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Up late to rewatch the game right now.
The Spurs tallied their 17th consecutive win on Saturday afternoon by a final score of 96-86. However, this was not a run of the mill Spurs blowout. Far from it. Instead, this ended up being one of the most memorable Spurs wins in recent history.
Early on, San Antonio came out flat. Their shots were short, their defense was shoddy and their compe iveness was lacking. The Clippers, on the other hand, were doing everything right. When they weren't playing perfect defense, they were knocking down impossible shots. The Los Angeles crowd was rocking as the Clippers grew their lead to 40-16 with 9:17 remaining in the second quarter.
That's when the worm began to turn. Matt Bonner hit a three-pointer. Gary Neal hit a free throw. Kawhi Leanord hit a runner. Slowly but surely the Spurs kept chipping away as their execution sharpened more and more possession after possession.
By halftime, the Spurs had cut the 24-deficit to a more manageable ten points. After Blake Griffin made a layup to put the Clippers up by 12 points early in the third period, the Spurs began one of the most epic runs we'll ever witness in playoff basketball. Over the course of seven and a half minutes, San Antonio eviscerated Los Angeles. The carnage: A 24-0 run that turned a 12-point hole into a 12-point mountain.
The rest of the way, the Clippers made a few half-hearted runs but the game never got within seven points again. The Staples Center went from rock concert to morgue. The series went from potentially compelling to needing life support. The Spurs, with robotic efficiency and a steely-eyed demeanor, took another step forward in their quest for a fifth championship.
Obviously, this was a fantastic victory and one we won't soon forget. Let's hope it boosts the team's confidence even more and gives the Spurs something to draw from the next time they face a seeming insurmountable deficit during this playoff run.
Tim Duncan B+
To begin the game, Tim Duncan was playing like he forgot to set his alarm clock. In the first quarter, he was listless offensively; Duncan was either holding the ball way too long or attempting to blend into the background. Defensively, he was a non-factor. However, in the middle two quarters when the Spurs were making their comeback, Duncan was spectacular. Fully awake, he totaled 19 points, seven rebounds, two assists and no turnovers in 20 minutes of play. Beyond those numbers, he carved the Clippers up with surgical precision offensively and absolutely shut down the paint defensively. It was truly some of the best minutes Duncan has played all season. The fourth quarter saw Duncan keep up his defensive intensity while playing a supporting role on the other end. All in all, it was yet another vintage performance from the ageless legend.
Manu Ginobili B-
Like Duncan, Manu Ginobili's outing needs to be broken into segments. In the first quarter, he was bad. He had no energy on defense and he was playing with no purpose offensively. In the second quarter, he played much better. Though still a little bit off-kilter, Ginobili was instrumental in closing the deficit heading into halftime. He was scoring, creating for others and playing inspired defense. In the second half, the Argentine whirling dervish took a backseat but still played an important role in putting the Clippers away. Specifically, his defense and passing in the third quarter were unquestionably vital. While we're still waiting for Ginobili to explode, I feel good about how he's playing right now. Outside of the first quarter, he figured out how to best help the team and did so with great focus.
Tony Parker A
While Tony Parker has posted more impressive stat lines this season, I loved the tenacity and passion he played with this afternoon. Coming out of the gates, he seemed like the only Spur who was ready to play. Offensively, he relentlessly pushed the pace all game long and his endless probing eventually flummoxed the Clippers. In the first quarter, Parker kept the Spurs from totally dying by scoring the ball. The middle two quarters saw Parker's passing and playmaking at impeccably high levels. In the fourth, his ten points kept L.A. at a bay. Defensively, Parker continues to not let Chris Paul find any sort of rhythm. Paul is hobbled but Parker's defense is still very much commendable.
Kawhi Leonard A+
The rookie is now a man. While the Big 3 all played their roles, I'm not sure anyone was as good as Kawhi Leonard was today. Defensively, he was a one-man hurricane. Wherever he went, destruction was sure to follow. He started the game off on Caron Butler and totally shut him down. The rest of the way, he defended everyone from Blake Griffin to Chris Paul. Individually, he was fantastic at moving his feet and challenging shots. When it came to his team-defense responsibilities, Leonard was even better. He was aggressive when coming over for help and then used his length and anticipation to cut off driving lanes, passing lanes and every other type of lane. To finish off possessions, Leonard was maniacal about going after defensive rebounds. I've thought that Leonard has been somewhat overrated defensively for much of his rookie campaign, but he was legitimately awesome on D in Game 3. Offensively, he was ultra efficient. He took (and usually made) open three-pointers. Off the ball, he sliced wisely to the basket at the right moments. In transition, Leonard ran the court as hard as anyone. Recognizing how great he was playing today, Pop kept Leonard on the court for 27 of the game's final 33 minutes.
Boris Diaw B-
Perhaps the most disappointing player of the first half, Boris Diaw looked like he was crashing down to the earth after his wonderful outings in Game 1 and Game 2. In the opening two quarters, his defense was weak, he wasn't rebounding and offensively his laissez-faire at ude wasn't helping matters. Thankfully he turned it completely around in the second half. Offensively, he started moving and cutting with authority. His passing and ability to make space became a factor. Defensively, he was much sturdier and he also began to rebound. When it came to help-defense, Diaw's instincts were beautiful to watch during the second half. He's great at impeding a player's progressive just long enough to allow his man to get back into defensive position. Outside of the first half of Game 3, Diaw has had a great series so far.
