The Spurs three-game win streak could not have come at a better time. While the nation’s Capitol building was overrun and the president is being threatened with impeachment for a second time for his role in inciting the violence, I appreciated the relief of worrying about pick-and-roll coverage. Please do not misunderstand me, I am disturbed by the attack, and the state of the nation and the rhetoric that caused it. I also have a limit in the amount of coverage of it that I can take.
So then, it was great to briefly forget all that and watch the Spurs get some wins over Kawhi and the Clips, then Bron and the Lakers, and finally whoever is on the T-Wolves.
Minnesota has struggled without Karl Anthony-Towns but he played (a great game) on Saturday. D’Angelo Russell hit big shots on Sunday that he did not quite make on Saturday. Patty Mills made the shots on Saturday and missed on Sunday. Those little things just about made the difference in the two games. After splitting the two games — including one OT game — we can admit that the Spurs are not quite the best team in the league, after all.
Lonnie Walker came out on a mission, scoring 22-first half points but hit a wall and then sort of petered out. He has looked a little frustrated with his own play, and funneled all that into a torrid first half. That he could not continue it and fully replace DeRozan’s ability — DDR is out tending to his dad in LA — shows how useful DeRozan has been.
Both of the big-salary guys have shown their worth this early season. Everyone has been clamoring for the young guys to get more time. They need it, and will get more as DeRozan sits for health and safety protocol after caring for his family. It is great to see Lonnie Walker IV seemingly realize that he can get to the cup every time he wants to. He attacked early and often and showed his range in that first half. He still has the tendency to one-hand the ball going up, and that has cost him. It looks awesome, but it may be time to switch it up a bit.
It was a good basketball weekend. Here is hoping DeRozan’s dad is okay.