Ludden: Spurs simply can’t match up with Kobe, Lakers

[Bruno]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Amt06.0OUnw6jWJIdLwWZ7y8vLYF?slug=jy-lakersspurs031309&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

By Johnny Ludden,
Yahoo! Sports

SAN ANTONIO – Kobe Bryant had just snuffed the life from the San Antonio Spurs, coolly drilling a 3-pointer to send fans streaming into the brisk South Texas night, and even he was not prepared for the response that greeted him.

M-V-P! M-V-P!

MVP? Deep in the heart of Texas? Lakers Nation had taken over the home of one of its most bitter rivals, surprising no less than Bryant himself.

“Especially considering all the battles we’ve had here,” he said.

The Los Angeles Lakers and Spurs added another to their collection on Thursday. San Antonio spotted L.A. an 18-point lead after one quarter, fought its way back, but then watched Kobe deliver yet another MVP moment in the Lakers’ 102-95 victory, which clinched the Pacific Division title for the Lakers. If the resulting chant surprised Kobe, so did what preceded it, and that says something about how this rivalry has changed.

In those tense final minutes, with the Spurs having clawed within two, Bryant looked across the court to see a rookie guarding him. His first thought?

“Bake him.”

Bryant’s old rival, the man who had chased him through so many of those playoff battles, sat on the bench watching. Bruce Bowen doesn’t start games these days and, on many nights, he also doesn’t finish them.

But Thursday was different. With Roger Mason having picked up his fifth foul with two minutes left, the Spurs needed someone to put on Bryant. Gregg Popovich looked down his bench, past Bowen, and called on his rookie guard, George Hill.

“It’s just weird for me,” Bryant said, “because I’m so used to having [Bowen] draped all over me.”

It’s weird for Bowen, too. Two seasons ago, he was the runner-up for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Now, he’s getting passed over for even situational defense.

“I don’t ever remember that happening here,” he said.

The Spurs have changed, and it remains to be seen whether that’s going to help them should they face the Lakers again in the playoffs. They can tell themselves they were missing Manu Ginobili on Thursday. That Tim Duncan’s knees might start to feel better. That they won’t shoot free throws that poorly again. That Tony Parker won’t need a full half to hit full speed. That Drew Gooden might become a valuable addition.

But deep down, the Spurs also left Thursday knowing this: For them, the Lakers are matchup hell. That doesn’t make the Spurs different from most of the NBA, but it also won’t help them in May. Duncan hasn’t looked right since he took a few games off to rest his knee, but Pau Gasol also has consistently given him trouble since arriving in Los Angeles. The Spurs never have had an answer for Lamar Odom’s athleticism and length. Nor can they match the depth of the Lakers’ bench.

And should Andrew Bynum eventually return healthy and hungry? The last time the Spurs faced the Lakers with Bynum, they lost by 14.

Now, it seems like the Spurs again are searching for a counter to Bryant. Bowen was wise enough never to consider himself a “Kobe Stopper,” but he took pride in making Bryant work. He also is smart enough not to do what Ron Artest did Wednesday in Houston: Talking smack to Kobe always makes for a longer night.

Bowen and Bryant long have had a relationship built on respect. Before the Spurs played the Lakers in January, they sat at midcourt, talking. Ray Allen and Vince Carter always complained about Bowen’s tactics. Bryant only competed, and on most nights, he won.

Bryant won last spring, too. With Bowen guarding him for much of the Western Conference finals, he led the Lakers to a five-game dismissal of the Spurs. Bowen turned 37 one month later, and the Spurs knew they needed to get younger, so they signed Mason.

Mason already has beaten the Lakers once, and his shooting will help in the playoffs. But what he can’t do is defend. He spent most of Thursday reaching, finishing with five fouls, three of which Bryant drew 18 feet from the basket. The most telling moment: With Duncan already running at Bryant, Mason jumped desperately from behind, clipping Bryant just enough for the officials to blow their whistle.

With the Spurs having to help on Bryant so much in the final minutes, Gasol and Odom created their own mismatches.

The Spurs haven’t abandoned the philosophy that’s made them so good for so long. They still emphasize defense. But they also don’t play it as well, and some of that is because of personnel. Like Mason, Matt Bonner has improved the Spurs’ shooting and spacing. But when the Detroit Pistons walked onto the floor after a timeout last month against the Spurs, one Piston asked what play to run.

“Just give the ball to whoever Bonner is guarding,” Rasheed Wallace yelled.

Popovich still has hopes for Hill, his long-armed rookie. He praised him for his recent work on Steve Nash, then gave him the ultimate compliment – the opportunity to guard Bryant with the game up for grabs.

So Bryant raised up behind the 3-point line. Hill leaned into him. Bryant faded and released his shot.

Afterward, Duncan shrugged.

“Kobe being Kobe,” he said.

Kobe being Kobe. Should the Spurs see him again in May, they’ll have more reason than ever to worry.

[Whisky Dog]

It doesn't look good, but it's basically impossible without Manu and Gooden playing. Not sure how you can take this game as anything more than just a regular season game given the circumstances.

[objective]

The Spurs are huge underdogs to the Lakers even without Bynum in a 7 game series, Manu or no Manu.

The Spurs legit chances for this season ended when RC hung out stateside while Tiago Splitter was making up his mind in Spain.

[timaios]

The Lakers without Bynum won against the Spurs without Manu.
What's new ?
It was the story of the 2008 WCF.
We need a Manu 100% healthy to have a chance against the Lakers.
The Spurs are not the Spurs without him.
We can only hope we'll see the real Manu in the 2009 playoffs.

And a 18-point deficit to begin the 2nd quarter doesn't help either !
The Lakers played a perfect 1st quarter, and i doubt they can do that in every playoffs games.

They are the favorite, it will be difficult, but the Spurs can do it !

:flag::flag::flag:

[024]

i'm starting to wonder if bowen can be ready for the playoffs. i would think popovich would occasionally give bowen lots of minutes to keep him in top defensive shape. bowen may have actually lost a step. hill on kobe was an extremely weird decision. i don't think popovich would have even tried that combo if he had confidence in bowen. it seemed like a desperate move to find someone capable of slowing bryant.

[AussieFanKurt]

we can match up with kobe, look at hills job in last bit today, his defense was applauded, we'll work something out

[Capt Bringdown]

What's our record against the Lakers since the Gasol trade? It must be horrific.

He just changes everything and tilts the matchups so much in the Lakers favor that it's damn near hopeless. If the Spurs don't win this year, that will be the end of the title run and history should note that it all ended for us with the Gasol trade.

[AussieFanKurt]

dont lose hope yet.

[Rogue]

as the old rule would have it, the spurs will never beat the lakers. Lakers, spurs and suns are just like "stone, scissors and cloth."

[AussieFanKurt]

I dunno about that...

[InK]

It doesn't look good....

