Harvey: Beaten down, Parker faces some history

[Kori Ellis]

Buck Harvey: Beaten down, Parker faces some history
Web Posted: 04/25/2005 12:00 AM CDT

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA042505.1D.COL.BKNharvey.20ef7a3b3.html

Don't blame it on the ankle.

Tony Parker doesn't have a sore ankle.

Blame it, instead, on what happens when one point guard takes over a game, and the other picks up where he left off against the Lakers a year ago.

Blame it on one point guard having the kind of game that changes a series, and the other having the kind of game that changes reputations.

Blame it on this reality: Against Camby, K-Mart and Karl, the Spurs can't win this series if Parker is outplayed by Andre Miller.

The blame can be passed around, all right, beginning with the ankle. It's clearly a terrible joint.

Tim Duncan has missed shots before, and he's struggled at times as he did Sunday. But when he had to go a full 35 minutes, more than he has in a month because of the ankle, is there any wonder he didn't have any touch at the end?

The Nuggets should be blamed, too. They played Spurs-like defense, they rebounded and they generally acted like the league's hottest team. Now they have another reason to be confident.

And blame Parker for sitting down, too. When Gregg Popovich subbed Beno Udrih for Parker with 27.4 seconds left in the first half, the Spurs were ahead by eight points. Popovich wanted to make sure Parker didn't add to his two fouls. Udrih then lost his dribble, giving the Nuggets a breakaway and a three-point play.

Parker checked back in, just in time to see Miller throw in a half-court heave as the first half expired. The score was tied, and Popovich admitted an emotional letdown followed.

"A real killer," he called it.

But there were killer moments before that. Then Miller leaned inside for jumpers, taking over a Denver offense not known for working well in the half-court, setting the tone for the upset.

At halftime Miller had 24 points, and Parker eight. "He put us on his back in the first half," Carmelo Anthony said.

In the playoffs, this put-us-on-his-back stuff works. In 1995, against the previous Spurs team that should have won a title and didn't, Sam Cassell came up with a couple of 30-point games when the Rockets upset the Spurs.

And Parker has seen this firsthand. Stephon Marbury once tortured Parker in the playoffs, and Marbury then came up with the same shot that Miller threw at the Spurs.

The running 3-pointer, just as time expires, is always great fun.

Miller's spectacular shot, as it was with Marbury's years ago, wasn't Parker's fault. No one gets blamed for allowing the 41-footer.

Besides, the Spurs tried three defenders on Miller, meaning he didn't only score on Parker.

But this loss still hangs on Parker more than the rest, because this is supposed to be his team. He's in his fourth playoffs, and he should be on top of the learning curve by now. The way he ended the season, leading the Spurs to back-to-back, double-overtime wins, suggested as much.

Parker suggested it, too. "If Timmy has a couple of down moments in the playoffs," Parker said last week, "I think me and Manu will show we can carry the team at certain moments."

Ginobili certainly did his part Sunday. He had 18 points at half and ended with his career playoff high.

But Parker? A sequence late in the third quarter summed up his night. He first tried to drive on Marcus Camby, as if Camby wasn't swatting everything, and Parker forced up a bad shot. He then traveled heading for a layup. And he ended the quarter by being up-faked by Earl Boykins, fouling.

He was worse in the fourth quarter. He not only went scoreless, he also went assist-less. Just for emphasis, Boykins arced a critical jumper over Parker for the lead Denver never lost.

Afterward, Parker sat at his locker and said the right things. "I can't believe I missed four or five teardrops," he said. "That's my shot."

But it was more than that. Parker sometimes rushed and sometimes hesitated. After Miller went at him, Parker spent the rest of the evening reacting.

Again, Parker has been through it. So does he recover as he did against Marbury two years ago, or is he pressed to react, as what happened last year against the Lakers?

Blame comes now.

Then Wednesday does.

[timvp]

Maybe if he would concentrate on basketball rather than scoring with unscrupulous women this wouldn't happen.

[boutons]

She only plays a slutty soft-corp porn housewife, that doesn't mean she's a slut.

Parker really screwed up showing up for the game with her.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

A little too harsh, if you take into account the fact that Tim just wasn't dominant and Manu made only 5 points in the entire second half. I don't think Parker bears the complete weight of the blame, but he certainly had a big part in the loss.

