Game Blog: Spurs vs. Bucks - 11.12.2008

[024]

More rebounds and one other player stepping up offensively and the Spurs easily win that game.

i'm curious how the spurs will fix the rebounding problem. unlike the offense, there is no cavalry named ginobili and parker coming. this is it. this is the spurs interior presence. with the exception of mahinmi, whose still very unproven, how will the spurs fix their rebounding?

[Ice009]

Tolliver still looks like a terrible shooter, but I like everything else he does. Pop needs to give him the red light and see if he plays the same way.

Both of us have been saying how bad a shooter Tolliver is.

Maybe chomag is right and Tolliver needs to stop chucking threes like he's a three point specialist. Do all the other stuff and only take the occasional open three. Don't go chucking threes just because someone (Pop) thinks your a good shooter.

Can you imagine what Pop would do to Malik Rose if he was jacking shots like this. Right now Tolliver doesn't look any better of a shooter than Malik, but Tolliver can do a lot of other stuff so he should concentrate on that instead of shooting 3's. Take some more inside shots.

[Obstructed_View]

I was actually going to say that if we had TP with this defense we'd actually be looking pretty darn good at this point. So yeah the defense has been good the last couple of games.
Manu and Parker with this defense is going to be pretty good, especially if they shore up their rebounding effort and stop with the mental mistakes. Looks like this group is going to have a chance to be in just about every game if they choose to be until those guys come back.


I don't really like Hill's point guard play. Crawford was right last game. All Hill is doing is bring the ball up the court and getting it in to Duncan. How hard is that? Can he penetrate at all? Does he have the handles to do it?
I'm not sure how you could expect too much more from Hill after what, three games? He ran the offense as well as Vaughn or Mason did, and he's a far better defender.


If Marbury is bought out I would not be opposed anymore to bringing him in. We need another scorer and another rebounder.
I guess at this point I'd sort of like to see him brought in just so I can tell everyone I told you so when he completely assrapes the season, but I'd really rather see the Spurs do well.

[angelbelow]

damn it, we had a good shot. oh well, next game.

[HarlemHeat37]

what a disappointing loss..13-point lead blown on a 21-2 run? disgusting..

Duncan and Popovich take responsibility for the loss..Duncan with terrible rebounding and settling for jumpers too much..Pop for leaving Duncan out during our run, for having Finley guard Jefferson for an extended period of time, and for playing Vaughn way too much..

I'm encouraged by the improved D, but this should have easily been a win once we were up 13 against a team that was struggling..

[TDfan2007]

He also gave up some easy boards, had a terrible turnover and allowed an and-one by biting on a pump fake. Thank the refs for getting him started with that terrible blocking foul call.

Speaking of Timmy, his exasperated, "someone else's fault" body language isn't good for anyone on the team, and I really wish someone would tell him to knock it the fuck off.

I'll agree with the first part, Bogut abused Tim on the boards and Tim just looks lost at times rebounding the ball this year.

I won't agree with this demeanor you're seeing. Tim is always the first to blame himself and not others when we lose so I have no idea what you're talking about there.

[Obstructed_View]

I won't agree with this demeanor you're seeing. Tim is always the first to blame himself and not others when we lose so I have no idea what you're talking about there.

All you have to do is watch him play; he does it a half dozen times a game, every game. He never did it before this season.

[angelbelow]

was hill struggling that much to warrant vaughn playing 20+

[HarlemHeat37]

funny to think that the difference in the game(point-wise) turns out to be Jacque and Ime missing 2 wide open fast break lay-ups..

[tp2021]

This team at full strength will be a full-grown beast.
This team at full-strength with Bonner's roster spot taken over by a rebounder & shotblocker would be unfair to the rest of the league.

[Obstructed_View]

what a disappointing loss..13-point lead blown on a 21-2 run? disgusting..

Duncan and Popovich take responsibility for the loss..Duncan with terrible rebounding and settling for jumpers too much..Pop for leaving Duncan out during our run, for having Finley guard Jefferson for an extended period of time, and for playing Vaughn way too much..

I'm encouraged by the improved D, but this should have easily been a win once we were up 13 against a team that was struggling..

They were struggling because the Spurs were playing defense. It's amazing how a team stops struggling as soon as you stop defending them or give them two shots, or both, every trip down the floor.

[HarlemHeat37]

I meant struggling as a whole, not just this game..they lost 3 in a row coming into this game IIRC since they're without Redd..

putting Finley on Jefferson and the lack of boxing out definitely hurt us down the stretch..but we had to eventually score, and Duncan should have been subbed in right when it looked like they were making a run..Pop got too comfortable..

[Obstructed_View]

I meant struggling as a whole, not just this game..they lost 3 in a row coming into this game IIRC since they're without Redd..

putting Finley on Jefferson and the lack of boxing out definitely hurt us down the stretch..but we had to eventually score, and Duncan should have been subbed in right when it looked like they were making a run..Pop got too comfortable..

Pop fell back in love with Finley and failed to recognize when he and Mason stopped giving any effort on defense.

