Random Thoughts Before Game 5

[timvp]

-If the Spurs have long-term goals for this playoff run beyond this series, getting this win is vital. With such a short rotation and no more rest days in this series, they need the series to end ASAP to build up enough juice going forward -- especially if the Phoenix Suns are next on the horizon. Even if the Spurs win this series after losing tonight, their chances of winning in the next round drop considerably. For an example, reference how damaging the length of the Hornets series was when it came to trying to beat the Lakers in 2008.

-After re-watching Game 4, I'm a bit more confident in Duncan. Originally, I thought he might be out of gas. But looking at it again, it appears Duncan was just not forcing anything and taking what the defense gave him. He went 0-for-7 in the first half and his only two shots in the second half were those two bunnies at the end -- the one tip-in he made and that two-footer he missed. I've been preaching for Duncan to not try to force the issue against these Mavs so I was a bit of a hypocrite after last game for calling him out.

-I'm a bit worried with the shooting. Take away George Hill's last game and the Spurs have been horrible as of late knocking down three-pointers. Ginobili is so much deadlier when he's knocking down threes, so let's hope that is the case tonight. If he's not hitting from the outside, he has to find a way to beat the blitzing Mavs defense.

-How is Pop going to handle the rotation with regards to Matt Bonner? Bonner was held out of the rotation in the second half of Game 4 in favor of Jefferson at power forward. We know that Bonner is a choker, but I'd prefer Pop giving him first crack as the backup power forward over Jefferson. First of all, the rotation is short enough as it is. Secondly, utilizing small ball against the Mavs is like lighting up a cigarette next to a pool of gasoline. Give Bonner a chance and pray to the man or woman you pray to that he accidentally does a few things correctly.

-Tony Parker needs to realize the Mavs can't defend him on well-spaced pick-and-rolls. Almost every time he is able to split the combo of defenders thrown at him. In a physical contest like Game 5 promises to be tonight, getting easy points from Parker layups is extremely valuable. In reality, Parker has authored the easiest points for the Spurs in this series when he takes the time to run a smart pick-and-roll.

-Nowitzki having a giant game is a given. I'd be shocked if he's not pushing 40 points by the time the final buzzer is sounding. Since Nowitkzi exploding is expected, Jason Kidd needs to continue to be a focal point. The Spurs have to pressure him and then run him off the three-point line as much as possible. Caron Butler remains the x-factor. When he's rolling, the Mavs have been at their best. Keep him questioning himself by putting him in difficult situations (fronting him, doubling him, etc.) and the Spurs should have success.

[HarlemHeat37]

-I wouldn't change anything in regards to the defense..I like the strategy, it has worked, keep doing what they're doing..keep denying Dirk the ball on pick and pops, keep sending occasional blitzes when he has the ball..make sure Kidd doesn't get clean looks..the only thing I haven't been satisfied with is the rotations against Terry..

-I've been worried about the shooting for 2 games in a row..in the game blogs, I kept talking about how I didn't think the Spurs would win if they continued shooting poorly from outside, but they managed to win both games..I really don't think the Spurs can continue to win without some consistent 3-point shooting though..it has to come from somewhere..

-I'd like for Pop to keep playing Bonner early on and see if he's going early..Bonner would be a huge help with the struggling shooting, even though it's unlikely that he suddenly isn't scared of pressure anymore..I hope Pop can avoid using the Blair-Bonner frontcourt as much as possible, but obviously easier said than done since he has to rest the 2 older bigs as well..

[xellos88330]

Im telling you Tim ate too much cake.

[coyotes_geek]

Regarding the 3 point shooting, I think you've got to give the mavs a little bit of credit for closing out on the shooters. The Spurs didn't shoot the 3 worth a damn against them in last year's series either. The pattern has gone on long enough to where I don't think it can just be dismissed as a fluke. The mavs can't defend 1 on 1, so emphasizing closing out on the 3's is about the only chance they've got to slow down the Spurs offense.

