Pop's masterpiece..

[HarlemHeat37]

His off-season plan was on display tonight..

While this "new" style of play for these "new look" Spurs is obviously meant to maximize the strengths of the personnel on this team, let's be real..this change was obviously meant to counter the Lakers' advantages, more than anything, at least IMO..

As everybody should know by now, if you have followed them, the Lakers are very slow and unathletic, they have very few quick/athletic players left on their roster..their advantage is obviously in their size, which was on display at times tonight..they are methodical, they are slow footed, especially on the perimeter..

Pop obviously knows this, as a few of us pointed out during the off-season..his plan was clearly on display tonight..the Spurs looked LEVELS more athletic than the Lakers, they looked much quicker, much more athletic, much more alive..while the Spurs looked physically overmatched, they also looked much younger and explosive..

For one of the few times we've seen in years, the Spurs were SWARMING on D..they sent quick double teams, they played the passing lanes extremely well..the athletic and quickness advantage was on display tonight, and I kind of believe that Pop was saving this kind of display, tbh..

The Spurs forced 16 turnovers and had 17 fast break points tonight..

Let's all hope this is a preview of the playoffs..the best way to make up for the lack of a secondary interior defender is to swarm and play with the energy the Spurs did tonight..

[EricB]

Imagine how much better it will be when Duncan gives a crap, Manu isn't sick and James Anderson is reintroduced...

[Spurs Brazil]

Defense was great tonight. Manu and Hill were outstanding against Kobe and TP played the passing lanes well.

The help on the bigs were good too

[lefty]

"Swarming" is spot on

Damn, they were harassing the Lakers in the second halfq

[DieHardSpursFan1537]

A masterpiece/work of art for Pop

[HarlemHeat37]

Ya, hopefully Anderson can get back into rhythm quickly, it just adds another young player with energy, especially for this matchup..

[polandprzem]

Still too many treys and still got to improve on interior D as well as on moving the ball better

[Spursfan101]

Absolute TEAM EFFORT. The defense was contagious all night

[Spursfanfromafar]

Exactly.

The size/length disadvantage was made up by a skill advantage. George Hill was simply awesome tonight. Guarding Kobe for large stretches of the game and harassing him throughout was a majestic performance. In a way he anchored the defense brilliantly. But for a small stretch in mid 4Q, when Kobe tried to launch a spree, Hill overpowered Kobe.

And 6-7 Blair was defensively great as well. Fronting Bynum off and on, closing down the passing lanes and gaining steal after steal besides rebounding brilliantly. His offense was an add-on, nice tear drop once, and good post play.

Blair and Hill showed that skill matters more than size overall.

Impressive show.

But it is fool's gold to expect that the Lakers will be in this disarray when the playoffs come and the Spurs' coach and thinktank already know that.

[Hemotivo]

Imagine how much better it will be when Duncan gives a crap, Manu isn't sick and James Anderson is reintroduced...

scary team

[TheChillFactor]

Its the only way to beat them. Fuck they have 3 7 footers, we cant put 4 seven footers out there.

[Solid D]

When you play D like that and with energy throughout the game like that....

plus outscore a "long team" 42-28 in points in the paint....

you get yourself a well-earned W.

[TDMVPDPOY]

Imagine how much better it will be when Duncan gives a crap, Manu isn't sick and James Anderson is reintroduced...

duncan should work on his bank shot and low post hook shots, none of that driving to the lane weak ass layups

same can be said about spliiter and his inside floaters....fkn weak ass

[DMC]

It's only too many threes if you miss them.

[Spurologist]

"Swarming" is spot on

Damn, they were harassing the Lakers in the second halfq

d'uh! The lakers got butt hurt

[Capt Bringdown]

Spurs D was great, but Kobe deserves some of the credit tonight for the Spurs win.

[ducks]

be intersting jan 5 rematch

[ducks]

Spurs D was great, but Kobe deserves some of the credit tonight for the Spurs win.

I credit manu blair and hill

[polandprzem]

It's only too many threes if you miss them.

Yea but 32 and so many better opportunities and they jacked up a three ...


Still we know LA allows spurs to shoot them. Maybe this year is a year they will pay for it ?


