Spurs' defense = reason for concern..

[HarlemHeat37]

I've read multiple threads about the Spurs' improvement from a defensive standpoint, and I actually agree that the Spurs had been making strides, as of late(prior to the poor game vs. the Bulls)..

The Spurs' defense has improved as the season has progressed, however, how much of a factor has the competition been during this successful run?..by looking at the matchups, it appears that the schedule has had a significant factor in the defensive progress..

Spurs defense vs. +.500 teams:
FG% allowed: 46.4%
3-point FG% allowed: 38.7%
FTA allowed: 20.9 FTA
TO per game: 13
RPG: +1.8

Celtics defense vs. +.500 teams:
FG% allowed: 44.2%
3-point FG% allowed: 34.9%
FTA allowed: 24.9 FTA
TO per game: 15.2
RPG: -0.2

Mavs defense vs. +.500 teams:
FG% allowed: 45.1%
3-point FG% allowed: 35.5%
FTA allowed: 20.9 FTA
TO per game: 11.9
RPG: +0.1

Lakers defense vs. +.500 teams:
FG% allowed: 45.1%
3-point FG% allowed: 37.3%
FTA allowed: 20.3 FTA
TO per game: 11.7
RPG: +4.8

Bulls defense vs. +.500 teams:
FG% allowed: 44.3%
3-point FG% allowed: 35.1%
FTA allowed: 27.1 FTA
TO per game: 13.1
RPG: +4.5

Heat defense vs. +500 teams:
FG% allowed: 44%
3-point FG% allowed: 32.1%
FTA allowed: 25.3 FTA
TO per game: 12.4
RPG: +0.5

The Spurs have by far the worst FG and 3-point %s on D amongst the "elite" teams in the NBA vs. +500 teams, their only advantage being that they foul at a very low rate..

It should also be noted that the Spurs have played some of these teams, without Dirk, Boozer, Garnett, Billups, Gay, Gallinari, etc..

The Spurs have played 3 +.500 teams in February, they went 1-2 against them, with the only W coming on a McDyess tip-in against the Lakers..they were thoroughly outplayed vs. Chicago and Portland..

Reason for concern?..

[Obstructed_View]

Spurs have a nearly insurmountable lead for home court throughout, have everyone playing relatively low minutes, everyone contributing, and are poised to have everyone healthy for a playoff run. No reasons for concern so far.

[Budkin]

Their D will improve I'm sure of it, and like Obstructed said they will most certainly have home court to buoy that up a bit.

[spurtech09]

yeah but why do the spurs suck after a 2 day off....is it just rust

[Ross Parrot]

Need more defensive improvements rather than offensive ones. We all know what they're capable of scoring-wise when they're not laying an egg.

[ElNono]

I think the Spurs can show a small improvement in those numbers when TD and Manu's minutes are no longer limited. I don't see other teams really doing time micromanagement like the Spurs are doing with their stars.

[DesignatedT]

It's a good measure up besides the injury tidbit. Why should it be noted the Spurs have played teams without some players? I'm sure other teams on the above list have played the bulls without boozer or the mavs without dirk. It shouldn't be taken into consideration at all tbh.

[Obstructed_View]

yeah but why do the spurs suck after a 2 day off....is it just rust

Nine games away from home with five guys ready to board a plane as soon as the game ends and head to LA. I wonder if there's going to be a bunch of discussion on ESPN how the Spurs went on vacation a little early.

[TDMVPDPOY]

spursfans are beginning to be like fakerfans, skeptics my arse thinkn the defense will improve when playoffs roll around....

we are playin like shit on the defensive end and just coasting atm

[xmas1997]

Yes, the evidence points that they, and we, need to be concerned, unless they don't want a championship.
If they are just playing to go deep into the playoffs and that is it, then the Spurs are already there.
But to win a championship, their defense is going to have to be a hell of a lot better.
And so far, I don't see it happening, at least against the top defensive teams anyway.
Has anyone seen the Spurs play better defense against any of the top defensive teams?
The last second win against the Lakers was luck. Besides, the Lakers haven't been a top defensive team in a while now anyway.
I'll always stand by the Spurs and go down with them, but I won't make excuses.

[Capt Bringdown]

Spurs have a nearly insurmountable lead for home court throughout, have everyone playing relatively low minutes, everyone contributing, and are poised to have everyone healthy for a playoff run. No reasons for concern so far.

Defense plus all these factors means you're a real championship contender.