[silverblk mystix]

nice info...

I would agree that winning tonight is crucial---if you want to make a deep playoff run...

this year---it is very important---not only to keep winning---but to really try and keep each series as short as possible---no lazy-throwaway games

because health is vital

[oligarchy]

..let's see how much zone they throw tonight and if the spurs react quicker.

[scottspurs]

Spurs cannot lose focus tonight. It is going to be physical and hostile. Limiting turnovers and rebounding are going to be key.

[Zammers]

Nice post "Timvp".

You are right on Tony P needing to attack the rim. The Mavs interior defense is soft and by taking the ball to the rack you create easy basket opportunities and free throws. Free throws are a bonus for the Spurs because we are more of a half court offense and the Mavs are better when on the run. Free throws take the fast break game out of rhythm and it bothers the Mavs.

The Spurs have done a good job of exposing the weaknesses of the Mavs. They aren't a half court team. The only player they have that can successfully create off the dribble is Dirk. The rest....Kidd, Terry, Butler, and Marion are better getting jump shots off screens or layups in transition.

Once the Spurs get into a defensive rhythm it is virtually impossible for the Mavs to be THE MAVS. The get frustrated and that's when we make substantial runs.

[Morg1411]

-Give Bonner a chance and pray to the man or woman you pray to that he accidentally does a few things correctly.



I about died when I read that. :lol

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

I really think the refs will want to keep the leash on the physical play in the early going. Whichever team can come out attacking the hoop most effectively stands a good chance at forcing foul trouble for the opposing team. It's boring, but shooting free throws is one hell of a way to shut down a team's fast break attack.

[coyotes_geek]

Also need to hope that the refs let the players play. A tightly officiated game doesn't bode well for us. I'm not sure the Spurs can win a game where the mavs get to the free throw line 30+ times.

[scottspurs]

Bonner is done as a Spur if he continues to play like he is. With a contract on the line you would think he would be highly motivated to prove something.

[Muser]

The Mavs are great at denying the 3, if we play Phoenix there will be a lot more open looks.

[coyotes_geek]

Bonner is done as a Spur if he continues to play like he is. With a contract on the line you would think he would be highly motivated to prove something.

IMO Bonner's problem is that he's too motivated. He's not out there dogging it. He tries hard. I think he's just putting too much pressure on himself.

[oligarchy]

Also need to hope that the refs let the players play. A tightly officiated game doesn't bode well for us. I'm not sure the Spurs can win a game where the mavs get to the free throw line 30+ times.

..they're shooting 82.6% from the line in the series. The Spurs are shooting 71.1%

[slick'81]

agreed of the spurs want to have anything left for phoenix they need to end this series now.

[TIMMYD!]

Agree with you on the TP part, he needs to attack early on.

Also agree with Harlem on closing out Terry, we're letting him get those corner threes too easily.

[oligarchy]

Bonner is done as a Spur if he continues to play like he is. With a contract on the line you would think he would be highly motivated to prove something.

He is motivated, but he's a thinker. He can't get out of his own head. If he could play without thinking, it would be a different story.

[scottspurs]

IMO Bonner's problem is that he's too motivated. He's not out there dogging it. He tries hard. I think he's just putting too much pressure on himself.

I have nothing against the effort, but sometimes it comes down to execution.

At least Bonner didn't quit on the spurs like Mason or Finley.

[dbestpro]

There will be quite a few fouls called which normally would favor Dallas. I think Dallas, however wil over react and try to play physical which will put SA on the line. I think if Dallas just played their normal game they would win because it will be called like game one where the agressor is penalized. In the end we have to hit our freee throws.

[FalleNxWiZarDx]

let manu continue to handle the ball more then Tparker...

get RJ going early,

rest timmy a little more and play grizzly blair a bit more


you guys should be fine...


go spurs!

