Western Conference Finals Spurs.com Road Report

I *Don't* Love L.A.
by John Robbins | May 30, 2008 | 12:30 a.m. CT

Go ahead and add the San Antonio Spurs to the pile of broken dreams the Los Angeles is responsible for. It didn't turn out the way I wanted or expected, and it sure as heck didn't feel like a 4-1 series, but in the end it is what it is. Alas, there cannot be a river parade every year, but with the core of team coming back in their prime...there just might be some nautical planning going on come this time in 2009.

Can't Find The Basket
by John Robbins | May 29, 2008 | 10:01 p.m. CT

The open shots that the Spurs found in the first half are rapidly disappearing in the second as the Laker "D" tightens up. The Spurs shot 6-of-17 in the third quarter as they lost their lead.

The good is news is that the Lakers "O" didn't really heat up. Other than Kobe Bryant's nine points, not much damage was done as they scored a so-so 22 in the third on 9-of-18 shooting.

Slow & Sloppy To Start The Third
by John Robbins | May 29, 2008 | 9:43 p.m. CT

A couple of fouls, turnovers and bricks dot the landscape for both teams to start the third period. At the first break it remains exactly what it was at halftime, a six point Spurs lead (54-48).

First Half Observations
by John Robbins | May 29, 2008 | 9:23 p.m. CT

The Spurs failed to get to the free throw line in the second quarter and have only shot two all game. Meanwhile the Lakers took all eight of their first half free throws (hitting six) in the second quarter to make up for cold first half shooting (17/44 38.6%).

To maintain a lead in the second half SA is going to need to attack the basket and not rely on outside shooting which has run hot and cold here in the first half. The good news is that they are moving the ball extremely well and have 13 assists. Now on to the dreaded third quarter where so many games have been won and lost in the playoffs this year.

Farmar Heating Up
by John Robbins | May 29, 2008 | 8:59 p.m. CT

Jordan Farmar has scored six straight points in the game including an athletic alley-oop and an acrobatic reverse lay-up. Those two got the crowd heated up as the Lakers cut the Spurs' lead to 11 (33-22) and Coach Pop called a quick TO to recover.

Early Foul Trouble
by John Robbins | May 29, 2008 | 8:52 p.m. CT

The Lakers may make up some points at the foul line in the rest of this second quarter. The Spurs just picked up their fourth team foul with barely three minutes gone in the period. Starting with the next team foul the Lakers will be headed to the line for two shots.

First Quarter Closeout
by John Robbins | May 29, 2008 | 8:41 p.m. CT

I don't think anyone expected the Spurs to come out shooting this hot early on, but they hit 3/4 from three and over 63% overall from the field. Michael Finley lead the way with eight points with Timmy right behind him with seven.

They game was tied 11-11 with 6:38 to go and then the Spurs finished on a 17-4 run to take a 13 point lead into the second quarter.

Fin Feeling It, Early Lead Could Be More
by John Robbins | May 29, 2008 | 8:33 p.m. CT

After having his struggles this series, it's nice to see Michael Finley hit two three pointers in the first quarter. The second one came with a man right in his face as well. Confident shooting from Fin can take us a long way tonight.

The Spurs have an early six-point lead at the second break in the action, but it could be more considering their turnover numbers. San Antonio has given the ball up four times in the first quarter compared to only one for the Lakers.

Shots Falling
by John Robbins | May 29, 2008 | 8:25 p.m. CT

So far the first quarter is going much better than any road game this series for the Spurs. They are hitting their jump shots and grabbing rebounds on the defensive side. They need to take advantage of a still-filling arena while they can and steal some early mo. Through the first timeout SA is shooting 62.5% hitting 5/8 from the field. Of course the key mostly likely lies in Manu's play and this is where he usually makes his first appearance of the night.

Lakers Yellow To Fill The Arena
by Tony Garcia | May 29, 2008 | 6:29 p.m. CT

Looks like the Staples Center will be 'yellow-ized' for Game Five, free shirts were being passed out at the arena enterance...

