The Spurs in Close-Out Games

by Rohan on May 14, 2008 10:00 PM CDT

The Spurs' dominance of the Western Conference over the last decade hasn't been a good thing for other West teams. Turns out it is a good thing for amateurish bloggers seeking to predict the future. San Antonio has been involved in so many series and so many games (with roughly the "same" team) that we have a decent sample size to work with. How have the Spurs fared in elimination games in the Duncan era? Glad you asked.

2006, WC Semis, Game 5 (trailing 3-1), @ San Antonio, (v. Dallas) WIN

Unable to stop the Mavs' offense all series, the Spurs played some big defense down the stretch to keep their season alive. This was the "Bruce Bowen block" game where he forced a jump ball versus Dirk as the fourth quarter concluded. More notably, Tim Duncan was a monster (36-12) and Tony Parker chipped in 27 (but had 5 turnovers).

2006, WC Semis, Game 6 (trailing 3-2), @ Dallas, WIN

The second of back to back elimination games, SA staved off elimination once more. Jason Terry was suspended for punching Michael Finley in Game 5. Tim Duncan had 24, and 8 and Manu Ginobili picked up for Tony Parker (3-15) by scoring 30.

2006, WC Semis, Game 7 (tied 3-3), @ San Antonio (v. Dallas), LOSS

San Antonio failed to become just the 8th team ever to come back from a 3-1 hole. Despite Duncan's 41 and 15, Parker's 24, and Ginobili's 23, the Spurs fell in OT.

2005 NBA Finals, Game 7 (tied 3-3), @ San Antonio (v. Detroit), WIN

This Finals is frighteningly similar to the current Hornets-Spurs series. For the first four games, the home team won by an average 21 point margin. Then the Robert Horry Game happened (in Detroit, thanks to the 2-3-2 format). Duncan and Ginobili combined for 48 in Game 7 for yet another Spurs' championship. Parker went 3-11 with 8 points.

2004 WC Semis, Game 6 (trailing 3-2), @ Los Angeles, LOSS

Another series that saw the home team win the first 4 with large margins of victory. The Lakers pulled off the roadie in Game 5 and closed the series at home. Duncan was solid (20 and 11) and Ginobili adequate (16, 7, and 4) but Parker delivered 9 on 4 of 18.

Well kids, what have we learned? The Spurs are 3-2 in elimination games (where they can be eliminated) and 2-1 at home (where they'll be tomorrow). Tim Duncan is normally a beast in these games, and Tony Parker has a tendency to disappear. So if we can continue our great defensive work on Timothy and let Tony Parker do what Tony Parker has done... I like our chances.

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Comments

Spurs fan here.

I went to game #2 and game #4 on this list. I’ve witnessed first hand the Spurs avoid elimination on the road and at home. I really see game 6 being the deciding game in this series. Trust me when I say that you do not want to play a game 7 against us. Give us 4 chances to beat you 1 time at the hive and I love our chances. The Spurs knew going into this series that they needed to protect home court and win one on the road. Nothing has changed. I will say that you guys have an outstanding ball club. Game 6 is going to be a battle.

Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed.

by CMoney on May 14, 2008 11:21 PM CDT reply actions

Thanks for the input

And that you went to Game 7 of the finals is cool of epic proportions. I’d honestly give anything to be able to do that (if the Hornets were playing). And I can’t wait until tomorrow, it’s gonna be a battle like you say.

by Rohan on May 14, 2008 11:33 PM CDT up reply actions

@CMoney, got to agree the Spurs are favored. That said, the Hornets have pulled off some amazing upsets this season that even we true believers couldn’t bee-lieve.

I just hope everyone comes out of the game more or less healthy.

GEAUX HORNETS!

by mattmc89 on May 15, 2008 5:38 AM CDT reply actions