Tag: Scott Brooks

Spurs dominate Thunder in Game 1

The San Antonio Spurs did exactly what they were supposed to do and hold home court in game one of the 2014 Western Conference Finals, a 105-122 blowout.  The Spurs exploited the absence of Serge Ibaka with 66 sizzling points in the paint.

“We always want to try to penetrate,” Parker said. “We always want our ball movement, that’s how we play — kick and pitch and stuff like that. You know, obviously it’s a little bit better with (Ibaka) not being in the paint, but we’re still going to try to penetrate and make stuff happen.”

For the Thunder,  missing Ibaka is the least of their worries.  Thunder Head Coach Scott Brooks is imploring that his team execute much better.

“We’re a no-excuse team,” Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks said. “Serge is out. He’s not coming back. We have to play better. We have to play better. If we expect to beat one of the best teams in basketball, and a very good offensive team, we have to play and we’re not going to make an excuse.”

Game two is scheduled for 8PM Wednesday night.  Great seats and cheap tickets are still available so be sure to get yours now and support your Spurs on their Drive For Five.

“Unathletic” Spurs run circles around a young Thunder squad

“When you win, you’re experienced. But if you lose, you are old and unathletic,” Gregg Popovich

The San Antonio Spurs have jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference Finals against a much younger “more athletic” team that radio personalities had no problem telling their listeners the Spurs were.

Tony Parker has led a blitzing, fast pace that Spurs squad showed what crisp, team possessions look like.  Pass, pass, shoot was the mantra of the game and Parker even found time to add 34 points en route to dishing out eight assists and collecting three rebounds.

 “It was one of those nights. I felt in a good rhythm early on. I was making my outside shots and just trying to be aggressive. The first game (game 1) I was a little too much in a hurry. Tonight I took my time, especially on the pick-and-rolls when they doubled me.”  Spurs PG Tony Parker

Rookie guard Kwahi Leonard was sensational and finished the game with a double-double (18 points, 10 rebounds) while Manu Ginobili was, well,  Manu Ginobili ( 20 points, four assists) and Duncan was his veteran self producing 11 points, 12 rebounds and dishing out six assists.

“They were making shots.  I mean, they were spraying them all over the floor and knocking them in. I thought (Kawhi) Leonard was making the shots. Ginobili made a lot of tough shots tonight.  Parker was on fire … I like the guys’ mental toughness.” Thunder Head Coach Scott Brooks

If the Thunder plan on making a series out of this they will have to win game 3.  If they cannot take Thursday’s game, the Thunder will be on vacation by weeks end.

 

Spurs look to go up 2-0 on Thunder

 

“It was a hard-fought ball game. Nothing to be ashamed of.” Thunder Head Coach Scott Brooks

The San Antonio Spurs have continued their winning ways and look to capture their 20th consecutive victory tonight as they face the Oklahoma City Thunder for Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals.

In game 1, the Spurs showed the rust of a week plus off while waiting for the Thunder and were behind for 3/4 of the game until Head Coach Gregg Popovich uttered those words that will most likely flood the city of San Antonio via posters and T-shirts “I want some nasty!”

The “nasty” that Popovich was looking for erupted in the 4th quarter as the Spurs outscored the Thunder 39-27 to turn a 10-point deficit into a 10-point lead that the Spurs never relinquished.

“They found some rhythm. They were able to attack us through penetration,” said point guard Derek Fisher. “We spent a lot of time trying to talk about doing the job, taking away the penetration of Ginobili and (Tony) Parker. We didn’t do that in the fourth quarter. You can’t give up a 30-point quarter in a playoff game and expect to win.”

The Spurs and Thunder kick off Game 2 tonight at the AT&T Center at 7:30.   Get your tickets to the hottest series thus far in the NBA Playoffs.