HCA and all the rest minus the defensive capability to back it up means you're the Mavs or Suns.

[Blake]

Reason for concern?..

how are the Spurs doing against .500 teams in the west?

[ElNono]

spursfans are beginning to be like fakerfans, skeptics my arse thinkn the defense will improve when playoffs roll around....

we are playin like shit on the defensive end and just coasting atm

I'm no fan of the "flip the switch" theory. That's why I said "small improvement". That said, the time limiting is not an excuse. It happens, it's measurable.

This team has shown flashes that it can play at a high level defensively. It just hasn't been consistent. Last time we played the Bulls we held them to 12 points in one quarter. We've locked up other teams over .500, like the Hornets on occasion. Guys like Hill play a lot better at home than on the road.

It is what it is, and I agree we need to use the remaining games to improve in that aspect.

[Obstructed_View]

Defense plus all these factors means you're a real championship contender.

HCA and all the rest minus the defensive capability to back it up means you're the Mavs or Suns.

Oh, math. Here's one: Duncan playing 40 minutes >>>>>> Duncan playing 28 minutes. Defense goes way up at that point.

[HarlemHeat37]

I agree about Duncan's minutes increasing = defensive improvement, that's the primary hope I'm holding onto, in regards to the potential improvement of the Spurs' D, later on in the season/in the playoffs..

The Spurs seem to have adapted well to the Lakers' style of play, but they seem to struggle against grind-out teams like the Celtics, Bulls and Mavs, which is what concerns me IMO..

While I do expect improvement in the playoffs, I'm not an advocate of "turning on the switch"..I don't want to see the Spurs exerting too much energy, but it would be nice to see some consistent defense in these types of games, for continuous stretches, at least to build good habits/chemistry on the defensive end..

[xmas1997]

I agree about Duncan's minutes increasing = defensive improvement, that's the primary hope I'm holding onto, in regards to the potential improvement of the Spurs' D, later on in the season/in the playoffs..

The Spurs seem to have adapted well to the Lakers' style of play, but they seem to struggle against grind-out teams like the Celtics, Bulls and Mavs, which is what concerns me IMO..

While I do expect improvement in the playoffs, I'm not an advocate of "turning on the switch"..I don't want to see the Spurs exerting too much energy, but it would be nice to see some consistent defense in these types of games, for continuous stretches, at least to build good habits/chemistry on the defensive end..

I agree completely especially the part about CONSISTENCY which I put in bold in your quote.
I want this team to win a championship not just go deep in the playoffs like the Suns used to do, and then get knocked off. I want the whole enchilada!
I hate to say it but I think the FO may have to pull a miracle of a trade to get Mbah Moute even if it means giving up some young talent like Anderson, which I really don't want to give up, but it may be necessary.

[Capt Bringdown]

Oh, math. Here's one: Duncan playing 40 minutes >>>>>> Duncan playing 28 minutes. Defense goes way up at that point.

So flip the switch and no worries? Very simple math, I hope you're right. How does playing Duncan marathon minutes improve our perimeter D, btw?

[jjktkk]

A couple other factors to consider, is that Pop will have a game plan in place. No b2bs, and like others who have mentinoned this point in this thread, the big 3's minutes will go up in the playoffs.

[ElNono]

So flip the switch and no worries? Very simple math, I hope you're right. How does playing Duncan marathon minutes improve our perimeter D, btw?

I don't think it will improve by heaps and bounds, but Manu getting his usual 35+ in the playoffs will help, IMO. I love Neal, what he brings on offense, and the tenacity on defense, but there's no doubt he can be a foul machine and he gets no respect from the zebras (being a rookie, not surprising).
We're not at the bottom of the barrel defensively. It's the small improvements that count.

[Sean Cagney]

Spurs have a nearly insurmountable lead for home court throughout, have everyone playing relatively low minutes, everyone contributing, and are poised to have everyone healthy for a playoff run. No reasons for concern so far.

Really? 26 games left and Dallas is down 6 after tonight if they win, thats not that damn big when you think of it. They might win it yes, probably will! But it is not that huge.

[DMC]

I've read multiple threads about the Spurs' improvement from a defensive standpoint, and I actually agree that the Spurs had been making strides, as of late(prior to the poor game vs. the Bulls)..

The Spurs' defense has improved as the season has progressed, however, how much of a factor has the competition been during this successful run?..by looking at the matchups, it appears that the schedule has had a significant factor in the defensive progress..