Dallas lost so thhey gonna be supermotovated 2morrow

[polandprzem]

Spurs D was good, not superb

[TDMVPDPOY]

lol lets get this winning streak going again

lol at the clown who thought we go 2-3 this stretch of games

[EricB]

duncan should work on his bank shot and low post hook shots, none of that driving to the lane weak ass layups

same can be said about spliiter and his inside floaters....fkn weak ass


Yeah maybe Duncan could possibly work a bank shot into his game one year.....

[EricB]

Spurs D was great, but Kobe deserves some of the credit tonight for the Spurs win.

:lol

Of course, couldn't have been the Spurs....

[Gospursel]

tonight i saw guys who knew their roles and knew how to gel. that'll win with this system.

[it's me]

I credit manu blair and hill

:lmao credit manu?????? really....... ho because it's on Defense lol

[Rummpd]

Pop played Splitter early and he got called for fouls but played tough, and Duncan and Manu had off nights and Spurs still blow out LAL. It is a dream but why wake up?

[mingus]

Spurs played great D, but Kobe was forcing so many damn shots. The Lakers will take advantage of their siz next time.

[Hemotivo]

I credit manu blair and hill

:wow:wow:wow:wow:wow:wow:wow:wow:wow:wow:wow:wow:w ow:wow:wow:wow:wow:wow:wow:wow:wow

[ducks]

blair plays like he did in 3 and they do not call the foul the spurs win

[Gospursel]

gasol shot 8 times in 34 min. he and kobe had little rhythm together

[Capt Bringdown]

I credit manu blair and hill

Gasol: eight shots
Bynum: 4 shots (4 for 4)

Kobe came out of the gate wanting to be the hero and kept it up all game. It might have been different if they would have spread the ball around, but overall the Spurs played better.

[Spurs Brazil]

Hill 10pts 9rebs 4lks 3asts

[HarlemHeat37]

Obviously I expect a lot of differences in future meetings..

- Kobe might not shoot this poorly again..
- Duncan might not shoot this poorly again..
- Pau and Manu could have played better on offense..
- Blair and Bonner probably won't play this well again..
- Artest probably won't play as well as he did tonight..
- Shannon Brown can play a lot better..
- Splitter and Anderson still could get integrated into the lineup..

The point of this thread is that the Spurs have a clear advantage in quickness/athleticism, and I don't really see any reason for that to change in future meetings, as long as they play with the same energy..

The Spurs are now 6 games up on the Lakers in the standings, IIRC..if they play their cards correctly, they might not even have to play them in a playoff series anyways..

[Spurologist]

Spurs played great D, but Kobe was forcing so many damn shots. The Lakers will take advantage of their siz next time.

Did you watch the game?????

If you did, start by giving the spurs credit on D then talk about how kobe always forces shots and how some don't go in

[HarlemHeat37]

Kobe's ego hasn't accepted that he's clearly in decline..he currently has the 2nd highest usage % of his career, even higher than 2006-2007, where he had a relatively poor supporting cast..

There's no reason to believe that he's going to change IMO..it will at least take a Lakers' series loss in the playoffs for him to adjust his game IMO..

[MannyIsGod]

The Spurs are playing well and the Lakers are on the opposite end of the spectrum right now so I'm not going to read too much into it at all. I do think perhaps watching Bogans fucking suck last year really hammered home that you'll never have another Bowen to Pop and he decided to mold the system around his players.

Thats something I've wanted for years but it was never more apparent than last year with Keith Bogans.

[TDMVPDPOY]

as long the spurs play swarm defense, hit their shots the team gives them, and get into kobes head? those games are winnable

how about bonner and his leaning jumpers tonight, all went in ...white jordan

[pawe]

In POP we trust.

[Capt Bringdown]

The Spurs are playing well and the Lakers are on the opposite end of the spectrum right now so I'm not going to read too much into it at all.

Agreed, this was a fun December win against the hated Lakers. I'm not sure one can extrapolate from one game all these majestic conclusions some people are making.
If we would've lost, it would have one game in December. When we win it's "OMG, Pop's master plan, we've solved the Lakers!"

Moreover, there is this:
None of Phil Jackson's 11 champions ever lost 3 straight by 10+

[HarlemHeat37]

This thread isn't about "solving" the Lakers or predicting that the Spurs would beat them in a series..if you asked me to bet on it, I would probably still bet on the Lakers, mostly out of fear for their reputation and past success..

The point is that Pop has found a way to build the Spurs to give them a realistic chance of beating the Lakers in a 7-game series, as opposed to the former Spurs teams that played a similar style to the Lakers, which would have given the Spurs no realistic shot at beating LA..