Danny Green B
Danny Green's first half was ruined by foul trouble. Three minutes into the game, he already had two fouls. Green re-entered in the second quarter but was trying to do too much, too soon. The effort was there but his activity wasn't really helping cut into the deficit. In the third quarter, I thought Green played pretty damn well. Offensively, he got into the paint and scored a couple times at the rim. Out of a timeout, Green knocked down a corner three-point on a set play. But where he really made his mark was defensively. When the Clippers went cold, Green was one of the main culprits supplying the ice. He was challenging shots out on the perimeter, swooping in when help was needed and assisting on the glass. It was far from Green's cleanest game but he played a winning brand of basketball in the third period to help the Spurs go on that glorious run.
Gary Neal C-
It was another ugly game out of Gary Neal. Defensively, he oscillated between unconscionably putrid and really bad. The fact that Neal doesn't have great length, quickness or extincts on the defensive end has been made painfully obvious this series. Offensively, he wasn't much better. When he wasn't turning over the ball, he was struggling mightily to get the Spurs into their sets. His shooting was again somewhat of a saving grace. Neal also mixed in some better-than-usual passes to help offset his negatives.
Tiago Splitter C
To be blunt, I thought Tiago Splitter was soft in the first half. On defense, he got roasted by Griffin. While everyone else was forcing Griffin into taking tough shots, Splitter wasn't putting up much of a fight. I also thought he could have rebounded better; too often he was getting bumped out of position by smaller players. In the second half, Splitter was much better. He apparently traded in his softness for a hardhat at halftime. While his second half stint was relatively short, he made a lot happen. His picks were more meaningful, his cuts were harder and everything about his defense was better. Splitter hasn't had a good series thus far but the Spurs are going to need him in the back-to-back on Sunday night.
Matt Bonner C-
Matt Bonner had a nondescript outing. His most noteworthy moment came in the second quarter when he hit a three-pointer with the Spurs down by 24 points. However, that was the only shot he made. On defense, while he wasn't bad, Bonner wasn't particularly good either. He did what he could against Griffin but it often wasn't enough. It also didn't help matters that Bonner went without a rebound. Since scoring nine points in Game 1 of the first round, Bonner is averaging 2.2 points per game on 28.6% shooting. Let's just say he hasn't yet shed his label as a player who shrinks in the postseason.
Stephen Jackson D
How about we just forget this ever happened? Stephen Jackson's eight minutes in the first half were horrible. In that time, he managed to turn the ball over three times, miss a shot in the lane, disrupt the rhythm of he offense and give nothing on the defensive end. The only reason his grade isn't lower is because he didn't get a chance to redeem himself in the second half.
Pop B+
Once again, Pop ended up pushing all the right buttons. Personally, I thought he stuck with Neal too long and might have pushed Duncan a little bit too hard (especially since it was the first day of a back-to-back). But, again, I can't complain about the results. Pop also had a lot of really good decisions, with the best example being his decision to give Leonard extended minutes. Pop's playcalling out of timeouts also aided the comeback immensely. In Game 4, it'll be very interesting to see what Pop decides to do. Does he try to keep his players fresh while going for the win or does he just go all out for a sweep? Stay tuned.
Up late to rewatch the game right now.
Its obvious Pop isn't going to tweak anything major. If we didn't see Patty Mills today I think barring an injury Neal is going to continue to get those minutes.
Thanks for the writeup
Thanks for the grades, timvp. I'm so ecstatic for this spurs win. I'm glad i watched it live, eventhough i sacrificed my sleep to catch one of the greatest comebacks in nba history. Great win, spurs. Leonard was just awesome!
I had to work all day, so I missed the game. I'm glad they're replaying it. Even though it's late, I want to see this awesome game.
Up late to rewatch the game right now.
If you pay attention, you see it was still a 20-pt lead with about 4 mins to go in the 2nd. Then Manu hit a 3 to get a run started, and Spurs actually had a pretty quick 13-0 run there to cut it to 7 before Williams' 3.
Thanks for write up - as always.
Two points:
1. Not sure what more Jackson (or anyone) can do to get an F. That was absolutely awful. I've loved what he's done for us since the trade and I know the psychological effect it's had on the team, getting rid of the RJ dark cloud, but let's be honest, even RJ never played that badly in any playoff game for us. Jackson was a complete disaster out there. If RJ did the same thing in his eight minutes, you'd have given him an F in 72-point font, with some swears thrown in. (I think you're being nice because A) we won and B) Kori loves him.)
2. Obviously Bonner hasn't shot well since Game 1 vs. Utah, but it's misleading to say he's shooting 28.6% since then. It's only 4-of-14. Yes, I understand the math, but it's not like a large sample size. He makes two more and it's a great 3-pt percentage. Plus, the dude is getting like 2 FGA a game all of a sudden. Pretty hard to develop any kind of rhythm when you see so little action. He's the fourth big, a spot player now getting 10-12 minutes, so literally spacing the floor will be his most useful contribution because teams have scouted us to not leave him open.
