With Kawhi Leonard not in the lineup for Game 2 of the Western Conference finals, the pressure was on for San Antonio Spurs big man LaMarcus Aldridge to make an impact and pick up the slack in his teammate's absence on Tuesday night.
The 31-year-old only took 11 shots in 26 minutes of action, scoring eight points, grabbing four rebounds, and blocking two shots in a 136-100 blowout victory for the Golden State Warriors.
Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich wants more from Aldridge as the series moves to San Antonio on Saturday, especially on offense if Leonard continues to miss time with his injured ankle.
"LaMarcus has gotta score for us. He can't be timid," Popovich said. "He turned down shots in the first quarter. He can't do it. He's gotta score. Scoring's gotta come from some place.
"I think he's got a major responsibility in Game 3 to come out and get something done, whether it's for himself or teammates.
Aldridge finished Game 1 with a line of 28 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals, and a rejection at Oracle Arena, but was essentially a non-factor once Leonard left midway through the third quarter. From that point on, the five-time All-Star made just three of his final 11 shots and turned the ball over five times as the Warriors went on their miraculous run to secure the victory.
