The Spurs surely didn't . . .

[timvp]

The Spurs surely didn't blow their wad getting out to that 15-2 start, right? These last two games they've played like it's the dog days of March ... not the first week of December. I'm hoping it's a slump or a lack of focus but it honestly looks more like a case of dead legs.

Someone convince me otherwise.

Thanks.

[ChuckD]

Manu's legs are a bit wobbly, but everyone else just looks bored.

Don't you have some grading to do?

[Dex]

Slump. Maybe a bit of a reality check, but Spurs will bounce back. Maybe not in 15-2 fashion, but they'll get it together. We are still a long way from SPAM.

Teams are just shooting a bunch of shots, but that won't last. Nothing to see here really.

[Dex]

Now can they keep this up through March and April? That is the question.

[ducks]

manu is exhausted
tp has had personal issues
spurs earlier in the season usally start slow
td gets boarded earlier in the season

tp has said in the past it is hard to get up for the clippers

[Bender]

san antonio high school teams could give them a run for their money

[Bartleby]

I guess we'll get a good sense of how tired they are on Sunday.

[ducks]

manu also is playing more minutes then normal
a game off might do him well

[ChumpDumper]

Manu looks fatigued.

Most of the others just look retarded.

[ducks]

compared to who?

[L.I.T]

Eh, am sure it's a combination of factors. A litte bit of a mental let down after that huge run, some tiredness thrown in, plus external issues thrown in for good measure. As well, they've played the clippers and the twolves; two teams that possess the type of young, athletic, talented and energetic front courts we've suspected the Spurs will struggle with.

[SpursRulez4eVeR]

manu, udoka and bonner are playing too many minutes.

[Refocus]

Once James Anderson comes back it'll do Manu good for sure.

[spurs1990]

The Spurs surely didn't blow their wad getting out to that 15-2 start, right? These last two games they've played like it's the dog days of March ... not the first week of December. I'm hoping it's a slump or a lack of focus but it honestly looks more like a case of dead legs.

Someone convince me otherwise.

Thanks.

The Clippers game was a back-to-back on the road. Griffin played out of his gorde so the loss is easily explainable.

Tonight Sean Elliott made a great point in that the SA took Minn lightly, thinking they could win "by showing up in Spurs uniforms."

We're still the best team in the league. Tonight's comeback gives credence to that.

[Cane]

Most of the Spurs players were shooting career highs so far, maybe the law of averages might account for some of their horrible shooting woes. Manu has looked tired and he's been the biggest part of the Big 3 so thats understandable. Parker has struggled somewhat and Duncan too.

Spurs did lose to the horrible Nets last year albeit it was a back to back and Duncan was the only member of the Big 3 playing FWIW; lack of focus might be a factor as well.

The upcoming Hornets game will be a good gauge to see where they're at.

[Nathan89]

The Spurs surely didn't blow their wad getting out to that 15-2 start, right? These last two games they've played like it's the dog days of March ... not the first week of December. I'm hoping it's a slump or a lack of focus but it honestly looks more like a case of dead legs.

Someone convince me otherwise.

Thanks.

I want the Dispatch article link.

Thanks.

[200 miles]

At least they don't have a b2b for about another fortnight.

[DesignatedT]

manu is playing too many minutes. he actually looks more fatigued than Duncan at this point.

[ChumpDumper]

compared to who?Compared to what they look like when they play well.

[ducks]

blake is a beast spurs will adjust next time they face him

darko played much worse today then last time they played him

[HarlemHeat37]

The shooting has evened out to an extent..

Bonner has had a 23% drop-off in 3-point shooting in the last 2 weeks, one of the primary reasons..

Jefferson has gone down 3%, Manu 2%, Neal 3%..

The Spurs as a whole have went down by 3 or 4% from 3s in the last 2 weeks alone, a significant drop off from 3-point range..

The Spurs are a jump shooting team, and the hot shooting was a big part of the winning streak..

While I don't think the Spurs are contenders yet, I'm not too worried overall..they came back from huge deficits to win 3 of the last 6 games, so their lack of energy and focus was probably a big part of the slow start..obviously Manu looks tired though, hopefully Parker and Hill can take some of the load off..

I don't think we can expect the Spurs to go for the top seed though..they're going to need to conserve bodies, and they just don't have the focus and energy to play at a #1 seed level all season long IMO..

[ducks]

Compared to what they look like when they play well.

oh not me

[ChumpDumper]

oh not meI don't know what you look like.

I would have to compare them to your syntax.

[sa_butta]

Spurs held it together and pulled it out in the end...Last season we would have folded this game.

[SpursDynasty85]

Its because Popovich is running the same old system for years and years. His system is so complex that he doesnt' have time to let the players just play. Sometimes I feel like Popovich just needs to let loose and put in some simple highschool plays so the players can figure it out themselves. This will allow him to play The rooks more. Most notably Splitter.
BUT! If you saw the game tonight, Popovich pretty much gave up on his team, and to save face he ejected himself from the game. What dya know, Spurs win in a crazy 4th quarter comeback...

[Josh810]

td gets boarded earlier in the season

Boarded? Like a plane?

[Russ]

The bench needs to step up. They were playing well early, but now not so much.

Splitter remains a mystery -- and a huge key.

[ChumpDumper]

Its because Popovich is running the same old system for years and years. His system is so complex that he doesnt' have time to let the players just play. Sometimes I feel like Popovich just needs to let loose and put in some simple highschool plays so the players can figure it out themselves. This will allow him to play The rooks more. Most notably Splitter.
BUT! If you saw the game tonight, Popovich pretty much gave up on his team, and to save face he ejected himself from the game. What dya know, Spurs win in a crazy 4th quarter comeback...With patented Popovich small ball.

Whaddya know?