It really really doesnt.

[new_N_town]

boston will never beat the lakers if lakers cant beat us then hahahaa

[AussieFanKurt]

It really really doesnt.


we'll find out, wont we, dont count us out yet

[2Cleva]

Finally someone keeping it real.

Let's face is Spurs fans. The Spurs don't have more than a "heart of a champion" chance of beating LA because both on paper and in the matchups they don't measure up.

1 - Only reason SA came back was Finley playing his best game of the year and LA having tired legs from their 3rd road game in 4 nights.

2 - The Spurs no longer have the defense to jam the triangle like they did in the past. Now, LA can get high quality shots every trip down.

3 - Duncan obviously won't be 100% this season and without his explosion he's not going to dominate at the level the Spurs need. Length bothers him and LA has 3 guys that give him fits in Gasol, Odom, and Bynum.

4 - LA's ability to switch and dare Parker to shoot has Tony in his head. Only 1 layup yesterday iirc. Whats more - he didn't even attack early on because he knew what was waiting for him after that LA game. LA didn't even have to go for the ace in that matchup of playing Ariza on him when he gets going.

5 - 3 games and the only win by SA was when LA was coming off 3 games in 4 nights, and a B2B, and where injuries had them only playing 8 guys. In the game with rest LA ran them out the gym and if it wasn't for tired legs and Finley LA would have ran them out the gym last night.

6 - Fatigue isn't whats wrong with the Spurs - its old legs combined with lack of athleticism. When Luke Walton can drive easiliy against your team - you got some serious injury issues.

7 - I'm a Gooden fan but he too is obviously hurt. Add him next to Duncan and Ginobili and its trouble. When Roger Mason and Finley have to try to be the Man - you're not beating LA.

8 - No mental advantage for the Spurs over LA because LA took them out last year.

9 - The Spurs execution isn't as tight as previous years because of so many new players. It hurts on both offense and defense and they aren't the well-oiled machine they once were.

10 - Bowen, who has defended Kobe great over the years, is done. Kobe was blowing by him so bad it was out of kindness Pop pulled him out.



There is a hypothetical chance the Spurs beat LA in a playoff series but its no doubt a longshot for good reason. Just a bad matchup for the Spurs.

[1Parker1]

But when the Detroit Pistons walked onto the floor after a timeout last month against the Spurs, one Piston asked what play to run.

“Just give the ball to whoever Bonner is guarding,” Rasheed Wallace yelled.

Ouch, this is just depressing. And he's out starting "Center" :depressed

[Phenomanul]

Finally someone keeping it real.

Let's face is Spurs fans. The Spurs don't have more than a "heart of a champion" chance of beating LA because both on paper and in the matchups they don't measure up.

1 - Only reason SA came back was Finley playing his best game of the year and LA having tired legs from their 3rd road game in 4 nights.

2 - The Spurs no longer have the defense to jam the triangle like they did in the past. Now, LA can get high quality shots every trip down.

3 - Duncan obviously won't be 100% this season and without his explosion he's not going to dominate at the level the Spurs need. Length bothers him and LA has 3 guys that give him fits in Gasol, Odom, and Bynum.

4 - LA's ability to switch and dare Parker to shoot has Tony in his head. Only 1 layup yesterday iirc. Whats more - he didn't even attack early on because he knew what was waiting for him after that LA game. LA didn't even have to go for the ace in that matchup of playing Ariza on him when he gets going.

5 - 3 games and the only win by SA was when LA was coming off 3 games in 4 nights, and a B2B, and where injuries had them only playing 8 guys. In the game with rest LA ran them out the gym and if it wasn't for tired legs and Finley LA would have ran them out the gym last night.

6 - Fatigue isn't whats wrong with the Spurs - its old legs combined with lack of athleticism. When Luke Walton can drive easiliy against your team - you got some serious injury issues.

7 - I'm a Gooden fan but he too is obviously hurt. Add him next to Duncan and Ginobili and its trouble. When Roger Mason and Finley have to try to be the Man - you're not beating LA.

8 - No mental advantage for the Spurs over LA because LA took them out last year.

9 - The Spurs execution isn't as tight as previous years because of so many new players. It hurts on both offense and defense and they aren't the well-oiled machine they once were.

10 - Bowen, who has defended Kobe great over the years, is done. Kobe was blowing by him so bad it was out of kindness Pop pulled him out.



There is a hypothetical chance the Spurs beat LA in a playoff series but its no doubt a longshot for good reason. Just a bad matchup for the Spurs.


I don't know about that... Kobe was 2-5 when Bowen was on him...

Who Kobe went nuts on was on Mason... and even then it was because he was bailed by the Zebras on three consecutive trips down the floor.

For the record, Kobe shot 2-4 while Hill was guarding him...

[Horse]

This thread after this particular game is retarded, kobe went 9-21 he was'nt the problem. The problem was they shot 70% in the 1st qrt. That's rarely gonna happen for any team. We also came out with very little effort. The only disturbing thing is that Timmy did not make gaysol his bitch like he used to do when pau was with memphis. Makes me wonder how bad his knee is. Anyway calm down it's one regular season game, And how quick we all forget what a big part Manu is. Go back to the 2005 finals against detroit and see the difference he'll make.

[Horse]

Finally someone keeping it real.

Let's face is Spurs fans. The Spurs don't have more than a "heart of a champion" chance of beating LA because both on paper and in the matchups they don't measure up.

1 - Only reason SA came back was Finley playing his best game of the year and LA having tired legs from their 3rd road game in 4 nights.

2 - The Spurs no longer have the defense to jam the triangle like they did in the past. Now, LA can get high quality shots every trip down.

3 - Duncan obviously won't be 100% this season and without his explosion he's not going to dominate at the level the Spurs need. Length bothers him and LA has 3 guys that give him fits in Gasol, Odom, and Bynum.

4 - LA's ability to switch and dare Parker to shoot has Tony in his head. Only 1 layup yesterday iirc. Whats more - he didn't even attack early on because he knew what was waiting for him after that LA game. LA didn't even have to go for the ace in that matchup of playing Ariza on him when he gets going.

5 - 3 games and the only win by SA was when LA was coming off 3 games in 4 nights, and a B2B, and where injuries had them only playing 8 guys. In the game with rest LA ran them out the gym and if it wasn't for tired legs and Finley LA would have ran them out the gym last night.

6 - Fatigue isn't whats wrong with the Spurs - its old legs combined with lack of athleticism. When Luke Walton can drive easiliy against your team - you got some serious injury issues.

7 - I'm a Gooden fan but he too is obviously hurt. Add him next to Duncan and Ginobili and its trouble. When Roger Mason and Finley have to try to be the Man - you're not beating LA.

8 - No mental advantage for the Spurs over LA because LA took them out last year.

9 - The Spurs execution isn't as tight as previous years because of so many new players. It hurts on both offense and defense and they aren't the well-oiled machine they once were.

