Game Blog: Spurs vs. Cavaliers 2/27/09

[smrattler]

Just looked at that play by Pops, he got fouled!!!!!!! WTF?!?!?!?! Need some more analysis of Pops 5sec start to his Spurs career....

[hater]

Lebron jumper is looking ugly..

when has it not looked ugly?

[Chomag]

Less Udoka more Hairston would be nice.

[Chomag]

Btw, thats 2 rebounds in 40 seconds of nba career play for Pops now.

Just throwing that out there :wakeup

[peskypesky]

i feel good about this game...a little more Pops and we got this.

[alchemist]

Hairston did pretty damn well on Lebron, bothered him a bit.

I have to say that Parker is working pretty fuckin' hard driving to the lane and then kicking it out - the shooters have to knock down those shots or we're not winning this game.

[smrattler]

Damn, Biba Golic's got something there!!!

[Indazone]

Just keep pushing Lebron out of the paint. He can't produce if he can't get into the paint. Play tough nosed defense on these Eastern Conf. pussies and they will fold like a house of cards.

[smrattler]

Halftime show... "Cleveland Cavs have defeated the Spurs 4 out of the last 5 outings.. LeBron giving them an education in elevation..."

Guess they didn't count those post-season games in that streak???

[peskypesky]

Now that Pops has appeared and taken over the NBA, all I can say is, "Ian who?".

[djohn2oo8]

Queen James will hog the ball (as if he hasnt already) going into the 4th, best chance for spurs comeback

[djohn2oo8]

Mark Jackson is a worse commentator than he was a player

[Slippy]

when has it not looked ugly?

when he actually hits one .. haha

its looking fugly today.

[peskypesky]

Queen James will hog the ball (as if he hasnt already) going into the 4th, best chance for spurs comeback

your sig is fucking HILARIOUS!!:lmao

[Libri]

The Spurs strategy has been to use the double team on Lebron to get the ball out of his hands.

[Death In June]

Well, at least we're only down by seven without tim and manu to the second best record in the league.

[Mavs<Spurs]

LeBron James cannot consistently hit midrange jumpers or 3's to save his life.

Just look at his percentage. And that has not changed.


If we as a team can prevent him from getting too many layups and close out on their 3 point shooters, it is possible to win the game.

[Trainwreck2100]

this is the longest fucking halftime ever

[peskypesky]

LeBron James cannot consistently hit midrange jumpers or 3's to save his life.

Just look at his percentage. And that has not changed.


If we as a team can prevent him from getting too many layups and close out on their 3 point shooters, it is possible to win the game.

yep. spurs have to pack the paint and deny penetration. force him to shoot jumpers or ft's.

[smrattler]

Wow, we outshot them for the half.

After our start, that is a hell of an acomplishment!

[nkdlunch]

Jalen Rose is one funny mofo.

He needs to be on Inside the NBA

[smrattler]

They cut TPs FG% from the last two games in half. :(

[smrattler]

Ace Roger!!

[Spurs Brazil]

Mason Jr 22222222222222222

[pawe]

Start the 3rd qtr already!

[Mavs<Spurs]

The Spurs strategy has been to use the double team on Lebron to get the ball out of his hands.

Yeah, but imho, LeBron is the best passer in the league since Magic Johnson and one of the 7 or 8 best passers in the NBA ever.

His height, vision and high basketball iq as well as his unselfishness make it unwise to double or triple team him -- UNLESS HE IS PLAYING LIKE HE DID AGAINST THE PISTONS IN GAME 5 OF 2007 ECF.

Also, Cavs do now have excellent shooters around LeBron.

This is not like the Cavs in 2007 when we beat them. This team has shown consistently that they have one of the best offenses in the league (Lakers being the best of course). Their offensive efficiency, field goal percentage, and offensive production in terms of scoring and their average margin of victory all show that.

The 2007 Cavs was a great defensive team, but a terrible offensive team.

This is a completely different team in the sense that I described above.

We still need all 5 players to play as a team to defend him in the sense of preventing him from getting into the paint, but we can't leave his teammates open any more. If we do, we will pay for it and lose BADLY.

[MateoNeygro]

Bonner!

[Spurs Brazil]

Bonner!!!

Cavs up 5

[smrattler]

Delonte Troll counters Bonner...

[tomtom]

BONNER! again!