[pawe]

I dont think they are not fatigued nor bored.
It's probably because they are the top dogs now and everyone is circling the calendar and is playing a little bit better when they are in town.
Sometimes its best to fly under the radar.

[SpursDynasty85]

With patented Popovich small ball.

Whaddya know?


Well, Popovich was not coaching the game when this happened. Put the 5 most skilled guys on the court and see what happens.

Whaddya know?

[Russ]

With patented Popovich small ball.

Whaddya know?

Small ball may work in New Haven (against the Twolves).

But not on Broadway (against the Lakers).

[ChumpDumper]

Well, Popovich was not coaching the game when this happened. Put the 5 most skilled guys on the court and see what happens.

Whaddya know?You do know that's what Pop does when the Spurs fall far behind in a game, don't you?

The exact same lineup.

He called the exact same play for RJ against OKC.

You have somehow come to the conclusion that Bud came up with this all on his own and that it is a huge departure from what Pop would have done.

Whaddya know?

[ChumpDumper]

Small ball may work in New Haven (against the Twolves).

But not on Broadway (against the Lakers).But this wasn't Pop's idea.

He never plays that lineup.

the other guy said so.

[LeCrab]

The bench needs to step up. They were playing well early, but now not so much.

Splitter remains a mystery -- and a huge key.

neal came in and hit a huge shot... not his fault he doesn't get more playing time ...

[Arc]

some adjustments i think we need to make:

blair needs to be taken out of the starting line up. he just can't compete against the other starters, and duncan can't do it alone anymore. either dice or splitter needs to start. personally, i'd like to see splitter start, as that would guarantee him some minutes. plus, i don't think we've seen what the twin towers can do.

bonner needs less minutes. i don't care if he spaces the floor, he's almost useless on the defensive end. people see him and a green light appears in their head. not to mention he always picks up "and 1" fouls. besides, splitter can shoot threes too! hmph!

we also need to stop shooting so many damn threes. i know it's deadly if they go in, but if they don't... you almost lose to the timberwolves... we should be scoring more in the paint. with the weapons we have, we should be roflcaking teams.

[ShoogarBear]

Surely it can't be that 33 MPG is too many for Manu. The wails of the CoM have spoken on that, so I won't try to suggest it.

Tony, I'm not sure what's wrong. I've got to think some of it is mental/emotional.I 'm willing to give him another game or so, but then he's got to snap out of it.

Tim is still actively conserving energy for the Spring, I'm pretty sure. He also knows that he got to let the other guys develop.

RJ is leveling off from a terrific level of play he had no chance at maintaining, but I think he still "gets it". He's learning how to pick his spots, but I don't think we'll see the extended stretches of passive play from last year.

Hill, Bonner, and Blair have no excuses. Fortunately Hill may be waking up.

[TDMVPDPOY]

dont we still have 2 free roster spots? how about signin sg/sf 10 day contracts...

how long is jame anderson projected to return?

[Blackjack]

The Spurs surely didn't blow their wad getting out to that 15-2 start, right? These last two games they've played like it's the dog days of March ... not the first week of December. I'm hoping it's a slump or a lack of focus but it honestly looks more like a case of dead legs.

Someone convince me otherwise.

Thanks.

No-can-do. Wish I could.

This team has been relying on Manu the way they did to end last year, and we all saw how he tapered off to end the playoffs. Plus they've been winning with offense -- hot shooting -- not playing stout D and smart, conservative ball -- and Tim's probably been asked to do just as much as ever as their anchor, even if in fewer minutes.

I'm not saying they're done and are going to fall off the map, but they need Hill, Blair, Splitter and Neal to start hitting their stride together and eating up some minutes to provide some kind of window for Manu and Tony to get their legs and heads right -- the latter of which I'm speaking to Tony.

I mean, let's be honest. Racing out to a 15-2 start, what exactly about that record screamed sustainable? They're playing faster than ever; Tony, Manu, Jefferson, 'Dyess and Bonner were playing at levels that had nowhere really to go but down; and without the aforementioned playing at that same level -- specifically Tony and Manu -- this team starts to look a lot like the team that ended last year; as greatly as RJ and 'Dyess have improved in their second year, this team still relies on essentially the same perimeter and interior D until Splitter and Anderson prove otherwise.

Great, great start. But it's only that: a start.

[SpursDynasty85]

But this wasn't Pop's idea.

He never plays that lineup.

the other guy said so.


Look man, your being pretty ignorant right now. At least come up with some intelligent arguments when trying to disagree with a point.

Your arguments make no friggin sense. Sure you can give Pop credit for incorporating small ball. But a lot of times, it doesn't work! I give credit to the coach that actually won the Spurs the game. Pop throwing himself out, is an admission that he is not doing his job right.

[200 miles]

I don't think we can expect the Spurs to go for the top seed though..they're going to need to conserve bodies, and they just don't have the focus and energy to play at a #1 seed level all season long IMO..

This is what it is interesting as to what Pop will do when the time comes for him to trim the amount of minutes for the Big 3. I know we would all assume that there would be a steady increase in losses, especially if both Bonner and Udoka log in heavy minutes. But what if Pop decides to trust Tiago by giving him more minutes and as a result develops some rhythm and chemistry with his further integration? Also it would be suspenseful as to what Pop would do when JA comes back: will Pop go with JA or Udoka?

If by some small miracle that Tiago, JA and of course Neal are beginning to play some heavy minutes in order to rest the Big 3, would we still think that the same increase in losses would come or would there be unexpected extra wins (most of them close, probably) partially brought upon by the rookies with good potential?

It all depends on one ornery, wine-swilling bastard. :(

[ChumpDumper]

Look man, your being pretty ignorant right now. At least come up with some intelligent arguments when trying to disagree with a point.