If the Spurs had won by a few possessions or a fluky win like Roger Mason's GW, I wouldn't have made this thread..however, this was a legit blowout, with 2/3 of the best players on this team not producing on offense..

[easjer]

The Spurs are playing well and the Lakers are on the opposite end of the spectrum right now so I'm not going to read too much into it at all.

Yeah, we shouldn't proclaim them champions just yet. But it's exciting to see that the effort was there, that they weren't cowed by the Lakers coming in fired up, that they had some rough offensive slumps, that 2 of the Big 3 didn't score well (though made their presence felt anyhow), that Blair size disadvantage didn't matter as much as feared (this time anyhow) . . .

yeah, Kobe was off tonight and probably won't be in a 7 game series. Yeah, Bynum is out of rhythm, Gasol can play better.

But damn, wasn't it nice to watch them win by double digits? The defense in the second half was thrilling. Absolutely suffocating. Loved watching it. Hope it continues.

[024]

spurs certainly have to be more versatile in their play. they definitely can't beat the lakers at their own game, which ironically enough, are slowed down half-court sets. they need to be able to run on offense and still defend adequately during half court plays.

[Solid D]

Defensive

http://www.vh1.com/shared/media/images/artist/c/clinic/canon/501032_426x104.jpg

Clinic

[EricB]

So the Spurs win "its just december" is a level headed arguement (not including you in this manny)

But if the Spurs lost and we had said "Well its december, theres still time to work things out" and the same people that said the above thing, would've ripped you and me for being blind homers.


Im just wondering how one way "Its just december" is legit, and how the other its not.

[Spurologist]

Defensive

http://www.vh1.com/shared/media/images/artist/c/clinic/canon/501032_426x104.jpg

Clinic

haven't seen the clinic pic for a while :tu

[EricB]

If Solid D proclaims it a clinic, its a good night :smokin

[TampaDude]

Great game all around...Blair was in full-on beast mode tonight!!! :hat

[DMC]

Kobe was punishing his team for not responding. He decided "fuck you" and just shot the ball. Maybe he wants some ass kickings dished out to get some attention. The Lakers are middle of the pack right now, not in trouble by a long shot. You never know what the Zen master has up his fucking sleeve.

[DMC]

lets see how we do against the Mavs... maybe have to wait until we meet Boston though if Dirk is out.

Either way, the Spurs gained a game on the Mavs.

Charles Barkley:

FUCK YOU

He said by today the Spurs would be behind Dallas in the standings.

[DPG21920]

Pop's masterpiece >>>>>>>>>> Pop's centerpiece.

The energy and swarming defense will have to be what is relied upon. I have been saying this for a while. The Spurs don't really have the personnel to be a great one v one defensive team, but if they stay sharp, make smart and timely rotations/double teams and are active and gang rebound, they can maximize their potential on that end.

You can't expect them to force that many turnovers, but you can expect some and the Spurs need to run off of them.

Lets see if they do this consistently. I am fine with coasting through the regular season (just lock it up in the 4th quarters when it matters), but I need to see some more games like this defensively before I buy into them having a legit defensive team.

[SpursNextRomanEmpire]

Totally agree.

The Lakers length is still pretty amazing, especially out on the perimeter. They were all quick to get to our shooters. We passed up a lot of shots that we would take against most other teams, but if we can beat them on the interior then its a win.

[mingus]

I disagree that the Spurs can't be a great defensive team. I think tonight showed how essential George Hill is to being a defensively great team.

[Fpoonsie]

His gameplan was solid, but keep in mind this is still the same Laker team that, 2 nights ago, was lit up by a 5-foot-nothing PG on their home floor.

They're ALL outta sorts. The bigger test is Thurs.

[Agloco]

Imagine how much better it will be when Duncan gives a crap, Manu isn't sick and James Anderson is reintroduced...

This. Call me crazy, but Timmy looked bored out there really. He let Gasol get a few boards that he usually gobbles up.

[easjer]

His gameplan was solid, but keep in mind this is still the same Laker team that, 2 nights ago, was lit up by a 5-foot-nothing PG on their home floor.

They're ALL outta sorts. The bigger test is Thurs.

A Dallas team @ DAL that is injured/missing Dirk and got beaten out by Toronto? Meh. I'm not saying it'll be a cake-walk - Dallas will play hard without Dirk, at home with a vicious crowd- but it's not going to be the game I anticipated a week ago.

