For Lakers head coach Mike D'Antoni, beating the San Antonio Spurs in the playoffs is almost elusive as capturing an NBA championship. D'Antoni, of course, has accomplished neither. In 18 playoff meetings against Gregg Popovich, D'Antoni led squads have won four games.
With Tony Parker scoring a measly five points in the first half -- Steve Blake, again, turned in another strong defensive performance -- the Lakers seemed to be a decent position to steal a game on the road. Yet they were down eight points at the half -- Kawhi Leonard, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Matt Bonner picked up the slack, combining for 45 points.
The precocious Leonard, in his second playoff campaign, and Bonner were both valuable contributors, especially since the Lakers effectively limited Parker to an offensive cipher.