[Slippy]

Bonner on the drive .. hurting the cavs. never thought i'd type that.

[Death In June]

Kurts jumper has been shite tonight

[Mavs<Spurs]

Villanova can beat Georgetown.

24 minutes to go.

Let's go Spurs !!!

:flag:

[smrattler]

Boner stuff James! Then James hits a three after a bunch of sloppiness on both ends.

[Spurs Brazil]

Fuck

[Libri]

Damn!

[timtonymanu]

fuck! just like that the leads 11!

[nkdlunch]

lead is 12

[ducks]

these refs suck ass

[Mavs<Spurs]

Kurts jumper has been shite tonight

Very unusual. Kurt's pick and pop jumper is usually money. I would not abandon it. When he's open, he knocks that down 9 times out of 10. Play the percentages, imo.

[mystargtr34]

Oh Fuck You ref.

"Matt Bonner surely couldnt have blocked LeBron James (even though he did), so lets fuck over Finley and not give him a foul when he gets his forearm cracked on a layup.

Piece of shit.

[MateoNeygro]

I hate saying this but I feel like this is gonna be one of those games where we keep getting close but just can't get over the hump. Without somebody on the Spurs being incredibly hot I don't think we'll overcome not having Tim and Manu.

I hope i'm wrong but like I said above it has all the makings of one of those fuckin aggrivating games.

[smrattler]

playing uphill all night so far.

tough to win gmes like this.

[Ice009]

Pop told the camera crew to FUCK OFF.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

TP's jumper is nowhere to be found in this game.

Hopefully the Spurs come out with some aggression after the timeout :tu

[smrattler]

Very unusual. Kurt's pick and pop jumper is usually money. I would not abandon it. When he's open, he knocks that down 9 times out of 10. Play the percentages, imo.


He's playing a lot of mins now though. As his mins rise, his % starts creeping down. He uses a lot of energy on the boards and defense. Tonight is one of those nights, he's doing great in those areas.

[Ice009]

Game's NOT OVER.

Keep fighting Spurs. Keep fighting.

[Libri]

Much needed 3 by Bonner.

[Danny.Zhu]

Tonight's offense is not good.

[MateoNeygro]

Parker has to cause havok and get in the lane for us to win.

[Spurs Brazil]

Bonner 3333333333333333333333333

[smrattler]

Damn, James matching Bonner's three now.

[Mavs<Spurs]

Boner stuff James! Then James hits a three after a bunch of sloppiness on both ends.

James 3 is luck, imo. He only shoots like 30 percent from there. DWade same thing. Only thing is DWade is a great midrange shooter and LeBron isn't.


Weather this. Normally, he won't keep making that shot. That's the percentage play. And if this is the one night when he does make it, you say too good.

but that's the shot we want him to take.


Also, we can't turn the ball over when we are playing a good team and we are shorthanded.

Not only does it limit our offensive shots (we don't even get a shot up), but it doesn't give our defense a chance to set up. And LeBron is impossible to stop on a fast break, the best finisher in the game. And that gives him and the Cavs confidence. Nothing gives a shooter confidence like easy baskets and seeing the ball go through the hoop.

[smrattler]

How is that not a 3 shot foul on that shot by Bonner??????

[pawe]

three straight 3s by the chosen one.

[MateoNeygro]

I don't give a shit James is garbage! I dunno why but after watchin this game I'm starting to dislike him. Probably because he's hurting the Spurs

[smrattler]

This game is getting out of reach... slowly.

I prefer a quick death, please.

[024]

parker should have layed that in. i think his confidence is suffering a bit.

[Spurs Brazil]

Good job Bruce

4th on West

Cavs up 13

[peskypesky]

No Pops and the Spurs start to fall behind

[pawe]

James 3 is luck, imo. He only shoots like 30 percent from there. DWade same thing. Only thing is DWade is a great midrange shooter and LeBron isn't.


Weather this. Normally, he won't keep making that shot. That's the percentage play. And if this is the one night when he does make it, you say too good.

but that's the shot we want him to take.


Also, we can't turn the ball over when we are playing a good team and we are shorthanded.

Not only does it limit our offensive shots (we don't even get a shot up), but it doesn't give our defense a chance to set up. And LeBron is impossible to stop on a fast break, the best finisher in the game. And that gives him and the Cavs confidence. Nothing gives a shooter confidence like easy baskets and seeing the ball go through the hoop.

