duncan228
12-30-2008, 01:58 AM
I wasn't sure if this should go in the preview thread. It seems to be a conversation by itself. Please move if needed. :)
History warns: Bucks are dangerous (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/History_warns_Bucks_are_dangerous.html)
By Mike Monroe
Practitioners of the equine pari-mutuel arts have a saying: Horses for courses.
Certain thoroughbreds, it seems, have an affinity for a particular surface, distance or race track. It pays to know when, and where, such circumstances occur.
The bromide appears to have some relevance in the NBA, as well, which helps to explain why Spurs coach Gregg Popovich approaches tonight's game against the Milwaukee Bucks with what he calls appropriate fear.
The Bucks may bring a mediocre, 14-17 record into the AT&T Center against the 20-10, Southwest Division-leading Spurs, but history tells Popovich to be wary.
Through the past 10-plus seasons, the Bucks have been an enigmatic nemesis for the Spurs. Beginning with the 1998-99 season, the Spurs have won 579 games and lost only 239, a win percentage of 70.8 that makes them the most successful pro sports franchise in North America over that time frame. They have won four NBA titles during the same period.
Over the same span, their record against the Bucks, who are 384-435 since the 1998-99 season, is 8-11.
Four times, the Bucks swept the season series against the Spurs, including the 2006-07 season that ended with the Spurs hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
“Milwaukee is one of the teams in the league that has given us the most trouble, historically,” Popovich said after Monday's practice session. “They have had their way with us many times, so I think they'll be coming in quite confidently.”
Freshest in Popovich's memory bank of Milwaukee misery is an 82-78 loss on Nov. 19. Only twice this season have the Spurs scored fewer points.
“We'll have to lace them up and be ready,” Popovich said, “because we have not done a good job with Milwaukee.”
Under new coach Scott Skiles, the Bucks are decidedly more dedicated to defense than in recent years. Skiles is not unlike Popovich in many respects, including being a stickler for detail.
“Coach Skiles is going to have them aggressive, disciplined and tough mentally,” Popovich said. “Then, add the talent and athleticism, and that makes for a tough situation for us.”
Milwaukee's top scorer, Michael Redd, a member of the gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic team this past summer, has been joined on the perimeter by Richard Jefferson, another scoring threat who has been the Bucks' top point producer 11 times this season.
“Michael Redd and Richard Jefferson are playing really well,” said Spurs defensive ace Bruce Bowen, who is apt to get a turn defending each of the high-scoring Bucks. “Those guys are coming together, playing hard, and they're really defending well. It will be imperative for us to pay attention to detail, play good transition defense and guard that 3-point line.”
Redd has not shot the ball as well from long range this season as he has in seasons past, making only 31 of 92 3-point attempts (33.7 percent). Nevertheless, Spurs guard Roger Mason Jr., ranked second in 3-point accuracy this season, is aware of Redd's scoring history.
“He's got a great shot,” said Mason, “and they give him a lot of touches. We've got to be on our horse defensively. We have to be aware of his All-Star type of talent. It's always fun going against guys like that.”
History warns: Bucks are dangerous (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/History_warns_Bucks_are_dangerous.html)
By Mike Monroe
Practitioners of the equine pari-mutuel arts have a saying: Horses for courses.
Certain thoroughbreds, it seems, have an affinity for a particular surface, distance or race track. It pays to know when, and where, such circumstances occur.
The bromide appears to have some relevance in the NBA, as well, which helps to explain why Spurs coach Gregg Popovich approaches tonight's game against the Milwaukee Bucks with what he calls appropriate fear.
The Bucks may bring a mediocre, 14-17 record into the AT&T Center against the 20-10, Southwest Division-leading Spurs, but history tells Popovich to be wary.
Through the past 10-plus seasons, the Bucks have been an enigmatic nemesis for the Spurs. Beginning with the 1998-99 season, the Spurs have won 579 games and lost only 239, a win percentage of 70.8 that makes them the most successful pro sports franchise in North America over that time frame. They have won four NBA titles during the same period.
Over the same span, their record against the Bucks, who are 384-435 since the 1998-99 season, is 8-11.
Four times, the Bucks swept the season series against the Spurs, including the 2006-07 season that ended with the Spurs hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
“Milwaukee is one of the teams in the league that has given us the most trouble, historically,” Popovich said after Monday's practice session. “They have had their way with us many times, so I think they'll be coming in quite confidently.”
Freshest in Popovich's memory bank of Milwaukee misery is an 82-78 loss on Nov. 19. Only twice this season have the Spurs scored fewer points.
“We'll have to lace them up and be ready,” Popovich said, “because we have not done a good job with Milwaukee.”
Under new coach Scott Skiles, the Bucks are decidedly more dedicated to defense than in recent years. Skiles is not unlike Popovich in many respects, including being a stickler for detail.
“Coach Skiles is going to have them aggressive, disciplined and tough mentally,” Popovich said. “Then, add the talent and athleticism, and that makes for a tough situation for us.”
Milwaukee's top scorer, Michael Redd, a member of the gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic team this past summer, has been joined on the perimeter by Richard Jefferson, another scoring threat who has been the Bucks' top point producer 11 times this season.
“Michael Redd and Richard Jefferson are playing really well,” said Spurs defensive ace Bruce Bowen, who is apt to get a turn defending each of the high-scoring Bucks. “Those guys are coming together, playing hard, and they're really defending well. It will be imperative for us to pay attention to detail, play good transition defense and guard that 3-point line.”
Redd has not shot the ball as well from long range this season as he has in seasons past, making only 31 of 92 3-point attempts (33.7 percent). Nevertheless, Spurs guard Roger Mason Jr., ranked second in 3-point accuracy this season, is aware of Redd's scoring history.
“He's got a great shot,” said Mason, “and they give him a lot of touches. We've got to be on our horse defensively. We have to be aware of his All-Star type of talent. It's always fun going against guys like that.”