During the 17-game winning streak, the Spurs made a habit of blowing teams out of the water. Tonight, San Antonio found themselves in an ol' fashion playoff game that featured a lot of ups and down. With a 102-99 victory to complete a sweep of the Clippers, the Spurs illustrated the necessary mettle needed to grind out a playoff win in a hostile environment.
While it wasn't particularly pretty, especially compared to how the Spurs have been winning recently, the 18th consecutive win should help the team's confidence in close games going forward. That's especially true for the younger players who haven't previously been through postseason battles.
In the first half, it appeared as if another blowout could be on the horizon. The Spurs were up by 12 points after a Tim Duncan layup with 3:59 remaining in the first half. But instead of folding, the Clippers came roaring back. To close the half, they went on a 14-6 run to make it 51-47 at intermission.
The third quarter was nip and tuck, with the spread remaining within five points. The final period featured hard charges each direction. An Eric Bledsoe layup put the Clippers up by six with 6:16 remaining. Twenty seconds later, Gary Neal hit a three-pointer to cut the deficit in half.
A minute later, DeAndre Jordan scored to give L.A. a five-point advantage. But then the Spurs got two free throws from Duncan and a three-pointer by Danny Green to tie the game. With 2:13 remaining, Duncan hit a shot in the lane to give the Spurs a two-point lead, however the Clippers went right back ahead following a lucky miraculous three-point play by Chris Paul.
Tony Parker scored the next four points to give the Spurs a three-point lead with under two minutes to go. In the final 30 seconds of the game, the Spurs got a pair of stops to seal the victory and end the series.
Overall, it was a quality W that the Spurs can feel good about. They didn't play their best but they found a way to get a win ... again.
Tim Duncan A
Playing in the second night of a back-to-back after going 38 minutes yesterday, Tim Duncan had his minutes limited by the coaching staff. However, in the 30 minutes he was on the court tonight, he was far and away the game's best player. Offensively, he was decisive with his movements and had his entire arsenal at his disposal. Duncan's outside jumper was money, he was able to score driving to the rim and also turned back the clock with a few vintage post moves. In the fourth quarter, his passing was fantastic; the Spurs don't win this game without him finding his teammates for easy baskets late. Defensively, Duncan was really good. He helped out on the pick-and-rolls, was a rock on the low block and he was extremely reliable when it came to protecting the rim. My only nitpick is he looked a bit stiff in the second quarter after getting a long rest, but other than that Duncan was able to put an exclamation point on a fantastic series for him.
Manu Ginobili C+
The best way to describe Manu Ginobili's Game 4? Erratic. For stretches, he played really well. In the fourth quarter, he had an important assist and a key basket. But the good also came with some bad. This was by far his worst defensive game of the series. Instead of moving his feet, he was reaching for everything. Offensively, his decision-making was iffy and he was sloppy with a lot of his passes. Ginobili also didn't show much explosion on either end, which was probably a result of the back-to-back. Thankfully, Ginobili played solid down the stretch on both sides of the court and helped guide the Spurs to the victory.
Tony Parker C+
Like Ginobili, Game 4 was a bumpy ride for Tony Parker. In the first half, he did a good job of getting to the free throw line but his shot was off and his playmaking was poor. Instead of attacking, Parker was dribbling too much and was late with most of his passes. The second half was better. Parker began creating well for his teammates and was more effective in terms of pushing the pace. Late in the fourth, he executed well and scored a couple of big baskets. Overall, though, Parker's energy just wasn't at its normal level. He, too, was probably affected by the back-to-back. Defensively, he wasn't as good as we've come to expect this series but he was still above average.
Danny Green A-
Offensively, I can't complain too much with what Danny Green provided. His decision-making could have been better at times but he definitely provided a lift on that end. He shot well and made plays off the dribble, including a couple slick passes. His growth on offense has been astounding if you compare what he can do today to what he could do at the start of the season. Defensively, the results weren't always positive but I loved his tenacity. He was giving it his all on each possession and even when he made mistakes, the mistakes were usually because he was trying too hard. Green was the one defending Chris Paul down the stretch and his work in the final minute was outstanding. Rebounding was another area Green provided bonus production. It wasn't perfection but he got great experience tonight and was up for the challenge.