10 - Bowen, who has defended Kobe great over the years, is done. Kobe was blowing by him so bad it was out of kindness Pop pulled him out.



There is a hypothetical chance the Spurs beat LA in a playoff series but its no doubt a longshot for good reason. Just a bad matchup for the Spurs.
Who are you trying to convince? Yourself or Spurs fans?

[2Cleva]

I don't know about that... Kobe was 2-5 when Bowen was on him...

Who Kobe went nuts on was on Mason... and even then it was because he was bailed by the Zebras on three consecutive trips down the floor.

For the record, Kobe shot 2-4 while Hill was guarding him...

Didn't shoot as well on Bowen but what he did do was blow by him. Got into the FT line extended area way easier than he ever did before. That collapsed the defense and will lead to easier shots for the Lakers.

Kobe is going to make and miss shots - the key to beating him is making him work hard for each shot - that's what Bowen used to do. Neither Mason or Hill make him work at all. Hell, Kobe shot one shot flat-footed over Hill just because he saw it as a joke that Hill was on him.

[picnroll]

I've got my sig:


But when the Detroit Pistons walked onto the floor after a timeout last month against the Spurs, one Piston asked what play to run.

“Just give the ball to whoever Bonner is guarding,” Rasheed Wallace yelled.

[djohn2oo8]

Don't worry about the loss, cuz everybody knows just about how soft gasol gets in the playoffs. Same for Vujabitch. Then, Kobe is left to carry the load by himself, the same reason they lost by 41 in the finals.

[2Cleva]

Don't worry about the loss, cuz everybody knows just about how soft gasol gets in the playoffs. Same for Vujabitch. Then, Kobe is left to carry the load by himself, the same reason they lost by 41 in the finals.

LA got soft against the Celtics - no question.

But anyone out West? Please.

[Phenomanul]

Didn't shoot as well on Bowen but what he did do was blow by him. Got into the FT line extended area way easier than he ever did before. That collapsed the defense and will lead to easier shots for the Lakers.

Kobe is going to make and miss shots - the key to beating him is making him work hard for each shot - that's what Bowen used to do. Neither Mason or Hill make him work at all. Hell, Kobe shot one shot flat-footed over Hill just because he saw it as a joke that Hill was on him.

The Spurs lost that game in the 1st quarter... Gasol and Odom did most of the damage on silly putbacks. And Ariza's three 1st quarter steals revealed the Spurs' unexpected "deer-in-the-headlights" beginning to the game...

After the Spurs, brought the game to a single-possession deficit, no one expected the tandem of Walton and Powell to hammer the nail on the coffin - with Kobe on the bench.

It is for that reason that I feel Kobe's heroics last night were greatly exaggerated - aside from the 3-pointer he made over Hill.

Besides, the Lakers still don't have an answer for Parker. When he finally snapped out of his funk in the 1st half and decided to attack the Lakers D... he made them pay. He was the best player on the floor in the second half going 9 for 14.

[InK]

This thread after this particular game is retarded, kobe went 9-21 he was'nt the problem. The problem was they shot 70% in the 1st qrt.

Yeah, and all those second chance points, god knows how many there were. U cant expect to win a game against a good team allowing them to shoot +50 percent from the field while giving them 10 extra possesions on top of it. A rebounding big man, hopefully thats what we bought.

And yes Laker fan, your team is better right now. Happy?!?

[InK]

Don't worry about the loss, cuz everybody knows just about how soft gasol gets in the playoffs.

Gasol is getting the whistle every time someone touches him, its getting absurd especially compared to the treatment Tim is getting on the other hand. Saying that however, the guy is playing leagues above what he showed in the PO last year. Props to him for that.

[Extra Stout]

The Western Conference is back to its 1960's/1980's equilibrium. Nothing short of a fluke will keep the Lakers from going to the Finals.

With Bruce Bowen's career basically over, the Spurs are forced to try to outscore the Lakers, and even when SA is at full strength, that is a tall, tall order. Between Manu and Tim, it's unlikely the Spurs ever get back to full strength this season.

[I. Hustle]

Win or lose I want the Spurs to play the Lakers in the playoffs. I don't want some team to come in and upset them and then we will have to hear nothing but excuses and what if's.

[Capt Bringdown]

The Spurs are huge underdogs to the Lakers even without Bynum in a 7 game series, Manu or no Manu.

The Spurs legit chances for this season ended when RC hung out stateside while Tiago Splitter was making up his mind in Spain.

And/or when Gasol was so neatly "donated" to the Lakers. The Lakers would have been a nice team, but nowhere near the dominant force they are now without the miraculous and highly improbable Gasol trade.

[anonoftheinternets]

What's our record against the Lakers since the Gasol trade? It must be horrific.

He just changes everything and tilts the matchups so much in the Lakers favor that it's damn near hopeless. If the Spurs don't win this year, that will be the end of the title run and history should note that it all ended for us with the Gasol trade.

LOL so difficult to take this poster seriously with his user name.:rollin
You are so true to that name.

[Extra Stout]

And/or when Gasol was so neatly "donated" to the Lakers. The Lakers would have been a nice team, but nowhere near the dominant force they are now without the miraculous and highly improbable Gasol trade.
With the Grizzlies nearing insolvency, the Gasol trade is starting to remind me of the way the Spurs got George Gervin from the Squires.

[EricB]

Ouch, this is just depressing. And he's out starting "Center" :depressed



Yeah and they missed the shot on that last play run cause bonner rotated well defensively. But again, sorry to let facts get in the way of a typical spursreporttalk bonner bash!!!!

[picnroll]

Yeah and they missed the shot on that last play run cause bonner rotated well defensively. But again, sorry to let facts get in the way of a typical spursreporttalk bonner bash!!!!

Bonner absolutely sucks as a low post defender. Possibly the worst in the history of the Spurs. Sorry to let facts spoil your delusion.

[jdhenry]

Overall I wasn't too upset about last night's game. Don't get me wrong I'm never happy with a win and I definitely didn't like how we played in the first quarter. It was like we were in awe and hesitant to show that we can play with them. What I did like was that we didn't go away and actually clawed ourselves back into the game. A lot of times when the Spurs dig a hole they kind of give up and we get blown out. I thought for sure that was going to happen, but fortunately I was wrong.

I do think that at this time the Lakers are better than us. However, I don't think they are unbeatable. The key to playing against the Lakers is for us to start out sharp. We also have to get something from Mason and Bonner. I feel like they are the key. We can't be making silly turnovers and missing free throws against a team of that caliber. Hopefully it won't take Parker a full half to play well next time.

I was happy with what I saw from Gooden last night. He had 4 rebounds in only 3 minutes. If he can stay healthy then I think he is a massive improvement to our front line.

