The San Antonio Spurs got their first win in the opening of the playoffs by defeating the Memphis Grizzlies, 106-74.
Kawhi Leonard starred in the game finishing with 20 points while LaMarcus Aldridge had 17 points to secure the win.
According to a report in GMA News Online, both Tony Parker and Patty Mills finished with 15 points. The ageless Tim Duncan added seven points and 11 strong rebounds.
In an article in ESPN, it states that the Spurs got 13 steals and also had 9 blocks.
Vince Carter, who led the Grizzlies with 16 points even recognize the defensive presence of Kawhi.
“He’s just aggressive. He’s in passing lanes, he has great on-ball instincts, great hands and he blocks shots very well at his position as well. So, even if he gets beat, he can recover,” Carter said as quoted by ESPN.
Carter also said that Kawhi just got very long arms and really makes the defense of the Spurs start.
“I got some easy shots going into that transition, getting some layups and dunks. That’s how you get in rhythm, for my teammates as well. If they’re able to get an easy layup, they’re just going to gain more confidence,” Leonard’s statement as quoted in the article in ESPN.
At the fourth quarter, all the San Antonio Spurs starters returned to the bench to rest and prepare for Game 2 in their home.
Even San Antonio’s coach, Gregg Popovich even recognizes the defense of his player, Kawhi. He said Leonard is a very good defender and takes pride in it. Coach Pop also added that this is what Kawhi is always doing for the team – setting up the tone of defense just like in their recent game.
Can the Spurs continue the wins?
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Sources: GMA News Online, ESPN