a defender as Gasol faces and he's stronger than him, too. I still maintain that the Spurs should actually have Duncan guard Gasol, when he's paired with Bynum and basically concede the Bynum match-up. They can't physically match-up with him anyway, so they might as well gift wrap Bynum 30, if it means holding Gasol in check. And between Duncan and Splitter, they're about as equipped to do that as possible.

[TheSkeptic]

I'm confident we'll see the Duncan-Splitter pairing against the Lakers, Grizzlies and Rockets (Pop likes to have Splitter guard Scola). I don't think we'll see it as much as we'd like though, especially down the stretch. Bonner will probably get the call.

EVAY, I disagree that Duncan can't score with his back to the basket on Gasol. He can, because he still has an advantage over him and that is strength. It's the Bynum's and Marc Gasol's of the world that he has the most trouble against at this stage in his career, because he has no physical advantage over them. He's still slightly quicker than both, but not to the point that he can consistently beat them off the dribble.

And Duncan's got to be able to guard Gasol mostly straight up. He's about as long as a defender as Gasol faces and he's stronger than him, too. I still maintain that the Spurs should actually have Duncan guard Gasol, when he's paired with Bynum and basically concede the Bynum match-up. They can't physically match-up with him anyway, so they might as well gift wrap Bynum 30, if it means holding Gasol in check. And between Duncan and Splitter, they're about as equipped to do that as possible.

Great points. I think if they approach the big situation like this we should be okay for this game anyway. Between their coach and their bench, I think the Spurs should be able to take this one if they can mitigate one of the Laker bigs and Gasol is obviously the best one to match with. 100% agreed.

[benefactor]

As I said in a different thread...let Gasol get whatever by defending him straight up and flash double Bynum in the post when he starts to make his move. He sucks at passing out of double teams. The perimeter speaks for itself...the Spurs should handle them on both ends easily. Add those things to a good defensive rebounding game and the Spurs should win comfortably.

[ElNono]

Watched both teams all season long and if they play their regular game, Spurs should tap that ass... even more so with Kirby out. This is really Spurs' game to lose.

[EVAY]

I'm confident we'll see the Duncan-Splitter pairing against the Lakers, Grizzlies and Rockets (Pop likes to have Splitter guard Scola). I don't think we'll see it as much as we'd like though, especially down the stretch. Bonner will probably get the call.

EVAY, I disagree that Duncan can't score with his back to the basket on Gasol. He can, because he still has an advantage over him and that is strength. It's the Bynum's and Marc Gasol's of the world that he has the most trouble against at this stage in his career, because he has no physical advantage over them. He's still slightly quicker than both, but not to the point that he can consistently beat them off the dribble.

And Duncan's got to be able to guard Gasol mostly straight up. He's about as long as a defender as Gasol faces and he's stronger than him, too. I still maintain that the Spurs should actually have Duncan guard Gasol, when he's paired with Bynum and basically concede the Bynum match-up. They can't physically match-up with him anyway, so they might as well gift wrap Bynum 30, if it means holding Gasol in check. And between Duncan and Splitter, they're about as equipped to do that as possible.

Well, if I remember correctly, (and I'm pretty sure I do since I wrote it not long ago) I didn't say that Duncan couldn't score against Gasol, but I specifically said that he would be blocked if he tried to do that by Bynum. As you yourself point out in the quote above, it is the Bynum's of the world he has problems with these days. That was sort of my point as well.

I aslo indicated that Duncan would be guarding Gasol, not Bynum, although I went further than you in suggesting that he (Duncan) would might need help from, perhaps, Kawhi Leonard in guarding Gasol without getting in foul trouble.

I don't mind a disagreement at all, and I appreciate the civility with which you post. It may be that we just disagree a bit. I may think that Tim is a bit slower than you think he is, but I clearly agree with you that Bynum is the larger problem...assuming, of course, that Bynum's emotional state allows him to be functional.

And, I still believe that Tim's best scoring threat is from the elbow, partly because that scoring allows the Spurs' offense to maintain a quicker flow than watching Tim back a post player down. And, keeping one of their bigs away from the basket still helps our cutters and drivers, imo.