Your arguments make no friggin sense. Sure you can give Pop credit for incorporating small ball. But a lot of times, it doesn't work! I give credit to the coach that actually won the Spurs the game. Pop throwing himself out, is an admission that he is not doing his job right.Look man, you're being pretty ignorant right now. At least come up with some intelligent arguments when trying to disagree with a point.

Your arguments make no friggin sense. Bud did pretty much exactly what Pop does in these situations, and since his exit was planned, he probably gave Bud instructions what to do once he was gone.

If you think it was so different, tell me what Pop would have done differently given your cast knowledge of basketball and the Spurs.

[Pauleta14]

I want the quick grades!

[024]

we all knew this way was going to happen. even during the 12 game winning streak, there always was that nagging doubt in the back of our minds. that nagging doubt was the knowledge that the spurs, especially manu, could never keep this up in an 82 game season. just enjoy the ride and prepare for the regular season grind.

[FvckMavs]

If Hill continues to play well, Start him and Splitter. It makes more sense to bring Manu and Blair off bench.

[Blake]

Tony has looked sluggish.

New Orleans has looked sluggish.

Lakers have dropped 4 straight.

OkC aint exactly playing A game right now.

Point being, meh.

[SpursDynasty85]

If you think it was so different, tell me what Pop would have done differently given your cast knowledge of basketball and the Spurs.


There are no answers for stupid questions. The game is what it is. If you couldn't tell the difference between when Pop was coaching the first half and after then all I can say is that you clearly didn't watch the game.

I never said it was so different. But the energy and focus sure changed. Thats the coaches job and the point I was making was that Coach Pop knew he could do no more for his team tonight, so he kicked himself out the game. Am i wrong?

[ChumpDumper]

There are no answers for stupid questions. The game is what it is. If you couldn't tell the difference between when Pop was coaching the first half and after then all I can say is that you clearly didn't watch the game.

I never said it was so different. But the energy and focus sure changed. Thats the coaches job and the point I was making was that Coach Pop knew he could do no more for his team tonight, so he kicked himself out the game. Am i wrong?Yeah, you're wrong.

All I can say is you clearly didn't watch the game.

Or any Spurs game for that matter.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Manu looks fatigued.

Most of the others just look retarded.

Wow see I knew CD could say something proactive every once in a while.

I totally agree. Parker especially so. I texted thispego earlier saying how it looks like Tony Parker has become a total retard over night.

[Hoops Czar]

Its pretty simple really. Dallas and SA have traded places.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Ginobili looks tired to me but not nearly as much as some in this thread would suggest.

Duncan looks A fuckin Okay to me, just lazy normal Duncan. Looked great tonight, actually.

Parker looks to be in a total complete utter retardation mental funk. When he attempted to get mentally back into this game, he kept getting tough calls against him. Whether it be BS charging or a no-call on a layup (Right after they gave Hill the SAME EXACT CALL). Yet somehow Parker ended up with a statistically Parker-esque game.

Hill is turning up his game to the Hill we hoped he'd be. Coincidentally he's playing bad ass right when the Spurs start sucking. Almost perfectly aligned with it actually. Funny how Hill flourishes when the team is SUCKING.

Blair is the Bonner of rebounds. Why the fuck play his ass when he is not even fucking rebounding the ball? Fucking FUCK. What a waste.

Bonner fucking sucks, end of story. He has always sucked and always will suck. However when he happens to hit those threes, we are completely unguardable and a lock to win.

Seriously though, playing Bonner when he's missing 3's and Blair when he has zero rebounds????? Good, ole Pop.

Thank god we got that Dubya.

[Josepatches_]

Manu isn't so tired.When you are tired you don't have the ball in your hands during the last minutes of the game if you have an all star pg like Tony in your team.

Pop and Manu aren't so stupid to do it.

I saw the same Manu but he has an off night.Anyway most of the shots he missed were from 3. And he ended the game playing a lot better .Even he came to help TD with the block in the last shot showing he still had energy.

He knows how many minutes can play better than us.Same Pop.




In 82 games you can't play good always.It wasn't our best week of the season but our only loss was a back to back when we shot under 36%.We'll be fine.
But ...are we good enough to be the best team of the league? Maybe our record is better than we really are. We aren't going to win all the games.

[MannyIsGod]

Pray Manu doesn't break down by the time the ASG rolls around. I love him but god knows he needs so much time to recover and his tank runs dry a lot.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

No joke. There is going to come a time when we will seriously have to give Manu Ginobili the full-on Horry treatment. Like 12 minutes a game until playoffs then play him like fucking crazy.

[ChumpDumper]

No joke. There is going to come a time when we will seriously have to give Manu Ginobili the full-on Horry treatment. Like 12 minutes a game until playoffs then play him like fucking crazy.Hopefully something like that can be done when Anderson gets back.

[ShoogarBear]

Pray Manu doesn't break down by the time the ASG rolls around. I love him but god knows he needs so much time to recover and his tank runs dry a lot.

Weren't you paying attention in the other thread? Manu should average 35 minutes a game so he can win the MVP.

[rogcl1]

I think they are both physically and mentally tired.I do not believe Pop pushed them to be in season long game shape during the pre season.I also think a bit of human nature is involved in recent games also. I think they are worn out right now.If I am correct then they should be able to get their legs back and that should help the mental aspect. I do think that the approach so far is correct but if the legs come back Pop has to recognize where the balance point is with the veterans to keep them ready and able to compete.The younger guys have to bring the energy more than ever.
I think this was a great way to start and set the tone ,but to maintain this pace, minute management will be crucial as we go further on into the season.

[JR3]

I love that we still win even when we suck this year.. Last year we would have 4 more losses easy.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Hopefully something like that can be done when Anderson gets back.

That's what I was jacking off over all off-season and why I changed my little title slogan and then the guy gets fucking injured.

Maybe I should change my title to "Kobe is Healthy"

[ChumpDumper]

That's what I was jacking off over all off-season and why I changed my little title slogan and then the guy gets fucking injured.