I think the Boston game will be a bigger benchmark in that respect, provided the Spurs go up I-35 and take care of business the way they did tonight.

[YODA]

The interior D was jsut awsome. Weak side help was always there. Whats really amazing was that McDyess got a DNP. I would have never have guess that. I wonder if thats a CIA move for playoffs from POP??

Something to think about.

[ElNono]

As a side note, just kinda scary how reliant our perimeter D is on Hill right now. But we'll take it.

[Agloco]

A Dallas team @ DAL that is injured/missing Dirk and got beaten out by Toronto? Meh. I'm not saying it'll be a cake-walk - Dallas will play hard without Dirk, at home with a vicious crowd- but it's not going to be the game I anticipated a week ago.

I think the Boston game will be a bigger benchmark in that respect, provided the Spurs go up I-35 and take care of business the way they did tonight.

About as big a benchmark as the Orlando game was. The Boston game is on the end of a back to back as well

[Mugen]

As a side note, just kinda scary how reliant our perimeter D is on Hill right now. But we'll take it.

James Anderson should help out a lot once hes back healthy.

really surprised by Manu's one on one D on kobe tonight. excellent effort all around.

[TDMVPDPOY]

Ghill still has flaws in his defensive game imo....undercut the screen, he allows the player too much distance on him which allows a open shot....

if hill is to anchor the perimeter defense, we still need the other players to be quick on there feet for the quick help defense and rotation on the floor

we lack size, but the active hands swatting ball is game on

[jmanu20]

About as big a benchmark as the Orlando game was. The Boston game is on the end of a back to back as well

Yeah, and the first game is against D'Antoni's Knicks, so those will be some tired legs in Boston the next evening.

[TDMVPDPOY]

splitters game was tonight aight on defense, he got good position and even though he doesnt attempt to jump block shots on man2man defense, it really showed he was willing to body down low with bynum and putting two hands up while not moving a square inch for bynum to work his game...

[easjer]

About as big a benchmark as the Orlando game was. The Boston game is on the end of a back to back as well

Meh. I'm not one to consider many games before March statement games or benchmark games; I was commenting on the idea of the real test being against a depleted Mavs team rather than the reigning world champs. As it goes, Boston is likelier of the upcoming stretch to be a tool to measure against, as they are going to be intact.

But really, no single game is a measuring tool or barometer of success. LA had a bad night tonight, and the Spurs could have one on Thursday. Or the plague of a back-to-back could kill them against BOS as it did against ORL (and really, better BOS than DAL, since they aren't in our conference).

[jmanu20]

A Dallas team @ DAL that is injured/missing Dirk and got beaten out by Toronto? Meh. I'm not saying it'll be a cake-walk - Dallas will play hard without Dirk, at home with a vicious crowd- but it's not going to be the game I anticipated a week ago.

I think the Boston game will be a bigger benchmark in that respect, provided the Spurs go up I-35 and take care of business the way they did tonight.

I'm not the least bit convinced Dirk's sitting out Thursday. Dallas was just beaten by a Toronto team missing its leading scorer and leading rebounder. Obviously they are pretty lacking offensively without him and I just don't see him missing a game against a rival for a sprained knee.

[Fpoonsie]

A Dallas team @ DAL that is injured/missing Dirk and got beaten out by Toronto? Meh. I'm not saying it'll be a cake-walk - Dallas will play hard without Dirk, at home with a vicious crowd- but it's not going to be the game I anticipated a week ago.

I think the Boston game will be a bigger benchmark in that respect, provided the Spurs go up I-35 and take care of business the way they did tonight.

That was said assuming Dirk plays that game. His ability to play through injuries is arguably unmatched, and I can't imagine he'd miss the game Thurs after the abortion against TOR tonight.

[easjer]

That was said assuming Dirk plays that game. His ability to play through injuries is arguably unmatched, and I can't imagine he'd miss the game Thurs after the abortion against TOR tonight.

Ah. I agree, but I don't think he'll be at full strength if he does play. It might be better for Dallas if he doesn't play. Between the rivalry and smarting after tonight's loss, they will probably be more focused. If he's in and out (because I don't see how he could play to norm, super-human joints and freakish healing abilities notwithstanding) I think it could lessen that focus and disrupt their rhythm.

