Scouting Update: Sonics-Spurs

Keys in Game 4
San Antonio: Tim Duncan played his usual great game with 35 points, showing the grit, determination and willpower to get his team a 3-1 edge in the series. But in Game 4 his teammates didn't play with the fire needed to win away from home. Coach Gregg Popovich labeled everyone but Duncan as nonaggressive, sloppy and uninspired. Teams have to give a total effort to win on the road at this late date. Even though the Spurs want and have the will to win, they cannot allow themselves to let up.

Popovich was disappointed by the fact that his Spurs were outscored by a 33-13 margin after tying the game at 54. But with 9:52 to play, Seattle had raced out to an 87-67 lead.

Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker both scored in double figures but didn't have the success they achieved in prior games. They got into the lane, but Seattle's big men did a much better job of meeting them higher and contesting their shots. They need to take care of the ball. In the first quarter, the Spurs had seven turnovers and got four shots blocked. That set the tone for Game 4.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

• Recommend0
• Tweet0
• Email
• Subscribe