Pounding The Rock - Full Coverage: San Antonio Spurs @ Los Angeles LakersFor all your Manu Ginobili loving and San Antonio Spurs newshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/12497/ptr-fv.jpg2013-04-15T11:36:09-05:00http://www.poundingtherock.com/rss/stream/39881172013-04-15T11:36:09-05:002013-04-15T11:36:09-05:00Morning Rehash: Dwight fills in for Kobe
<figure>
<img alt="YAAAAAY" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UC_IpiIuM9KMukRPPIgQT9YDdtE=/0x156:4000x2823/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/11563017/20130414_lbm_al2_065.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>YAAAAAY | Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Los Angeles Lakers, playing without their biggest star, were surprisingly led by Dwight Howard and Steve Blake. The duo accounted for more than half of the Lakers' points and anchored LA during tumult in the first half, and throughout the second, when role players played a huge part in putting the Spurs away. Los Angeles is so much closer to clinching a playoff spot.</p> <h4><span style="font-size: 1.25em;">Opening Hash</span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal">Just as soon as the <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Spurs</a> get some media attention by waiving <span>Stephen Jackson</span> less than a week before the end of the regular season, the <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Lakers</a> have to go out and upstage the rest of the league. They played their star so many minutes that he injured his leg a few times before going down for good in the fourth quarter against the <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Golden State Warriors</a>. One of the best Lakers to ever play, <span>Kobe Bryant</span> suffered a season ending injury, tearing the Achilles Tendon in his left leg. At the age of 34, he has played more seasons than even <span>Tim Duncan</span> (among the oldest players in the league) and still is in the top 2 in minutes played per game. The only player who averages more per game, <span>Luol Deng</span>, plays for a coach that is even more notorious than D'Antonio for riding his players hard -- <span>Tom Thibodeau</span>. Kobe injured his ankle a few weeks ago against the <a href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Hawks</a> in a play that received lots of attention due to the way <span>Dahntay Jones</span> managed to get a foot underneath Kobe as he came down after a jumper.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bryant was out for two full games but came back stronger than ever, and played another 11 games before his injury Friday night, logging fewer than 40 minutes only three times and exceeding 45 in five games. Kobe is a competitor and keeps himself healthy, but players logging insane minutes have a tendency to break down. Luol Deng was hurt this season, and <span>Joakim Noah</span> has been out for a couple of weeks. In an 82 game season, players need to rest. Unfortunately for the Lakers' playoff chances, Kobe was not allowed the possibility of rest, and was ridden into the ground.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sure, L.A. still has <span>Pau Gasol</span>, <span>Dwight Howard</span> and <span>Steve Nash</span> (and <span>Metta World Peace</span>, <span>Antawn Jamison</span> and <span>Steve Blake</span>) but they can't go too far without their leader. Kobe was their offense for most of the season (no, the entire season) and without him, they might play better team basketball, but are unlikely to get anything productive out of their players. Will they undergo The Rondo Effect seen by the <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Celtics</a> after Rajon went down with a torn ACL, or will they fall to lower depths? They have only the <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Rockets</a> to defeat, and if they do, they'll make the playoffs, no matter the outcome of the <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Jazz's</a> next two games.</p>
<h4>Pop's Post-Game Quote</h4>
<blockquote style="margin: 0 0 0 40px; border: none; padding: 0px;">
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"We didn't match their energy at all. I just thought we sort of floated through the game."</p>
<p> </p>
</blockquote>
<h4>Quickie Hash</h4>
<p><i><a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/4/15/4225608/recap-spurs-cant-close-it-out-lose-to-lakers-91-86">Check out J. Gomez's recap </a>if you haven't already. </i></p>
<p><a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/4/15/4225608/recap-spurs-cant-close-it-out-lose-to-lakers-91-86"></a>The first three quarters of the game were very close, and the game was tied at the end of the second and third quarters (separated by a single point after the first). With Kobe out, and the Lakers roster thinner than rice paper, the close game meant that either the Lakers' post players were dominating the Spurs inside or the Spurs had their eyes and effort set on the postseason. Pau Gasol went 3/17, but had 16 rebounds, while Dwight Howard had 26 points on 8/17 shots while grabbing 17 rebounds. Dwight had a good game, but nothing that the Spurs shouldn't be able to overcome -- as long as they stopped the Lakers' role players.</p>
<p>Unfortunately for the Spurs, Steve Blake was on fire in the first half, while Antawn Jamison and <span>Jodie Meeks</span> carried the Lakers through the beginning of the fourth. With the Lakers trailing by one early in the quarter, Jamison hit three consecutive three pointers, only to be followed by a Pau Gasol layup sandwiched in between two Jodie Meeks threes. The Spurs tried to keep up, and were only down one after the Jamison barrage, but couldn't hold it together with the Lakers' outside barrage, and the problems were only compounded by the way the home team outworked the Spurs on the glass. Both teams shot terribly, but the Lakers were able to get more second chance opportunities, and stayed in the game long enough to put it away with a 21-11 run that took up more than half of the final quarter, putting the Spurs away for good.</p>