[TDMVPDPOY]

Ah. I agree, but I don't think he'll be at full strength if he does play. It might be better for Dallas if he doesn't play. Between the rivalry and smarting after tonight's loss, they will probably be more focused. If he's in and out (because I don't see how he could play to norm, super-human joints and freakish healing abilities notwithstanding) I think it could lessen that focus and disrupt their rhythm.

doesnt really matter if his at full strength or not, his game is just taking fkn jumpers midrange and nailing them, just his presence alone on the court changes things....just like the way duncan is playing....

dirk gains nothin out of playin this match...

[LaMarcus Bryant]

I was still impressed by the Lakers. I think they are playing in a huge rut and will bounce back soon but their strategy was sound.

They were using their bench every bit as much as we were.

Their strategy, to me, clearly was to rack up points with Kobe early, then go Super Big lineup and get Spurs into the penalty every quarter. Then when we were in the penalty, go back to their normal Kobe lineup and run the Kobe Offense.

Spurs were getting soundly beaten by the Lakers big-lineup but still gave it a good fight. The big difference was us completely dominating the Lakers when they ran their Kobe Offense.

Add to all this that we had timely three's from every players?

We played a damn good ball game.

[TD 21]

His off-season plan was on display tonight..

While this "new" style of play for these "new look" Spurs is obviously meant to maximize the strengths of the personnel on this team, let's be real..this change was obviously meant to counter the Lakers' advantages, more than anything, at least IMO..

As everybody should know by now, if you have followed them, the Lakers are very slow and unathletic, they have very few quick/athletic players left on their roster..their advantage is obviously in their size, which was on display at times tonight..they are methodical, they are slow footed, especially on the perimeter..

Pop obviously knows this, as a few of us pointed out during the off-season..his plan was clearly on display tonight..the Spurs looked LEVELS more athletic than the Lakers, they looked much quicker, much more athletic, much more alive..while the Spurs looked physically overmatched, they also looked much younger and explosive..

For one of the few times we've seen in years, the Spurs were SWARMING on D..they sent quick double teams, they played the passing lanes extremely well..the athletic and quickness advantage was on display tonight, and I kind of believe that Pop was saving this kind of display, tbh..

The Spurs forced 16 turnovers and had 17 fast break points tonight..

Let's all hope this is a preview of the playoffs..the best way to make up for the lack of a secondary interior defender is to swarm and play with the energy the Spurs did tonight..

Yeah, maybe that it was the way to go (of course it's easy to say that after a performance like this). Maybe it's not about trying to match their size or relying heavily on McDyess and Splitter, but almost embracing being smaller and quicker and playing to that. I'm not 100% sold, though. We'll find out more in the next few meetings.

I've been married to this idea of McDyess being the second big and Splitter the third and playing a tight nine man rotation, etc., but I'm beginning to re-think things. Maybe the way to go is to play eleven guys (once Anderson is back), throw as many fresh, athletic bodies at them as possible (guys like Splitter and Anderson) and just flat out wear them down. They're running on fumes and it's only December. It's funny how, in three short years, the two teams have almost switched places in that regard.

It's only one game, but could this have been a more encouraging win? They didn't win because Ginobili saved the day, or Duncan turned back the clock, or they just flat out got hot from three. They won with defense and depth. As the game wore on, they began to exude confidence. It started with Hill standing up to Bryant and continued with Blair playing like he was shot out of a cannon in the 2nd half.

[ShoogarBear]

1. It was a great team effort on defense by the Spurs.

2. The Lakers can't play worse than they currently are, but they do have real issues that can be attacked even when they play better.

3. How many times when these two teams match up is DeJuan Blair going to be the most effective big man on the floor?

[SenorSpur]

Imagine how much better it will be when Duncan gives a crap, Manu isn't sick and James Anderson is reintroduced...

I'd also add in some down-the-road production from Splitter, too. All of which could make this a very lethal Spurs squad.

[EricB]

I'd also add in some down-the-road production from Splitter, too. All of which could make this a very lethal Spurs squad.

BTW, who got off the bench in the first half.


But but I thought he was in the doghouse?!!?

[wildbill2u]

Its the only way to beat them. Fuck they have 3 7 footers, we cant put 4 seven footers out there.

Yeah, but we can put seven six footers out there. Gotta be positive.

[SenorSpur]

His off-season plan was on display tonight..

