By Kyle Soppe
The “aging” Spurs beat the “up and coming” Clippers, proving that they aren’t quite ready to call it the end of an era. Neither team really wanted to win this game, as both teams blew leads of 13+ points, but the Spurs capitalized on a late turnover to win in Lob City, 103-100 in overtime.
The Spurs have won 10 straight games, the longest streak in the Association this season.
Tim Duncan took a season high 14 shots, but it was his rebounding that had the greatest impact. The Virgin Islands native grabbed 17 rebounds, six of which came at the offensive end. He has now recorded double figure rebounds in six of his last seven contests. He tied a season high with three missed free throws, and he only attempted four freebies. Worried about his legs in a condensed season? Pop clearly isn’t, as his all time great power forward logged a season high 41 minutes.
Tony Parker had 30+ points and 10+ assists for the second consecutive game. Often a pass first guard, Parker looked for his shot 22 times last night, improving the Spurs record to 6-1 in games in which he attempts at least 20 field goals. February has been a great month for San Antonio’s point guard, as he is averaging 25.78 points (nine points over his career average) and 7.8 assists (two better than his career average).
One thing Parker didn’t do well was stroke the deep ball. He combined with “big name” teammates Manu Ginobili and Richard Jefferson to make only one of seven, while lesser known Matt Bonner, Danny Green, and Garry Neal made 11/18 triples. Good thing the trio was connecting from deep, because they couldn’t get anything to go from inside the arc, making 3/15 two point attempts.
I like DeJuan Blair as much as the next person, but the Spurs were outscored by 17 in the 16 minutes he was on the court. With him on the bench, San Antonio dominated the Clippers by 20.
Manu Ginobili has exactly produced like we are accustomed, scoring less than six points per game (averages 15.2 for his career) since returning from his hand injury, but the Spurs are 7-2 when he suits up.
The Clippers got very little production from their bench players, as they combined for a mere 15 points.
Blake Griffin had his share of highlight dunks, but his first career 20/20 night shouldn’t be overshadowed. He has an NBA high 19 offensive rebounds over his last three games. Over those last three games, he is tallying over 16 rebounds per game. He grabbed 20 rebounds and attempted 18 field goals, only the second time this season in which his rebound total was greater than his shots.
Randy Foye had a season high 21 points, making four three pointers in over 38 minutes of action. In his previous five games he had four three pointers made on 23 attempts.
Chris Paul had a costly turnover, an uncharacteristic play by Smitty’s man, that cost his squad the game. The turnovers are bad, but the lack of assists is more concerning. CP3 has gone a season high four games without a double digit assist effort.
Eric Bledsoe, who I feel will be a very good pro after a few years, recorded a team best +14 plus/minus.
The Clippers boast an athletic front line, but didn’t block a shot.
Kenyon Martin was the only player in this game with more than two turnovers.
DeAndre Jordan, who averages over 29 minutes per game, didn’t hand out an assist, but what else is new? He sets up a bucket via pass once every three games.
Big time slate of games today, who ya got?
I, too, like Blair. Your numbers bear out what I have thought when watching him play. Not sure why he seems to be a liability.
yea me either. I mean, a guy without any ACL’s will certainly be limited, but he seems to be a solid player. Just doesn’t really fit the mold of any position. Is he an undersized center? A less athletic PF?