[Mark in Austin]

I would add that they need to keep better track of Terry - when he manages to find his way to the corners for open threes it seems like he's automatic. I would rather have a possession where Dirk is single covered than have the double come from the man defending Terry.

[scottspurs]

I would add that they need to keep better track of Terry - when he manages to find his way to the corners for open threes it seems like he's automatic. I would rather have a possession where Dirk is single covered than have the double come from the man defending Terry.

Yeah, when Tony Parker left Terry open for 3 in the corner late in game 4 I almost broke my coffee table. IMHO we can't leave Terry/Kidd/Dirk open for three, but everyone else let em fly.

[HarlemHeat37]

Regarding the 3 point shooting, I think you've got to give the mavs a little bit of credit for closing out on the shooters. The Spurs didn't shoot the 3 worth a damn against them in last year's series either. The pattern has gone on long enough to where I don't think it can just be dismissed as a fluke. The mavs can't defend 1 on 1, so emphasizing closing out on the 3's is about the only chance they've got to slow down the Spurs offense.

They're an above average team at defending the 3, and I agree that they deserve credit for the way they've defended the 3 in this series, but I think there will be a problem with the Spurs' shooting against any team IMO..

This team doesn't have too many shooters in general..

Hill only makes 3s at a high rate from the corners, he's mediocre from everywhere else..Manu is a very good shooter, he hasn't shown it yet in this series, but I'm not too worried..

After that, it's iffy..Bonner is one of the most unreliable players in the NBA, and he's supposed to be the primary shooter on this team..Mason is done and won't play anyways..Jefferson isn't reliable enough from 3, and he's primarily a corner 3-point shooter as well..

The Spurs are gonna struggle with 3-point shooting no matter the opponent IMO..while the team has fixed the other flaws that we've seen all season, the 3-point shooting has now become an unexpected flaw..personally, I like that this team isn't relying as much on 3s, but they're gonna have to start making them at some point..

[DBMethos]

Man, if Bonner did anything tonight it would be a huge bonus...it could also greatly boost his confidence going forward, when his 3 point stroke would definitely be needed.

[quentin_compson]

Yeah, while it's good to see that the Spurs don't have to rely on shooting around 40% on threes, it'd still be nice to be more threatening from long distance. The Mavs' defense against penetration from our guards is not that good to begin with, and if Bonner could pose some kind of threat to them, it would greatly benefit our spacing.
So I'm all for Bonner at least getting a chance. His rebouning has been poor, but at least he hasn't been embarrassed on defense.

Looking beyond this series (not that we don't have to win it first, and it would be great for players like Timmy and Manu to get some rest as well, so I sure hope they close it out tonight), a seven/eight man rotation is awfully thin.

I'm expecting Nowitzki to score a lot tonight, but I also expect Tim to be better than 1-9. Hopefully, Tony, George and Manu will be attacking the rim and Dice will continue to rebound well.

[HarlemHeat37]

I don't mind the number of players in the rotation, but Bonner MUST contribute at some point if the Spurs are going to make a run at a title..while it's scary and sad that the Spurs have to rely on Matt Bonner, it's pretty much how this team is currently built..they desperately need both 3-point shooting AND depth up front, and Bonner is a huge part of both categories..

It would be different if the Spurs had other shooters(like if Mason didn't become horrible) or if they had other bigs for depth(like if Ratliff wasn't traded), but as of right now, Bonner is the easy answer to both..

Since Bonner is unlikely to contribute, the Spurs will have to rely on hot shooting from Manu/Hill/RJ from 3-point range and Blair to play a significant role up front..

[Obstructed_View]

The Mavs are almost certainly going to make guarding the paint a point of emphasis, so the best thing the Spurs can do is to hit their threes early, because if they can knock a few of them down, the Mavs may go back to their regular defense and give the Spurs driving opportunities again. It also serves to help take the crowd out early.

Bonner and Mason's poor three point shooting has forced Pop to all but abandon game-planning for threes, which has helped the team tremendously. I'm hoping that if they do hit some early threes that Pop resists the urge to try to get them more outside shots and instead keeps pounding it inside.