Maybe I should change my title to "Kobe is Healthy"That's why the Udoka signing makes less sense. I guess at some point there will be room to try out some more players in the last couple of roster spots.

[TD 21]

The Spurs surely didn't blow their wad getting out to that 15-2 start, right? These last two games they've played like it's the dog days of March ... not the first week of December. I'm hoping it's a slump or a lack of focus but it honestly looks more like a case of dead legs.

Someone convince me otherwise.

Thanks.

It's been more than the last two games. The truth is, the Spurs have gotten lucky in a lot of games this season and should have a worse record than they do, despite the stellar point differential.

I've never been a big believer in constantly coming back being a positive. The way I see it, it's nothing more than fools gold.


No-can-do. Wish I could.

This team has been relying on Manu the way they did to end last year, and we all saw how he tapered off to end the playoffs. Plus they've been winning with offense -- hot shooting -- not playing stout D and smart, conservative ball -- and Tim's probably been asked to do just as much as ever as their anchor, even if in fewer minutes.

I'm not saying they're done and are going to fall off the map, but they need Hill, Blair, Splitter and Neal to start hitting their stride together and eating up some minutes to provide some kind of window for Manu and Tony to get their legs and heads right -- the latter of which I'm speaking to Tony.

I mean, let's be honest. Racing out to a 15-2 start, what exactly about that record screamed sustainable? They're playing faster than ever; Tony, Manu, Jefferson, 'Dyess and Bonner were playing at levels that had nowhere really to go but down; and without the aforementioned playing at that same level -- specifically Tony and Manu -- this team starts to look a lot like the team that ended last year; as greatly as RJ and 'Dyess have improved in their second year, this team still relies on essentially the same perimeter and interior D until Splitter and Anderson prove otherwise.

Great, great start. But it's only that: a start.

My thoughts exactly.

Obviously, they can't do anything about Anderson right now, but they can do something about Splitter and it's time they do. It's also time to pull Blair from the starting lineup and insert McDyess, or the losses are going to start piling up in a hurry.

Right now, the only things different from last season are: Parker is healthy, Jefferson and McDyess look more comfortable and as a team (though they're cooling), they've shot the three significantly better. That's not enough of a change from last season to win a championship this season.

[200 miles]

it's been more than the last two games. The truth is, the spurs have gotten lucky in a lot of games this season and should have a worse record than they do, despite the stellar point differential.

I've never been a big believer in constantly coming back being a positive. The way i see it, it's nothing more than fools gold.



My thoughts exactly.

Obviously, they can't do anything about anderson right now, but they can do something about splitter and it's time they do. It's also time to pull blair from the starting lineup and insert mcdyess, or the losses are going to start piling up in a hurry.

Right now, the only things different from last season are: Parker is healthy, jefferson and mcdyess look more comfortable and as a team (though they're cooling), they've shot the three significantly better. That's not enough of a change from last season to win a championship this season.


+1

[EricB]

Manu just needs about 4 days off.

Sitting him against Golden State would do wonders.

[jjktkk]

Its because Popovich is running the same old system for years and years. His system is so complex that he doesnt' have time to let the players just play. Sometimes I feel like Popovich just needs to let loose and put in some simple highschool plays so the players can figure it out themselves. This will allow him to play The rooks more. Most notably Splitter.
BUT! If you saw the game tonight, Popovich pretty much gave up on his team, and to save face he ejected himself from the game. What dya know, Spurs win in a crazy 4th quarter comeback...

How long have you've been watching the Spurs, in particularly, Pop? The ejection is an old Pop favorite, used to give the team a jolt. Sometimes it works(tonight), other times it doesn't. Just CIA Pop in action.

[ElNono]

Except for a quarter here and there, the defense has been very suspect all along. Obviously, when we were shooting lights out it didn't matter, but those 60%+ shooting averages for guys like RJ and Bonner had to come down to earth at some point.

I didn't think Manu was tired. I think he needs to hit from 3pt land early and that opens up his game. He's been shooting poorly in the last couple of games. Some people might say it's the tired legs, but I didn't see his form being much different than normal. He's a streaky shooter though. He'll go through stretches where he can't miss and others where the basket is closed to him, that's why its good he can still get to the FT line at a good rate.

Again, I think the biggest issue is the 30+ pt quarters. It's going to be interesting to see where the defensive improvement is going to come from. Timmy needs help and nobody has really stepped up yet to give him a solid hand. I just hope Dice is taking it easy like last season, though its never guaranteed that the body will respond after trying to flip the switch (see '08 Horry).
Right now our best defensive unit is our small ball unit (TP, Manu, Hill, RJ and TD). I don't know that it can stay like that when we play good, tall front lines.

[mingus]

i don't think they look tired. just like a team that is playing competition that's significantly lower than them. they've got to catch their breath at some point in the season and it's games like these where they will probably do that.

[jjktkk]

neal came in and hit a huge shot... not his fault he doesn't get more playing time ...

How much playing time do you expect Neal to get, playing behind Ginoboli? I think Neal is getting adaquate minutes.

[TD 21]

Manu just needs about 4 days off.

Sitting him against Golden State would do wonders.

That's not the answer because that would lead to sitting him in too many games.

The answer is blow outs. This team needs some. Either way, though preferably more in their favor, obviously.

The funny thing is, up until tonight, they had the best point differential in the league and they're still close to having the best, yet they haven't been involved in many blowouts.

I'd like to see Pop at least try, preferably next game, to hold Ginobili to about 30 minutes, not rush him back into the game at the slightest bit of adversity. If they lose, they lose. But this team should be good enough that they shouldn't be as heavily reliant on Ginobili as they are, particularly against mediocre or worse teams.

[SpursDynasty85]

How long have you've been watching the Spurs, in particularly, Pop? The ejection is an old Pop favorite, used to give the team a jolt. Sometimes it works(tonight), other times it doesn't. Just CIA Pop in action.


