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00:00The 2K Sports Pre Game Show.
00:08This is 2K Sports. Ernie Johnson here, joined by the great Shaquille O'Neal and the equally great Kenny the Jetsmith.
00:18Tonight, it'll be the Atlanta Hawks going up against the Spurs out in San Antonio.
00:23Well, for San Antonio, their goal tonight is to play with the same type of effort at both ends of the court.
00:29They can't afford to let up at the defensive end, and that's a message I'm sure has been communicated to them in the locker room.
00:36And guys, when people talk about the Spurs, they talk about consistency from the front office to the coaching staff to the effort on the floor.
00:44Take a guy like LaMarcus Aldridge. He embodies that, doesn't he, Kenny?
00:49Yes, he does. He's got great scoring. He's got great footwork in the block.
00:53The art of the mid-range jump shot is still there, but he can pick and pop and pick and roll, Shaq.
00:58You know, he always finds a way to impact the game on his shot.
01:01When he's on, he's on like Texas barbecue, Ernie.
01:04Ooh, Texas barbecue.
01:07That wraps it up from here. Thanks for joining us.
01:10I'm hungry.
01:10We'll see you later.
01:11On the floor for the visiting Atlanta Hawks.
01:26At shooting time, Ken Bazel.
01:34At small floor, Torian Riz.
01:38At the other corner position, Ursa Ovis-Song.
01:49At second, Dwayne Denham.
01:58At the other guard position, Dennis Schroeder.
02:01The head coach of the visiting team is Mike Bynes.
02:07The head coach of the visiting team is Mike Bynes.
02:07And a lot of tennis players, Tucker and Syracuse.
02:10At the other guard position, the head coach of the visiting team is Mike Bynes.
02:14And a lot of tennis players, they're starting up.
02:18And a lot of tennis players, they're starting up.
02:23At the shoe or position, at 6'6", 6'2".
02:28Number 14, Daniel Regal.
02:3716,000 frames.
02:40Number 9, Tony.
02:51The big man at 7.0 inches.
02:56Number 16, Al Qasar.
03:07Tickets are number 12, Al Qasar.
03:21Number 6, 7, 4, San Diego State.
03:24Number 2, Tony Regal.
03:35Your head coach is great.
03:39Once again, your San Antonio Spurs.
03:42Welcome, sports fans.
03:51Thanks for joining us.
03:52And it's time for NBA basketball on 2K Sports.
03:57I'm Kevin Harlan, along with Greg Anthony and Brent Berry, our terrific analysts.
04:01And David Aldridge is our sideline reporter.
04:03The crowd here in anticipation of their home team Spurs in an inter-conference bet here at the AT&T Center in San Antonio.
04:11Tonight, two teams that like the score out of half-court six.
04:18And Brent on that subject, we often talk about the playoffs coming down to great half-court execution.
04:23Why do you think that is?
04:25It comes down to preparation, Kevin.
04:28You watch so much film.
04:30You have several days to prepare for a team that you saw, you know, more than likely three or four times during the season.
04:36And then all of a sudden, they're in front of you.
04:39As the series goes on, it starts to become less and less about turnovers and missed shots.
04:46There's a lot of predictability once you get into the playoffs.
04:49And it's about who can make the fewest mistakes that are normally going to win the series.
04:53That's a great answer.
04:55A look at Atlanta's opening lineup.
04:57Schroeder and Bazemore are in the backfield.
04:59Eliasova out there with Prince.
05:01And it's Deadman in at the center position.
05:03Here's Green.
05:08And Leonard has it in the corner.
05:15And then Leonard with the dunk.
05:17Really, with that level of speed and power, it is so difficult to keep Leonard from scoring on the drive.
05:24Guys are looking for a spark here.
05:26Yeah, a cold stretch offensively for sure.
05:31And it's Schroeder missing.
05:32Yeah, defense timed that out perfectly.
05:34Loved the aggressiveness.
05:36And then they changed the shot's direction.
05:40Green kicks to Aldridge.
05:41Leonard on the wing.
05:44Aldridge a screen.
05:46Off the pick.
05:48Kawhi Leonard again.
05:50Well, a good start here.
05:51That's Trey for Trey.
05:52And that's Spanish for three.
05:53You're right.
05:55The dish now to Eliasova.
05:57Nice ball movement here by Atlanta.
06:01Eliasova a screen.
06:06Parker against Schroeder.
06:08Shot clock at six.
06:10Jumper off the screen.
06:12San Antonio with the rebound.
06:14I'm not sure if it's a bad start or unlucky here.
06:170 for 4.
06:18Can't think too much about it.
06:19Just got to get that first one to go.
06:25Let's it go with a three.
06:27A shot goes in.
06:28First of the night.
06:28He's 1 for 3 to start the game.
06:31And boy, did they need that one.
06:33Their first make in the five field little attempts they've had.
06:36Aldridge a screen.
06:41Parker dishes to Aldridge.
06:43Back to Parker.
06:44To the paint.
06:45Here's Gasol.
06:46That drops.
06:47And it comes off an assist from Parker.
06:49A concentrated shot there.
06:51Gasol not giving in to the defense.
06:52Once he's in the paint, he stays focused on the rim and completes the play.
06:57And Pau Gasol, one of the most skilled seven-footers this league has ever seen.
