The Spurs are in a very tough spot as they enter game two of the Western Conference Finals. They gave up a huge lead and allowed the Warriors to steal game one, and Kawhi Leonard injured his ankle again in the process. Kawhi Leonard has already been ruled out for game two and nobody knows the severity of his injury. He might be out for a longer period of time. Can the Spurs handle that kind of loss? They have played without Kawhi before in these playoffs, dominating the Rockets 114-75 in a series clinching game six. But these aren't the Rockets, as they have proven stars in Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.
Things aren't looking too good for the Spurs.
Losing a lot
With Kawhi being out for game two and possibly longer, what are the Spurs losing? They are losing a lot actually. Leonard has been the primary scoring option for the Spurs for the entire season, as he is a great driver in the paint and an improved shooter from three-point range. Kawhi is averaging 28 points, 5 assists, and about 2 steals per game throughout these playoffs. He leads his team in all three of those categories. Along with his offensive skills, Kawhi is also one of the best defenders in the NBA. The two-time defensive player of the year has the ability to neutralize the biggest offensive threat, and it was working game one against the Warriors when they were up 40-19 at one point.
The Spurs are losing a star at both ends, and even though coach Popovich is a legend himself, it will be hard to make up for Kawhi Leonard.
Replacement Options
The Spurs will need to find a replacement for Leonard. They have Jonathan Simmons, who has been a great addition to the Spurs bench this season. In the postseason he is averaging nine points but is playing great defense, which will be critical for stopping the Warriors high-powered offense.
Simmons is a high-flying wing player, making Sportscenter a number of times for his athletic dunks. Danny Green has been a great defender in these playoffs as well, making big blocks and steals.
On the offensive end, LaMarcus Aldridge will need to step up in order for the Spurs to win. He is the team's second-leading scorer with about 18 Points Per Game.
He stepped up the last time Kawhi was hurt, putting up 34 in their win against Houston. LaMarcus likes to score from the post, and this can play in favor of the Spurs. The Spurs can slow down the pace and keep the Warriors chances of getting transition points to a minimum. Patty Mills will also need to shoulder some of the scoring load with Kawhi being out. He is currently averaging almost 11 points per game. He will now be the number two option for the Spurs, and he needs to use his skills to give the Warriors headaches.
You can divide the responsibilities, but you cannot completely replace a player like Kawhi Leonard. He is a two-way star, and he will definitely be missed in game two. The Spurs have a long road ahead of them, but with an all-time great coach in Gregg Popovich, they can make it through any storm. Watch game two at 9 p.m. on ESPN to see how the Spurs fare without their star player.