Kawhi Leonard B+
After his amazing Game 3 performance, Kawhi Leonard gave more solid minutes. While his encore wasn't quite as impressive, it was another step in the right direction. Leonard's three-point shot wasn't dropping tonight but he found other ways to score. He was also one of the few players on the team who took care of the ball. Defensively, Leonard was very solid. He once again defended a variety of positions. His best work coming against Caron Butler, who he made disappear, and Paul, who he confounded with his length. Leonard's rebounding was once again a strength, as was his team defense. In fact, he had some absolutely dominating defensive sequences in the first half in which he rotated perfectly three or four times in a matter of seconds. Like I said after last game, Leonard is turning into the real deal on D.
Boris Diaw B-
It wasn't an overly positive or negative evening for Boris Diaw. He struggled with foul trouble a bit and never seemed to get into much of a groove. Defensively, I thought Diaw was solid. While he had a few errors, he generally forced Blake Griffin into tough shots. On offense, Diaw didn't make a basket but his aggression was at an acceptable level. Per usual, he passed well and spaced the court. Diaw can play a lot better but he managed to not be a liability despite some struggles.
Tiago Splitter A-
This was easily the best game of the series for Tiago Splitter. Considering the Spurs really needed him to play well tonight in order to rest Duncan, it was great timing by the Brazilian bigman. On both ends of the court, I loved the ferocity and passion he played with. It's been a while since I've seen him go so hard after rebounds and protect the rim with such force. Splitter also did mostly good work when matched up with Griffin defensively. While his screens could have been better, his movement away from the ball was very good. Splitter kept things simple when around the basket and was quicker with his decisions. Going forward, let's hope we see a lot more of this version of Splitter.
Matt Bonner C
While it was good to see Matt Bonner hit half of his four shot attempts, he passed up another three or four looks that he has to shoot. If he's going to be a floor spacer, he has to let it fly -- not pump-fake a half-dozen times. Bonner was dribbling into the lane tonight and although it didn't really hurt the Spurs, that's not what the team needs from him. Defensively, while he had a few good possessions, he also had a couple embarrassingly bad possessions where he basically conceded easy shots. Although Bonner was a lot more active tonight than he has been the last few weeks, I just don't think he played well enough to justify his minutes.
Stephen Jackson B
After a horrid outing yesterday, Stephen Jackson bounced back with a much better showing. His passing in the first half was wonderful. Jackson's patience offensively was an asset throughout. He might have passed up a couple looks but I prefer that to Jackson forcing the issue like he did in Game 3. Defensively, he was mediocre at best. These Clippers were just a really difficult matchup for Jackson on the defensive end. In the Western Conference Finals, I'm sure he'll be relieved to go against players his size for a change.
Gary Neal B+
The bad: Defense. Like Jackson, Gary Neal just had really bad matchups this round. There was no one he could defend consistently -- and that was apparent again in Game 4. Whoever he attempted to guard instantly turned into the best Clipper on the court. The good: Offense. Neal's 14 points in 14 minutes were huge. Eight of those points, including a pair of three-pointers, came in the decisive fourth quarter. Neal is proving to be someone he relishes the opportunity to take big shots at key moments. Passing-wise, this was the best game of the series for Neal. While his ballhandling was still shaky, he was able to do enough scoring and passing to play the role of a more than adequate backup to Parker.
Pop B
This was the first game of the series I had some notable quibbles with Pop's coaching. First of all, I don't see the logic in playing Bonner key minutes in the fourth quarter. Diaw, Splitter or small ball (which Pop eventually went to after the Clippers went small) seemed to be much better options. I also thought Pop should have given Parker more rest. It was obvious early that the Frenchman was running on fumes, yet Pop kept him out there for 37 minutes. More Leonard might have made life easier for everyone. And up until the fourth quarter, I though Pop's playcalling was much too bland. But then again, Pop just coached his team to an 18th consecutive victory ... so who am I to complain? Time to move on to what promises to be a gargantuan challenge: the 2012 Western Conference Finals.
