By Steve Kerr, Yahoo! Sports
May 24, 2005
San Antonio 111, Phoenix 108
When the Lakers won three straight les from 2000 to 2002, they routinely beat the San Antonio Spurs by shutting them down in the fourth quarter. They knew the Spurs would go to Tim Duncan every possession down the stretch, and they loaded up their defense to stop him. San Antonio didn't have anyone on the perimeter who could make L.A. pay by penetrating and finishing at the rim.
It wasn't until 2003 that Gregg Popovich's team solved the riddle.
Instead of pounding the ball into Duncan, the Spurs ran screen and rolls for Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, attacking the Laker defense with speed and quickness and giving Duncan some much needed help. The Spurs took out the Lakers in six games that year on their way to the NBA le.
That same late-game strategy was on full display Tuesday at the Phoenix Suns. With the Suns ahead most of the quarter, San Antonio went to their explosive backcourt to create plays. And Parker and Ginobili came through.
Duncan (30 points) was his usual dominant self. But it was the international backcourt that closed out this game.
Parker and Ginobili are fearlessly athletic. They also have been in the league a while now. Two years ago, each made plays that caused Popovich to cringe. Now they are poised, confident and fully aware of the cir stances in crucial situations. They make the right play time and again, and that's why the Spurs are so good at closing out tight games these days.
Phoenix now faces a difficult situation – having to beat San Antonio four out of five to advance to the finals. The good news is that Joe Johnson should come back for Game 3, which will help immensely.
The Suns have been worn down by the Spurs' depth, and Johnson will provide Mike D'Antoni with another body as well as a versatile defender who can help guard San Antonio's dynamic backcourt.
But the Spurs seemingly can play any style they want to these days. That's why they're in control of this series.
Game 1 recap | Series page
Saw the blurb in SI last issue:
TNT has run so many promo's about The Closer during playoffs that the S.F. Giants have contacted Kyra Sedgewick about pitching for them.
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