Spurs defense vs. +.500 teams:
FG% allowed: 46.4%
3-point FG% allowed: 38.7%
FTA allowed: 20.9 FTA
TO per game: 13
RPG: +1.8

Celtics defense vs. +.500 teams:
FG% allowed: 44.2%
3-point FG% allowed: 34.9%
FTA allowed: 24.9 FTA
TO per game: 15.2
RPG: -0.2

Mavs defense vs. +.500 teams:
FG% allowed: 45.1%
3-point FG% allowed: 35.5%
FTA allowed: 20.9 FTA
TO per game: 11.9
RPG: +0.1

Lakers defense vs. +.500 teams:
FG% allowed: 45.1%
3-point FG% allowed: 37.3%
FTA allowed: 20.3 FTA
TO per game: 11.7
RPG: +4.8

Bulls defense vs. +.500 teams:
FG% allowed: 44.3%
3-point FG% allowed: 35.1%
FTA allowed: 27.1 FTA
TO per game: 13.1
RPG: +4.5

Heat defense vs. +500 teams:
FG% allowed: 44%
3-point FG% allowed: 32.1%
FTA allowed: 25.3 FTA
TO per game: 12.4
RPG: +0.5

The Spurs have by far the worst FG and 3-point %s on D amongst the "elite" teams in the NBA vs. +500 teams, their only advantage being that they foul at a very low rate..

It should also be noted that the Spurs have played some of these teams, without Dirk, Boozer, Garnett, Billups, Gay, Gallinari, etc..

The Spurs have played 3 +.500 teams in February, they went 1-2 against them, with the only W coming on a McDyess tip-in against the Lakers..they were thoroughly outplayed vs. Chicago and Portland..

Reason for concern?..
It's been a reason for concern all year, win or lose. We are scoring more but allowing more. Still, we are winning more and that's not a bad thing.

One game at a time.

[DMC]

Really? 26 games left and Dallas is down 6 after tonight if they win, thats not that damn big when you think of it. They might win it yes, probably will! But it is not that huge.
Shit, I wouldn't feel butt hurt if the Spurs were down 6 to Dallas if the Spurs were 2nd in the West. We would have taken that at the beginning of the season.

[DMC]

I don't think it will improve by heaps and bounds, but Manu getting his usual 35+ in the playoffs will help, IMO. I love Neal, what he brings on offense, and the tenacity on defense, but there's no doubt he can be a foul machine and he gets no respect from the zebras (being a rookie, not surprising).
We're not at the bottom of the barrel defensively. It's the small improvements that count.
This is true. Neal and Blair are foul machines. They see a play near them and try to get involved. That gets them in trouble. Blair needs to trust Tim when he's on the floor, and funnel to him. If Tim cannot stop the shot, Blair won't either.

[xmas1997]

I think Pop first coined the phrase "fools gold". I might be mistaken.
But I think our record is that because the Spurs are not paying focused attention to defense, and might even think they can win it all just on their offense and record alone and get lazy.
Fools Gold.

[Capt Bringdown]

I don't think it will improve by heaps and bounds, but Manu getting his usual 35+ in the playoffs will help, IMO. I love Neal, what he brings on offense, and the tenacity on defense, but there's no doubt he can be a foul machine and he gets no respect from the zebras (being a rookie, not surprising).
We're not at the bottom of the barrel defensively. It's the small improvements that count.

I'm less concerned about the big 3, although simply playing them more minutes, seems a bit, well simple. This ain't 2005/2007. There's no Horry or even Oberto, but rather Dice and...

I guess it a bit strange that even with our record, it's hard to say what we can expect in the PO. I'd feel better if we were playing better, improved D as the season grinds on. Hope to see it after the all-star break.

[DMC]

I think Pop first coined the phrase "fools gold". I might be mistaken.
But I think our record is that because the Spurs are not paying focused attention to defense, and might even think they can win it all just on their offense and record alone and get lazy.
Fools Gold.
The Spurs didn't get forum stupid over the summer. They know they have to play solid defense, but their offense is strong and their defense it what it is.

Pop did not coin that phrase. It's older than Jesus.

[SenorSpur]

Count me in as one who believes the defense is cause for concern. I don't believe this situation will magically solve itself over the regular season. Against an opponent with an offensive player, of superstar ability, it becomes more glaring.

It goes without saying that the Spurs MUST improve their defense, their ability to get stops down the stretch of quarters and games. Since they cannot defend the rim as well anymore, it's essential that they get better play on the perimeter. This isn't happening.

