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San Antonio Spurs shooting guard DeMar DeRozan says his goal in the fourth quarter of a playoff game is to put pressure on the opposing defense at every turn.
Whether that means shooting the ball or collapsing the defense on his drives to the basket, DeRozan is going to do whatever it takes to make the Denver Nuggets play a guessing game with him.
“Make them make a decision,” DeRozan said, via Jabari Young of The Athletic. “Either you’ve got to guard me or guard our guys. If I get down in the paint and see the defense collapse, I try to find my guys. If not, try to get to my spot and knock down a shot. That’s my mindset in the fourth quarter.”
In the Spurs' Game 1 win in Denver, DeMar DeRozan finished with 18 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. The four-time All-Star only shot 6-of-17 from the field, but San Antonio head coach Gregg Popovich would rather have DeRozan be aggressive.
DeRozan's partner in crime, Spurs All-Star big man LaMarcus Aldridge, struggled with his shot as well. Aldridge shot 6-of-19 overall. Luckily for the Spurs, youngster Derrick White picked up the slack. White put up 16 points and shot an efficient 7-of-10 overall.
The Spurs will look to take a commanding 2-0 series lead on Tuesday.
