Unlike the last game between these two teams, this one didn't have a crazy late-game comeback. The Spurs spent the entire game in control of this one and the good guys looked good in their first game back after their loss to OKC. They shot the ball well, the passed the ball well, and they played good defense against Memphis.
Kawhi Leonard was absolutely incredible in this one. He just couldn't miss and went 12 of 13 from the field, scoring 26 points in the process. His entire game was working for him. He scored in transition, he scored from mid-range, he knocked down shots from outside, and he even tallied five assists in his 30 minutes of work. The kid is playing incredibly right now, and his game is noticeably improving just about each night.
Tony Parker got off to a blazing start in this game, scoring 10 points in his nine minutes of action in the first. Unfortunately he left the game and did not return due to back spasms. Let's hope it's nothing and that he can rejoin the team quickly.
The Grizz trailed the Spurs 10-26 at the end of the first, but with the Spurs missing Tony, Mike Conley and the Grizz were able to claw back into this one to make it interesting. They made it a six point game with a little over three minutes to play in the first half, but just as he had a couple minutes earlier when the Grizz cut the lead to eight, Manu Ginobili knocked down a triple. The Spurs finished the first half on a 12-2 run and they enjoyed a 54-38 lead at the half.
Memphis made a couple of runs in the second half to keep it from going full on blowout, but each time they got it to around single digits the Spurs responded and the game was never in doubt.
Your Spurs improve to 60-17 for the season.
Popovich Postgame Interview:
On the job that Cory Joseph did.
He did a great job defensively. He put a lot of pressure on and took some time off the clock. That's what he does. He does that really well, and he was good for us.
On what Pop has discovered about defending Zach Randolph effectively.
Well, if I had discovered anything I wouldn't tell you. We did a good job on him. Play another game and maybe he gets 27. Zach's a great player, but we played pretty good d tonight.
On Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi did what we're asking him to do. [To] become more and more comfortable offensively and to concentrate on his defense, and I think that's what he's doing.
On Manu initiating offense in the second half.
I just wanted to give him and Beli time to play together and either one can play the point. I'm trying to get Manu a few extra minutes so he can get in shape, so we played him a little in the fourth. You're scared to do that because you don't want to get him hurt, but he has to get in shape so we had to get him a few more minutes.
On if 60 wins is impressive.
Wins are wins. All of us want to be the last team standing. That's all that's really important for about six or seven or eight teams out there right now.
QuickNotes:
- The Spurs shot a blistering 55.8% from the field. They did that and during garbage time Austin Daye took six shots in six minutes and only hit one. The rest of the team shot 59%.
- Ginobili played a fantastic game. He scored an amazing 26 points on just 13 attempts from the floor. Gino was four of six from deep and a perfect six of six from the charity stripe.
- Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph combined to go 6-of-16 from the field for 14 points.
- Mike Conley continues to play well against San Antonio. He was 8-for-13 and finished with 18 points and six assists.
- Kawhi led the Spurs in minutes played with 30. It's crazy that the Spurs roll over teams without their guys playing more than 30 minutes.