<p>The Spurs came within 4 at the end, but couldn't convert on their three final three point attempts. It was simply that type of game for the Spurs, in which nothing fell and they didn't play with enough energy. Parker, still not back in game shape, couldn't buy a bucket. Pop decided it was enough after he missed his first two shots in the 4th and rested him the rest of the game. But it was those five three pointers from Antawn Jamison and Jodie Meeks (all in just over 4 minutes) that put the Spurs away, as they opened a seven point lead that the good guys never recovered from.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OaGbPQryYVQ" frameborder="0"></iframe> <br id="1366038633519"></p>
<h4>Game Boss</h4>
<table style="text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; margin: 1em auto; padding: 0px; border: 6px solid #ccd1d5; width: 550px; font-family: 'Gotham Narrow SSm A', 'Gotham Narrow SSm B', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.125em; font-size: 13px; color: #292929;" class="sbn-data-table" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">
<tr style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;" class="ui-state-even">
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555; text-align: left;" width="71" rowspan="3" valign="top">
<p><img alt="3818_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1556031/3818_medium.jpg"></p>
</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="567" colspan="8" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">DWIGHT HOWARD</b></td>
</tr>
<tr style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;" class="ui-state-odd">
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">PTS</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">FGM</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">FGA</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">BLK</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">REB</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">PF</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">TO</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">MIN</b></td>
</tr>
<tr style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;" class="ui-state-even">
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top">26</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top">9</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top">15</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top">3</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top">17</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top">3</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top">3</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top">31<br>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>In Kobe's absence, Dwight Howard had the opportunity to be *the* go-to guy on the Lakers, a role he has arguably been eyeing all season. He missed more than half of his free throw attempts, but made up for it by scoring 26 points, grabbing 17 rebounds and swatting 3 shots. He bulled Timmy and Tiago down low, and combined with Pau Gasol to corrall 35 rebounds. Good game for the oft-criticized center.</p>
<h4>Game Runt</h4>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; margin: 1em auto; padding: 0px; border: 6px solid #ccd1d5; width: 550px; text-align: center; font-family: 'Gotham Narrow SSm A', 'Gotham Narrow SSm B', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.125em; font-size: 13px; color: #292929;" class="sbn-data-table" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">
<tr style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;" class="ui-state-even">
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555; text-align: left;" width="71" rowspan="3" valign="top">
<img alt="Parker" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1911979/Parker.jpg"><br id="1366038999709">
</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="567" colspan="8" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">TONY PARKER</b></td>
</tr>
<tr style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;" class="ui-state-odd">
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">PTS</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">FGM</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">FGA</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">AST</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">REB</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">PF</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">TO</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">MIN</b></td>
</tr>
<tr style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;" class="ui-state-even">
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top">4</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top">1</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top">10</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top">8</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top">4</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top">1</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top">4</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top">37<br><br>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p class="MsoNormal">Tony had 8 assists, but that was not enough to overcome an off shooting night, in which he only hit one layup and missed 9/10 shots. Without Tony hitting shots, the Spurs' offense can't be the bulldozer that is was in the first half of the season.</p>