This is really one of those times I'm wishing the Spurs hadn't traded Latiff, but that's water under the bridge. Going forward, the Spurs are going to have to just hope that the Bonner-Blair frontcourt doesn't give up too many points for them to make up the rest of the game. The mix of double teams has been enough to make Dirk have to look over his shoulder when he gets the ball, and will hopefully continue to keep him a bit off balance.

[objective]

I'm through with Bonner. Even as anti-Bonner as his historical play had made me, I still supported playing him and just sitting him if he wasn't hitting (which Pop thankfully finally did in game 4).

But that's it. This guy can't do it. I thought at least in a couple of home games the pressure would be off, but no. You play Matt Bonner, even if just the first half, odds are it will end badly. Maybe not in the plus/minus stats, but it won't be a good thing.

You had a whole month when Bonner was hurt to try to develop Mahinmi or Ratliff instead of playing Manu at PF or whatever nonsense was happening. Everyone knew that Bonner was unlikely to be anything else but a playoff choker and couldn't be relied on (just like Mason). So now the playoffs are here and it's like some big unexpected surprise that these guys are worthless in the rotation, and now it's been shortened because possible other fits weren't given enough time or trust.

If there is still a determination to play Bonner, I just hope to God they stagger the subs so that he's never on the court with Blair at the same time. Maybe that will be too hard and there will still be some crossover, but I just hope it stays close to zero.

[Obstructed_View]

If there is still a determination to play Bonner, I just hope to God they stagger the subs so that he's never on the court with Blair at the same time. Maybe that will be too hard and there will still be some crossover, but I just hope it stays close to zero.

That really has been the disaster lineup for the Spurs.

[objective]

though I should say I expect the Mavs to win tonight, for all the reasons on might expect such as a new adjustment that will take the Spurs a game to account for, the desperation of the Mavs jumping on the Spurs early, tight fouls being called which automatically means 15+ ftas for Dirk . . .

So maybe still keeping Bonner in isn't too bad. This could be kind of a throw-away game, let Bonner see if he can find his stroke. Based on his career, he won't, but maybe it happens.

[DarrinS]

-If the Spurs have long-term goals for this playoff run beyond this series, getting this win is vital. With such a short rotation and no more rest days in this series, they need the series to end ASAP to build up enough juice going forward -- especially if the Phoenix Suns are next on the horizon. Even if the Spurs win this series after losing tonight, their chances of winning in the next round drop considerably. For an example, reference how damaging the length of the Hornets series was when it came to trying to beat the Lakers in 2008.


Spent the last night in the team plane, if I recall correctly. That sucked.

[timvp]

Regarding the 3 point shooting, I think you've got to give the mavs a little bit of credit for closing out on the shooters. The Spurs didn't shoot the 3 worth a damn against them in last year's series either. The pattern has gone on long enough to where I don't think it can just be dismissed as a fluke. The mavs can't defend 1 on 1, so emphasizing closing out on the 3's is about the only chance they've got to slow down the Spurs offense.

True. Not only are the Mavs closing out well, the fact that they don't double TD when he has his back to the basket allows them not to give up any easy looks from deep.

For the Spurs to get threes, they are going to need TP or Manu to create the looks. The other avenue is to run the ball more and hit the trailer (usually Bonner).

[timvp]

I really think the refs will want to keep the leash on the physical play in the early going. Whichever team can come out attacking the hoop most effectively stands a good chance at forcing foul trouble for the opposing team. It's boring, but shooting free throws is one hell of a way to shut down a team's fast break attack.Good point. If the NBA has told the refs to be on high alert, keeping composure will be huge. Paying extra attention to not fouling will be huge.


Also need to hope that the refs let the players play. A tightly officiated game doesn't bode well for us. I'm not sure the Spurs can win a game where the mavs get to the free throw line 30+ times.

