Tony Parker: Finding His Rhythm

One of the constant narratives surrounding this season for the San Antonio Spurs has been the inconsistency of starting point guard Tony Parker. I’ve written several articles about Parker’s struggles, and we have even talked about it at length in the comments section.

Parker is averaging 14.5 points, 4.8 assists, and 1.9 rebounds per game while shooting 47.1 percent from the floor, with a PER of 15.59.

More from San Antonio Spurs

Those numbers are not atrocious by any means; they just are not what we are used to seeing from a player who used to be considered one of the stars of the NBA. I’ll admit that I even considered the possibility that Parker was no longer capable of playing at an elite level. Yet, it was still hard to understand what was causing this drop-off from a player that is usually so reliable.

Is it old age? Is it an injury issue? I’ve asked these questions numerous times throughout the season, and Parker recently revealed what has been bothering him. Last week Parker noted that his hamstring injury from November was still causing him problems. That injury, and the fear of making it worse, is likely what has kept Parker from being as aggressive as he has been in the past.

In his last two games the Parker of old has returned, especially in Sunday’s nationally televised showdown with the Chicago Bulls. Against the Bulls, Parker was as ferocious driving to the basket as he has been all season.

The Frenchman finished his afternoon with 32 points, four rebounds, and two assists on 13-for-19 shooting. The Spurs got the 116-105 win, and for the first time in what seems like forever, Parker was the best player on the court.

Parker has had a tendency this season to settle for deep two-point jumpers rather than accelerating to the rim, taking corner three-pointers, or pulling up from the free-throw line where he is much more proficient. Sunday he did what he does best.

According to ESPN, his season average in the paint is 6.1 points per game on 54 percent shooting. Against the Bulls, Parker scored 16 of his 32 points in the paint, while shooting 80 percent. He also got to the free-throw line eight times, knocking down five of his attempts. He made the only three-pointer he attempted, and scored the remainder of his points on mid-range jump shots.

This is the type of shooting chart the Spurs would like to see from him more often.

As often is the case, Parker’s inspired play led to a great performance from the team as a whole. The Spurs shot 48.9 percent as a team and 9-for-22 from beyond the arc. The blistering ball movement was on display all afternoon, showing exactly what this well-oiled machine can do when all its parts are functioning properly.

And that was with an uncharacteristically poor shooting night from Tim Duncan, who failed to make a shot from the floor, finishing with only three points.

Parker’s turnaround started Friday night against the Nuggets where he had a similar game plan. ESPN notes that he was 7-for-11 in the paint against Denver, scoring 14 of his 19 points down low. Whether or not his good health and aggressive play will be a permanent fixture as the season draws to a close remains to be seen.

Pass or Pursue: 3 High-Profile Spurs Trade Targets from Bleacher Report

Air Alamo

NBA rumors: Trae Young trade buzz, Andre Drummond is a comedian, Wemby and KAT team upFanSided

3 Members of the Spurs young core primed to have breakout seasonsAir Alamo

Devin Vassell sends loud and clear message to Spurs fans, NBAAir Alamo

Fred VanVleet and 4 free agents the Spurs might regret not signingAir Alamo

11 Players the Spurs signed past their primeAir Alamo

Even if he goes back in his shell for the remainder of the season, that performance is enough to convince me that he will be effective in the playoffs. I’m done questioning whether or not we are witnessing a permanent decline for Parker. He still has the ability to be a game-changing player; he just has to pick his spots.

When the bright lights turn on, Parker is on. That is what makes San Antonio a nightmare matchup as a No. 7 seed. They have now won five games in a row, making that four-game losing streak look like a minor blip on the radar.

They have a few more opportunities this week to quiet the narrative that their better days are behind them, most notably a meeting with LeBron James and the Cavaliers Thursday night on TNT.

King James better hope the air conditioning is functioning in the AT&T Center. His last trip to San Antonio ended with black and silver confetti raining down upon him. I’m sure the Spurs would love to remind him that they are still the reigning champs.

Isn’t the NBA fun?

Next: Are the Spurs Back?

More from Hoops Habit