Spursfanfromafar
05-19-2013, 07:28 AM
1) Kawhi and Green's team defense - Expect a lot of double teaming of Randolph and maybe to some extent of Gasol. Kawhi and Green will most likely be given the duties to leave their priority marks to double team Randolph and then return back to guarding the three point line against Pondexter/Prince/Allen. They have to get their speed and spacing right on defense. This is going to be a major key for the Spurs. Shut the Grizzlies down in defense and use ball movement to overcome the Grizz' superior defense.
2) Ginobili hitting the three - expect the Grizzlies' defenders to sag into the paint when Ginobili handles the ball on pick & roll and expecting him to fail on the three pointer. Ginobili has to get going early and then force Allen/ others to play him close, which would allow him to pass on the drive and dish. Parker, I think, will hold his own against Conley. Ginobili has to do his.
3) Any/some breather for Duncan/Splitter by Diaw/Bonner would be very useful. If Bonner can show some chops in guarding Randolph on the post and minimise the latter's effectiveness and then hit a three when it presents itself, the Spurs will be hard to stop. And Diaw has to be aggressive and not stay idle.
4) Disrupt Gasol/Randolph's high-low game. Tiago has to be very smart while defending Gasol; always keep a high arm on him and disrupt his passing rhythms. Duncan will hold his own on the post against Randolph, IMO.
5) Don't underestimate Tony Allen's offensive game. Allen is having his best postseason and possibly the best offensive stretch of his career. The Clippers had no one to guard him while the Thunder weren't smart enough. I expect Parker/Ginobili to guard Allen. If they can prevent Allen from surprising on offense, there would be too much pressure on Conley to handle backcourt duties and could disrupt the Grizzlies.
Basically this series is going to be a "All in" team effort. All five of the Spurs on the court have to be in their fullest gear and preparation if the Spurs need to win. And I suppose they will.
2) Ginobili hitting the three - expect the Grizzlies' defenders to sag into the paint when Ginobili handles the ball on pick & roll and expecting him to fail on the three pointer. Ginobili has to get going early and then force Allen/ others to play him close, which would allow him to pass on the drive and dish. Parker, I think, will hold his own against Conley. Ginobili has to do his.
3) Any/some breather for Duncan/Splitter by Diaw/Bonner would be very useful. If Bonner can show some chops in guarding Randolph on the post and minimise the latter's effectiveness and then hit a three when it presents itself, the Spurs will be hard to stop. And Diaw has to be aggressive and not stay idle.
4) Disrupt Gasol/Randolph's high-low game. Tiago has to be very smart while defending Gasol; always keep a high arm on him and disrupt his passing rhythms. Duncan will hold his own on the post against Randolph, IMO.
5) Don't underestimate Tony Allen's offensive game. Allen is having his best postseason and possibly the best offensive stretch of his career. The Clippers had no one to guard him while the Thunder weren't smart enough. I expect Parker/Ginobili to guard Allen. If they can prevent Allen from surprising on offense, there would be too much pressure on Conley to handle backcourt duties and could disrupt the Grizzlies.
Basically this series is going to be a "All in" team effort. All five of the Spurs on the court have to be in their fullest gear and preparation if the Spurs need to win. And I suppose they will.