I don't know how they're going to do it or if they desire to import a more stout perimeter defender. However, if the Spurs desire to be the last team standing, I don't think they can ignore what we saw tonight.

[DMC]

I'm less concerned about the big 3, although simply playing them more minutes, seems a bit, well simple. This ain't 2005/2007. There's no Horry or even Oberto, but rather Dice and...

I guess it a bit strange that even with our record, it's hard to say what we can expect in the PO. I'd feel better if we were playing better, improved D as the season grinds on. Hope to see it after the all-star break.
The year of Oberto and Horry, we went 4-4 during the RR trip. We won the ring that year, worst RR trip ever.

[DesignatedT]

Pretty useless trying to compare this years squad to what we had back in our championship years. We have such a different type of team. Fact is nobody really knows how were going to fare in the playoffs with this new style of play because we have never seen this from us before. Makes for good discussion though.

[itzsoweezee]

3pt fg% isn't any kind of revealing stat. 3 pt fgs allowed, however, is.

[DMC]

Count me in as one who believe the defense is a concern. I don't believe this concern will magically solve itself over the regular season.

It goes without saying that the Spurs MUST improve their defense, their ability to get stops down the stretch of quarters and games. Since they cannot defend the rim as well anymore, it's essential that they get better play on the perimeter. This isn't happening.

I don't know how they're going to do it or if they desire to import a more stout perimeter defender. However, if the Spurs desire to be the last team standing, I don't think they can ignore what we saw tonight.

It won't solve itself. You are right. I think there's better defense in the Spurs rotation however, it's just not being utilized. Tiago plays decent defense, but he's not a scoring machine.

We can acquire a defensive big man to shore up the boards and get stops, that would allow Bonner to stay outside (he's pretty useless inside anyhow) and keep Blair out of foul trouble at the PF position.

[ElNono]

I'm less concerned about the big 3, although simply playing them more minutes, seems a bit, well simple. This ain't 2005/2007. There's no Horry or even Oberto, but rather Dice and...

I guess it a bit strange that even with our record, it's hard to say what we can expect in the PO. I'd feel better if we were playing better, improved D as the season grinds on. Hope to see it after the all-star break.

Don't get me wrong, I'll take whatever improvement we can get.
I just don't think we can be a lockdown team anymore. I don't think Pop believes that either, and that's why he put the onus on improving the offense. Sometimes personnel dictates what your strength is going to be.
That said, the less 30+ point quarters for the other team I see from here on out, the better.

[DMC]

3pt fg% isn't any kind of revealing stat. 3 pt fgs allowed, however, is.
Not really.

It all depends on how many points came off those.

10 losses at the break is the best stat of them all.

[DMC]

Pretty useless trying to compare this years squad to what we had back in our championship years. We have such a different type of team. Fact is nobody really knows how were going to fare in the playoffs with this new style of play because we have never seen this from us before. Makes for good discussion though.
Bite your tongue son, we have the greatest basketball minds of all time here. Surely Wooden's ghost resides here.

[HarlemHeat37]

I don't think the Spurs are going to, or have to be, a lockdown defensive team..they aren't going to be Miami, Boston or Chicago, but if they can build some consistent D, especially against good teams, it'll go a long way, since the Spurs have the best offensive of any of these teams..

Balance wins titles, obviously..

[Cessation]

Classic Bonner overplay, 0-3, 3 fouls in 26 min, lol.

[xmas1997]

Count me in as one who believes the defense is cause for concern. I don't believe this situation will magically solve itself over the regular season. Against an opponent with an offensive player, of superstar ability, it becomes more glaring.

It goes without saying that the Spurs MUST improve their defense, their ability to get stops down the stretch of quarters and games. Since they cannot defend the rim as well anymore, it's essential that they get better play on the perimeter. This isn't happening.

I don't know how they're going to do it or if they desire to import a more stout perimeter defender. However, if the Spurs desire to be the last team standing, I don't think they can ignore what we saw tonight.


Yup, I think most realistic Spurs fans especially those who have followed this team over the years through their up times and their down times are deeply concerned now about their defensive ability this year regardless of their record.
They MUST improve their defense and should have by now.
Honestly, I hate to say this, but I think it is going to take a trade to do it and that is not what I wanted to happen.

[DMC]

You guys have to admit that if we don't beat the Suns in 2007, they probably win it all with no defense.

