Props to Richard Jefferson

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Lost in the lime light of Ginobili's heroics, you gotta give it up to RJ. Granted, it took the corpse of Michael Finley to give Jefferson one of his best games of the season, but pulling down 10 boards to go with double digit scoring is great.

If Jefferson can continue to attack the rim he becomes 10 times better. His jumper is brutal, so I hope he keeps getting into the lane.

:toast

[Spurs Brazil]

Very solid game

Props

[HarlemHeat37]

The key is that he MUST stay aggressive when TP returns..a lot of his success during this stretch has been with his aggressiveness off the ball and on the boards..he can't settle for Js, and he can't stand around and watch when TP is back..

Those last few games with TP back will be key for chemistry..

[Brazil]

The key is that he MUST stay aggressive when TP returns..a lot of his success during this stretch has been with his aggressiveness off the ball and on the boards..he can't settle for Js, and he can't stand around and watch when TP is back..

Those last few games with TP back will be key for chemistry..

I don't buy the RJ is passive with TP playing. He has been aggressive with him and passive w/o him but we agree on the he has to keep on attacking and team chemistry when TP will be back will be the key

[ulosturedge]

Definitely agree on giving RJ his props. He has come around finally. Hopefully he can keep up the trend, which I think he will.

I'm sure RJ will continue to play along side Manu even as TP returns to the lineup. Manu and TD have done well to keep RJ involved as well as get him the ball in his sweet spots. Such as coming of curls, playing off back screens, and in the open court. Lets hope when Tony returns he will atleast give up a couple of plays to RJ to keep him from getting stagnant.

[HarlemHeat37]

The issue was never about Parker giving up plays though..there was a period of time where the Spurs tried to run different plays for Jefferson and it didn't work out, even with Parker in the lineup..

Tony has never been a selfish player, has he ever complained about his touches?..

Jefferson just always has to have an aggressive mind state on both ends of the floor and on the boards, that's the only way he'll be successful..unfortunately, I don't think he'll be able to do this on a consistent basis, but I'll be hoping..

[mingus]

The key is that he MUST stay aggressive when TP returns..a lot of his success during this stretch has been with his aggressiveness off the ball and on the boards..he can't settle for Js, and he can't stand around and watch when TP is back..

Those last few games with TP back will be key for chemistry..

it's also crucial that TP get him the ball and establish his confidence early. it's TP's job to recognize that he's got a good player in the 3 spot and he's got to get him shots, and not only shots, but shots in the right places. so he's going to need to bring the energy still, but the teamwork and his involvement needs to stay when TP gets back as well.

[Spursox]

He really has picked up his game as of late. He should be ready come playoffs by taking most of the season off.

[Waps1980]

He had a few quiet games in March but generally RJs been a key to what has been a great March run for us.
Last 10 games
14.8 ppg
5.7 reb
Add to that Manu and Hill
Manu
22.4 ppg
5.5 ast
Hill
14.6 ppg
4.0 ast

These guys really seem to be taking it to the next level for our final drive to the playoffs.
Even Timmy’s low numbers haven’t affected our March run.
Good to see Timmy getting limited minutes 27 and 25 last 2 games and still being able to get the win.

[dastrey]

I am glad he is not afraid of making mistakes now. He is attempting shots that we haven't seen him take, besides the long open jumper that teams give him.

[smeagol]

If RJ can deliver the goods, the Spurs' chances increas exponentially

[Spursox]

He kinda sounded like Mike Tyson or Michael Jackson (rip) there at the end of the game..

[Spursfan092120]

RJ seems to be past his slump...I hope it continues.

[Manu-of-steel]

RJ has been working hard lately. He's crashing the boards for the spurs for the past few games. And he's attacking the rim with an attitude. Good job,RJ! Keep it up.

[ohmwrecker]

I knew that once RJ found his place and started contributing big that the haters would come around.

[jestersmash]

Honestly RJ has always been good, the problem is in the past he's been driving hard to the hole, getting fouled, and not getting a call. Refs are starting to respect/remember who he is more nowdays it seems.

Honestly look at the previous games where he's played poorly, it's not like he wasn't aggressive. Yeah he didn't have the greatest of handles but he went hard to the rim and there were plenty of times where there was arguably sufficient contact for a call to be made, but no call came.

Refs can make or break a player in this league.

[ducks]

The key is that he MUST stay aggressive when TP returns..a lot of his success during this stretch has been with his aggressiveness off the ball and on the boards..he can't settle for Js, and he can't stand around and watch when TP is back..