We hit very little traffic on our ride in to the Staples Center from the our hotel near the airport. I'm taking that as good karma and expecting big things tonight. Both teams are having a light shoot around as I type this and the building is without fans. It's actually so quiet that I can hear the air conditioner running. I'm sure that will change less than two hours and that right now it's just the calm before the storm. I hope the Lakers enjoy it...

Check out a short video of what the walk is like from the Spurs locker room to the court here in L.A..

The first thing on mind my when I arrived in L.A. this morning was "Man, I can't wait to get back here...for Game 7." That and "Man, that is a lot of scaffolding," (see below).

Obviously just like the Encounter Restaurant at LAX we have some work to take care of before then and it begins tonight at 8:00pm CT at the a place where the Lakers haven't lost a game since March 28th. It's also a place where the Spurs held a 20-point lead in Game 1 of this series which could very well happen again tonight as the Spurs fight to play another day.

When I first saw the sign you see below I almost thought that it was an advertisement for Scientology. Turns out it was explaining an ever confusing rotary layout in Santa Monica.

Much like this sign, there are a few ways this series can play out over the next two games in San Antonio. After seeing what happened in the first two, I don't feel comfortable making any predictions, but I do know that the Spurs have yet to lose at the AT&T Center so far in these playoffs. I also know that nothing cures a 0-2 hangover like an In-n-Out burger and a flight back to Charles Barkley's favorite South Texas vacation spot.

If you need some more info on Game 2, be sure to check out the latest edition of Headlines.

This is not unusual after last round, but being down 0-2 is not what the Spurs had in mind.

However, coming back home usually results in better shooting performances from the home team and for the next two games - the Spurs will be the home team.

Tim and Manu didn't take any solace in returning to San Antonio in a two game hole. They were both asked about returning home in several different fashions, by several different reporters. The recurring theme in their answer was "just have to play better."

And it's not in our favor.

Tonight the Spurs just can't find their shot and now at a 25-point lead for LA, the crowd is beginning to feel a 2-0 series lead.

Tough time. A 17-point lead for LA going into the 4th.

Extending the halftime cushion by eight points is not ideal for San Antonio, but the game isn't out of reach. It's going to take some serious defensive clamps and hitting shots.

Here we go for the fourth and final period...

Right now the Lakers are doing both extremely well.

It is going to take a balance of effective offense and defense for the Spurs to evaporate the 15-point Laker lead at the 3:47 mark in the 3rd. There is still a lot of time yet to play, may as well start the comeback now.

The Spurs went to having the game tied to being down nine in a matter of 60 seconds or so after the Lakers went on a run to close out the half.

Speaking of going on runs, the Spurs were very effective when they were attacking and running to the rim.

Tony Parker is one of the best in the league at getting to the whole and has done so numerous times tonight. At the half-way mark he has 11 points and has hit all five shots in the paint.

TP is one of the best finishers in the league and a large dose of him taking Derek Fisher and Jordan Farmar to the tin might be in store coming out for the second half.

Nine Minutes and Change in the Half
by Ben Hunt | May 23, 2008 | 8:57 p.m. CT

Looks like it is going to be close. Lakers up right now with a 5 point lead.

Did we see you or someone you know at the game? Check out our fan photos and find out.

Crowd is here...
by Ben Hunt | May 23, 2008 | 8:25 p.m. CT

Unlike Game 1, the crowd is here early and ready for the game... Fin hit a big 3 and it tames the masses for the time being. Time to capitalize and keep them hushed.

And They Play "I Love L.A."...
by Ben Hunt | May 23, 2008 | 8:10 p.m. CT

When the one minute mark comes up on the clock at STAPLES they play one of the well known songs about the City of Angels.

The National Anthem was just played by Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers on his trumpet and we're moments away from the tip.

I don't know about anyone else but I'm ready to get this thing started.

The Lakers' in-game intro.

Behind The Scenes At Game 2
by John Robbins | May 23, 2008 | 6:46 p.m. CT

Ever wondered what the walk is like for the Spurs from the locker room to the court at the Staples Center? Well wonder no more, here's a video of that journey! ***Spoiler Alert*** - It's a short walk and right next door to a very distracting dressing room.

