The San Antonio Spurs have now beat the Los Angeles Lakers two times in a row after being embarrassed by the Lakers on Andrew Bynum’s 30 rebound night. This Spurs win was great because the Spurs big 3 flexed the muscle but then got rest in the fourth quarter of the blowout.

Key Stat: Spurs Big 3 combine for 61 points on 24-38 fgs, 20 assists

Tim Duncan came up huge in 25 minutes of play. Tim scored 21 points on 10-15 shooting to go along with 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. Tim Duncan has amazingly ascended in the twilight of his career. In my Spurs Lakers preview I remarked how Tim’s play is much improved. Onlookers often comment on how he’s turning back the clock on a particular play or game. I think Tim is turning back overall. He looks better than he has in year’s. He’s finishing strong. He’s not hesitating. He’s making decisive moves. The Spurs are in effect exchanging a very good role player for star play in limited minutes.

Tony Parker led the way with his confidence offensive play making. After coming out as flat as can be in the first Lakers matchup, Parker has proven that was a fluke performance. Parker now slices the Lakers defense at will and finishes with either scores or setting up his teammates. He’s at the top of his game right now. It looks like his speed and sharpness is at an all time high. Parker is easily an NBA MVP caliber player.

Manu Ginobili is starting to gain momentum and that’s a bad sign for Spurs opponents. He made me say holy sh!t when he made that baseball pass to Matt Bonner. That was an off the charts play. In 25 minutes, Manu had 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists. WOW!

Despite Kobe Bryant’s return, the Lakers looked like they didn’t have an answer for the Spurs juggernaut offense. It’s clear now that the Spurs offense cannot be matched by the Lakers so the Lakers must get back to a slower pace and pounding the glass. Andrew Bynum was limited to 28 less rebounds in his return to San Antonio.

Kobe Bryant didn’t immediately seek to take over the offense and waiting until the third quarter to take the bulk of his shots. Kawhi Leonard did a good job on him. The Lakers desperately need to get their offense to flow rather than depending on individual play to score all their points.

On defense, Bynum actually becomes a liability in the high pick and roll which the Spurs hit the Lakers repeatedly over the head with. Bynum and Gasol both have to do a better job defending away from the basket.

While the size advantage does pose problems for the Spurs, after two straight blowouts, the Spurs seem to have a better handle on the Lakers puzzle.

San Antonio Blog on Spurs Beat Lakers