Our chances all come down to health this year. It's apparent that Duncan is not 100% He's looked a little off since he's come back. Hopefully he can get back on track and play like he was before he was injured. Obviously for any chance at all we need Ginobli back and healthy. I'm all for keeping him out until it's absolutely necessary for him to come back.

All in all if (and I know it's a big if) the Spurs can get healthy and play together I think we have a chance.

[SenorSpur]

The Western Conference is back to its 1960's/1980's equilibrium. Nothing short of a fluke will keep the Lakers from going to the Finals.

With Bruce Bowen's career basically over, the Spurs are forced to try to outscore the Lakers, and even when SA is at full strength, that is a tall, tall order. Between Manu and Tim, it's unlikely the Spurs ever get back to full strength this season.

I look at the prospect of the Spurs trying to outscore anyone the same way I look at them playing small ball for the first time in 2006. It's a bit of both surrender and realization. Pop is essentially "making a deal with the devil", in that he's willing to sacrifice the team's identity to evolve into another style. It isn't always successful, but at least he's experimenting.

[Extra Stout]

I look at the prospect of the Spurs trying to outscore anyone the same way I look at them playing small ball for the first time in 2006. It's a bit of both surrender and realization. Pop is essentially "making a deal with the devil", in that he's willing to sacrifice the team's identity to evolve into another style. It isn't always successful, but at least he's experimenting.
It's all he can do, really. You go to war with the army you have.

[Russ]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Amt06.0OUnw6jWJIdLwWZ7y8vLYF?slug=jy-lakersspurs031309&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

By Johnny Ludden,
Yahoo! Sports

But deep down, the Spurs also left Thursday knowing this: For them, the Lakers are matchup hell. That doesn’t make the Spurs different from most of the NBA, but it also won’t help them in May.

This matchup mess all began after the '06 playoff loss when the Spurs felt they had to matchup with Dallas and "small ball." Bigs were a thing of the past in the NBA everyone said.

So the Spurs built their team to get past Dallas.

Then a funny thing happened -- the NBA/Memphis/Jerry West bequeathed Pao Gasol to the Lakers for nothing and a fat high school kid, Bynum, developed into a player. Suddenly the Lakers, not the Mavs, were the team you had to match up with and they had real "Bigs."

The misfortune was compounded when Mahinmi failed to develop and Splitter backed out of the plan for him to be Spur this year.

So now it is what it is. But I still think the Spurs have some matchup options they haven't yet revealed.



“Just give the ball to whoever Bonner is guarding,” Rasheed Wallace yelled.

:lol:lol:lol:lol

(Drew Gooden better blend in quick if the Spurs have to beat the Lakers in a playoff series.)

[Allanon]

The misfortune was compounded when Mahinmi failed to develop and Splitter backed out of the plan for him to be Spur this year.


You left out Scola? I personally think Scola and Splitter were the two biggest misfortunes for the Spurs. And to an extent, I still wonder why Gist was sent off when the Spurs have been missing a young, lanky SF for years now.

[Bruno]

The key of Spurs' success is as every year health.

Playoffs start in one month. If Spurs are healthy, they won't be favorites but they won't be as far as some people think of Lakers, Cavs and Boston.

The almost sure thing is that Spurs will give everything they have in the playoffs. The last time they laid an egg was in 04. Beating a Spurs team at full strength won't be an easy task.

[2Cleva]

Finding a Spurs team at full strength won't be an easy task either.

[Bruno]

Finding a Spurs team at full strength won't be an easy task either.

Thanks, captain obvious.

[rascal]

What's our record against the Lakers since the Gasol trade? It must be horrific.

He just changes everything and tilts the matchups so much in the Lakers favor that it's damn near hopeless. If the Spurs don't win this year, that will be the end of the title run and history should note that it all ended for us with the Gasol trade.


Agree. The Gasol trade tipped the matchups in favor of the Lakers. Since that trade the Lakers don't have much trouble handling the Spurs.

The spurs needed to counter with another top big Camby or R Wallace (and those guys are not even as good as Gasol)and could not get it done.

[TwinTowers]

Agree. The Gasol trade tipped the matchups in favor of the Lakers. Since that trade the Lakers don't have much trouble handling the Spurs.

The spurs needed to counter with another top big Camby or R Wallace (and those guys are not even as good as Gasol)and could not get it done.

SA just have to mix it up a little bit (Gooden, Bonner, Oberto, Thomas)... is there enough time to find that right mix? I don't think so

[lefty]

Pop went CIA hardcore

I'm not worried

[crc21209]

Laker fans are too damn confident about last night. There were too many "CIA" moments that we sure as hell wont see at all if we play the Lakers in the Playoffs:

1.) Hill on Kobe (Clearly an experiment, when Bruce was in on Kobe, he did not shoot well..so in the final moments of the game, why put Hill (a rookie) on Kobe? To experiment of course....)

2.) Hill on Walton (Another CIA moment, I mean come on, Walton clearly outweighs Hill and could post him up all night if he wanted)

3.) Ime on Powell (Powell is taller and of course outweighs Udoka, why would Pop wanna throw that match-up out there)

4.) A lineup at ANY time of Mason, Bowen, Udoka, Thomas, and Oberto. (You gotta be outta your mind to throw that lineup out there against the Lakers, obvious mix and matching and trying things out..nothing serious)

5.) If Bonner continues to play like this against the Lakers, we will see more Thomas and Gooden.

[1Parker1]

Yeah and they missed the shot on that last play run cause bonner rotated well defensively. But again, sorry to let facts get in the way of a typical spursreporttalk bonner bash!!!!

Changing your username doesn't change the facts that your still a sarcastic A hole who is disrespectful to other posters and doesn't know how to get his point across without being an arrogant pr*ck.

[Oh, Gee!!]

I hear Lebron James will be a free agent

[EricB]

Changing your username doesn't change the facts that your still a sarcastic A hole who is disrespectful to other posters and doesn't know how to get his point across without being an arrogant pr*ck.


:lol

So you attack me rather than address what I said?


Ok.

Nothing I said was arrogant or being a prick.

It's fact, and if you find that "insulting" you need to grow some goddamn skin, let alone thicker skin.

[Galileo]

Ludden is an idiot. The Spurs lost by 7 and beat them the time before that. Also, this is a meaningless regular season game. No matter how much the media hypes it up, this single game out of 82 means virtually nothing. If it meant something, Tim Duncan would have shown up in the 1st quarter. I heard another idiot ranting about Tim Duncan last night on Fox radio.

In the long run, this game helps us because it keeps us under the radar.

Also, we will be playing Ginobili in the playoffs. If this were a playoff game, he would have been on the court.

Kobe shot 9-21. Wow! A real killer. That unstopable. We can bring Bowen out in the playoffs if need be. While the Fox idiot was ranting that Duncan shot bad, 6-13, and thumping about Kobe, keep in mind that if Duncan goes 3-8 on 8 extra shots, he's tied with Kobe.