<h4>Numbers of Note</h4>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">22 - Tim Duncan is now 22nd overall in scoring (NBA). Active players ahead of Tim: <span>Ray Allen</span> (21st), <span>Paul Pierce</span> (20th), Dirk (17th), Garnett (15th) and Kobe (4th). Tim is within 250 points of Pierce and Allen, we'll see how much he trails once the playoffs are over. If Boston's postseason run is short and the Spurs get into the WCF ... who knows?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">18 - Points scored by Steve Blake in the first half. He only added 5 in the second half, but he kept LA in the game early on. Without his unlikely explosion (a la Goran Dragic in 2010) the Lakers would have been playing from far behind, and the game would have likely gone much differently.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">15% - Shooting percentage for the Spurs' point guards. <span>Tony Parker</span>, <span>Nando De Colo</span> and <span>Cory Joseph</span> each hit only one shot out of their combined 20. 2 of them were desperation attempts at the end of the game by Joseph, but if he's taken out of the equation, Parker and De Colo would still be a combined 2/16, resulting in an even a horrible 12.5%.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">-12 - Rebounding differential for the Spurs, who had 46 rebounds to the Lakers' 58. LA had 16 on the offensive end, which gave them one second-chance opportunity after another. Rest assured that'll be focused on in Pop's film session with the players today.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">8 - Turnovers by the Spurs. The Lakers had 6 more, and the Spurs took advantage, scoring 20 points off of those mistakes. The home team didn't capitalize, (only 2 on 9 Spurs turnovers), but took more foul shots and were able to stay in the game with their good defense and timely shooting.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">17 - Free Throws attempted by Dwight Howard. He hit 8 of them, for a clip less than 50%. Hack-A-Dwight really works! As seen on TV! Created by the inventor of Hack-A-Shaq! Not available in stores. Call today!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">19 - Free Throws attempted by the Spurs, compared to the 31 by the Lakers. Subtracting Dwight, they only shot 14, but even so, they were called for 9 fewer fouls than the Spurs.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">15-10 - The Spurs' record since the All-Star break, which they entered at 42-12. The Lakers were 25-29 and have gone 19-8 since then, against arguably lesser competition. Nevertheless, they defeated Indiana, Chicago and Memphis in that span (but lost to Phoenix, Washington and Milwaukee), showing they can defeat legitimate teams. The Spurs have gone 5-5 in their last 10, the worst record among Western Conference playoff hopefuls.</span></li>
</ul>
<h4>Odds & Ends</h4>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">The Spurs played terribly against the Lakers. They looked lethargic and were not driving it inside, seemingly scared by the twin towers of Howard and Gasol guarding the middle of the paint. Without the fearless driving ability of one Emanuel David Ginobili, the Spurs sorely miss a dose of any-time offense.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Why is <span>Gary Neal</span> getting 30+ minutes? I think <span>Danny Green</span> should be out there for longer, even though he isn't as independent on the offensive end, but has the better sense to play within the system. There were countless times during the game where the Spurs were not passing the ball, and instead, Gary Neal took an ill-advised jumper. He was 5-13, had 4 assists, with no turnovers.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Tim Duncan is amazing, and I don't ever get tired of saying that. In only 25 minutes, he had 23 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks and a steal. Pau Gasol played 15 minutes longer and only grabbed 6 more rebounds and had fewer assists. I think Pop wants Tim to get some rest before the playoffs, so don't expect to see him play tonight against the Warriors. Tim showed why he should be All-NBA First Team. He doesn't get that many minutes a night, but he doesn't need to, and is very efficient in the time he does see the court. If he manages to keep up his level of play for 35+ in the playoffs, the Spurs will be tough to beat.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Steve Blake, Jodie Meeks and Antawn Jamison (who average 24 points combined) scored 46, nearly double their season average. Without great moments from these players, the Lakers would not have been in the game at all.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">For panicking Spurs fans, take solace in this: even though <span>Kawhi Leonard</span>, Tony Parker, Nando De Colo and Cory Joseph each only hit one shot, Gary Neal and <span>Tiago Splitter</span> both went 5-13, and Danny was 2-7 from three point range, the Spurs only lost by 5 points in a must-win game for the Lakers. They were out rebounded and shot fewer free throws, but were still in the game. Remember, the Spurs had some injuries of their own, and are not even close to playing their best ball.</span></li>
</ul>
<h4>Going into the Next Game, the Spurs Need to…</h4>
<p class="MsoNormal">…start thinking about playoff match ups. The current standings have OKC at first, the Spurs at second, the Rockets at 6th (45-35), the Warriors at 7th with the same record (they lose the tiebreaker to the Rockets) and the Lakers at 8th. The Lakers can catapult to the 6th seed if Houston and Golden State choke away both of their upcoming games, and can even get to 7th if the Warriors lose both of their games, while Houston splits theirs (a win in Phoenix and a loss in Los Angeles). The Spurs will likely face either Golden State or Houston, both young teams that are highly efficient on the offensive end but are sieves on defense. This should be a good first round matchup for a recovering Spurs team that needs a soft defense to play around with.</p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/4/15/4226698/morning-rehash-dwight-fills-in-for-kobethe ellimist2013-04-15T00:19:36-05:002013-04-15T00:19:36-05:00Spurs can't close it out, lose to Lakers 91-86
<figure>
