El Conclusion: San Antonio Spurs 109, Utah Jazz 105

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Utah Jazz 105 Final
Recap | Box Score		 109 San Antonio Spurs
Tim Duncan, PF Shot Chart 24 MIN | 7-10 FG | 1-1 FT | 8 REB | 4 AST | 0 STL | 3 BLK | 1 TO | 15 PTS | +18

Had his hands full defending the big combo of Enes Kanter and Derrick Favors, a pair that thrived without Tiago Splitter helping Duncan down low.

Jeff Ayres, PF Shot Chart 29 MIN | 5-6 FG | 0-0 FT | 4 REB | 2 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK | 2 TO | 10 PTS | -9

I thought the first three or four minutes of the second quarter showcased exactly how Ayres can help the Spurs. He drew two offensive fouls on Kanter and Favors, drew another foul fighting for a loose ball on the offensive boards and set good screens. In the first quarter he finished well around the basket, which he can do when he catches the ball.
Kawhi Leonard, SF Shot Chart 33 MIN | 6-12 FG | 1-1 FT | 7 REB | 6 AST | 3 STL | 2 BLK | 0 TO | 15 PTS | +4

This is the type of box score that a lot of people were probably expecting coming into the season. It hasn’t been that easy, but we’re starting to see some subtle growth in his game, especially with regards to his passing. Leonard seems to be making better decisions with the ball. Not only that, but quicker decisions. He still misses some reads, but he’s really improving with his passing.
Tony Parker, PG Shot Chart 34 MIN | 9-16 FG | 7-8 FT | 1 REB | 9 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK | 3 TO | 25 PTS | +11

Well, yeah. Gonna be an All-Star.
Manu Ginobili, SG Shot Chart 21 MIN | 4-11 FG | 3-4 FT | 3 REB | 3 AST | 1 STL | 1 BLK | 1 TO | 13 PTS | +8

Ginobili his half of his 3-point attempts and didn’t get hurt, so we’ll chalk this up as a good game.
Matt Bonner, PF Shot Chart 15 MIN | 1-1 FG | 0-0 FT | 1 REB | 0 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK | 0 TO | 3 PTS | +6

I’m surprised to find out that Bonner played 15 total minutes.

Boris Diaw, PF Shot Chart 24 MIN | 1-3 FG | 0-0 FT | 2 REB | 1 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK | 2 TO | 3 PTS | -4

This wasn’t a very Diaw type of matchup. He does well on more mobile forwards, but big, physical athletic big men like Kanter and Favors are going to be tough for Bobo.
Cory Joseph, PG Shot Chart 10 MIN | 2-2 FG | 0-0 FT | 1 REB | 0 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK | 1 TO | 4 PTS | +7

Joseph didn’t pick up many minutes, but I thought he played well in his time. He gave up a deep 3 late in the game to either Burke or Burks, I can’t remember they sound too much alike, but CoJo shouldn’t be faulted for it. It was an incredibly long shot and Joseph contested without fouling. Fine with me.
Patty Mills, PG Shot Chart 14 MIN | 3-6 FG | 0-0 FT | 0 REB | 3 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK | 0 TO | 6 PTS | -6

Honestly, I don’t have much of anything to say about Patty’s night.
Marco Belinelli, SG Shot Chart 32 MIN | 5-12 FG | 4-4 FT | 7 REB | 1 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK | 1 TO | 15 PTS | -12

Some old, same old from Marco.

Gregg Popovich

Not much.

Two Things We Saw

  1. Well, the Spurs almost Memphis’d themselves again. That would’ve been fun.
  2. I enjoyed watching Favors and Kanter. They’re two more traditional big men, not much of the stretch variety, but they’re enjoyable to watch. I hope they continue to develop.
  • ThatBigGuy

    1. Ayres played about as good of a game as he could within his role, which is all you can ever ask for your 4th big. He’s getting much better at keeping his hands up around the rim, especially when Manu and Tony are driving.
    2. Kanter showed some MOVES today. My favorite was when he went for a left should jump hook, up faked, stepped through for a right shoulder jump hook, then spun right back to a left shoulder jump hook. It was poised and quick, and he left his defender in the dust.
    3. Not only is Kawhi making quicker decisions with the ball, but his post game just steadily improves. By the end of the season, you’d have to think a Kawhi post-up mismatch can be a primary offensive play call.

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  • Mac Mac

    I’m fairly certain that Kanter’s next payday won’t come in Utah, especially if the best player available when they draft is either Embiid or Randall. Obviously Parker or WIggins would solve their biggest need, but even of they are able to draft a wing, I don’t see Kanter sticking around for a bench role. Without much game from the elbow, Kanter projects as similar to a Brook Lopez, Nikola Pekovic, or Toronto’s Valanciunus. The Spurs will have capspace, and could do worse. but I keep waiting for Kanter to become better from midrange. He is quick in the low post, though, no doubt.

  • Saxmann

    we’ll call that play 3-Down

  • Lee Baek Rok

    Seriously, with Ayres dunking the Spurs basically have the full showman package but they are still ignored.

  • minerva9

    Kanter hit a couple of mid-range Js last night.