Who says Gregg Popovich hates the “three-point shot”? In an attempt to save a 22-year old streak, the San Antonio Spurs are breaking off from tradition.
The Spurs were in the midst of a slump back in November; losing eight straight at one point. A team known for their enduring excellence; the five-time NBA champions found themselves languishing in the cellar and in real danger of missing the playoffs for the first time in more than two decades. Critics and fans alike were wondering: Is San Antonio’s glory days over?
The coaching staff and the players decided to have none of it and took a radical turn to arrest the skid. San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich, who was reportedly not a fan of the drastic increase in three- point shot attempts, is now urging his star forward LaMarcus Aldridge to do the unthinkable – shoot more threes.
Aldridge is not exactly a slouch at shooting the three. In fact, he shot a then career-high 41.1% in his second year with San Antonio. The problem is, he isn’t attempting more. In his first four years with the Texas franchise, he averaged less than one 3-pt shot attempt. That has got to change.
Popovich spoke to Aldridge, encouraging the former All Star to shoot more threes rather than take midrange shots, which has been a staple of his offensive arsenal. Aldridge recounts the encounter.
‘I think you need to start shooting it to open up the floor. It would give DeMar [DeRozan] more room. So I just started doing it.”
“I had to reprogram my mind: ‘Don't take that step in. Space to the 3. Don't trail inside for a 2.”
Aldridge averaged a mere 1.7 3-point attempts prior to December 23. The change of approach and new offensive schemes had him jacking up 4.7 per game since.
Aldridge newfound confidence in shooting the trifecta has brought positive effects to his teammates – DeMar DeRozan in particular. His backcourt partner has built a streak of 13 games of scoring at least 20 points at 50% or more shooting clip. With Aldridge shooting more from the outside, DeRozan has feasted on the unclogged space and open lanes. Even Dejounte Murray saw the difference with Aldridge transformation as a deep threat. In an interview with ESPN.com, Murray expressed excitement on the Spurs improved spacing.
“It helps me for sure. It was just a matter of [Aldridge] feeling comfortable. He's the player. No one else can speak for how comfortable he is.”
Ever since the re-jigged offense, the Spurs (20-24) has climbed up into the standings and are now neck and neck with the Memphis Grizzlies (21-24) for the West eighth seed.
Aldridge has all the inspiration to do better and help his team extend the franchise's 22-year playoff streak.
“You never want to be the one that ends the legacy.”
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