Not all is lost my compatriots. . .

[wunderkindepiphany]

Everybody is tripping out about our slide and, yes, its reason for concern. Yes, the coaching staff has been fiddling with lineup changes at an inopportune stretch of the season; I think everybody knows that once Blair was replaced in the starting lineup, the chemistry changed. Essentially, we are retooling for a playoff run. This would have been considerably difficult to adjust to, without injuries, but the recent string of injuries has compounded our adjustment issues.

Still, we have the personnel to compete against ANYBODY in this league. And, I know, we don't have very much size in the block, but we can still compete. You may not feel its true, but no one wants to see us in the first round. The Mavs can talk all they want, but they will take us seriously in a seven game series.

The Spurs hang their hat on consistency and attention to detail. The mantra in the locker-room is to "pound the rock". This slide is a rock.

If we can get rested and minimize the errors in our play, there is no reason we can't compete.

[John Basedow]

:lmao

[John Basedow]

I'm sorry, that was mean.

[wunderkindepiphany]

dude i dont know where you get off thinking you have room to laugh at anyone. Your avatar and video are one giant punchline.

[John Basedow]

dude i dont know where you get off thinking you have room to laugh at anyone. Your avatar and video are one giant punchline.

[wunderkindepiphany]

? I'm waiting for your comeback Jean-Claude

[John Basedow]

Scro my instructional video can save you from your hot-pocket eating existence and transform you into a man.

[wunderkindepiphany]

I haven't eaten a hot pocket in years, those things are gross. Catchy jingle though. Anyway nice one dude.

[futureAE]

I feel you man, i think we are reallizing that small ball is season ball and not playoff ball. Pop must of been traumatized by Phoenix and incorperated some of their style because he saw an opportunity with our personel. Blair, Jefferson, and the many we guards we have but Phoenix didnt beat us because of their small ball, they beat us cause we didnt have any one to defend it. What I'm saying is, WHY HAVE WE FORSAKEN OUR DEFENSE? We have plenty of offense for stretches.

Liabilities on Defense
Bonner
Blair
Jefferson

We need to focus on this. Our liabilty has always been on offense somewhat yet we won titles. We have offense now and this inflated record but the ugly truth is starting to show. We have very little hope unless we play Tiago and his "not ready" self because we are at our best with him defensively. Also we have no second small forward which makes us go small. Pop should have played James in. Chemistry or not WE NEED OUR BEST TWO WAY PLAYERS ON THE COURT.

[Capt Bringdown]

No worries, Pop's got a system.

[Reck]

The Spurs dont want to have any team that can take them to a game 7.

I know being optimistic is good but the faster you seen the problem the better it will be for your "piece of mind."

Spurs tired quickly. There most be a reason why they like the 3 ball.

They always aim to blow teams out because they want to dictate the flow of the game and when that doesn't happen they lose most of the time.

They're quite a few pieces away from a championship.

After this year Spurs are going to be an in interesting position. Tim is just about done and TP is just as inconsistent as they come.

This team is looking like a first round fodder post-Duncan era.

[Reck]

Scro my instructional video can save you from your hot-pocket eating existence and transform you into a man.

LOL@ you trying to be someone you're not.

Get a real life you douchebag.

[wunderkindepiphany]

No worries, Pop's got a system.

He does have a system and what is that supposed to mean? Are you knocking me for what I said earlier, about holding off on Tiago earlier in the season for preparation's sake? Notice I never said that I thought Tiago shouldn't have been playing in the game today, just that earlier in the season there was a method to Pop's madness, regarding not playing Tiago bigger minutes. If you weren't so stuck on knocking everything, you'd see that I was for playing Tiago today. And if you read further, I have said NUMEROUS times that Bonner is a liability on D.

[wunderkindepiphany]

The Spurs dont want to have any team that can take them to a game 7.

I know being optimistic is good but the faster you seen the problem the better it will be for your "piece of mind."

Spurs tired quickly. There most be a reason why they like the 3 ball.

They always aim to blow teams out because they want to dictate the flow of the game and when that doesn't happen they lose most of the time.

They're quite a few pieces away from a championship.

After this year Spurs are going to be an in interesting position. Tim is just about done and TP is just as inconsistent as they come.

This team is looking like a first round fodder post-Duncan era.

There is some truth to what you say, but I disagree on some stuff. Which, I guess, is what this is all about, different opinions. I think there is something about us trying to blow out teams thats true; I wouldn't go so far as to say we've adopted a D'Antoni playbook, but we have placed a bigger emphasis on running the fast break and putting up points. Our defense is inconsistent. We lack the size to bang, down low, but we stretch defenses and get a lot of looks in the paint because of a number of factors (P&R, 3 PT shot, etc.). I think tony is one of the best PGs in the league and, when healthy, one of the most consistent players on this team. Today he looked like shit. Tim is just about done, its the truth, but he can still draw fouls and plays the PF position better than a majority of those in the league. Not to mention, Tim turns it on for the playoffs. I know that sounds like a crutch, but I firmly believe Tim puts it all on the line in the second season. Spurs dont tire easily, but they do not play an extremely physical game. Their pace is actually one of the faster ones in the league, and in the half-court set they beat up on a lot of teams. Anyway, there's some truth to what you're saying.