07:03Whether it's the low post, high post, flaring off picks, you want the ball in his hands.
07:09And it's Schroeder missing.
07:10You almost have to assume he's going to knock those down when he is that open.
07:19Green kicks to Parker.
07:23There's the feed to Gasol.
07:26He dishes it to Aldridge.
07:27Out to Parker.
07:30A three-pointer no good.
07:31The Hawks trail by five.
07:37Here's Bazemore.
07:40Here's Dedman.
07:42Somehow ignores the tight D and gets the layup.
07:45Dedman's got his first basket.
07:47Dedman using his length that time on the offensive end.
07:51Gasol, a screen on Prince.
07:53Layup off the pick.
07:55And there is the nice layup by Gasol.
07:58And where's the help?
07:59Obviously, a missed rotation.
08:02Something they're going to want to patch up.
08:04Well, you have to be able to trust each other on the defensive end of the floor.
08:07Otherwise, the whole thing is just going to crumble.
08:10His shot just doesn't seem to be synced up right now.
08:13Here's hoping he finds it soon because his team is really going to need that production tonight.
08:18Drops in the tray.
08:19And it's seven points for Kawhi Leonard.
08:22And it just seems that every pass they make is leading to a score.
08:26Just a great ball move.
08:27And now, the first timeout called here for the Hawks.
08:31And Pau Gasol had his chances to play in San Antonio before.
08:35Finally signed with the Spurs last season.
08:37And I think all would agree has been a pretty good fit.
08:39Well, with that kind of ability and skill set that Pau possesses as a big man,
08:436'11", fast, score, and play out of the low post,
08:47seemed like a natural fit for what Greg Popovich likes to do in the system.
08:51And how about the fact that he added the three ball last year?
08:54He made 56.
09:21So, San Antonio goes with a fresh five on the floor.
09:31And the Hawks will go for a different look here.
09:33Uscala, he's checked in for Dwayne Dedman.
09:36Collins comes in for Eliasova.
09:39Elanelli, he's checked in for Kent Bazemore.
09:41And it's Malcolm Delaney in for Dennis Schrute.
09:44On deep, Prince gets it to go from beyond the arc.
09:47And Antonio leading by five.
09:52And Mills gets to Anderson.
09:57And here's Mills.
09:59Feeds it to Laverne.
10:02Gay in the corner.
10:06And the whistle blows.
10:07It's going to be on Mike Muscala.
10:09That is his first foul of the game.
10:11That is his first foul of the game.
10:171.32 left to play in the first.
10:21Mills with it.
10:22Guarded now by Prince.
10:27Laverne passes to Gale.
10:30Just two to shoot.
10:32And the Spurs scoring again.
10:34And their offense already in a flow.
10:37Some stellar shooting to jump out to this lead.
10:40There's the pass to Bellinella.
10:42Kicks it to Prince.
10:44He tries for three.
10:45San Antonio with the rebound.
10:52Gay outside.
10:54Ripped away.
10:56Now the Hawks moving it the other way.
11:00A shot's good from Delaney.
11:02He really takes off.
11:04Just never looks back.
11:06Yeah, by the time anyone even thinks of chasing him, he's gone.
11:10And that replay brought to us by Under Armour.
11:14Another Unleash Chaos moment.
11:16One of the more exciting plays in basketball.
11:19And the Spurs with possession.
11:22Following the bucket by the Hawks.
11:24Anderson the screen.
11:25Nice job coming off that screen.
11:27Well, at this point in his career, playmaking is Manu's strong point.
11:31Locates the open man there.
11:33Two for one opportunity here if they want it.
11:35And no doubt, Kevin.
11:36If I'm them, I go for it.
11:37And Bellinella kicks to Delaney.
11:40The Hawks working the ball around.
11:42And here's Prince outside.
11:44Gets the three-pointer to fall.
11:46Prince has got six points.
11:48Yeah, gotta feel good about the way you started this one, guys.
11:51As he is making almost everything out there.
11:53And giving his team a good, solid boost.
11:56Now, here's Gay.
11:57He's at the pick.
12:03Off the screen.
12:04And the jam by Rudy Gay.
12:07And gotta admire how Gay sees the floor.
12:10Effortlessly shredding the D on that drive.
12:12Just a fantastic penetrator.
12:16Here's Prince.
12:17Can't cash in on the 10-foot jumper.
12:19And so it's San Antonio.
12:21With a six-point lead at the end of the quarter.
12:24They're playing a bruising game inside.
12:26And it's working for him.
12:27And we'll be back with you shortly.
12:29And one of the most competitive men ever to play this game.
12:53Anu Ginobili spoke with us about this year.
12:57Just rely on what happened in the past.
12:58Then you're stuck in the past.
13:00I mean, we, many of us, maybe our last shot, our last season,
13:05we don't even know if we're going to have another season.
13:07So, you know, we want to do as good as we can.
13:11Well, the fire is still there.
13:12But the energy and the ability, guys, to get it done physically.
13:16Let's face it.
13:16At this point, Ginobili's mostly gutting it out.
13:18Still, you know, though, he'll either beat you or go down swinging.
13:23Just a tough individual.
13:28And the first quarter is in the books.
13:30Second about ready to get underway.
13:32And take a look at San Antonio's performance here.