I suppose you can look at it that way. But I'm pretty sure if he could've done something to win the game without getting ejected he would have.

[SenorSpur]

blake is a beast spurs will adjust next time they face him

darko played much worse today then last time they played him

It will have to be next year, as the Spurs are done with them for the rest of this season. Thank God.

[crc21209]

I'm thinking and hoping that it's just a funk as well. The Clipper game I understood a little more than today's game since it was a back end of a back 2 back and the starters had played heavy minutes the night before against Golden State. Tonight, however just looked like a total lazy "off" game for the Spurs. Luckily they turned it on in the 4th and pulled it out. I think we all know they usually bring their "A" games for the New Orleans, Dallas, and Laker games...

[angelbelow]

Parker will be key. Hes going to have to step up and grab the next game by the throat. His stats were good today but thats not an indication of how he played, which IMO, was average for what hes capable of. If Parker can come out firing, Hill continues his aggression, At least one of either Splitter, Bonner, Blair (I would personally prefer Splitter) step up and contribute a nice all around game, I dont see why we cant blow out the next time. Rj and TD have been pretty consistent with effort and production the past few games, but I would like to see us limit Duncan as well.

[UnWantedTheory]

At least they don't have a b2b for about another fortnight.
Thou art close to right my brethern.....or eh...:king

[DAF86]

Weren't you paying attention in the other thread? Manu should average 35 minutes a game so he can win the MVP.

Why are you so butthurt about other posters informing you that Manu wanted to play around 35 mins per game? If he can't play 35 minutes in a game then the Spurs aren't going to do much this season, so it doesn't matter how much he plays.

[polandprzem]

Manu just needs about 4 days off.

Sitting him against Golden State would do wonders.

:lmao

[foodie2]

Parker will be key. Hes going to have to step up and grab the next game by the throat. His stats were good today but thats not an indication of how he played, which IMO, was average for what hes capable of.

This is exactly right. If Parker had been "right" this game wouldn't have happened the way it did, his stats notwithstanding. I've about had it with the "emotional distress" excuse. I did my job, at a lot less money btw, when I was going through a nasty divorce years ago. Yes, it's difficult, but at some point you just have to nut up and do it.

[ShoogarBear]

Why are you so butthurt about other posters informing you that Manu wanted to play around 35 mins per game? If he can't play 35 minutes in a game then the Spurs aren't going to do much this season, so it doesn't matter how much he plays.

I'm not "butthurt". He can't play that much without wearing out. I seem to be right. The "butthurt" ones are the reality-ignoring worshipers who foam at the mouth when the truth is pointed out to them. Do you want me to go back and pull out the quotes?

[diego]

Weren't you paying attention in the other thread? Manu should average 35 minutes a game so he can win the MVP.

there is a huge difference between playing 35 minutes a game with a lot of help (ie, TP not playing like shit and actually using RJ, with 3pt specialists that -gasp- make 3 ptrs), than playing 35 minutes a game while carrying 30 minutes of bonner 0-6 1 rebound nights. Most of the people that have argued for manu to start have argued precisely that, that it is better for him to play his minutes with Tim, TP, and RJ so that he doesnt have to carry as big a load, but if they are sucking...


I never thought I'd say this, but we need more RJ. He has to be integrated more, his main value is NOT as a defensive specialist a la bowen, its to alleviate the scoring burden from the big 3. he needs to get more touches on O, and hopefully on cuts and in the post instead of the perimeter.

[diego]

and if you dont agree with that take, then explain to me why did Duncan wear out last year, and the year before, despite playing less and less minutes each year?

ya think maybe its because regardless of how many minutes he played, when he played he had little to no help? please, put the CoD the CoT and the CoM aside and be honest.

[silverblk mystix]

This home stand will be an opportunity for Pop to pull back the reigns-so to speak-on the big 3, hopefully without breaking too much of the teams rhythm.

I would hope to see the big 3's minutes pulled back and the bench to play a little more but one never knows what Pop will do. It will be interesting to see how he manages this-but if any coach can walk that tightrope-it is Pop...when he is on his game.

[benefactor]

Why are you so butthurt about other posters informing you that Manu wanted to play around 35 mins per game? If he can't play 35 minutes in a game then the Spurs aren't going to do much this season, so it doesn't matter how much he plays.
...and they aren't going to do much if he does, because he will either be hurt or completely out of gas by the playoffs.

[Sisk]

Manu looks fatigued.

Most of the others just look retarded.

:lmao

[kobyz]

this team need another piece, they should look for making a trade, by using expiring contracts, future draft picks and even Blair or George Hill perhaps.

[Jason R]

George Hill who dropped 20 and saved the game last night?

[SA210]

George Hill who dropped 20 and saved the game last night?

[rogcl1]

dont we still have 2 free roster spots? how about signin sg/sf 10 day contracts...

how long is jame anderson projected to return?


Someone not on a team is going to step in and help?
Thats right, Finley might be available.

[Slomo]

http://www.cikava.com/gallery/albums/Smack/Shirley.jpg

[Chomag]

A win is a win, but you would have to have on some very thick homer glasses to see this team is not the same team that came out of the gate.

Pop started out well and even showed signs of actually trusting rookies this year but it seems like old habits are coming back. Once again He now looks to be deferring to the older vets with corporate knowledge over talent. He seems to be in favor of a jump shooter over defence.

Live and Die by the three: I'm not sure if it's the players call, or the coaches, or most likely a little of both, but this team seems to be forgetting that there are other options to score on rather then the three-point shot. The game should not be dictated on hot shooting alone.

This team is starting to resemble last years squad becuase of it.

[DieHardSpursFan1537]

I'm guessing a slump at the moment or something. Spurs need to beat Hornets on Sunday.