I think the Tony Parker grade is accurate, I'd really like to see him start to take control over some games this post season which I feel he is yet to have done. But at the same time if we're winning I guess it really doesn't matter? (insert confused smiley here i can't find it lol)
Great Grades and Excellent Write-Up! 8 More Wins
thanks - looking forward to your preview of the matchup with OKC
This time I'll probably wait until the series is actually over to write it
Danny Green seemed to be in every winning play on defense down the stretch. It was very Ginobili like. He was playing great defense and then making sure we got the defensive rebound or loose ball. Then his 3 to tie the game at 92 was huge. The momentum could have gone either way there. When he hit that I knew they were going to win.
We're going to need Parker to be really aggressive against Westbrook. He dropped 42 on him earlier in the year. If he does that I think we'll be fine.
hopefully we do not need him to drop 42 each game to win...
Well done LJ.
I thought Neal's ball handling was less of a issue tonight because the Clippers seemed to not put as much defensive pressure on him. At least that's what I thought. That could be a major reason he was more successful as a scorer tonight.
A match-up vs Lakers or Thunder is perfect for Neal.
I think as usual the focus is on what Parker did wrong rather than well. He scored the 2 most important baskets of the game and was defintiely very clutch. That's the kind of showing that got Paul his reputation for being a 4th Q beast this year (except against the Spurs).
A win is a win, what I find really amazing is that somebody will rise to the occasion. Last night it was Neal, who has otherwise been rather mundane so far. I can't remember a team with so much depth.
I actually liked the play calling today. Tim Duncan is back in low-post scoring mode this year, and he's our most consistent player. If he can score in isolations, keep dumping it down to him. He knows when to pass. His passing in today's game was masterful.
Danny Green +10 with a nice statline, to be fair he rested a lot last night.
TOSBs Manu and TP in the negative.
Bonner absolutely putrid despites his numbers, possession killer, ball stopper. He just doesn't fit in at all in the best offense we ever had, can't create off the dribble but still tries and it's not like we play him for his D.
Blair should work on a jumper this summer like his life depends on it so we can amnesty Bonbon, Blair is closer to the Diaw anyways.
Thanks LJ
I agree about the play-calling, particularly in the 3rd Q when we way-overplayed 4-down. Any idea why Pop would do that when the high pnr and motion sets get us so many easy layups and wide open 3s?
I'm looking forward to your OKC series preview - there are so many intriguing matchups, and it will be a series to remember I think.
I looked at the box score and was annoyed with Bonner's PT, even though he was only on the floor for 16 min. But then I read this and remembered what pissed me most off in the game; Bonner playing key 4th quarter minutes (only 3 minutes, which was still 3 too many). Yes, it turned out alright, and yes Diaw wasn't doing very well, but Boris is always a better option than Bonner in crunch time. ALWAYS. , Tiago should've been subbed in after getting 2-3 minutes of blow. He was subbed out at 7 min, so Pop could've subbed him back in at 4 min... but Leonard was probably the right choice.
Timvp, do you think Tiago and Diaw sharing starting duties (without foul trouble in the equation) will increase in the one of the next 2 rounds? If not, then let us all pray that Boris fouls 3x in the first half the rest of the way. I know he fits in swimmingly alongside TP and Duncan, but Tiago brings rim protection and easy points in the paint, as well as drawing fouls on opposing bigs. I much prefer the twin towers-lite lineup, but I'm fine with a solid Horry impersonator backing up Timmy.
P.S. I don't agree with both Tony and Manu getting a C+, but then again I don't take in everything when I watch the game like you and OV do.
Thanks timvp, good read as always
It's amazing how good Tim can be at 36. He's been our best player in the playoffs
Interesting. I thought you were a bigger supporter of letting Diaw start. Why the sudden change of heart?I looked at the box score and was annoyed with Bonner's PT, even though he was only on the floor for 16 min. But then I read this and remembered what pissed me most off in the game; Bonner playing key 4th quarter minutes (only 3 minutes, which was still 3 too many). Yes, it turned out alright, and yes Diaw wasn't doing very well, but Boris is always a better option than Bonner in crunch time. ALWAYS. , Tiago should've been subbed in after getting 2-3 minutes of blow. He was subbed out at 7 min, so Pop could've subbed him back in at 4 min... but Leonard was probably the right choice.
