Heading into Game 2, the Lakers knew that they needed to win, if they wanted a chance to win this series. This was perhaps one of their only chances to make a move in a season where so much had gone terribly wrong. It may also perhaps be the last time these players actually play together after this season.
They had a plan of attack to take down the Spurs and for about a few quarters they hung with them. They even took the lead for brief moments. Los Angeles was within striking distance for some of the game. Yet, Tony Parker and the Spurs had an answer for them at every corner.
In the end, the Spurs were just too good and showed us why they've been best of the best for nearly 15 years. They broke down them down with crisp passing, fast breaks as well as Parker's penetration which led to layups and open jumpers. Their movements were like clockwork as they got into their offensive and defensive sets.
Parker led the charge with 28 points where he abused the ensemble of Laker guards who were either solid to downright hurt. He penetrated past them for floaters, layups, jumpers and passes that led to open shots for Matt Bonner as well as Tim Duncan, which led to seven assists.
Along with that, the ageless Tim Duncan frustrated Pau Gasol as well as Dwight Howard at times. He was just plain old consistent. Never up or down, just about where he usually is, which was 16 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks.
In addition, the Spurs got solid contributions across the board such as big shots by Matt Bonner when the Lakers were within 2 in the 2nd Quarter. He made big three point shots when they needed him to the tune of 10 points and 5 rebounds in 29 minutes. Kawhi Leonard athleticism and defense that left the visitors flat footed. Yet, who could forget the Manu who was like another point guard who found the right guys for buckets to the tune of 7 assists and 13 points in just 19 efficient minutes.
As for the Lakers, they roster kept taking hit after hit. Steve Nash played admirably. Nash was 4 of 8 in 32 minutes for 9 points and 6 assists but his play barely made a stamp on the game itself. He tried his best but it seemed more like he was best suited to rest and recover rather than put on sneakers.
Steve Blake was so-so to the tune of 16 points and and did what he could against Tony Parker. To a certain extent, he was able to slow him down but he was yet another Laker who got dinged by the injury bug as he strained his hamstring. It's yet another injury to which the Lakers could ill-afford as their roster were dropping like flies across the AT&T Center floor.
The Laker big men were rendered ineffective as the Dwight and Pau combined for just 29 points on 12 of 27 shooting. They had their moments but the Spurs made it tough for them by forcing other Lakers to beat them. They didn't.
Now, they are now facing the prospect of starting Game 3 with Darius Morris and Andrew Goudelock who was in the D-League just nearly two weeks ago as their starting backcourt. It's a far cry from their dream backcourt of Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant who are perhaps done for the season.
Right now, the Spurs are in the driver seat to breeze through the Lakers and make yet another deep run into the postseason. Should they prevail in this series, they will take on the winner of the Warriors/Nuggets shootout. They are hungry to win a NBA Championship and it's something they're itching to win it along with potentially dethroning the Miami Heat. Oh, what a series that might be should they meet but they have get past OKC and the tough West. That's a tall order but the Spurs believe it can be done. We'll see......
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