After two fairly convincing victories in San Antonio, the Spurs laid an egg in Game 5 in New Orleans. Up three points at halftime, the Spurs were haunted by another awful third quarter, as the Hornets outscored them 28-11. Now the Spurs, back at the AT&T Center, must stave off elimination.
The Spurs have several factors in their favor besides the obvious home-court advantage: experience (the Spurs core of starters all returned from last year's championship squad), an intelligent point guard (Tony Parker), a dominant big man (Tim Duncan), and a player who can score the ball whenever he needs to (Manu Ginobili).
Oh, and don't forget forward Robert "Big Shot Bob" Horry. That's right, the career playoff appearance leader, and although he has been used sparingly throughout the postseason, one cannot deny his veteran leadership in the locker room.
To be honest, I think the Spurs should take a number of positives out of Tuesday's loss. Namely, despite Duncan's 5-18 shooting performance, he ripped down 23 boards. Additionally, nine players saw significant court time, making it easy for coach Gregg Poppovich to throw any one of those players on the court in a clutch situation.
However, Duncan accounted for 23 of the 41 total rebounds that the Spurs corralled, nine less than the Hornets. Also, the Spurs shot 37% from the field, much lower than their season average.
Duncan pointed out in the postgame press conference that the Hornet defenders were quick to every ball, and that turned into several run-out opportunities, before the Spurs could get back on defense.
The Spurs, known for their defensive abilities, know that allowing 101 points is rarely going to land a victory. Tonight, they must do whatever they can to clamp down on David West, who went off for 38 points last game, and contain Tyson Chandler in the post. All-NBA point guard Chris Paul will get his, it is now about slowing down his supporting cast.
When 8:00 CST hits,Tim Duncan and Co. better be ready for a battle, because if they aren't, so much for that back-to-back dream.
Prediction: Spurs win 94-83
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