The Oklahoma City Thunder failed to complete a fourth-quarter rally against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday, but they were able to at least eliminate a double-digit deficit, losing by just nine points, 120-111. But what helped the Thunder attempt a comeback? It might have been the "Hack-A-Splitter" move Oklahoma City employed several times during the second half of the game. The Thunder fouled Tiago Splitter five straight times in the third quarter, which helped slow the game down. But what did the coaches think of the move?
Spurs Vs. Thunder, 2012 NBA Playoffs: Gregg Popovich, Scott Brooks Opine On ‘Hack-A-Splitter’
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said after the game (video around the 30-second mark) that it was a "good move," but wouldn't go too far in admitting that it really did help the Thunder. He offered an ambivalent "maybe" several times before mentioning any positives about it. He's not a big fan of the move, I guess.
On the other hand, Thunder coach Scott Brooks is more than willing to use it again:
Scott Brooks on Hack-A-Splitter: "If we get an opportunity to do it again, we will."
— Royce Young (@dailythunder) May 30, 2012
Does Brooks envision his team trailing by 10-plus points again? It’s certainly not an opportunity he should relish for the Thunder.
For more on the Spurs, be sure to visit Pounding the Rock; for the Thunder, Welcome to Loud City. And for news, analysis and everything else revolving around the NBA Playoffs, be sure to visit SB Nation's NBA page.
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