P.S. A very bleak and mournful 600th post :depressed :depressed

[Solid D]

Great article although Boykins arched his shot over Nazr when TP got screened.

TP losing his energy and intensity in 4th quarters is not a new thing but he'd better snap out of it on Wednesday. I hope he gets the message and comes back strong.

Manu spoke of Andre Miller's leadership. Unfortunately, he could not say the same about his teammate.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

I don't mind that Tony's banging Eva, but he needs to show up to SBC (and in a few days Denver's arena) ready to ball, not acting like a rock star.

[TMSKILZ]

Geez it's 1 game of a 7 game series, we've been down this road before (Title yr)
granted TP struggled, but so did everyone else. maybe it's just me, but the Spurs seemed tired from late 3rd into the rest of the 4th QTR, I say that b/c as noted by others, they didn't cut or move much during those periods when they dumped the ball to TD, plus the fact they were getting destroyed on the glass (OFF REB's) I'm not worried, unless this 17 straight missed shots & stupid TO's carry over into the rest of the series, then I'll start posting sucide threads/posts here.

[grjr]

He then traveled heading for a layup.

I looked at that play 5 or 6 times and I can't see where Tony traveled on that play. It looked like he kept his left foot in one place as he was spinning around. Did anyone get a different look at it?

[1Parker1]

Harsh article from Buck (especially since it comes a day after he wrote one praising Tony), however, sadly it's right on target. I have to say, I am one of Tony's biggest fans--and not just because he looks good! I think he is an amazing player, with so much potential that has yet to be reached. When his game is on, it's a great thing to watch. Earlier on in the season, when he had that streak of 18 or so games where he scored 16-20+ points and dished out 8+ assists like it was a normal occurance, you could see how it reflected in the teams winning record.

However, lately, I have been questioning not only his focus, but also his competitive nature.
When I watch Spurs games, I see guys like Tim Duncan, who despite getting double-teamed, missing shots, etc. continue to fight through and play tough defense, and stay focused.

I see guys like Manu Ginobili who relentlessly continue to drive to the basket, go after loose balls, and continue to play every second of the game as if they have a chance to win.

I see guys like Bruce Bowen, who despite not being the best offensive player on the court, never forgets that his strength, his asset to the team is his defense, and he continues to pound and harrass the other team's best player.

Yet, lately, I've been looking at Tony and seeing a guy who starts off games this way--completely focused, driving and dishing and stealing, only to lose focus after a few missed shots or a few bad calls his way. I don't know if it's his age or his lack of competitiveness, but you can almost pinpoint those moments where its like he's almost given up on winning the game.

I thought the Warriors game would be a great turnaround for Tony. I saw a glimpse of the competitiveness and focus and potential that he has in him.

All I can say is, he better turn it around--and not just for Wednesday's game, but for every single game of the Playoff's. I don't care if you are missing shots and getting pounded every time you enter the lane, take an example from Manu and believe that even when you are down 20 points and your shot may not be falling, at any second the game can turn around in your favor. All you need is the effort. And that's what I'd like to see more of from Tony.

[team-work]

As an overseas Spurs fan, I'm completely disappointed by the result of the game. The loss didn't surprise me though (the loss in Game 1 to Pho in 03 was more surprising, because the 05 Nuggets are a lot better than the Suns then.) Now it's important to think of ways to get back into the series, instead of putting the blame on anyone. Let's find ways to fix the problems present throughout the whole season, eg. to preserve a lead at the end of a quarter, to maintain concentration (its loss for 10 seconds is detrimental enough), to limit turnovers, to tighten the defense. And last of all, to find way to make shots instead of missing 17 of them in a row.

[toosmallshoes]

showing up in sunglasses with your celebrity girlfriend? What a joke. This isn't the Lakers Tony. Get your swollen head out of your ass and earn the fat salary that your peers fought to get you.

[maxpower]

Are you guys serious? So he showed up with his girl. So he had on glasses. What is inherently wrong with this. Next thing one of you myopic fools will be blaming it on the color of his shirt. I doubt he called tnt and asked to be taped on the way in. I've seen some nitwitted blame on the board but to see some of the more level-headed posters blaming something that would not be news had it not been taped is ludicrous.

