The San Antonio Spurs faded Wednesday versus the Los Angeles Lakers in the Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals despite Tim Duncan's 30 points. After extending the lead to 20 points in the third quarter, the crowd in the Staples Center was harshly quiet when Duncan completed a left-handed hook over Gasol.
Apparently, the silence of the crowd awakened Kobe Bryant, who was quiet during the first two quarters. In the second half, Kobe Bryant seemed to study the development of the game, and then decide how to come big—as he did.
Bryant took advantage of Manu Ginobili, who didn’t play well Wednesday, and Ime Udoka. Every time he went to the line the crowd gave him the “M-V-P” treatment he deserved. “I knew I could make a push,” said Bryant. “And once I made that push, it would energize us a bit.”
The Lakers did a good job. They were energized after Kobe's comeback, and the Spurs just faded up. Manu looked tired, missed open shoots and ended up with more turnovers than assists. It was a tough 89-85 loss for the Spurs.
“It hurts like hell.” head coach Popovich said.
The same thing that happened in games 1, 2, and 5 in New Orleans seemed to happen again in LA. It took the Spurs down in the second half, but this time costing them 20 points lead.
The Spurs have been facing many problems since their last game versus the Hornets, and Manu has been facing many issues since game 1 versus the Phoenix Suns; however, none of those issues justify the way the played that second half.
“We had a great opportunity and didn’t take advantage of it,” Popovich said.
“Even when you are tired, you’ve go to be really smart,” Manu Ginobili added after the game.
Spurs handled the game 7 in New Orleans with experience, but the experience we’ve been talking about seemed to fade up against the Lakers in the city of Angels.
“We always talk about how experienced we are. We didn’t show it, so we are very upset.” Manu Ginobili said.
Aside from all these, the Spurs are confident about the other games of the series, and one thing is for sure; after this game, the Spurs won’t let it happen again. Kobe will continue to do what he does best, but the Champs will make sure a repeat performance of game 1 won’t happen again (I hope).
One down. Six to go.
!!!!!!!! GO SPURS GO !!!!!!!!!!!!
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