Pounding The Rock - Full Coverage: Spurs vs Warriors, Game 3, Round 2For all your Manu Ginobili loving and San Antonio Spurs newshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/12497/ptr-fv.jpg2013-05-12T09:26:26-05:00http://www.poundingtherock.com/rss/stream/40879152013-05-12T09:26:26-05:002013-05-12T09:26:26-05:00Is the right team getting all the small ball love?
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<img alt="Yes Pop, two more. " src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/L01h51p5FeLnfJW2gHVHxYKgwFc=/0x0:3999x2666/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/13035955/20130510_kkt_st3_055.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Yes Pop, two more. | USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A look back on Game 3, in which the Spurs made most everyone look stupid and Parker rudely reminded America that there's another superduperstar point guard in this series. </p> <p>My favorite play of Friday night's game occurred midway through the second quarter, and while it didn't seem so special or important in the grand scheme of things -- just a standard two-point mid-range jumper in the play-by-play sheet -- it effectively told the story of the Spurs' 102-92 triumph over the spunky Warriors at Oracle Arena, where San Antonio took a 2-1 lead in their second-round series.</p>
<p>Tony Parker, once again relegated to the role of the <i>other</i> point guard in a playoff match-up as he's been countless times in his Hall-of-Fame career, having previously taken a backseat to contemporaries such as Chris Paul, Steve Nash, Deron Williams, Chauncey Billups and Jason Kidd, was already well on his way to a big night in Game 3, having sunk a number of open J's as well as a <a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/5/10/4320754/gif-tony-parker-with-the-unbelievable-stumbling-falling-down-off-the" target="_blank">circus no-look layup while stumbling to the ground to complete an and-1</a>.</p>
<p>Here he was though, dribbling without any apparent urgency on the left side of the floor, guarded closely by the man -- Klay Thompson -- who pundits across the country credited for "shutting him down" (Parker totaled 48 points on 43 shots in the first two games). Thompson's combination of size, length, defensive acumen and youthful energy was supposedly too much for the Spurs' graybeard 30-year-old floor-leader to deal with.</p>
<p>So there was Parker, carefree as you please, dribbling just past the three-point arc with Thompson two feet in front of him, in a classic defensive stance. Then, a crossover dribble, quicker than a blink. Like a magic trick Parker was suddenly six feet to the left of the space he'd been an instant before and Thompson completely disappeared from the television screen, with about as much chance to recover on the play as the popcorn vendor. Of course, Parker's jumper hit nothing but net.</p>
<p>It's old hat by now for so-called experts to pick apart Parker's game, to focus on the things that he supposedly can't do. He doesn't put up the gaudy assist totals of Paul or Nash. He's not a marksman from downtown like Curry or Kidd. He's not as scrappy defensively as Rondo and he can't rock the rim like a Westbrook or a Derrick Rose (well, like they used to, anyway).</p>
<p>Put a bigger guy on Parker, the theory goes, rough him up a little, take away his penetration and his trademark teardrop, and you pretty much shut him down. People completely dismiss his mid-range jumper, despite the stats baring out that for the past several years he's been as accurate with it as any shooter in the league. For critics who watch maybe a handful of Spurs games all year (if that many), he'll always be the guy from 2003-04 who couldn't hit the side of a barn against the Lakers.</p>
<p>It's easy to ignore Parker's jump shot, his un-sexy, measly, only-worth-two-points flick of the wrist (with his tongue flayed out to the left like a beagle's through the window of a moving car), but in a way it's a microcosm of the Spurs team as it's been perceived through these last waning years of the Duncan Era. The Spurs rack up 55-60 wins every season like clockwork, despite an ever-crowded injury list and severe minutes restrictions placed upon their stars, and people assume they do it with smoke and mirrors, a by-product of flops, Duncan bankers, and scores of easy wins against the dregs of the league. It just doesn't dawn on people that it'd be impossible for Parker to have averaged darn near 20 points a game year in and year out just solely on a diet of teardrops and lay-ups.</p>
<p>No, in fact, Parker has canned a lot of jumpers in his career, more than any lay-person could dare imagine, and I'm betting he sinks a few more before he's done. He's also shooting 47 percent in the series -- and 60 percent from downtown in a small sample -- compared to Curry's 42 percent (and 38 percent from deep). Throw in Thompson's 46 percent (albeit 61 percent from three) and I guess what I'm trying to say is I'm calling Mark Jackson's bluff.</p>
<p>Also, Tony Parker is very good at basketball.</p>
<p>*************************************************</p>
<p>Not to put too fine a point on it, but Game 3 was the most important road win for the Spurs in seven years, since they captured Game 6 at Dallas 91-86 (<a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?id=260519006">in what was the best road playoff performance of Manu's career</a>) to come back from a 3-1 series deficit and send it back to San Antonio for Game 7. I distinctly remember thinking to myself, "Yep, there's no sweeter feeling as a fan than this, it's all downhill from here," after that game, so I didn't watch the rest of the playoffs. I'm just assuming everything went fine, yes?</p>
<p>**************************************************</p>
<p>This is as good a time as any to clear up a potential misunderstanding. When<a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/5/10/4318180/stampler-gets-haircut-spurs-immediately-lose-at-home-to-warriors-for#comments"> I wrote the other day</a> that the Spurs have only a 35 percent chance to win the series, I didn't mean that I think the Warriors are the other team. The statement actually had very little to do with the Warriors. Rather it was about the Spurs, and how poorly they've responded to playoff adversity (especially on the road) since 2008. I think these two paragraphs sum my feelings up pretty well.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>It's not that I think the Warriors are a better team than the Spurs. Not at all. A 106 minute sample size does not compare to an 82-game regular season. But the Warriors have a rabid, hellacious fan base and their arena will be a very tough place to capture a game now that these young sharks are smelling our blood. It's one thing to go into a tough building with a 2-0 series lead. The fans are still excited, but it's somewhat muted, since they know the best scenario is a 2-2 split after four games and that their squad still has to capture a road game. However, in a 1-1 series the fans know their guys have the home court advantage and a chance to really put a 3-1 stranglehold on the series.</p>
<p>I imagine anyone who's watched these two games has been quite impressed by this Warriors team so far, but I'm telling you, <span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">these</span> Warriors aren't nearly as good as the squad we're gonna have to beat at least once in the "Roaracle." They're going to have much more energy up there, they'll play with even more intensity and emotion, and they'll be that much more resilient in chasing after loose balls and crashing the glass. Our only hope is that all that extra adrenaline will lead to some wonky shooting and perhaps a few fouls.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Anytime the Spurs have given the opposition the series momentum going into their building the past few years, it hasn't gone well for them, and the Warriors have a well-deserved reputation for being very tough to beat at home. As it turned out, the Dubs did come out a bit too pumped, they shot poorly, the Spurs played their best quarter of the series in the opening 12 minutes of Game 3 and held on from there. I thought all along that if our guys were going to recapture home court, that Game 3 was going to be their best shot at it, with the short turn around to Game 4 making that one too tough for them physically and the chance for the Warriors to potentially close out a series in Game 6 making that game virtually impossible.</p>
<p>So I was wrong. Pleasantly wrong. But not <i>that</i> wrong.</p>
<p>****************************************************</p>
<p>Speaking of being wrong, we've come to the part of the program where I gripe about Bill Simmons: Spurs hater. I hope by now you've come to the realization that he is openly rooting against us. (Watch, it's gonna happen next round against Memphis too.)</p>
<p>The media bias against the Spurs going into Game 3 was kind of ridiculous. ESPN had a fancy graphic pointing out how broken their defense was because they allowed "113.5 points in two games to the Warriors." Uh, Game 1 went to double overtime, dummies. Sure, a 106-106 scoreline after 48 minutes in the opening game is nothing to be proud of, but it wasn't obscenely bad. And they gave up a so-so 100 in the Game 2 loss. It's just a misleading stat, and one that doesn't explain that a Tim Duncan was moving around like a flu-ridden zombie in game 1 and playing at 50 percent at best.</p>
