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You're a fool to count out the Spurs after Game 1

Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

I don’t know how many times we have to go over this: Don’t count out the San Antonio Spurs.

The Spurs lost to the Clippers in Game 1 of their Western Conference Playoffs series on Sunday by a score of 107-92, a thorough beatdown that had many NBA fans shaking their heads. Wasn’t this supposed to be the perfect first-round matchup? Wasn’t this series supposed to go seven?

In Game 1, Chris Paul could do anything he wanted. Blake Griffin was flying to the rim like he did four years ago. J.J. Redick was running off multiple screens and exhausting anyone who tried to guard him. The Clippers looked unbeatable, and the Spurs looked too banged up. What many people predicted as a 7-game series looked more like it was heading to a Clippers sweep.

Here’s the thing: Don’t write off the Spurs. This series is still going deep, and while I don’t know who will win, I know we’re not wrapping this up any time soon. Here’s why:

1. Aron Baynes isn’t going to let Blake Griffin get to the basket as easily

With Thiago Splitter dealing with an injury, Aron Baynes stepped into the game and was tasked with guarding Griffin … who promptly exploded to the rim multiple times for dunks that brought the entire Staples Center to its feet.

Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

That isn’t happening in Game 2. You better believe Gregg Popovich has been in Baynes’ ear for two days, letting him know that if Griffin gets to the rim again without getting knocked on his butt that Baynes will be on the next flight back to New Zealand. No more easy buckets.

2. Danny Green isn’t going to go 1-7 from 3 again

Green uncharacteristically missed his shots in Game 1. He is a player who’s shown he can succeed in the biggest games, and the Spurs will get more from him going forward. If he hits 4 of 7 instead of 1 of 7, maybe the Spurs don’t win Game 1, but that’s a different game if he does. He won’t be ice cold all series.

3. Tim Duncan is going to get DeAndre Jordan in foul trouble

Tim Duncan looks a little hobbled right now, and he’s clearly favoring his left leg. That being said, he’s been a near-perfect player for so long, I don’t doubt he’ll figure out a way to score. Jordan is a candidate for NBA Defensive Player of the Year, but he can fall into foul trouble.

Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

If Duncan attacks him early and the refs are calling it close, Jordan may get into quick foul trouble. If that happens, watch out, because…

4. The Spurs bench is going to kill the Clippers bench

The Clippers have the worst bench of any team considered a contender, and it isn’t close. While Doc Rivers has been amazing as a coach this year, he’s been poor as a GM, and roster spots 7-12 on this team range from mediocre to outright bad.

Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

If the Spurs can get any of the Clippers starting 5 in foul trouble, the drop-off to their replacement (other than Jordan Crawford) is a drastic one. The Spurs second unit should also be able to tear apart the Clippers bench. This Clippers bench will rear its ugly head soon.

5. Tony Parker will figure it out

Parker looked banged up in Game 1, and was thoroughly outplayed on both ends of the floor by Chris Paul. He also rolled his ankle early in the game, and fought on gamely. If he’s back and healthy, which I think he will be, you won’t see that type of performance from him. Parker will get it going and he’ll get it going soon.

Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

6. We still have a Manu Ginobili game coming

Please. This is more hopeful than anything. I just love him.

7. The Spurs still have Gregg Popovich

He’s one of the top 3 NBA coaches ever. If anyone can figure out how to get a team back from that Game 1 performance, it is him.

Much like Jon Bois’ NFL truism that you can never count out Touchdown Tom, you all need to repeat this in your head, over and over, until it sticks: Never count out Grumpy Gregg.

Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Listen, as I’ve written before, you don’t write off the Spurs. You just don’t do it. It’s one of the irrefutable laws of the NBA universe, like an open Steph Curry 3-pointer swishing or Pau Gasol’s eyes bulging out when he’s called for a foul. I don’t know who will win this series, but it’s going long, and the Spurs will make it interesting. Just watch.

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