degenerate_gambler
05-09-2008, 09:15 AM
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/8119878
Spurs switch gears, change luck in series
By Charley Rosen
Updated: May 9, 2008, 12:59 AM EST
Game Time: Spurs 110, Hornets 99
For those hoop-o-philes who don't have a rooting interest in a playoff series between two superior teams, the most intriguing by-play pits the coaching staffs against each other. If the Hornets' game-planners had tremendous advantages in Games 1 and 2, Pops and his sidekicks made all the right moves in Game 3. Of note:
Instead of Bruce Bowen trying to defend Chris Paul, this all but impossible assignment was switched to Tony Parker. As a result, TP and CP3 engaged in a shoot-out on paint street.
Their stats were equable, with Paul having a slight edge in points (35-31), steals (1-0), turnovers (1-3) and circus shots, while Parker enjoyed the advantage in assists (11-9). Given the dominance that CP3 exercised in the previous games, the Spurs had to be delighted with the outcome of this personal duel.
Instead of Michael Finley chasing Peja Stojakovic, it was Bowen's turn. This matchup was totally one-sided, as Bowen just about took Stojakovic out of the mix — 2-for-7, 8 points. Bowen's relentless defense on Peja put tremendous pressure on Paul and David West to carry too much of the load on offense.
While West had an impressive performance — 10-for-19, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 3 blocks, 23 points — Kurt Thomas kept a lid on his game. The Spurs' trick in so doing was for Thomas to force West baseline and into a space where he could be challenged by Tim Duncan (who had 4 blocks). Indeed, West did most of his damage against Fabricio Oberto.
By starting Ginobili instead of Finley, the Spurs forced Mo Peterson into a defensive matchup that was beyond his means. Not only did Ginobili eat Peterson's lunch, he also had his way with Bonzi Wells, Jannero Pargo and Julian Wright, to the tune of 11-for-22, 6 assists and 31 points.
In still another tweak, the Spurs ran precious few high screens for Ginobili, choosing instead to run several 1-4 alignments and right wing clear-outs that created open lanes and avoided the complications inherent in bringing a big defender into the neighborhood.
Both Ginobili and Parker were in full-attack mode, driving forcefully to the rim at every opportunity.
Knowing that he'd be doubled in the pivot, Duncan frequently received entry passes while facing the basket. This made it much easier for him to see the extra defender coming and also to make the correct out-pass.
The Spurs spread the floor on offense in much better fashion than they had previously. After Duncan's pass to the perimeter, two more passes inevitably located an open shooter (usually Bowen) deep in the opposite corner. Their spacing was such that the Hornets' rotators had too much ground to cover to close out that open shooter.
Even so, as important as these adjustments were and as devastating as the dribble-penetrations of both Parker and Ginobili might have been, the bottom line is that the Spurs absolutely have to hit a high percentage of their outside shots to win. All told, they were 11-for-25 from beyond the arc, with Bowen (4), Finley (3) and Ginobili (3) leading the 3-point parade.
Friendly rims, familiar background, excellent passwork (28 assists to the Hornets' 15) — these were all critical factors.
Not that New Orleans played a poor game. West was effective. Chandler — 5-for-5, 8 rebounds, only 1 block — turned lob passes into dunks. And, like John Wesley Harding, CP3 rarely made a foolish move.
But there were some glaring flaws in the Hornets' performance:
Peja couldn't shake free of Bowen, neither on weak-side curls nor on isolations.
Peterson was more of a hindrance than a help — 1-for-3, 2 rebounds, 1 block, 3 turnovers, 3 points.
While Bonzi Wells knocked down a couple of jumpers and scored on a powerhouse post-up move — 3-for-8, 6 points — he also committed several foolish fouls.
It sure doesn't look as though Pargo — 1-for-7, 3 assists, 2 blocks, 2 points — can play effectively at this level of competition.
Wright has a lively body — 2-for-4, 1 steal, 6 points — but the rookie isn't quite ready for too many prime-time minutes.
Led by Paul and West, the Hornets shot 49.4 percent, but with Bowen locking up Stojakovic, they were only 2-of-11 from downtown. Subtracting West, Paul and Chandler's five dunkers, the rest of the squad shot a measly 32.4 percent.
So the champs proved that reports of their demise were premature. Now that Pop's moves have at least temporarily altered the balance of power, it will be all the more intriguing to see what counter-moves Byron Scott will make in Game 4.
