Spurs vs. Clippers Game 2: Instant Reaction with Analysis and Video Highlights
In one of the most highly anticipated games of the 2012 NBA playoffs, the San Antonio Spurs proved to the world why their aging stars are ready for yet another title under their belts.
With a multitude of lopsided factors swinging in their favor, the San Antonio Spurs managed to take Game 2 by a score of 105-88. It should be noted, however, that five of the Clippers' points came in garbage time with the Spurs' second unit on the floor.
As for how this came to be, the following slides will offer all the information you need to know. From video highlights to the keys to the game, you'll know all you've missed and everything you've wondered.
Video Highlights
1 of 7When your big men are dominating a younger team in transition, you're doing something right. When it's the fundamentally inept Tiago Splitter, you know you're the best in terms of execution.
A certain Los Angeles Clipper reminds the San Antonio Spurs that Blake Griffin is far from the only big man who can throw it down.
The San Antonio Spurs have a great advantage when it comes to attacking the basket. Here's evidence.
No. 1 Key to the Game: Old Legs Taking Flight
2 of 7As the young and athletic Clippers entered the series against the aging and injury-depleted Spurs, the theory that everyone shared was that Los Angeles would win the battle of stamina and explosiveness. As Game 2 fully displayed, that theory is as wrong as any could be.
The San Antonio Spurs' speed and quickness was far too much for the Clippers to handle, as they consistently got to the basket in the half court and transition. At the heart of this was a combination of Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili working off of ball screens, while youngsters Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green actively attacked in transition.
The old legs outran the young legs in this one, a theme that was just as common in Game 1.
No. 2 Key to the Game: Clippers Rely Too Heavily on Jump Shots
3 of 7In the first quarter alone, 12 of the Clippers' 19 shots were from 14 feet or farther. The Spurs, meanwhile, took just nine from 14 feet or farther. The difference was 29 points from the Spurs and just 21 from the Clippers.
The true result of this style of play is the Spurs' ability to close out with a mix of man and zone defensive sets, not allowing a passing lane to present itself or an open shot to exist. The pace of the game was evidence of this, as the Spurs controlled the entire first quarter.
And that control stayed in their favor for the remainder of the game, with the exception of a few runs by the Clippers. The issue is, a great team will beat a great run every time out.
No. 3 Key to the Game: Clippers Forcing Entry Passes
4 of 7Not only did Tim Duncan school Blake Griffin on how to play the 4, but his teammates prevented any passing lanes to open up. As a result, Chris Paul continuously forced passes off of the dribble, leading to a personal playoff-worst eight turnovers.
The cause for this type of uncharacteristic play has been the Spurs' ability to make effortless shifts on the perimeter, as well as Tony Parker's active hands and steady footwork. While Paul can't be expected to struggle throughout the entirety of this series, it should be noted that Paul had 10 points on 3-of-10 shooting and 21 points on 6-of-19 shooting in two of the three games he played against the Spurs in the regular season.
While Paul will get his, he is far from the player who posted a 27.09 player efficiency rating in the regular season when playing the Spurs.
No. 4 Key to the Game: 2012 Spurs Look Like 2011 Mavericks
5 of 7For those who remember the story behind Dirk Nowitzki's brilliance and the Dallas Mavericks' 2011 title win, it's impossible not to notice the similarities in the San Antonio Spurs' plan of attack and two-way execution.
Both teams played safe and stayed in front of the ball-handler defense, while turning every turnover possible into open-court points. They're also crashing the offensive boards with their bigs, yet always making sure their perimeter players are behind their opposition to prevent transition scores the other way.
In other words, they're executing the fundamentals.
The strongest resemblance between the two teams, however, is the fact that the Spurs have been lights-out from distance; a trend that continued in tonight's victory. The reason for this was the fact that, unlike the Los Angeles Clippers, the Spurs were not looking to any one specific individual for their perimeter shooting.
Instead, it's a matter of finding anyone who is open. The fact that five players made three-pointers while nine attempted three's, is evidence of such. And why the Clippers simply don't know who they can and cannot give space.
No. 5 Key to the Game: Spurs Make the Extra Pass
6 of 7The issue with a team having an elite point guard is that players often feel pressured to take shots off of their finds, granting them with yet another assist. For the San Antonio Spurs, however, statistics are far from relevant, as they are never hesitant to make the extra pass and find the best possible look.
Proof of this fact is that Tony Parker finished with five assists but the team finished with a total of 21. If we were scoring this like hockey, however, Parker would have finished with a grand total of 11.
The Spurs are making the extra pass and there is nothing the Clippers can do to adequately respond.
The Final Story
7 of 7The San Antonio Spurs outplayed the Los Angeles Clippers from start to finish, and the true reason why cannot be found in a stat sheet. In fact, it cannot be found by the naked eye.
Instead, the story of the game is "adjustments." Every time the Los Angeles Clippers found something that worked, the Spurs' game plan would adjust to take that into account. The result was the Clippers appearing lost, confused and incapable of making things work on either end.
This one wasn't pretty for the Los Angeles Clippers, folks, and the scoreboard can't tell you the truth. What can, however, is the flow of the game. The San Antonio Spurs adjusted to everything the Clippers threw their way, and the young stars of Tinseltown did not know how to react.
And neither did Vinny Del Negro.
