Parker, Spurs avenge Lakers loss
Just six days after the San Antonio Spurs lost in what was probably their worst loss of the season, they flipped the script on the Los Angeles Lakers, avenging their loss with a 121-91 win.
For the Lakers, it was their worst loss all season.
The Spurs started Tiago Splitter instead of DeJuan Blair to help defend Andrew Bynum, who gave the Spurs fits last game.
While Bynum dominated the Spurs last week with 30 rebounds, it was Tony Parker, who after his 2-for-12 performance in the last game, took over and sliced through the Lakers' defense.
While the game stayed close through most of the first half, the Spurs used an 18-0 run late in the second quarter that would be too difficult for the Lakers to come back from, especially after the lead swelled to 23 points in the third quarter.
"The way they closed that second quarter helped them get the necessary lead to go ahead and put the game away," Lakers coach Mike Brown said.
Because the Spurs took an early lead, they were able to rest several players for their last game in this back-to-back-to-back against the Kings tonight. They were also able to play Parker and Tim Duncan heavy minutes after limiting them against Golden State.
Parker finished the game with 29 points and 13 assists and Duncan added 19 points and eight rebounds.
The Lakers were led by Bynum with 21 points and seven rebounds.
With the win, the Spurs are now a half game ahead of the Oklahoma City Thunder for first place in the Western Conference.
The Spurs will have a chance to close out the season series against the Lakers on Friday in San Antonio. Lakers guard Kobe Bryant could return by then.
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It was a nice game. As I said the big 3 has to play to avenge the lost. It was a matter of pride. Now, the 3rd encounter on Friday. Will bryant play? Hopefully. Then no one can say he didn't when the spurs will win again. For teams with 2 post players like the lakers, clippers and grizzlies, the duo of TD and Splitter have to play. More time should be spent with those 2 playing together
The splitter/Duncan combo didn't go as we all would hope but I'll take it anyway. I think splitter needs more time next to Duncan. If he gets it they will look a lot more formidable. Teams are just not scared of Blair, or splitter. Blair because of his height, splitter because he doesn't get the run and is more of a back up to Tim then he is a center piece for the second unit. Just there to spell minutes. Get him more time with Tim and he will become a bit more of a force. With Diaw on the team now, the spurs don't have to worry about that terrible Blair/bonner combo any more. Between TD, splitter and Diaw we have enough interior defense to cover SOME of the other guys weak defense.