Yeah, the Spurs can't win a Salvatore Special against the Mavs. They shoot too well from the line and the rotation isn't deep enough to weather foul trouble.

[DesignatedT]

I expect pop not to overplay duncan and manu in the first half. I see him going with a lot of tony and george to try and keep manu and TD fresh down the stretch. IMO I don't see him playing duncan and manu 40+ minutes and then end up losing the game. He is going to let Tony George and RJ try to keep this thing close going into the 2nd half then he will come in strong with Duncan and Manu down the stretch. Mavs need to try and get up BIG on this spurs team early and if they don't and let the spurs hang around in the 2nd half then i suspect they will be going fishing tonight.

[kjhip1]

I really dont mind the Spurs keeping thier three point shooting down as far as attempts go...I'd rather have them driving and creating FTAs...I think everyone here expects Dirk to off tonight, but I also see Tim having a bounce back game as well. Any kind of production from Bonner or Mason would be graet but I dont see Pop playing them much if the game flows like the previous 2. Its clear the Spurs have found a way to beat the Mavs. In two games the Spurs have been horrible in thier shooting but are still finding a way to beat a good team (#2 Seed). Alot has to do with the way JKidd has been ineffective and the way Caron Butler/Shwan Marion have been playing...I was glad to see Josh Howard leave because he was alwasy the one that gave the Spurs fits. Yes the jet goes off on us too but it was the combonation of Dirk, Howard, and Terry that beat us last year...The key to the game will be the 1st Quarter and how we can set the tone...The Mavs will have alot of energy in the first half...we have to be able to weather the storm and set them up going into the 3rd and 4th quarter...I believe the winner of this game will ultimately be the team that can finish strong at the end of the quarters...Granted the Spurs should win tonight and get some much needed rest.

[EVAY]

Rebounding, rebounding, rebounding. If we do often and do it well, we win. It stops the Mavs' transition offense and increases the likelihood that they will foul us.

One other thing...Timmy on the post. In the last two games Tim was kept out of his comfort spot for catching the ball in the post and wouldn't/couldn't back down far enough to shoot from his makeable spots. If he can make his bank shot go in, he can avoid this problem.

[timvp]

IMO Bonner's problem is that he's too motivated. He's not out there dogging it. He tries hard. I think he's just putting too much pressure on himself.Agreed. Bonner is best when he's not thinking. In the playoffs, it may be impossible for him to turn of his brain. Maybe if he has a huge game in the postseason that could change things ... but I doubt it is a quick fix.


Yeah, when Tony Parker left Terry open for 3 in the corner late in game 4 I almost broke my coffee table. IMHO we can't leave Terry/Kidd/Dirk open for three, but everyone else let em fly.

Watching it live, I was wonder WTF TP was doing. But going back and re-watching the game, the threes more understandable. On Terry's first three, Hill was guarding him and when he rotated to an open Kidd, the next rotation (which was suppoed to be TD) was late. On the second Terry three-pointer, TP left him in the opposite corner when Nowitzki was doubled ... but it was a poor double so Dirk was able to turn around and hit Terry with a crosscourt pass. On the Terry's third three, TP was forced to pickup Haywood in transition and no-one picked up Terry. When Terry caught the ball, TP ran at him but it was too late.

So on those three plays, there weren't any massive breakdowns ... as it appeared live.


The Spurs are gonna struggle with 3-point shooting no matter the opponent IMO..while the team has fixed the other flaws that we've seen all season, the 3-point shooting has now become an unexpected flaw..personally, I like that this team isn't relying as much on 3s, but they're gonna have to start making them at some point..

Yeah, it seems like forever that Spurs fans have had to worry about three-point shooting. But this team is just not very good at shooting from deep. Hill is good from the corners but that is about it. Ginobili is streaky so you can't count on him to be hitting every game. Bonner and Mason shrink in the playoffs. RJ can't hit threes anymore.

