Ok I'll be the one to totally disagree with this thread.
Tim had a very good game, swell. Tim had a great game, awesome.
Tim also bunked several easy makes in the first half. Several plays he totally bunked on defense. He showed poor execution in the screens set for Kobe-he came out way to far and was lucky he didn't get busted on more than those handful of times.
Duncan also needs to cover the distance between him and these little 12-16 foot jumpers by Gasol or even RT at times. He didn't even put his hands up and just hesitates or stands there looking like a fool. I recorded the game zapped the commercials and watched it back on slightly quicker motion and noticed that like a red flag. I understand some may rebuttal with "Tim would get beat on the dribble then what.." however Gasol and RT are not going to beat Timmy off the dribble.
Gasol is getting more height under his hooks and one handed runners in the post. TD is not defending that well and also lucky, that for one the Lakers have not been consistent with forcing Pau's offense into a rhythm when it shows potential, and two the travel called on Gasol was pure luck when Duncan had traveled before, and after on similar yet different paths to the basket off a dribble.
I especially did not like Duncan taking too long with the ball. Once he threw it away which he does every game, and another he dribbled into a trap and lost it. Then, he dribbles again and the double leaves him and he nails a clutch shot from the baseline off balanced. Lucky he has skill otherwise just plain bonehead decision making and shot selection- settling for those jumpers barely hitting the side of the backboard was weak as well. Timmy did not get very many calls going for him till late in the game because he does not attack the basket. Once he did everything opened up didn't it? I agree that TD is a high percentage shooter from 15 feet within, but against this long Lakers team they are no joke or mistake or hype, TD only hits about 1 for 3 attempts this series. Phil Jackson loves that and TD needs to smarten up on that and be more physical and attack when possible not chunking a shot 1-1 on with that side of the paint to yourself.
So basically we have a slow problem. Tim coming out too far on defense leaving the paint wide open and not able to get back. Not getting at least a hand up to contest and shot and poor defense 1-1 with Gasol.
You guys might slam me for being a critic or perfectionist but TD did play a great game overall. Again he missed so many gimmes around the basket that seem to be more consistent than ever in his career -- "gimmes around the basket" -- while I also take into account and consideration how many god damn NON CALLS he puts up with.
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