The problem is Lebron is wide fucking open! Spurs D sucks monkey balls

[Slippy]

Yikes Lebron answering our call to shoot. Only problem , he hit'em. Damn !!! surely he can't keep that up.

Spurs defense has to pick up the slack. their offense is going cold.

[MateoNeygro]

Parker really really suckin

[smrattler]

Bonner can't fight for a rebound...

Fin for 3!!!

[MateoNeygro]

Fin!

[FREEDOM]

LoL @ the P A announcer guiding the crowd with the defense chant..

[Spurs Brazil]

Finley 33333333333333333333333

[Pauleta14]

TP shood just distribute today...

[MateoNeygro]

WTF Parker stop fuckin shooting. He's being a punk.

[Libri]

T on KT.

[smrattler]

Thomas gonna kick carrot top's ass, LOL!!!

[peskypesky]

Spurs shooting cold for the most part. Someone better start driving and they better start passing the ball more.

[Mavs<Spurs]

Fuckin Bonner, shorter than James, How can we start this guy?

Exactly.

I don't believe that we can win a championship starting Bonner.

He is a one trick pony on offense.

And on defense, I hate to say it, but he's worthless. He can't protect the rim. He's not tall or athletic enough. He doesn't rotate to the correct spot. How many times have I seen Tim forced to hedge and Bonner needed to protect the rim and he didn't and the other team got a lay up as a result? Way too many times.

And David West of the Hornets or any team with a good second big can just abuse him.

He's too slow and unathletic.

He's good coming off the bench. But a championship level team does not start a Matt Bonner as their Center or PF.

I know Matt Bonner is a good person and a good contributor, but let's be honest if he is still starting for us during the playoffs, we're in deep trouble.


We were able to squeeze by with Oberto because Oberto is a good team defender and rotates to the right spot. He also plays well with Timmy.

[Death In June]

Seriously, no pops in the game? This is one is most likely out of reach. Why not give him some minutes?

[Slippy]

geez this getting ugly for the spurs on offense..

[smrattler]

Ok, we made our run... back to 15 points and growing.

Bring me Pops!!!

[FREEDOM]

that was a nice shot by gibson, spurs will put it together hopefully

[Death In June]

Give tony some rest, this one is over.

[djohn2oo8]

LMAO, at hubie brown. "varejo is one of those people who incites a riot everywhere he goes" :lol

[peskypesky]

not. looking. good.

[boutons_]

-18, game is out of reach

[Mavs<Spurs]

Spurs shooting cold for the most part. Someone better start driving and they better start passing the ball more.

No inside game.

Wish Tony's jumper was back to what it has been the last 2 years, consistent.

I think Tony's jumpshot will come back before the playoffs and that this is just a temporary thing, but he needs to make that shot so that teams will be forced to guard him out there. Then, he can get to the paint easier.

He cannot settle for jumpshots.

[smrattler]

A couple of more jumpers and this game is officially over!

[Slippy]

Cavs shooters killing the spurs now.. It was bound to happen. They were getting good looks

[peskypesky]

ugly.

[FREEDOM]

bonner wasnt thinking on that shot

[boutons_]

-19

[MateoNeygro]

Now it's gettin really ugly

[Spurs Brazil]

Cavs can't miss now, up 18

[smrattler]

Wow, James with 12 boards to go with his 28 points, gee, look at me everyone, I'm LeBron, I'm soooooo good!! I get rebounds with my points and assists and win games!!!!!

Whatever.... ass.

[timtonymanu]

goddamn cavs show a little mercy.

[FREEDOM]

it seems that not even the loudest go spurs go chant bring the spurs back

[Amuseddaysleeper]

that's game

[jman3000]

hey parker... why dont you take another ill advised jump shot?

[pawe]

Lol at the coyote diving for the ball

[Libri]

21 pts Cavs lead.

:depressed

[peskypesky]

-18, game is out of reach

-21 now. Put Tim in!!!!

[024]

what's with the lebron hate?

[ducks]

tp has no legs tonight

[MateoNeygro]

No inside game.

Wish Tony's jumper was back to what it has been the last 2 years, consistent.

I think Tony's jumpshot will come back before the playoffs and that this is just a temporary thing, but he needs to make that shot so that teams will be forced to guard him out there. Then, he can get to the paint easier.

