Spurs go small, start Kyle Anderson instead of Pau Gasol for Game 3

The San Antonio Spurs will start Kyle Anderson instead of Pau Gasol against the Golden State Warriors for Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals.

The San Antonio Spurs M.O. for this Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors is that desperate times calls for desperate measures. Currently, the Spurs are down 2-0 to the Warriors and two of their best players, Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker, are currently out with injuries.

The Spurs had hope with their stunning start in Game 1 and enjoyed a comfortable lead until Leonard re-injured his ankle. Since that pivotal moment in the third quarter, the series has been controlled by the Warriors. In Game 2, the Warriors soundly defeated the Spurs 136-100 with San Antonio star LaMarcus Aldridge playing ineffective basketball. He finished that game with just eight points on 4-11 shooting.

With the Spurs on the brink of elimination, head coach Gregg Popovich will elect to go small for Game 3. Popovich elected to start point forward Kyle Anderson instead of traditional forward Pau Gasol.

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This means the Spurs starting lineup will consist of Patty Mills, Jonathan Simmons, Danny Green, Anderson and Aldridge. While the talent level pales in comparison to the Warriors, it’s possible coach Pop knows what he’s doing. Popovich’s ability to adabt is what made him an effective coach.

The 2014 NBA Finals and that Spurs team’s offensive brilliance based on his tactics is a prime example. Although not stocked with the talent the Miami Heat possessed, Popovich and the Spurs spread the floor with passing making perimeter shooting a priority, while also shutting down the Heat’s offensive attack.

The likelihood of the Spurs winning this series may be slim to none, but it’s always smart not to count Popovich out.