Free throws were missed at a critical point in the game. Players had a great first half then disappeared. Players missed chip-ins. There is plenty of blame to go around for things that happened on the court.

[waly.mg]

In the 2003 Finals TP don´t have Eva Longoria

He isn´t a clutch player, he´s not a winner, he play without blood

[nkdlunch]

What I hate about Parker is that 90% of the time he passes on an open shot. SHOOT THE FUCKING BALL Tony!!!!

[GrandeDavid]

Usually Longoria's presence inspires Parker on the floor. I think Denver deserves more of the credit for what they did. Parker will come back strong on Wednesday as he did in Game 2 against Marbury and the Suns in 2003. Sunday was an anomoly. Parker will be fine.

[wildbill2u]

Cant believe the teardrop didn't fall. That's my shot." The teardrop is inherently a bad percentage shot because it has to be perfect in arch and speed, unlike the finger roll which is closer to the basket. TP ought to learn how to shoot a short pull up shot--but he won't have it for this year.

The word is out: Close the lane and close out the Spurs.

[toosmallshoes]

[QUOTE=maxpower]Are you guys serious? So he showed up with his girl. So he had on glasses. What is inherently wrong with this. Next thing one of you myopic fools will be blaming it on the color of his shirt."

Tony, of all the spurs, is the one most often lost to the trappings of fame. he faded in the 2003 finals because he partied too much. He's sucking right now because he's more interested in being a rock star than playing solid basketball.

Last time I checked, the color of his shirt was silver and black.

He needs to play like a spur or his team will lose.

[toosmallshoes]

things that happened on the court.

The things that happen on the court begin off the court. The court is where the players reveal their preparation. Some players prepare by trying to be cool, and some work on their game.

For one thing, Tony plays the pick and roll terribly. as soon as someone comes out on him he backs off by about five yards. Ginobili attacks the screen. That's why he goes to the free throw line and Parker goes for the awkward jump shot. Parker needs to grow a pair.

[Spurgal]

Once again, This Is the playoffs!!!!!

I know It's harsh to put the blame on one player but, In this case Parker sucked!

It doesn't matter If Eva Longoria has been to other games and the Spurs have won or If Parker has been sleeping with her every night of the week... What matters right now Is that this Is the playoffs and we need the players to focus.

It must be pretty embarrasing though, to have Parker walk In to the SBC center as If the world belonged to him and then to see how bad he sucked right In front of his Hollywood fling, when he couldn't stop a 5'5 130lb player from kicking his ass!

:lmao
http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20050420/capt.cojd12104200406.nuggets_trailblazers_cojd121. jpg

[johnny00]

Maybe if he would concentrate on basketball rather than scoring with unscrupulous women this wouldn't happen.
Amen brother.
Can't help but think Eva's publicist saw Tony Parker and the NBA playoffs as a good time for a photo op for Access Hollywood, Entertainment tonight etc.

[Supergirl]

[QUOTE=maxpower]Are you guys serious? So he showed up with his girl. So he had on glasses. What is inherently wrong with this. Next thing one of you myopic fools will be blaming it on the color of his shirt."

Tony, of all the spurs, is the one most often lost to the trappings of fame. he faded in the 2003 finals because he partied too much. He's sucking right now because he's more interested in being a rock star than playing solid basketball.

Last time I checked, the color of his shirt was silver and black.

He needs to play like a spur or his team will lose.


WHere's your evidence that Parker partied too much in 2003, or any other time? He lives a pretty quiet life, from what I hear, mostly playing video games at home and hanging out on set. So he has a celebrity girlfriend. Who cares? There's no evidence that this is affecting his game. Game 1 was not Parker's fault - NO ONE COULD MAKE A SHOT FOR 10 MINUTES. It was no more Parker's fault than Manu's, Duncan's, Barry's, Horry's, or anyone else's. It was a collective meltdown. Fortunately it came in Game 1, which gives me hope that they'll bounce back. They tend to bounce back big from losses.

[T Park]

Tony will be an unfair scapegoat.

Barry will not hear a damn thing.

