 | Tim Duncan, C 36 MIN | 9-17 FG | 3-7 FT | 8 REB | 2 AST | 21 PTS | -3After a rough start, eventually put up a solid stat line over the course of the game. One of the better games for the Spurs tonight actually. Perhaps a lower grade is unfair, but Duncan must be graded relevant to what the Spurs expect/need from him. And the Spurs need Duncan anchoring the defense and glass, otherwise the Spurs will be subject to 10-rebound disadvantages. |  |
 | Kawhi Leonard, SF 33 MIN | 7-8 FG | 0-0 FT | 9 REB | 0 AST | 17 PTS | -12There will be times when the best defense in the world isn’t going to stop Kevin Durant. There were times Leonard defended Durant as well as could be expected while still getting torched. To keep your composure, hit shots, and keep competing defensively during those times is something most rookies wouldn’t do. |  |
 | Boris Diaw, PF 34 MIN | 5-11 FG | 0-0 FT | 7 REB | 2 AST | 12 PTS | -8Had moments where he was as good an option to run the offense through as anything else the Spurs had going. Lost track of Ibaka, who shot better than can be expected. | |
 | Tony Parker, PG 39 MIN | 5-15 FG | 2-2 FT | 2 REB | 4 AST | 12 PTS | 0The Spurs have to find a way to free Tony Parker from the long reaches of Thabo Sefolosha and Serge Ibaka in Game 4 or face the threat of elimination. Has had trouble getting dribble penetration, which is allowing Thunder defensive players to stay at home on shooters instead of getting into their rotations, which is what the Spurs offense thrives against. |  |
 | Daniel Green, G 20 MIN | 3-9 FG | 0-0 FT | 1 REB | 1 AST | 7 PTS | +7Can Danny Green be named thusly if he is no longer efficient and economical? His shot has abandoned him, and over the past two games the Spurs have reached a point where everything else Green provides just isn’t compensating for his lost touch. |  |
 | Stephen Jackson, SG 22 MIN | 4-6 FG | 1-1 FT | 0 REB | 2 AST | 11 PTS | +5Physical tactics bothered Durant at times, the referees at others. Stephen Jackson is hitting big shots and competing defensively, which is all the Spurs could ask of him. |  |
 | Matt Bonner, PF 2 MIN | 0-1 FG | 0-0 FT | 0 REB | 0 AST | 0 PTS | -8The site of a Bonner upfake and dribble off the three-point line is one that no longer needs to be seen in the playoffs. Pop-willing. | |
 | Manu Ginobili, SG 25 MIN | 4-7 FG | 3-3 FT | 0 REB | 4 AST | 13 PTS | -10The Spurs systematic offense is being broken apart. They need someone to force the issue and jumpstart it. They need this from Manu Ginobili. They are not receiving it from him. |  |
 | Gary Neal, PG 15 MIN | 3-5 FG | 1-1 FT | 1 REB | 1 AST | 8 PTS | -8One of the few Spurs quick on the trigger finger and quick with his decisions. | |
 | Tiago Splitter, C 6 MIN | 0-1 FG | 0-2 FT | 1 REB | 1 AST | 0 PTS | -2This is seeming more than ever like a DeJuan Blair type series than a Splitter or Bonner series. | |
 | DeJuan Blair, F 10 MIN | 1-2 FG | 0-0 FT | 2 REB | 0 AST | 2 PTS | +6Provided a quick spark that brought the Spurs back into the game. His mobility off the screen immediately opened up some driving lanes, and his energy on defense, even if exploitable at times, is at least….something. Excellent but too brief stint for Blair. I hope to see him more next game. |  |
No comments:
Post a Comment