<p>Notice you didn't see "what's wrong with the Warriors defense?" graphics. C'mon guys, the Spurs were scoring 110 points through the first two games. That's awful defense, right?</p>
<p>Here was Simmons' sidebar in his <a href="http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/9261768/nba-trade-value-part-3">latest column</a>, explaining his prediction...</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Look at San Antonio right now — it doesn't know what to do with Parker defensively now that G-State is riding these small-ball lineups. (Thank you, David Lee's hip flexor!) Parker can't cover Curry or Thompson, obviously. You can't hide him on Draymond Green (who'd take him to the hole) or Harrison Barnes (who can shoot over him). So unless Jarrett Jack is playing, how can you semi-hide Parker defensively? You can't. And that's before we get into San Antonio's other issues: wasting too much of Duncan's energy having him chase Curry off high-screen switches, figuring out what to do with Tiago Splitter (too slow for these small-ball games), and not having the offensive personnel to stop Curry from being a "hider" (copyright: Zach Lowe) on defense. You might see San Antonio play Parker, Ginobili, Kawhi Leonard and T-Mac at the same time just to make Curry guard someone. That's right, T-Mac!!!!!! I think we're getting a Golden State–Memphis conference finals. I really do.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>All well and good, except for the part where he missed that the Warriors really haven't had much success posting up Parker with Barnes (at least not any more so than when Parker's guarded Jack or Curry). Neither Barnes nor Draymond Green have a polished enough of a post game to take advantage of it, and they haven't gone to that well much at all.</p>
<p>Also, this "analysis" seriously discounts how easily Splitter and Diaw score against the Warriors when they play small. Splitter was +8 in 4:09 against such lineups in Game 3. Diaw was +2 in 1:06 when paired with Duncan against a small lineup in Game 1 and -6 in 5:54 in Game 2, while Splitter was -1 in 1:19 (and never got in with Duncan). In game 3, Diaw was +4 in 10:42 when paired with Duncan or Splitter against the smalls. Overall, that works out to +7 for them in about 23 minutes of court time. Basically, criticizing the Spurs "big" lineup against the Warriors smalls is criticizing Matt Bonner. In any permutation of the main three bigs, they've been doing fine and are likely to keep doing so.</p>
<p>**************************************</p>
<p>Simmons keeps talking about the Warriors not giving Parker anyone to guard when they play without Jack on the floor, but one lineup I'd be curious to see the Spurs use more is one with Parker, Ginobili and Leonard, along with two bigs, so that a hobbled Curry can get a taste of his own medicine and not have Green, Neal or Joseph to hide on.</p>
<p>Wouldn't you know, the Spurs were +2 in 1:06 in that spot in Game 1, -1 in 2:56 in Game 2 and +2 in 4:38 in Game 3, just +3 in 8:40 over three games overall, a tiny sample size, but I like the trend of the Spurs looking to exploit that match-up more and more as the games go by. I know that Danny Green has done a fantastic job of guarding Curry, but I'm willing to bet that we can hurt them more by forcing him to guard Parker or Ginobili than he can hurt us with Parker on him (or forcing Parker on the small forward there).</p>
<p>*******************************************</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>I don't understand the GSW strategy tonight. Smallball was the biggest advantage they had and they've basically given it up. So confused.</p>
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillSimmons/status/333078833634873344">May 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
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<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p>O RLY?</p>
<p><b>Game 1</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">SA small vs GS big 0:57, 4-1 SA (+3)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">SA small vs GS small 30:53, 68-63 SA (+5)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">SA big vs GS small 18:23, 45-42 GS (-3)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">SA big vs GS big 7:47,18-15 GS (-3)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">SA smalls against any lineup 31:50, 72-64 (+8)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">SA bigs against any lineup 26:10, 47-53 (-6)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Of note: The Spurs made their comeback from 16 down late with their small-ball lineup, Splitter was injured and didn't play in this game and Duncan was very limited.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Game 2</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">SA big vs GS small 18:29, GS 48-31 (-17)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">SA small vs GS small 19:42, 36-35 SA (+1)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">SA big vs GS big 4:25, 14-11 SA (+3)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">SA small vs GS big 5:23, 10-6 SA (+4)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">SA smalls against any lineup 25:05, 46-41 (+5)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">SA bigs against any lineup 22:55, 45-59 (-14)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Of note: 9 of that -14 was with Bonner in there. The Spurs lost 100-91. Do the math.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Game 3</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">SA big vs GS big: 23:58, 48-52 (-4)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">SA big vs GS small: 11:40, 25-21 (+4)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">SA small vs GS small:12:22, 29-19 (+10)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">SA bigs against any lineup 35:38, 73-73</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">SA smalls against any lineup 12:22, 29-19</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Of note: The Spurs played it straight up for 35:38 of the first 37:38 of the game before finishing with their small lineup.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Totals: </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">SA small vs GS big 14-7 (+7) in 6:20</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">SA small vs GS small 133-117 (+16) in 62:57</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">SA big vs GS big 77-81 (-4) in 36:10</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">SA big vs GS small 98-114 (-16) in 48:32</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">SA smalls against any lineup: 147-124 (+23) in 69:17</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">SA bigs against any lineup: 175-195 (-20) in 84:42</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">GS smalls vs any lineup: 231-231 (even) in 111:29</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">GS bigs vs any lineup: 88-91 (-3) in 42:30</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Spurs smalls have not been outscored, in any situation, in any of the three games, and are +23 in 69:17 on the court. The Warriors' smalls haven't had that kind of of success. We're mainly a big team, and have played that way all year, and while we can survive against the Warriors playing big against their smalls, it has to be with Duncan, Splitter and Diaw. Throwing Bonner in there throws a wrench into the operation and makes things too easy for them. He probably shouldn't play in this series.</p>
<p>********************************************</p>
<p>Before Game 3, I wrote that if the Spurs were fortunate enough to win, that Pop would probably punt Game 4 because of the quick turnaround so that the Big Three could rest up for the critical Game 5. However, with Curry so banged up, now I'm not so sure. I expect our guys to be on regular season-level minute restrictions, so about 30-32 for Parker and Duncan and 24-26 for Ginobili, but if the Spurs are ahead or close at halftime, I really think Pop will push it in the third quarter for the chance to put our collective foot on their throats.</p>
<p>In fact, I'd love to start with that Duncan-Splitter-Leonard-Ginobili-Parker lineup in each half, just to surprise them and find out quickly how Curry's feeling. Obviously Parker's health is a big story too, but all of a sudden I'm feeling way more confident about Sunday's game than I was 48 hours ago.</p>
<p>I'm fickle that way.</p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/5/12/4321856/nba-playoffs-spurs-warriors-tony-parker-eats-stephen-currys-soulAaronstampler2013-05-11T13:27:30-05:002013-05-11T13:27:30-05:00Morning Rehash: The Spurs Can't Hear You
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Spurs went into Oakland to face a raucous crowd. They came out victorious. </p> <p> </p>
<h4>Opening Rehash</h4>
<p>Forgive the short rehash, as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Warriors</a> game went late into the night over on the East Coast.</p>