He cannot settle for jumpshots.

You are right. I just think he's a little tanked he's tore it up the past two games and every shot is short. It's a telltale sign of fatigue on the legs.

[boutons_]

Cavs can't miss on 3Gs in 3rd

[ducks]

what's with the lebron hate?

he sucked all week
gets away with fouls

[timtonymanu]

it seems that not even the loudest go spurs go chant bring the spurs back

the crowd is barely into it as always.

[024]

lakers might lose if the nuggets don't choke away the last 3 minutes. that's something...

[peskypesky]

goddamn cavs show a little mercy.

they need to reclaim their manhoods after last night's miserable loss to the Rockets. expect them to run up the score.

[Ice009]

So does anyone want to apologize about saying that TP should take over the team?

[Indazone]

wow..I leave for a few minutes and come back to this beatdown?

[jman3000]

it's almost like he's trying to shoot shitty on purpose. that way after the game he can say "sometimes you just have one of these nights"... instead of him just having a horrible floor game tonight. Bad shot selection, poor ball handling, not finishing at the rim.. blah blah blah

[Mavs<Spurs]

-18, game is out of reach

Well, at least they showed some fight in the second quarter.

This was an uphill game.

And honestly, the Cavs would have been slight favorites to win this game even with Timmy.

This was a really big ask, even at home.

Cavs wanted to redeem themselves after a pathetic showing in Houston.

And they know that the Spurs are considered one of the teams in the second tier that might be moving up. So, this game meant something to them. Especially after the 07 finals.


Of course, without Tim and without Manu, it means jack$#@#$ .


Let Pops can get some run as well as Hairston.

And don't play Tony too many minutes since this is out of reach.

[ducks]

the crowd is barely into it as always.

crowd started off good

[Death In June]

Not watching a single cavs game this season made me forget how good lebron is. Without him, that team would struggle to beat an SA team without the big three, imo.

[nkdlunch]

:lmao

Kurt Thomas almost goes on a rampage.

that Varejao is a true brazilian.

[Indazone]

starts with defense. Needed to stop Lebron from getting to the rim and for that, Duncan could have changed that dynamic easily. After that, it's what happened to the great perimeter defense of the Spurs?

[ducks]

So does anyone want to apologize about saying that TP should take over the team?

I seen td have games like this

[mystargtr34]

This game is just a reality check, that the Spurs need Duncan and Manu to win a championship :lol. No big deal, nothing to get too concerned about.

The wins over Dallas and Portland are a little misleading, while they are both decent teams overall, both are poor road teams, and both are below average defensive teams. Dont get me wrong, Parker and co played great, but Cleveland is a different animal to both of those teams, especially defensively.

Relax.

[pawe]

I guess we'll just have to sweep the Cavs again in this year's NBA Finals as payback.

[alchemist]

So does anyone want to apologize about saying that TP should take over the team?
Not even Timmy could've changed this because the role players can't make a fuckin' layup/jumpshot to save their lives today :bang :wakeup

[katuso]

hill get on the court.parker need rest...

[smrattler]

HJoly crap, Shaw with 45 points tonight!!!!

[timtonymanu]

Bring in Pops, we're gonna lose anyway!

[Slippy]

what's with the lebron hate?

gotta say .. i didn't like his show-pony antics before the game. On the court he's fun to watch... A great player no doubt just not very likeable.

[Yorae]

Just in, and.....:depressed

[alchemist]

By the way do the Spurs have rebound drills they can't rebound for shit even if they have the ball in both hands. :wakeup

[smrattler]

Ok, Oberto pulls a minor miracle and is able to hang with LeBron on the perimeter and force an ugly shot from him that misses. But he gets outrebounded by him? Shouldn't that be the other way?

[timtonymanu]

alright Mike Brown, leave ur starters out and play ur scrubs. it's the least u could do for the beatdown. lol.

[Ice009]

I don't give a shit James is garbage! I dunno why but after watchin this game I'm starting to dislike him. Probably because he's hurting the Spurs

Lebron is awesome. I don't know where you guys are getting this. I somewhat like him which is saying a lot as I don't like most players in the NBA because of their shit talking.

