Game Preview: Spurs v Rockets

The San Antonio Spurs play host to the Houston Rockets in Game 2 of the Western
Conference semifinals, at AT&T Center on Wednesday evening. The Rockets lead the
series 1-0. The Rockets pulled off an impressive, 126-99, victory in San Antonio
in Game 1, where they shot 46 percent from the field, including 22-of-50 from
long range, and led by 30 at halftime. On the other hand, the Spurs were not
sharp from the field, or the free throw line. Houston averaged 115.3 points per
game during the regular season, while the Spurs only allowed 98.1. Despite
playing on the road in Game 1, the Rockets’ offense maintained its trend, while
the Spurs simply could not keep up with the scoring barrage. The Rockets had
five players attempt more than five three-pointers, and Lou Williams was not one
of them. Williams shot 2-of-4 from deep, modest compared to Trevor Ariza, who
went 5-of-10, or Ryan Anderson, 4-of-10. Not to mention James Harden, who dished
14 assists, to go along with 20 points and four steals, while Clint Capela added
20 points and 13 rebounds. The Rockets just need more of the same for Game 2.
Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard led the way for the Spurs with 21 points and 11
rebounds in Game 1, while Tony Parker finished with 11 points, four rebounds and
three assists. The only other player to score in double digits was Jonathan
Simmons, who chipped in 11 points off the bench. LaMarcus Aldridge struggled in
Game 1, with only four points and six rebounds, in 25 minutes. The Spurs need to
regroup and impose their will from the start of Game 2.