Popovich Picked the Wrong Men

It’s easy to second-guess a coaching decision, but San Antonio’s Gregg Popovich has to wonder what would have happened had the Spurs defended the inbounds pass -- instead of double-teaming Kobe Bryant 35 feet from the basket -- before Derek Fisher’s game-winning shot for the Lakers in Game 5.

Gary Payton had a clear view to make a decision with the ball and he made a perfect pass to Fisher, who knocked down a difficult shot as game time expired. It’s safe to say that by having lanky Robert Horry jump and wave his long arms in front of Payton, who is six inches shorter than the Spur forward, the pass would have been more difficult to make.

Another factor to consider is that Popovich did not have Bruce Bowen, the Spurs’ best defender, on the floor instead of Devin Brown on the final play of the game. It’s true that Brown’s offense helped San Antonio stay in the game in the third quarter, but moments earlier he got caught in a Karl Malone screen that led to a key basket by Bryant to give the Lakers a 72-71 lead with 11.5 seconds left.

Decisions, decisions, decisions. When they are right, everyone is happy. When they aren’t, you find yourself one defeat away from summer vacation.

Spurs’ move -- The main reason the Spurs have a legitimate chance to win Game 6 tonight is the same reason they came within a second from winning Thursday’s memorable game: They never stop playing.

The Lakers controlled most of Game 5, but they couldn’t do much against the Spurs in the fourth quarter. Tim Duncan and Tony Parker found open shots against a sluggish Laker defense that appeared worn down after three quarters. Given only one off day between games, the Spurs should have fresher legs and it would be to their advantage if they force the action even more tonight.

The Lakers rely heavily on Bryant in tight games and the Spurs have to find more ways to tire him. By pressuring Payton end-to-end with Parker, San Antonio could make the Lakers turn more to Bryant to handle the ball. The Spurs also have to make Bryant work harder on defense, which is why Brown may continue to play substantial minutes with Manu Ginobili.

Lakers’ move -- Devean George’s third quarter Thursday was among the best of his up-and-down career. George scored 11 points -- on three three-pointers and a dunk -- and played solid defense on Hedo Turkoglu. It was the type of effort that makes you ask, “Why can’t he do that all of the time?” But if you’re the Lakers, you’re just glad to see George finally make plays.

Until he made a couple of big baskets in the fourth quarter, Shaquille O’Neal had a mediocre Game 5. He struggled with his moves from the left side and finished with only 11 points. O’Neal and Malone combined for 23 rebounds, but the Lakers were outrebounded, 47-39, as Duncan had 21.

Payton has quietly put the clamps on Parker with solid position defense. Parker still has an edge in quickness, but Payton has used his experience to beat the Spur point guard to his favorite spots on the floor.

Something to look for -- It doesn’t matter whether it was Coach Phil Jackson or his players who decided to move away from the Lakers’ traditional triangle, but since Game 3 their offense has certainly had more juice.

Although the Lakers’ use screens more to free up Bryant with the ball than to get open shots for big men, the adjustment has helped the Lakers expose a few minor weaknesses in the Spur defense, which relies heavily on shutting down passing lanes.