San Antonio v Houston: West Round 2

SEASON SERIES: SAS 3-1

                The San Antonio Spurs continue their postseason dominance behind a rugged first round series bout with the Memphis Grizzlies. The Spurs behind Defensive Player of the Year candidate Kawhi Leonard, and Tony Parker helped them close out a bruising (6) game series with Memphis. Parker had (27 points on 78% FG) was the highest percentage ever in the playoffs when a player scores (25+) in a game.  Kawhi Leonard was a masterpiece on both ends of the floor not just this game but the entire series. Kawhi averaged (31.1 ppg) while going (59-61) from the FT line. Leonard scored (158) points through the first (5) games of the series were only 2^nd most to the “Ice Man”, George Gervin (1978) in Spurs franchise history. San Antonio was excellent from the free throw line shooting around (90%) as a team. It has truly been the Kawhi Leonard show in San Antonio, but that could mean one or two things; one – this will be one of the greatest all-around playoff performances we shall see or two – the Spurs will be knocked out before the WCF and look to add pieces around Leonard. One thing is for certain, San Antonio’ supporting cast will have to step up a bit more versus Houston.

VS HOUSTON – 2016

KAWHI LEONARD (28.5 PPG / 5.0 RPG)

ALDRIDGE (15.5 PPG / 7.2 RPG)

                The Houston Rockets have enjoyed some time off waiting for the Spurs. James Harden and company wrapped up and exciting, fast-paced, action filled series versus OKC that they finished in (5) games. Houston may not had the bulky lineup of Memphis to go against, however, dealing with Russell Westbrook was a different animal. Rockets point guard Patrick Beverley who is known for his defense; when guarding Westbrook forced the MVP candidate to shoot (26%) compared to (41%) versus other Rockets players as well Russ had a higher turnover ratio guarded by Beverley. That to go with Harden’s (33.2 ppg) he posted excelled Houston into the 2^nd round. Houston who lives and dies by the three-ball shot over (35% 3PT) in their wins and under (30%) with their lone loss. Shooting and attempting threes at a high rate is Houston’s game, but converting them will be a huge factor in beating San Antonio, something they lacked during their (4) matchups this sesason. Not to mention bench play. Game 2 the Rockets were (+41) from the bench versus the Thunder. If the likes of Lou Williams (18.8 ppg), Eric Gordon (13.6 ppg), and NeNe (13.6 ppg / 6.6 rpg) continue to provide a heavy dosage off the bench like this, Houston will be in good hands.

VS SAN ANTONIO – 2016

HARDEN (29.7 PPG / 10.0 RPG / 11.2 APG)

GORDON (16.7 PPG)

CAPELA (12.0 PPG / 7.6 RPG)

                Even as a team the Spurs shot no less than (42% FG) the entire series versus a gritty Memphis squad including over (40% 3PT) on three different occasions. The Rockets know they have their hands full. Especially since Tony Parker play has elevated, however getting LaMarcus Aldridge to play like the All-Star caliber status he did in Portland is a bigger question. Yes, the Spurs will go as far as Kawhi will lead them, Aldridge is the teams 2^nd leading scorer and can be a force in the paint on any giving night. However, he has averaged career lows in points and rebounds this season. With a Rockets team who has dominated the Spurs in the paint and on the glass during their regular season matchups; setting the tone inside will dictate this series. Not to mention the Texas dual between James Harden and Kawhi Leonard.  Harden led the league with (.973) points per possession while Leonard was not far behind (.939) during isolation situations this season. Harden was (52% FG) and (18/22 FT) with a (+30) on court rating in the 4^th quarter versus OKC. While we all remember the 4^th quarter Kawhi had in Game 4 vs Memphis, scoring the Spurs last (15) points to force overtime; first player in the last (20) years to claim such a feat. His progression on the offensive side of the ball has made him a complete player and a problem for any opposing team. Houston only loss by a combined (12) points against the Spurs during the regular season. The matchup that I believe will be an X factor is each team respective bench. The Spurs won the battle during the regular season but the Rockets bench has been phenomenal for the most part during the postseason. Consistency off the bench for the Rockets will be a major factor on both ends of the court. While Manu Ginobli cannot go (5) games into a series and decide to score. Patty Mills will need to be more aggressive while Pau Gasol, David Lee, and especially Danny Green will need to be two-way players if the Spurs want to advance. However, in the Rockets losses to San Antonio, they shot under (40% FG). As well as attempted at least (30+) 3PT shots with under (33%) shooting.  San Antonio is (0-3) al time against Houston in the playoffs. The team that will support their superstars in Harden and Leonard especially in the 4^th quarter will be the one to prevail.

PREDICTION: ROCKETS IN 7