After losing to the Pelicans, the Lakers’ playoff situation is already in jeopardy. On the other hand, the Spurs are getting closer and closer to reaching the play-offs. In the early hours of this morning, Beijing time, the Lakers lost again in the game against the Nuggets. Hours later, the Spurs won their matchup against the Blazers, extending their lead over the Lakers to two games.
A few days ago, the Spurs beat the Blazers 133-96. Considering that opponents have already had nothing to do this season, this game is seen as a battle that the Spurs can easily win. However, they trailed the Blazers by 12 points at the end of the first half, which once surprised many Spurs fans. But in the third quarter, the team adjusted its state as soon as possible, playing a wave of 34 to 16 in a single quarter, and finally won the final victory with a 21-point advantage.
“We played really well in the second half. I felt like we weren’t focused enough in the first half. Fortunately, we woke up in the half,” Popovich said after the game.
The reason why the Spurs were sluggish in the first half was related to the absence of many of their main players, especially Dejounte Murray. However, in the second half, the team gradually adapted to the absence of the main player, and the Blazers’ desire to win was indeed not so strong. The Spurs slightly improved their defensive intensity, causing the Blazers to make mistakes many times, and then used the counterattack to score quickly. In just a few minutes, the previous lag gap was filled and a certain lead was established.
In this process, Zach Collins played a very important role. In the whole game, he played 31 minutes and scored 18 points and 13 rebounds, and the playing time, scoring and rebounding data all created season highs. “I’m feeling a little bit tired,” Collins said after the game. “I’ve got to rebound better and play more efficiently on the court so I’m going to get more double-doubles.”
After this campaign, the Spurs have led the Lakers by 2.0 wins. This also means that if they win 2 of the next 4 games, even if the Lakers win the next 4 games, it will not help. Before the start of the season, not many people were optimistic about the Spurs’ chances of reaching the play-offs. But now, they are only one step away from knocking on the door of the play-offs.
Collins said in an interview that the team’s goal is very clear now, which is to keep its top ten position in the Western Conference. “We all felt it. Qualification for the play-offs is there, that’s our number one goal. We want to play in the play-offs and fight for the playoffs,” he said. “Everything we’ve been through this season, injuries, coronavirus, ups and downs, Trading, all that, if we can get to the play-offs and make waves, it will be special.”
For the Spurs, in addition to winning and the Lakers losing, there is another good news. Dejounte Murray, the core of the team this season, is getting closer and closer to returning to the team. In fact, before the start of this game, he was seen as having a chance to return to the game, but the team finally decided to truce him. Murray had previously been absent due to upper respiratory tract disease, and the Spurs’ combat effectiveness will naturally be improved to another level after his return.
Keldon Johnson said in an interview that the team is in very good shape and can’t wait to welcome Murray back. Popovich also said after today’s game that Murray is likely to return in the next game. “He was actually very close to being able to play before the game. I hope he can be ready for the next game.”
In the final four games of the season, the Spurs will face the Nuggets, Timberwolves, Warriors and Mavericks respectively. It is difficult to beat the Nuggets and Timberwolves in the sixth game, but facing the Warriors without Curry and the Mavericks in the final game of the regular season are all games that the Spurs may win. In comparison, the Lakers’ schedule may be even more difficult, and the front of the Spurs is already a clear road. (Sports Weekly)Return to Sohu, see more
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