cariocaz
05-04-2017, 12:29 PM
How Spurs turned tables on Rockets in Game 2
By Charley Rosen (https://www.fanragsports.com/author/crosen/)
Like the mythical Phoenix, the Spurs came to life from their own ashes to burn any hopes the Rockets had to win Game 2. Indeed, San Antonio’s 121-96 victory represented an astounding 52-point turnaround from the final score of Game 1.
Let’s take a look at how San Antonio got the job done.
They came out breathing fire and were active at both ends.
To get their offense in gear from the get-go, they gave the ball to Kawhi Leonard, who simply destroyed Trevor Ariza.
They went big when Houston went small, which led to a 42-32 edge in total rebounds and 15-9 advantage in offensive retrievals.
Pau Gasol didn’t shoot well (3-of-11), but corralled 13 rebounds, had three assists, and four blocks. If Gasol’s hops have been drastically reduced, he’s still at least two inches taller than his listed height of 7’0”, has extremely long arms, and boasts terrific defensive anticipation. This is why he did an excellent job of protecting the basket.
Before he wrenched his knee (https://www.fanragsports.com/now/tony-parker-carried-off-floor-following-apparent-knee-injury/), Tony Parker was a hot-shooting, whirling dervish — 8-of-13 (including 2-of-2 from downtown) for 18 points.
Patty Mills — 3-of-5 (1-of-3 from 3-land), seven points — played aggressive in-your-face defense against James Harden, was on the scoring end of a nifty give-and-go, and used a spin move to zip his way from the 3-point line to score a layup.
Danny Green also brought his A-game — 5-of-7 (2-of-4 from out there) for 12 big points.
Jonathon Simmons brought quickness and energy off the bench, scoring 14 points, and drawing a charge on The Beard.
As usual, Manu Ginobili hustled non-stop.
The Rockets stifled LaMarcus Aldridge’s low-post play on the left block by having his defender (usually Ryan Anderson) overplay his left shoulder to deny him the middle, then having a double-teamer arrive to shut down the baseline. Accordingly, except for a couple of putbacks, Aldridge was reduced to being a jump shooter. As such, he was held to 15 points on 6-of-14 shooting. However, he did grab eight rebounds, and his kick-passes when he was two-timed led to an eventual reversal pass and an open shot on the weak side.
Otherwise, the Spurs aimed high screens at Harden, thereby forcing him to switch and try to defend Leonard — with a noticeable and predictable lack of success.
When the Rockets doubled Leonard near the arc, he was able to dribble himself clear of the pressure and still create havoc with his shooting (13-of-16, including 3-of-4 triples) and his passing (eight assists). In addition to his 34 points, Leonard also grabbed eight boards and made three steals.
Why isn’t this guy the leading MVP candidate?
For most of the first half, Leonard either fought through screens that were set for Harden, or went under them and let The Beard shoot unopposed treys. As the game unfolded, San Antonio changed tactics — switching on the same screens and sending Harden to the hoop.
Throughout the game, the Spurs continually changed defensive looks on Harden. Besides being haunted by Leonard, he was also guarded by Parker, Mills, Green, Ginobili, and Simmons.
Although Harden made several superb kick-out and drop passes (10 assists), he also missed eight of the ensuing layups, shot an in-close air-ball, and had two blocked.
Overall, Harden was limited to 13 points on 3-of-17 shooting, including only 2-of-9 from beyond the arc.
And the Spurs’ constant movement took full advantage of Harden’s lack of focus on defense.
No wonder the Spurs shot 54.5 percent.
Of course, with Parker most likely out for the duration of the series, Mills, Leonard, and Ginobili will be given the ballhandling and set-up responsibilities. TP’s penetration and clutch shooting will be sorely missed, but his replacements will do more than an acceptable job. The biggest danger here is that Leonard’s scoring opportunities might be limited a bit more.
ADJUSTMENTS
The Rockets need to generate more shots for Anderson, who scored 18 points on only nine shots.
Nene needs more touches in the low post.
Their transition offense lacked quickness and only produced only three successful treys — by Harden, Anthony, and Eric Gordon.
Since nobody can defend Leonard without significant help anyway, starting Gordon instead of Ariza would give the Rockets more firepower.
Beverley must play better individual defense.
The Rockets were stung when they made big-small and small-big switches in defense of high screens. Flash- or even jump-doubles might be a better tactic.
Harden must be given more room (sans screens) to operate. Sure, he’s banged up, but so is everybody else. The standard rule is this: If you can play, you’re not allowed any excuses. Even so, Harden is a true warrior and isn’t interested in complaining.
After the Game 1 rout, the Rockets talked about being “greedy.” However, they clearly lacked sufficient energy out of the gate. It’s as though, despite their postgame mantra, they felt that the Spurs would be so discouraged that they’d go belly up in Game 2.
