duncan228
01-27-2010, 12:48 AM
Spurs Notebook: Simple solutions for Spurs' swoon (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Simple_solutions_for_Spurs_swoon.html)
Jeff McDonald
In his quest to decipher what is wrong with his team during its three-game losing streak, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has been able to determine one thing that is not.
“They're competing,” Popovich said Tuesday before final preparations for tonight's game against Atlanta. “That's got nothing to do with the losses or the wins. Guys always compete.”
In Popovich's estimation, the Spurs' recent swoon comes down to the simplest of explanations. The Spurs are having trouble putting the ball in the basket and preventing opponents from doing the same.
Utah, Houston and Chicago combined to shoot 51.9 percent against the Spurs. Over the same span, the Spurs shot 41 percent from the field, including 29.8 from 3-point range.
The second of those numbers is telling. The Spurs are 15-3 when hitting at least 40 percent of their 3s. They are 1-9 when shooting below 30 percent.
“We need to shoot better, and our defense has to be more consistent,” Popovich said. “That's what it's about.”
The remedy, Popovich said, is just as simple.
“There's no trick to it,” he said. “You just work at it.”
Vote of confidence: Popovich continues to have patience with small forward Richard Jefferson, who is coming off a miserable two-point, 1-for-8 performance against Chicago. Jefferson is averaging 12.5 points and appears to be relying heavily on perimeter jumpers.
“Richard's working with trying to be comfortable with everything,” Popovich said. “He's a team player. He wants to fit in. His game has been a little bit up and down lately, but he's going to be fine.”
Finley practices: Michael Finley, out since Dec. 5 with a sprained left ankle, went through his second full practice Tuesday, yet there remains no specific timetable for his return to game action.
“He's getting closer, but he's not ready yet by his own admission,” Popovich said.
Chicago 2.0: Blessed with a collection of young, dynamic athletes who play the game up and down the floor and above the rim, the Hawks can be considered an upgraded version of the Bulls.
Led by sharpshooter Joe Johnson (21.1 points per game) and shot-blocker extraordinaire Josh Smith (2.1 per game), Atlanta has raced to the top spot in the Southeast Division.
“They're good — long and athletic,” Spurs guard Tony Parker said. “A little bit like the Bulls.”
Jeff McDonald
In his quest to decipher what is wrong with his team during its three-game losing streak, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has been able to determine one thing that is not.
“They're competing,” Popovich said Tuesday before final preparations for tonight's game against Atlanta. “That's got nothing to do with the losses or the wins. Guys always compete.”
In Popovich's estimation, the Spurs' recent swoon comes down to the simplest of explanations. The Spurs are having trouble putting the ball in the basket and preventing opponents from doing the same.
Utah, Houston and Chicago combined to shoot 51.9 percent against the Spurs. Over the same span, the Spurs shot 41 percent from the field, including 29.8 from 3-point range.
The second of those numbers is telling. The Spurs are 15-3 when hitting at least 40 percent of their 3s. They are 1-9 when shooting below 30 percent.
“We need to shoot better, and our defense has to be more consistent,” Popovich said. “That's what it's about.”
The remedy, Popovich said, is just as simple.
“There's no trick to it,” he said. “You just work at it.”
Vote of confidence: Popovich continues to have patience with small forward Richard Jefferson, who is coming off a miserable two-point, 1-for-8 performance against Chicago. Jefferson is averaging 12.5 points and appears to be relying heavily on perimeter jumpers.
“Richard's working with trying to be comfortable with everything,” Popovich said. “He's a team player. He wants to fit in. His game has been a little bit up and down lately, but he's going to be fine.”
Finley practices: Michael Finley, out since Dec. 5 with a sprained left ankle, went through his second full practice Tuesday, yet there remains no specific timetable for his return to game action.
“He's getting closer, but he's not ready yet by his own admission,” Popovich said.
Chicago 2.0: Blessed with a collection of young, dynamic athletes who play the game up and down the floor and above the rim, the Hawks can be considered an upgraded version of the Bulls.
Led by sharpshooter Joe Johnson (21.1 points per game) and shot-blocker extraordinaire Josh Smith (2.1 per game), Atlanta has raced to the top spot in the Southeast Division.
“They're good — long and athletic,” Spurs guard Tony Parker said. “A little bit like the Bulls.”