It’s that point of 12 months: the time that previously noticed the Spurs getting previous the January doldrums by happening the highway to place every part collectively on their approach to a championship run. Nonetheless, lately, it has been a killer as a result of the Spurs simply weren’t that good away from the Frost Financial institution Middle. Yeah, we’re speaking concerning the annual Rodeo Street Journey, and for this, the twenty fourth iteration, issues looker brighter than they’ve in at the least 7 years.
All of it begins with a Lakers staff that has remained above the fray and within the playoff image however has not fairly lived as much as expectations that started for a season that began with an in-shape Luka Doncic set to guide the staff together with LeBron James and Austin Reeves. Between some unhealthy habits returning for Doncic, Father Time (and dissatisfaction) catching up with LeBron, and Reeves coping with accidents, it has been an up-and-down season for the Lakers. They tried to handle some weaknesses by including Luke Kennard on the commerce deadline, however they nonetheless fell to a shorthanded Thunder staff final night time to fall 4 video games behind the second seed Spurs.
For the Spurs, who’ve gained 4 straight whereas discovering an offensive rhythm that eluded them for a lot of January, this can be their third go to to the Staples Middle this season due to the quirks of the NBA Cup Event, which despatched them to LA for an additional recreation within the quarterfinals. Whereas the Spurs break up these two outings, dropping the primary match-up on the ultimate shot method again within the second week of the season, they owned the following two, together with the Cup quarterfinals and in San Antonio final month.
Whereas Doncic has at all times been a thorn within the Spurs aspect — even Victor Wembanyama admitted he was arduous to beat earlier within the season — the Spurs’ answer in earlier video games was to let him do his factor along with his troublesome shot choice whereas limiting everybody else’s offensive impression. Doncic is simply pretty much as good of a creator as he’s scorer, so in case you can take away one facet of his offense, you will have him beat.
With all that being stated, Doncic could also be out tonight after lacking final night time’s recreation with a sore hamstring, and who is aware of with LeBron on back-to-backs. If that’s the case, the Spurs must make a psychological adjustment that they’ve generally struggled with however overcame twice final week, and that’s not getting complacent and taking part in all the way down to injured or inferior opponents. If the Spurs keep targeted and play their finest model of ball, they can make fast work of this recreation and avoid wasting legs for the following night time in opposition to a similary shorthanded Warriors staff.
San Antonio Spurs (36-16) at Los Angeles Lakers (32-20)
February 10, 2015 | 9:30 PM CT
Watch: FanDuel Sports activities, NBATV | Hear: WOAI (1200 AM)
Spurs accidents: Lindy Waters III (out — knee)
Lakers accidents: not due till 1:00 PM CT