Timvp, do you think Tiago and Diaw sharing starting duties (without foul trouble in the equation) will increase in the one of the next 2 rounds? If not, then let us all pray that Boris fouls 3x in the first half the rest of the way. I know he fits in swimmingly alongside TP and Duncan, but Tiago brings rim protection and easy points in the paint, as well as drawing fouls on opposing bigs. I much prefer the twin towers-lite lineup, but I'm fine with a solid Horry impersonator backing up Timmy.
P.S. I don't agree with both Tony and Manu getting a C+, but then again I don't take in everything when I watch the game like you and OV do.
Thanks as always Timvp.
I actually think that Tony deserved about a C+ as did Manu. Gino's had some amazing playoff performances but this game his defense was off and I wasn't really a fan of his decision making. And Bonner's first half was really good but the second half was *so* disappointing. Passing up good looks, not playing as well on defense...I was so glad when he got subbed out at the end there. I'm really thinking Bonner might have to be done at around the third quarter at this rate.
As an aside, I'm glad that the Spurs aren't getting as much of a rest as last time. It looked like the bench was finally in rhythm and I would hate for them to take another 3 games in the Finals to put it together.
Hey, when will the series preview against OKC or LA be up on ESPN?
Cheers.
Come on man, hurry up, John Carroll is waiting.This time I'll probably wait until the series is actually over to write it
John Carroll is that you?
Is it me or is Manu simply looking old? All things LJ worte up about him in this game post are spot on. He really isn't moving his feel well at all and he's lazily reaching more and momre to try for steals. His decision-making has always been "risky", to say the least, but now at 34, he's settling for 3's early in the shot clock and, at times, forcing entry passes into tight spaces, that he probably should not.
Does anyone think he's simply in a slump or is his skills simply deteriorating or both?
no bro (I know you're a woman, but sis doesn't rhyme so zip itInteresting. I thought you were a bigger supporter of letting Diaw start. Why the sudden change of heart?
Thanks as always Timvp.
I actually think that Tony deserved about a C+ as did Manu. Gino's had some amazing playoff performances but this game his defense was off and I wasn't really a fan of his decision making. And Bonner's first half was really good but the second half was *so* disappointing. Passing up good looks, not playing as well on defense...I was so glad when he got subbed out at the end there. I'm really thinking Bonner might have to be done at around the third quarter at this rate.
As an aside, I'm glad that the Spurs aren't getting as much of a rest as last time. It looked like the bench was finally in rhythm and I would hate for them to take another 3 games in the Finals to put it together.)!!! It's just a small quibble for me that Diaw is starting. I prefer Tiago, but both are leagues above either of the Turd Towers starting, so I don't mind. I hope that with this game Tiago has earned the chance to start 3 quarters, which still leaves 2 for Diaw.
Tiago might not really be needed in the starting lineup against OKC, which almost makes me wish LAL makes the WCF so Pop has to start his tallest bigs together. Tiago will start at C before Duncan retires, so why put it off? TP can suck it, his bff will still get PT with him and live around half an hour away, he doesn't need to start too.
P.S. We still don't know how much rest the Spurs will end up getting. For all we know, the LAL could take the series to 7. According to T Park, the WCF will start Sunday, no matter what. Take that with a grain of salt though.
He has to be in a funk, he was playing much better the last couple weeks of the season, iirc. The real Manu Ginobili will stand up soon, but for now I'm content with Green and Leonard taking up the slack and blossoming for all to see. And that Brazilian guy playing over the ginger and the dude with cannibalistic knees is pretty sweet. Can't remember their names, so you'll just have to figure it out yourself.
Last edited by Manufan909; 05-21-2012 at 05:32 AM.
John Carroll is that you?
What did I tell you.This time I'll probably wait until the series is actually over to write it
I think it's a bit of both unfortunately, but hopefully it's just the former. I mean ya he's simply not even like the Manu of last year who was great, but it does seem he's in a slump. He can still dominate but he seems to be a step slow these past couple of weeks and it's scary because he will be needed against the likes of OKC/LAL and in the Finals if we advance. I would like to see him getting closer to 30-32 mins rather than 25 mins.
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