<img alt="Pau Gasol, seen here riding an invisible motorcycle" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/a3ZBXtQ-X8KlBAELucjLiY3FiHg=/0x158:4000x2825/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/11542037/20130414_lbm_al2_051.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Pau Gasol, seen here riding an invisible motorcycle | Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Lakers got a step closer to the playoffs while the Spurs still seem to be stuck in the mud.</p> <p></p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Lakers</a> began this game one ahead of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Utah Jazz</a> and entered knowing that Kobe had a torn Achilles heel. So, you knew they needed this one. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">Spurs</a> still had (technically have) a chance of getting the first seed but have seemed more interested in reintegrating <span>Tony Parker</span> into the fold and getting everyone ready for the playoffs. While the Lakers definitely got closer to the playoffs with this win, this game really does not seem auspicious for either of the Spurs' goals.</p>
<h3 align="center">The Game</h3>
<h3></h3>
<p>The first quarter saw the Lakers running their offense through <span>Dwight Howard</span> in the post. Howard used his strength and explosion to score on <span>Tim Duncan</span>, but Timmeh responded on the other end with jumpers, countering Dwight's ten first quarter points with eight of his own. The Spurs, who theoretically had a huge advantage at guard and wing, decided to also run their offense through their bigs, with Duncan and Splitter combining for 13 of the Spurs 19 shots. That benefited the Lakers who managed to survive without a consistent perimeter scoring threat in the first period.</p>
<p>The Lakers found that outside threat they will be missing with Kobe out in <span>Steve Blake</span>, at least for one quarter. In the second, Blake was the offense for LA, scoring 14 points on 4-4 shooting from beyond the arc. With Tony Parker clearly not 100% right now (he didn't play in the 4<sup>th</sup> quarter), the Spurs went to other guard options off the bench. <span>Nando De Colo</span> struggled in the first half while Joseph did OK on a short stint. But it was <span>Gary Neal</span> and <span>Danny Green</span> who balanced things out for the Spurs with five points each. The Spurs weathered the storm of three pointers by not turning the ball over, which was a nice change of pace after a sloppy first quarter. Going into the break, the game was tied at 43.</p>
<p>The 3<sup>rd</sup> quarter was even more defense-oriented and had and even slower pace. The Spurs decided the put Howard on the line and it mostly worked, as the Lakers center went 4-11 from the charity stripe. But a low scoring, half court battle benefited the plodding Lakers more than the Spurs, who couldn't find a consistent scorer in the quarter. When the Spurs run, they scored, as attested by their 10 fast break points. But with Howard at the line so much, those chances were scarce. After three quarters, the game was still tied, this time at 61.</p>
<p>The 4<sup>th</sup> quarter seemed like the perfect moment for the Spurs to pull away and had they done it, I'd be writing a very different recap right now, saying that at this point a win is a win. But the Spurs allowed the Lakers to go 5-9 from three and surprisingly didn't intentionally fouled Howard when the Lakers were building their lead. For all intents and purposes, <span>Jodie Meeks</span> and <span>Antawn Jamison</span> beat the Spurs in this one and that should never happen. Tim Duncan heroically did everything he could to keep the team in it but several missed rotations or instances of over helping plus some erratic play from the Spurs' guards were too much for even Timmy to overcome. The Lakers came away with the win, 91-86.</p>
<h3 align="center">Observations</h3>
<ul>
<li>The Lakers were missing Nash and Bryant and the Spurs were missing Manu and, basically Parker. Tony should be sitting right now to get in shape for the playoffs, as he's clearly not 100% back yet. If he has no risk of aggravating his many minor injuries then, by all means, he should keep playing. Otherwise, shut him down until the playoffs and let's face the seventh seed as healthy as possible. Oh, <span>Boris Diaw</span> and <span>Jordan Hill</span> were out too. Both teams were shorthanded, basically.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>With Tony unable to produce, the Spurs needed at least one of <span>Cory Joseph</span> or Nando De Colo to pick up the slack. They couldn't, even against a downright horrendous Lakers guard rotation. They combined for 2-10 from the field and only one assist. Cory looked a bit better but neither did anything to inspire confidence thinking about the playoffs.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Gary Neal, man. He is who he is. When he is on, he can change a game for you. When he isn't, he is one of the most hateable players out there. If I read you the stat line (12 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals) it looks great but his decision making is so inconsistent. With 54 second left and the Spurs down four, the Spurs run the court. Neal pump faked at the three point line and then pulled up with a defender in his face. The Spurs didn't need a three pointer and there were 20 seconds left in the shot clock. If he hits it, the recap would be about how clutch Neal is, so I won't come down too hard on him.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Blair couldn't keep his string of good performances going against the Lakers. Pop only gave him 13 minutes in which he committed three personal fouls but pulled down four boards. The LA front line is just too big for DeJuan but he should be able to hold his own against most playoff teams, so I'm not worried. Yet.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Splitter and Bonner did better, although neither actually shined. Splitter got another double-double (11 points, ten boards) and got three blocks and two steal but he wasn't efficient from the field or the free throw line. Bonner did a solid job on Gasol and hit a couple of three pointers but he only pulled down one board. Not a bad game for either but nothing to write home about.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Danny Green had a good game tonight. He scored 16 points on eight shots, got 3 boards and a couple of assists. Danny took mostly good shots and even dunked on a fastbreak, you guys!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The other perimeter starters didn't do quiet as well. A hobbled Parker went 1-10 and turned it over four times while <span>Kawhi Leonard</span> sort of disappeared. MWP was on him but like LD pointed out to me on Twitter, he should have attacked anyway. The Spurs need someone to break defenses down by penetrating and even though that's clearly not Kawhi's forte yet, he needs to deliver in games like this. Hopefully, Tony and Manu will be ready for the playoffs and he won't have to step out of his comfort zone, because he doesn't seem ready yet.</li>
