timvp
04-27-2013, 01:57 AM
Tim Duncan A+
Wow. What can be said about a 37-year-old who was by far the best player on the court? Duncan's outside jumper was going and that opened up everything else. Whether on the low post, running the court or catching it on the perimeter, he was a monster. On D, he battled hard and rebounded well. Duncan was locked in from the opening tip and had a great game. Even more importantly, he looks to be in outstanding health right now.
Manu Ginobili A-
His numbers aren't as spectacular as they were in the first two games but Ginobili's play was just as promising -- if not more promising. He was exploding well toward the basket, defending with aggression and he exhibited more confidence when making quick bursts. Outside of a few sloppy possessions, Ginobili took another step in the right direction.
Tony Parker B+
Parker's play, particularly in pick-and-roll sets, was instrumental in putting the Lakers back on their heels. His attacking was great in the first half and produced a ton of open shots. In the third quarter, he turned it over too much but otherwise did well maintaining the pressure. I have to knock him a bit due to a handful of lackadaisical possessions on D -- but given his competition, it was understandable.
Kawhi Leonard B+
There was nothing too amazing out of Leonard but he again was an extremely positive force. On offense, his ability to shoot jumpers off the dribble continues to look more and more natural. With the Lakers were forced to go small, he was able to show off his burgeoning moves on the post. On D, while there wasn't much for him to guard against, he provided swift help and was seemingly always in the mix.
Danny Green B-
His stats look better but I wasn't too thrilled with how Green played. Early on, I thought he was forcing shots. Coming out of the gates, it appeared to me as if were pressing -- and that's not a good sign. He settled down as the night progressed but he needs to relax a bit and let the game come to him. The bright spots were his hustle and his play in transition.
Tiago Splitter B-
This big win was marred by a Splitter ankle injury. Early reports have him out up to 10 days. Obviously, this is bad timing. The Spurs will find it much more difficult to win in the second round if they don't have Splitter. As far as this game, he was better. He was less soft, held his ground on D well and boarded better. His finishing is still uncharacteristically poor but the Spurs will surely miss him while he's gone.
Matt Bonner A-
The playoff series of Bonner's life continues. He buried a couple more three-pointers, made quick decisions on O and was a threat the Lakers had to account for at all times. He didn't have quite as much success on D as last game but he was again physical, did a great job of keeping his arms up and wasn't shy about committing hard fouls when necessary.
Gary Neal C-
At times Neal was the Lakers best defender. He was breaking the offense too much -- whether it was to shoot or aimlessly dribble. That he was without a field goal when the game was in doubt made his ball-dominant ways even more annoying. I'll give him some credit for trying hard on D and for providing really good effort on the glass, though.
Cory Joseph A
Since the playoffs have started, Joseph has been a man possessed. I am in love with how he's playing right now. Everything is fast, with purpose, with energy and with physicality. He doesn't take a possession off and he's brimming with confidence. I'm not sure where this has come from but let us hope it stays around. His play at backup point guard is close to perfect right now.
DeJuan Blair B+
I didn't like his defense this game. Blair wasn't doing his work early and was caught out of position repeatedly. That said, there was a whole lot to like about his offense. He ran the court fantastically. His touch around the basket was superb. His screens were great and his timing on rolls was excellent. Add in very good passing (and rebounding) and it was definitely a quality night at the office.
Pop A-
Pop's button-pushing is masterful right now. His rotation makes a ton of sense. He's unveiling new plays left and right -- and they're working. My only minor quibble tonight is that I thought he could have bought more rest for Duncan … but other than that, Pop is rolling.
Wow. What can be said about a 37-year-old who was by far the best player on the court? Duncan's outside jumper was going and that opened up everything else. Whether on the low post, running the court or catching it on the perimeter, he was a monster. On D, he battled hard and rebounded well. Duncan was locked in from the opening tip and had a great game. Even more importantly, he looks to be in outstanding health right now.
Manu Ginobili A-
His numbers aren't as spectacular as they were in the first two games but Ginobili's play was just as promising -- if not more promising. He was exploding well toward the basket, defending with aggression and he exhibited more confidence when making quick bursts. Outside of a few sloppy possessions, Ginobili took another step in the right direction.
Tony Parker B+
Parker's play, particularly in pick-and-roll sets, was instrumental in putting the Lakers back on their heels. His attacking was great in the first half and produced a ton of open shots. In the third quarter, he turned it over too much but otherwise did well maintaining the pressure. I have to knock him a bit due to a handful of lackadaisical possessions on D -- but given his competition, it was understandable.
Kawhi Leonard B+
There was nothing too amazing out of Leonard but he again was an extremely positive force. On offense, his ability to shoot jumpers off the dribble continues to look more and more natural. With the Lakers were forced to go small, he was able to show off his burgeoning moves on the post. On D, while there wasn't much for him to guard against, he provided swift help and was seemingly always in the mix.
Danny Green B-
His stats look better but I wasn't too thrilled with how Green played. Early on, I thought he was forcing shots. Coming out of the gates, it appeared to me as if were pressing -- and that's not a good sign. He settled down as the night progressed but he needs to relax a bit and let the game come to him. The bright spots were his hustle and his play in transition.
Tiago Splitter B-
This big win was marred by a Splitter ankle injury. Early reports have him out up to 10 days. Obviously, this is bad timing. The Spurs will find it much more difficult to win in the second round if they don't have Splitter. As far as this game, he was better. He was less soft, held his ground on D well and boarded better. His finishing is still uncharacteristically poor but the Spurs will surely miss him while he's gone.
Matt Bonner A-
The playoff series of Bonner's life continues. He buried a couple more three-pointers, made quick decisions on O and was a threat the Lakers had to account for at all times. He didn't have quite as much success on D as last game but he was again physical, did a great job of keeping his arms up and wasn't shy about committing hard fouls when necessary.
Gary Neal C-
At times Neal was the Lakers best defender. He was breaking the offense too much -- whether it was to shoot or aimlessly dribble. That he was without a field goal when the game was in doubt made his ball-dominant ways even more annoying. I'll give him some credit for trying hard on D and for providing really good effort on the glass, though.
Cory Joseph A
Since the playoffs have started, Joseph has been a man possessed. I am in love with how he's playing right now. Everything is fast, with purpose, with energy and with physicality. He doesn't take a possession off and he's brimming with confidence. I'm not sure where this has come from but let us hope it stays around. His play at backup point guard is close to perfect right now.
DeJuan Blair B+
I didn't like his defense this game. Blair wasn't doing his work early and was caught out of position repeatedly. That said, there was a whole lot to like about his offense. He ran the court fantastically. His touch around the basket was superb. His screens were great and his timing on rolls was excellent. Add in very good passing (and rebounding) and it was definitely a quality night at the office.
Pop A-
Pop's button-pushing is masterful right now. His rotation makes a ton of sense. He's unveiling new plays left and right -- and they're working. My only minor quibble tonight is that I thought he could have bought more rest for Duncan … but other than that, Pop is rolling.