Also, we are proud to offer some raw, behind the scenes shots of what's happening in the arena before Game 2. Be sure to read the captions and look for us stealing some of Jack's Laker mojo!

Show Your Spirit
by John Robbins | May 23, 2008 | 4:43 p.m. CT

We have a couple of new awesome entries into the Spurs Spirit Contest this week. Click on the picture below and go vote on your favorite!

You Asked
by Ben Hunt | May 23, 2008 | 11:16 a.m. CT

We have received a lot of e-mail from you (our readers) with your thoughts, suggestions and support. Thank you all for taking the time to send things in, we read every one of them. I'd like to take the time this morning to answer a couple of questions we received.

From: Luis Del Toro
Location: Iowa
Now that Game 1 is behind us and with a day in LA to rest and try to get ready to make another run at LA in game 2 Friday, what is the demeanor of the team?

BH: I think that the Spurs are focused. The attitude in the locker room after the game wasn't one of panic and yesterday Tim echoed that by saying, "We can't feel sorry for ourselves. I think we are a little bit beyond that. I think we're pissed off and we'll do things better and get energy in that regard." (Read yesterday's quotes)

From: Pedro Velazquez
Location: San Antonio
I used to live in L.A. but now I live here in SA and I have to say I'm a diehard Spurs fan, but I was wondering if you guys see the same passion for the Lakers in Los Angeles as you do here in San Antonio for the Spurs? Because when I lived over there they only payed attention to them when they won championships and in my opinion there really weren't any real fans.

BH:I don't think the passion is quite the same. As you know L.A. is quite a different place, more different than anywhere else that I've ever been.

Now Lakers fans, don't go off the deep end here. There are some very passionate Lakers fans, we saw quite a few yesterday wearing their gear - soaking up the Game 1 win. We also saw a few at the airport when we came in who booed us since we were wearing Spurs gear.

However, I would say that San Antonio is also a unique place. Especially in regard to the fandom for the Spurs that most in the city display. It is very hard to drive up or down any of the streets in San Antonio without seeing someone proudly showing off their affection for the Spurs on their vehicle in some form or fashion.

I've yet to see anything like that out here in Los Angeles. Hope that answers your question.

Stepping It Up
by John Robbins | May 23, 2008 | 2:06 a.m. CT

I would be remiss if I didn't mention seeing the latest in high fashion footwear upon our arrival in L.A. on Wednesday. These stylish shoes are most certain to turn more than a few heads here in California and hopefully they'll be on one lucky lady's feet at Game 2 tonight. I think Craig Sager has a contender knocking at his door.

How Very Creative
by John Robbins | May 22, 2008 | 3:44 p.m. CT

The Spurs-Lakers rivalry is heating up again and even the street vendors are getting in on the action. Hopefully they have very little reason to wave these bad boys on Friday night.

On to Game 2
by Ben Hunt | May 21, 2008 | 11:54 p.m. CT

The Spurs weren't able to hold on and pull this one out. However, that is the beauty of a series. It's not just one and done.

If tonight is any indication this has the potential to be a great series and a long series. Good night from the STAPLES Center, we'll be back with more in the morning..

Crunch Time...
by Ben Hunt | May 21, 2008 | 10:25 p.m. CT

Crunch time, clutch time, winning time, the final minutes of the fourth quarter. Whatever you call it, now is the time some of the most amazing moments and performances in NBA history happen.

Right now both teams are trading buckets, playing "can you top this."

Looks to be a good one from here on in, stay tuned.

Up and Down...
by Ben Hunt | May 21, 2008 | 10:09 p.m. CT

The third quarter saw a 20-point lead shrink to seven in a short span. Good news is Spurs still up seven.

At the height of the lead I couldn't help but have thoughts of stealing home court on the first night of the Western Conference Finals... Now I'm just thinking about finding a way to get the "W".

If this year's playoffs are any indication, taking a game on the opponent's floor is proving to be crucial.