[Obstructed_View]

was hill struggling that much to warrant vaughn playing 20+

Vaughn's going to have to get minutes with Parker out, and he's going to have to start making baskets at some point. Hill didn't play great but I'm not sure how Mason got his minutes in the fourth quarter. I'll go back and re-watch the game later tonight and see if I can figure it out.

[alchemist]

I don't expect a win on Friday but if the Spurs can at least keep the defense flowing like they have these last two games I'll be very excited for our potential when our offense returns consistently.

[duncan228]

Spurs fall short again (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Spurs_fall_short_again.html)
By Jeff McDonald

MILWAUKEE — The Spurs held their second consecutive opponent to fewer than 90 points Wednesday.

Thanks to a frigid fourth quarter, it didn't matter.

Richard Jefferson scored 19 points to lead five Bucks in double figures as injury-stricken Milwaukee pulled past the snakebitten Spurs late to claim an 82-78 victory at the Bradley Center.

A Michael Finley 3-pointer brought the Spurs within 79-78 with 12.3 seconds remaining. After Ramon Sessions missed the second of two free throws at the other end, the Spurs (2-5) had a chance to tie.

But Duncan's jump-hook was short, and Jefferson hit a pair of foul shots on the other end.

Less than 24 hours removed from a hard-earned victory over the New York Knicks, accomplished with Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili sidelined with injury, the Spurs seemed poised to do it again.

Ahead by 12 points at the half and by six entering the fourth quarter, the Spurs suddenly went cold, and the Bucks (4-5) suddenly couldn't miss.

They outscored the Spurs 29-18 in the final frame. At one point during the decisive stretch, the Spurs missed seven consecutive field goals, while Milwaukee scored on eight consecutive possessions.

The Spurs took their first lead with 10:23 left in the first quarter and did not trail again until there was 8:25 left in the game.

Tim Duncan scored 24 points, 14 in the final 41/2 minutes, while Finley chipped in 19.

[mytespurs]

Ahead by 12 points at the half and by six entering the fourth quarter, the Spurs suddenly went cold, and the Bucks (4-5) suddenly couldn't miss.

Isn't this a typical Spurs thing even when the big 3 are healthy and playing? They play with a lead and then suddenly they get cold giving the other team momentum.

The current Spurs seems like team standing on one leg....Tim Duncan's. Its going to be a very long and trying next couple of months until Tony & Manu return.

But I'll still be rooting for them!! :toast

[milkyway21]

Speaking of Timmy, his exasperated, "someone else's fault" body language isn't good for anyone on the team........



I just can't believe it. I never see Duncan blame anybody for the team's loss. Even when Manu fouled Dirk in 2006 when it was already sure W for the Spurs.

Maybe he was disappointed a play wasn't executed as it was supposed to be. He just can't do it all you know-defend, block, rebound, pass the ball and score. Well, he is human after all. Being a leader, IMO he shld SAY something. Afterall it's him who will take the blame for the loss. Not Pop. Not Oberto or Finley.

[Slomo]

I'm not worried about this game anymore, NEXT! I can not wait until we play the Rockets


Nice Jinx :tu

[SenorSpur]

He also gave up some easy boards, had a terrible turnover and allowed an and-one by biting on a pump fake. Thank the refs for getting him started with that terrible blocking foul call.

I don't understand biting on a pump fake on a guy, who is a foot shorter than he is.


Speaking of Timmy, his exasperated, "someone else's fault" body language isn't good for anyone on the team, and I really wish someone would tell him to knock it the fuck off.
:tu This aint Manu and TP he's playing with.

[Joe Schmoogins]

I really don't care what anyone else thinks... Tim had a great game, especially the fourth quarter. He literally picked the team up and carried everyone to the finish line. Unfortunately he couldn't get that last one to go, but no one is perfect. People need to give Tim the props he deserves. What killed us was that 21-2 drought that spanned the 3rd-4th quarter. There was just some terrible offense, no flow, awkward shots, and that led to shooters tightening up. And it didn't help that the Bucks started hitting everything. We can't have droughts like that and expect to win. The defense was encouraging though. We're fine and this team has big things in store this year, and I don't doubt that one bit.

[Joe Schmoogins]

I don't understand biting on a pump fake on a guy, who is a foot shorter than he is.




it happens... he shoulda just held his hands up, but we need to fight through those screens instead of relying on Tim to be the scapegoat.

[crc21209]

Does anyone or can anyone get the vid on here or a link to the vid of the final play? I didnt get to see it my damn FSN blacked out right when Sessions missed the free throw and we called timeout down by 2. So I dont know what happened on the last play where Tim missed "a bunny" according to some people.

[angelbelow]

Vaughn's going to have to get minutes with Parker out, and he's going to have to start making baskets at some point. Hill didn't play great but I'm not sure how Mason got his minutes in the fourth quarter. I'll go back and re-watch the game later tonight and see if I can figure it out.

vaughn playing is understandable. i just expect hill to play at least 30+ esp since this is a great chance for hill to get some experience and playing time under his belt. pop is raving about hills D maybe he would have given us a spark or two on that end if he played.