2 shots in 19 minutes from a guy signed this offseason to be a shooter??? Of course its not HIS fault, nooooooo.

[johnny00]

^^^^ if they would've passed the ball to him more it would be a different story.
Can't count the times Barry was unguarded for the three and NO ONE looked his way (including Tony)

[whottt]

Tony will be an unfair scapegoat.

Barry will not hear a damn thing.

2 shots in 19 minutes from a guy signed this offseason to be a shooter??? Of course its not HIS fault, nooooooo.


It's not his fault asshat...the last time he was in the game we had the fucking lead.

How the fuck can you blame the guys that weren't even on the court?

How about Bowen 1 shot in 33 minutes? That's a better option when we need a basket?

At least Barry can pass.

[orhe]

let's just hope duncan plays better.
if he can't i suggest we ran our plays through ginobili and parker.

we should go back to what we've done through out the season
get parker going for the first three quarters then leave it for manu to close it.

[GoSpurs21]

who went 5-22 and had most of the last month off?

Man up Tim goddamit

[johnny00]

who went 5-22 and had most of the last month off?

Man up Tim goddamit
Are you serious?


I mean you can't be serious.

[Spurgal]

Amen brother.
Can't help but think Eva's publicist saw Tony Parker and the NBA playoffs as a good time for a photo op for Access Hollywood, Entertainment tonight etc.

Exactly! Eva Is on her way to the top and some dumb ass like Parker has to serve as a stepping stone...


:lol

[T Park]

What Havey said was right, but Tony isn't the SOLE reason for losing game 1.


Enough talk about game 1, onto game 2.

[cherylsteele]

It's not his fault asshat...the last time he was in the game we had the fucking lead.

How the fuck can you blame the guys that weren't even on the court?




I know...iti is like blaming Rasho on the loss because he has healed from a simple sprained ankle.....actually with when Barry went out the table was set for the win.

[boutons]

"Are you serious?
I mean you can't be serious."

Run a lot offensive plays through Tim tonight, and watch the Spurs offense and ball-movement sputter and die, and the Spurs lose.

Tim has plenty of extremely effective ways to contribute and to change the game, but running the offense through Tim as the first option is NOT one of them. Nuggets, their bigs, are playing too physical (maybe more so tonight, they'll be going for the KILL) for Tim to be effective, as Malone did last May. That's true when Tim is 100%, and so much more true with Tim on 1.5 ankles. Power defense trumps Tim's finesse offense.

The bigger problem is not that Tim is stoppable, but that Pop keeps calling plays for Tim when Tim IS being stopped. Stupid, uncreative fricking basketball, trying to knock down a brick wall with your forehead, making the Nuggets interior defense easy, wasting all the Spurs other offensive weapons, who stand around (makes the perimeter defense easy) and watch Tim get beat to shit.

It's not a matter of Tim manning up, it's stupid play calling from Pop. It's Tim holding the ball too long, and not finding the open man (nobody's open because they're all just standing around while the defense closes off the passing lanes), it's Tim putting the ball on the floor in traffic.

[T Park]

but running the offense through Tim as the first option is NOT one of them.

Running the ball through your best player, what a stupid idea.




it's stupid play calling from Pop

Yeah, fuckin pop, I hate it when he makes Duncan miss two layups, or Ginobili and Parker turn the ball over and miss layups.

Damn't I hate it when Pop does that.

[superjames1992]

Maybe if he would concentrate on basketball rather than scoring with unscrupulous women this wouldn't happen.
Agreed, tbh... :tu

[superjames1992]

Yet, lately, I've been looking at Tony and seeing a guy who starts off games this way--completely focused, driving and dishing and stealing, only to lose focus after a few missed shots or a few bad calls his way. I don't know if it's his age or his lack of competitiveness, but you can almost pinpoint those moments where its like he's almost given up on winning the game.
Troof bombs raining down.........

We saw that again yesterday when Tony had a great first half, then decided to mail it in in the second half.

[Skull-1]

2005?

[superjames1992]

2005?
Same story, different year, tbh... :wakeup

[Prime Time]

Same story, different year, tbh... :wakeup

What I hate about Parker is that 90% of the time he passes on an open shot. SHOOT THE FUCKING BALL Tony!!!!
Some things change :lol