(I'm actually curious if anybody in round 3 or 4 will pay attention to his playoff choker reputation and instruct their guys to double off Bonner and make him beat them.)
Yeah, not only did we not see Mills, we saw even more of Neal. Neal is in the rotation to stay.
I'll assume that's not directed at me since I covered that.
Nah, I don't think I've ever given anyone an F who only played eight minutes. That's not really fair, tbh.
But, yeah, as I noted, the only thing that kept Jackson from an F was the fact he only played eight minutes.
We need to win that 4th game tbh
Fricking Thunder are rolling, and It would be better if we advance sooner then them tbh
And tbh - good write up timvp , tbh
Jack is just a bad matchup against this young and jumpy Clippers second unit. He was useful against Utah, and would be useful if the Lakers advance (against Artest). He's also a guy that would be useful in an eventual matchup against the Heat's bench (Battier, Miller).
And btw, tbh my girlfriend called me /by phone/ during the game and asked wasssup?
I was like - yea we getting toast, we losing the game.
She said: No worries I bring luck.
Me: I don;t know about the luck... we losing by 24 now
She: No worries I'm telling you. I'm bringing so much luck ...:
And today when I told her we won
She said: I told you, you not believer
The I was liketbh
Are we following the same series? LAL has bottled up OKC for 3 straight games now, and the only reason they lost 2 of those is because they choked at the end. I wouldn't be suprised if the Lakers at least push the series to 6 games, but the Clippers winning more than 1 game seems ludicrous, after their epic chokejob last night.
Also, thanks timvp. I am a bit less disappointed than you with Tiago, seeing as his efficiency from the reg season hasn't really regressed yet, even though his overall D might be worse than usual. Totally agree with the grade though, hope Pop starts him in the 2nd half today regardless of whether or not Diaw is in foul trouble.
You assume incorrectly. You wrote that they started chipping away from the point it was 40-16, as if they steadily cut it from 24 to 10 evenly over the next nine minutes, when that's not really accurate, imo. Mostly they were treading water for the next five minutes, cutting only four points from the deficit. It was still 48-28 with 3:20 to go.
There wasn't too much slow and steady about the game, tbh, it was a story of three runs: 14-0 by LA in 5 mins in the first, 13-0 by the Spurs in about 2:30 in the second and 24-0 Spurs in 8 mins in the third.
I am just happy were not relying on Bonner so much. Now the only defensive weak links in the rotation are Neal and Bonner. The one thing I loved about the game is the defense. That championship level defense seems to be rounding into form. Combined with the elite offense I don't think the Spurs will be beatable. Watching the Spurs dominance right now reminds me alot of those 90's Bulls teams.
That's the clear difference between this team and the teams of the past few years. This team not only scores well but defends well. Our top eight guys don't give up easy baskets.
I agree with you but I agree with Timvp as well. While Bonner hasn't taken that many shots, he hasn't exactly parted ways with his "playoff reputation."
I also suspect that getting wide open shots as Matt Bonner is pretty difficult in the playoffs. Teams will make a point to stick someone onto him at all times. But that also means that it's imperative that he makes the shots that he gets. 4-14 certainly isn't a large sample size but his FG% needs to be closer to 40% and not 25%.
All in all, I expect Bonner to play well this year. He has nothing to lose and no pressure to play well. Previous years we were forced to rely on him, this year he can lay multiple eggs and we still have a great shot at winning.
Timmy B+???
can not agree with you, Timmy deserves A grade in game 3
I think Timmy deserves a higher grade but still, great job timvp.
That starting unit is just awesome, on the other hand the so called best bench in the nba is in the negative for the third straight game.
Great point timvp about Tim's minutes, I think Pop doesn't deserve more than a C, he made zero ajustement, he just rode the starters to victory, still played Neal late, played Tim more than TP, was probably too conservative with Green foul trouble...
Last edited by Paranoid Pop; 05-20-2012 at 05:45 AM.
Someone on the radio last night while I was driving compared Leonard to a longer young Latrell Spreewell. Intriguing comparison.
Im not giving up on Capt Jack,but this is a tough series.The scary part.We could win a championship even if Jack never played another minute.Leonard and Green have arrived,along with Manu,they all can manned the SG/SF position.
But it's always good to have depth.
The key to that run was the Spurs defense. They missed a lot of open looks early in the game and was obviously taken out of it mentally when Green was called for 2 early fouls and when they couldn't buy any calls. On the other end, there was little effort on defense and Clippers were making flukey shots. I'm very impressed at the composure that they all showed. I think the thought of the Clips beating them just never occurred to them.
I dont think Boris/Matt/Tiago played bad man to man defense
griffin hit some shots he hasnt hit in his career
and they did what they were suppose to do
made him pick up his dribble and stood hands up
he got away with a few travels as well on some post ups
bonner flopping under slight contact 2 feet under the rim was the only dumb defensive mistake he made in man to man coverage
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