Jeff McDonald | SAN ANTONIO SPURS TICKETS

Kobe-less Lakers too tall a task for Spurs

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Lakers 98, Spurs 84: April 11, 2012

Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) fights for a rebound with Los Angeles Lakers’ Devin Ebanks (03) in the first half at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Apr. 11, 2012. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (San Antonio Express-News)

Spurs’ Danny Green (04) gets a reverse layup against Los Angeles Lakers’ Andrew Bynum (17) and Metta World Peace (15) in the first half at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Apr. 11, 2012. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (San Antonio Express-News)

Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (02) attemps a shot against Los Angeles Lakers’ Pau Gasol (16) in the first half at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Apr. 11, 2012. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (San Antonio Express-News)

Los Angeles Lakers coach Mike Brown (center) talks to his players Ramon Sessions (07) and Devin Ebanks (03) during a pause in the game against the Spurs in the first half at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Apr. 11, 2012. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (San Antonio Express-News)

Los Angeles Lakers’ Andrew Bynum (17) contends for a rebound with Spurs’ DeJuan Blair (45) in the first half at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Apr. 11, 2012. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (San Antonio Express-News)

Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant (center) smiles whiles sitting out the game against the Spurs at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Apr. 11, 2012. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (San Antonio Express-News)

Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) attempts a shot against Los Angeles Lakers’ Devin Ebanks (03) in the second half at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Apr. 11, 2012. Spurs lose to the Lakers, 84-98. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (San Antonio Express-News)

Lakers’ Metta World Peace (15) ponders an official’s call during their game against the Spurs in the second half at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Apr. 11, 2012. Spurs lose to the Lakers, 84-98. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (San Antonio Express-News)

Spurs’ Stephen Jackson (03) and Manu Ginobili (20) apply defensive pressure against Los Angeles Lakers’ Metta World Peace (15) in the second half at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Apr. 11, 2012. Spurs lose to the Lakers, 84-98. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (San Antonio Express-News)

Lakers’ Kobe Bryant applauds his team on the floor during their game against the Spurs in the second half at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Apr. 11, 2012. Bryant did not suit up to play due to a shin injury. Spurs lose to the Lakers, 84-98. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (San Antonio Express-News)

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich appear less than pleased by his team’s play against the Los Angeles Lakers at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Apr. 11, 2012. Spurs lose to the Lakers, 84-98. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (San Antonio Express-News)

Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) gets a steal against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Apr. 11, 2012. Spurs lose to the Lakers, 84-98. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (San Antonio Express-News)

Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) attempts a shot against Los Angeles Lakers’ Pau Gasol (16) in the second half at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Apr. 11, 2012. Spurs lose to the Lakers, 84-98. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (San Antonio Express-News)

Spurs’ Danny Green (04) takes a hard foul by Los Angeles Lakers’ Metta World Peace (15) in the second half at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Apr. 11, 2012. Spurs lose to the Lakers, 84-98. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (San Antonio Express-News)

Spurs’ Patty Mills (08) gets pressure from Los Angeles Lakers’ Steve Blake (05) in the second half at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Apr. 11, 2012. Spurs lose to the Lakers, 84-98. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (San Antonio Express-News)

Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (02) puts up a shot against Los Angeles Lakers’ Andrew Bynum (17) in the second half at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Apr. 11, 2012. Spurs lose to the Lakers, 84-98. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (San Antonio Express-News)

Laker’s Metta World Peace (15) during the game against the Spurs at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Apr. 11, 2012. Spurs lose to the Lakers, 84-98. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (San Antonio Express-News)

Spurs’ James Anderson (25) attempts a shot over Los Angeles Lakers’ Ramon Sessions (07) in the second half at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Apr. 11, 2012. Spurs lose to the Lakers, 84-98. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (San Antonio Express-News)

Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (02) defends against Los Angeles Lakers’ Pau Gasol (16) in the second half at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Apr. 11, 2012. Spurs lose to the Lakers, 84-98. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (San Antonio Express-News)

Spurs’ Stephen Jackson (03) and Los Angeles Lakers’ Metta World Peace (15) meet to chat after their game at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Apr. 11, 2012. Jackson and World Peace (formerly Ron Artest) played together on the Indiana Pacers in 2004. Spurs lose to the Lakers, 84-98. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (San Antonio Express-News)

Spurs’ Silver Dancers perform during a timeout in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half at the ATT Center on Wednesday, Apr. 11, 2012. Spurs lose to the Lakers, 84-98. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (San Antonio Express-News)

By Jeff McDonald

There was a moment, late in the second quarter of the Lakers’ 98-84 ransacking of the Spurs on Wednesday night, that told the tale.

