Stephen Anderson, second from left, interviewing Manu Ginobili
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While the Warriors are grabbing all the headlines, thanks to a perfect 16-0 start, the reliable San Antonio Spurs are quietly succeeding at a high level on both ends of the court. They are led by 24-year-old phenom and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Kawhi Leonard, but as with all Gregg Popovich-led Spurs teams over the years, individual accolades are not what it’s about. Stephen Anderson of Project Spurs graciously came on the show to discuss the Spurs’ scalding start, Leonard’s two-way dominance, the addition of LaMarcus Aldridge and plenty more.
Additional highlights include:
11:15-11:35 From an offensive standpoint, Stephen believes that integrating Aldridge will be a process. However, he’s already very impressed with his understanding of the team’s defensive principles: “His defense is a seamless transition for him. We’ve seen him defend. We’ve seen him and Tim Duncan in the paint together, which gives me flashbacks of David Robinson. LaMarcus Aldridge is not like David Robinson in that way, but defense-wise he really is proving to be a very good asset.”
16:30-16:45 On how Tim Duncan would approach his final season, which may or may not be 2015-16: “I don’t see Tim Duncan having a farewell tour. All of us journalists, all of us writers, have a running joke that if the Spurs win the championship, in his presser, post-game, he’ll say, ‘Alright guys, I’m done,’ and that’s the last time you’ll see him.”
22:20-22:30 On Patty Mills’ offensive impact (his defense is discussed a tad later): “His confidence can go from 0 to 100 very quickly. It only takes one shot, and if that first three falls, you know you’re in for a very good night.”
25:25-25:40 Stephen believes that the Spurs are a team with the tools to challenge the unbeaten Warriors: “If Andre Iguodala hits a 3 to win the game for Golden State against the Spurs, then so be it, but if you can stop Curry and limit Thompson, then I like their chances against Golden State.”
Music: “Who Likes to Party?” by Kevin MacLeod
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