13:35What do you think they've been doing or not doing?
13:37A huge fan of how they have rotated here defensively.
13:40Been able to challenge multiple shots.
13:43And if you're rotating like that, it's got to be a great line of communication
13:47between all five guys.
13:49You see that reflected on the scores.
13:50All that trust showing up with the lead.
13:53Laverne out there with Anderson.
13:55And it's Mills.
13:56Then there's Rudy Gay.
13:57And it's Murray in at the shooting guard.
14:00That's the San Antonio five.
14:02And for the Spurs last season, falling short of their goal of winning another title.
14:06But great Popovich shot, Brent.
14:08Still called it a great season.
14:09Well, they had their second most wins ever under Pop last year.
14:13Seven new players to integrate.
14:14And the first year without rock solid, steady force Tim Duncan down there on the low block.
14:20They did have some injuries late down the stretch.
14:22And they can look back on another season where they gave their best effort
14:26and put themselves in position to get another NBA championship.
14:30Now, here's Mills.
14:32Looking for his first basket still in this.
14:36There's a good screen.
14:38And Gay with no one around.
14:41That's short off the rim.
14:42The Hawks trail by six.
14:47Prince up top.
14:48He's covered by Gay.
14:50Here's Muscala.
14:52The Hawks, again, can't hit.
14:54The Spurs have gone 0-3 and are still looking for that first bucket here in the second quarter.
14:58Gay kicks to Laverne.
15:02Passes to Gay.
15:04Free throw line jump shot.
15:06Another miss by Gay.
15:07Atlanta shooting just 29% in this game.
15:10They are not a pretty side out there offensively.
15:16Prince against Gay.
15:17The nine-foot shot.
15:19Shot is good.
15:19And the Spurs lead is cut down to four on the bucket from Prince.
15:23Here's San Antonio now.
15:25No points hit here in the second quarter for them.
15:28In the corner.
15:29Murray with it.
15:29Beyond the arc.
15:30He's now one for two with that bucket.
15:33Well, this is something he's working on.
15:34A good natural leader from the point guard position wants to help out by becoming a better facilitator.
15:40And Bellinelli kicks to Delaney.
15:43Prince outside.
15:46Another shot.
15:48And he lays it up and in.
15:49This is where you've got to put a body on the guy.
15:51His will is incredible down on the interior, fighting and clawing for every rebound.
15:57And San Antonio calls the first timeout of the game.
16:01We know the importance of ball movement, Brent.
16:03But when the offense barges down, someone needs to get it done in isolation.
16:06Could you pick anybody who you would go to?
16:08Yes, Kevin.
16:09He plays in Cleveland.
16:10Yes.
16:11Or the Cavaliers.
16:12Cavaliers.
16:12And his name is LeBron James.
16:14Ah, yes.
16:15Have you seen him play?
16:15LeBron James.
16:16Yeah.
16:16I'll take that guy.
16:18Okay.
16:18That's a good guy.
16:19That's a real good guy.
16:56And Atlanta will go for a different look here.
16:59Dwayne Dedman's checked in for Mike Muscala.
17:02Ilyasova comes in for Collins.
17:04Kent Bazemore's checked in for Torian Prince.
17:07And Dennis Schroeder's subbed in for Malcolm Delaney.
17:10Now here's Leonard.
17:12He has seven.
17:14Aldridge sets up the pick now for Parker.
17:16Back to Leonard.
17:17Here's Aldridge.
17:21And it's wide right.
17:23Hits off the rim.
17:24The Hawks trail by five.
17:30And for those of you just joining us in the second quarter with about three minutes gone by.
17:34Good on the three-point shot.
17:36And the three-point shot is something Bazemore has improved steadily over his career.
17:41You can't give him room like that to fire.
17:45Screen by Parker.
17:48Here's Leonard.
17:50Good.
17:50And it's Green picking up the assist.
17:53Green's got three assists now in this one.
17:55And good passing.
17:57Setting up a lot of these buckets right now, Kevin.
17:59That's been the key.
18:01Here's Bellinelli.
18:03Wyatt so far offensively.
18:05Searching for his first points of the game.
18:07Schroeder.
18:08Misses the wing jab.
18:10A bad shot there.
18:11Trust is lacking.
18:13You've got to be willing to make the extra pass.
18:16Yeah.
18:16Just too anxious to try and make something happen out there.
18:19This is about the team.
18:21Not about you.
18:22Okay.
18:22Well, let's check in with David Aldridge.
18:23Reporting from the sideline.
18:25Well, guys, Kawhi Leonard has become a go-to scorer, but his focus still starts at the defensive end.
18:32He said, my mindset is the same every game.
18:35Whoever I'm playing against, I go in and try to stop their best scorer and then try to get myself going on the offensive end.
18:42Kevin?
18:43And, David, that's what you get with Kawhi.
18:45Mr. Consistency.
18:46One of the best two-way players in the game.
18:49And LaMarcus Aldridge really possesses tremendous shooting touch.
18:53When you consider this guy's basically a seven-footer.
18:56And he's increasing that range.
18:58Last season, up over 40% from three.
19:02Dan Aldridge doesn't shoot a ton of threes, yet he still earns his keep in that mid-range.
19:07Yeah.
19:07On that left block.
19:08Back to the basket.