The Perfect Storm
by John Robbins | May 21, 2008 | 9:40 p.m. CT

Right next door the Staples Center is the Nokia Theater and apparently they have some type of event going on there tonight as well. You might have heard of it...American Idol. There were masses of people crowding the area between the venues and it was quite a spectacle to behold as thousands of teeny boppers (that's for you dad) attempted to finagle their way into the star-studded singing finale which began about an hour before Game 1 tipped.

*Click the picture below for eyewitness video of the scene.

Up at the Half. Did We See You?
by Ben Hunt | May 21, 2008 | 9:35 p.m. CT

Well the Spurs have an eight point lead right now at halftime and one of the most pleasant surprises (other than the current score) is the fact the Lakers have in-house entertainment for halftime. They have a live band in the building and they sound phenomenal. It really gives the game a basketball tournament feel.

Spurs.com's Deven Nongbri has been out shooting some photos of Spurs fans here in L.A. He met one particular sports talk host who has some Spurs love, even though he can't admit it on the air.

California Love
by Ben Hunt | May 21, 2008 | 9 p.m. CT

We've been in L.A. for a little more than three hours and in that time we have heard from some great Spurs fans from the Golden State via our submission form.

Many of the responses we have gotten are from former San Antonians now transplanted. I'd like to thank you for your time submitting your comments and stories. Keep them coming! And you don't have to be from L.A. to submit something, send us your thoughts, comments, or something you'd like us to talk about or cover and we'll try to accommodate.

Looking Pretty Solid
by Ben Hunt | May 21, 2008 | 8:45p CT

So far so good. The 6 p.m. Pacific start time has the crowd out of it a little bit I think, but the Lakers closing late in the quarter did stir some excitement.

Talking with Ty Nowell of Lakers.com, he suspected with the early start and the American Idol Finals going on across the street the crowd might not get into it until a little later in the game.

We'll see how it turns out in the 2nd... Spurs ball!

The Best Idea I Ever Had
by Ben Hunt May 21, 2008 | written at 6:45 CT

Well today I hit the mother load.

My idea, simple - eat at Roscoe's Chicken' n Waffles.

Now the spurs.com is infamously known to eat well. We hit up some of the best lunch spots in San Antonio religiously. But today before we boarded our flight I only had one thig on my mind for lunch. That's right.

Roscoe's.

After a drive through Crenshaw and the surrounding area (and the use of google maps) we were able to secure the desired eatery.

I'm not going to tell you how terrific the food was, but let me tell you... the #13 CAROL C. Special of one succulent breast and one delicious waffle hit the spot.

Here is John and I with Roscoe's awesome staff.

And Here We Go...
by Ben Hunt | May 21, 2008 | 8:19p CT

OK, this is my first post today (sorry about that). I have two features coming up that are nearly in the can that'll be posted here later.

But for now I just wanted to chime in that the intros are over (and were very theatrical). The ball is ready to be tipped and we're off and running - more soon...

Silver (Stars) Wings
by John Robbins | May 21, 2008 | 4:08p CT

We have arrived in L.A., but not before an encounter at the airport this morning with a rival team that beat us in the Western Conference Finals. That's right...the Phoenix Mercury were in town last night and the San Antonio Silver Stars got to exact a measured amount of revenge by besting them 81-76 at the AT&T Center on Tuesday night.

We talked with Diana Taurasi and Cappie Pondexter about what to expect from both the Lakers and the Spurs in Game 1 tonight and as you can see below Diana even cracked a joke during our picture together. She said the Lakers are going to win the series which I found hilarious!

Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler!
by John Robbins | May 21, 2008 | 3:49a

New Orleans was a great host and we had a great time (everything is great when you win), but we've left that all behind to head west to Los Angeles for the Western Conference Finals. I'm hoping to see more Spurs fans in L.A. than I saw in New Orleans. The Hornets definitely maximized their home court potential during games 1, 2 and 5 of the series and it would be great to see a ton of Black & Silver on the road to help neutralize the Staples Center. One thing is for certain though, SA town will be united come games 3 & 4. Here's a piece of what I'll be missing while dodging earthquakes the next few days...