The San Antonio Spurs' style of play doesn't exactly come across as the most aggressive in the NBA, but their second-round series against the Portland Trail Blazers is a case in point of just how physical they can be on the offensive end.
Game 2 of the series saw the Spurs hit a number of uncontested buckets as the shot clock was winding down - the result of hard screens that had opened up a good look.
Damian Lillard was often on the receiving end of those screens, as Tony Parker proceeded to move into space for a jumper or drive to the hoop. And speaking to CSN Northwest after the game, the 6-foot-3 point guard explained just how well the Spurs deployed the pick-and-roll tactic.
"Their screens hurt," Lillard said. "They actually set real screens. They do a great job of setting and holding screens. It wears you down. Chasing Tony Parker is one thing. Getting hit every single time is another. It takes a toll on you."
Not often do you hear players discuss the physical toll that screens take on them, which should serve as a testament to Tim Duncan, Tiago Splitter and company's ability to plant and stick.
"It makes you tired," Lillard continued. "When you're tired from chasing him (Parker) around down there, it's tough to come down on the offensive end and get much done when you're wore down. It's hard. I've got to do a better job at avoiding screens. That's a challenge that we're all going to have to accept."
For a better look at how the Spurs execute their pick-and-rolls, BBallBreakdown does an excellent job of detailing the process.