San Antonio Spurs Complete Sweep of Utah Jazz
The San Antonio Spurs got out to a big lead agains the Utah Jazz once again last night, but the Jazz did what all good teams do. They fought back, made a game of it, and nearly walked out of the EnergySolutions Arena victorious. However, Manu Ginobili had other ideas, coming up with a critical bucket after Tony Parker stole the pass from Paul Millsap to clinch the game.
The Spurs started the game hot, going on a on a 21-3 run. The Jazz would respond late in the game with their own 19-2 run that closed the Spurs lead from 21 to just 4. The Jazz were able to keep this game close because the Spurs, who had shot better than 47% in the first three games, shot just 38%.
Utah was led by Al Jefferson, who had his best game of the series, scoring 26 points to go with 10 rebounds. Millsap was a monster on the glass, corralling 19 missed shots, 7 of which came on the offensive side. However, the exceptional play of these two individuals went to moot because Utah’s bench was horrendous.
Jamal Tinsley played just 13 minutes for the Jazz, but he had a plus/minus of -21. Enes Kanter played just seven minutes but his plus/minus was -16. The Spurs won this game because of their bench. Tiago Splitter and Matt Bonner both played exceptional in their 20 minutes of action, posting plus/minuses of +21 and +20 respectively.
Ginobili had his best game of the series, leading the Spurs with 17 points and nailing three three pointers, two of which came on back-to-back possessions to help keep the Spurs in front.
If this game does not show how deep the Spurs are, then I do not know what does. San Antonio’s Big 3 – Tim Duncan, Parker, and Ginobili – scored a combined 38 points on just 14 of 35 (40%). Parker had 11, while Duncan had 10. It was the Spurs’ bench that won this game, outscoring Utah’s bench 57-10. Three bench players scored double digits for the Spurs – Ginobili, Splitter with 11, and Gary Neal with 10.
The Spurs now get some well earned rest while they await the winner of the Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies series, which could come to end on Wednesday if the Clippers win, as they currently hold a 3-1 victory after last night’s victory. If the Clippers do win, the series could potentially start on Friday in San Antonio.
Time will tell, but be sure to check back here at www.RantSports.com for the latest playoff information.
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The jazz has nothing to be ashame of, they lose to the superior team. Thet have tall players like Favors and Kanter and pg burkes have a bright future with the team. The spurs would certainly like to have Favors or Kanter in black and sliver. A trade? Maybe the forthcoming draft will facilitate such a trade. The jazz have multiple 1st round drafts. The spurs may trade blair, bonner, anderson and joseph for a big man either zeller, jones 111, moultrie or melo. Other trade partners could be tghe blazers, rockets, hornets and nets that have multiple 1st round drafts.
I agree, the Jazz have nothing to be ashamed of. I was impressed by their efforts in Salt Lake City, especially last night coming back from such a huge hole. I’m not sure I agree with the Spurs wanting Kanter, however. He may be younger than Duncan, but they already have Tiago Splitter who is improving nicely. Secondly, they need a more impact player, such as a young Tim Duncan. I doubt they can move up to get any of those players, but you never know, they could fall. San Antonio needs a big man. DeJuan Blair is a good player, but he’s undersized. The Spurs are going to need an impact player at the forward/center position, no doubt about it. Could be interesting depending on the route they go.