But I thank you for your civil input.

[Brazil]

EVAY with the goods :tu

[Obstructed_View]

I noticed over the last week or so that the Spurs have been doubling the post a lot more. And not just to help Bonner; they've been doing it in situations where Duncan has the matchup in hand. It's possible they've been doing that to practice for Gasol and Bynum.

[TD 21]

Well, if I remember correctly, (and I'm pretty sure I do since I wrote it not long ago) I didn't say that Duncan couldn't score against Gasol, but I specifically said that he would be blocked if he tried to do that by Bynum. As you yourself point out in the quote above, it is the Bynum's of the world he has problems with these days. That was sort of my point as well.

I aslo indicated that Duncan would be guarding Gasol, not Bynum, although I went further than you in suggesting that he (Duncan) would might need help from, perhaps, Kawhi Leonard in guarding Gasol without getting in foul trouble.

I don't mind a disagreement at all, and I appreciate the civility with which you post. It may be that we just disagree a bit. I may think that Tim is a bit slower than you think he is, but I clearly agree with you that Bynum is the larger problem...assuming, of course, that Bynum's emotional state allows him to be functional.

And, I still believe that Tim's best scoring threat is from the elbow, partly because that scoring allows the Spurs' offense to maintain a quicker flow than watching Tim back a post player down. And, keeping one of their bigs away from the basket still helps our cutters and drivers, imo.

But I thank you for your civil input.

You weren't very clear with your thoughts.

Duncan will predictably be the primary Bynum defender. I suspect he'll rarely match-up with Gasol. Duncan is one of the best ever at defending the post, without fouling. Of course, he could get into foul trouble guarding Gasol, but the odds of it happening aren't good, so I wouldn't worry about it to the point of consistently offering help. Digging down when Gasol drives middle, or occasionally doubling from the blindside, is a good idea. But not automatically on the catch. Especially early.

[EVAY]

You weren't very clear with your thoughts.


Sorry.

[timvp]

Last year in the 46 minutes Bynum was on the court against the Spurs, Duncan had six points on 2-for-12 shooting from the field :smchode:

[ElNono]

But that has a lot to do with Dice being the "jumper" guy and thus Tim had to be the low block guy. There's no reason for that this season. Tim has actually been taking more and more jumpers this season and he should keep doing that against this Lakers team. Let Blair and Tiago go down low.

[therealtruth]

But that has a lot to do with Dice being the "jumper" guy and thus Tim had to be the low block guy. There's no reason for that this season. Tim has actually been taking more and more jumpers this season and he should keep doing that against this Lakers team. Let Blair and Tiago go down low.

Taking jumpers is inefficient and really lets the defense off the hook. I think a defense will take a bigman taking jumpers rather than forcing them to defend and drawing fouls. So while it can help space the floor it has to be balanced with low post scoring and forcing the other team to defend and possibly get in foul trouble.

Duncan in his prime used to routinely get the other bigs in foul trouble. The only other guy on the roster who can do that now is Splitter. Blair's too short and Bonner's can't draw fouls.

[therealtruth]

I noticed over the last week or so that the Spurs have been doubling the post a lot more. And not just to help Bonner; they've been doing it in situations where Duncan has the matchup in hand. It's possible they've been doing that to practice for Gasol and Bynum.

And we saw how well that worked against the Grizzlies. We made a bad perimeter shooting team seem like they couldn't miss anything.

[ElNono]

Taking jumpers is inefficient and really lets the defense off the hook.

70% of Tim Duncan shots (http://www.82games.com/1112/11SAS20.HTM) this season have been jumpers.

If he's been effective that way so far, there's no need to change it.

[mingus]

Duncan has been able to turn back the clock this year and I think it will continue. The key for him offensively is his outside game. He can counter Gasol's and Bynum's size by stroking it from the outside with confidence like he has been doing all year. It is going to be a test for Duncan and Splitter defensively though. I think they will play together because I am pretty sure Mike Brown saw how our frontcourt got raped by Memphis' frontcourt last year. Not sure though because without Kobe LA is lacking offense and I can see us being up by 10-15 through most of the game in which case the Duncan-Splitter pairing would not be needed.

