Aussies in the NBA Playoffs: Baynes banged up, Mills catches fire
The Spurs lost Game 1 on the road at Staples Center against the Clippers, 107-92. Paul and Griffin were flat out dominant, and the Spurs just could not find a way to get back into the game this night.
Aron Baynes wasn't at his best, scoring 5 points on 2 of 7 shooting. He also had 5 rebounds (2 offensive) and an assist. Patty on the other hand, was the unmentioned silver lining in this game. Looking fresh and ready to go, he gave an excellent game in limited minutes. He made 3 of his 4 threes in 10:37 of action, was 3 of 5 overall from the field and had a +/- rating of 9.
Putting Matt Barnes on a poster
Not exactly the Banger's best scoring night to date, but this poster over Matt Barnes was a most welcome sight. Diaw quickly found Baynes underneath the rim, who hammered it home over the Clippers swingman.
[gfycat data_id="UnpleasantGivingFinwhale" data_autoplay=true data_expand=true]
The Spursian assist
Baynes only had an assist for the game, but it was a really pretty one. Check out this deft touch pass from the Banger to Duncan for an easy finish - got to love the seamless passing that began with Kawhi at the perimeter.
[gfycat data_id="PinkGentleGraywolf" data_autoplay=true data_expand=true]
The rough side of things
Sometimes, people remember games simply by poster moments. This might just be one of them. Despite giving a good effort to contest the dunk, he got postered by Blake Griffin. Not just once, not twice, but thrice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QF6g4K0fAM&feature=youtu.be There was also this little altercation with Matt Barnes, that saw the two tussle for the ball. Barnes gained the upper hand, and sent Baynes stumbling into the crowd.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gAnOhDG6GY&feature=youtu.be No shame in giving effort! It's good to see Baynes playing hard, but there has to be a better effort when it comes to scoring. There were a few buckets at the rim that he should have made, but missed for some reason or other. It's the playoffs, and there is no room for mistakes when it comes to easy bunnies.
Patty looking good!
Patty's shooting was looking really smooth in this game; the release was fluid, and confident. The team put him in good opportunities to score, and he knocked his shots down.
[gfycat data_id="LawfulCleverEagle" data_autoplay=true data_expand=true]
Patty's performance this game certainly bodes well, when viewed in comparison to Cory Joseph, who had a poorer impact on the game (+/- rating of -18, 3 points) in comparison.
It's certainly not a guarantee for more playing time, but the Spurs could certainly use more of Patty's production on the court in this series, especially if he continues to stay hot. One thing he needs to do less of though, might be transition 3s with a defender in his grill. This sequence panned out somewhat, as Duncan followed the miss with a putback dunk. Otherwise, it would have been a wasted possession. The Spurs are all about sharing the ball and finding the best shot, and forced three-pointers on the break aren't that. (Not unless you're Curry.)
[gfycat data_id="NeighboringImpeccableAsianporcupine" data_autoplay=true data_expand=true]
Spurs vs Clippers game schedule
Game 1 – Mon. April 20, San Antonio at L.A. Clippers, 12:30 PM Game 2 – Thu. April 23, San Antonio at L.A. Clippers, 12:30 PM Game 3 – Sat. April 25, L.A. Clippers at San Antonio, 11:30 AM (on Foxtel ESPN3) Game 4 – Mon. April 27, L.A. Clippers at San Antonio, 5:30 AM Game 5 – * Wed. April 29, San Antonio at L.A. Clippers, TBD Game 6 – * Fri. April 31, L.A. Clippers at San Antonio, TBD Game 7 – * Sun. May 3, San Antonio at L.A. Clippers, TBD