While this "new" style of play for these "new look" Spurs is obviously meant to maximize the strengths of the personnel on this team, let's be real..this change was obviously meant to counter the Lakers' advantages, more than anything, at least IMO..

As everybody should know by now, if you have followed them, the Lakers are very slow and unathletic, they have very few quick/athletic players left on their roster..their advantage is obviously in their size, which was on display at times tonight..they are methodical, they are slow footed, especially on the perimeter..

Pop obviously knows this, as a few of us pointed out during the off-season..his plan was clearly on display tonight..the Spurs looked LEVELS more athletic than the Lakers, they looked much quicker, much more athletic, much more alive..while the Spurs looked physically overmatched, they also looked much younger and explosive..

For one of the few times we've seen in years, the Spurs were SWARMING on D..they sent quick double teams, they played the passing lanes extremely well..the athletic and quickness advantage was on display tonight, and I kind of believe that Pop was saving this kind of display, tbh..

The Spurs forced 16 turnovers and had 17 fast break points tonight..

Let's all hope this is a preview of the playoffs..the best way to make up for the lack of a secondary interior defender is to swarm and play with the energy the Spurs did tonight..

An absolutely masterful job by Pop in preparing the troops for this game. He clearly focused on taking advantage of some of Fakers weaknesses (transition D, poor guard play) and the Spurs literally wreaked havoc on the defending champs. It's even more impressive that this win came about without a healthy Manu, a big-time performance from Duncan and no sign of life from McDyess.

I still believe the Fakers will be one of the top four seeds by season's end. Because the game slows way down in the playoffs, I'd feel a lot better if the Spurs had another solid interior defender and shotblocker. However, that will not likely happen this year. That said, this also causes me to wonder whether Pop's game plan tonight will eventually work against this team in the playoffs?

Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see how this loss affects the Fakers, going forward. Of course, I want to see what Phil will do to counter this, come next game.

[mathbzh]

The Thunder youth and athletism gave the lakers fits last season.

[timtonymanu]

Imagine how much better it will be when Duncan gives a crap, Manu isn't sick and James Anderson is reintroduced...

dont forget McDyess took the night off too.

[mingus]

it was a good win, but i would've been dissapointed had the Spurs lost. Lakers right now are not playing like the best team in the league, or anywhere close to it for that matter. Bynum isn't close to healthy enough right now and they played a retarded game from a mental standpoint that they probably wouldn't play in the playoffs.

what i can take away from this game is two things:

the Spurs have the potential to be a better defensive than what has been made out. i don't think they'll reach Boston, Miami, or LA defense (when healthy and motivated), but i think they can be quite good, and 4th or 5th best in the league. they played great defense tonight, but LA played low i.q. offense and missed a ton of open shots

the Spurs have won in a variety of different ways and because of a variety of different people. the Spurs have shown grade adaptability in terms of the styles they can play. they can play a grind it out game, as they've shown against LA, or up tempo. they can also turn to many different guys this year outside of the big three: Neal, Hill, RJ, Blair, Bonner, Dice.

[Em-City]

duncan should work on his bank shot and low post hook shots


BAHAHHAAHHAHAHAAHHA!!!!!

u idiot

[greyforest]

His gameplan was solid, but keep in mind this is still the same Laker team that, 2 nights ago, was lit up by a 5-foot-nothing PG on their home floor.

They're ALL outta sorts. The bigger test is Thurs.

yeah if dirk would stop fucking his stupid ass knee up. dirkless mavs is just more fodder. i want to see the spurs play the good teams finally.

[sa_butta]

I'm sure the next time we play the Lakers they will try to exploit their bigs against ours...For this game we were able to force them to avoid that...If we can deny the Bigs matchup we can continue to beat LA...We have no answer for Gasol, Bynam and Kardashian when they are getting touches and going inside.

[KenziE]

BTW, who got off the bench in the first half.


But but I thought he was in the doghouse?!!?

you are an IDIOT shut your mouth ...

[spursballer21]

Great words Harlem

Do you all think Pop this style of play from watching the Thunder VS Lakers?

[alchemist]

fire Pop!

[polandprzem]

The way to beat the spurs was to single coverage them.

Pop knew that they need to change something, and it appears that if they want to beat us 1-1 we need to be better at that.

Also he did what he wanted a long time ago IMO - that is to have players that can compliment themselves on the positions> to have few players fill the roles of colleges on the court. So the spurs can play same type of ball through all game. With that he has more energy from the players cause he can reduce minutes to the best of them.