And Gooden looked good, he has 18 more games to learn how to rotate on defense.

A smart betting man rides with the Spura for # 5.

[2Cleva]

I'd like to bet said "smart gambling man".

[mystargtr34]

Finally someone keeping it real.

Let's face is Spurs fans. The Spurs don't have more than a "heart of a champion" chance of beating LA because both on paper and in the matchups they don't measure up.

1 - Only reason SA came back was Finley playing his best game of the year and LA having tired legs from their 3rd road game in 4 nights.

2 - The Spurs no longer have the defense to jam the triangle like they did in the past. Now, LA can get high quality shots every trip down.

3 - Duncan obviously won't be 100% this season and without his explosion he's not going to dominate at the level the Spurs need. Length bothers him and LA has 3 guys that give him fits in Gasol, Odom, and Bynum.

4 - LA's ability to switch and dare Parker to shoot has Tony in his head. Only 1 layup yesterday iirc. Whats more - he didn't even attack early on because he knew what was waiting for him after that LA game. LA didn't even have to go for the ace in that matchup of playing Ariza on him when he gets going.

5 - 3 games and the only win by SA was when LA was coming off 3 games in 4 nights, and a B2B, and where injuries had them only playing 8 guys. In the game with rest LA ran them out the gym and if it wasn't for tired legs and Finley LA would have ran them out the gym last night.

6 - Fatigue isn't whats wrong with the Spurs - its old legs combined with lack of athleticism. When Luke Walton can drive easiliy against your team - you got some serious injury issues.

7 - I'm a Gooden fan but he too is obviously hurt. Add him next to Duncan and Ginobili and its trouble. When Roger Mason and Finley have to try to be the Man - you're not beating LA.

8 - No mental advantage for the Spurs over LA because LA took them out last year.

9 - The Spurs execution isn't as tight as previous years because of so many new players. It hurts on both offense and defense and they aren't the well-oiled machine they once were.

10 - Bowen, who has defended Kobe great over the years, is done. Kobe was blowing by him so bad it was out of kindness Pop pulled him out.



There is a hypothetical chance the Spurs beat LA in a playoff series but its no doubt a longshot for good reason. Just a bad matchup for the Spurs.

You failed at your attempt to be one of the few rational Laker fans.

Another homer.

[wisnub]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Amt06.0OUnw6jWJIdLwWZ7y8vLYF?slug=jy-lakersspurs031309&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

By Johnny Ludden,
Yahoo! Sports

SAN ANTONIO – Kobe Bryant had just snuffed the life from the San Antonio Spurs, coolly drilling a 3-pointer to send fans streaming into the brisk South Texas night, and even he was not prepared for the response that greeted him.

M-V-P! M-V-P!

MVP? Deep in the heart of Texas? Lakers Nation had taken over the home of one of its most bitter rivals, surprising no less than Bryant himself.

“Especially considering all the battles we’ve had here,” he said.

The Los Angeles Lakers and Spurs added another to their collection on Thursday. San Antonio spotted L.A. an 18-point lead after one quarter, fought its way back, but then watched Kobe deliver yet another MVP moment in the Lakers’ 102-95 victory, which clinched the Pacific Division title for the Lakers. If the resulting chant surprised Kobe, so did what preceded it, and that says something about how this rivalry has changed.

In those tense final minutes, with the Spurs having clawed within two, Bryant looked across the court to see a rookie guarding him. His first thought?

“Bake him.”

Bryant’s old rival, the man who had chased him through so many of those playoff battles, sat on the bench watching. Bruce Bowen doesn’t start games these days and, on many nights, he also doesn’t finish them.

But Thursday was different. With Roger Mason having picked up his fifth foul with two minutes left, the Spurs needed someone to put on Bryant. Gregg Popovich looked down his bench, past Bowen, and called on his rookie guard, George Hill.

“It’s just weird for me,” Bryant said, “because I’m so used to having [Bowen] draped all over me.”

It’s weird for Bowen, too. Two seasons ago, he was the runner-up for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Now, he’s getting passed over for even situational defense.

“I don’t ever remember that happening here,” he said.

The Spurs have changed, and it remains to be seen whether that’s going to help them should they face the Lakers again in the playoffs. They can tell themselves they were missing Manu Ginobili on Thursday. That Tim Duncan’s knees might start to feel better. That they won’t shoot free throws that poorly again. That Tony Parker won’t need a full half to hit full speed. That Drew Gooden might become a valuable addition.

But deep down, the Spurs also left Thursday knowing this: For them, the Lakers are matchup hell. That doesn’t make the Spurs different from most of the NBA, but it also won’t help them in May. Duncan hasn’t looked right since he took a few games off to rest his knee, but Pau Gasol also has consistently given him trouble since arriving in Los Angeles. The Spurs never have had an answer for Lamar Odom’s athleticism and length. Nor can they match the depth of the Lakers’ bench.

And should Andrew Bynum eventually return healthy and hungry? The last time the Spurs faced the Lakers with Bynum, they lost by 14.

Now, it seems like the Spurs again are searching for a counter to Bryant. Bowen was wise enough never to consider himself a “Kobe Stopper,” but he took pride in making Bryant work. He also is smart enough not to do what Ron Artest did Wednesday in Houston: Talking smack to Kobe always makes for a longer night.

Bowen and Bryant long have had a relationship built on respect. Before the Spurs played the Lakers in January, they sat at midcourt, talking. Ray Allen and Vince Carter always complained about Bowen’s tactics. Bryant only competed, and on most nights, he won.

Bryant won last spring, too. With Bowen guarding him for much of the Western Conference finals, he led the Lakers to a five-game dismissal of the Spurs. Bowen turned 37 one month later, and the Spurs knew they needed to get younger, so they signed Mason.

Mason already has beaten the Lakers once, and his shooting will help in the playoffs. But what he can’t do is defend. He spent most of Thursday reaching, finishing with five fouls, three of which Bryant drew 18 feet from the basket. The most telling moment: With Duncan already running at Bryant, Mason jumped desperately from behind, clipping Bryant just enough for the officials to blow their whistle.

With the Spurs having to help on Bryant so much in the final minutes, Gasol and Odom created their own mismatches.

The Spurs haven’t abandoned the philosophy that’s made them so good for so long. They still emphasize defense. But they also don’t play it as well, and some of that is because of personnel. Like Mason, Matt Bonner has improved the Spurs’ shooting and spacing. But when the Detroit Pistons walked onto the floor after a timeout last month against the Spurs, one Piston asked what play to run.

“Just give the ball to whoever Bonner is guarding,” Rasheed Wallace yelled.

Popovich still has hopes for Hill, his long-armed rookie. He praised him for his recent work on Steve Nash, then gave him the ultimate compliment – the opportunity to guard Bryant with the game up for grabs.