19:09And with his size, that turnaround, Jay, is just about unstoppable.
19:13Shooting two.
19:20Shooting two.
19:34That's good from Aldridge.
19:36Do a deep dive into LaMarcus Aldridge's career numbers.
19:39He is just one of the best big men shooting the basketball, especially from the mid-range, with incredible consistency.
19:46He can hurt you from all over the floor, but especially from around the 15-foot mark.
19:51That is his bread and butter.
19:59Both free throws good from Aldridge.
20:01And the mid-range jumper not usually a recipe for efficiency.
20:05Brent, you think the Spurs want Aldridge to take a step back and take more threes?
20:09Last season, he shot over 40% from the three-point line.
20:12And I think that the big guy stepping out to the corner is something that a lot of offenses look to.
20:18He didn't take a ton of threes, but when he did, he'd knock him down.
20:22San Antonio leading by four.
20:24Here's Parker.
20:26So the whistle blows on the shot and two free throws for the contact right there.
20:30And Parker is just so deceptive on the drive.
20:34He just knows how to force the issue down low.
20:36And Tony Parker in his prime, one of the best slashing point guards this league has ever seen.
20:44Just an outstanding finisher amidst the tall players.
20:48And one season, how about he almost led the league in points in the paint.
20:52A sure-fire Hall of Famer.
20:54The first free throw is good.
21:08And a bit of a down here for Tony Parker in 2017.
21:11His lowest three-point percentage in five years.
21:14Lowest free throw percentage in nine.
21:16Yeah, I mean, you'd like to see him hitting threes at a higher clip.
21:20The previous couple seasons, he shot it up over 40%.
21:24And a great way, I think, to boost his offense, even though he has slowed down a bit.
21:30Gone from the Hawks are all the starters of that team that just a couple years ago won 60 games.
21:35So you have to believe if this is the time for that organization to embrace a rebuild.
21:40Deadman's shot is off.
21:43The defense ready for him on that possession.
21:45They had to be because he is so strong in the paint.
21:49And it's Leonard missing.
21:50That's where I like the shot selection.
21:52The defense cannot afford to give up wide open shots.
21:55They dodged a bullet there.
22:00Schroeder against Parker.
22:02Deadman.
22:03The shot's good on the assist by Schroeder.
22:05And the Hawks last season, a 5th seed, Brent, in the Eastern Conference,
22:10ousted in the first round.
22:12Well, they have some aging veterans.
22:14They had some regressions in the wins column.
22:16They traded away a lot of the guys that were part of that 60-win team.
22:20So this is a young team that's starting to reset, rebuild, and retool.
22:26And the Hawks with possession here.
22:28Kawhi Leonard unable to get his shot to go.
22:33And he could not get that one to go.
22:35A lot of contact.
22:36And he'll go to the line for two.
22:38It's on Kawhi Leonard.
22:40Clearly a foul.
22:42The Hawks shooting their first free throws of the game.
22:45Numbers last year for them, just about 73%.
22:48So the bottom third of the league.
23:02Two.
23:03Two.
23:03Two.
23:04And he makes the first.
23:17Hawks making a switch here.
23:19Muscala's checked in.
23:20He doesn't get the second one.
23:41San Antonio leading by three.
23:43Ginobili gets a wide-open look.
23:46Drills it from outside.
23:49Ginobili's got his first bucket of the game, and he's on the board for three.
23:56Schroeder outside.
23:57No good on that one.
24:10And so it's San Antonio with their lead standing at six points here at the end of the quarter.
24:19They've been playing some ferocious defense.
24:22And a chance now to send it over to David Aldridge, standing by courtside.
24:26David.
24:29Kevin, thanks so much.
24:30Kawhi, you seem to be so at ease out there.
24:33How much is that helping your game?
24:35It's helping me out a lot.
24:38Just coming in the game relaxed.
24:40Just with more intensity.
24:41I mean, my teammates are getting me involved in the offensive end.
24:44I'm playing great on defense.
24:46We just got to keep it up second half and not let it up.
24:49Hey, Kawhi, thank you very much for your time.
24:51Back to you, Kevin.
24:52Thank you, David.
24:53And we'll be right back after halftime to start the third quarter.
24:57See you in just a bit.
24:58The 2K Sports Halftime Show.
25:03Welcome back, folks.
25:04Ernie Johnson here alongside Shaquille O'Neal and Kenny the Jet Smith.
25:10It's San Antonio out on top at halftime.
25:13They have a six-point lead.
25:15Kenny, what do you think?
25:17Well, their playmakers are showing up tonight, seeing the court world moving, the basketball.
25:21That's why they had so many assists in the first half.
25:23And they're not just relying on ISO plays to generate points.
25:26And over to the big fella, your thoughts on the Hawks.
25:30Well, they shot under 40% in the half.
25:33That tells the story right there.
25:34The defense deserves some credit for disrupting them a little bit.
25:38But they need to counteract with more creativity on offense.
25:41Few isolations, more movement, better shot selection.
25:50That's it for now as the second half is just about ready to go.
25:56A time-lapse view of the Friendship Torch and all the activity around it as we take you back here to downtown San Antonio.
26:13And it's been a back-and-forth game so far with no ground given through the first half.
26:19Third quarter starting here now.
