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One play goes a long way: a significant sequence in Game 2 underscored the Spurs' dominance of the Suns

Sporting News, The, June 10, 2005 by Stan McNeal

In a lopsided series, one play can't make that much of a difference. More likely, the Spurs' superiority over the Suns can be attributed to Manu Ginobili's all-around brilliance, Tony Parker's defense on Steve Nash and Tim Duncan's domination on the inside.

One play? Not when you consider that the Spurs took a lead of at least nine points into the second quarter in each of the first three games, forcing the Suns into a catch-up mode that exposed their playoff inexperience. By the end of the third game, even the unflappable Nash was flapping around as he finished with twice as many turnovers (six) as assists (three) and the Suns failed to score 100 points for the first time in the playoffs.

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So, no, the outcome of the Western Conference finals would not hinge on one play. Except there was this one play--late in Game 2--that certainly turned the series squarely in the Spurs' favor and at the same time said a great deal about their success.

* The situation: With 2:42 left in the game, the Spurs were trailing, 102-100, heading into a timeout after a 25-foot jumper by Nash.

* The play: "1-5 Rub Roll" called for two pick-and-rolls--with Duncan screening first for Parker, then for Ginobili.

* The action: Duncan set up near the 3-point line for Parker, who took the inbounds pass and rubbed his man off the screen while dribbling left. Parker didn't look for a shot and passed to Duncan. Duncan turned and passed to Ginobili, who was set up on the right wing. Ginobili dribbled to his left, around Duncan's screen near the top of the key, and Duncan rolled into the paint. Instead of going inside to Duncan, Ginobili whipped a pass to Robert Horry, who was wide open-yes, the Suns' defense was as lacking as advertised--in the corner. Horry calmly launched a 3-pointer as Quentin Richardson made a late attempt to get a hand in Horry's face. If you know Horry's history, you don't have to be told that his shot went in. The Spurs never trailed again, in that game or in the next.

In that one play, the Spurs displayed their unselfish ways and their belief in players other than Duncan taking big shots. That one play also showed this: The Spurs might not be quite the regimented crew that coach Gregg Popovich, the Air Force man, seems to want the world to believe they are. Consider remarks made in the postgame press conferences:

* Popovich, when asked if the play went as he designed it during the timeout: "Believe it or not, it was an aberration, but this one did go correctly."

* Ginobili, when asked whether the play indeed was called for Horry: "I don't think it was designed for that. I think (Popovich) is taking credit when he shouldn't."

* Duncan, when asked who should be believed: "I'd go more with Manu on this one."

So who was right? Was Popovich, notorious for his cynicism in dealing with the media, merely trying to keep reporters from learning something about his team? Was the freewheeling Ginobili, who has angered his coach more than once for not doing what he's supposed to, attempting to prove that it's not Popovich's plays, it's the players? Was Duncan, who likes to stir up things more than his (inaccurate) reputation as a bore would suggest, trying to have some fun?

Believe it or not, all three were at least partially right, according to neutral observers. The play Popovich called was run correctly, but it seemed unusual because it rarely reaches the Horry option. With Parker, Duncan and/or Ginobili all supposed to touch the ball, one of them usually shoots it. The ball reached Horry this time for one reason: After the huddle, Ginobili said Horry "came to my ear, told me that he was going to be open in the corner." Considering Horry's history of coming through in the clutch, Ginobili said, "We just trust him."

Nash, the league MVP and leader of the Suns, also had a telling comment after the game: "At some point, you have just got to congratulate them and say, 'You know, they are better than us tonight.'"

And for one night, anyway, the difference came down to one play.

One play goes a long way: a significant sequence in Game 2 underscored the Spurs' dominance of the Suns

Sporting News, The, June 10, 2005 by Stan McNeal

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