Game 6 Recap: Check...

With their hopes of a championship on the line, the Spurs did what they do best…react and adjust. Game 6 offered all sorts of variable X's and O's; adding to the proverbial chess match that has gone back and forth all series. Of course, the Spurs best maneuver was to focus on some fantastic ball movement, but some other moves were pivotal in spraying the bugs.

For the first time this series, Tim Duncan started on David West. While running the risk of getting Timmy in foul trouble, it was absolutely necessary. Not only was Duncan able to get his offense going (20 points and 6 assists), he completely shut down West in man-to-man coverage. West was 4-14, mostly on contested jumpers, and folded like origami when the pressure went up a notch, emotionally wrecking his team.

(For the record: did anyone else catch the ESPN crew noting how TD was West’s childhood idol? He apparently loves Duncan’s cool demeanor…and West proves it by killing his team with a hissy fit after a few very obvious whistles. Yay, hypocrisy!)

Duncan’s stick-like-glue approach on West allowed Tyson Chandler to get a few easy lobs, but that’s a fine tradeoff for the Spurs. If West and Peja are both taken out of the game by Duncan and Bowen, than Paul’s offensive repertoire is severely limited. The day the Spurs lose to Chandler and Morris Peterson is the day I miss Beno Udrih.

The Hornets adjusted by trying to work Paul in the low post, causing Duncan to shade towards Paul and allowing West some open jumpers. Fortunately, West’s ego was already in shards, so he wasn’t aggressive by that point. Still, it’s something they could go back to, as Paul seemed to bully Tony a bit in the post.

Pop’s other significant adjustment came through the rotations. The red-hot Udoka, not Finley, was the first wing off the bench. Fab started in place of Thomas, and Horry got significant playing time. And, as much as I hate to say it, Horry kicked ass. Aside from setting a (perfectly legal) hard screen on David West and sending him to the floor writhing in pain, Horry played sound defense and rotated the ball well.

It all amounts to a game 7. I expect to see the same rotations, depending on whether or not Udoka stays hot. As long as the outside shooting holds up, the Spurs are looking good.

Now, with everything on the line, check to you, Hornets. Time to see what they're made up of with their own backs to the wall.