<p>After losing Game 2 against the Warriors, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">Spurs</a> had lost the crucial home advantage that reigned in the regular season, as each team won both of their games on their home floor. The Warriors dictated the pace and flow of the majority of Games 1 and 2, except for the last four minutes of the 4th quarter and the 2nd overtime in Game 1. By losing Game 2, the Warriors gained a significant advantage in having three out of the next five games at the Oracle Arena, a venue so loud it's dubbed 'Roaracle'. The media, from ESPN, to PtR, and even bloggers like The Basketball Jones, thought that the series shifted dramatically because the Warriors played extremely well in San Antonio. Fans on PtR were a little worried, and for good reason. The Warriors' backcourt was on fire in the two games in San Antonio and seemed unstoppable, since the Warriors feed so well off of their crowd. The Spurs decided to start their most popular lineup in Parker, Green, Leonard, Splitter and Duncan, not adapting to play the small-ball that Golden State has been preferring since <span>David Lee</span> went down. They regularly put smaller forwards in that lineup, such as <span>Carl Landry</span>, <span>Draymond Green</span> or <span>Harrison Barnes</span>. <span>Tim Duncan</span> or <span>Tiago Splitter</span> can benefit from that and help dictate the pace. After focusing on the shortcomings of the Spurs defense and offense, Spurs followers were holding their breath after San Antonio split their home games and headed to one of the most raucous arenas in the league.</p>
<h4>Pop's Post-Game Quote of the Night</h4>
<blockquote style="margin: 0 0 0 40px; border: none; padding: 0px;">
<p>"We had 4, 5, or 6 guys who played pretty darn well."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Check out his <a href="http://www.nba.com/video/channels/playoffs/2013/05/11/0041200233-sas-popovich-postgame.nba">press pass</a> for more information.</p>
<h4>The Essential Hash</h4>
<p>Check out Cameron Archer's <a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/5/11/4320966/game-3-recap-spurs-warriors-nba-playoffs">recap</a> if you haven't already.</p>
<p>Pop's quote epitomizes this game. The Spurs simply had more players have better games than the Warriors. <span>Tony Parker</span>, Tim Duncan and <span>Kawhi Leonard</span> had stellar games and were the difference makers for the Spurs against a Warriors team that cut double digit leads in what seemed like mere seconds. The Spurs had ended the 3rd quarter up 10, but the Warriors went on a 9-0 run and cut it down to 1. The Spurs were able to hit timely shots and didn't let the Warriors take the lead at all in the 4th. In fact, the Warriors hadn't led since late in the 1st quarter, before the Spurs closed the first frame on a 16-2 run. The Spurs needed to jump on the Warriors early and force them to become purely a jump shooting team, instead of one that mixes in drives to the hoop and long three-pointers off the bounce. Jump shooting teams can generate an enormous lead in what seems like a blink of an eye, but struggle to play catch up if they're down a sizable margin. After the first quarter, which they lost by 9, the lead more or less held intact, as the rest of the three quarters were separated by only one point.</p>
<p>Tony had a great first half, hitting 25 points, the fourth most in a half this postseason. Stephen Curry, <span>Klay Thompson</span> and <span>Kevin Durant</span> are the only others who have reached that point level so far in these playoffs.</p>
<p>Tony cooled off in the second half, only scoring 7 points, but it was enough to keep the Warriors at bay. He drove to the hoop and passed the ball around. He did have some bad turnovers; regardless, his great first half propelled him to an overall good game. Tim Duncan had 23 and 10, a classic Duncan line if there ever was one. <span>Manu Ginobili</span>, Kawhi Leonard, Tiago Splitter and <span>Boris Diaw</span> did well enough to supplement scoring around Parker and Duncan. Golden State made a few runs here and there in the second half, but never led. A strong game from the team as a whole.</p>
<h4>Game Boss</h4>
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<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;" rowspan="3" valign="top" width="71">
<img alt="Parker" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1911979/Parker.jpg"><br id="1368290391639">
</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" colspan="8" valign="top" width="567"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">TONY PARKER</b></td>
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<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;" valign="top" width="71"><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;" valign="top" width="71"><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;" valign="top" width="71"><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;" valign="top" width="71"><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;" valign="top" width="71"><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;" valign="top" width="71"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">STL</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" valign="top" width="71"><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;" valign="top" width="71"><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;" valign="top" width="71">32</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" valign="top" width="71">13</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" valign="top" width="71">23</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" valign="top" width="71">5</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" valign="top" width="71">5</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" valign="top" width="71">0</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" valign="top" width="71">3</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" valign="top" width="71">35<br><br>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p style="text-align: left;">Tony had a great line and a very impressive first half - 25 points on 11/14 shooting. He slowed down in the second, making only 2 more shots on 9 attempts, but hit another three in that half. The Warriors were daring him to shoot and he took advantage.</p>
<h4>Game Runt</h4>
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<td 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;" rowspan="3" valign="top" width="71"><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1601127/3948.jpg"><img alt="3948_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1601127/3948_medium.jpg"></a></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" colspan="8" valign="top" width="567"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">JARRETT JACK</b></td>
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<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" valign="top" width="71"><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; color: #555555;" valign="top" width="71"><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; color: #555555;" valign="top" width="71"><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; color: #555555;" valign="top" width="71"><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; color: #555555;" valign="top" width="71"><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; color: #555555;" valign="top" width="71"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">STL</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" valign="top" width="71"><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; color: #555555;" valign="top" width="71"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">MIN</b></td>
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<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" valign="top" width="71">11</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" valign="top" width="71">5</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" valign="top" width="71">12</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" valign="top" width="71">1</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" valign="top" width="71">3</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" valign="top" width="71">0</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" valign="top" width="71">2</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" valign="top" width="71">34<br><br>
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<p>Jack played iso-ball for crucial moments in the game late in the second half and especially the fourth quarter. Just as the Warriors were making a comeback, he would stop the ball, try to run a play after milking the clock into the final seconds, and either throw up a bad shot or pass, resulting in a turnover. In the second half, he made 1/3 shots and had a turnover. Not much else from the important bench guard.</p>