[Spurs Brazil]

Cavs up 77-56 after the 3rd

I think It's Pops time now

[Slippy]

The wins over Dallas and Portland are a little misleading, while they are both decent teams overall, both are poor road teams, and both are below average defensive teams. Dont get me wrong, Parker and co played great, but Cleveland is a different animal to both of those teams, especially defensively.

Relax.

True... today the Spurs came up against a totally different beast . A defensive beast that knows what to do on offense playing around Lebron.

[peskypesky]

why did Bowen play only 9 minutes?

[smrattler]

Parker looks done for the night.

"Rough night for Parker against this Cavaliers defense"

Yup, Cavs defense against a one-man team looks "dominant"" like they've said at least 13 times now.

[ducks]

gotta say .. i didn't like his show-pony antics before the game. On the court he's fun to watch... A great player no doubt just not very likeable.

he has always thought he was the best
heck he got away with getting gifts for his basketball play in highschool
he has gotten his mommy to get him a loan and the bank to give him money so he can buy a car before he gets a paycut from the cavs
he can not wait
has to buy a car with 12 not 11 tvs

[jman3000]

fuck you hubie brown..."this is why the cavs are a great team"? what the fuck is that bullshit?

it's not like over 30 million in salary is sitting on the bench in street clothes or anything.

[nkdlunch]

cool. Time to bring in Pops and let him play full 12 minutes. Throw in the towel Pop

[FREEDOM]

I think you can check up a W for the cavs, damn

[nkdlunch]

he has always thought he was the best
heck he got away with getting gifts for his basketball play in highschool
he has gotten his mommy to get him a loan and the bank to give him money so he can buy a car before he gets a paycut from the cavs
he can not wait
has to buy a car with 12 not 11 tvs

:lmfao

[Josepatches_]

I seen td have games like this


3/16? I can't remember one.

But do you want to say TP>TD?

:lol:lol

[xellos88330]

I think Pop should give Pops some burn now. The Spurs look tired on their closeouts.

[Libri]

Pops is in.

[Ice009]

I seen td have games like this

Come on man just admit it. If you had a choice between TP and Tim who would you chose to lead a franchise?

For the record TP playing OK tonight. He tried to do the right thing, but his jumper wasn't on and he may have been a little tired.

But anyone that is saying this in not Tim's team the last few days need to buy a clue.

[smrattler]

The Pops show bout to begin....

[peskypesky]

cool. Time to bring in Pops and let him play full 12 minutes. Throw in the towel Pop

Putting Pops in is not throwing in the towel. It is throwing down the gauntlet.

[smrattler]

Damn it Hairston, pass it better to Pops!!!

[Slippy]

he has always thought he was the best
heck he got away with getting gifts for his basketball play in highschool
he has gotten his mommy to get him a loan and the bank to give him money so he can buy a car before he gets a paycut from the cavs
he can not wait
has to buy a car with 12 not 11 tvs

and now he gonna make a movie about himself with ice cube. I can see this movie being critically acclaimed. :lol

[timtonymanu]

Pops with the deflection, Malik with the jumper.

[Yorae]

Dammit! GO Spurs!!!

[Spurs Brazil]

Malik J after Pops D

[ducks]

Yes

[Death In June]

That was fucking awesome

[pawe]

holy shit pops!

[mVp]

Pops!

[Dex]

Pops!!!!!!!

[FREEDOM]

Bonsu on that!!

[xellos88330]

Pops says... EAT SHIT BIG Z!!!

[Libri]

Hollly crap popssss!!

[Yorae]

Wohoo!!! Pops!!!!

[Spur-Addict]

Ahhhh!!

[smrattler]

Pops with the steal on the break!!!

[MateoNeygro]

That's what I'm talkin about Mensah Bonsu!!! Throw that shit down!!!

[duncan228]

Well that was fun.

[peskypesky]

Manu has missed 18 games....and we're about to receive our 18th loss. Coincidence?

[Spurs Brazil]

Here we go

Pops!!!!!!!!!

[Capt Bringdown]

HOLY SMOKES
A Spur actuall dunked! Stop the presses!

[fiona_yin]

wow...

[DDS4]

It's been so long since I've seen a thunderous dunk from a Spur. Quite nice!

[Mavs<Spurs]

it's almost like he's trying to shoot shitty on purpose. that way after the game he can say "sometimes you just have one of these nights"... instead of him just having a horrible floor game tonight. Bad shot selection, poor ball handling, not finishing at the rim.. blah blah blah


Sorry to say, but Tim Duncan makes Tony Parker much better.

