A couple impressive notes from the Spurs game last night:
Duncan, Parker, and Ginobili won their 93rd playoff game together, which ties Magic, Kareem, and Byron Scott for the second-most playoff wins in NBA history as a trio. Duncan is now tied for second in history only behind Magic with playoff double-doubles (143). Parker also had a double-double. The Spurs took advantage of Curry when he was the primary defender, going 11-16 from the field. They more than doubled their ppp with Curry guarding the ball (vs the first four games), which may be a sign of his struggling through injury.
With all that, Ginobili was the most impressive player on the court last night. The Spurs season-long ability to guard the three point line is finally manifesting in the series (the Warriors are attempting 3.1 less than in their last series). Leonard absolutely smother Thompson last night - he didn't even attempt a three. Kawhi has averaged 14.4 ppg, 9 rebounds, and he is shooting 62.4% true FGP for the series, beyond he defense.
I think there is a misperception by the media that this Spurs team is old and washed up. Many articles recently have portrayed the dichotomy between these two teams - the "young, fast Warriors" vs. the "old, fundamental Spurs". For some perspective - the average age on the Spur's starting line-up is younger than the Heat's starting line-up, and they are not even in the top five of the league's oldest teams, while the Heat are #2. Their oldest player (Duncan) is having his best season in years. The Heat have ten players over the age of 30, the Spurs have six. But, you never hear anyone talk about the Heat being "old". If you watched the speed that Parker and Ginobili displayed last night, hard to characterize them as old and slow (with the exception of the bald spot on Manu's head).
The Spurs are 11-12 all time in series when they have a 3-2 lead.