Those last few games with TP back will be key for chemistry..

tp gets blame for rj not being aggressive
but it is up to rj to attack not tp

[NFGIII]

The key is that he MUST stay aggressive when TP returns..a lot of his success during this stretch has been with his aggressiveness off the ball and on the boards..he can't settle for Js, and he can't stand around and watch when TP is back..

Those last few games with TP back will be key for chemistry..

Agreed, but Hubie made a point in the game that RJ will run all game long IF he knows he will get the ball. Will TP continually look for RJ when he has the ball? That could be a deal breaker if he doesn't think he will get rewarded for running. If so then there is a chance that RJ turns back into what we saw at the beginning of the season. That is why I have stated several times that RJ needs to be paired with Manu the majority on the time. Ditto with Blair.


it's also crucial that TP get him the ball and establish his confidence early. it's TP's job to recognize that he's got a good player in the 3 spot and he's got to get him shots, and not only shots, but shots in the right places. so he's going to need to bring the energy still, but the teamwork and his involvement needs to stay when TP gets back as well.

I agree that it is TP's responsibility to do that. But as stated above will he do that? That's what HH37 was saying about the chemistry. Also RJ needs to continue to give the effort regardless of what TP does. In tonight's game he got 2 quick fouls in 32 seconds to start the game and had to sit the 1st Q. When he got back he went on a tear and focused on rebounding and attacking the rim. Earlier in the season I think he would had disappeared for the rest of the night. Now it seems he is much more focused and determined. A very good sight to see.

Keep it up RJ!

[NFGIII]

tp gets blame for rj not being aggressive
but it is up to rj to attack not tp

I tend to agree with what you said except that I believe that it is TP's responsibility to look for others, too. Many a time on a fast break he takes it coast to coast and ralely looks to dish and I emphasize rarely looks. Not that it hasn't been successful - 3 rings and a finals MVP but TP is an attack first/scoring type of PG. That is something that Pop has encouraged from the beginning so it is difficult to ask someone this late in their career to change the focus of their game.

We'll see what develops when he gets back and they get some PT together. I'm just hoping that they can find some kind of working accord and not mess with the team's chemistry. We've waited an entire season for this team to finnally come together and see this type of chemistry develop and I for one don't want to see it just up and vanish.

[ducks]

if rj has the ball and settles for a jumpshot instead of trying to drive that is on rj
but rj has to have the ball to attack or settle for jumpshot

[HarlemHeat37]

I'm not blaming TP for RJ's lack of aggression, that's on Jefferson..

Parker does have to get used to running more team-oriented fast breaks, but he probably isn't used to running with finishers other than Manu..Hill does the same thing though, it's probably just stylistic..

Jefferson has to stay aggressive when TP is playing, he'll get his touches..Tony has a tendency to overdribble, but he's not a ballhog, contrary to the belief of many..

[ducks]

I am hoping tp watching is going to help tp when he gets back in

tp watched manu and blair when he was injured and he trusted blair after he got back

[mingus]

I'm not blaming TP for RJ's lack of aggression, that's on Jefferson..

Parker does have to get used to running more team-oriented fast breaks, but he probably isn't used to running with finishers other than Manu..Hill does the same thing though, it's probably just stylistic..

Jefferson has to stay aggressive when TP is playing, he'll get his touches..Tony has a tendency to overdribble, but he's not a ballhog, contrary to the belief of many..

last year the overdribbling was fine because tp was a one man show for the most part. the team depended on him night in night out. now, it's different. i would much rather parker average 15 and 8 this year rather than 20 and 6.

[Sean Cagney]

I am hoping tp watching is going to help tp when he gets back in

tp watched manu and blair when he was injured and he trusted blair after he got back

Lets hope our whole damn team gets it togther and goes on a damn run! Lets just say that DUCKS! F the hate on any player, let them all bond and go on a big run! Thats my dream this year.

[HarlemHeat37]

I agree, but TP is a smart player and he's been watching the games, he'll adjust..he's not Iverson or Marbury, the guy is a champion..

[raspsa]

Yeah, RJ deserves recognition for his recent performances, including this win vs. the Celtics. I like that he didn't allow his bad start to get him down and just willed himself to be more aggressive scoring and rebounding. He's really not that creative a scorer when the defense is set so he should capitalize on offensive rebounds and of course keep moving and wait for Manu to pass him the ball. Lets see if he can maintain this level of play when TP comes back.

[crc21209]

Big props to RJ tonight once again...not only scoring 16 points but grabbing 11 rebounds as well. Another big thing about his game tonight was that he did all this after picking up 2 fouls in the first minute of the 1st quarter and having to sit the entire quarter after that!

