The short-handed Spurs are getting good at taking part in competitively towards groups which are contenders, however there at all times appears to be a stretch someplace within the recreation the place the Silver and Black can lose their means, and that dangerous stretch could be the distinction between successful and dropping. That stretch occurred tonight within the minutes after the staff got here out of the locker room after halftime, when a two level halftime deficit was 17 within the blink of a eye. I imply, in case you blinked actually slowly, like a cat that’s half asleep.
Ivaca Zubac had a 24 point-20 rebound recreation and dominated the paint towards the Spurs’ undersized bigs, particularly after Biyombo picked up 4 fouls within the first half and was changed by Sandro Mamukelashvili who couldn’t defend Zubac, however offered some wow issue on offense. Harrison Barnes had a pleasant recreation with hitting three level pictures, and Fortress continued to broaden his recreation by attending to the free throw line and hitting them at a excessive charge. The Spurs rubbish time staff made the ultimate rating fascinating as they closed out on a Silver and Black run because the Clippers gained 122-117 on a recreation that wasn’t actually that shut.
Enjoying you out
I’m not an actual physician …
Observations
Tonight’s article is my final recap of the 2024-2025 season for Pounding the Rock, and as at all times, whether or not or not I come again subsequent season relies on whether or not I determine to do it once more and whether or not they’ll take me again. I really like writing for PTR, nevertheless it’s not at all times simple to place apart the time to get every little thing performed. My hope is that my enthusiasm for the mission might be rejuvenated by subsequent fall, however I’ve to inform you, readers, that this season has been robust to get by means of. Subsequent 12 months with a wholesome Victor could possibly be far more hopeful, although. I may be speaking myself into it … once more.
Keldon Johnson setting the Spurs document for factors in a season off the bench is an enormous deal. Any time you go up Manu Ginobili, you’re doing one thing proper.
I actually thought Chris Paul’s major function this 12 months was going to be as a mentor for the younger gamers. However the factor is that he can nonetheless play, and when he will get remoted on an enormous like Zubac, it’s a torture chamber for the large man.
The Spurs protection hasn’t been nice for the reason that All Star Break, however they’d a few good possessions early the place they pressured 24 second violations. Sadly for the Spurs, they returned the favor later within the quarter. Three 24 second violations in 1 / 4 looks as if it must be some form of document.
I form of forgot that Ben Simmons was nonetheless within the league. Possibly the Clippers is the place he belongs, on the Island of Misfit Toys.
After a back-and-forth first quarter, the Clippers led 28-26.
When Sandro Mamukelashvili is your backup middle, you’ve gotten a roster drawback. I really like Mamu, however he can’t be the one massive on the ground.
On the half, the Clippers led 54-52, with each groups scoring 26 within the second quarter. Half means by means of the quarter, it appeared just like the Spurs had been going to get some respiration room, however premature turnovers let the Clippers get again within the combine.
The Western Convention is loopy aggressive, as a result of with only a few video games to go, the distinction between third place and eighth is 2 video games. Think about pondering you possibly can have a house playoff sequence after which ending up within the play-in, and perhaps lacking the playoff altogether you probably have an off recreation or two.
An 11-0 begin within the third quarter by the Clippers put the Spurs in a 13 level gap as they appeared misplaced popping out of the locker room. The Clippers protection had them discombobulated to the purpose of chaotic disintegration because the Clippers took management and the lead ballooned to 17. Barnes staunched the bleeding a bit with a breakaway dunk on a Vassell steal because the Spurs reduce the result in 11. Fortress got here alive in late within the quarter however Zubac dominated within the paint because the Clippers led 91-78 with 1 / 4 to play.
Steph Fortress is placing collectively a spotlight reel of unimaginable dunks and almost-dunks. He’s additionally doing an awesome job with drawing fouls and attending to the road.
The Spurs problem man is on hearth lately after a horrible begin to the season.
The Spurs scored 26 factors in every of the primary three quarters. That’s neat, however not nice when the opponent is scoring extra.
The Miller beer industrial narrated by Christopher Walken nearly makes me wish to drink a Lite. Virtually.
The Spurs didn’t quit late, as guys like Blake Wesley, Jordan McLaughlin, and Malaki Branham stepped up by hitting pictures and so they saved the margin respectable, however they couldn’t get sufficient stops to catch up as they misplaced
The Spurs play once more tomorrow evening in one other late evening contest towards the Warriors in San Francisco. It’s on KENS5, so it could possibly be an journey discovering the sport on TV in case you’re not within the San Antonio space. Simply three extra video games left, on the Warriors on Wednesday, Suns on Friday, and the ultimate recreation at dwelling towards the Raptors on Sunday afternoon at 2:30 PM. After which no extra Spurs till November.