Spurs switch gears, change luck in series
By Charley Rosen
Updated: May 9, 2008, 12:59 AM EST
Game Time: Spurs 110, Hornets 99
For those hoop-o-philes who don't have a rooting interest in a playoff series between two superior teams, the most intriguing by-play pits the coaching staffs against each other. If the Hornets' game-planners had tremendous advantages in Games 1 and 2, Pops and his sidekicks made all the right moves in Game 3. Of note:
Instead of Bruce Bowen trying to defend Chris Paul, this all but impossible assignment was switched to Tony Parker. As a result, TP and CP3 engaged in a shoot-out on paint street.
Their stats were equable, with Paul having a slight edge in points (35-31), steals (1-0), turnovers (1-3) and circus shots, while Parker enjoyed the advantage in assists (11-9). Given the dominance that CP3 exercised in the previous games, the Spurs had to be delighted with the outcome of this personal duel.
Instead of Michael Finley chasing Peja Stojakovic, it was Bowen's turn. This matchup was totally one-sided, as Bowen just about took Stojakovic out of the mix — 2-for-7, 8 points. Bowen's relentless defense on Peja put tremendous pressure on Paul and David West to carry too much of the load on offense.
While West had an impressive performance — 10-for-19, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 3 blocks, 23 points — Kurt Thomas kept a lid on his game. The Spurs' trick in so doing was for Thomas to force West baseline and into a space where he could be challenged by Tim Duncan (who had 4 blocks). Indeed, West did most of his damage against Fabricio Oberto.
By starting Ginobili instead of Finley, the Spurs forced Mo Peterson into a defensive matchup that was beyond his means. Not only did Ginobili eat Peterson's lunch, he also had his way with Bonzi Wells, Jannero Pargo and Julian Wright, to the tune of 11-for-22, 6 assists and 31 points.
In still another tweak, the Spurs ran precious few high screens for Ginobili, choosing instead to run several 1-4 alignments and right wing clear-outs that created open lanes and avoided the complications inherent in bringing a big defender into the neighborhood.
Both Ginobili and Parker were in full-attack mode, driving forcefully to the rim at every opportunity.
Knowing that he'd be doubled in the pivot, Duncan frequently received entry passes while facing the basket. This made it much easier for him to see the extra defender coming and also to make the correct out-pass.
The Spurs spread the floor on offense in much better fashion than they had previously. After Duncan's pass to the perimeter, two more passes inevitably located an open shooter (usually Bowen) deep in the opposite corner. Their spacing was such that the Hornets' rotators had too much ground to cover to close out that open shooter.
Even so, as important as these adjustments were and as devastating as the dribble-penetrations of both Parker and Ginobili might have been, the bottom line is that the Spurs absolutely have to hit a high percentage of their outside shots to win. All told, they were 11-for-25 from beyond the arc, with Bowen (4), Finley (3) and Ginobili (3) leading the 3-point parade.
Friendly rims, familiar background, excellent passwork (28 assists to the Hornets' 15) — these were all critical factors.
Not that New Orleans played a poor game. West was effective. Chandler — 5-for-5, 8 rebounds, only 1 block — turned lob passes into dunks. And, like John Wesley Harding, CP3 rarely made a foolish move.
But there were some glaring flaws in the Hornets' performance:
Peja couldn't shake free of Bowen, neither on weak-side curls nor on isolations.
Peterson was more of a hindrance than a help — 1-for-3, 2 rebounds, 1 block, 3 turnovers, 3 points.
While Bonzi Wells knocked down a couple of jumpers and scored on a powerhouse post-up move — 3-for-8, 6 points — he also committed several foolish fouls.
It sure doesn't look as though Pargo — 1-for-7, 3 assists, 2 blocks, 2 points — can play effectively at this level of competition.
Wright has a lively body — 2-for-4, 1 steal, 6 points — but the rookie isn't quite ready for too many prime-time minutes.
Led by Paul and West, the Hornets shot 49.4 percent, but with Bowen locking up Stojakovic, they were only 2-of-11 from downtown. Subtracting West, Paul and Chandler's five dunkers, the rest of the squad shot a measly 32.4 percent.
So the champs proved that reports of their demise were premature. Now that Pop's moves have at least temporarily altered the balance of power, it will be all the more intriguing to see what counter-moves Byron Scott will make in Game 4.