Spurs Playoff Run Takes Devastating Hit with Parker Injury

The San Antonio Spurs had little time to enjoy their game two win over the Houston Rockets last night. Instead, their focus turned to Tony Parker, who injured himself in the final quarter. Today, we learned that San Antonio's point guard will miss the rest of the postseason with a torn quadriceps. Without their veteran leader, it will be extremely challenging for the Spurs to win three more games against the Rockets and advance to the Western Conference Finals. San Antonio head coach Gregg Popovich was not aware of the severity to Parker's injury after last night's win.

Without Parker, the Spurs will rely on Patty Mills, who averaged 9.5 points and 3.5 assists in a backup role during the regular season. Manu Ginobili will likely back up Mills in the lineup. 20-year old Dejounte Murray could also see an expanded role through the rest of the playoff series. Without Parker's production, the Spurs will have to rely even more on Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge. San Antonio recovered nicely from their embarrassing game one loss to shut down James Harden and the Rockets last night to even their best of seven series. They will need the same kind of effort to split the next two games in Houston.

Another question to ponder is whether or not we have seen the last of Tony Parker. The 34-year old said recently that he wanted to play another five seasons. However, recovering from a torn quadriceps will require a lengthy rehab process, and Parker will have to decide if he wants to continue his NBA career. If not, his likely next stop will be in Springfield when he is inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.