Quick Grades: Spurs vs. Grizzlies - Western Conference Finals Game 1

[timvp]

Tim Duncan B-
Defensively, I was very pleased with Duncan. He battled hard in the low block. He hedged well on pick-and-rolls. He protected the basket via quick rotations. He finished possessions with great rebounding. Outstanding job on that end. On the other end? Not so much. He had trouble scoring, especially when Gasol bodied him. Duncan had his most success when he caught it and went right into a shot. That's something he needs to do a lot of this series. To his credit, TD retained some offensive value by passing the ball well and running the court hard.

Manu Ginobili B-
This was an average or slightly below average performance for Ginobili. The good news is he managed to avoid costly turnovers. He also came up huge when Memphis made their run. However, the Spurs will need more scoring and more creating out of him as this series progresses. On D, he was reasonably solid. He defended with energy, made plays and stuck to the gameplan.

Tony Parker A
I was really worried about Parker's health entering the series -- but he looked pretty darn good in Game 1. Not quite 100% but he wasn't letting anything slow him down today. He shredded Memphis' vaunted defense with relentlessness precision. Parker mixed his scoring and passing beautifully and kept his aggression at a consistent level throughout. Defensively, he was also really good. If he keeps playing like this, the Spurs suddenly become very difficult to beat.

Kawhi Leonard B+
Though slowed by his troublesome knee, Leonard was able to make an impact. His three-point shooting really hurt the Grizzlies, especially since he added in a few contested shots along the way. The rest of his game was more good than great. His D was solid but he didn't do much on the glass. Outside of his three-point shooting, he was quiet on the offensive side. Going forward, we Spurs fans need to hope his knee can improve.

Danny Green A
Green's WCF redemption tour is off to a great start. On offense, he was ultra confident with his shooting stroke. When the Grizzlies closed out too hard, he surprisingly had some success off the dribble. I also thought his passing was better than usual this game. Green also excelled defensively. He was suffocating in terms of man-to-man D and was very useful when helping. I'm not sure what's gotten into him but over the last handful of games, Green is playing like he's a top ten shooting guard in the NBA.

Tiago Splitter B-
I'd expect myself to rip a center who totals one point, no rebounds and four fouls in 19 minutes. But I'm simply not that upset with Splitter. His post defense was extremely sturdy and his help defense was timely. Those two characteristics negated a lot of his shortcomings. The Spurs will need Splitter to provide scoring and rebounding as the series progresses. However, what's most needed is physicality and a presence on D -- and the Brazilian provided that in Game 1.

Boris Diaw B
Diaw is another player who didn't appear to make an impact if you just look at his stats. But I thought he too played pretty darn well. His post defense was really good and he boxed out with gusto. On offense, his passing and willingness to attack mismatches gave him some value.

Gary Neal B+
I can't complain much about Neal after his Game 1 performance. Defensively, he was adequate -- which in itself is a major improvement. Offensively, he remained within the confines of the offense for the most part. He was patient with the ball and his shot selection was better than usual. Well done.

Matt Bonner A+
Wow. After an underwhelming series against the Warriors, Bonner was back to playing like he did against the Lakers. Defensively, I thought he was about as good as he's going to get. He fronted the post but was also quick to lay the lumber when needed. And when he battled Randolph for a rebound and won, I almost fainted. On offense, he let it fly. Matthew Bonner draining four three-pointers in a Western Conference Finals contest? I never thought I'd live to see the day.

Cory Joseph B-
Joseph ended up being a smidgen too aggressive in Game 1 -- but for the Spurs it's better he is too aggressive than too passive. He'll need to calm down a bit on offense but, again, I liked the way he pushed the pace and didn't allow the Grizzlies to relax when Parker exited. Plus, finishing without a turnover against Memphis is a major plus for a backup point guard. Defensively, Joseph was pretty darn good. He pressed the ball, fought around screens and even got in the mix on the glass a handful of times.

Pop A
I didn't think Bonner could have much success against the Grizzles. Pop believed in the New Hampshire native and it paid off in a big way. On a smaller scale, the same could be said for Neal. Gameplan-wise, the Spurs were very prepared and it seemed like everything they attempted worked out to their advantage. If Pop and company can stay one step ahead of the Grizzlies coaching staff, that alone would really give their players a big advantage.

[Splits]

Thanks! Thought Manu was a C-, higher grade for Kawhi, but otherwise agree

[jesterbobman]

I agree with Kawhi's grade as a B+. He shot splendidly, and was a positive contributor overall. But he wasn't as disruptive defensively as he has been in the playoffs in general. It seemed like he was being cautious with movement on his knee, so offensively he was a spot up man, and he wasn't contesting boards as much. Hopefully it can be OK after 2 and a half days off.

