Bob Harvey
NBA Playoffs: San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers Under 192
Defense should dominate Game 4 of the NBA's Western Conference Finals tonight. Take the Under Tuesday when the San Antonio Spurs host the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers will have to do a better job of defending the Spurs, and in particular Manu Ginobli, if they?re going to have a shot tonight in Game 4.
Following two sub-par efforts in Games 1 and 2 in Los Angeles, Ginobili rose from the dead, scoring a team-high 30 points to lead San Antonio to a 19-point victory. Tim Duncan added 22 points and a game-high 21 rebounds, while Tony Parker tallied 20 points for the Spurs, who shot 51.4 percent from the field, including an out-of sight 55.6 percent from three-point land (10-for-18).
On the flip side, the Lakers averaged 95 points on 48 percent shooting in two home wins to begin this series but were limited to 42.7 percent shooting in Game 3, including missing 17 of 23 attempts from long range. Kobe Bryant had 30 points to pace the Lakers, who finished with their lowest point output of the postseason.
LA needs Lamar Odom to bring his 'A' game if they?re hoping to steal a game on the road. Odom was pretty much a no-show in Sunday?s game hitting just 2 of 11 from the field and 3-of-8 from the foul line. Of concern to coach Phil Jackson is that his team is relying too much on Kobe Bryant. The Lakers need much more production from Kobe?s supporting cast: Odom, Pau Gasol and Derek Fisher.
Slumps happen and it appears the Lakers are in one. The Spurs could easily be up in the series 2-1 if they hadn?t given up a 20-point lead in Game 1. I like San Antonio tonight but I like the Under even more. Look for defense to dominate with neither team reaching the century mark in points.
Free Pick: Lakers-Spurs Under 192 (-108)