LaMarcus Aldridge had yet another typical disappearing act in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals series against the Golden State Warriors — going from leading the way for the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 with 28 points, to being one of four starters that failed to reach double-figures scoring with only eight points on Tuesday.
Head coach Gregg Popovich didn't hesitate to call out his best player on the court, noting that he needs to be an assertive scorer in order for his team to have a chance in the game.
“LaMarcus has gotta score for us. He can't be timid,” Popovich said in his post-game press conference. “He turned down shots in the first quarter. He can't do it. He's gotta score. Scoring's gotta come from some place.
“I think he's got a major responsibility in Game 3 to come out and get something done, whether it's for himself or teammates.”
Gregg Popovich says LaMarcus Aldridge has to score for #Spurs and not be timid or turn down shots. #Warriors pic.twitter.com/QUiE5EVpJP
— 95.7 The GAME (@957thegame) May 17, 2017
Aldridge, at 6-foot-11 and 260 pounds, has a four-inch and 30-pound advantage on Draymond Green, his primary defender — a mismatch that he could try and exploit in order to draw fouls (5-of-6 from the line in Game 1) or make use of his size to score in the low block.
Tuesday marked the 11-year veteran's fifth game attempting 11 shots or less out of the 14 postseason games played this year. To do so in the absence of the team's primary shot-maker in Kawhi Leonard, is far from excusable at this stage of the series.
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