<li>The Lakers will likely make the playoffs but I don't see them even scaring OKC. Howard has been playing better and Gasol is ridiculously talented but that guard rotation is dreadful, even with <span>Steve Nash</span> in it. Of course, I would love to be proved wrong, Lakers. Beat OKC for us, please.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Finally, Timothy Theodore Duncan is a god amongst men. Timmy had 23 points, ten boards, four assists and three blocks against Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol. He even had a couple of rim rattling dunks in the 4<sup>th</sup> quarter that should have energized his teammates but somehow didn't. Timmy wanted this one but the rest of the team couldn't help get it for him.</li>
</ul>
<p>The Spurs have the second seed secured and the first seed seems like it has slipped through their fingers at this point. It's likely both Parker and Duncan rest tomorrow on the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/pages/ptr-lexicon#SEGABABA">SEGABABA</a> against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Warriors</a> but that's fine. Let's just get everyone rested and healthy for the playoffs.</p>
<p>For the opponent's perspective visit our friends over at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2013/4/14/4225514/final-score-lakers-trump-spurs-91-86">Silver Screen and Roll</a></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/JejeGomez_PtR" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @JejeGomez_PtR</a>
<script type="text/javascript"><!--
!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");
// --></script></p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/4/15/4225608/recap-spurs-cant-close-it-out-lose-to-lakers-91-86Jeje Gomez2013-04-14T22:50:54-05:002013-04-14T22:50:54-05:00QuickCap: Spurs fall to Lakers, 91-86
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BKCVor1bu_WMpR4hSXQ36Lne9Cc=/0x1:4000x2668/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/11540709/20130414_lbm_al2_036.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1">
<thead><tr>
<th width="20">#</th>
<th>Commenter</th>
<th># Comments</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/MosesArt">MosesArt</a></td>
<td>108</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/chajamamama">chajamamama</a></td>
<td>85</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/spursfan87">spursfan87</a></td>
<td>72</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/play_splitter">play_splitter</a></td>
<td>72</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/HoneyBad">HoneyBad</a></td>
<td>70</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>6</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/CapHill">CapHill</a></td>
<td>63</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/chapnis">chapnis</a></td>
<td>59</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>8</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Divine%20Beast">Divine Beast</a></td>
<td>54</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/kenshinsama">kenshinsama</a></td>
<td>44</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>10</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/TrooperJoe73">TrooperJoe73</a></td>
<td>42</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/TDzilla!">TDzilla!</a></td>
<td>36</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>12</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/racm">racm</a></td>
<td>31</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/the%20new%20Bradfather">the new Bradfather</a></td>
<td>28</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>14</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SpurScientist">SpurScientist</a></td>
<td>28</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/RG8907">RG8907</a></td>
<td>27</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>16</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JamieCajamarca">JamieCajamarca</a></td>
<td>25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Dark%20Black">Dark Black</a></td>
<td>25</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>18</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Badpierre">Badpierre</a></td>
<td>21</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Juan%20Korl">Juan Korl</a></td>
<td>20</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>20</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/mission20">mission20</a></td>
<td>18</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>21</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Marky%20G">Marky G</a></td>
<td>18</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>22</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Chilai">Chilai</a></td>
<td>17</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>23</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/theghostofjh">theghostofjh</a></td>
<td>15</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>24</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/J.%20Gomez%20(Edg5)">J. Gomez (Edg5)</a></td>
<td>13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>25</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/hurts2bgood">hurts2bgood</a></td>
<td>13</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>26</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/lemonparade4">lemonparade4</a></td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>27</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/KawhiSoSerious">KawhiSoSerious</a></td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>28</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/LatinD">LatinD</a></td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>29</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/RamblingSpur">RamblingSpur</a></td>
