As I said befor for the Spurs to win tonights game it was imparetive that Tony Parker keep pace with Hornets PG Chris Paul. That's just what he did with 31 points 4 reb. and 11 assist. Credit goes to the defending champs for hanging in and not folding up like some lawn chairs.
The Hornets kept pace with the Spurs until the end of the third quarter but after that the Spurs did what an experienced and defending championship team does. They mentaly and physicaly beat up a young and upcoming team.
For the Hornets Chris Paul was still exceptional 32 points 2 reb. 9 assist and a steal but missed free throws and stupid fouls by teamates made a huge difference in this game. Something that plauged the Spurs in the first two games at New Orleans.
Starting Manu Ginobli was a smart move by coach Popovic as well. He provided a spark that the Spurs most desperatly needed being down 2-0 and now with another win this weekend again on their home court the Spurs can even this series up and put themselves in prime position to take the lead by the begining of next week.
This has turned into every bit of the dog fight I anticapated it would be. Playoff basketball at it's best and there is still more to come. However as I have said befor if the Hornets come away with atleast one win in San Antonio it will be tough for them to win in New Orleans.
The Spurs are a great veteran team and nobody should have expected them to be swept. If you did then shame on you for believing in your foolishness. I for one didn't and wouldn't belive in that happening. The Hornets are a young team and more than likely put pressure on themselves and as the saying goes "pressure busts pipes" but one thing is for certain and that's the Hornets are a tough team. A team on a mission and that mission is to be respected and earn a birth in the western conference finals. Something they'll have atleast two more chances to accomplish.
I thought one of the keys was how the Spurs handled the double team on Duncan. Instead of trying to fight through it, he enticed them, actually waiting for them to collapse down on him. Then he would kick it out to the open man. Sometimes they did it two and even three times in one possession until they got someone open. Of course tonight they were making shots.
Pretty good game by the Spurs, as Spurcse said the perimeter shots falling were the difference. 11-25 on threes, but that's a pretty easy defensive adjustment for the Hornets.
Flopping was about even in number, but Chris Paul's were hilarious! The refs can be so stupid...
The Spurs executed, but didn't feel dominant at all as they did against the Suns. Still looks good for the Hornets in 7.
Last edited by nba is the worst on May 8th at 11:22 PM.
CP3 was great a flopper! Taking a fall with just a hint of a man going his direction. Manu looks like like an amateur flopper against him. Isn't that hilarious? lol
Spurcse,
You are correct Duncan being able to find the open man when doubled up was a huge key in winning as well. Still not more than Parker finaly playing like the reigning Finals MVP.
NBA,
yes hitting the open shots was key. Manu was on fire despite haveing a sore foot or ankle he was still able to pop threes consistantly.
nwhatdheck,
Chris is a great flopper isn't he! I thought is was very funny myself. Ginobli has nothing on him. Paul reminds me of Vlade and we all know what a great flopper he was.
Duncan looked pretty good in the first half, but again it looked like his energy flagged late in the game. Maybe it takes more than 2 days and an IV to get over several days of 100+ temp. I am hoping he will be back to full speed by Sunday. They really need him at full strength if they are to have a chance.
As suggest earlier, I'd use some of the potential short-term memory loss to forget last night's game.
Spurs FINALLY looked like the Spurs of old. While the Hornets played an outstanding game, I fear they may have allowed San Anton to regain the confidence they appeared to have lost in Games 1-2.
Last night's game was the kind of game I expected from these two teams. Close, defensive, flashes of brillance from the stars, and only decided late in the game.
Not to harp on Duncan's illness, it does give the Spurs a reason to discount the first two games and keep their confidence up. And we all know confidence in thses situations is critical.
Spurcse,
Duncan did look a heck of a lot better but even still as you said he looked as if at points he didn't have much energy left in him.
Rev.
LMFAO! yeah that might be a good idea. I think in the Hornets case a huge missing peice was offensive production from Peja. If he knocks down a few more shots and also the team hits free throws then the game may have come down to the last seconds or even over-time.
Spurcse,
I agree it was what I expected the whole series. Yes confidence is very critical. Hopefully for you and other Spurs fans they have regained that confidence and swagger they lacked in the first two games. For me and other Hornets fans I hope they feel over confident and screw up somewhere at home.
I'm glad someone here pointed out the production, or lack thereof, of PEJA.
That was the whole key to the game. And why was Peja nonexistent?
Because Gregg Popovich listened to my recommendation after Game One and finally switched over Bruce Bowen to guard the sharpshooter. Glad to see that.
This allowed Tony Parker to man up on Chris Paul and put the pressure on the young Hornet guard.
If y'all do your research, you will notice that in most of New Orlean's losses to West playoff teams during the regular season Peja Stojakovic was contained while Chris Paul still did his thing.
The Lakers blew out the Hornets by 29 at New Orleans with CP3 getting 32 and Peja scoring only 9. The key to beating the Hornets is stopping Peja and not Chris Paul. Because the threat of Peja on the outside is what opens up the entire game for the Hornets.
When Peja is on fire like he was in games 1 & 2, the Hornets are a complete and balanced team and one of the best in the league. When teams d him up, the Hornets are a second-tier playoff team.
Gambitxxx,they won't be overconfident. They would not be overconfident even if they had blown the Hornets out. Overconfidence gets squashed pretty good by Pop.
I am hoping that these couple of days has allowed Tim to get his strength back. I know that was not the only reason that the Spurs lost, but it did not help.
nba, it will depend on the kind of adjustment the Hornets make. If they leave Duncan to come out and cover the outside shooters, Tim WILL score. The only way they can keep him from scoring is by doubleteaming him.
Tim is going to be on a mission. He knows the first two games were a lot on his shoulders. He is always too hard on himself. Expect a massive effort from him.
J-DIZZLE,
Peja not having a good game and the loses they(Hornets) had all season was due to Peja having bad games. That is pretty obvious if you watch the games. Glad someone other than me seen that.
Spurcse,
I'm sure you are right about Pop sqashing any over confidence real quick. He's to good of a coach to allow his players to get a attitude like that.
The perfect breakfast as I see it.
You’re sitting at the table and your son is on the cover of Wheaties, your mistress is on the cover of Playboy, and your wife is on the back of the milk carton.
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