Could Lakers victory signal end of Spurs?
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Tim Duncan at 32 is the baby in this group with Bruce Bowen, Brent Barry, and Kurt Thomas
Image details: San Antonio Spurs v Los Angeles Lakers, Game 5 served by picapp.com
Los Angeles Lakers stay young
The Lakers are a young team and their victory over the Spurs may cause some changes to the league.
San Antonio’s elimination might signal the end of its era of dominance. With Duncan leading the way, the Spurs won championships in 1999, 2003, 2005 and 2007, but with a rotation made up solely of 30-something players except for the 26-year-old Parker, the future seems uncertain.
Meanwhile, starting guard Derek Fisher and seldom-used reserve Ira Newble are the only players on the Los Angeles roster over 30.
Something happens to the body as it moves into its thirties. You don’t jump as quick or push as hard. The mind is still there, but the body begins to back off. Bruises hang around longer and injuries appear more often. It signals the beginning of the end.
The group of 30-something Spurs could not keep up with the in-their-20s Los Angeles Lakers.
After another fast start at Staples Center, San Antonio seemed to tire, again blowing a substantial lead and falling 100-92 on Thursday night as the Lakers won Game 5 to advance to the NBA Finals.
San Antonio took a 17-point lead in the second quarter, but the Lakers caught up in the third and put the game away late in the fourth.
In the Western Conference finals opener, San Antonio was up by 20 in the third quarter on the Lakers’ court before the Spurs began to struggle and Los Angeles stormed back to win 89-85.
Age takes its toll. It does not mean the same Spurs team cannot come back next year and win a title, but it may be time to rebuild parts of the team.
Tony Parker, at 26 the lone member of the Spurs’ regular rotation under 30, and 32-year-old Tim Duncan did their part in Game 5, with Parker scoring 23 points and Duncan getting 19 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists.
But down the stretch, the Lakers again outplayed them and teammates Bruce Bowen and Brent Barry, each 36; Michael Finely, 35; and Manu Ginobili, 30.
Popovich didn’t use Robert Horry, who is almost 38, going instead with Kurt Thomas, who is 35. Thomas had 11 points in his 20:38 on the court.
Kobe Bryant, 29 and the Lakers’ oldest regular except for 33-year-old backcourt mate Derek Fisher, led Los Angeles with 39 points. Pau Gasol, 27, had 19 rebounds and 12 points, while Lamar Odom, 28, chipped in with 13 points and eight rebounds.
Although they’ve been the league’s best team in recent years, the Spurs still haven’t been able to repeat as champions.
One should keep in mind though that the Kobe came to the NBA from High School, so his body has taken an extra toll.
But none of that matters to the Lakers right now. They are going to the NBA Championship series! That is all they can think about.
As always, any NBA Basketball related comments are welcome.
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POSTED IN: Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers, Pau Gasol, San Antonio Spurs, Tim Duncan
3 opinions for Could Lakers victory signal end of Spurs?
Ryan
May 30, 2008 at 1:36 pm
In my opinion the Piston’s present more of a challenge to LA than to Boston. Either way the Eastern conf. team will have home court.
james
May 30, 2008 at 8:25 pm
My contention all along. Problem is that the Celtics cause some real matchup problems for the Pistons, mainly Garnett.
Eric
May 30, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Lakers are full of youth and full of victories too.Just think Kobe wanted to leave the team , now he doesn’t.
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