[Xevious]

tp gets blame for rj not being aggressive
but it is up to rj to attack not tp
I'm not taking anything away from TP, but Manu is a much better playmaker, and RJ admitted himself that he needs a strong playmaker to be successful. Parker's game is at its strongest when he runs the pick-and-roll with Duncan and has shooters to kick to when he drives. RJ is not that player. Two things broke RJ out of his slump - playing most of his minutes with Ginibili (whether it be from the bench, or in the starting lineup), and playing his natural position.

I'm not trying to blame Tony or anything. He's an allstar and a finals MVP. But Pop is going to have to figure out what to do with this team once Tony comes back. If he starts, it's going to disrupt everything they've built on during his absence. You can't bench Manu without RJ IMO, and you can't have a starting lineup with Bogans in it. The only options I see are for Tony to come off the bench, or Hill (who has also established himself as a starter).

[EricB]

I'm not blaming TP for RJ's lack of aggression, that's on Jefferson..

Parker does have to get used to running more team-oriented fast breaks, but he probably isn't used to running with finishers other than Manu..Hill does the same thing though, it's probably just stylistic..

Jefferson has to stay aggressive when TP is playing, he'll get his touches..Tony has a tendency to overdribble, but he's not a ballhog, contrary to the belief of many..


Agreed 100%.

Great post.


Richard Jefferson is still not playing 100% RJ ball, but is playing damn good.

The silence at the Ticket 760 over "Dick" Jefferson the scapegoat whipping boy's" good play is hilarious.

[jiggy_55]

Yup, great game by RJ.

I would like to point out that I think IF Pop goes back to starting Parker and Hill, instead of Manu, than all the good we have done will be for nothing. Manu has been comfortable as a starter, the Spurs are on a roll, leave him where he is. As all NBA teams do, we need to start our best lineup every night. RJ needs Manu more than anyone, and they should start together.
Hill won't be affected much by moving back to the bench, he will be a back up pg and sg, play his role and be aggressive while focusing a bit on the D.

Playoffs lineup:
Parker
Manu
RJ
Duncan
McDyess

[raspsa]

Yeah, the simple solution is let Manu be the PG, Tony the SG and RJ the SF. All three can start. The problem is though the 2nd unit will lack offensive punch.
I'd rather have Parker come off the bench, if he can accept this role. Or else, Manu and RK come off the bench and GHill starts alongside Parker.

[TJastal]

He's been finding his niche and playing decent. We will see how this continues when TP comes back and Gino goes to the bench and RJ starts.

:shootme

[TJastal]

if rj has the ball and settles for a jumpshot instead of trying to drive that is on rj
but rj has to have the ball to attack or settle for jumpshot

Ducks, the problem is with Parker in the game his man doesn't have to guard him out to the 3 pt line and its a spacing issue. Hill and Ginobili are both 3pt threats and the combination helps keep the driving lanes open for Jefferson. And then there's that issue of TP can't seem to find RJ in the open court on breaks where his game really shines, which is something that Manu has shown he can do almost effortlessly.

There is going to be a problem IMO if Parker comes back to the starting lineup and Popovich moves Manu back to a bench role. I'd much rather see Parker coming off the bench rather than disrupt the good chemistry we've seen from the Hill/Manu/Jefferson trio.

[TJastal]

I'm not taking anything away from TP, but Manu is a much better playmaker, and RJ admitted himself that he needs a strong playmaker to be successful. Parker's game is at its strongest when he runs the pick-and-roll with Duncan and has shooters to kick to when he drives. RJ is not that player. Two things broke RJ out of his slump - playing most of his minutes with Ginibili (whether it be from the bench, or in the starting lineup), and playing his natural position.

I'm not trying to blame Tony or anything. He's an allstar and a finals MVP. But Pop is going to have to figure out what to do with this team once Tony comes back. If he starts, it's going to disrupt everything they've built on during his absence. You can't bench Manu without RJ IMO, and you can't have a starting lineup with Bogans in it. The only options I see are for Tony to come off the bench, or Hill (who has also established himself as a starter).

This. +10000

[OrEmuN]

I am just thinking why don't RJ and Manu come off the bench and TP starts with TD. Since TP plays well with TD and vice-versa, that can be the solution, giving us a 2 pronged attack from both starters and bench

Starters - Parker, Hill, Bogans, Duncan, McDyess
Bench - Manu, Mason/Hairston, RJ, Bonner, Blair

Since RJ is ok to bench if he is playing Manu, that can be an option. I do not like Bogans in the starting line up and will actually wish to replace Hairston with him but wth, that is not possible with Pop's love affair with Bogans.