<h4>By the Numbers</h4>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">-7 - Rebounding differential for the Spurs. They've lost the rebounding battle each game. Game 1 by 10, Game 2 by 2 and now 7 for Game 3, for an average of 6.3 fewer a game. That's allowing the Warriors a lot more attempts at their basket, and with their dynamic offense, they can be dangerous.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">-8 - Offensive rebounding differential. The Warriors grabbed twice the offensive rebounds than the Spurs, 16 to 8, helping them getting 10 more shot attempts at the basket than the Spurs.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">17% - Ginobili's shooting from deep against the Warriors so far. He's made 4 shots out of 23 attempts in this series.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">10% - <span>Stephen Curry's</span> shooting percentage when guarded by <span>Danny Green</span> this series. He's shooting 53.8% against the rest of the Spurs. (Thanks to Elias Sports for that info).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">21 - Assists for the Spurs. After a dismal 14 in Game 2, it's nice to see this number in the 20s again. If the Spurs want to win, it seems that they more or less have to crack 20 assists.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">41 - Seems like Kawhi Leonard is the only Spur to play at least 40 minutes per game against Golden State, averaging nearly 42 per night. The Spurs need him out there for this long.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">36 - Minutes per game by the Big Fundamental in this series, a cool 6 minutes above his season average. He doesn't look tired and is playing great ball. Pop planned for the postseason.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">11.3% - Field goal percentage differential. The Warriors only made five fewer shots, but had 10 more attempts at the basket than the Spurs. San Antonio was efficient from the field, but not from beyond the perimeter, where they only hit 30%. They were also uncharacteristically poor (for this season anyways) from the free throw line, hitting less than 70% from there.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">24 - Fouls called on the Warriors, while the Spurs had 19. The Spurs attacked Bogut and Ezeli in order to get them out of the game and onto the bench. The Golden State big men totaled 42 minutes, as much as each of their backcourt got tonight (Curry and Thompson).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">9 - Fast break points by the Warriors, continuing a trend this series, in which they only average 9 a game. San Antonio had only 7, but limiting these transition points is key in stopping the Warriors offense and momentum.</span></li>
</ul>
<h4>Bird is the Word</h4>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Impressive start from @<a href="https://twitter.com/spurs">spurs</a>, who shoot 65% & get 13p from Parker to take a 32-23 lead at @<a href="https://twitter.com/warriors">warriors</a> after 1Q on ESPN. Curry has 9p. <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Game3">#Game3</a></p>
— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/333059095689056256">May 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>That's a gutty answer by Spurs after Warriors wiped out 9-pt halftime lead and tied at 65; 7-0 run, w/ @<a href="https://twitter.com/manuginobili">manuginobili</a> at line to try and-one</p>
— Mike Monroe (@Monroe_SA) <a href="https://twitter.com/Monroe_SA/status/333076337738784771">May 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Tony Parker: 25 first-half points for Spurs. He was hot from all over the floor <a href="http://t.co/dJG9rjfKvJ" title="http://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/status/333067956944777217/photo/1">twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/...</a></p>
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/status/333067956944777217">May 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Spurs TP is on fire. Great response to criticism. GSt needs to 2 time him on S/rolls this half. Make somebody else beat them.</p>
— <span>Phil Jackson</span> (@PhilJackson11) <a href="https://twitter.com/PhilJackson11/status/333070363569291264">May 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23NerfHoop">#NerfHoop</a> RT @<a href="https://twitter.com/steve_os">steve_os</a>: Ridiculous shot from Tony Parker. <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Spurs">#Spurs</a> <a href="https://t.co/f6TLn6VXCF" title="https://vine.co/v/b0qLWBLl6bD">vine.co/v/b0qLWBLl6bD</a></p>
— CJ Fogler (@cjzero) <a href="https://twitter.com/cjzero/status/333061636065734658">May 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Spurs have more assists in first 10 minutes than then entire first half of Game 2. Making shots helps.</p>
— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/JMcDonald_SAEN/status/333055856155447296">May 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>The @<a href="https://twitter.com/spurs">spurs</a> have dropped the Golden State decibel level to zero. <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Silence">#Silence</a></p>
— ESPN (@espn) <a href="https://twitter.com/espn/status/333087015656632323">May 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>10</p>
— Danny Green (@DGreen_14) <a href="https://twitter.com/DGreen_14/status/333104924961431552">May 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<h4>Leftover Hash</h4>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">If you noticed above, Danny Green tweeted the number '10'. Yep, that's the number of games remaining until they win the Finals. A little overconfident, but I think we need a dose of that now that <span>Stephen Jackson</span> is gone.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Kawhi Leonard was a monster on the +/- with a +17. If Leonard hits two more of his free throws (he was 4/8 after hitting 82.5% during the regular season), he gets to 17 points and 9 boards. Only <a href="http://bkref.com/tiny/QaKOH">eight players averaged those stats during this regular season</a>, one of them being the Spurs' very own Tim Duncan. Kevin Love doesn't really count because he only played 18 games this year. The list essentially consists of what are thought to be the best forwards and centers in the game. Kawhi would be the only guard/forward hybrid in that. He's averaging 6 rebounds in the regular season and is averaging nearly 8.5 per game in the playoffs. Leonard has been stepping his game up.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">That decibel meter became annoying after a while. The Spurs kept the crowd out of it for the most part, but it bears saying, Golden State's fans are extremely excitable and stand up for every single run that the Warriors go on, and usually help spur on their momentum. They're loving the playoffs, and for good reason. It's been more than 5 years since they advanced to the postseason.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">David Lee was out there, hits a couple shots right away. Roaracle loved it. It's unlikely that he can be that beneficial to the Warriors at this point after his torn hip flexor.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span>Matt Bonner</span> put up a stat line that was so Bonner-esque: 6 minutes, 0/3 Field Goals, 0/2 from the arc, no other stats except a personal foul. He has to play spot minutes to rest Duncan and/or Splitter, but nothing like he saw against the slower paced <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Lakers</a>. Bonner isn't built for small ball.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Manu had 28 minutes logged, but shot only 1-8 from downtown. Remove him from the spurs 3-point percentage, and it rockets from 30% on 6/20 to 42%, Curry like levels. Ginobili did hit his other three field goals inside the three point line. He should just drive to the hoop, but he looks a little nervous sometimes. Overall for the game, he was a +11. The Spurs bench was much better than the Warriors', as their three significant substitutions all had negative +/- numbers.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Great coaching by Coach Pop, calling timeouts at right times to slow momentum and draw up a play for easy points. He even used Hack-a-Bogut against the Warriors after a timeout once in the fourth quarter so that they couldn't run their play. Crafty.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Both star point guards suffered minor injuries this game. Tony Parker was kicked in his right leg and was applying ice to it on the bench. Stephen Curry rolled his ankle after trying to stop on a dime and was limping very noticeably for a minute afterwards. He couldn't take the pain and committed a foul in order to get some rest. He didn't see medical attention and just stayed in the game. These guys are tough. They're smaller than your average point guard and still drive into the hoop and get thrown around by centers and forwards.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span>Andrew Bogut</span> was playing Duncan pretty well, but couldn't hit his free throws and was not able to stay in the game due to foul trouble. One of his fouls was a clean block, but other ones were just aggressive moves by the Australian center.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Ginobili may have flopped a couple of times in this game. It'll be interesting to see the NBA's reaction after they fined <span>J.R. Smith</span> $5,000 for flopping in the Indiana/<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/">Knicks</a> series.</span></li>
</ul>
<h4>Going into the Next Game, the Spurs Need to...</h4>