Also Spurs stagnant O was easy to defend, cayuse it was predictable. This team is less predictable and the most versatile. IOf we can continue to improve on D esp. it's gonna be fun

[VI_Massive]

I'm not sure if this has been said above, but my favorite part of Pop's game plan tonight was sticking with Bonner and Blair, two guys who have struggled against LA in the past and sticking with Neal when he struggled at the beginning and showing a commitment to give Splitter run against LA. Those guys need to be a factor for the Spurs in eventual big games and I felt like Pop kind of hid them in the past against LA. I like that he didn't play Dice at all -- Dice knows what it's like to play LA and will be ready when called upon. Splitter and Neal needed the run against those guys for experience and confidence.

[silverblk mystix]

Gasol: eight shots
Bynum: 4 shots (4 for 4)

Kobe came out of the gate wanting to be the hero and kept it up all game. It might have been different if they would have spread the ball around, but overall the Spurs played better.

When are you going to change your sig to the lakers?

You stated before and have stated here for years how the spurs can't beat the lakers.

You predicted an easy lakers victory in the NBA forum.

Why don't you just suck laker dik and at least admit you are a laker fan?

[spurspokesman]

This thread isn't about "solving" the Lakers or predicting that the Spurs would beat them in a series..if you asked me to bet on it, I would probably still bet on the Lakers, mostly out of fear for their reputation and past success..

The point is that Pop has found a way to build the Spurs to give them a realistic chance of beating the Lakers in a 7-game series, as opposed to the former Spurs teams that played a similar style to the Lakers, which would have given the Spurs no realistic shot at beating LA..

If the Spurs had won by a few possessions or a fluky win like Roger Mason's GW, I wouldn't have made this thread..however, this was a legit blowout, with 2/3 of the best players on this team not producing on offense..
Good points

[HarlemHeat37]

Spurs have played 2 games against LA, and have held them to 39% shooting in these games..27% shooting from 3, 26 turnovers..the speed and energy advantage is on display..Kobe has been unable to get clean shots off against Manu and Hill..Spurs continue to send quick doubles in the post and forcing jump shots out of Gasol(he made them last night, but you take that any time)..

A lot of people were skeptical, but it doesn't appear to be a fluke..

[lefty]

The Portland game was a CIA job by Pop

Well done Pop :tu

[HarlemHeat37]

Another key is that the Spurs have completely exploited the fact that Kobe doesn't play defense anymore..in both games, he left his man wide open, while he roamed, and the Spurs made him pay, particularly RJ..no more offensive liabilities on the floor..

[Cane]

Kobe is shooting 29% in the 2 games vs the Spurs; 13-45 FG, 3-10 from 3

Even Bowen would be proud.

[FkLA]

Another key is that the Spurs have completely exploited the fact that Kobe doesn't play defense anymore..in both games, he left his man wide open, while he roamed, and the Spurs made him pay, particularly RJ..no more offensive liabilities on the floor..

Agreed. Its been years since he actually has played defense.

Expect another undeserved first team all-defense nod though.

[BlairForceDejuan]

the def rotations were still slow compared to where they will be come playoff time

[wildbill2u]

I bet Pop was pissed off about all our sloppy turnovers on passes. You have to credit the Lakers for good aggressive in your face defense that left us with bad passing openings while passing the ball around the perimeter without a shot at times, but I couldn't believe how many bad passes created TOs.

[MarHill]

Still too many treys and still got to improve on interior D as well as on moving the ball better


I'm okay with the 3s....because it's in the flow of the offense. And we have the guys to knock them down now.

If Bonner (yes...him) was playing and in good rhythm like he was earlier in the season before the injury...that would stretch the Lakers defense even more.

The problem with 3s is when you shoot out of the set offense and the defense can recover with the long rebound.

But if they are shot in the flow of the offense...even they miss (because it is a low percentage) it will keep the defense honest and floor spaced.

[MarHill]

The Portland game was a CIA job by Pop

Well done Pop :tu

I know you were being funny or sarcastic.

But the Spurs lost intensity in the 4th against the Blazers and Aldridge has a career night.

The game was close for 3 1/2 quarters and the Spurs you will take that on the road but they didn't (obviously) close out the game well.

[I. Hustle]

We need northside ford Splitter. That dude is a beast

[ChuckD]

edit.