26:21You have to like what we're seeing so far from Kawhi Leonard.
26:24And I love the game plan in that first half.
26:26They really value each possession.
26:29Efficient so far with the shots that he's taken.
26:32His contributions have been fantastic.
26:34The third quarter now beginning.
26:38Both sides looking to pull away in the last half of the game.
26:43And on the floor for Mike Budenholzer starting the second half.
26:47Filling out the wings.
26:49It's Bazemore and Prince.
26:50Dwayne Dedman is out there with Eliasova.
26:53And it's Schroeder in at the point guard position.
26:54Coach Greg Popovich last season passed Jerry Sloan for the most wins with a single team.
27:01Of course, Jerry Sloan with the Utah Jazz.
27:04You might not know this, but the Spurs modeled themselves very much after the Utah Jazz system.
27:09Behind Stockton, Malone, and Sloan staying there for the amount of time that he did.
27:14That role model of consistency and sustained success and accountability
27:18has certainly worked in this small market in San Antonio.
27:21Now, here's Green after the miss from Dennis Schroeder.
27:25Six to shoot.
27:26Aldridge sets up the pick now for Parker.
27:30There's the basket and make it a double-digit lead.
27:34And it's a 10-point Spurs lead.
27:36And Parker really as good as anybody when it comes to attacking the rim and finishing.
27:44Dedman dishes to Schroeder.
27:46Nice teamwork to set up the pick play and make the space for the jail.
27:51And the Spurs are now seen as that model franchise.
27:54Brent, so interesting to hear who they tried to emulate.
27:57Easy to see a lot of comparisons between the precision and the toughness
28:02and the bond between not only the coach and the players, but the team and the community.
28:07The way that it happened in Utah for the Jazz.
28:10And Coach Pop talks a lot about those connections that Jerry Sloan had between John Stockton and Carl Malone.
28:17That's something he's always admired and brought to the San Antonio way.
28:20The Hawks trail by eight.
28:22Guys are looking for a spark here.
28:24Yeah, a cold stretch offensively for sure.
28:27Prince kicks it over to Schroeder.
28:30Takes a three.
28:32That doesn't go either for Schroeder.
28:34The shooting numbers just aren't there yet in the quarter.
28:38And the wide-open shot from Green.
28:40Off target from three-point range.
28:41The Hawks have gone only one to five from the field since halftime.
28:46Barely a slow start offensively.
28:49Eliasova a screen.
28:51Winter passes to Eliasova.
28:53He used that pick to get in close.
28:55Well, Eliasova knows exactly when to release on that roll.
28:59After he sets the pick.
29:00Some good timing there.
29:01Time called here.
29:02The Spurs decide to talk it over.
29:05And Erzan Eliasova out of Turkey.
29:08The 36th pick back in 2005.
29:10He's carved out a long and nice career as a spread four in this league.
29:14Has played for many teams, but has not played in many different ways.
29:18He's a good shooter and a good rebounder.
29:21And keeps getting chances in the NBA.
29:23Yeah, I mean, it's an opportunity to kind of regroup and discuss ways to maximize these possessions.
29:30And therein lies the trick.
29:32Discussing ways to be aggressive, but not committing turnovers.
29:53So San Antonio going with an almost entirely new group here.
30:13Laverne, he's checked in for Gasol.
30:15Kyle Anderson comes in for LaMarcus Aldridge.
30:18Rudy Gay's checked in for Kawhi Leonard.
30:20Has Mills in for Tony Parker.
30:23Then for the Hawks.
30:24Collins comes in for Dwayne Dedman.
30:26And it's Malcolm Delaney in for Dennis Schroeder.
30:29Now here's Mills.
30:31He hasn't scored yet, but I'm sure will change.
30:33The pick gave him all the room he needed.
30:36And he knocks down the James.
30:37I like the decision there from Patty.
30:39But then he generally makes great choices.
30:42That's why he's in the rotation.
30:44Here's Bazemore.
30:46Eight-point game.
30:47And here's Prince outside.
30:50Good on the triple.
30:50Prince has got 11 points.
30:53Three minutes gone now in the third quarter.
30:58To the inside.
30:59Here's Laverne.
31:00And it's going to be two free throws.
31:02Drew contact on the shot.
31:03Brent the stretch for the three in deep play.
31:06Specialties that have emerged over the years.
31:09Any other specialties you see becoming a trend?
31:12The one that I see as a trend, Kevin, right now is the redefining of the five position.
31:17To think about guys like Porzingis, Embiid, Carl Anthony Towns, Anthony Davis, being able to stretch a defense out at the five position all the way out to the three-point line.
31:29And we're redefining what it means to be a center in the NBA.
31:32I'm sure there are traditional guys that see that and just can't believe what they're watching, huh?
31:35Guys out there that big and hitting shots.
31:38Yeah, most of those old guys will take back to the home, Kevin.
31:41Just enjoy it while you can.
31:42And you might have thought that with the big three retiring and getting older, the San Antonio Spurs might need to think about rebuilding.
31:51But the emergence of one Kawhi Leonard as a superstar in the league on both ends of the floor has extended this team's dominance.
31:59And the Hawks making a change here.
32:01Buscal has checked in.
32:04So neither attempt will fall that time for him.
32:07And Tim Duncan retired, as we know.
