Why the Spurs are the biggest threat to the Warriors.
By Zain Ahmed
Even after their Game 1 collapse, the San Antonio Spurs are still the biggest threat to the Golden State Warriors remaining in the playoffs
The San Antonio Spurs appeared to be coasting to an easy victory over the Golden State Warriors in Game 1, but then it all went awry.
Following Kawhi Leonard’s injury minutes into the third quarter, the Warriors went on an 18-0 run to cut the deficit to five. They trailed by nine entering the final frame, but the damage was done. The Warriors would go on to outscore the Spurs by 11 in the fourth quarter to win 113-111. The Spurs were noticeably worse without Leonard, as they posted a +25 plus/minus with him and a horrendous -22 without him on the court.
Following the Game 6 blowout victory over Houston, where Leonard did not play, there was hope that the Spurs could close out the game without Leonard – especially with a 23-point cushion when Leonard exited Game 1.
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However, that was not the case. The Spurs could not contain Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry as they willed the Warriors back into the game.
Looking ahead, the San Antonio Spurs have the coaching advantage with Gregg Popovich and with Steven Kerr out (unfortunately), Pop will be looking to give fill-in head coach Mike Brown all he can handle.
The Spurs will be at a disadvantage for Game 2 however, as Kawhi Leonard has been (likely) ruled out. San Antonio’s great ball movement and offensive scheme will always allow them to put up points.
The Spurs defense struggles monumentally without their defensive leader Kawhi. Game 1 was a prime example, KD was largely held in check in the first half. In the second half, however, Durant took advantage of Kawhi’s absence and scored 20 to finish with 34 points.
In Game 2, the Spurs are facing the tall task of stealing a game on the road without Kawhi. A win would be the dream scenario but keeping the game competitive will be their primary goal.
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The Spurs realize they do not stand much of a chance without Leonard, and Pop will look to experiment to find a lineup that could potentially cause problems for Golden State. San Antonio knows that they squandered an opportunity to steal home-court but once Kawhi returns they know it isn’t over.