Pau Gasol missed an 8-footer, and he and Andrew Bynum spent the next 30 seconds trying — and trying again — to tap it back in.

The Lakers didn’t get points on that trip, but it was their relentlessness — on the boards, in the paint, on the road and without star guard Kobe Bryant — that sent the Spurs sprawling to a meek defeat that ranked as their most lopsided at the ATT Center this season.

“They beat us to death,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. “There’s nothing else you can say about it.”

Given the way the Spurs ended last season — manhandled by Memphis in the first round of the playoffs — it was alarming to watch the Lakers’ muscular frontline lead the way to a 60-33 rebounding advantage.

Bynum, the Lakers’ 7-foot center, had 16 points to go with a career-best 30 rebounds, and did everything but steal the Spurs’ milk money.

Gasol, a fellow 7-footer, added a 21-point, 11-rebound line that paled next to Bynum’s field day.

The Lakers (37-22) limited the Spurs (40-16) to one offensive rebound — on a Tony Parker putback with 7:33 left in the third quarter that was the All-Star point guard’s second and final field goal.

L.A.’s ownership of the glass was doubly concerning, considering the aforementioned Grizzlies are headed to town tonight in hopes of handing the Spurs their first three-game losing streak.

“They had a lot more guys play better than we did,” said Tim Duncan, who had 14 points but just two rebounds. “Not to simplify it too much, but that’s the bottom line.”

It can be folly to ascribe too much significance to one game, but the season’s first meeting between these two Western Conference contenders seemed to signal a shot across the Spurs’ bow.

The Lakers, who also got 26 points and five 3-pointers from Metta World Peace, never trailed past the 3:16 mark of the first quarter and led by as many as 26.

It all combined to enliven the sizeable Lakers’ portion of the 18,581 fans who packed the Spurs’ home arena.

“It was kind of embarrassing,” Manu Ginobili said. “We didn’t play well enough, or hard enough, to beat them.”

The Spurs’ 11-game winning streak, halted Monday when Popovich declined to bring Duncan, Parker or Ginobili to Utah, seemed a remnant of the past.

Even without Bryant, out for the third straight came with a sore left shin, the Lakers proved powerful enough to body-slam the Spurs, who three days earlier were perched atop the West standings.

Bynum became one of five players in Lakers history to grab at least 30 rebounds in a game, joining a Hall of Fame list that includes Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, George Mikan and Elgin Baylor.

He came within three of matching the Spurs’ rebound total by himself.

“I think we’ve got matchups against this team that are favorable for us,” Bynum said. “They have to come double the pick-and-roll. We finally have a point guard (Ramon Sessions) who is getting into the paint, makes floaters and collapses defenses. A lot of ways to attack.”

Not only did the Lakers’ size bar the Spurs from the boards, it made life hazardous for guards entering the paint. Parker, especially, had a rough night, going 2 of 12 for four points — though he did rack up eight assists.

“I played very bad,” Parker said. “I just missed shots.”

Despite Wednesday’s outcome, the second-place Spurs still lead L.A. by 5 1/2 games in the West. With Oklahoma City’s loss to the Clippers, the Spurs remained within a game of the top spot.

There is plenty of time for the Spurs to regroup, and given their sterling record, reason enough to write off Wednesday as “one of those nights.”

But for 48 minutes, the Lakers were bigger, stronger and tougher than the Spurs. This one is going to leave a mark.

“They beat us in every facet of the game,” Popovich said. “It was really a poor performance, execution-wise and competitiveness-wise.”

jmcdonald@express-news.net
Twitter: @JMcDonald_SAEN

Game rewind: ‘Big Three’ again torments ‘Planet Orange’

The Spurs’ “Big Three” were back together for the first time since March 21.

Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili were ready like so many times in the past, ready to torment the Phoenix Suns.

Tuesday’s game was really no different. The trio combined for 63 points as the Spurs cruised to a 107-100 victory over the Suns.

All of the players received from at least one rest day during the recent back-to-back-to-back.

Duncan said he benefited from his rest after sitting out Sunday’s victory over Philadelphia.

“I want to say, ‘no, not really,’ but I honestly do feel better,” Duncan told reporters after the game. “I don’t want to say so, so Pop can start resting me more. But I felt good out there, got some shots early and started the game rolling.”

