The Post Duncan Era Begins
It had to be strange to take the court and not see no.21 on the floor or sideline for the Spurs. But they sure didn't miss him on the floor as the Spurs rolled the defending West Champion Warriors 129-100. The Spurs looked well like the Spurs. The ball movement was crisp, they spread the floor and played as a single unit at both ends of the floor.
For those that said Kawhi Leonard was a MVP candidate looked pretty smart as he dominated both ends of the floor last night. The two-time defending Defensive Player of the Year showed he can carry the load offensively as well. Leonard lead all scorers with a career high 35 points. He made all 15 free throw attempts and added 5 rebounds and 5 steals. His sidekick LaMarcus Aldridge had 26 points and 14 rebounds and Pau Gasol was not a large contributor statistically, but his presence in the lane could be felt.
The Spurs bench scored 54 points led by Jonathon Simmons' 20 and is 3 three pointers. Simmons finished with a +33 on the night and Patty Mills finished with a +35. The Spurs out rebounded the Warriors 55-35 and seemed to just out muscle and physical the Warriors. They made a statement that we are still here despite the Warriors adding Durant.
