Did Tony Parker Call Out Russell Westbrook?

This is one of those stories that gets more attention than it deserves simply because of the time of year the season is in. The playoff spotlight is shining bright, and every word uttered by every player still standing in the playoffs will be scrutinized.

Spurs guard Tony Parker on Wednesday put himself in that position while revealing his upcoming plan of attack against Thunder guard Russell Westbrook in the Western Conference Finals.

Via the San Antonio Express-News.

I’m definitely going to go at him. It’s not going to be like Dallas or the Lakers, where their point guards are not as aggressive. I’m going to go at him and make sure he works a little bit.

Color me indifferent.

These comments from Parker are being made into a big deal in some parts? Really? What else is Parker supposed to say? ‘Westbrook’s a great player and I doubt I’ll be able to score against him so I’m going to defer to my teammates.’

No.

Let’s not pretend Parker got out of pocket here. What Parker said was simply the truth, as well as an obvious part of what will be the Spurs’ game plan.

Of Jason Kidd’s 41 shot attempts in Dallas’ series with the Thunder, 26 were 3-pointers. Lakers guard Ramon Sessions, meanwhile, took just 34 shots in his team’s five-game series with the Thunder.

On the other hand, in just his last three games against the Clippers, Parker took more shots (52) than both Kidd and Sessions in their respective series with the Thunder. Parker’s offensive aggressiveness is what makes the Spurs go. In no way can you consider Parker’s comments to be trash talk.