The Spurs opened their latest title defense with a convincing, if imperfect, victory over the odds-on favorite to win the Northwest Division.
Despite the win, the Spurs showed lots of room for improvement: turnovers due to miscommunication on a few plays, team defense not in late-season straitjacket form, an off night from Ginobili, Barry showing a comical lack of judgment in planting a wet one on David Stern. Still, the flaws are nothing that won't improve with time. Well, except for the Barry thing.
From the pre-game ring ceremony to the final 102-91 tally, the highlights far outstripped the lowlights.
Finley scored an efficient 16 points off the bench, mostly in the fourth quarter. It looks like the Spurs have finally found their outside shooter.
In a reversal of his typical disappearing act, Parker didn't make his presence known until the fourth quarter, when he repeatedly schooled the Nuggets' defense.
Most critically, Duncan looked like a million bucks. ($15,845,156, to be precise.) His two healthy ankles may prove to be the most significant offseason addition -- for this or any team.
One down, 81 (+16) to go!
Despite the win, the Spurs showed lots of room for improvement: turnovers due to miscommunication on a few plays, team defense not in late-season straitjacket form, an off night from Ginobili, Barry showing a comical lack of judgment in planting a wet one on David Stern. Still, the flaws are nothing that won't improve with time. Well, except for the Barry thing.
From the pre-game ring ceremony to the final 102-91 tally, the highlights far outstripped the lowlights.
Finley scored an efficient 16 points off the bench, mostly in the fourth quarter. It looks like the Spurs have finally found their outside shooter.
In a reversal of his typical disappearing act, Parker didn't make his presence known until the fourth quarter, when he repeatedly schooled the Nuggets' defense.
Most critically, Duncan looked like a million bucks. ($15,845,156, to be precise.) His two healthy ankles may prove to be the most significant offseason addition -- for this or any team.
One down, 81 (+16) to go!
this bites
