Spurs' Parker: 'Pop always has some stuff that he keeps for the playoffs'
Although San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich may opt to give the Golden State Warriors some new looks in Monday night's matchup between the two Western powerhouses, don't expect the five-time champion to give away too much of his strategy.
"Pop always has some stuff that he keeps for the playoffs," Tony Parker said to Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News. "(Monday) will be one of those games where maybe you'll see a little different stuff. Overall, we're pretty much going to do the same stuff we've been doing."
If Popovich does adjust his game plan for the 40-4 Golden State Warriors, he may give the reigning Defensive Player of the Year the opportunity to cover the NBA's leading scorer.
After leading the league in defensive rating last season (96.4), Kawhi Leonard has been even better in 2015-16, allowing four fewer points per 100 possessions.
“They won't leave me (on Curry) by myself," Parker added. "Obviously it takes a whole team to slow him down."
Like Leonard, Stephen Curry has been more prolific this year after last season's incredible MVP campaign, posting career-highs in points per game (32.0), field-goal percentage (51.0), and three-pointers per game (5.2).
"He's the ultimate test," Parker said. "He's playing his best basketball. He's the best player in the league."