Kind of awesome that an 18 point game on 90% TS with 2 steals and a block was a little underwhelming.

[skulls138]

I dont understand peoples thinking about Matt Bonner, as if he lost all the confidence he had gained in the Lakers series, with the Warriors series. Wasnt it plain that he wasnt needed? And isnt it plain that now, he IS needed, especially because of the Lakers series?

[100%duncan]

Wow really didn't notice that that was Split's stats. He really played well. :tu

[HI-FI]

Another thing that Pop did very well in this game, concerning a point you made above, is managing Kawhi and his minutes. I just hope Kawhi's knee gets better, but least Pop is handling it the right way.

[EricB]

I think along with Duncan and Parker, the three days off after game 2 will do wonders for Kawhi.

[Darkwaters]

Danny Green A
Green's WCF redemption tour is off to a great start. On offense, he was ultra confident with his shooting stroke. When the Grizzlies closed out too hard, he surprisingly had some success off the dribble. I also thought his passing was better than usual this game. Green also excelled defensively. He was suffocating in terms of man-to-man D and was very useful when helping. I'm not sure what's gotten into him but over the last handful of games, Green is playing like he's a top ten shooting guard in the NBA.


Seriously, what has gotten into him recently? It's really hard to believe that just a couple of seasons ago he was a scrapheap player that the Spurs signed out of the D-League.

[TE]

Seriously, what has gotten into him recently? It's really hard to believe that just a couple of seasons ago he was a scrapheap player that the Spurs signed out of the D-League.
Prolly been reading spurstalk about his collapse last year tbh

Needed fuel to the fire imo

[mrjap2x]

336271821219459072

[The Reckoning]

yeah diaw playing with fire as well. he's an incredibly good player when he wants to be. i wonder how good he'd become if he actually took shots. his two free throws were so effortless...

[Capt Bringdown]

Splitter was pretty good at drawing fouls during the regular season. It'd be great if he could dial some of that up in this series.

[Spursfanfromafar]

Matt Bonner in this postseason - 12/20 on three pointers, 60% shooting.

In other words, a redemption campaign by the Red Mamba in full swing.

[DespЏrado]

Kawhi is really worrying me. I think there is something structurally wrong with his knee right now. The way he played showed he was having a lot of trouble planting that leg. I hope the spurs medical staff are on top of this because it looks like it's more than tendinitis.

Bonner continues to put on his cape as the red mamba.

Parker is starting to look healthy finally.

Still wish Manu could steal his 3 point shot back from Parker.

And hell yes to Danny Green.

Finally why is it that Lakers have given our big men the only nicknames that have stuck?

[BillMc]

336271821219459072

What does this mean from DG?

[BillMc]

As long as Tim, Tiago and Boris play D this way, I don't think lack of scoring from them is a problem.

[milkyway21]

Tony Parker A
I was really worried about Parker's health entering the series -- but he looked pretty darn good in Game 1. Not quite 100% but he wasn't letting anything slow him down today. He shredded Memphis' vaunted defense with relentlessness precision. Parker mixed his scoring and passing beautifully and kept his aggression at a consistent level throughout. Defensively, he was also really good. If he keeps playing like this, the Spurs suddenly become very difficult to beat.

:tu

TP, now maybe the best point guard still standing in this playoffs played one of his best games that left me in awe after the game. Was double teamed or triple teamed it didn't matter, finding shooters in their perfect spots was just easy for him. He opened the lanes & collapsed the Memphis game plan.

[foodie2]

What does this mean from DG?

Seven more wins to the title.

[Spur|n|Austin]

Pretty darn good grades :tu

[BillMc]

Seven more wins to the title.

Ah! Thanks...

[byrontx]

Duncan having a off night offensively helped the team. It compelled them to pass and play team ball instead of "toss it to Duncan, stand there and watch." Parker's early penetrations, cutting thru tiny holes in the defense, had Memphis players lost and scrambling thru the rest of the game.

[Ocotillo]

Interesting that Bonner finally has an impact in the playoffs in a contract year. I really don't think the guy had a switch that means he was coasting all along, he just has finally came alive this year.

Blair only played in garbage time so he did not get a grade but if (2 big ifs) the Spurs meet the Heat in the finals, he may actually have an impact as their front line is not as imposing as Memphis.

Kawhi is just fun to watch. I think he has already reached the level in Spurs lore of guys like Mike Mitchell, Sean, and Bruce. It will be interesting to see if he can take it to the next level.

I read that other post of the opinion piece from a writer who compared the Spurs and how they develop players vs. other perennial loser teams like the Wizards and man, Danny Green really validates that. Tossed to the scrap heap by Cleveland who's only sniff at winning was after they won the Lebron lottery. Green has grown by leaps and bounds.

