In what was a thrilling overtime game that went down to the wire, the San Antonio Spurs came away with a narrow three-point victory over the Houston Rockets to take a 3-2 series lead. Despite losing Kawhi Leonard to an ankle injury late in the game, the Spurs prevailed behind Danny Green and Manu Ginobili’s heroics. With the series shifting back to Houston, Game 6 promises to be as intense and satisfying as Game 5.
Injury report
As we know by now, Tony Parker will miss the remainder of the playoffs with a ruptured quadriceps tendon, and Nene Hilario will be out for the rest of the post-season as well with a torn groin muscle.
In addition to Parker, Leonard is also injured, but he is questionable to play. After Game 5, Leonard assured the media that he plans to play in Game 6, but his status will be officially known closer to game time.
Obviously, the Spurs will need Leonard to win on the road in a closeout game. Therefore, if he doesn’t play, the Rockets would have an excellent chance at tying the series to force a Game 7. If Leonard doesn’t play, Jonathon Simmons should take his place in the starting lineup.
LaMarcus Aldridge must have a strong performance
In Game 3, LaMarcus Aldridge came alive, but he has been quiet for most of the series. Whether Leonard plays or not, the Spurs need a strong performance from Aldridge.
They need him to score around 25-28 points tonight for a chance to win. Aldridge is, after all, the second best player on the team, so there is no excuse for him to be so ineffective.
James Harden will take better care of the ball
James Harden essentially cost the game for the Rockets in overtime with untimely turnovers, allowing the Spurs to get out on the break for easy points.
Harden had nine turnovers, including three during the extra session. Being back at home facing elimination, the All-Star guard should be able to take better care of the ball. Since Harden dominates the ball, it is natural to have many turnovers, but nine is excessive. Houston’s offense relies on Harden a lot, so he must be efficient with the ball.
San Antonio’s role players
When Leonard was sidelined late in the game on Tuesday, the role players stepped up. Danny Green knocked down a huge three-pointer and had an and-one play in overtime, while Manu Ginobili forced the extra session with a clutch driving layup and sealed the win for his team with an enormous block on Harden. Patty Mills was also huge with his 20-point performance. The Spurs need another inspiring effort from their role players to close out the series at the Toyota Center.
Game 6 should be another entertaining battle between the two Texas rivals. The game is set at 8 p.m. EST and will be televised on ESPN.