<p>...keep pressure on the backcourt. If neither of those guys has a good game, the Warriors are toast. They don't have enough firepower in their forward or center position to win a game, and can only do so by attacking from the perimeter. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson shot 12-37 and hit 6 out of 14 threes. They combined for 33 points, one more than Tony Parker had by himself. If San Antonio can stay out of foul trouble, drive to the hoop and move the ball around, they can take advantage of a young Warriors team. The Warriors responded well after their heartbreaking Game 1 loss in San Antonio. How will they react in Game 4 on Sunday?</p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/5/11/4321826/nba-playoffs-morning-rehash-the-spurs-cant-hear-you-game-3the ellimist2013-05-11T01:20:09-05:002013-05-11T01:20:09-05:00Spurs grab Game 3, beat Dubs 102-92
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/R7hNUbwcUHtGI86XA4eLfJkJJfs=/0x48:4000x2715/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12997325/168537423.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jed Jacobsohn</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Tony Parker had a brilliant first half, and the Spurs finished each of the four quarters well to snatch a victory in the infamously hostile Oracle Arena. Tim Duncan, Kawhi Leonard, and Boris Diaw all provided key contributions in the victory, and the Spurs will return to Oracle on Sunday afternoon hoping to take a 3-1 series lead.</p> <p>Tony and the Spurs are back. After two games exhibiting uncharacteristically stagnant offense and ambivalent defense, San Antonio refocused to grab the 2-1 lead on the road. The Spurs played a fantastic game of basketball, and finally looked like the better team for the first time in the series. No heroics required, just plain, systematic offense and stifling perimeter D.</p>
<h4>The Rundown</h4>
<p class="MsoNormal">The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">Spurs</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Warriors</a> began the game battling for early buckets, as <span>Tony Parker</span> heated up. After about 6 minutes neck and neck, the Warriors started to create some separation, taking a quick 5 point lead on a <span>Stephen Curry</span> jumper. The refrain of the series rang loudly in our heads, "Uh oh, here we go again." But then the Spurs fought back on the backs of Parker, Duncan and a fresh <span>Boris Diaw</span>. After sitting most of Game 2, likely because he was so sore from his defensive effort in Game 1, Diaw played excellently. In the first half, he worked the post against the smaller <span>Draymond Green</span>, and nailed a beautiful triple on a back-and-forth from Manu Ginobili. Parker added 13 points in the first quarter, and the Spurs closed out the period on a 12-2 run to lead by nine, 32-23.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In a surprise move, the Mark Jackson put <span>David Lee</span> on the floor to start the second quarter. Most had assumed Lee would be out for at least the series, if not the entire playoffs, but he came back and made his presence known. Lee scored 5 points in his first two minutes, showing off his midrange game and earning a solid and-1 which really fired up the crowd (to the tune of 107 dBs, thanks to ESPN’s hokey noise meter). The crowd would ultimately fall still, however, asTony Parker continued his torrid domination of <span>Klay Thompson</span> and the Warriors defense, several times pulling Thompson from his shoes en route to a number of his classic left fading 18 footers. Tony finished with an astounding 25 points in the first half, including this unbelievable and-1:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><img alt="Parkergravity_medium" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1600307/parkergravity_medium.gif"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Warriors shooting appears to have cooled off following hot nights in both of the first two games, due in very large part to a high level of intensity from the Spurs defense, including <span>Danny Green</span>’s noteworthy harassment of Stephen Curry, who did not score in the second quarter. I’m not sure when the last time Curry didn’t score in a quarter was, but if the last two games are any indication, he may have been in the womb. Duncan, Diaw, and Leonard all made solid defensive contributions in the first half, and the Spurs ended it up 9, maintaining their first quarter lead even after Spur-killer extraordinaire <span>Jarrett Jack</span> cut the lead to 3.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The blood was in the water, and the Spurs and their fans could certainly smell it. For the first time, San Antonio seemed to be playing their style of ball, and the results had paid off in the first half. The Warriors, however, would not submit, and they rattled off an early 17-8 run to tie the game at 65. Klay Thompson regained the rhythm he had found in Game 2, hitting some key jumpers early in the run. In what would become the motif of the night, however, the Spurs rallied back. Riding Duncan and Ginobili, the Spurs extended the lead to 10 to win the quarter by one and head into the fourth up 79-69.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The fourth played out like each of the preceding quarters. Refusing to succumb, the Warriors dispensed a 9-0 run to start the quarter, and found themselves trailing by just one only two minutes in. Out of the timeout, Pop’s play call netted Danny Green’s first points of the night in a timely triple. Tony followed with an uncharacteristic three of his own (his second of the night), and again the Spurs stretched the lead to 11 with just over 5 minutes to play. The Spurs stayed aggressive while using clock, and the Warriors never had quite enough to close the gap again, getting as close as 5, but ultimately falling short. The Spurs, through systematic offense and resolute defense characteristic of their excellent regular season, earned the victory, 102-92.</p>
<h4>Thoughts and Observations</h4>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">The Spurs brought the intensity tonight. After sorely lacking energy in Games 1 and 2, San Antonio played with fire in their britches. Before the game started I was optimistic because, even in the loss on Wednesday night, Pop affirmed to his team during a timeout that all they required was intensity and focus. Their play during the second half last night, and the whole game tonight, acquired an air of determination we had not seen yet in the playoffs, even in Game 1. Yes, that's right. Game 1 was awesome, but there was a whole lot more luck than intensity involved in the victory.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Pop was absolutely brilliant calling timeouts. He never let the Warriors get rolling, and I don't think the "noise meter" ever registered above 110 (weaksauce). Any time the Spurs slipped, Pop called time, drew up a play, and our guys regained the lead. Just downright phenomenal coaching from Mr. <span>Gregg Popovich</span> tonight.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">A part of that great coaching was his decision to give Parker sufficient rest. I imagine the pregame pep talk went something like this. Pop: "Tony, go out there and get us up early, and I'll give you some time on the bench. I know how much you and Tracy like each other, and I want you to get some quality time getting to know your new teammate. Maybe you can give him some advice on how to win a playoff series of his own." Regardless of how it played out, Tony was able to stay relatively fresh throughout the game, despite receiving a nasty kick to his shin/calf which was being treated during the game.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Tony really had that left fading jumper going in the first half. His 25 first half points were super efficient, as he shot 11-14.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">In my series preview, I was certain that the Spurs would win every game in which they won the assist battle. My theory is still holding up. They out-dished the Warriors by a slim margin, 21-20.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;"><span>Cory Joseph</span> has been pretty horrific guarding Stephen Curry. However, he has been doing a good job on Jarrett Jack. A good time to rest Parker is when Jack comes in. CoJo can handle him.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">This game was won by finishing quarters. The Warriors started each quarter hot, and the Spurs finished each quarter with a run to regain a solid margin. It's all about how you finish.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Manu was very poor in the first half, missing all three of his shots. The second half was much better, particularly the third quarter, where he shot 3 of 4 and his 8 points were key in sparking the Spurs' run to end the period. He had an awful night from three, though, shooting 1-8.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;"><span>Kawhi Leonard</span> doesn't just have a quiet demeanor. He has a quiet game. I swear he only makes like 2 buckets a game, but tonight he had 15 points, 9 rebounds, a steal, and a team leading +17. The term for most players like this would be "garbage-man." Kawhi isn't a garbage man. He's more like a sanitation specialist.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">That being said, he needs to find his free throw form. An 83% FT shooter during the regular season, Kawhi has made only 38% of his FTs over the last two games (5 of 13). I think he has gotten in his own head a bit. Fortunately, Kawhi seems like the kind of player who can get out of his own head really easily, even if it does resemble a corn maze.