So Bryant raised up behind the 3-point line. Hill leaned into him. Bryant faded and released his shot.

Afterward, Duncan shrugged.

“Kobe being Kobe,” he said.

Kobe being Kobe. Should the Spurs see him again in May, they’ll have more reason than ever to worry.


I hate to say it, but I agree....As much as I dont want Kobe to perform good in AT&T Center...honestly speaking he really is an MVP. I dont know if San Antonian becoming sarcastic but to see your lovely team trail by 18 at home with anybody but Manu present...i dont know what to say either.


“Just give the ball to whoever Bonner is guarding,” Rasheed Wallace yelled.
If I were Bonner, I probably got a hard time sleeping....

[wildbill2u]

We all thought Pop was simply resting Bowen early in the season. Now we have to face the facts: Pop no longer really has confidence that Bowen can do the job. Sometimes the legs just go without warning.

[Capt Bringdown]

There were too many "CIA" moments that we sure as hell wont see at all if we play the Lakers in the Playoffs.

Agreed, I feel somewhat better about the loss today. Obviously Pop was tinkering and trying some things out.
We've got no chance of catching the Lakers, so why not?

On the other hand, Pop does not exactly have a stellar record against PJ. I have little doubt that PJ is already 5 steps ahead of Pop everytime we step on the court.

Also, we could have used a win against this team. I'm convinced that they're in our heads in a big way, in much the same way we hold court with the Suns. I'm wondering if we honestly believe we can beat the Lakers. That's where it all starts.

[2Cleva]

You failed at your attempt to be one of the few rational Laker fans.

Another homer.

There is nothing on paper that says SA can beat LA even when SA is healthy.

The only matchup SA has a clear advantage is Parker over Fisher but LA has guys who they know they can turn to to lock down Parker (Kobe, Ariza). Fisher and Farmar just keep the spot warm.

Kobe with a clear advantage at the 2 and no one for SA can guard him. SA is so slow that even Walton and especially Ariza can constantly attack.

Both Pau or Bynum can play Duncan evenly on both end by themselves due to their skill and length as well as Duncan being hampered. The other one just abuses whatever big man is left.

And off the bench, Ginobili is unlikely to be 100% so him having an impact every game is unlikely. No one else can consistently make an impact off SA's bench. For LA - LO is a nightmare for the Spurs and LA has a bench that always does well against SA because SA is too slow to stay with them.

Even the coaching matchup is in LA's favor. Last year, SA had one edge in mental strength because LA (as that group) hadn't been there but that is even gone. Whats more, SA lacks the continuity because they all haven't been there together for years like previous SA teams. There are 4 new pieces in the top 8 rotation and they have zero PT together because of the injuries.

Even style of play tilts in LA's favor. SA at their best could slow the game down, make it less posessions, and out execute LA. Not any more and they don't have the firepower to hang with LA over 48.

The chances are slim to none that SA beats LA in a series and slim is looking for the exit.

[Baseline]

Of course we can't "match up" with the Lakers if we don't have Manu.

Why don't people realize that the Spurs playing without Manu is exactly like the Lakers playing without Bryant?

Manu is our closer and has been since 2005. But this year we've been having to do it by committee. Frankly I'm shocked that our record is as good as it is this year with Manu either out or still "finding his rhythm."

If he's back for the playoffs at 95%, and Tim is no worse than he is right now (at 75%), we'll be in pretty good shape for the playoffs. And Gooden will really help us as well.

If Bryant is hurt, who is the closer for the Lakers? Fisher? Odom? Is Pau going to take it from the key and create? They would be a trainwreck. Yet with our best offensive creator and best defensive difference maker out, the whole world merely talks about how great the Lakers are.

I'm sick of the NBA - the National Bryant Association. Let's just take care of business and get our ring back in June.

[underdawg]

There is nothing on paper that says SA can beat LA even when SA is healthy.

The only matchup SA has a clear advantage is Parker over Fisher but LA has guys who they know they can turn to to lock down Parker (Kobe, Ariza). Fisher and Farmar just keep the spot warm.

Kobe with a clear advantage at the 2 and no one for SA can guard him. SA is so slow that even Walton and especially Ariza can constantly attack.

Both Pau or Bynum can play Duncan evenly on both end by themselves due to their skill and length as well as Duncan being hampered. The other one just abuses whatever big man is left.

And off the bench, Ginobili is unlikely to be 100% so him having an impact every game is unlikely. No one else can consistently make an impact off SA's bench. For LA - LO is a nightmare for the Spurs and LA has a bench that always does well against SA because SA is too slow to stay with them.

Even the coaching matchup is in LA's favor. Last year, SA had one edge in mental strength because LA (as that group) hadn't been there but that is even gone. Whats more, SA lacks the continuity because they all haven't been there together for years like previous SA teams. There are 4 new pieces in the top 8 rotation and they have zero PT together because of the injuries.

Even style of play tilts in LA's favor. SA at their best could slow the game down, make it less posessions, and out execute LA. Not any more and they don't have the firepower to hang with LA over 48.

The chances are slim to none that SA beats LA in a series and slim is looking for the exit.

If you're trying to make your argument or even convince yourself of why it's a no-brainer that the lakers win against the Spurs, you ultimately have to narrow your arguments down to this simple question - do the lakers have enough talent to overcome the talent of the Spurs and more importantly the execution of the Spurs' game plan? Credit PJ all you want, but the fact is that as PJ has succeeded with very talented teams - GP has succeeded with less talented teams.

[DrHouse]

The bottom line is the Spurs don't match up well with the Lakers. I don't know how many more games you need to see to realize this. They just can't handle the length, speed, and quickness of the Lakers. When Bynum returns it's going to tilt the already favorable matchups that much more in the favor of LAL.

For the Spurs to win a 7 game series it's going to take one hell of a flawless effort. It can be done, but it's not likely. Even the most homer of Spur fans has to realize that now.

[Marcus Bryant]

http://www.campusexplorer.com/media/376x262/San-Antonio-College-1223CFC1.png

Fuck you Ludden.

[lefty]

Ludden is retarded

[aka_USAPA]

It doesn't look good, but it's basically impossible without Manu and Gooden playing. Not sure how you can take this game as anything more than just a regular season game given the circumstances.

How convenient. If the Spurs won, it would be an eye opener, right? Because they beat the #1 team in the league w/o Manu, a hobbled TD, with a starter named Matt Bonner. Since the Spurs lost, it's just a regular season game. :lol:lol:lol:lol:lol

[Man In Black]

When Bynum returns it's going to tilt the already favorable matchups that much more in the favor of LAL.
Riddle me this Doc...when he returns, how healthy is he TRULY going to be?
If he's not healthy, then how does it tilt anything?