It's amazing that the Spurs have gone from live-or-die by the three ... to not being able to live on the three. Now, whether or not that is a good or bad thing is debatable.

[Walton Buys Off Me]

Matt Bonner and playoff basketball go together like Eliot Spitzer and a room full of hookers- not a good combo.

The Red Rocket's 'performance' over the last two games should remind Pop that he belongs nowhere near the basketball court unless we're up or down by 30.

As long as Duncan or McDyess is on the floor, I'm ok going small for short stretches.

It beats watching Bonner brick open three after open three.

[kjhip1]

Agreed. Bonner is best when he's not thinking. In the playoffs, it may be impossible for him to turn of his brain. Maybe if he has a huge game in the postseason that could change things ... but I doubt it is a quick fix.



Watching it live, I was wonder WTF TP was doing. But going back and re-watching the game, the threes more understandable. On Terry's first three, Hill was guarding him and when he rotated to an open Kidd, the next rotation (which was suppoed to be TD) was late. On the second Terry three-pointer, TP left him in the opposite corner when Nowitzki was doubled ... but it was a poor double so Dirk was able to turn around and hit Terry with a crosscourt pass. On the Terry's third three, TP was forced to pickup Haywood in transition and no-one picked up Terry. When Terry caught the ball, TP ran at him but it was too late.

So on those three plays, there weren't any massive breakdowns ... as it appeared live.



Yeah, it seems like forever that Spurs fans have had to worry about three-point shooting. But this team is just not very good at shooting from deep. Hill is good from the corners but that is about it. Ginobili is streaky so you can't count on him to be hitting every game. Bonner and Mason shrink in the playoffs. RJ can't hit threes anymore.

It's amazing that the Spurs have gone from live-or-die by the three ... to not being able to live on the three. Now, whether or not that is a good or bad thing is debatable.

+1:toast

I agree that the Spurs look like a team that now doesn't have to rely on the 3 ball...I just wonder how much better this team would be if Bonner and Mason could hit with some consistency..

[OldSilentHill]

IMHO...............we have to figure how to make an even game during the 1st Half while not overplaying Duncan, Manu, Parker and Hill or at least spending equally amount of minutes on them.

After that, put THE BEST on the court for ALMOST THE WHOLE 2nd Half: Big 3 + Hill + Blair or McDysse.

If we can do that or similar, we´ll get this. That line up will receive more respect from the refs in 3rd and 4th Q, when the amazing happens.

[Spurs Brazil]

1 - Keep Dallas away from a good start. Let's hope we see that low and ugly scoring quarter to keep them second guessing.

2 - Rebound

3 - Play smart and don't foul. I don't think the refs will let them play like the last 2 games so we must play smart

[DesignatedT]

Gotta keep this game close in the 1st half. Going to need a big first half from Tony and Hill since i suspect pop wont overplay duncan and manu to try and keep them fresh down the stretch. Mavericks are going to have to blow this game wide open if they want to win (and thats possible) but if this game is close coming down the stretch then i expect the mavs to be fishing tonight.

[DPG21920]

Spurs need to look for Blair when it comes to depth up front, not Bonner.

[HarlemHeat37]

Spurs need to look for Blair when it comes to depth up front, not Bonner.

Depth up front isn't 1 guy..they need both..our bigs aren't good enough to run a 3-man rotation IMO..

[TD 21]

-If the Spurs have long-term goals for this playoff run beyond this series, getting this win is vital. With such a short rotation and no more rest days in this series, they need the series to end ASAP to build up enough juice going forward -- especially if the Phoenix Suns are next on the horizon. Even if the Spurs win this series after losing tonight, their chances of winning in the next round drop considerably. For an example, reference how damaging the length of the Hornets series was when it came to trying to beat the Lakers in 2008.