In Game 2, the Spurs proved that they are champions. The Rockets must do the same in Game 3.
By Charley Rosen (https://www.fanragsports.com/author/crosen/)
Like the mythical Phoenix, the Spurs came to life from their own ashes to burn any hopes the Rockets had to win Game 2. Indeed, San Antonio’s 121-96 victory represented an astounding 52-point turnaround from the final score of Game 1.
Let’s take a look at how San Antonio got the job done.
They came out breathing fire and were active at both ends.
To get their offense in gear from the get-go, they gave the ball to Kawhi Leonard, who simply destroyed Trevor Ariza.
They went big when Houston went small, which led to a 42-32 edge in total rebounds and 15-9 advantage in offensive retrievals.
Pau Gasol didn’t shoot well (3-of-11), but corralled 13 rebounds, had three assists, and four blocks. If Gasol’s hops have been drastically reduced, he’s still at least two inches taller than his listed height of 7’0”, has extremely long arms, and boasts terrific defensive anticipation. This is why he did an excellent job of protecting the basket.
Before he wrenched his knee (https://www.fanragsports.com/now/tony-parker-carried-off-floor-following-apparent-knee-injury/), Tony Parker was a hot-shooting, whirling dervish — 8-of-13 (including 2-of-2 from downtown) for 18 points.
Patty Mills — 3-of-5 (1-of-3 from 3-land), seven points — played aggressive in-your-face defense against James Harden, was on the scoring end of a nifty give-and-go, and used a spin move to zip his way from the 3-point line to score a layup.
Danny Green also brought his A-game — 5-of-7 (2-of-4 from out there) for 12 big points.
Jonathon Simmons brought quickness and energy off the bench, scoring 14 points, and drawing a charge on The Beard.
As usual, Manu Ginobili hustled non-stop.
The Rockets stifled LaMarcus Aldridge’s low-post play on the left block by having his defender (usually Ryan Anderson) overplay his left shoulder to deny him the middle, then having a double-teamer arrive to shut down the baseline. Accordingly, except for a couple of putbacks, Aldridge was reduced to being a jump shooter. As such, he was held to 15 points on 6-of-14 shooting. However, he did grab eight rebounds, and his kick-passes when he was two-timed led to an eventual reversal pass and an open shot on the weak side.
Otherwise, the Spurs aimed high screens at Harden, thereby forcing him to switch and try to defend Leonard — with a noticeable and predictable lack of success.
When the Rockets doubled Leonard near the arc, he was able to dribble himself clear of the pressure and still create havoc with his shooting (13-of-16, including 3-of-4 triples) and his passing (eight assists). In addition to his 34 points, Leonard also grabbed eight boards and made three steals.
Why isn’t this guy the leading MVP candidate?
For most of the first half, Leonard either fought through screens that were set for Harden, or went under them and let The Beard shoot unopposed treys. As the game unfolded, San Antonio changed tactics — switching on the same screens and sending Harden to the hoop.
Throughout the game, the Spurs continually changed defensive looks on Harden. Besides being haunted by Leonard, he was also guarded by Parker, Mills, Green, Ginobili, and Simmons.
Although Harden made several superb kick-out and drop passes (10 assists), he also missed eight of the ensuing layups, shot an in-close air-ball, and had two blocked.
Overall, Harden was limited to 13 points on 3-of-17 shooting, including only 2-of-9 from beyond the arc.
And the Spurs’ constant movement took full advantage of Harden’s lack of focus on defense.
No wonder the Spurs shot 54.5 percent.
Of course, with Parker most likely out for the duration of the series, Mills, Leonard, and Ginobili will be given the ballhandling and set-up responsibilities. TP’s penetration and clutch shooting will be sorely missed, but his replacements will do more than an acceptable job. The biggest danger here is that Leonard’s scoring opportunities might be limited a bit more.
ADJUSTMENTS
The Rockets need to generate more shots for Anderson, who scored 18 points on only nine shots.
Nene needs more touches in the low post.
Their transition offense lacked quickness and only produced only three successful treys — by Harden, Anthony, and Eric Gordon.
Since nobody can defend Leonard without significant help anyway, starting Gordon instead of Ariza would give the Rockets more firepower.
Beverley must play better individual defense.
The Rockets were stung when they made big-small and small-big switches in defense of high screens. Flash- or even jump-doubles might be a better tactic.
Harden must be given more room (sans screens) to operate. Sure, he’s banged up, but so is everybody else. The standard rule is this: If you can play, you’re not allowed any excuses. Even so, Harden is a true warrior and isn’t interested in complaining.
After the Game 1 rout, the Rockets talked about being “greedy.” However, they clearly lacked sufficient energy out of the gate. It’s as though, despite their postgame mantra, they felt that the Spurs would be so discouraged that they’d go belly up in Game 2.
In Game 2, the Spurs proved that they are champions. The Rockets must do the same in Game 3.