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Alright, we've got a lot of plays to get through since Tony Parker decided to make each of his forays to the hoop highlight-worthy so let's jump right into it.
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Let's get the requisite Kawhi Leonard swipe and score out of the way. This was actually the second such play in the game but the first one, in the opening minute of the contest, was super-routine and this one features a little help from pure-of-heart Patty Mills. And if you can get the Aussie involved, well, that's just a welcome bonus.
Tony Parker averaged just 9 points on 41% shooting from March to the end of the season and one had to wonder whether the NBA's oldest 33-year old -- 34,618 regular season minutes, good for 71st all-time. 7,237 playoff minutes, good for 12th all-time. Plus all of that international play for the past 18 years. -- still had anything left in the tank, if he could still use a burst to get just enough separation from his defender, finish at the rim and then inevitably end up on the ground. Well, it didn't take long for the Wee Frenchman to at least quiet doubts.
Don't get me wrong, I'd prefer to see the Spurs play more team ball, but it was fun to watch Tony do his thing on Sunday night. A healthy, rejuvenated Parker is a great sign going forward and it looks like he won't be pushed too hard in this series, and with a potential month and a half against Westbrook-Curry-Irving the Spurs will need him at the top of his game.
It just wasn't Lance's night, huh?
I wonder what number assist this is from Parker to Duncan.
I'm glad the Spurs aren't playing like they feel bad for the Grizz, but I do. C'mon, Timmy, you didn't have to do Z-Bo that way. And then Tony beats the Grizzlies youngster, 29-year old Jordan Farmar, to the rack. Seriously, look at that Memphis lineup, it makes the Spurs look young. Vince Carter (39), Birdman (almost 38), Matt Barnes (36), Randolph (almost 35). Geez oh whiz, guys.
One more French classic, complete with floor crash.
Tim Duncan Watch:
As the playoffs unfold I'm going to keep an eye on Duncan and will feature some Big Fun from each game. I sure hope this isn't the beginning of the end for Tim, but in case it is, we'll pay special attention to the legendary big man during these playoffs.
Timmy only scored 7 points in this one but he grabbed 11 rebounds, added a couple blocks and finished +22 for the night in his 22 minutes, second to another legend, Manu Ginobili, who finished +24.
Manu connects here and Duncan gets an easy slam on the break.
I mean, if you're just going to give the fifth all-time scorer in postseason history eight feet of lane he's going to score, even if it means going lefty.
Who doesn't love the point guard version of Timmy?
This team is so easy to root for.