-How is Pop going to handle the rotation with regards to Matt Bonner? Bonner was held out of the rotation in the second half of Game 4 in favor of Jefferson at power forward. We know that Bonner is a choker, but I'd prefer Pop giving him first crack as the backup power forward over Jefferson. First of all, the rotation is short enough as it is. Secondly, utilizing small ball against the Mavs is like lighting up a cigarette next to a pool of gasoline. Give Bonner a chance and pray to the man or woman you pray to that he accidentally does a few things correctly.

-Nowitzki having a giant game is a given. I'd be shocked if he's not pushing 40 points by the time the final buzzer is sounding. Since Nowitkzi exploding is expected, Jason Kidd needs to continue to be a focal point. The Spurs have to pressure him and then run him off the three-point line as much as possible. Caron Butler remains the x-factor. When he's rolling, the Mavs have been at their best. Keep him questioning himself by putting him in difficult situations (fronting him, doubling him, etc.) and the Spurs should have success.

I wouldn't go that far. It would be huge, but vital? They could still win it in game six and get plenty of rest. If there is one, game six (I'm fairly sure) will be the same night that the Suns-Trail Blazers play game six. Say both the Spurs and Suns win, they'll get equal rest. If the Trail Blazers win and the Spurs win, the Spurs will get more rest than the Suns (I presume they'll win their series).

Completely agree. Even though I expect another nervous performance out of Bonner, like I keep saying, shouldn't he by law of averages be due for a good shooting game under pressure? The guy is a career 40% three point shooter. Choker or not, at least one time he should have a game where he shoots the lights out. If/when he does, it'll probably coincide with a game where the Spurs are getting blown out. At this point, I can't even imagine this guy making shots in a tight game. "Accidentally does a few things correctly". Nice line.

Agreed. The big thing (and this is probably unavoidable) is for McDyess to avoid foul trouble, particularly early. Unfortunately, I think the opposite will happen. If he can just stay on the court for 30 plus minutes against Nowitzki, then I'm fine with this match-up and with the Spurs constant changing defense against him. He'll still get his, but at least he'll have to sweat for them and hopefully be at least somewhat worn down by the fourth.

Nowitzki getting his is no longer a killer, because it's the Spurs who now have the better one-on-one scorers between these two teams, yet they still have the better defense. In a half court game where the "other' Mavs are forced to create and generate, say 50-60 points to win, I like the Spurs chances.

[Capt Bringdown]

Matt Bonner and playoff basketball go together like Eliot Spitzer and a room full of hookers- not a good combo.


Not the best analogy. "Not a good combo?" For who? Certainly a good combo for the hookers and Eliot.

Not good for the church lady and other moralising prigs?

[Walton Buys Off Me]

Not the best analogy. "Not a good combo?" For who? Certainly a good combo for the hookers and Eliot.

Not good for the church lady and other moralising prigs?

Do you know who Spitzer is?

Former Governor of New York- had to give it up in the wake of the exposure of his involvement as a client in a high-priced prostitution ring.....

[Whisky Dog]

Keys to the game?

1) Same old Same old - Rebounding, transition defense, limiting turnovers, clean, hard, smart rotations on defense. Rotate hard to 3 pt shooters without over committing and fouling or flying by and giving up an open lane to the basket.

2)Bring the Role to the Road - Imperative that Hill, Jefferson, Blair, and Dice take that energy and execution back on the road away from the friendly zone. Role players usually play better at home so you can bet Terry and those guys will bring it so Spurs role players have to match.

[polandprzem]

We have terrible offense

p&r's are pathetic - dallas closes every single passing lane
ball movement is disturbed by mavs, can't get the flow go -> leads to turnovers -> leads to fastbreaks by dallas -> leads to kickass
SHOOTING - absolutely non-existen. Manu is invisible, he has no confidence in treys [and his offense (drives) after that nose as well]

Spurs blew it

[polandprzem]

If there was an ocean in Dallas, Spurs would not hit it today

[ploto]

Question remains to be answered- did they just throw away a game or are we actually seeing the ramifications of playing every other day. Duncan and Manu definitely look like they are paying the price while the young guys are fine.

