Apr 14, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (12) dunks the ball as San Antonio Spurs center Tiago Splitter (22) and forward Tim Duncan (21) defend at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Win Dominate the battle on the glass
Rebounding is the only distinct advantage the Los Angeles Lakers should have in this series. Although after Sunday afternoon, you wouldn’t have guessed it.
The Lakers ranked fourth in rebounds heading into game 1, averaging 44.8 rebounds per contest – nearly three more than the San Antonio Spurs, who ranked 21st.
Yet the Spurs actually mustered a plus-two advantage on the offensive glass. Which could be attributed to the fact Matt Bonner – yes, Matt freaking Bonner – had two more offensive rebounds than Dwight Howard.
Not saying the Lakers didn’t put out an effort on the boards – their total actually came out one whole rebound ahead – I’m just saying it’ll have to be a hell of a lot better.
Look and think before you pass, understand the defense, HOLD ON TO THE BASKETBALL.
Now it’s obviously easier said than done, passing the ball that is. Although you would think players at the professional level would be able to effortlessly make them.
Whether you want to blame it on a lack of team chemistry, an off-day or the Spurs defense, 18 turnovers is unacceptable regardless how you choose to slice it.
They currently sport the highest turnover differential of any team in the postseason. Yikes.
You have Steve Nash, use him. You have Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol, use them.
Technically, Mike D’Antoni used each of the players mentioned above. Using them correctly, however, is another story entirely.
Did Howard and Gasol get their touches? Yes, they did. Did they get their touches in the ‘Post. Post. Post’? No. No No.
Did they account for 10 of the Lakers’ 18 turnovers? Yes. Yes. Yes.
Orchestrating your offense through Gasol is never a bad idea but if he – or Howard for that matter – is struggling, try to remember you have a two-time MVP on the floor that’s pretty good at orchestrating an offense.