San Antonio Spurs Grades: Kawhi Leonard Shines In Loss

10 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 turnovers — Not the opening night many expected from Tony Parker. There were glimpses of the seasoned Parker down the stretch when he was scoring inside.. PG. San Antonio Spurs. TONY PARKER. C-

4 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists — Down by two late in the fourth quarter, Danny Green launched a three-pointer that fell short and off of the hands of LaMarcus Aldridge to put the nail on the game for San Antonio. Green shot well during the preseason, but it did not transfer to the first game of the regular season.. SG. San Antonio Spurs. DANNY GREEN. D

San Antonio Spurs. KAWHI LEONARD. A+. 32 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 steals — What more could you ask for from a player? Leonard put the team on his back and did all he could to keep San Antonio in the game. Leonard set a career high in points. It is hard to imagine this was the first 30-point game of his career. He developed a lot during the offseason. Defensively, Leonard was on it. As he has been doing so far in his young career, he made life miserable for Kevin Durant and the rest of the Thunder.. SF

San Antonio Spurs. LAMARCUS ALDRIDGE. B-. 11 points, 5 rebounds, 1 block — LaMarcus Aldridge did not have the outing which many Spurs fans were hoping for. Leaving a team in which he was the featured player that the offense goes through in Portland, Aldridge will grow and benefit from the style of play in San Antonio. One so-so game with the Spurs is not worth for a cry for help; Aldridge will soon be playing at the level he was last year. . PF

B. 8 points, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks — “Old Man Riverwalk”. Tim Duncan continues to amaze everyone with his ability to play at such a high-level. Knowing that he would not be able to put up 20+ on a regular basis, Duncan continues to find ways to be productive. Jumping ability is not there, though his length still is. There were flashes of brilliance from Duncan during the game. When he and Aldridge get on the same page, the duo will be a huge advantage for San Antonio and each other.. C. San Antonio Spurs. TIM DUNCAN

San Antonio Spurs. MANU GINOBILI. B-. 11 points, 7 assists, 2 steals — Doing what he does best, Ginobili came off the bench and played key minutes for San Antonio. Late game decisions cost Ginobili as he continues to turn the ball over. Outside of the bad with turnovers, Ginobili still shows he has good court-vision. At one point in the game, Ginobili found a cutting player on the baseline and delivered a nice pass for a score. . G

F. San Antonio Spurs. DAVID WEST. B. 8 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist — David West, like Boris Diaw, will play important roles on the San Antonio Spurs. West, an offseason addition, will be a huge factor off of the bench with Diaw is huge. West found himself around the basketball quite often. He was in position when the guards drove into the lanes, and West hit two mid-range jumpers.

BORIS DIAW. B+. 9 points, 6 assists, 3 blocks, 2 steals — Diaw has such a high basketball IQ, as he passed, played defense and scored well. He kept the Spurs in the game against Oklahoma City. Great asset to the team.. F. San Antonio Spurs