San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker and Sacramento Kings point guard Isaiah Thomas highlight the matchup of the game tonight.
Isaiah Thomas had a 22 point and 4 assist game last time these two teams met with an impressive 60% (6-10) field goal shooting. He also got to the line and made 8-8 on free throw attempts, but that couldn't stop the Spurs from taking a high scoring thriller in Sacramento. Tony Parker had his usual MVP like showing this season with 30 points on 50% (10-20) shooting and dished out 11 assists in the process. He also showed aggressiveness by going to the line and shooting 10-12 on free throws. With the Spurs coming off a disappointing overtime loss to the Phoenix Suns, look for Parker to be aggressive from tip off and wanting to seal the game early on.
What Parker must do on offense:
Tony Parker's been shooting 64% (9-14) from the painted area with Thomas on the court. When he can get in the paint, he's been deadly against his opponents. The Kings may want to force him to shoot mid range shots as he's made 0% (0-4) with his counterpart against him. Thomas' speed may play a factor against Parker's drives, so Tony needs to be aggressive in demanding pick and roll opportunitues with his teammates to open up the floor. With the Kings being ranked 30th (104.8ppg) in points allowed, Parker should have no problem in causing havoc in the paint if he chooses to.
What Parker must do on defense:
In two games, Thomas has shot 71% (5-7) from the paint area and shooting 67% (2-3) on 3-point field goals. Parker has to froce Thomas to rethink his shooting. WIth Thomas' numbers these past two games, Parker must force Thomas to put the ball down from the 3-point line and get back to protect the basket. Thomas 0% (0-3) and 0% (0-3) from mid range and the corner 3-point lin should indicate he's not too comfortable against the Spurs defense in those areas. Parker keeping Thomas second guessing his shot should force him to throw up some ill advised shots in the process, which will open up transition points for the Spurs.
