Clippers Fall To Spurs In Game 2: The 5 Things We Learned
By Tom West
Tony Parker is struggling
April 22, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) blocks a scoring attempt by San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) during the first half in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Tony Parker may be one of the Spurs’ Big 3, but in two games against the Clippers so far, he’s barely even been noticeable.
Injury has been a problem, though. In game two, Parker left due to tightness in his right Achilles. What makes this even more concerning for the Spurs, is despite his wishes to play tonight, he’s still listed as questionable (per CBSSports).
Yet San Antonio were still able to bounce back, despite Parker offering minimal input during his 29 minutes of action before leaving. In game two, he failed to make a shot and finished with 1 lonesome point. He did have five assists to his name, but the Spurs are going to struggle going forward if Chris Paul and Jordan limit Parker so much as a scorer in the paint. Or anywhere else, for that matter.
Prior to the ankle injury, though, Parker has still struggled against the Clippers’ surprisingly resilient defense and the 6 foot bully that is CP3.
He’s averaged only 5.5 points this series on a poor 23.5 percent shooting. It’s certainly uncharacteristic of the former Finals MVP, and if can return to form his presence will be invaluable for the Spurs. That being said, if there’s one team who can deal with the loss of a star player, it’s San Antonio.
Patty Mills has shown how capable he is as a backup point guard, and even if he’s not as skilled as a facilitator, he can at least continue his 55.6 percent three-point shooting from the last two games and make an impact.