[jimo2305]

lol 16 - 3 with no back to back losses.. slump?

[Chomag]

lol 16 - 3 with no back to back losses.. slump?

And The Cleveland Cavs had the best record last season, whats your point? I'm sure the Cavs fans were saying the same thing "but look at our record we are winning"

What good did that do them?

[ChumpDumper]

And The Cleveland Cavs had the best record last season, whats your point? I'm sure the Cavs fans were saying the same thing "but look at our record we are winning"

What good did that do them?What good would fans' agreeing to call it a slump do?

[TJastal]

A win is a win, but you have would have to have on some very thick homer glasses to see this team is not the same team that came out of the gate.

Pop started out well and even showed signs of actually trusting rookies this year but it seems like old habits are coming back. Once again He now looks to be deferring to the older vets with corporate knowledge over talent. He seems to be in favor of a jump shooter over defence.

Live and Die by the three: I'm not sure if it's the players call or the coaches, or most likely a little of both, but this team seems to be forgetting that there are other options to score on rather then the three-point shot. The game should not be dictated on hot shooting alone.

This team is starting to resemble last years squad becuase of it.

+1

I agree with everything here, spot-on analysis. It's why the mavs will soon pass the spurs in the standings because of all the problems these flawed philosophies of Pop are creating.

[Rick Von Braun]

Manu looks fatigued.

Most of the others just look retarded.


compared to who?


Compared to what they look like when they play well.


oh not me


I don't know what you look like.

I would have to compare them to your syntax.

:rollin :lmao :rollin

[Agloco]

Most of the Spurs players were shooting career highs so far, maybe the law of averages might account for some of their horrible shooting woes. Manu has looked tired and he's been the biggest part of the Big 3 so thats understandable. Parker has struggled somewhat and Duncan too.

Spurs did lose to the horrible Nets last year albeit it was a back to back and Duncan was the only member of the Big 3 playing FWIW; lack of focus might be a factor as well.

The upcoming Hornets game will be a good gauge to see where they're at.

This.

We've got Atlanta and NO coming up. If we look bad or tired in both of those games, then it's time to start wondering.

As of now? I see one bad shooting night and another tough stretch where they didn't shoot the ball well against Minny.

[DPG21920]

Are you implying the Spurs have.................jumped the shark?

[Dex]

Look at the Lakers. 1-4 in their last 5.

NO? 1-4 in their last 5.

At least our skid hasn't hit those proportions. The season will be full of ebbs and flows.

[DAF86]

I'm not "butthurt". He can't play that much without wearing out. I seem to be right. The "butthurt" ones are the reality-ignoring worshipers who foam at the mouth when the truth is pointed out to them. Do you want me to go back and pull out the quotes?

What quotes? The ones saying that Manu asked to play around 35 mins per game?

He can play 35 mins, we need him to play that much. How do you expect him to suddenly play 35 minutes per game during the playoffs if you got him used to play 28/30 all season long? IMHO, the best way to rest Manu (if you want to) is to give him a game off every now and then, but when he plays you need to play him around 35 minutes per game so that he gets used to play that kind of minutes, that's how you improve endurance.

[ChumpDumper]

What quotes? The ones saying that Manu asked to play around 35 mins per game?I missed those. If you have them handy I'd like to see them.


He can play 35 mins, we need him to play that much. How do you expect him to suddenly play 35 minutes per game during the playoffs if you got him used to play 28/30 all season long? IMHO, the best way to rest Manu (if you want to) is to give him a game off every now and then, but when he plays you need to play him around 35 minutes per game so that he gets used to play that kind of minutes, that's how you improve endurance.He's playing over 33mpg now. Is he looking fatigued because he isn't playing that extra 1:48?

[kobyz]

George Hill who dropped 20 and saved the game last night?

yeah! i'm not a fan of his game.

[DAF86]

I missed those. If you have them handy I'd like to see them

I'm talking about some posters' quotes not Manu's.


He's playing over 33mpg now. Is he looking fatigued because he isn't playing that extra 1:48?

Why do others look fatigued? Are we a team full of players with poor endurance?

[DAF86]

Also, endurance improvement takes time, is not something you get in 20 games.

[ChumpDumper]

I'm talking about some posters' quotes not Manu's.I'm talking about Manu's quotes. I'd like to see them.


Why do others look fatigued?I said they look retarded. Not fatigued.

Not a big sample size, but Manu's shooting percentages with zero days rest could be telling. It will be interesting to see if the trend continues.

[DAF86]

I'm talking about Manu's quotes. I'd like to see them.

I don't know if Manu asked Pop to play 35 mins per game, I know that he said that he wants to play around that mark many times.


I said they look retarded. Not fatigued.

That's a matter of perception. Many times when players make stupid plays is 'cause they're tired.


Not a big sample size, but Manu's shooting percentages with zero days rest could be telling. It will be interesting to see if the trend continues.

Let's wait to see how the season goes.

[ChumpDumper]

Also, endurance improvement takes time, is not something you get in 20 games.How much time?

Is there a chart I can look at from an NBA trainer's website? You make it sound pretty cut and dry.

[DAF86]

How much time?

Is there a chart I can look at from an NBA trainer's website? You make it sound pretty cut and dry.

Depends on the person, endurance is the aspect of an athlete that has more room for improvement, but it takes time.

If you run half an hour every day, the day you decide to run an hour you will feel tired, but if you keep running an hour everyday there will come a moment where running that hour will feel like it used to feel running half an hour.

[ChumpDumper]

Depends on the person, endurance is the aspect of an athlete that has more room for improvement, but it takes time.

If you run half an hour every day, the day you decide to run an hour you will feel tired, but if you keep running an hour everyday there will come a moment where running that hour will feel like it used to feel running half an hour.Why has no one ever told Manu this in this past 12 years?

