NBA Playoffs 2017: 5 things we learned from the Spurs beating the Rockets
By Connor Learn
2. LaMarcus Aldridge continued to struggle, but flashed
LaMarcus Aldridge had hefty expectations bestowed on him when he signed with the Spurs during the summer of 2015. He responded with a fifth All-Star season last year, with his efficiency rising despite his scoring dipping. With Tim Duncan retiring at the end of last season, many fans felt like Aldridge would continue the Spurs tradition of difference-making big men. But he has largely disappointed this season.
It would be unfair to expect Aldridge to be Duncan or David Robinson. But the 31-year-old’s play noticeably slipped this season. He posted his lowest scoring and rebounding averages since his rookie season, while his shooting splits dropped. While the arrival of Pau Gasol and his similar skill set accounts for some of this, Aldridge did spent a good portion of the season playing next to Dewayne Dedmon. His 17.3 point and 7.3 rebound averages aren’t good production for a max-contract player and his All-Star days are probably behind him.
Houston didn’t defend Aldridge like they would most five-time All-Stars. They guarded him with their two worst defenders, Ryan Anderson and James Harden, for long stretches. What’s worse, it actually worked. Aldridge struggled to punish the 6-foot-5 Harden in the post and averaged 15.3 points on 44.2 shooting during the series through five games. His 34-point performance during Game 6 was needed. Aldridge answered his critics and stepped up in closing out the Rockets, and his team will need more of that in the next round. Ending this series with a huge game was important for both him and the Spurs.