[Darkwaters]

Interesting that Bonner finally has an impact in the playoffs in a contract year. I really don't think the guy had a switch that means he was coasting all along, he just has finally came alive this year.


It's not a contract year for him. He has a full season left with the Spurs (albeit, partially guaranteed I'm pretty sure).

[Keepin' it real]

I think along with Duncan and Parker, the three days off after game 2 will do wonders for Kawhi.

Is Leonard's condition so minor that three days off is all he needs to get healthy?

[Seventyniner]

It's not a contract year for him. He has a full season left with the Spurs (albeit, partially guaranteed I'm pretty sure).

Bonner's last year is $4M with only $1M guaranteed. 100% chance the Spurs would get rid of him if he had an awful postseason.

Still time for that tbh.

It's not even a given that the Spurs would be willing to pay him that much to be a 4th or 5th big. So it basically is a contract year.

[Embedded]

2-3 Times I saw Mr. Leonard disrupt dribbles that while they didn't lead to a steal, it disrupted the flow of Memphis' offense wile the dribbler had to recover the ball and everybody was a couple of steps out of position in the set they were running. Even when he doesn't steal the ball, getting a hand on it is a big deal.

[ginobilized]

Props to Bonner, tbh. He had his role severely limited in the regular season and he accepted it and has responded admirably. Very professional. Very Spurslike.
There are others in this league who would've melted down in his shoes on other teams.

It really makes me happy that he is finally contributing when the team needs it most.

Another big game from him might make the difference in this series.

[barakz21]

I actually don't mind bringing back Bonner. Especially if he keeps his play up. But I'd only bring him back if he took a pay cut. Somewhere between 850K-1M, and that he be the 5th big used in certain matchups. Bigs rotation would be: TD, Splitter, Diaw, Baynes. Then use Blair's old spot for probably another rookie or free agent big. Or a backup SF.

[Obstructed_View]

I dont understand peoples thinking about Matt Bonner, as if he lost all the confidence he had gained in the Lakers series, with the Warriors series. Wasnt it plain that he wasnt needed? And isnt it plain that now, he IS needed, especially because of the Lakers series?

Bonner's effort and decision making on defense were abysmal against Golden state. He was so bad in that series that he even screwed up the spacing on offense. At one point he was standing right next to Timmy, who pushed him away and told him where to go. Bonner looked like a different person against Memphis. He played aggressive defense and went after rebounds. Thanks to Memphis for just pretending he wasn't there most of the game. Bonner could have scored 30 in this game if the Spurs had fed him the ball. I've never seen a three point shooter so left alone. Ever.

[phxspurfan]

I didn't get to see the game. But from what I read, it looks like Pop told Splitter and Diaw to just focus on post defense this game (and series?). I like that advice, since it gives them something to focus in on and get really good at.

And Bonner, Green and Leonard going off + Parker also going off = Spurs win for sure. I hope this means Parker is getting hot at the right time.

[Obstructed_View]

I didn't get to see the game. But from what I read, it looks like Pop told Splitter and Diaw to just focus on post defense this game (and series?). I like that advice, since it gives them something to focus in on and get really good at.

And Bonner, Green and Leonard going off + Parker also going off = Spurs win for sure. I hope this means Parker is getting hot at the right time.

Actually, the Grizzlies defense was just abysmal. Manu and Parker got into the lane for layups, and there were still at least two guys wide open on the perimeter. Any time the Spurs went around the top, two people chased them. It was pretty pathetic. They stayed at home on Duncan and Splitter for the most part when they were near the basket, and just got chewed up by everyone else. Splitter, Diaw, and Duncan were very good on defense, but they didn't really have to put up many shots. Duncan's jumper was off; I don't think he took a single shot inside.

[Budkin]

Bonner with the A+!!! Never thought I'd see that in a WCF game. :wow:wow

[spurraider21]

Bonner playing his ass off for that largely non-guaranteed salary next year

[wildbill2u]

Are we so used to praising Duncan that we don't even see it when Pop pulls him out of TWO games in the second half and sits him on the bench during the closing minutes? There is a reason. Crummy passing leading to crucial TOs.

Against the Grizzleys, Pop pulled him after the second or third bad pass, the last one simply a lazy pass that led to a steal and layup. Pop met him at the sideline and you could read his lips: "Are you shitting me?" Pop was pissed at Tim and kept him on the bench because when he was on the floor we were losing our lead.

[SenorSpur]

Kawhi is really worrying me. I think there is something structurally wrong with his knee right now. The way he played showed he was having a lot of trouble planting that leg. I hope the spurs medical staff are on top of this because it looks like it's more than tendinitis.