Why haven't any of his pro teams put him on such a simple path to certain endurance?

[DAF86]

Why has no one ever told Manu this in this past 12 years?

Why haven't any of his pro teams put him on such a simple path to certain endurance?

Manu's minutes have never been limited 'till he got to the Spurs.

[ChumpDumper]

Manu's minutes have never been limited 'till he got to the Spurs.How many minutes did he average in how many games on his previous teams?

I only see a career high of 38 minutes for Euroleague so far.

Really doesn't seem that high to me.

[DAF86]

How many minutes did he average in how many games on his previous teams?

I only see a career high of 38 minutes for Euroleague so far.

Really doesn't seem that high to me.

I don't know, the same as other star players, all I remember is that Manu's stamina was never a point of discussion 'till he got to the NBA.

[ChumpDumper]

I don't know, the same as other star players, all I remember is that Manu's stamina was never a point of discussion 'till he got to the NBA.Did he ever play and 82 game season + playoffs before he joined the NBA?

[jjktkk]

Pop started out well and even showed signs of actually trusting rookies this year but it seems like old habits are coming back. Once again He now looks to be deferring to the older vets with corporate knowledge over talent. He seems to be in favor of a jump shooter over defence..



Please elaborate. Neal, a rookie, is a regular in the rotation. Pop was giving Anderson, another rookie, steady minutes before his injury. You can argue about Splitter getting minutes, to which I agree, but were only a month into the season, so theres still plenty of time for Splitter to become a regular in the rotation. Which older vets are you referring to? The big 3? Dyess? Right now, the only critizism I have of Pop, is giving too many minutes to Bonner. If Bonner isn't hitting his 3's, he needs to benched. My only concern is for the big 3's health. So I really don't see the need to over-analyze any deficiencies for a Spurs team thats 16-3.

[DAF86]

Did he ever play and 82 game season + playoffs before he joined the NBA?

No, but he did used to play all year long counting club and NT play.

[ChumpDumper]

NoThanks.

[DAF86]

Thanks.

You're welcome.

[benefactor]

No, but he did used to play all year long counting club and NT play.
Sure did. BTW, how many times has he been injured during his stints of year round play?

[peskypesky]

Odds are that the Spurs have their best days ahead of them. Reasons? New guys will continue to learn the system and get more comfortable with it (Neal, Splitter, etc). Anderson will return and give us another role player. Udoka will be gone.

[ShoogarBear]

and if you dont agree with that take, then explain to me why did Duncan wear out last year, and the year before, despite playing less and less minutes each year?

Duncan wore out because of the number of years on his legs being the focal point of both the offense and defense. He also has chronic knee (and maybe foot) issues which at this point in his career will never go away. The lack of a consistent secondary interior presence to shoulder the burden no doubt contributed, but at least in his early career Duncan demonstrated that he could sustain substantial minutes.

Manu wore out because he ALWAYS wears out when you give him too many minutes. That's a staple of EVERY SINGLE YEAR he's played in the NBA, even when the Spurs had Bowen to buffer his minutes.


ya think maybe its because regardless of how many minutes he played, when he played he had little to no help? please, put the CoD the CoT and the CoM aside and be honest.

:lol I don't belong to any Church. My allegiance is to the Spurs. I just report reality.

[ShoogarBear]

What quotes? The ones saying that Manu asked to play around 35 mins per game?

I don't care what he asked to do. The point of the discussion was whether he can do it and remain productive. He can't.


He can play 35 mins, we need him to play that much.

Based on what??


How do you expect him to suddenly play 35 minutes per game during the playoffs if you got him used to play 28/30 all season long?

Uhhhh, maybe because EVERY SINGLE YEAR OF HIS CAREER he's played more MPG in the playoffs? In fact, last year he DID play 35 MPG (playoff career high).

Again I don't understand this obsession with him playing 35 minutes per game. He needs to play the number of minutes which will help the team and keep him effective.


IMHO, the best way to rest Manu (if you want to) is to give him a game off every now and then, but when he plays you need to play him around 35 minutes per game so that he gets used to play that kind of minutes, that's how you improve endurance.

If you think resting Manu is just an option and not a necessity, then you need to pay closer attention to his career.

[ducks]

it is proven in the playoffs if manu gets 3 days off between games he plays MUCH BETTER

[rascal]

It's been more than the last two games. The truth is, the Spurs have gotten lucky in a lot of games this season and should have a worse record than they do, despite the stellar point differential.

I've never been a big believer in constantly coming back being a positive. The way I see it, it's nothing more than fools gold.



My thoughts exactly.

Obviously, they can't do anything about Anderson right now, but they can do something about Splitter and it's time they do. It's also time to pull Blair from the starting lineup and insert McDyess, or the losses are going to start piling up in a hurry.

Right now, the only things different from last season are: Parker is healthy, Jefferson and McDyess look more comfortable and as a team (though they're cooling), they've shot the three significantly better. That's not enough of a change from last season to win a championship this season.

Basically it is the same team as last year. Splitter is a non factor and Anderson is injured. Those were the top two player acquisistions from last year. The early fast start and record is fools gold. The spurs will fall back as the schedule gets tougher and players start to wear down as the season goes on. There just wasn't enough of a roster change from last years team to believe this team has enough talent to take it all the way to a title.

[ducks]

gasol already is gased for the lakers
that gives me hope
gasol is a big reason lakers won it all last year
also ron and phil are not getting along

ron can get that locker room against each other

[igruex]

also ron and phil are not getting along

ron can get that locker room against each other

Not really.

Jackson probably thinks that scolding him a bit is exactly what he needs. Like some attention whores we know..