[aka_USAPA]

Laker fans are too damn confident about last night. There were too many "CIA" moments that we sure as hell wont see at all if we play the Lakers in the Playoffs:

1.) Hill on Kobe (Clearly an experiment, when Bruce was in on Kobe, he did not shoot well..so in the final moments of the game, why put Hill (a rookie) on Kobe? To experiment of course....)

2.) Hill on Walton (Another CIA moment, I mean come on, Walton clearly outweighs Hill and could post him up all night if he wanted)

3.) Ime on Powell (Powell is taller and of course outweighs Udoka, why would Pop wanna throw that match-up out there)

4.) A lineup at ANY time of Mason, Bowen, Udoka, Thomas, and Oberto. (You gotta be outta your mind to throw that lineup out there against the Lakers, obvious mix and matching and trying things out..nothing serious)

5.) If Bonner continues to play like this against the Lakers, we will see more Thomas and Gooden.

Translation: CIA = tanking.

I don't think it's that complicated. The Lakers are just better. They proved it last year, they proved it last night. The injuries just make it worse for the Spurs but the Lakers have their injuries too.

[aka_USAPA]

Riddle me this Doc...when he returns, how healthy is he TRULY going to be?
If he's not healthy, then how does it tilt anything?

It's already tilted as it is. It tilts even more because instead of seeing Mbenga, you'll be seeing Andrew Bynum. An 85% Bynum is still way more than Mbenga could ever dream of becoming.

[Man In Black]

Really? 85%...seriously?

How does one determine 85%?
Outside of having measurements done via Cybex (It's this device called a Dynamometer) PRIOR to his injury, how does one determine if he's at 85%. And assuming that his leg is able to generate the needed force to hit 85%, what does that mean for his game? Does it mean he'll be only 85% as fast? Does it mean that he can only jump 85% as high? Does it mean that he'll only be able to cover 85% of the paint since he's not 100%?

See, what happens when you try to quantify an injury? Look, I'll say it. Manu last season was not 100% and it affected him and the team when it most counted. This season, both teams will have issues...I'm intimating that Bynum's injury will affect him more than you guys think. 265 lbs is what his legs have to support in one of the world's most challenging sports.

GOOD LUCK.

[slayermin]

Tim is hurt. He is obviously laboring out there. We have no chance of beating the Lakers if he isn't healthy so losing last night doesn't really hurt that much. I saw some positive things. Tony Parker showed glimpses of what he would be like if he could shoot the three consistently. Drew Gooden showed glimpses of hustle and his excellent offensive skill set. Michael Finley showed that he might not be done after all and could be an asset against the Lakers in the playoffs.

What distresses me is that the Spurs homecourt advantage is gone. WTF? Where did all the Laker fans come from? I saw way too many Laker jerseys at the AT&T Center. I was at a Double Daves Pizza and to my horror, we were outnumbered by Laker fans. WTF? In San Antonio? We are outnumbered by Laker fans? As a Spurs fan, we need to take back our town. I don't know how we are going to accomplish this. But this is bullshit. When the Spurs go to LA, everyone is against them. Here Kobe is getting MVP chants. This is total bullshit.

[DrHouse]

Tim is hurt. He is obviously laboring out there. We have no chance of beating the Lakers if he isn't healthy so losing last night doesn't really hurt that much. I saw some positive things. Tony Parker showed glimpses of what he would be like if he could shoot the three consistently. Drew Gooden showed glimpses of hustle and his excellent offensive skill set. Michael Finley showed that he might not be done after all and could be an asset against the Lakers in the playoffs.

What distresses me is that the Spurs homecourt advantage is gone. WTF? Where did all the Laker fans come from? I saw way too many Laker jerseys at the AT&T Center. I was at a Double Daves Pizza and to my horror, we were outnumbered by Laker fans. WTF? In San Antonio? We are outnumbered by Laker fans? As a Spurs fan, we need to take back our town. I don't know how we are going to accomplish this. But this is bullshit. When the Spurs go to LA, everyone is against them. Here Kobe is getting MVP chants. This is total bullshit.

It's called bandwagon fans.

For all the shit you talk about Laker fans you will never see that happen at the Staples Center.

[aka_USAPA]

Really? 85%...seriously?

How does one determine 85%?
Outside of having measurements done via Cybex (It's this device called a Dynamometer) PRIOR to his injury, how does one determine if he's at 85%. And assuming that his leg is able to generate the needed force to hit 85%, what does that mean for his game? Does it mean he'll be only 85% as fast? Does it mean that he can only jump 85% as high? Does it mean that he'll only be able to cover 85% of the paint since he's not 100%?

See, what happens when you try to quantify an injury? Look, I'll say it. Manu last season was not 100% and it affected him and the team when it most counted. This season, both teams will have issues...I'm intimating that Bynum's injury will affect him more than you guys think. 265 lbs is what his legs have to support in one of the world's most challenging sports.

GOOD LUCK.


85% is an arbitrary number. If he does return, the Lakers will make sure he is at least that. There have been questions about the competence of the medical staff of the Lakers but I don't think they will let Bynum get back if they know it will hurt Bynum or the team.

The good news for the Lakers is that they didn't need Bynum to beat the Spurs last year. Manu will keep getting injuries, it's beginning to be a trend. He hasn't been healthy for the longest time. It will be interesting to see what Gooden can bring to the table this late in the game. For selfish reasons, I hope he does not mesh. LOL. The Lakers can get back to the Finals w/o Bynum.

[slayermin]

It's called bandwagon fans.

For all the shit you talk about Laker fans you will never see that happen at the Staples Center.

A fairweather fan educating me about bandwagon fans. Thanks guy.

[Duncan2177]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Amt06.0OUnw6jWJIdLwWZ7y8vLYF?slug=jy-lakersspurs031309&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

By Johnny Ludden,
Yahoo! Sports

SAN ANTONIO – Kobe Bryant had just snuffed the life from the San Antonio Spurs, coolly drilling a 3-pointer to send fans streaming into the brisk South Texas night, and even he was not prepared for the response that greeted him.

M-V-P! M-V-P!

MVP? Deep in the heart of Texas? Lakers Nation had taken over the home of one of its most bitter rivals, surprising no less than Bryant himself.

“Especially considering all the battles we’ve had here,” he said.

The Los Angeles Lakers and Spurs added another to their collection on Thursday. San Antonio spotted L.A. an 18-point lead after one quarter, fought its way back, but then watched Kobe deliver yet another MVP moment in the Lakers’ 102-95 victory, which clinched the Pacific Division title for the Lakers. If the resulting chant surprised Kobe, so did what preceded it, and that says something about how this rivalry has changed.

In those tense final minutes, with the Spurs having clawed within two, Bryant looked across the court to see a rookie guarding him. His first thought?

“Bake him.”

Bryant’s old rival, the man who had chased him through so many of those playoff battles, sat on the bench watching. Bruce Bowen doesn’t start games these days and, on many nights, he also doesn’t finish them.

