Kendrick Perkins claims he was locking down the Spurs’ “Big 3” in the 2012 West Finals, and Spurs fans are roasting him.
SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Spurs‘ iconic “Big 3” — Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker — caused opponents headaches throughout their decades of excellence on the court.
The trio not only propelled the Spurs to the top of the NBA mountain and among the winningest trios in league history, but they are also all in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
It took much to slow them down, but according to former Thunder big man and current ESPN NBA analyst, he handled all three legendary Spurs during the 2012 West Finals.
Speaking with the “Road Trippin'” podcast, Perkins claimed he “locked down” Parker and Ginobili while dealing with Duncan in that series.
With the Thunder down 0-2 in the series versus the Spurs, Perkins claimed the team adjusted to put him on defense against the “Big 3” and how that move was key for OKC’s comeback in the series.
“Guess what adjustments we made during that time when we were down 0-2,” he stated. “Go find the film of me guarding and locking up Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. Locking them up! Go watch game three.”
Said Perkins: “Guess who had to guard the greatest power forward of all-time? Kendrick Perkins.”
The ESPN NBA analyst added he held his own against Duncan, Dirk Nowitzki and Pau Gasol during the Thunder’s playoff run that season.
San Antonio lost that series 4-2, but the “Big 3” put up numbers.
Duncan averaged 17.8 points per game and 10 rebounds, Parker recorded 13 points per game and 4.8 assists, and Ginobili averaged 15.2 points per game and 1.5 steals through six games.
Perkins posted 2.2 points per game and 6.2 rebounds versus the Spurs.
Ultimately, it was not just Perkins who ended the Spurs’ playoff run or caused issues for Duncan, Parker and Ginobili.
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook were posting over 20-plus points per game, with Westbrook exploding for 40 points in Game 4. Throughout the series, there were also a few questionable ref calls, and Serge Ibaka’s defensive presence was an issue for San Antonio.
Spurs fans heard what Perkins had to say, and some roasted him for his take. Here’s a sample:
What do you think, Spurs fans? Is Perkins out of touch about what happened in 2012? Let us know on X at KENS 5 and JeffGSpursKENS5.