[therealtruth]

70% of Tim Duncan shots (http://www.82games.com/1112/11SAS20.HTM) this season have been jumpers.

If he's been effective that way so far, there's no need to change it.

I agree Duncan should continue to save wear and tear by taking jumpers. Yet when you have a guy like Tiago who can put more pressure on the other team's bigs I think you have to use him.

[Man In Black]

I agree that Pop's best strategy against the LAL is to use both Duncan and Splitter together on the floor. However, why do it today? I mean why reveal anything to the LAL coaches and scouts of which many used to be part of the Spurs organization? I would just rather that the Spurs win this game with superior depth and solid execution and then if the OLD 2 tower strategy needs to be employed, then Pop could bring it out as another strategy that forces a team to adjust.

[therealtruth]

I agree that Pop's best strategy against the LAL is to use both Duncan and Splitter together on the floor. However, why do it today? I mean why reveal anything to the LAL coaches and scouts of which many used to be part of the Spurs organization? I would just rather that the Spurs win this game with superior depth and solid execution and then if the OLD 2 tower strategy needs to be employed, then Pop could bring it out as another strategy that forces a team to adjust.

Because you need practice and repetition.

[Spurs Brazil]

Considering that the Spurs could end up playing the Lakers up to ten times in the six weeks, it's a good idea to get acquainted with these guys. Even though Kobe Bryant will be out due to a shin injury, there are still many things to watch for tonight:

Can Tim Duncan be effective?
Last year against the Lakers, Tim Duncan was absolutely horrible. Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum dominated him on both ends of the court; he has never looked so helpless on a basketball court. In those three games last season, Duncan averaged 4.0 points and 6.3 rebounds in 28.3 minutes per game while shooting 19.2% from the field (5-for-26). Obviously, the Spurs need their foundation to play much, much, much better this year.

How will Tony Parker do against Ramon Sessions?
Derek Fisher finally reached the end of the road, so the Lakers replaced him with Ramon Sessions. Sessions is a solid offense player but has never been known to be much of a defender. If Tony Parker can dominate this matchup, San Antonio's hopes against the Lakeshow will improve dramatically.

Can Manu Ginobili thwart World Peace?
No player has defended Manu Ginobili as well as Ron Artest through the years. In 14 career regular season matchups, Ginobili averages only 13.4 points on 39.7% shooting from the floor and 30.6% shooting on three-pointers. Will Manu Ginobili have more success against Metta World Peace? Let's hope so.

Can DeJuan Blair survive the size?
While DeJuan Blair has had success in the past against the Lakers, it's almost always been against either Gasol or Bynum -- but very rarely against both at the same time. Blair's lack of size is never as obvious as when he's trying to score over the Lakers' imposing frontline. Can he somehow change that perception tonight?

Will the Lakers shutdown the corner threes?
The Spurs need corner three-pointers to be at their best on the offensive end. The Lakers make it a point to not allow teams to shoot corner threes. It'll be interesting to see if the Spurs can crack their defense or if they'll be forced to score in other ways.

Will San Antonio's depth play a major role?
There's no doubt that the Spurs have the far superior depth. In fact, San Antonio's depth may be the strongest aspect of this team. In theory, if the Spurs can push the pace and turn the game into a sprint, their depth advantage should shine.

How much will size be an advantage for the Lakers?
On paper, the Spurs are at a major size disadvantage. The Spurs won't just have to figure out how to slow Gasol and Bynum, they'll need to figure out ways to score over the top of that imposing duo. If Pop uses his normal rotation, the Spurs will undoubtedly be stretched to their limits. However, that leads to the game's most interesting subplot...

Will Pop play Tiago Splitter next to Tim Duncan?
If Pop is ever going to play Splitter next to Duncan, this will be the game. In theory, it's the perfect answer to Gasol and Bynum. But, as we've seen all season, Pop is very hesitant to play his two biggest players at the same time. Will that change tonight?

Well nothing that we needed happened