[Manufan909]

If they get a win on Houston I'll be exstatic. Don't see it happening, it'd be tough with Tony and Manu back. Mason and Ime just need to relax.

[024]

yeah, mason and udoka seemed to play fine as the third/fourth scoring options but once they are called to step up, they crumbled. they just need to relax and find their shots.

[kobyz]

Duncan should have played more than 34 minutes, he should have played the whole fourth quarter, the bucks made a big run at the start of the fourth quarter whan duncan was rested!

[benefactor]

This is one of those games we are going to have to endure throughout this stretch. We looked like a team that was missing its two best playmakers. It was almost a typical Spurs loss....play hard...get a lead...get complacent...lose. The box score is almost ironic. Finley leads the way and everyone else looks flat.

There was very little offensive flow to this game. I think the biggest thing we are missing is aggressiveness going to the rim. Hill and Mason need to step up in this area. Both of them still look indecisive when they have the ball. I think some of it is they are still trying to find their place within the system...but in that they seem to think too much. They need to recognize when the offensive struggles are happening and switch over to a play making mindset. Speaking of play makers, it was another DNP for Farmer. It might not have been a bad idea to put him in during the stretch where the Bucks were making a push. I am starting to wonder if he is just a warm body in a uniform until Manu is healthy. And Udoka...C'mon man. We need more than this inconsistent, schizophrenic play you have been giving us. You need to step it up and play the role you that is expected of you.

Duncan doesn't get a free pass on this one either. We need much more than 5 boards and 4 turnovers out of him. He was instrumental in getting us back in the game but he less than Duncanesque play early on canceled that out.

[Obstructed_View]

I just can't believe it. I never see Duncan blame anybody for the team's loss. Even when Manu fouled Dirk in 2006 when it was already sure W for the Spurs.

Maybe he was disappointed a play wasn't executed as it was supposed to be. He just can't do it all you know-defend, block, rebound, pass the ball and score. Well, he is human after all. Being a leader, IMO he shld SAY something. Afterall it's him who will take the blame for the loss. Not Pop. Not Oberto or Finley.

Be disappointed, that's fine.

Say something, that's fine.

Do NOT hang your head, look at your teammates with disgust and shake your head or stare incredulously at one of your teammates with your hands up after your man dunks the ball. Whatever leadership Timmy may be showing behind the scenes, he's undermining it with his body language on the floor.

I also have a really hard time believing that a guy who scored 14 points in 4 and a half minutes couldn't generate more than 10 points and 5 rebounds in the 43 minutes previous.



vaughn playing is understandable. i just expect hill to play at least 30+ esp since this is a great chance for hill to get some experience and playing time under his belt. pop is raving about hills D maybe he would have given us a spark or two on that end if he played.

I agree. Hill shouldn't have gotten the hook, and I'd have rather had Vaughn running point if Mason's not going to be taking shots. Pop should also tell Vaughn that he takes two shots from now on: wide open jumpers off a pass when his defender leaves him and layup attempts off dribble penetration. He should be told he's going to be in a suit the rest of the season if he doesn't adhere to it, and he's going to be beaten to death if he takes any shots off his own dribble ever again.


I really don't care what anyone else thinks... Tim had a great game, especially the fourth quarter. He literally picked the team up and carried everyone to the finish line. Unfortunately he couldn't get that last one to go, but no one is perfect. People need to give Tim the props he deserves. What killed us was that 21-2 drought that spanned the 3rd-4th quarter. There was just some terrible offense, no flow, awkward shots, and that led to shooters tightening up. And it didn't help that the Bucks started hitting everything. We can't have droughts like that and expect to win. The defense was encouraging though. We're fine and this team has big things in store this year, and I don't doubt that one bit.

Sorry, but you don't get props for a heroic game when it shows up as an L, especially when Timmy had the same number of rebounds as Roger Mason did. The Spurs were outscored 34-19 in the last 12 and a half minutes of the game and were outrebounded 16-6 in the fourth quarter. The reason the Bucks started hitting shots is because the Spurs stopped defending, and the extra shots from the offensive rebounds didn't help.

[SenorSpur]

Agreed. Can't give a desparate team a slew of "second chance" points. Duncan played a good game, but he's got to pick up his rebounding. He's got help from Tolliver and Mason on the glass, but the rebounding onus is on Tim. If he doesn't get double-digit boards, no one else will. Thus is the life of being the most active big on the roster. Hopefully, this will be mitigated some when Ian gets into the rotation. However for now, TD has to carry the bulk of the scoring and rebounding load.

[Obstructed_View]

And I have a hard time saying that anyone had a great game when they got dominated by Andrew Bogut.

[LEONARD]

Good game tonight. Milwaukee just hit a few lucky shots here and there. With an extra rebound or call to go our way, the game is ours. I'm not too concerned at this point with the 2-5 record.

Utah and New Orleans lost tonight, how tough can the West be? Not very.

You are the KING of excuses...you never disappoint... :lol

[Obstructed_View]

You are the KING of excuses...you never disappoint... :lol

He's the one I think of when the Spurs lose to take away the pain...