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Danny Green was pretty nonexistent tonight on offense, but he has been exceptional guarding Stephen Curry. His length and quick footwork, coupled wit his ability to fight over screens, have allowed him to hassle Curry in the last two games.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Curry was off tonight. He shot 5-17 from the field and 3-9 from deep. He never seemed to display the swagger he had in San Antonio. Maybe he is starting to fatigue, or maybe he knows that the Spurs really are the better team in this series, despite all of Mark Jackson's preachin'.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>The Silver and Black won't get much rest, as they play again at 2:30 <a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/pages/ptr-lexicon#STTOTTM" target="_blank">STTOTTM </a>on Sunday. That being said, they are probably ready and excited to get back on the court. They finally stopped the blue and gold offensive freight train while putting some steam into their own, and have to be riding high now that they know how to legitimately beat this team.</div>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/5/11/4320966/game-3-recap-spurs-warriors-nba-playoffsCameron Archer2013-05-11T00:30:31-05:002013-05-11T00:30:31-05:00Quickcap: Spurs hold off Warriors for 2-1 lead
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5F0jxyCGuxlL0xy24IpbwnAeMX0=/0x93:4000x2760/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12996285/20130510_lbm_ax5_445.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Spurs traveled to the West Coast locked in a tight series with the Golden State Warriors, having surrendered home court advantage after a game 2 loss in San Antonio. Tony and Manu both said it: This game was a must win. Boy, did the Spurs play like it. With energy and intensity, the Spurs regain homecourt advantage on the backs of Tony Parker and Tim Duncan.</p>
<p>Every time the Warriors made a run, the Spurs answered. Tenacious defense and systematic offense ruled the night, and the Spurs emerged victorious. They flipped the table, holding the Warriors under 50% shooting and 100 points for the first time in the series, while shooting above 50% themselves. They have a short layover, and will play Game 4 Sunday afternoon at 2:30 pm, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/pages/ptr-lexicon#STTOTTM">STTOTTM</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1">
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<th width="20">#</th> <th>Commenter</th> <th># Comments</th>
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<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JohnWilSal">JohnWilSal</a></td>
<td>396</td>
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<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/day_late_friend">day_late_friend</a></td>
<td>143</td>
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<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Dark%20Black">Dark Black</a></td>
<td>142</td>
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<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Kondor">Kondor</a></td>
<td>141</td>
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<td>5</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/sambunnell">sambunnell</a></td>
<td>102</td>
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<td>6</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/chapnis">chapnis</a></td>
<td>101</td>
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<td>7</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ziijordan">ziijordan</a></td>
<td>97</td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Trey%20Felder">Trey Felder</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/HtownSteelerFan">HtownSteelerFan</a></td>
<td>91</td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/anirontag">anirontag</a></td>
<td>86</td>
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<td>11</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/twotonkatrucks">twotonkatrucks</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/hurts2bgood">hurts2bgood</a></td>
<td>77</td>
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<td>13</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/TD21">TD21</a></td>
<td>76</td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BrooklynSpur">BrooklynSpur</a></td>
<td>73</td>
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<td>15</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/theghostofjh">theghostofjh</a></td>
<td>67</td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/play_splitter">play_splitter</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/HoneyBad">HoneyBad</a></td>
<td>56</td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/alamobro">alamobro</a></td>
<td>55</td>
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<td>19</td>
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<td>50</td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/RobertoDR">RobertoDR</a></td>
<td>49</td>
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<td>21</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/sleep%20research%20facility">sleep research facility</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Chilai">Chilai</a></td>
<td>45</td>
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<td>23</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Fred%20Silva">Fred Silva</a></td>
<td>35</td>
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<td>24</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Ike%20Mana">Ike Mana</a></td>
<td>32</td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/i%20luv%20this%20site">i luv this site</a></td>
<td>29</td>
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<td>26</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JonnyJam">JonnyJam</a></td>
<td>26</td>
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<td>27</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/AdamLue12">AdamLue12</a></td>
<td>22</td>
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<td>28</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/TDzilla!">TDzilla!</a></td>
<td>22</td>
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<td>29</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Badpierre">Badpierre</a></td>
<td>15</td>
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<td>30</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JesusChristCantHitACurveball%3F">JesusChristCantHitACurveball?</a></td>
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<td>31</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Last%20Spur%20Standing">Last Spur Standing</a></td>
<td>13</td>
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<td>32</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/spursfan87">spursfan87</a></td>
<td>12</td>
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<td>33</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/spursfan80">spursfan80</a></td>
<td>11</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>34</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Queness">Queness</a></td>
<td>10</td>
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<td>35</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SpursCupcake">SpursCupcake</a></td>
<td>10</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>36</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/J.R.%20Wilco">J.R. Wilco</a></td>
<td>8</td>
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<td>37</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/swimwithsharks">swimwithsharks</a></td>
<td>8</td>
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<td>38</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/AsGoodAs">AsGoodAs</a></td>
<td>7</td>
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<td>39</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/4Him">4Him</a></td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>40</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/billmatic">billmatic</a></td>
<td>4</td>
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<td>41</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Pistol38">Pistol38</a></td>
<td>4</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>42</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/notclank">notclank</a></td>
<td>4</td>
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<td>43</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JamieCajamarca">JamieCajamarca</a></td>
<td>4</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>44</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ishmael_">ishmael_</a></td>
<td>4</td>
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<td>45</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ONECHIEFan">ONECHIEFan</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>46</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/KawhiSoSerious">KawhiSoSerious</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>47</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/quincyscott">quincyscott</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>48</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/M3D1T8R">M3D1T8R</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>49</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/cr0w">cr0w</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>50</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/westmodelmarket">westmodelmarket</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>51</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/el.chacal.73">el.chacal.73</a></td>