<td>11</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>30</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/TerribleTim">TerribleTim</a></td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>31</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Juan%20Cantu">Juan Cantu</a></td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>32</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Queness">Queness</a></td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>33</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/RobertoDR">RobertoDR</a></td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>34</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/fusion10">fusion10</a></td>
<td>8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>35</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/TecateBoltsFan">TecateBoltsFan</a></td>
<td>8</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>36</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/swimwithsharks">swimwithsharks</a></td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>37</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BrooklynSpur">BrooklynSpur</a></td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>38</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/HtownSteelerFan">HtownSteelerFan</a></td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>39</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/oldtimeyspurfan">oldtimeyspurfan</a></td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>40</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/XXDC2XX">XXDC2XX</a></td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>41</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Wes%20Thorne%20(Izee)">Wes Thorne (Izee)</a></td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>42</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Shikaumaru">Shikaumaru</a></td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>43</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/TD21">TD21</a></td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>44</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/cr0w">cr0w</a></td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>45</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Essjei">Essjei</a></td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>46</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/i%20luv%20this%20site">i luv this site</a></td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>47</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/justin.szewczyk">justin.szewczyk</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>48</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/fuzzy_quack">fuzzy_quack</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>49</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Josh%20Guyer%20(completely%20deck)">Josh Guyer (completely deck)</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>50</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Last%20Spur%20Standing">Last Spur Standing</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>51</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SpursBenchOverStarters">SpursBenchOverStarters</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>52</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Gorbachev.5">Gorbachev.5</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>53</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/audreypots">audreypots</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>54</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/707kid">707kid</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>55</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Sh!fty">Sh!fty</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>56</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Fred%20Silva">Fred Silva</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>57</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Buccoboy22">Buccoboy22</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>58</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SSR_">SSR_</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>59</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SportsandTacos">SportsandTacos</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/4/14/4225502/quickcap-no-kobe-no-problem-spurs-fall-to-the-lakers-91-86Josh Guyer (completely deck)2013-04-14T02:00:05-05:002013-04-14T02:00:05-05:00Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles La
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5UiAZ-t_rw_TdIH3-l-xmCYzDps=/0x0:570x380/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/11449233/20120425_ter_aj4_483.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Spurs look to get a key victory against the Kobe-less Los Angeles Lakers, while in pursuit of the number one seed in the West..</p> <div id="preview-wrapper">
<div id="preview-ptr-logo"><a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/836197/pounding-the-rock-logo.png"></a></div>
<div id="preview-game-preview"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/836201/game-preview.png"></div>
<div id="preview-vs">
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">San Antonio Spurs</a> @ Los Angeles Lakers<br></b></h3>
Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA<br>April 14, 2013, 8:30 PM Spurs Time<br> TV: NBATV - RADIO: 1200 AM WOAI</div>
</div>
<p>
<style media="screen" type="text/css">
#preview-wrapper { background-image: url('http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/836193/spurs-background.jpg');background-position: center -40px; height: 300px; -moz-border-radius: 15px; border-radius: 15px;}
#preview-ptr-logo { position: relative; top: 30px; margin: 0px auto; width: 308px; height: 39px; }
#preview-game-preview { position: relative; top: 36px; margin: 0px auto; width: 448px; height: 47px; }
#preview-vs { font-size: 20px; padding-top: 50px; padding-bottom: 45px; width: 100%; color: white; text-align: center; }
