Sports fans love to make excuses, especially when their team loses a game it shouldn't have. "They didn't play with heart." "We had no energy out there." The majority of the time, and in this case, this line of "reasoning" is a load of shit.
Scott Skiles had constructed a sound game plan against the Spurs. It was very, very complicated:
- Collapse your defense into the paint.
- Encourage Tony Parker to shoot jumpers.
CHI hit the offensive glass, grabbing 12 extra possessions. They made 44% of their 18 3PA, including numerous "big" shots by Duhon. I find this to be the most concerning aspect of the game. Last year the Spurs emphasized limiting their opponents' 3PA (easily leading the league). This year the team seems a step slow on the defensive end, especially when guarding the pick and roll. Even Duncan has failed to step out on occasion.
In the end CHI simply played a much better game than SA, despite being on the short end of numerous questionable calls in the second half.
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