I'm glad you brought this up. It's not been made clear exactly what is wrong with Kawhi's knee. The mere fact that the subject keeps coming up is concerning, to say the least.

[Obstructed_View]

Only thing is, this has been an ongoing issue for Kawhi for months. ESPN didn't even know about it until before yesterday's game, and they reported it as though it were new.

[Wildcat67]

I'm glad you brought this up. It's not been made clear exactly what is wrong with Kawhi's knee. The mere fact that the subject keeps coming up is concerning, to say the least.

Obviously you don't have the first idea what tendonitis is. It won't go away until you have months to rest it, but at the same time it isn't a structural problem, it is only a pain management problem, and any kind of rest helps. If they absolutley need to they could give him a cortisol shot, but they probably won't need to, there is only about 4-12 games left in the season most likely.

[SenorSpur]

Obviously you don't have the first idea what tendonitis is. It won't go away until you have months to rest it, but at the same time it isn't a structural problem, it is only a pain management problem, and any kind of rest helps. If they absolutley need to they could give him a cortisol shot, but they probably won't need to, there is only about 4-12 games left in the season most likely.

I know what tendinitis and I certainly know that it's chronic. My point was that we've not heard anything official or unoffical beyond that or whether there was something else at play here. However, I thank you for educating the populace.

[spurraider21]

I'm usually not one to complain (nor am i complaining here, just inquiring), but we haven't seen the typical "game thoughts" segments that usually followed the quick grades. That, along with "random thoughts" and other timvp rants are the bread and butter of the spurs forum. From what i understand, he's been super busy with work lately, but any shot of the return of 'game thougts' at least for the WCF or if we get there, the finals?

[Darkwaters]

Bonner's last year is $4M with only $1M guaranteed. 100% chance the Spurs would get rid of him if he had an awful postseason.

Still time for that tbh.

It's not even a given that the Spurs would be willing to pay him that much to be a 4th or 5th big. So it basically is a contract year.

I would agree that the chance is very high that hes released. But with Bonner I never assume anything is 100%. That dude is like Pop's security blanket, and even despite hardly playing much of this season, hes right in the mix during the playoffs.

[AussieFanKurt]

And when he battled Randolph for a rebound and won, I almost fainted.

:lmao so true

[mosdef17]

Tiago Splitter B-
I'd expect myself to rip a center who totals one point, no rebounds and four fouls in 19 minutes. But I'm simply not that upset with Splitter. His post defense was extremely sturdy and his help defense was timely. Those two characteristics negated a lot of his shortcomings. The Spurs will need Splitter to provide scoring and rebounding as the series progresses. However, what's most needed is physicality and a presence on D -- and the Brazilian provided that in Game 1.


Tiago was decent but that's a high grade for a guy that was scared as hell on offense and cost us 3-4 layups. Sure his defence was alright and he battled hard but a B- is a pretty good score for what his output was. You can sugarcoat it however you like but 0 rebounds in 19mins is a joke.

I think this needs to be said also...

TIMVP D-
For saying that Spurs can't hang with Memphis and he can't see a reason why they shouldn't be overwhelming favorits. One of the more idiotic threads this forum has seen... Which is saying something.

[The Reckoning]

[B]TIMVP D-
For saying that Spurs can't hang with Memphis and he can't see a reason why they shouldn't be overwhelming favorits. One of the more idiotic threads this forum has seen... Which is saying something.


ruh roh

[polandprzem]

I think along with Duncan and Parker, the three days off after game 2 will do wonders for Kawhi.

Is there anything else you can say but days off between games?

[Slippy]

yah watching Tiago on offense was fustrating to put it mildly. Passed up shots that were in his comfort zone, while allowing chasing defenses to catch up. His decision making or mindset seems to be always leaning towards the pass.

Maybe his confience has taken a hit since the injury and lack of touches . What ever it is, nows not the time to play timid.

[Obstructed_View]

Is there anything else you can say but days off between games?

Watching basketball makes him sleepy. Leave him alone.

[polandprzem]

Watching basketball makes him sleepy. Leave him alone.

Goood there will be this 3 day break

[mosdef17]

Tiago was decent but that's a high grade for a guy that was scared as hell on offense and cost us 3-4 layups. Sure his defence was alright and he battled hard but a B- is a pretty good score for what his output was. You can sugarcoat it however you like but 0 rebounds in 19mins is a joke.

I think this needs to be said also...

[B]TIMVP D-
For saying that Spurs can't hang with Memphis and he can't see a reason why they shouldn't be overwhelming favorits. One of the more idiotic threads this forum has seen... Which is saying something.


As I said a week ago... Joke of a thread that was