</style></p>
<p>It's almost that time of year again, Spurs fans. We're a week away from the postseason, and it's so close that I can almost taste it. However, we still have to survive three more regular season games. The Spurs clinched a top 2 seed in the Western Conference on Friday thanks to their win over the Kings and the help the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/">Mavericks</a> provided by taking out the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/">Nuggets</a>. So the only thing left to play for is a slim shot at the number one seed which the Spurs can secure if they win out their string while the <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/#stories_tab" target="_blank">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> lose either one of their two remaining games against the <a href="https://www.sactownroyalty.com/#stories_tab" target="_blank">Sacramento Kings</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.brewhoop.com/#stories_tab">Milwaukee Bucks</a>. It seems unlikely that the Thunder would drop either of those contests, but the Spurs still have to get into playoff shape and work out a few kinks, so why not give it the old college try?</p>
<p>Tonight's game is against the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Los Angeles Lakers</a>, who are trying to stay in the playoff picture and snag the 8th seed in the West. The Lakers were deprived of their fearless leader on Friday night when <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21869/kobe-bryant#stories_tab">Kobe Bryant</a> tore his Achilles tendon in one of the more heart-breaking sequences of the season. I've never been much of a Kobe fan, but hearing that he suffered that kind of setback this late in his career was tough. He's been a great player in this league for so long, and even if you don't like him, you have to respect him. Hopefully he can come back soon and return to being an <a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/pages/ptr-lexicon#otstanding" target="_blank"><i>otstanding</i></a> player.</p>
<p>The Lakers will most likely come out with a new energy, rally around Kobe's horrible injury, and find a way to compete with a San Antonio team that's shorthanded for a bevy of different reasons; from <a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/4/11/4210494/manu-ginobili-injury-translated-article-la-nacion" target="_blank">Manu Ginobili's strained hamstring</a>, to <a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/4/12/4217478/san-antonio-spurs-forward-boris-diaw-undergoes-surgery-out-3-4-weeks" target="_blank">Boris Diaw's back surgery</a> and <a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/4/12/4218690/Stephen-Jackson-waivers-NBA-Spurs" target="_blank">Stephen Jackson being waived</a>. The Lakers' strategy should now revolve around the post presences of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21602/dwight-howard#stories_tab">Dwight Howard</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21732/pau-gasol#stories_tab">Pau Gasol</a>, both of whom have come on strong recently. In this month, Gasol has been superb while averaging 19.3 ppg, 10.2 rpg, and 6.7 apg. Howard has averaged 20.8 ppg, 8.1 rpg, and has been better on defense lately as he's showing signs of the dominant form he's been trying to regain since he underwent surgery on his back last year. These guys are playing at a level that they weren't even close to in the previous matchups with the Spurs this year. So corralling both big men will be a challenge.</p>
<p>It will be key for the Spurs to run things through <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21781/tony-parker#stories_tab">Tony Parker</a>, who's only played in one game since Pop sat him to recover from his ankle injury and sore neck. Allowing him to regain his timing while leading the starting unit is important, because the West is deep and you can't take any playoff series for granted. (Unless the Spurs end up playing against the Lakers or <a target="_blank" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/#stories_tab">Jazz</a> in the first round. I'd give you permission to take those matchups for granted.) Expect Parker to produce early and often as he continues to find his groove. He went for 22 points and 10 assists <a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/4/13/4219756/tony-returns-as-spurs-beat-kings-108-101" target="_blank">against a porous Sacramento Kings defense</a>, and he is likely to do similar damage against a Lakers team that has struggled to guard the pick-and-roll all season long. It's nice for San Antonio to have a good distributor on the floor again, and hopefully Tony's play-making ability can jump-start the Spurs offense, which has struggled without him and the recovering <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21775/manu-ginobili#stories_tab">Manu Ginobili</a>.</p>
<p>One interesting thing to keep an eye on is the lineup combinations Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni will use. D'Antoni is notorious for his short rotations, but without either member of his starting backcourt (<span>Steve Nash</span> has been out because of an injured hip) I expect him to open things up a bit and tinker with different combinations. They'll have to change much of their offense to feature Gasol and Howard without Kobe or Nash on the floor, and I think Gasol will be used more as a distributor out of the high post.</p>
<table width="609" cellspacing="2" cellpadding="2" border="0" align="center" class="sbn-data-table" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; margin: 1em auto; padding: 0px; border: 6px solid #ccd1d5; width: 691px; text-align: center; font-family: 'Gotham Narrow SSm A', 'Gotham Narrow SSm B', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.125em; font-size: 13px; color: #000000; background-color: #cccccc;"><tbody style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">
<tr class="ui-state-even" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">