[SenorSpur]

The two components that made the Spurs such a superior defensive team in their heyday were tthe ability to "man-up" on the perimeter (Bowen), and the ability to challenge shots and protect the rim (Robinson and Duncan).

However with the retirement of Robinson, the decline in Duncan's lateral movement and the departure of Bowen, have all attributed to a sharp decline in the Spurs defense.

No one is suggesting for a minute that the Spurs can become a lockdown defensive team again. However, it obvious that since they cannot protect the rim as well, the only logical solution is to improve on the perimeter.

The NBA is full of offensive-minded wing and perimeter players. In fact, it has more of those than good big men. If the Spurs had at least one player with the enough length and lateral footspeed to frustrate and stay in front of these type of players, it would be a dramatic improvement.

[Capt Bringdown]

You guys have to admit that if we don't beat the Suns in 2007, they probably win it all with no defense.

Not sure, but I do admit that we weren't capable of beating the Mavs that year. Thanks, Golden State!

[spurs10]

Are we just a bit slow on our rotations or is it mental errors? We are allowing too many good shots on nights like this. I realize the Bulls are a better team than the Nets, but we looked like a different team from Monday.

[DMC]

Not sure, but I do admit that we weren't capable of beating the Mavs that year. Thanks, Golden State!
We sweep the Finals, but squeek by the Suns (sorta). The Suns would have crushed the one man operation in Cleveland.

[Capt Bringdown]

If the Spurs had at least one player with the enough length and lateral footspeed to frustrate and stay in front of these type of players, it would be a dramatic improvement.

Unfortunately these kinds of players are born and not made. If it was a matter of just shifting concentration to offense to defense, we'd be able to find or develop a replacement for Bowen. Bowen - man, was he special.

[DMC]

Are we just a bit slow on our rotations or is it mental errors? We are allow too many good shots on nights like this. I realize the Bulls are a better team than the Nets, but we looked like a different team from Monday.

It's all in the point of view. A good shot is one that is made. Teams miss good looks all the time.

If you have Bogans shooting 3s, you are doing ok. Make Rose be a jumpshooter, we did ok with that but not great. The other guys with the offensive putbacks and the ticky tack foul calls and bull shit turnovers in crucial situations has to change, but we didnt' turn it over a lot and they just shot the ball well.

[DMC]

Unfortunately these kinds of players are born and not made. If it was a matter of just shifting concentration to offense to defense, we'd be able to find or develop a replacement for Bowen. Bowen - man, was he special.

He was, but our record is much better now than it ever was with Bowen.

We are doing fine. You cannot have your cake and eat it too. We aren't the 72:10 Bulls. We've never been that. No one else has.

[xmas1997]

We sweep the Finals, but squeek by the Suns (sorta). The Suns would have crushed the one man operation in Cleveland.

But the reality is it took a great defensive team (Spurs), to beat a great offensive team (Suns).
The reality is this, if the Spurs want a championship this year, then they are somehow someway going to have to transform themselves into a great defensive team. IMHO that is what it will take. And unfortunately so far they haven't shown that they are capable of it yet.

[SenorSpur]

But the reality is it took a great defensive team (Spurs), to beat a great offensive team (Suns).
The reality is this, if the Spurs want a championship this year, then they are somehow someway going to have to transform themselves into a great defensive team. IMHO that is what it will take. And unfortunately so far they haven't shown that they are capable of it yet.

I don't know that the Spurs have to transform into a great defensive team. In fact, I don't know that it's possible. However, they do have to become a consistently above-average defensive team. It's imperative they can get stops when needed, in order to squeeze out their opponents during the late stretches of quarters and games.

[Sean Cagney]

The year of Oberto and Horry, we went 4-4 during the RR trip. We won the ring that year, worst RR trip ever.

What the hell does that have to do with this year? It's the past now, we can compare it all we want but we don't have a younger Tim or Manu like we did then! Nor do we have a Bowen either.

[xmas1997]

I don't know that the Spurs have to transform into a great defensive team. In fact, I don't know that it's possible. However, they do have to become a consistently above-average defensive team. It's imperative they can get stops when needed, in order to squeeze out their opponents during the late stretches of quarters and games.


I agree, but unfortunately they are still not showing indications that they CAN become an above average defensive team with the personnel they presently have.
And we have very few bargaining chips.
Tiago? We need him for our future, we will get no big better than him for a long while.
Anderson, Quinn, and Neal unfortunately are the only ones who will bring something in return and Quinn just barely.
I hate to trade Anderson or Neal, but one of those plus a 1st round draft pick may be the only way we can get a good enough player like Mbah a Moute to help transform the Spurs into an above average defensive team.

