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| Ginobili and Parker shot poorly in Game 6 but they combined for 19 assists (Image from: Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) |
The Spurs are back in the Western Finals for the 2nd straight year after beating the Warriors in 6 games. They will have a chance to avenge their 2011 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. This win was a complete team effort with all their starters scoring in double digits led by the ageless Tim Duncan. Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili struggled shooting (combined 4-22) but they came up with 19 assists to keep their teammates involved. Parker had a big 4th quarter and was clutch as usual with 8 points in the last 5 minutes including 2 threes, a shot which he rarely takes and makes. Kawhi Leonard (16 points) and Tiago Splitter (14 points) had solid games to compensate for Manu finishing with just 2 points. The Warriors came close to sending this series to a Game 7 but they could not connect on a bunch of threes that rolled in and out. The Dubs were relying on isolation plays and ended up hoisting contested long jumpers. In the end, the Spurs made the big shots while the Warriors will have this summer to get better.
#DubNation #SplashBrothers #StandingOvation
The Dubs finished the season with a loss but overall, their season was a success. Not a lot of people expected them to reach the playoffs (I predicted them to make it) but the Warriors overachieved. GSW grabbed the 6th seed in the West and they managed to upset the Denver Nuggets in the first round without David Lee. They gave the Spurs a big scare and if they did not have an epic collapse in Game 1, maybe the Warriors win this series. Steph Curry cemented himself as a rising superstar and if his ankles stay healthy, Curry could easily be a top 10 player. Klay Thompson improved during his 2nd year and his defense was solid. Klay is already arguably in the Top 5 of shootings guards (Kobe, Wade, Harden, Iggy). Harrison Barnes had a successful postseason as a rookie. Barnes had better numbers in the playoffs in all major offensive categories compared to his so-so regular season. Jarrett Jack proved to be a clutch performer and a savvy leader while Carl Landry was solid off the bench. They were the most exciting team to watch in the playoffs and it's too bad they are gone.
#WinorGoHome #Stayin'Alive
The Knicks got to extend the series to 6 games. Carmelo Anthony made some big shots and he scored 28 points after taking 28 shots. Melo still relied on isos and he finished with ZERO assists. That lack of ball movement needs to improve if the Knicks want to win in Indiana on Saturday. The Knicks also got a lucky break when George Hill missed this game due to concussion symptoms. Hill was amazing in Game 4 when he had 26 points. DJ Augustin started and the Pacers fell behind early. Indy could not get closer than 4 points due to their 19 turnovers and 36% shooting. The Knicks finally got some production from JR Smith who had 13 points and 6 boards. The biggest surprise was the added production from Chris Copeland who had 13 points in 19 minutes. Copeland was getting less than 8 minutes and 3.8 points in the previous 4 games before stepping up big in Game 5. On other hand, Jason Kidd (5 minutes) and Amare Stoudemire (7 minutes) got limited action. They need to provide something IF they get to play again. Paul George had 23 points, 6 boards and 6 dimes in the loss. PG has been playing a lot better than Melo and he has been far more efficient and a better all-around player. That cannot continue if the Knicks want to advance.
#Stats #News
- Only 8 teams have won a series after being down 3-1
- Ginobili shot below 35% in the series and averaged 10 points
- Thompson averaged 10 points in his last 4 games after scoring 34 in Game 2
- Jason Kidd is still scorless in the series (0-8 FGs)
- Pacers bench got outscored 35-10
- Paul George
Kawhi Leonard (Spurs) - 16 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals AND a clutch three
#Highlights of the Night
Kawhi goes sky-high
Hibbert continues to dominate Chandler
#Tweets of the Night
Great season for @JacksonMark13 and the young Warriors....Spurs are just too tough and experienced. Kawhi is a player
Knicks JR Smith in response to Rihanna-drama: "I'm not worried about Instagram. I'm worried about the playoffs"
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