But Thursday was different. With Roger Mason having picked up his fifth foul with two minutes left, the Spurs needed someone to put on Bryant. Gregg Popovich looked down his bench, past Bowen, and called on his rookie guard, George Hill.

“It’s just weird for me,” Bryant said, “because I’m so used to having [Bowen] draped all over me.”

It’s weird for Bowen, too. Two seasons ago, he was the runner-up for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Now, he’s getting passed over for even situational defense.

“I don’t ever remember that happening here,” he said.

The Spurs have changed, and it remains to be seen whether that’s going to help them should they face the Lakers again in the playoffs. They can tell themselves they were missing Manu Ginobili on Thursday. That Tim Duncan’s knees might start to feel better. That they won’t shoot free throws that poorly again. That Tony Parker won’t need a full half to hit full speed. That Drew Gooden might become a valuable addition.

But deep down, the Spurs also left Thursday knowing this: For them, the Lakers are matchup hell. That doesn’t make the Spurs different from most of the NBA, but it also won’t help them in May. Duncan hasn’t looked right since he took a few games off to rest his knee, but Pau Gasol also has consistently given him trouble since arriving in Los Angeles. The Spurs never have had an answer for Lamar Odom’s athleticism and length. Nor can they match the depth of the Lakers’ bench.

And should Andrew Bynum eventually return healthy and hungry? The last time the Spurs faced the Lakers with Bynum, they lost by 14.

Now, it seems like the Spurs again are searching for a counter to Bryant. Bowen was wise enough never to consider himself a “Kobe Stopper,” but he took pride in making Bryant work. He also is smart enough not to do what Ron Artest did Wednesday in Houston: Talking smack to Kobe always makes for a longer night.

Bowen and Bryant long have had a relationship built on respect. Before the Spurs played the Lakers in January, they sat at midcourt, talking. Ray Allen and Vince Carter always complained about Bowen’s tactics. Bryant only competed, and on most nights, he won.

Bryant won last spring, too. With Bowen guarding him for much of the Western Conference finals, he led the Lakers to a five-game dismissal of the Spurs. Bowen turned 37 one month later, and the Spurs knew they needed to get younger, so they signed Mason.

Mason already has beaten the Lakers once, and his shooting will help in the playoffs. But what he can’t do is defend. He spent most of Thursday reaching, finishing with five fouls, three of which Bryant drew 18 feet from the basket. The most telling moment: With Duncan already running at Bryant, Mason jumped desperately from behind, clipping Bryant just enough for the officials to blow their whistle.

With the Spurs having to help on Bryant so much in the final minutes, Gasol and Odom created their own mismatches.

The Spurs haven’t abandoned the philosophy that’s made them so good for so long. They still emphasize defense. But they also don’t play it as well, and some of that is because of personnel. Like Mason, Matt Bonner has improved the Spurs’ shooting and spacing. But when the Detroit Pistons walked onto the floor after a timeout last month against the Spurs, one Piston asked what play to run.

“Just give the ball to whoever Bonner is guarding,” Rasheed Wallace yelled.

Popovich still has hopes for Hill, his long-armed rookie. He praised him for his recent work on Steve Nash, then gave him the ultimate compliment – the opportunity to guard Bryant with the game up for grabs.

So Bryant raised up behind the 3-point line. Hill leaned into him. Bryant faded and released his shot.

Afterward, Duncan shrugged.

“Kobe being Kobe,” he said.

Kobe being Kobe. Should the Spurs see him again in May, they’ll have more reason than ever to worry.

Never say never Ludden.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Ludden must not watch the Spurs all the time anymore. Pop has put Bowen in several times for extended minutes over the course of the year and Bowen has demonstrated he still has the quicks that have enabled him to be one of the best defenders ever. He has increased Bowens minutes lately but I just do not see him deviating from the preservation of Bruce for any reason whatsoever.

Really what I saw moer than anything was a Lakers team that clearly gameplanned. The Lakers did a pretty good job of keeping the paint clogged and it was pretty obvious that they were determined to keep Tony off the rim. When we put in the second unit in the second quarter, it seemed that the Lakers were not quite as prepared and we started to claw back a little bit.

To be honest, I am beginning to think that Pop never game plans. I know thats not true but you didn't see us trying to deny Kobe the ball and the likes.

[Spursmania]

Ludden is an ass. It will be tough, but so what? Spurs have a great opportunity, a call here or there a turnover here or there and it's anybody's ballgame. Spurs will be as healthy as they can be with Manu back. Spurs are champions and they will play like ones come Play-offs. Anyone who discounts them is ignoring the Spurs' history.

[Man In Black]

85% is an arbitrary number. If he does return, the Lakers will make sure he is at least that. There have been questions about the competence of the medical staff of the Lakers but I don't think they will let Bynum get back if they know it will hurt Bynum or the team.

The good news for the Lakers is that they didn't need Bynum to beat the Spurs last year. Manu will keep getting injuries, it's beginning to be a trend. He hasn't been healthy for the longest time. It will be interesting to see what Gooden can bring to the table this late in the game. For selfish reasons, I hope he does not mesh. LOL. The Lakers can get back to the Finals w/o Bynum.

Again...why is it do you Laker fans instantly think that he's going to come back at close to full strength? I mean hell, Tiger Woods is the most dominant golfer in the world and AFTER knee surgery and intensive re-hab what has he won? ZIP...NADA...NOTHING. It takes time and a month or even 2 months MAY NOT BE ENOUGH for AB.

I could be wrong, but ask yourself, how sad will you be if I'm not?
Man...Figueroa Street hasn't seen a parade for what...7 seasons now? Hey at least you got American Idol.

[aka_USAPA]

Again...why is it do you Laker fans instantly think that he's going to come back at close to full strength? I mean hell, Tiger Woods is the most dominant golfer in the world and AFTER knee surgery and intensive re-hab what has he won? ZIP...NADA...NOTHING. It takes time and a month or even 2 months MAY NOT BE ENOUGH for AB.

I could be wrong, but ask yourself, how sad will you be if I'm not?
Man...Figueroa Street hasn't seen a parade for what...7 seasons now? Hey at least you got American Idol.

2-0 vs. the Celtics, 2-0 vs the Cavs giving the only lone defeat to the Cavs, 2-1 vs. the Spurs plus experience that they had last year, the best record in the league. Barring no more injuries, with or without Bynum, they have a very good chance of getting out of the West. WCF vs. the Spurs with Spurs a year older? Who is going to stop Kobe? Bowen? I hate to say it (smirk), the Lakers have the Spurs' number.

Besides, I happen to know you're a Laker fan at heart. :rollin

Having Bynum back is a plus, not necessarily a necessity to get to the Finals.

P.S.

You'll be waiting for more than 7 years, the countdown has already started. Make that 2 years after this year. But I doubt you'll wait 7 years. You'd be LakersMan in Black by then. :lol:lol:lol:lol