On another team, Tony is above average player. On Tim's team, Tony is an all star.


Now, Tim needs Tony to get him easier shots. So, the relationship is a lot less one sided than before. And clearly, in 2007, Tony easily deserved the Finals MVP and there has been zero debate about that because it was so clear.


Without Tim Duncan, Tony is going to have a difficult career.

Some people seem to think Tony has HOFer locked up.

I think Tony can make it, but he has a lot of work ahead of him to justify it.
If his career continues as it has, he's borderline at best.

Manu is on even shakier ground. Manu was close on the ballots in 2005 to be Finals MVP and had a spectacular year as an all-star. He also was great in Game 4 against the Cavs in 2007 Finals to finish out the games. He also was great against the Jazz and Nuggets in helping us win those playoff series. Manu also has his international record to help him. Having won the Gold Medal and being the MVP of the Italian League (if that's no right, plz feel free to correct me).
However, his stats in the NBA are about average. And because of his last couple of years in terms of injuries, it doesn't look like he will have a lot to add to his resume for that argument (to be a HOFer).

So, the people thinking Tim had this spectacularly great group of teammates around him which is why he won and someone else didn't, are overestimating Tim's teammates and underappreciating Tim's greatness who can take above average or merely average players and make them much better.


This always has been and always will be Tim Duncan's team.

BTW, athleticism doesn't always win in 1 on 1. Bird could score against anyone and win against DRob and Tim Duncan and he was as unathletic as you could get. Just to inject a dose of reality for whott. and others.

and don't make age arguments against me. the points are valid I made even if I wasn't fortunate to see that much of David.

[ducks]

3/16? I can't remember one.

But do you want to say TP>TD?

:lol:lol
yes 3-16




ps how many games has td played that put up those numbers up tp did without any allstars

[smrattler]

FUCK YEAH POPS!!!!! This is the kind of finisher we need in a role!!!

[Slippy]

Come on man just admit it. If you had a choice between TP and Tim who would you chose to lead a franchise?

For the record TP playing OK tonight. He tried to do the right thing, but his jumper wasn't on and he may have been a little tired.

But anyone that is saying this in not Tim's team the last few days need to buy a clue.


i think whole point you all trying make .. Everybody needs help, to take the pressure off. That includes TIM, TonY and Manu.

[Spur-Addict]

Box out Pop, come on now.

[pawe]

He got dunked on by a pg? Idiot! He was behind him.

[tomtom]

damn we need you back td

[smrattler]

Damn it Pops!

[Capt Bringdown]

Spurs rookies getting owned out there now.

[xellos88330]

Long rebounds have been killing the Spurs all night.

[smrattler]

He didn't get dunked on... just slapped his ass from behind.

[Yorae]

I just want more Pops.

[024]

gotta say .. i didn't like his show-pony antics before the game. On the court he's fun to watch... A great player no doubt just not very likeable.

i think sometimes spurs fans get carried away with the whole "anyone who gets media attention must be an asshole." just because it's duncan's preference not to seek attention, nba players are after all entertainers. james is good and dominating against the spurs right now.

i don't remember how lebron has ever said the wrong things off court. during the playoff battle with the wizards last year, he didn't take the wizards' bait to start trash talking in public. only the wizards did the talking and lebron did the dominating on the court. he doesn't do a premature ball dance after hitting a big shot like kobe, he doesn't go out and rape a girl like kobe, nor does he complain about his teammates in public like kobe. he also doesn't go public and ask to be traded like kobe. he just plays his games and does a little showboating before the game to pump up his team.

[nkdlunch]

holy shit Pops I don't remember last time a Spur monster dunked

[weebo]

can the pops experiment...this guy just got dunked on by a pg...fuck this

[Mugen]

haha pOps looks lost out their on D but thats understandable. that dunk will get spurs fans all craaaaazy!

rebounding killed us 2nite guys and tony finally ran out of gas. lets move on and get that W in portland!

[smrattler]

Hey Brown, that's it, keep West out there a little longer!

And let's show more of LeBron having fun on the bench watching the other starters dominating our D-league team.

[FREEDOM]

Sorry to say, but Tim Duncan makes Tony Parker much better.