[diego]

Duncan wore out because of the number of years on his legs being the focal point of both the offense and defense. He also has chronic knee (and maybe foot) issues which at this point in his career will never go away. The lack of a consistent secondary interior presence to shoulder the burden no doubt contributed, but at least in his early career Duncan demonstrated that he could sustain substantial minutes.


ok, but we're not talking about manu or duncan's early career. In the past two years Duncan's minutes have declined, and his performance has waned as the season progresses- his role IMO was much more of a factor than his mileage. and in no moment did I imply manu's job now is as taxing as duncan's job (especially when he was the best player in the league in his early career). we are talking about now.

simple question:

would you rather play manu a) 28mpg as the focal point of the offense, or b) 33mpg as a cog with TP, TD, and RJ. which is better for his stamina/health? IMO, the correct answer is B, but for that to work he has to be a cog and not the focal point. If anything, I am the one asking for "less" manu, less protagonism from him. to me that saves his body more than asking him to play 25minutes as the franchise player.

[ShoogarBear]

simple question:

would you rather play manu a) 28mpg as the focal point of the offense, or b) 33mpg as a cog with TP, TD, and RJ. which is better for his stamina/health? IMO, the correct answer is B, but for that to work he has to be a cog and not the focal point. If anything, I am the one asking for "less" manu, less protagonism from him. to me that saves his body more than asking him to play 25minutes as the franchise player.

I understand the question, but I disagree that those are the only options. Also, I think the past couple of games demonstrate that 33 MPG is 33 MPG and too many to ask him to sustain.

Your option (a) is what traditionally happens when he's brought off the bench. Although moving him to the bench is the simplest way to limit his minutes, the Spurs shouldn't have to do that because they have more offensive options with Neal, a rejuvenated RJ, and Hill awakening from slumber.

I think they can keep Manu in the starting lineup AND keep his minutes under 30. It will be even easier when Anderson comes back, of course, but they really need to start doing it now.

[ducks]

Did he ever play and 82 game season + playoffs before he joined the NBA?

are you that DUMP ChumpDUMPer

[SpursDynasty85]

Please elaborate. Neal, a rookie, is a regular in the rotation. Pop was giving Anderson, another rookie, steady minutes before his injury. You can argue about Splitter getting minutes, to which I agree, but were only a month into the season, so theres still plenty of time for Splitter to become a regular in the rotation. Which older vets are you referring to? The big 3? Dyess? Right now, the only critizism I have of Pop, is giving too many minutes to Bonner. If Bonner isn't hitting his 3's, he needs to benched. My only concern is for the big 3's health. So I really don't see the need to over-analyze any deficiencies for a Spurs team thats 16-3.

Popovich has always had a tendency to sit newcombers as he sees fit. Spurs back up sf situation gave pop no choice but to play JA or Bobby Simmons(both newcombers). JA is obviously wayyy better than Bobby Simmons. Neal was not in the regular rotation before JA went down with injury and Neal racked up a couple DNP's even when George Hill was in a slump. It was obvious to see why Popovich had to play Neal and Anderson otherwise.

As far as being happy with 16-3. I am very happy with the record. What I'm not happy with is Popovich's insistence to bench Splitter over Bonner even early in this season. Everyone knows its hard to pick up the Spurs system, so to suggest it is better to bench a rookie early and slowly integrate him is not smart when the Spurs are going for broke here on out.

[jjktkk]

Everyone knows its hard to pick up the Spurs system, so to suggest it is better to bench a rookie early and slowly integrate him is not smart when the Spurs are going for broke here on out.

Popovich usually doesn't just throw a rookie out there, to learn on the fly. Hes gradually gives the rooks minutes. It seems that Pop wants a rookie to fully comprehend the system before he plays him. Thats Pop's M.O. I don't necessarily agree with Pop, but it is what it is. My hope is pretty much like everyone else on here, as to wanting Splitter out there and solidfying a regular spot in the rotation. There is still plenty of season left to see this happen.

[ChumpDumper]

are you that DUMP ChumpDUMPerYou didn't answer the question that wasn't asked of you.

[smeagol]

Basically it is the same team as last year. Splitter is a non factor and Anderson is injured. Those were the top two player acquisistions from last year. The early fast start and record is fools gold. The spurs will fall back as the schedule gets tougher and players start to wear down as the season goes on. There just wasn't enough of a roster change from last years team to believe this team has enough talent to take it all the way to a title.

Some things never change . . .:depressed

[Fireball]

Odds are that the Spurs have their best days ahead of them. Reasons? New guys will continue to learn the system and get more comfortable with it (Neal, Splitter, etc). Anderson will return and give us another role player. Udoka will be gone.

I am really not sold on that "Anderson will return" thing. I really think this stress fracture injury is a career killer ... just look at Grant Hill. And Anderson got this injury after playing 10 games or so plus the preseason. Lets hope for the best ... I want to see him back as early as possible to get rid of Udoka.

[ElNono]

I guess everybody is happy with the 18 mins for Tim and 22 mins for Manu last game?

The reality is that if we play defense seriously from the get go and start blowing out teams, we can rest our guys. Otherwise, they will need to play or we just won't win, which is one of the stated goals for this team early in the season.

[ShoogarBear]

I guess everybody is happy with the 18 mins for Tim and 22 mins for Manu last game?

The reality is that if we play defense seriously from the get go and start blowing out teams, we can rest our guys. Otherwise, they will need to play or we just won't win, which is one of the stated goals for this team early in the season.

Yes, that was nice.

What's stupid is they couldn't do that in the three games between the Twolves and the Clippers.

[smrattler]

No they didn't.

And don't call me Shirley.

http://cdn.babble.com/famecrawler/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/airplane-quotes-leslie-nielsen.jpg

[Blake]

No they didn't.

And don't call me Shirley.

http://cdn.babble.com/famecrawler/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/airplane-quotes-leslie-nielsen.jpg

Awwww.....you just missed being the first to post what we were all thinking.


http://www.cikava.com/gallery/albums/Smack/Shirley.jpg

that's a shame.