<td colspan="3" style="margin: 0px; padding: 12px 4px 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #ffffff; color: #555555; text-align: left; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><center><img src="http://i.cdn.turner.com/nba/nba/.element/img/2.0/sect/gameinfo/teamlogos/SAS.gif" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; max-width: 100%;"></center></td>
<td colspan="3" style="margin: 0px; padding: 12px 4px 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #ffffff; color: #555555; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><center><img src="http://i.cdn.turner.com/nba/nba/.element/img/2.0/sect/gameinfo/teamlogos/LAL.gif" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; max-width: 100%;"></center></td>
</tr>
<tr class="ui-state-odd" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">
<td colspan="3" style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; text-align: left; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><center>
<div style="margin: 12px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">Lineups</b></div>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1.2em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; max-width: 100%; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.6em; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, Georgia, serif;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">Starters</b><br><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">PG:</b> <span style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted;"><b>Tony Parker</b></span><br><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">SG:</b> <span>Danny Green</span><br><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">SF:</b> <span>Kawhi Leonard</span><br><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">PF:</b> <span>Tim Duncan</span><br><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">C:</b> <b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/24281/tiago-splitter#stories_tab">Tiago Splitter</a><br></b><br><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">Key Bench Players</b><br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/112006/gary-neal#stories_tab"><b>Gary Neal</b></a><br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/71862/nando-de-colo#stories_tab"><b>Nando De Colo</b></a><br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/71936/dejuan-blair#stories_tab"><b>DeJuan Blair</b></a><br><br><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">Head Coach</b><br><span>Gregg Popovich</span></p>
<b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;"></b> </center></td>
<td colspan="3" style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><center>
<div style="margin: 12px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;"><br></div>
<div style="margin: 12px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;"><b style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Gotham Narrow SSm A', 'Gotham Narrow SSm B', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.125em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">Lineups</b></div>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1.2em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; max-width: 100%; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.6em; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, Georgia, serif;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">Starters</b><br><b><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">PG</span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21685/steve-blake#stories_tab"> Steve Blake</a><br><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">SG:</span> <span>Jodie Meeks</span><br><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">SF:</span> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/71914/earl-clark#stories_tab">Earl Clark</a><br><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">PF:</span> Pau Gasol<br><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">C:</span> Dwight Howard<br><br><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">Key Bench Players</span><br><span class="sbn-auto-link" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: #292929;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21629/metta-world-peace#stories_tab">Metta World Peace</a><br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21838/antawn-jamison#stories_tab">Antawn Jamison</a><br><span>Darius Morris</span></span></b></p>
<br><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">Head Coach</b><br><p style="margin-bottom: 1.2em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; max-width: 100%; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.6em; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, Georgia, serif;"><span>Mike D'Antoni</span></p>
<div><br></div>
</center></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>Lakers perspective can be found here: <a href="http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/"><b>Silver Screen & Roll</b></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Get your </span><a href="http://www.tiqiq.com/nba/san-antonio-spurs-tickets/" style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">San Antonio Spurs tickets</a><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> here!</span></p>
<p>Game Prediction: The Lakers will come out with some gusto due to the loss of their star, and control the tempo for much of the game. However, Duncan and Parker will prove to be too much in a late game battle. Spurs by 2.</p>
<p>As always <a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/pages/ptr-lexicon#tonydominatefisher" target="_blank">Tony must dominate Fisher</a>, and NBA league pass is recommended for those who are willing to pony up the cash. Almost every Spurs game will be broadcast there, which is especially helpful for those of us who aren't in the San Antonio area. Please don't post links to illegal game feeds in the game thread. Links to illegal feeds are not permitted on SBNation, but you can probably find them out there on the internets if you're resourceful and desperate.</p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/4/14/4217666/game-preview-san-antonio-spurs-vs-los-angeles-lakersIan Dougherty