San Antonio – When it comes to Tony Parker, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has not minced words. There have been moments when he has been downright harsh talking about his point guard.
But not Tuesday.
Parker’s shaky Game 1 performance against the Nuggets isn’t a concern, Popovich said. There are things he would like to see Parker improve, such as his decision-making in the lane, but nothing that can’t be fixed with proper focus tonight, Popovich said.
“I thought he gave great effort and did a good job of keeping us in our plays and doing what we wanted to do as far as offense is concerned,” Popovich said. “But he had a couple of shots he turned down. I’d like him to be a bit more aggressive offensively. We need to inject a little more offense, so he’s probably going to look to be a bit more aggressive.”
Parker’s play in the first half wasn’t the issue, as he scored eight points on 4-of-7 shooting and had three assists.
The second half was a different story.
Parker hit just 2-of-10 attempts, didn’t get to the free-throw line and missed his only 3-point attempt. Not even his signature “teardrop” shot over taller defenders in the lane worked. He was 0-for-2 in seven fourth-quarter minutes.
Asked what he would do differently tonight, Parker said he will be more physical and “show Denver that we’re there.”
His play Sunday continued a disturbing trend for San Antonio.
Parker finished the 2004 playoffs on a down note, flaming out after two spectacular performances as the Los Angeles Lakers eliminated the Spurs in the Western Conference semifinals. In the last four games of the series, he shot 31 percent.
Parker’s struggles Sunday even drew the wrath of TNT analyst Charles Barkley, who questioned Parker’s playoff focus. Barkley’s comments are a big story around town and even the mild-mannered Parker wanted to defend himself.
“I am focused,” Parker said. “I am ready for the playoffs. Obviously, Chuck, his favorite team is the Spurs, so he was mad that we lost the game. I can’t blame him for that.”
None of the Spurs was enamored with their Game 1 effort.
“Obviously, it was a bit of a wakeup call for us,” guard Brent Barry said. “We talk so much about guys’ injuries and trying to work and nurse guys back to health; there’s just not time for that anymore. It’s time to step up and play.”
Chris Dempsey can be reached at 303-820-5455 or cdempsey@denverpost.com.