<td>2</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>52</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Cole_Miner">Cole_Miner</a></td>
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</tr>
<tr>
<td>53</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/bahamaspur">bahamaspur</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>54</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/reppinchitown">reppinchitown</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>55</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/LatinD">LatinD</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>56</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/canallon">canallon</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>57</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/LJ%20Hann">LJ Hann</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>58</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/braque">braque</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>59</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/craig.harmann">craig.harmann</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>60</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/manu%20is%20god">manu is god</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>61</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Juan%20Korl">Juan Korl</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>62</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/J.%20Gomez%20(Edg5)">J. Gomez (Edg5)</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>63</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Cindjor">Cindjor</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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</tbody>
</table>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/5/11/4320938/quickcap-nba-playoffs-spurs-hold-off-warriors-102-92J.R. Wilco2013-05-10T23:02:49-05:002013-05-10T23:02:49-05:00Gamethread #2 - Spurs @ Warriors
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OnlDA3q90VGbHlYorhgGRnWQTdM=/0x920:3240x3080/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12994381/168532682.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jed Jacobsohn</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Parker going nuts. Warriors less than scorching from downtown.</p>
<p>Looks like a live one here, £ers.</p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/5/10/4320834/gamethread-2-san-antonio-spurs-at-golden-state-warriorsJ.R. Wilco2013-05-10T22:38:31-05:002013-05-10T22:38:31-05:00GIF: Tony's falling-down, backhanded layup for two
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/A2iIi_JC5LyOGX_s9nElwFS3bQw=/0x230:2755x2067/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12994039/20130428_pjc_sm8_270.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In the 2nd quarter of the Spurs vs Warriors 2nd round series, Tony Parker is fouled on the drive, barely stays on his feet, and tosses in the impossible shot off the glass for a bucket and 1.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1600349/parkerdefiesgravity.gif"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1600349/parkerdefiesgravity_medium.gif" class="photo" alt="Parkerdefiesgravity_medium"></a></p>
<p>That looks like something he'd want to save for the next time he's playing H-O-R-S-E.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And another view.</p>
<p><br id="1368243136773"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1600307/parkergravity.gif"><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1600307/parkergravity_medium.gif" class="photo" alt="Parkergravity_medium"></a></p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/5/10/4320754/gif-tony-parker-with-the-unbelievable-stumbling-falling-down-off-theJ.R. Wilco2013-05-10T08:30:04-05:002013-05-10T08:30:04-05:00Game-plan adjustments that can help the Spurs
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/r0LSo2G98uZSzsfbNh1Ax-E_QrU=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12936681/20130508_ajl_ai1_479.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>After losing home court advantage with a loss in game two against the Warriors in San Antonio, the Spurs will need to add a few wrinkles to their game plan to take advantage of the Warriors' flaws and mask their own. Here are some suggestions.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Warriors</a> stole one in San Antonio and some <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">Spurs</a> fans are freaking out. <span>Stephen Curry</span> and <span>Klay Thompson</span> have looked unstoppable for quarters at a time and the Spurs' offense has sputtered, so it's understandable. But it's important to remember that the series is simply tied. Not every series will be a sweep.</p>
<p>It's also important to remember that the Spurs were in these games even though they couldn't hit open shots and the Warriors had some unusual performances propelling them. Yes, Warriors fans, Curry and Thompson are good and either can score 30+ on a game. But going 8-9 from three is not normal and neither is hitting tough shot after tough shot.</p>
<p>That being said, the Spurs need to be proactive and make some adjustments if they want to steal one at Oracle Arena instead of only hoping the Warriors back court goes back to being human. Here are some suggestions:</p>
<h4>If he is healthy enough to play, Splitter needs to start<br>
</h4>
<p>The Spurs started Borris Diaw in game one and <span>Matt Bonner</span> in game two after starting <span>Tiago Splitter</span> for most of the season and then Baynes when Tiago went down. It's likely both Splitter and Diaw are still hurting a bit and Pop probably started Bonner to go against Ezeli, which was not a bad plan. But with Mark Jackson starting <span>Draymond Green</span>, it made little sense keeping Bonner in there. Pop adjusted and went small with Neal in for Bonner in the second half.</p>
<p>Since Pop doesn't know if Jackson will start Ezeli, Green or even Landry, game planning to counter the Warriors lineup is much, much harder. So the Spurs need to put a lineup they are comfortable with instead of adjusting to what Golden State does. If Splitter is healthy enough, he should start. The Spurs were fantastic on defense with Splitter on the court all season long and going big might allow the Spurs to close out more aggressively, since there will be two bigs to deter penetration.</p>
<p>I also think it could allow the Spurs to defend the pick and roll better, as either Splitter or Duncan could show hard to prevent a quick shot or even switch with the knowledge that there's <i>another</i> seven footer protecting the rim and rebounding.</p>
<h4>Go big and try to make Barnes beat you from outside</h4>
<p>Remember the last regular season game between these two teams? Bonner started at small forward and since Mark Jackson always tries to exploit match-up advantages, the Warriors went to Barnes early and often. Unfortunately, Barnes is not at a point in his career where he can be an effective first option. Bonner sagged from him and dared him to shoot or funneled him towards help.</p>
<p>When the Spurs go small that doesn't work because Barnes will try to post up. But if the Spurs go to a three big lineup for a couple of minutes when the Warriors haven't gone small yet, Jackson might call for Barnes to get the ball. Any possession in which the ball is off of Curry's hands is a good one for the Spurs and they could have the advantage on the offensive glass. This is only a strategy for short spurts but it might help the Spurs more than only going small.</p>
<h4>Don't get suckered into ISO-ball</h4>
<p>Just like the Warriors were duped into throwing the ball to Barnes in that game I was referencing, the Spurs are forcing one on one situations in this series. It was not rare for one of the guards, usually Parker but occasionally Manu, to get a switch off a screen and try to score on the big. Now, Parker can blow past most players, big or small, but what the Warriors do is give him room, knowing he won't pull up from three. Then they backpedal enough to prevent penetration and concede the mid-range shot. If Parker's jumper is on he can still make them pay but if it isn't the Spurs take bad shots while convinced it was the right decision.</p>
<p>I know I always keep coming back to this but in those situations the Spurs should involve the other big on a pick and roll set. Not only are you drawing out both big men but you are also involving one in a situation he is not comfortable with, as big men don't usually defend the ball handler on P&R sets. The worse that can happen is they switch again but like I mentioned, now both bigs are out on the perimeter. Even when you get a good match-up, just keep executing instead of forcing things.</p>
<h4>For the love of all that is holy, try some 1-3 pick and rolls on the left side</h4>