32:09But Kawhi Leonard carrying on that culture of no-frills.
32:12Great work and dedication to the game.
32:15Well, there's no better standard bearer than what Kawhi Leonard has represented.
32:19But it's been built on the shoulders of Tim Duncan and David Robinson before him.
32:24The Spurs continue to go out, go about their business, respecting the game,
32:29and getting the most out of the ability of the players on the floor.
32:33Now here's Bazemore.
32:35He's got five.
32:36Collins, a screen on green.
32:39Here's Bazemore.
32:40Oh, and he pucks it off the glass.
32:42Wow.
32:46Mills dishes to Laverne.
32:52Gay against Prince.
32:53Gay kicks to green.
32:56Laverne passes to Mills.
32:57And that's out of bounds.
32:59San Antonio will retain possession.
33:02Playing with lots of energy here, trying to cause turnovers.
33:06Yeah, even though he doesn't come up with the steal, that kind of deflection will disrupt
33:10the rhythm of this offensive possession.
33:12Here's what San Antonio's going with right now.
33:15LaMarcus Aldridge is checked in for Laverne.
33:17And it's Ginobili in for Danny Green.
33:20And a switch here also for Atlanta.
33:23Pellinelli, he's checked in for Collins.
33:25Offensive rebound.
33:26Aldridge kicks to Mills.
33:29Back to Aldridge.
33:33Ginobili outside.
33:35Hey, Rudy, Rudy, Rudy, Rudy, Rudy, Rudy.
33:40141 left to play here in the third.
33:42Back to Aldridge.
33:46Moves back up.
33:48It's tipped.
33:52Here's Delaney.
33:54Pass to Bellinelli.
33:56Wide open shot is on the money.
34:02San Antonio leading by three.
34:051-12 left in the third quarter of the game.
34:11Here's Aldridge.
34:13Over Muscala.
34:14And that one goes long.
34:17For Atlanta.
34:18They've gone to somewhat so far 4 of 10 on their shots in the second half so far.
34:26Now Bellinelli.
34:31Pass to Delaney.
34:32Over Anderson.
34:37Delaney.
34:38No good.
34:39They can trade two for one here.
34:41Would be the right move, I believe, right now.
34:46And Mills kicks to Anderson.
34:52Now here's Gay.
34:53Bellinelli is covering to stop the drought.
34:57Gay can't hit.
34:58The Hawks trail by three.
35:03They need a bucket in a big way here to regain some confidence.
35:11Here's Delaney.
35:12He feeds it to Bellinelli.
35:16To the middle.
35:17Here's Muscala.
35:18And a strong finish with two hands.
35:21How about this run there in the midst of, on the verge of tying it up or maybe even taking the lead.
35:28The aggressiveness has picked up on both sides of the floor.
35:31And I'm not sure what took them so long to muster that, but here we are.
35:35We're at the end of the third, and we've still got a close one.
35:38Spurs lead by one.
35:40Live from the AT&T Center in San Antonio, you're watching 2K Sports.
35:45A chance now to hear Greg Popovich talking to his team just moments ago.
36:00Down the stretch now.
36:02No fouls.
36:03We're in attack mode.
36:05Quick decisions.
36:06Attack, attack.
36:07At the other end, everybody's rebound.
36:10It's the most important thing.
36:11And get it out of here.
36:12And Greg Popovich asking for intelligent aggression.
36:16This is where this type of team tends to shine.
36:19Yeah, it's a higher level of play.
36:22Every team in the league strives for it.
36:25Only a few actually make it happen.
36:29We've got a great game on our hands as we welcome you back.
36:32The fourth quarter of action getting started.
36:34The timeless Parker and Manu are the one and the two.
36:37Rudy Gay is out there with Kawhi Leonard.
36:39And it's Aldridge in at the five.
36:41Roaming the paint.
36:43That's the San Antonio five.
36:50Take a break.
36:51Take a break.
36:52Two shots.
36:53He misses the free throw.
37:05Well, from the D-League to dominating defensively, Dwayne Dedman hustling around.
37:10A different look now for San Antonio.
37:12Pau Gasol's checked in for game.
37:15And Murray's subbed in for Manu Ginobili.
37:17And it's tied up with that one.
37:29And Brent for the Hawks.
37:31You go back to the summer of 2016.
37:33How big was it for them losing their all-star, Al Horford?
37:36Well, the rumor is there wasn't too much of a financial difference between what the Hawks were offering and what the Celtics ended up giving Al Horford.
37:45And they wanted to have him back and maybe trade Paul Millsap for assets.
37:49That all did not happen.
37:50And it gutted the team a little bit because of Horford's versatility.
37:53You could see that reflected in some of the offensive numbers from the Hawks last year.
37:59And the Spurs got Kawhi Leonard to be the next Bruce Bowen.
38:02But from his rookie season, I think Pop realized, Brent, he could be the face of the franchise.
38:07Well, it's amazing that they had talked with that kind of regard for Kawhi Leonard after making the draft day trade and sending away George Hill.
38:16They felt like Kawhi Leonard could make that kind of progression.
38:18Now, I would also tell you that they had no idea he would become one of the more devastating players on the offensive end of the floor.
38:25But the work ethic was there, the size was there, and the fruits of the labor are paying off.
38:30And the first one at the line is good.
