Improvements: Analyzing Game 3 with Game 1 + 2

[Deuces88]

These are the big improvements I saw in Game 3:

Game 1 + 2: Parker and Ginobili would settle for jump shot and use their passing in order to locate an open 3 point shooter
Game 3: Instead on depending on the 3-ball (Spur died by the 3 game 1 + 2), Parker and Ginobili did what they usually do. SLASH! They have a knack for making the opposing defense look like fools with the way they get to the basket. There was no difference in how the Hornets played defense in this game and with games 1 + 2. They should have been slashing from the start of Game 1. Both finish with 31 because of their penetration

Game 1 + 2: They would occasionally dish it to Tim and expect him to convert through the double team.
Game 3: They played through team so he could draw the double team and open up the driving lane and the outside shooters. They should have been playing through Tim from Game 1 instead of expecting Tim to dominant when he's being doubled and triple-teamed.

Game 1+2: Even after a lot of shooting and realizing they aren't hitting their jumpers, the Spurs would continue to take jumpers.
Game 3: They would take jumpers but they realized that penetration was the answer when their shots weren't dropping and they realized it pretty quickly.

Game 1+2: They would keep doubling Paul and allowing his teammates to get open look and get into the game
Game 3: They doubled Paul at times but they cut it down significantly because they realize Paul isn't the person they have to stop on scoring. They have to stop the subpar players that Paul makes look like superstars. Man up and play defense on West and Stojakovic and they won't score as much they Paul wants them to.

Game 1+2: Spurs were up at the half and didn't play with the intensity in the 2nd half. They let Hornets go on a run because of sloppy, uncharacteristic defense and played catch-up the rest of the half with an emotional Hornets (at home).
Game 3: Spurs were down, but either way they were playing with intensity for 48 minutes because of the importance of this game. That intensity lead them to take the 3rd and 4th quarter as they go on to defeat the Hornets.

The keys to the win are as follows:
-Make Parker and Ginobili be slashers and not jump shooters
-Play THROUGH Tim and don't just expect Tim to be able to work through 2-3 Hornets.
-Don't live by the 3, so we won't die by the 3. If they aren't dropping, ATTACK THE RIM.
-Don't let Paul make the subpar Hornets players look like All-Stars. Man up and play D!
-Keep the intensity for 48 minutes, not 24.

If we can do this, we can take this series by game 6. Byron Scott can make changes but Hornets cannot stop Duncan and a slashing Parker & Ginobili with single-coverage and if they double team, someone will be open whether it's one of the big 3 or an outside 3-point shooter. Paul can score his 30+, but you better believe he's the only on the Hornets who will get close to 30.

[ChinaSpursFan]

I am new here and want to say that was a good post.

I would like to add that the Spurs need to keep the perimeter defense on Paul. The more he works for his shot and on defense, the less likely he will be effective in the fourth quarter.

Gave 3 was a good win, but we need Game 4 as a victory. Whether it is by one point, a dozen points, or in thriple OT, we need to win. Lets Go Spurs Go.

[GhostofAlfrederickHughes]

Paul can score his 30+, but you better believe he's the only on the Hornets who will get close to 30.

Not really. West is more than capable of scoring 30, unless Duncan guards him the whole game. So we got 1---a great start, but Sunday's game still remains a must win. Spurs have to make this a best 2 out of 3 series. Going to N.O. down 3-1 means adieu. http://spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/flag.gif