On another team, Tony is above average player. On Tim's team, Tony is an all star.


Now, Tim needs Tony to get him easier shots. So, the relationship is a lot less one sided than before. And clearly, in 2007, Tony easily deserved the Finals MVP and there has been zero debate about that because it was so clear.


Without Tim Duncan, Tony is going to have a difficult career.

Some people seem to think Tony has HOFer locked up.

I think Tony can make it, but he has a lot of work ahead of him to justify it.
If his career continues as it has, he's borderline at best.

Manu is on even shakier ground. Manu was close on the ballots in 2005 to be Finals MVP and had a spectacular year as an all-star. He also was great in Game 4 against the Cavs in 2007 Finals to finish out the games. He also was great against the Jazz and Nuggets in helping us win those playoff series. Manu also has his international record to help him. Having won the Gold Medal and being the MVP of the Italian League (if that's no right, plz feel free to correct me).
However, his stats in the NBA are about average. And because of his last couple of years in terms of injuries, it doesn't look like he will have a lot to add to his resume for that argument (to be a HOFer).

So, the people thinking Tim had this spectacularly great group of teammates around him which is why he won and someone else didn't, are overestimating Tim's teammates and underappreciating Tim's greatness who can take above average or merely average players and make them much better.


This always has been and always will be Tim Duncan's team.

BTW, athleticism doesn't always win in 1 on 1. Bird could score against anyone and win against DRob and Tim Duncan and he was as unathletic as you could get. Just to inject a dose of reality for whott. and others.

and don't make age arguments against me. the points are valid I made even if I wasn't fortunate to see that much of David.

wow, good job, i give you an a+

[timtonymanu]

can the pops experiment...this guy just got dunked on by a pg...fuck this

someone's overreacting.

[Spurs Brazil]

JV in

[Spur-Addict]

can the pops experiment...this guy just got dunked on by a pg...fuck this

At least he contested the dunk. Some people would've just allowed it with no flack.

[Yorae]

He's a rookie. Being dunked on doesn't justfiy the rookies potential, fighting heart and skills.

[Crookshanks]

Man - it stinks losing - but it really sucks losing when the game is on ESPN! These announcers are such Lebron lovers - I think it's time to turn it off. :depressed

[FREEDOM]

doesnt delonte west look like one of those trolls that live under a bridge

[smrattler]

Pops drawing the foul!

It's the only way to contain him!

[peskypesky]

holy shit Pops I don't remember last time a Spur monster dunked

that was the 4th dunk by a Spur this season!

we're talking WNBA levels of dunkage.

[smrattler]

doesnt delonte west look like one of those trolls that live under a bridge

I called him Delonte Troll about 6 pages ago...

[024]

wow pops again.

[mVp]

Pops did it again lol

[Libri]

Poppppps!!

[tomtom]

hot damn ! we need pops

[Spur-Addict]

Pops!!!!!!!!!

[Mavs<Spurs]

i think sometimes spurs fans get carried away with the whole "anyone who gets media attention must be an asshole." just because it's duncan's preference not to seek attention, nba players are after all entertainers. james is good and dominating against the spurs right now.

i don't remember how lebron has ever said the wrong things off court. during the playoff battle with the wizards last year, he didn't take the wizards' bait to start trash talking in public. only the wizards did the talking and lebron did the dominating on the court. he doesn't do a premature ball dance after hitting a big shot like kobe, he doesn't go out and rape a girl like kobe, nor does he complain about his teammates in public like kobe. he also doesn't go public and ask to be traded like kobe. he just plays his games and does a little showboating before the game to pump up his team.

+1

Hard sell to say LeBron hasn't been great off the court as well on. Quality person and tremendous talent.

He does need to add a consistent midrange jumpshot to this game. Then he needs to add the 3. Whenever that happens, his team will win consecutive championships IF he is surrounded by as good a group of players and outside shooters as he has now on his team.

LeBron James is a stud character off the court as well as on.

NBA is fortunate to have one of its two best players have such such great character and to represent himself, his team and the game and the league so well.

Everyone should be able to agree about that.

[Yorae]

George!!!!

[FREEDOM]

Bonsu with authority!

[smrattler]

Pops@!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[peskypesky]

make that the 5th dunk!!!

[TheProfessor]

Holy shit pops with the dunk!