38:33So Kawhi Leonard comes out of San Diego State and can't shoot outside of eight feet.
38:38And now is one of the NBA's premier scorers.
38:40What remarkable offseason work he's done with shooting coach Chip England to become one of the more deadly offensive weapons in the league.
38:53Good on both.
38:55And Kawhi Leonard scoring in volume.
38:57But like you'd expect from a spurt, tremendous efficiency as well.
39:00You look at the numbers, the league's most efficient pick-and-roll scorer last season.
39:05That is remarkable stuff, especially for a guy playing mostly in the three-and-four spot.
39:10And then the clutch numbers and coming down the stretch, how it was that he had the best percentage on go-ahead buckets with five seconds left in the basketball game.
39:18That's a steady force.
39:22Another miss by Leonard.
39:24The Hawks trailing.
39:28Now, here's Schroeder.
39:29Fourth quarter of basketball, we're about a minute into it, buries it down low.
39:37And Schroeder did not even have to think twice about that shot.
39:41This young man simply devours these chances inside.
39:45Aldridge is straight.
39:51Back to Parker.
39:53Shoots over Schroeder.
39:54Again, the miss by the Spurs.
39:56The Hawks shooting 39% from the floor at their best.
40:03To take the lead.
40:05And two free throws coming up, unable to get that one to go with all the content.
40:09And Dennis Schroeder, a full-time starter for the first time just last season.
40:14Upped his scoring average to around 18 points a game.
40:17But they really turned the keys over to what it was that they were going to do behind Dennis Schroeder and his ability.
40:23At the same time, it was the best shooting percentages he had in his very young career.
40:32Gentlemen, two shots.
40:34Blue shots.
40:34And they now lead as the free throw drops for him.
40:51And Schroeder can score.
40:52He also averaged about six assists a game last season.
40:54Well, the balance between scoring and passing and the first season as Schroeder being a first-time starter for his ball club is something that he needs to work on.
41:04That tends to point, Kevin, towards leadership.
41:07And the Hawks would like to see more of that.
41:10Schroeder hits them both.
41:12Encouraging sign there to see him knock down the free throw.
41:15For San Antonio, they've gone 0-3 to start the fourth quarter.
41:19Aldridge is straight.
41:19Green kicks to Leonard over Ilyasova.
41:26Not enough on that one as it misses.
41:32Here's Delaney.
41:36Solid play in the low block, and that one's good.
41:39And the Hawks lead by four.
41:41The terrific use of the floater.
41:44Unguardable, really, because you can't do anything defensively to stop it.
41:50Gasol set in the pit for Green.
41:52Parker gets to Gasol.
41:55Back to Parker.
42:00Outside Gasol.
42:04It's up a three.
42:05And that's good.
42:06Tony Parker for three.
42:07And Parker just so smart about knowing when to take three-pointers.
42:11A lot of confidence from him there seeking the outside shot.
42:16Here's Delaney, and he uses the glass on the layup.
42:19Delaney's got four points in the quarter.
42:21They are just killing him on the interior.
42:28Outside Leonard.
42:30He kicks it to Parker.
42:32Aldridge with a screen on Schroeder.
42:34Down low, up off the screen, and the jump by Aldridge.
42:38Great timing on the pick and roll.
42:40The defender had a split second to make his choice.
42:43Aldridge, too good there.
42:45And Bazemore kicks to Dedman.
42:47Hawks passing it around.
42:52Here's Delaney.
42:54Here's the screen.
42:56Dishes to Dedman.
42:57Inside.
42:59And sticking right with it.
43:01Gets the foul with the bucket, and he'll go to the line.
43:04Those defenders just look a little bit gassed.
43:08I mean, they're getting pushed around on that low block.
43:11Torian Prince.
43:12He's checked in for Malcolm Delaney.
43:26Mind the lanes.
43:27Mind the lanes.
43:29One shot.
43:29One shot.
43:29One shot.
43:29One shot.
43:34Ilyassoba with the height of a big man.
43:42He's very much at ease and has a great release.
43:44Spurs trail by four.
43:47Parker dishes to Gasol.
43:50Outside Leonard.
43:52Gasol is screen.
43:53Parker left side.
43:55There's the feed to Aldridge.
43:59Over Ilyassoba.
44:00And again, it's LaMarcus Aldridge.
44:03He wants the ball in the big moment.
44:05There you go.
44:06Aldridge shows he can put the team on his back if they need him.
44:11Prince kicks it over to Schroeder.
44:13Now the dish to Bazeman.
44:15The Hawks again can hit.
44:18And on an open look like that, he's very gifted at making the weak coverage pay.
44:26Prince against Leonard.
44:27Gasol is screen.
44:34Aldridge sets up the pick now for Leonard.
44:37And stolen by Ilyassoba.
44:40Schroeder with the ball.
44:41He's picked up by Parker.
44:46And it's Schroeder missing.
44:48We had the perfect opportunity to finish that one, guys.
44:51Just flat out.
44:52Blew it.
44:53Feeds to Gasol.
44:54And he makes the bucket through contact and gets the whistle, too.
45:00And Gasol is someone you turn to in these situations.
45:05Need a big basket?
45:06He's ready to go.
45:07One shot.
45:19One shot.
45:20One shot.
45:24Gasol, no good on the free throw.
