5 Things to Keep an Eye on: Spurs at Hornets, Game 2 - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog

In another of our continuing series, five things to keep an eye out for tonight in the Spurs-Hornets Western Conference Semifinals Game 2 this evening.

1. Western Aggression: I've been saying it all season. David West is the most offensively versatile power forward in the league this season. There's not a lot this guy can't do. The idea in Game 1 was to try and contain West with Oberto, Horry, Kurt Thomas (snicker). Now, there's a prevailing sense that Tim Duncan manning up on him is the best option. Here's the problem. If you put Duncan on him, you're essentially saying "KT/Oberto/Horry, you have to guard the lane against Chris Paul. Not a good idea. Not only that but the thought is that Duncan can contest some of West's 17-18 footers. But Duncan can't really get that far that fast anymore. He's still an elite defender, don't get me wrong. But he's going to have to come way out on West to contest those. Which means if West gets by him, the other big man for the Spurs has to leave Chandler. That's not good. I think at some point,the Spurs need to adjust accept West is going to have an advantage on this series and focus on the backcourt.

2. Shootout, Manu a Manu?: Manu Ginobili averaged 5.3 three point attempts this season. In Game 1, he took 9. That was a central part of the Spurs' approach, to try and attack the New Orleans defense at the perimeter with their key shooters. Which was all well and good in the first half when they were on fire. But when they cooled? That was when the Hornets kept attacking the basket. I would doubt that Greg Popovich tries to rely on the perimeter shooting as much in this game. Especially from ...

3. Bruce Bowen Is Having Identity Problems: Because apparently he thinks he's the same guy he was four years ago. Bowen scored 17 points in the first half of Game 1, including 5 three pointers. Yeah, not so much after that. The Hornets didn't overreact to Popovich putting the scoring on Bowen and said "Fine. Shoot it again. If you beat us, you beat us." Bruce Bowen did not beat them. After years of being known as a defensive wizard, Bowen is a mere shell of himself, hanging on by repeatedly taking cheap-shots at those he defends, and trying to resurrect his shot. Every time he tries to drive for a runner, I can hear the collective groan of Spurs Nation. Bowen needs to focus on trying to rip Paul's arm out of his socket and facilitating the extra pass and quit trying to be the hero.

4. More Than You Can Chew: I think Greg Popovich and the Spurs looked at Tyson Chandler and went "okay, we can stop this. No big deal." Unfortunately, Tyson Chandler's not looking to light up the scoreboard on you. What he is looking to do is play great defense on Tim Duncan, get his points when they come, and grab 15 rebounds including 6 offensive, which is exactly what he did in Game 1. With the emphasis likely to shift to West in an effort to keep him from gouging them, Chandler may find himself with more of those alley-oops he's made a lifestyle this season. And oh, yeah, if Duncan is guarding West, then who's trying to battle Chandler on the offensive boards? Oh. That may not work out well. The Spurs need to get fouls on Chandler, in a hurry.

5. So Who's "Winning" The Point Guard Battle?: Tony Parker scored more points, and had more rebounds. That's about where that battle ended for Tony Parker. Paul was quiet for most of the game, but inside five minutes in the fourth, came out with a flurry of offense and defense, ending with 17 points, 13 assists, and 4 steals. The question becomes who's going to be the distributor for the Spurs if Parker has his hands full with Paul? I would bet Manu Ginobili takes over a lot more of the drive and kick duties tonight to try and get some open looks for the Spurs, who had 10 fewer assists than the Hornets in Game 1. Have I mentioned this series is awesome?