Their production enabled them to beat back a challenge from a pesky Phoenix team that had won 11 of its last 15 before Tuesday’s game.

Parker told the Express-News’ Jeff McDonald that he could tell Duncan was ready from the beginning of the game.

“You saw it from the get-go,” Parker said. “He was very aggressive, didn’t hesitate on his shot.”

Their big efforts are the major reason the Spurs guaranteed their 15th consecutive winning season.

Here’s how they did it.

The game, simply stated: After struggling on defense in the first half, the Spurs’ veterans made crticial plays down the stretch to clamp down on Phoenix and wrap up a tough victory against one of the Western Conference’s hottest teams.

Where the game was won: After Robin Lopez had pulled the Suns within 88-87 with 10:08 left, the Spurs’ “French Connection” combined for 10 straight points to boost the lead to double figures. Tony Parker scored six straight points, Boris Diaw added a 20-foot jumper and Parker added a 10-footer to culminate a 10-0 run that gave them an 11-point lead with 5:59 left and effectively put the game away.

A little too close for comfort?: Duncan’s layup boosted the Spurs to a seemingly safe 103-91 lead with 4:18 left;. But Phoenix, tied for second in comeback victories from double-digit deficits, had a charge left in them. Three free throws from Shannon Brown, Jared Dudley’s layup and another layup from Brown pulled the Suns within 103-98 with 33.9 seconds left. But Parker iced the victory with four clutch free throws.

Early second-half Phoenix flurry: After the Spurs led nearly the entire first half, Phoenix jumped ahead in the first four minutes of the third quarter. The Suns erupted on a 10-0 run keyed by a basket and 3-pointer from Brown, a 3-pointer from Channing Frye and Marcin Gortat’s hoop that matched their largest lead of the game at 69-64 with 8:04 left in the third quarter.

Player of the game I: Duncan took advantage of his rest day by producing 26 points and 11 rebounds for his 17th double-double of the season.

Player of the game II: Parker came up big down the stretch, tallying 12 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. He also added four rebounds and a team-high seven assists.

Player of the game III: Shannon Brown produced a career-high 32 points to serve as the Suns’ primary offensive weapon. Included in his binge were five 3-pointers and three assists.

Most unsung: Matt Bonner stepped up with a couple of big defensive plays, along with 10 points and five rebounds, including a critical offensive rebound with 1:01 left that enabled the Spurs to bleed more time as they iced the victory.

Attendance: Remember when the Suns were one of the NBA’s model franchises in terms of fan support? Tuesday’s game at US Airways Center drew a crowd of 16,573. It was about 1,100 above average for the Suns, but was still far from a sellout. Phoenix hasn’t had a sellout all season long after 26 home games.

Did you notice I: With Grant Hill out with an injury, Brown was forced into his role as a starter. Brown had a huge night, but his absence into the starting lineup robbed the Suns of their best bench player. It enabled the Spurs to claim a 34-22 edge in bench points.

Did you notice II: The Spurs did a masterful job on Phoenix outside threat Jared Dudley, who has been on a recent surge averaging 15.7 points in the the highest scoring month of his career. Dudley was limited to four shots and finished with two points — his lowest scoring game since Jan. 18.

Stat of the game I:The Spurs claimed their fifth straight victory and their 12th road game in their last 14. Before that stretch, the Spurs had lost eight of their first 10 road games of the season.

Stat of the game II: Duncan notched his 17th double-double in 45 games this season. He had 27 double-doubles in 76 games last season.

Stat of the game III: Spurs opponents continue to struggle shooting against them late in games. Dallas was limited to 31 percent shooting in the second half on Friday. New Orleans hit 38.5 percent in the second half, including 27.8 percent in the fourth quarter. Philadelphia hit 31.6 percent in the second half with 14 turnovers the Spurs turned into 19 points. And Phoenix was limited to 33.3 percent shooting in the fourth quarter.

Stat of the game IV: Phoenix was limited to 17 points in the fourth quarter, the third straight opponent to score less than 17 fourth-quarter points. In those three games, the Spurs have allowed an average of 14 fourth-quarter points.

Stat of the game V: The Suns lost for only the fifth time in their last 16 games since the All-Star break and the third time in their last 13 home games.

Stat of the game VI: The Spurs rang up a 50-46 edge in points in the paint. It marked the seventh straight game for the Spurs with at least 50 paint points and ninth in their last 11 games. The only time the Spurs have failed to post 50 in that span, they notched 44 and 48 paint points.