45:42I'll throw out the two-time champion stuff for you here, Kevin.
45:45But an outstanding big man, Kyle Gasol, even in the later stages of his career.
45:52Time call here.
45:53The Hawks decide to talk it over.
45:55They're trailing by two.
45:581.31 left in the fourth quarter of this one.
46:001.31 left from here.
46:30and now we've got a moment for our
46:53Jordan player of the game
46:54Pau Gasol
46:55and in terms of his shooting
46:57this has been one of the more
46:59accurate performances
47:00you'll ever see
47:02I mean he's been in constant motion
47:04creating a lot of good looks for himself
47:06but still even when you're wide open
47:09you expect to miss some of the time
47:11that has not been the case
47:12here tonight
47:13this guy has made everything
47:16now let's go to the sideline
47:17and catch up with our Hall of Famer
47:19David Aldrin
47:20thanks Kevin
47:21Mike Budenholzer had some words
47:23for his team during the break
47:24he told him this game wasn't over
47:26he said don't give up
47:28he can make a few big plays
47:30we're right back in this game
47:32stay the course
47:33after you Kevin
47:34shot clock at six
47:35and Green gets it to go
47:38and no problem having Green take big shots in big games
47:42he's been tested
47:43the Hawks trail by three
47:45Schroeder outside
47:50he dishes it to Ilyasova
47:53the pass to Schroeder
47:55Ilyasova sets a screen for Schroeder
47:59a rebound by Gasol
48:03well executed
48:06great rhythm
48:07you've got to finish that
48:09well it's like Thanksgiving out there
48:11carving out space
48:12off the screen
48:13couldn't complete the play
48:15I mean this is a battle tested
48:17young player
48:18Leonard's willing to put the team
48:19on his back
48:20when they really need a bucket
48:21and he's fouled pretty hard
48:25on that shot
48:26but he's got the chance
48:27to pick up the points
48:28at the line
48:28got one on Parker
48:30two shots
48:45first free throw
48:58is good
48:59and that shrinks the margin
49:00to just four
49:01both good from the line
49:22that time
49:23and that makes it a one possession game
49:25guys
49:26got to be the biggest free throws
49:27of the game thus far
49:29we can probably expect
49:31to see him slow it down
49:32now
49:32yeah I think you want to milk
49:34your possession
49:35we've got a nine second difference
49:37between the shot clock
49:38and the game clock
49:38from deep green
49:40and it's good
49:41and the assist
49:42by Parker
49:43and the Spurs lead by six
49:45and with time
49:47becoming a factor
49:48that may do it
49:49guys
49:49well leads are not given
49:51they are earned
49:52playing with desire
49:53and attention to detail
49:55all night
49:56Atlanta calls timeout
49:57they're trailing by six
50:00there's 18 seconds left
50:02in the fourth quarter
50:03there's a beginning to do it
50:07in order to get
50:08come вот
50:09sit
50:09and
50:11and
50:12check out
50:13if no
50:14we're going to
50:15turn
50:15we're going to
50:17go
50:18and
50:18we're going to
50:19find
50:19it
50:20don't
50:21pass
50:22here
50:23the
50:24I'm
50:25I'm
50:25good
50:26I'm
50:26going to
50:27imagine
50:28I'm
50:28going to
50:30I'm
50:31way
50:31Yeah, get back!
51:02There's 18 seconds left in the fourth quarter.
51:07And he commits the intentional foul.
51:13Shooting for San Antonio, Pauline Parker.
51:18Two shots.
51:19And he cannot get the first one to drop.
51:32Tough one to miss.
51:33And Parker has such speed and creativity.
51:36Just causes the defense fits in terms of how to properly guard it.
51:43And the second of two is good.
51:45That makes it a seven-point lead.
51:49Here's Dedman.
51:52And Bazemore kicks to Prince.
51:54Pass to Bazemore.
51:56Dishes to Dedman.
51:57Launches it.
51:59Leases one from three.
52:01Yeah, Kent Bazemore stepping up huge.
52:04Staying calm.
52:05And drilling a huge shot.
52:07And so it's San Antonio who's straight by with the win.
52:10It was a fantastic ball game.
52:12And they did a great job making sure it didn't get away from them late.
52:15Yeah, I mean, they faced some challenges.
52:18But really held firm.
52:19When they needed to.
52:20On both ends.
52:22It's just effective.
52:23In terms of coming away.
52:25With this win.
52:26And now we'll send it over to David Aldridge.
52:28Who is standing by courtside.
52:30David.
52:33Thanks very much, pal.
52:34Congrats on the win.
52:35Big performance defensively tonight.
52:38How important is that to your success?
52:39Well, defense is going to be always our motor.
52:43If we get some stops.
52:45If we're doing a good job defensively.
52:46Everything will be okay from that point on.
52:48So we just got to continue to emphasize our defense.
52:52I know you work on that a lot in practice.
52:54And it's show tonight, pal.
52:55Thanks very much.
52:56Back to you, Kevin.
52:56All right, David.
52:59And that'll wrap it up, folks.
53:01For Greg Anthony, Brett Berry, and David Aldridge.
53:04This is Kevin Harlow.
53:06Thanks for watching.
53:06The NBA.
53:08Presented by 2K Sports.
53:10So long, everyone.
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