RJ will get the 3pt spacing needed from Mason, Manu and Bonner this way.

[TJastal]

I am just thinking why don't RJ and Manu come off the bench and TP starts with TD. Since TP plays well with TD and vice-versa, that can be the solution, giving us a 2 pronged attack from both starters and bench

Starters - Parker, Hill, Bogans, Duncan, McDyess
Bench - Manu, Mason/Hairston, RJ, Bonner, Blair

Since RJ is ok to bench if he is playing Manu, that can be an option. I do not like Bogans in the starting line up and will actually wish to replace Hairston with him but wth, that is not possible with Pop's love affair with Bogans.

RJ will get the 3pt spacing needed from Mason, Manu and Bonner this way.

Seems logical enough. I'm not totally convinced that TD's poor play as of late is due to TP being out, but if it is, this might have to be the solution.

[WalterBenitez]

RJ is great and I love this game mostly of the nigths.

[Mel_13]

In the ten games since going scoreless against the Knicks:

PPG: 14.8
RPG: 6.6
APG: 2.0
FG%: 57.8 (8th in the NBA, top 7 are all bigs)
3PT%: 22.2 (only 18 attempts in 10 games)
2PT%: 65.5 (2nd to Dwight Howard)
FT%: 83.9

[Xevious]

I am just thinking why don't RJ and Manu come off the bench and TP starts with TD. Since TP plays well with TD and vice-versa, that can be the solution, giving us a 2 pronged attack from both starters and bench

Starters - Parker, Hill, Bogans, Duncan, McDyess
Bench - Manu, Mason/Hairston, RJ, Bonner, Blair
There's a couple problems. Teams were jumping all over that starting lineup when the Spurs used it earlier in the season. The second unit was coming into the game playing catchup most nights. Especially if Parker is coming back from injury (you know his jumper is going to suck), where is all the offense going to come from?

And then as I've said in other threads, these guys are going to play longer minutes come playoff time. I doubt 10 players see the court unless it's a blowout. Duncan, Parker, Ginobili, Jefferson, Hill, and probably Dice and Bonner are going to play huge minutes. Bogans and Blair will play the rest. There will always be starters in the game. There's no need for Manu and RJ to be benched again. Benching Parker until he works his game out makes most sense. If he comes back hot (unlikely), let Hill play the sixth man role.

[Spurminator]

Jefferson finally seems to believe he belongs on the court with this team. He was the second best player for the Spurs last night.

[BillMc]

RJ's been playing well lately. Team is on the rise at the perfect time.

[MarCowMar]

Love love love his rebounding. He seems willing to work to adjust his game and has been professional through the rough start.

I hope Tony has been watching and considering ways to be more of a playmaker with this group. He has some players to run with in Hill and Jefferson.

[Dr Cox]

is it just me..or does anyone else like this lineup alot and hope it doesnt mess up its rythem when tp comes back?

[MoSpur]

Its not Parker's fault for Jefferson's struggles. I think Jefferson just plays better with Manu because of the type of players they are. Parker is use to throwing it into Duncan in the post or running off pick and rolls. He's needed to score when he's in that starting group.

That is why Manu is best when he comes off the bench. It works best for the team that way. When Parker comes back I think Manu and Jefferson need to go back to the second group. I think Hill starts with Tony, Duncan, Dice, and Bogans.

[NFGIII]

Its not Parker's fault for Jefferson's struggles. I think Jefferson just plays better with Manu because of the type of players they are. Parker is use to throwing it into Duncan in the post or running off pick and rolls. He's needed to score when he's in that starting group.

That is why Manu is best when he comes off the bench. It works best for the team that way. When Parker comes back I think Manu and Jefferson need to go back to the second group. I think Hill starts with Tony, Duncan, Dice, and Bogans.

Good points!

I agree wholleheartedly with the last paragraph. When TP comes back and Pop starts RJ with him I think he should fire himself. If anything has become painfully obvious this season is that RJ and Blair both play so much better with Manu than with TP. And as you stated it really isn't TP's fault. That's his game - score first PG - and to ask him to completely revamp it at this point in his career is utterly insane. That just isn't going to happen. Frankly Pop has encouraged this from the beginning. Maybe TP might look around and pass a little more but he will never remotely be a Nash/PAul/Kidd type of PG.

But TP does have input as to how RJ plays so he isn't completely innocent reagrding RJ's struggles. As you pointed out RJ plays well with a Manu type of player, which TP will never be. He needs a pass first PG or a lot more touches in order to acheive the productivity he has had in the past. Playing with TP won't accomplish that.