More than being helpful, LaMarcus Aldridge must offer a winning way

— -- SAN ANTONIO -- San Antonio Spurs power forward LaMarcus Aldridge?usually avoids the postgame spotlight that comes with the territory in the NBA. After home games at AT&T Center, Aldridge often ducks away into a closed-off, restricted area past the locker room and waits alone.

There, he'll usually stave off anxious cameramen and reporters who are waiting to talk to him.

They often lose interest and leave.

When the San Antonio Spurs host the Golden State Warriors in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals on Saturday, there won't be anywhere for Aldridge to hide, regardless of outcome. A rough night in Game 2, followed by critical comments from coach Gregg Popovich shift the spotlight for this matchup squarely on Aldridge, the team's $84 million power forward, especially given the news forward Kawhi Leonard will miss Game 3, not to mention the absence of point guard Tony Parker.

"He's got a major responsibility in Game 3 to come out and get something done," Popovich said. "Whether it's for himself or teammates."

The question now is: Can he? More importantly: Will he?