<p>Again, I know I keep coming back to this but that's because I think it could be so good for the Spurs' offense. A Parker-Leonard pick and roll with the floor well spread could be deadly. It could yield open looks for both players and it could get the defense moving with the big man overloading the strong side. Then the Spurs could find some gaping holes on the weak side defense if they revert the ball fast enough.</p>
<p>But perhaps more importantly, it could result in switches. If Thompson is on Parker and Barnes on Leonard it makes sense for the Warriors to switch rather than involve Barnes in the nuances of pick and roll coverage. When they do, the Spurs could try to feed the ball to Leonard on the post where he could try and get a foul from Thompson. And if it's done early, it could even allow Parker to run a regular set with a lesser defender on him.</p>
<h4>Try to create turnovers</h4>
<p>The Spurs were a relatively fast paced team during the regular season, not unlike the Warriors. But just like the Warriors they weren't particularly good at getting fast break points. In the past two games, though, the Spurs have outscore Golden State in fast break points by a combined 21 points. Surprisingly, the Warriors are faring better than the Spurs in the half court but the Spurs can hurt them in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/british-open">the open</a> court when they can attack off turnovers.</p>
<p>The Warriors did a remarkable job of avoiding TOs in game two but they have been turnover prone all season and in game one they coughed it up 21 times. It's not the Spurs way to gamble and overplay passing lanes but it could help to do it a bit. Leonard and Ginobili are good at attacking passing angles and at swiping at the ball while helping. If they can be more successful at it, the Spurs could get some easy points. Similarly, Duncan is usually good at stripping the big man he is guarding and <span>DeJuan Blair</span> has quick hands that could disrupt the Warriors offense if given a shot.</p>
<p>I'm not saying the Spurs need to change their defensive philosophy dramatically but sticking someone else on Curry and letting Kawhi be off the ball more and giving Blair some minutes to see if he can get a quick steal could allow the Spurs to exploit one of the Warriors' flaws and shift the momentum.</p>
<h4>Make shots and don't leave shooters open</h4>
<p>I think all those adjustments I just mentioned could help but, like always, it comes to scoring and not getting scored on. If the Spurs hit their open looks, especially from three, they should be able to hang with the Warriors even when one of their guys goes bananas. The past two games showed us that, as good as they are, the Warriors slow down eventually. They are a young team with little playoff experience that depends on hot shooting; that hasn't changed. It will be on the Spurs to limit the damage their stars make and hit timely shots when the opportunity to get the win presents itself.</p>
<p><i>Stats via NBA.com/Stats</i></p>
<p></p>
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https://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/5/10/4316848/nba-playoffs-western-conference-warriors-spurs-adjustmentsJeje Gomez2013-05-10T04:00:07-05:002013-05-10T04:00:07-05:00Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Golden State
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rvVYloGFdq3jMW05E2xNLUoTdfw=/0x20:2753x1855/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12947719/168345737.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ronald Martinez</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Spurs look to rebound from a costly loss and capture a crucial Game 3 against the Warriors on the road in Oakland.</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>
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<div id="preview-vs">
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><b>San Antonio Spurs vs Golden State Warriors</b></h3>
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX<br>May 10, 2013, 9:30 PM Spurs Time<br> TV: ESPN - RADIO: 1200 AM WOAI</div>
</div>
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<p>Tonight the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">San Antonio Spurs</a> will take on the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Golden State Warriors</a> in Game 3 of their matchup in the Western Conference Semi-Finals. Game 2 was a tough loss to swallow for San Antonio, as Golden State proved that they could compete for an entire game by winning 100-91. Klay Thompson was the standout performer for the Warriors, leading his team with 34 points and 14 rebounds. Thompson was simply on fire in Game 2, going 8-9 from three point range, torching whatever defensive strategy the Spurs threw at him. The Spurs, on the other hand, had an awful night shooting the ball, going 39% from the field, similar to how they shot for the first three and a half quarters of Game 1.</p>
<p>The Spurs offense has largely been the reason they won games this year, and now it needs to be fixed to compete with the high-octane attack of the Warriors. In addition to their poor percentage from the field, the Spurs only shot 5-21 from long range, a pitiful 23.8%. The reason for this isn't necessarily that the Spurs are in an offensive funk, but the Warriors have played <a target="_blank" href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/pages/ptr-lexicon#otstanding"><i>otstanding</i></a> defense in the first two games. Klay Thompson has taken on the un-enviable task of stopping Tony Parker and played him about as well as possible. His length has made it hard for Parker to get by him, and without that penetration the Spurs ability to drive and kick to shooters has suffered, leading to more isolations and bad shots. The most consistent option the Spurs have on offense is to post up Tim Duncan, but with Andrew Bogut guarding him, that's not really a foolproof option either. Perhaps going smaller, giving primary ball-handling duties to Manu Ginobili and running Parker off-ball, or featuring Kawhi Leonard a bit more can spark up the offense. Whatever they do, getting back to spreading the floor and running some pick and roll for high percentage shots is crucial to beat the Warriors.</p>
<p>For the Warriors. their shooting prowess continues to light up the scoreboard. In Game 1, it was Steph Curry that caught lightning in a bottle. In Game 2, the catalyst was Klay Thompson. And while trying to figure out a way to stop those two (or at least slow them down) is important, it's the rest of that Warriors team that has upped it's game in the playoffs. Harrison Barnes is playing with a ton of confidence, and shooting well. Draymond Green may or may not have made a pact with the devil to give him a shooting stroke. (Green shot 20.9% from three in the regular season, and in the postseason is shooting 50% from deep, so you be the judge.) To see this team put on this type of shooting performance for so long is astounding, as the law of averages says this hot streak should have ended games ago. It'll be interesting to see if it continues at their home, or if it finally fizzles.</p>
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<td style="padding-top: 12px;" colspan="3"><center><img src="http://i.cdn.turner.com/nba/nba/.element/img/2.0/sect/gameinfo/teamlogos/SAS.gif"></center></td>
<td style="padding-top: 12px;" colspan="3"><center><img src="http://i.cdn.turner.com/nba/nba/.element/img/2.0/sect/gameinfo/teamlogos/GSW.gif"></center></td>
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<div style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 12px;"><b>Lineups</b></div>
<p><b>Starters</b><br><b>PG:</b> <span>Tony Parker</span><br><b> SG:</b> <span>Danny Green</span><br><b> SF:</b> <span>Kawhi Leonard</span><br><b>PF:</b> <span>Tim Duncan</span><br><b>C:</b> <span>Tiago Splitter</span><br><br><b>Key Bench Players</b><br><span>Manu Ginobili</span><br><span>Boris Diaw</span><br><span>Matt Bonner</span><br><br><b>Head Coach</b><br><span>Gregg Popovich</span></p>
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<div style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 12px;"><b>Lineups</b></div>
<p><b>Starters</b><br><b>PG:</b> <span>Stephen Curry</span><br><b>SG:</b> <span>Klay Thompson</span><br><b>SF:</b> <span>Harrison Barnes</span><br><b>PF:</b> <span>Festus Ezeli</span><br><b>C:</b> <span>Andrew Bogut</span><br><br><b>Key Bench Players</b><br><span>Jarrett Jack</span><br><span>Carl Landry</span><br><span>Draymond Green</span></p>
<br><b>Head Coach</b><br><p>Mark Jackson</p>
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<p>Warriors perspective can be found here: <a href="http://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Golden State Of Mind</a></p>
<p>Game prediction: I hate to say it, but I think the Warriors win this one by 5. I think the "Roaracle" crowd will be a huge factor, and pump this young Warriors team up even further.</p>
<p>As always <a style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" target="_blank" href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/pages/ptr-lexicon#tonydominatefisher">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>
<p>Get your <a href="http://www.tiqiq.com/nba/san-antonio-spurs-tickets/">San Antonio Spurs tickets</a> here!</p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/5/10/4317804/nba-playoffs-game-preview-san-antonio-spurs-vs-golden-state-warriors-game-3Ian Dougherty