[honestfool84]

-Butler having a giant game is a given. I'd be shocked if he's not pushing 36 points by the time the final buzzer is sounding. Since Butler exploding is expected, Jason Kidd needs to continue to be a focal point. The Spurs have to pressure him and then run him off the three-point line as much as possible. When he's rolling, the Mavs have been at their best. Keep him questioning himself by putting him in difficult situations (fronting him, doubling him, etc.) and the Spurs should have success.



:(

[HankChinaski]

I took it like this for tonights game.

Dallas came out pulling out ahead. Pop saw the energy his guys were producing, saw a dallas team he assumed wasn't going to let them take this game at home from them easy and just went with rolling the dice on some of the "dogs" on the bench. But man the biggest hole for the lineup in the 1st quarter was having Mason out there. He got torched on whatever assignment defensively he took. His stroke is lacking everything and he just isn't the player we grew to love from last year. With production like that you may as well have Bogans defending out there. Because I seriously doubt Bogans would have been burnt by Kidd on the corner 3 going to the glass.

Duncan looked decent at the start of the game. Didn't look like he wanted to place the ball inside into the middle of the lane and just kept his game outside midrange with fading hooks. If he wants to get his boys tp, manu and hill some easier looks he needs to take it into the paint, face up more on hay and damp.

Tony looked like the only guy trying to score inside for us, but his lack of ball movement and getting others into the game just didn't look like it was there. His defense on the other end wasn't as aggressive as it was in his previous games from 2 to 4. If we are going to keep terry and kidd from creating much he is going to not fade on defense.

Manu....well manu just was off. I don't know how that nose is affecting him but his tentative presence inside the paint was obvious and his bb court vision seemed off with the turnovers that he caused. His jumper seems to be fading since game 3 and i'm concerned about how he'll get about stroking again. His defense on the plus side was there, those early fouls really gave pop a problem on early and you could tell that this game wasn't going to be easy there on forward.

Jefferson came out with some plus side tonight but he like the rest of the team for the most part avoid taking much inside to the hoop.

McDyess, after four solid games just looked like he was just getting himself out of position from boards from the glass and a little of a combination of the ball just bouncing out of his way.

Hill after having a phenomenal game 4 just couldn't produce the same results out on the 3 point line which was something I was hoping wouldn't happen but realistically kept in mind coming into tonight. I liked his effort out there. His stroke was still dropping from inside the 3 pt line but there were times where he hesistated from creating something and bounced it out to someone else.

Coach Pop.....sigh. After coaching some solid couple of games looked like he just didn't see this team pulling it out. I didn't see much confidence from him using his previous line up that got them to where they were and after the early breakdown of our defense and lack of intensity I felt he just went ahead and started to begin thinking about taking this game in game 6. With throwing mason out on the floor in the first and watching him get burnt assignment after assignment after each possession from dallas. I was expecting a time out and a yanking him for the rest of the series. I thought that already happen and I just feel this game slipped away from him and considering the poor production in the first half by dallas I don't see how the spurs couldn't walk back into this one.

Well, with Game 5 already done. I'm looking forward to seeing Pop and the Spurs setting the tone and finishing this series out at Home. This is the absolute worse these team can play and with Duncan & Manu getting some extra rest with the early pull in the 2nd half expect sense of urgency from this team and a active crowd looking to clear this series and get prep for the next round.

[Capt Bringdown]

Do you know who Spitzer is?

Former Governor of New York- had to give it up in the wake of the exposure of his involvement as a client in a high-priced prostitution ring.....

Uh yes, I know who Spitzer is. A politician getting caught with whores is not a good analogy to Bonner's playoff ineptitude. First, in many countries, this would not even make the news. Also, Spitzer's error was bad judgement.

Bonner is not guilty of bad judgement, rather he has no courage, poise or skills.

I guess the only way your analogy works would be if Bonner found himself in room full of hookers, it would be soon be revealed that he has no penis.