Stat of the game VII: The Spurs guaranteed their franchise-record 15th straight winning season. Their next longest streak of consecutive winning seasons is seven from 1989-96.

Weird stat of the night I: The Spurs failed to block a shot in the game, matching a franchise low last accomplished Jan. 22, 2011 at New Orleans. It’s a statistical feat that has been accomplished 18 times since 1986 and only nine times in the Popovich era.

Weird stat of the night II: Brown produced a career-high 32 points, but was limited to only five points in the fourth quarter as he missed both 3-pointers and went 1 for 3 from the field.

Weird stat of the night III: Phoenix G Sebastian Telfair erupted for 11 points during a span of 7:54 in the second quarter and failed to score during the rest of the game.

Weird stat of the night IV: The Spurs’ victory gave them a 73-72 edge in the all-time series against the Suns.

Not a good sign: Maybe it’s tired legs, but the Spurs’ league-leading 3-point shooting again took a hit Tuesday night. The Spur hit 6 of 27 behind the arc for 22.2 percent. It marked the third consecutive game the Spurs have hit 25 percent or less of their 3-pointers — a first this season. They are 15 for 74 during that three-game span for 20.3 percent.

Best plus/minus scores: Diaw was plus-14, Bonner was plus-6 and Green and Parker were plus-5.

Worst plus/minus scores: DeJuan Blair was minus-6 and James Anderson was minus-1. They were the only Spurs with negative scores.

Quote of the game: “Tony is probably playing like an MVP more than at any time since he’s been in the league. People should start talking about him more for the MVP,” Phoenix coach Alvin Gentry about the legitimacy of Parker’s qualifications as an MVP candidate.

How the schedule stacks up: The Spurs play the back end of a back-to-back Wednesday at Sacramento before returning home Saturday against Indiana and an approaching back-to-back Tuesday in Cleveland and Wednesday in Boston. The Suns have games Wednesday at the Los Angeles Clippers, Sunday against New Orleans and Tuesday at Sacramento.

Injuries: For the Spurs, Stephen Jackson (rest) and Tiago Splitter (mid-back sprain) did not play. Phoenix played without F Grant Hill (right knee inflammation).

Manu joins Spurs’ fun, helps take down Jazz

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Spurs 114, Jazz 104: April 8, 2012

San Antonio Spurs’ Danny Green (4) shoots ahead of Utah Jazz’s Al Jefferson (25), Paul Millsap (24) and DeMarre Carroll (3) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, April 8, 2012, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) (AP)

Utah Jazz’s Devin Harris, center, shoots between San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9), of France, Danny Green (4) and Matt Bonner during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, April 8, 2012, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) (AP)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9), of France, shoots over Utah Jazz’s Devin Harris and Paul Millsap (24) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, April 8, 2012, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) (AP)

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, left, talks to Spurs’ Tony Parker, of France, during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz, Sunday, April 8, 2012, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) (AP)

San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili, left, of Argentina, drives around Utah Jazz’s Jamaal Tinsley during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, April 8, 2012, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) (AP)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tiago Splitter (22), of Brazil, snatches a rebound ahead of Utah Jazz’s Enes Kanter during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, April 8, 2012, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) (AP)

San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili, left, of Argentina, shoots over Utah Jazz’s C.J. Miles, right, and Enes Kanter during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, April 8, 2012, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) (AP)

Utah Jazz’s Al Jefferson, center, is defended by San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan, left, and Kawhi Leonard during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, April 8, 2012, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) (AP)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) fights for a rebound with Utah Jazz’s Derrick Favors during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, April 8, 2012, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) (AP)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker, right, of France, is shoved by Utah Jazz’s Jamaal Tinsley during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, April 8, 2012, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 114-104. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) (AP)

San Antonio Spurs’ Danny Green (4) shoots over Utah Jazz’s Gordon Hayward (20) and Al Jefferson during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, April 8, 2012, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 114-104. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) (AP)

San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili, center, of Argentina, shoots over Utah Jazz’s Al Jefferson during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, April 8, 2012, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 114-104. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) (AP)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) shoots over Utah Jazz’s DeMarre Carroll during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, April 8, 2012, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 114-104. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) (AP)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker, left, of France, passes around Utah Jazz’s Al Jefferson during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, April 8, 2012, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 114-104. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) (AP)

Utah Jazz’s Derrick Favors, right, shoots over San Antonio Spurs’ Boris Diaw, of France, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, April 8, 2012, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 114-104. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) (AP)

San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20), of Argentina, shoots over Utah Jazz’s Derrick Favors during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, April 8, 2012, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 114-104. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) (AP)

By Jeff McDonald

For the better part of his 10th NBA season, Manu Ginobili has stood in awe of Tony Parker as the point guard carried the Spurs to the top of the Western Conference standings.