[mVp]

Omg

[MateoNeygro]

Put back by Mensah Bonsu baller status!

[Spurs Brazil]

Omg!

[Yorae]

Power POPS!!!!

[peskypesky]

God-damn!! Did you see Pops running the floor!!!!

[FREEDOM]

I called him Delonte Troll about 6 pages ago...
lol @ delontroll west

[Spur-Addict]

You better foul him, oh yeah Pops baybay!!

[smrattler]

Pops looking for the OOOOOP!!!

POPS-OOOOP!!!!

[024]

how was that not a shooting foul?

[TheProfessor]

OK, I'm a believer. Sign this guy up for the rest of the year.

[tomtom]

man this is our future here!

[smrattler]

Pops keeping an offensive board alive...

He' everywhere!!!

[Spurs Brazil]

Nice job Pops, Malik scores

[alchemist]

Man Hill is playing like a pubic hair!!!! His ass need to start being agressive......He is soft and plays scared to death. If hes not gonna attack, bench his ass and make JV the back up again!
You have to remind yourself that he's a rookie and he's learning the PG position. I forget sometimes myself.

[Mugen]

i gots to have my pops!

[FREEDOM]

Put back by Mensah Bonsu baller status!

baller status fo sho

[Yorae]

Malik!!!!

[timtonymanu]

how ironic that the d-leaguers/scrubs are getting more cheers than the actual starters?

[weebo]

hairston looking pretty good...this guy needs to get minutes on a regular basis

[mVp]

Pops!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[tomtom]

POPS again! this dude is a stud

[Libri]

Pops yet again.

[peskypesky]

you know, the other day when i was watching Pops' highlights on youtube, he made me think of Amare Stoudamire. yep. just the pure beasting ability and the obvious love of throwing it down.

now, before you get all crazy, i'm not saying he'll ever be half the player amare is, but there's a similarity in style. and if can be half as good as amare, i'll be very fucking happy.

[024]

another offensive rebound + putback from pops.

[smrattler]

POPS agains!!

7 points, 4 rebs in 7 mins!!!

[mVp]

Give it to Pops and GTFO!!!

[MateoNeygro]

Bonsu's defense sucks

[Yorae]

All i want is the lead to come down to single digit......

[Spur-Addict]

Pops is really working out there. Box and rebound better and it will be a good outing.

[Indazone]

Guess we know what will happen to Bonner after this game and Pop's dunking display

[JohnnySixString]

It's like admiring the pieces of undigested corn in a lump of shit. :lol

[Spurs Brazil]

Damn Ime

[smrattler]

Udoka wants a part of this now, showing them how it's done!!!

If "it" is getting his jumper stuffed in his *** again!

[Indazone]

Pops is a lot like Carl Landry for us.

[Mugen]

haha gotta love what pops has done but knowing how pop is, i dont think he would be that impressed.

pops has out of position a lot on D and his screens have been weak. you gotta work on the fundamentals to impress popovich.

but i like the kid!

[FREEDOM]

yeaaa i got 500 dollars in spurstalk cash babay!!!

[tomtom]

Bonsu's defense sucks

agreed, at least his energy his high, thats something we lack

[Yorae]

Ime......:depressed

[sexinthatsx]

Is it just me, or have we found that offensive player we were looking for that can drive to the hoop with authority instead of taking 3 pointers? I think we need to sign pops for the rest of the season!

[Mugen]

also, hairston needs to take ime's minutes from now until the season is over.

[smrattler]

haha gotta love what pops has done but knowing how pop is, i dont think he would be that impressed.

pops has out of position a lot on D and his screens have been weak. you gotta work on the fundamentals to impress popovich.

but i like the kid!


The guy just got here just a little over 8 beers ago!

He's looking good to me!

[Mavs<Spurs]

Pops needs to replace Bonner, imo.

And Tim, apparently, will be back next game or game after that.


Please, please give Bonner Pops minutes.


:ihit

[ducks]

lakers lost

[Yorae]

Seeing Pops now, do you think he will play better together with tim???

[alchemist]

kid is a high flyer, unfortunately his defense is lacking.

[peskypesky]

Shaq had 45 tonight!!!! GTFO!!! lol

awesome

[Death In June]

The Ime/vaughn tandem may be two of the worst pair of players in the league.

[Yorae]

Wow Udoka, what has happened....