[Hoops Czar]

I don't think the Spurs are going to, or have to be, a lockdown defensive team..they aren't going to be Miami, Boston or Chicago, but if they can build some consistent D, especially against good teams, it'll go a long way, since the Spurs have the best offensive of any of these teams..

Balance wins titles, obviously..

If they can't stop your opponent, you can't win. Hoping and praying the opponent misses shots is not the answer. The Spurs are winging it plain and simple. The Spurs defense hasn't improved over the last 10- 15 games, the schedule did. If you haven't noticed, every team has been employing the same strategy for some time... TAKE IT TO THE HOLE!

[Budkin]

To everyone who is saying we don't need good D, you're nuts. We always beat the flashy offensive teams in the past with our intense D. Offensive juggernauts who can't play defense never win titles. It just doesn't happen.

[barbacoataco]

George Hill can look like a good defender sometimes and then other times not at all. They need him to step up. Only time will tell. Duncan is saving himself but the question is- how much?

[barbacoataco]

To everyone who is saying we don't need good D, you're nuts. We always beat the flashy offensive teams in the past with our intense D. Offensive juggernauts who can't play defense never win titles. It just doesn't happen.

That is true because in the playoffs over 7 games it always turns into a slower half court game. Open 3 ptrs vanish, and low post and pick and roll defense becomes more important. It is true that the 2007 Suns would have won if they got by the Spurs, but they lost that series 4-2. Also there was no Gasol/Bynum/Odom Lakers that year or Celtics or Heat to get by in the East. Overall it is safe to say based on the last 20 years that every team to win the championship was a good if not great defensive team.

[mingus]

tonight reminded me of why i think that Splitter has to have an impactful role on this team for the Spurs to win a chip. key rebounds were missed at critical/momentum swinging junctures and the Bulls were able to score second chance points off of those. they had something like 20+ second chance points. you're not going to win many games giving up that many points.

i'm not hating on Bonner, he's a situational player and times will arise when his services will be needed in games for his three point shooting and his ability to take opposing bigs out of the paint. but, he doesn't play a gritty grind-it-out type of game, and the Bulls' bigs thrive off of that. that is sort of Splitter's game. plus, they have mobile bigs for the most part that can guard him out on the perimiter so he didn't do that good of a job stretching the floor.

it also didn't help that Blair and McDyess were no shows almost.

there's a lot that can be cleaned up defenisvely.

[mingus]

this game also highlights how important Blair has become for this team. i'm worried maybe it's become too important for him to be good every night and he's just not ready to be that player.

[Capt Bringdown]

How much defense and rebounding can we expect out of Blair, Bonner & Dice? There's the rub.
And playing Duncan heavy minutes ain't the answer.

46-10 = Fool's gold. This is not a championship team.

[mathbzh]

To everyone who is saying we don't need good D, you're nuts. We always beat the flashy offensive teams in the past with our intense D. Offensive juggernauts who can't play defense never win titles. It just doesn't happen.

The Lakers won a couple of titles with an average at best defense. The Mavs choked in the finals but should have won in 2006. The Suns were not that far...
Elite defense is a huge factor in the playoffs but an elite offensive team with solid if not great defense can win titles.

These Spurs can't play like they still have Bowen and Duncan in his prime. We need to improve defensively but must keep our "flashy offensive" style. I don't know how far it can get us, but I don't think we have much choice.

[Obstructed_View]

To everyone who is saying we don't need good D, you're nuts. We always beat the flashy offensive teams in the past with our intense D. Offensive juggernauts who can't play defense never win titles. It just doesn't happen.

The Spurs aren't an offensive juggernaut, but to say that they can't play defense is ridiculous. They aren't the same defensive team as they were when they had two all NBA first teamers, it's true, but they've shown they're capable of playing good defense, and scoring more and gambling more for steals makes up for a lot of that.

[Waps1980]

Everyone has been going on about our SF defense being the problem but RJ has stepped up big many times this season.
I think our biggest problem is PG defense, we have been scorched by many top quality PGs this is a problem, I know TP gives some back but never seems to be to the exact high level.
Rose, CP3, Williams, Rondo the list goes on these guys kill us all over and I'm not sure what we can do about them.