Ginobili, Duncan help Spurs trounce the Lakers

Manu Ginobili bounced back in a big way from horrid performances in the first two games to score 30 points to keep San Antonio within striking distance with a 103-84 win. Tim Duncan also had a much needed big game for the Spurs, scoring 22 points, grabbing 21 rebounds and dishing 5 assists, after he himself had sub-par games 1 and 2. Despite Duncan’s stat-line, Ginobili was the story of the game, as he hit 5 three pointers in the first half to help his team take a big lead, this time, they wouldn’t relinquish.

The momentum shifted in the Spurs favor early in the first quarter after the Lakers had secured a 15-8 lead to start the game. Ginobili hit consecutive threes, to dwindle L.A.’s lead to one. This was big mainly because the Spurs definitely didn’t want the Lakers to gain a big lead, therefore allowing them to play at their tempo. Even though the Lakers led by three after one period those six points set fire into their team, and raised their confidence against #1 seed Los Angeles. They didn’t want to be in the same position they were in in game 2 where they had to try and comeback throughout the entirety of the game.

The Spurs were able to spread the floor in this game, especially when the Lakers brought their second unit into the game in he second quarter. They were able to exploit the opponents bench, getting the looks they wanted on the offensive end, as well as take advantage of the Lakers depleted offense without Kobe Bryant on the floor. Bryant came into the game after three minutes gone by in the second period, only to see the Spurs leading, as they started out the quarter on a quick 6-2 run. Kobe scored the next basket, but that was the last Los Angeles would see of the lead in this game, as the Spurs jumped out to a 10 point halftime lead, thanks to 22 points by Ginobili. The Lakers scored only 15 points in that pivotal period, as they were outscored by 13.

The Spurs kept playing their game in the second half, as they outscored the Lakers again, and more importantly held Bryant in check. Midway through the third period, the Lakers star had just 16 points, as because of superb defense, played without the ability to be as agressive as he needed to be. Bryant took only one free throw in the game, and missed it, a sign of sub par outing for him as he usually gets to the line over 10 times a game. Though he did finish with 30 points, 12 of which came late, when the game was already lost for his team. The 4 threes that he hit at the end only upped his scoring for the game and were meaningless otherwise.

The Spurs repeateldy have said throughout this series that Bryant is going to get his points, but the real focus is on shutting down the rest of the Lakers squad. They sure did in this game. Lamar Odom and Derek Fisher, two players that torched San Antonio in the first two games, combined to just 9 points on 3-15 shooting. The bench was held in check as well, scoring only 22 points 10 of which coming from back-up guard Jordan Farmar. Sub par compared to the 34 they put on the Spurs in the Lakers game 2 rout. In this game for Los Angeles, only Pau Gasol, with 15 points and the aforementioned Farmar scored in double figures. This lack of production left the Spurs in a comfortable position, knowing that Bryant was the only player with enough talent to put a scare into the defending champs. If the Lakers can’t stop Ginobili and Duncan on the defensive end and continue to get inconsistent bench play on offense they will be watching the Spurs in the NBA Finals in June.