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Must Reads
For the second game in a row the Spurs gave the Memphis Grizzlies a complete whooping, bringing the average margin of victory in the two games to an astounding 29 points. I mean, this is the playoffs.
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Kawhi Leonard didn't even attempt a shot from deep in the game, getting three of his four buckets on dunks. My favorite part of all three of these jams is how casual they all are. Poor Matt Barnes. Whoa! That's a phrase I never thought I'd say. In fact I take it back. It's hilarious. Nice work, Whi!
Everyone's favorite left-handed Argentine Spur was relatively quiet in the game, scoring eight points on three shots and only playing 14 minutes. But he managed to give us this sweet 12-foot floater in addition to knocking down an open triple. Is it just me or do you guys get the feeling that this isn't the end for Manu? Anyway, The Manu is always good for a smile.
GIF Breakdown readers will remember that one of my favorite things in sports is watching Boris Diaw go to work down low. It brings me an inordinate amount of joy to watch the versatile Frenchman do his thing. Normally we see Bobo throw in a bunch of junk as he works his way to a bucket or kick-out, but here he just straight-up beats Chris Anderson to the rack. Memphis is, well, they're a little old. 34-year old Boris is almost four years younger than Birdman.
This was probably my favorite play of the game and features the Spurs doing the Spurs things that fans have come to love over the past four years or so. This is beautiful fluidity, there's no hesitation whatsoever from the Silver and Black on what to do as Memphis scrambles around and Boris ends up with a gimme. All five Spurs are involved, four touch the ball and the lone Spur who didn't, Kevin Martin, pulls his defender out of the paint at just the right time. Artful play.
Tim Duncan Watch:
The Big Fundamental went without a field goal in this one, which is the first time in his playoff career that has happened. He didn't go scoreless, hitting 3-of-4 freebies, but that was about it for Duncan. Well, besides the team-leading rebounding and assists, the captaining of their stout defense and just being an all around fantastic teammate. Don't be fooled by the box, Duncan might not be the guy using possessions these days, but he's still vital to the Spurs.
Check out this beautiful inbound pass that beats a Memphis press for an easy Boris two. Is there any question to who you would want to inbound the ball for the Spurs in a critical situation. It's so nice to know that they have Tim if they need him for that task. Hat tip to Danny for the on-the-money bouncer to Bobo.
Until next time, Pounders. This team is so easy to root for.