San Antonio Spurs: 3 takeaways from Game 2 loss vs. Nuggets

2. San Antonio should get LaMarcus Aldridge working early

LaMarcus Aldridge was rolling early against the Nuggets in Game 2. He shot 5-of-9 from the floor in the first quarter, and got to the free throw line four times for a total of 12 points. His physicality was tough for any of the Nuggets’ three bigs to handle. Jokic, Paul Millsap and Mason Plumlee all had four or more fouls by the time the game was over. That included Jokic and Millsap each having two fouls apiece before halftime.

After that first quarter, however, he only took 11 more shots the rest of the game, finishing with 24 points on the night.

Aldridge can shoot from everywhere inside the 3-point line, as he shot at least 43.2 percent from everywhere within that line during the regular season. He flashed the ability to drive by Jokic during the second quarter when he Euro-stepped past him to draw the foul. With the threat of him pulling up from mid-range, Jokic (or whoever else is out covering him) has to honor his shot, which opens up the lane.

Aldridge can be the focal point of the offense. He’s not the best passer, as he has a career assist per game average of just 2.0 per game. His shooting, although it’s not from 3-point range, opens the floor for guys like Derrick White and Bryn Forbes to drive to the basket.

In Game 3, the Spurs should make an effort to slow the game down and feed Aldridge early to let him get into a rhythm.