Parker sizzles as Spurs thwarts Lakers

Second seeded San Antonio Spurs relied on long-serving point guard Tony Parker to provide much of the offense as he tallied 28 points and 7 assists en route to a 102-91 win over seventh seeded LA Lakers.

The Lakers, to their credit, shot better compared to Game 1, but the thing is, so as San Antonio.

Tim Duncan, who just turned 37 years old, scored 16 points along with energy provider Kawhi Leonard. Argentinian Manu Ginobili added 13 points while big man shooter Matt Bonner contributed 10 for the Spurs,  who now leads their best-of-seven series 2 games to none.

Dwight Howard only scored 16 points, along with Steve Blake. Pau Gasol and Metta World Peace had 13 each. On my blog post last night, I noted that D12 and Pau Gasoft, este Gasol SHOULD assert themselves and trust their own abilities. If Dwight and Pau had scored 20 each, they would've won the game, in my humble opinion.

Composure is another thing. At this stage, they should know how to close out games. Yes they've stayed close in the majority of the game but come crunch time they crumble. The Spurs for me, given their familiarity with each other has this advantage over the somehow "rebuilding" Laker team with their new coach, new players and a system to embrace.

Yes I know they are playing hurt, but come on, this is the playoffs. Hindi na pwede ang excuses at this stage of the season, given the fact that your best player is out on injury. Walang mapapala ang kakacheer sa inyo ni Kobe if you don't deliver. To think that I'm not a Laker fan. I do believe in never say die, dahil fan ako ng Ginebra. No Caguioa? No Mamaril? No problem for them so far. Think about that.

Game 3 of this series will be played on Saturday at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles at 10:30AM Manila time, simulcast on NBA Premium TV and ABS-CBN.

Note: Marc Gasol, younger brother of Pau from the Memphis Grizzlies was awarded today as the Defensive Player of the Year.