Likewise, Ginobili has been heartened by the renaissance of Tim Duncan, who at age 35 has often looked, if not 25, at least 30 again.

All that has been most often missing from the Spurs’ season-long jaunt through yesteryear has been Ginobili himself.

“It’s about time for me to join in,” Ginobili said.

Sunday at the ATT Center, the Spurs extended the NBA’s longest winning streak to 11 games with a 114-104 victory over Utah that they hope is a harbinger of nights to come in the playoffs.

Parker did what he’s been doing, scoring 28 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter. Duncan chipped in 13 points and anchored the Spurs’ defense with 16 rebounds and three blocks.

And then, at last, there was Ginobili.

The creakiest leg of the Spurs’ star triad, Ginobili enjoyed his best game since New Year’s Eve, adding 23 points that included a 14-of-15 performance from the free-throw line.

For a team that has all too often seen its Big Three reduced to a Big Two this season, it was a welcome sight.

“(Ginobili) feels like he’s got his legs to shoot the three,” coach Gregg Popovich said. “At the same time, he’s going to the rim and getting the contact. His game is coming together.”

With the win, the 40-14 Spurs — who a day earlier clinched their 15th consecutive playoff berth when Dallas lost to Memphis — stayed ahead of Oklahoma City atop the West standings.

It also helped the Spurs match the longest winning streak in the league this season, equaling their own 11-game handiwork from Jan. 30 to Feb. 20. Tellingly, the oft-injured Ginobili played in just four games of the first streak.

The last time Ginobili scored as many points as he did Sunday was Dec. 31, against these same Jazz. Two nights later, he broke his hand in Minnesota, setting off a star-crossed start to his season.

His odyssey back into fighting shape after missing 29 games with one malady or another has been a running storyline of the Spurs’ season. The team’s success, with or without him, has been nothing short of mind-boggling.

For it, Ginobili credits Parker and Duncan.

“They’ve been on the same page for a long time,” he said. “They’ve been the key for why we are No. 1 in the West. I’m the one who needs to join in.”

Sunday, he did.

Ginobili was a modest 4 of 10 from the field against Utah, but his 15 free-throw attempts were a season high for any Spurs player, as were the 14 he converted. They provided a signal that the stars are beginning to realign for him.

“I’m starting to feel better,” Ginobili said.

With an eye to today’s rematch in Salt Lake City, Popovich tweaked his playing rotation, starting Boris Diaw at center for DeJuan Blair.

Blair, who had been the only Spurs player to start all 53 games to that point, did not play at all. Popovich also kept Stephen Jackson and James Anderson tethered to the bench.

Though Popovich wouldn’t say, there is a good chance the Spurs’ Big Three might not even board the plane for tonight’s game in Utah.

“None of your business,” Popovich offered, helpfully.

If there was a bright spot Sunday for the Jazz, it’s that they made a lost cause competitive.

Trailing by 19 in the first half, Utah (29-28) rallied behind 19 points and 10 rebounds from Al Jefferson, three second-half 3-pointers from Devin Harris and a career-high 16 points from DeMarre Carroll. Late in a 36-point third quarter, the Jazz were within six.

Utah coach Tyrone Corbin, his team fighting for one of the West’s last playoff spots, was encouraged.

“We’ve got to continue to grow and build on that,” Corbin said, and he hopes it begins tonight.

The Spurs’ Big Three, whole and in unison, would not let them lose.

Summoning the familiarity of nine-plus seasons together, Parker, Duncan and Ginobili accounted for 25 of the Spurs’ final 27 points. It was the NBA’s longest tenured trio doing what it does best.

This time, Parker handled most of the load. Twice in the final minutes, Parker obliterated Harris off the dribble on the way to a layup.

“He kind of decided he wasn’t going to let them come back,” Popovich said.

Right there alongside him, grinding, driving, attacking the rim and living at the foul line, was Ginobili.

Joining in.

jmcdonald@express-news.net
Twitter: @JMcDonald_SAEN