[wunderkindepiphany]

The reason I say I think we have a chance in the playoffs is that, when healthy, Tony, Manu and Tim are a nightmare for ANY team. Add to that the fact that we have three very good shooters in Novak, Bonner, and Neal, and its tough to defend us. We commit teams to the perimeter, but fail to capitalize in the block, which is what most posters on this board are complaining about.

[John Basedow]

The reason I say I think we have a chance in the playoffs is that, when healthy, Tony, Manu and Tim are a nightmare for ANY team. Add to that the fact that we have three very good shooters in Novak, Bonner, and Neal, and its tough to defend us. We commit teams to the perimeter, but fail to capitalize in the block, which is what most posters on this board are complaining about.

This is 2011, not 2005. You guys can score some points and you've been a cute little revival story this year, but it's time for the big boys to take over.

[wunderkindepiphany]

This is 2011, not 2005. You guys can score some points and you've been a cute little revival story this year, but it's time for the big boys to take over.

Ok. Laker fans are like one big cliche. Like a ginormous gay troll.

[wunderkindepiphany]

At least Knicks dude came on with some real shit to say. You just talk mess. Isn't that the definition of a troll?

[Budkin]

This is 2011, not 2005. You guys can score some points and you've been a cute little revival story this year, but it's time for the big boys to take over.

Kobe's obviously on the decline as well and you all won't have Phil Jackson next year to keep the ship straight.

[futureAE]

There is some truth to what you say, but I disagree on some stuff. Which, I guess, is what this is all about, different opinions. I think there is something about us trying to blow out teams thats true; I wouldn't go so far as to say we've adopted a D'Antoni playbook, but we have placed a bigger emphasis on running the fast break and putting up points. Our defense is inconsistent. We lack the size to bang, down low, but we stretch defenses and get a lot of looks in the paint because of a number of factors (P&R, 3 PT shot, etc.). I think tony is one of the best PGs in the league and, when healthy, one of the most consistent players on this team. Today he looked like shit. Tim is just about done, its the truth, but he can still draw fouls and plays the PF position better than a majority of those in the league. Not to mention, Tim turns it on for the playoffs. I know that sounds like a crutch, but I firmly believe Tim puts it all on the line in the second season. Spurs dont tire easily, but they do not play an extremely physical game. Their pace is actually one of the faster ones in the league, and in the half-court set they beat up on a lot of teams. Anyway, there's some truth to what you're saying.

I understand why Pop let Manu and the guys talk him into playing more fast paced to get easier points and not put so much pressure on the half court offense but now i would like to go back to that. At least then we had ALOT ALOT of preparation for playoff basketball. We do not look too impressive in half court sets or organized. Now we have strong offensive pieces we once didnt have, i feel and could contend that we really need to slow the game down.

Pick your poison. I would rather die by our pound the rock culture that we are known for than this cherry picking attitude that is becoming more relevant.

BUST ASS ON DEFENSE AND OFFENSE = MENTAL TOUGHNESS AND DISCIPLINE. Pop seems pretty content with sub par defense.

[John Basedow]

Kobe's obviously on the decline as well and you all won't have Phil Jackson next year to keep the ship straight.

You may be right, but till then we're just gonna ride the wave to a 3-peat. Good times :hat

[John Basedow]

Ok. Laker fans are like one big cliche. Like a ginormous gay troll.

If you really need an explanation of why the Spurs are incapable of winning it this year, then I'm afraid trolling is all you'll get.

[Capt Bringdown]

This is 2011, not 2005. You guys can score some points and you've been a cute little revival story this year, but it's time for the big boys to take over.

Unpleasant, but that's the reality. Sure our big 3 is dangerous, but it's Kobe & the triple towers who are the nightmares for EVERY team.
Lakers are the champs, they hold the bar we must exceed. I'd say it's a safe bet that other teams fear the Lakers a hell of lot more than the Spurs, and for good reason.

[futureAE]

This is 2011, not 2005. You guys can score some points and you've been a cute little revival story this year, but it's time for the big boys to take over.

Lakers are not going to win this year and they only won last year cause Perkins got injured not to mention Kobe choked what like the whole second half.

If Spurs dont do it, Chicago would seem to be favorites.

Oklahoma will be your Huckleberry. They got the size and youth, one weakness and strength of yours matched and exceeded.

[wunderkindepiphany]

Unpleasant, but that's the reality. Sure our big 3 is dangerous, but it's Kobe & the triple towers who are the nightmares for EVERY team.
Lakers are the champs, they hold the bar we must exceed. I'd say it's a safe bet that other teams fear the Lakers a hell of lot more than the Spurs, and for good reason.

Thats a fair assessment. I dont know about laying down like we dont have a shot at the 'ship, but I do believe that it goes through LA.

[John Basedow]

Unpleasant, but that's the reality. Sure our big 3 is dangerous, but it's Kobe & the triple towers who are the nightmares for EVERY team.
Lakers are the champs, they hold the bar we must exceed. I'd say it's a safe bet that other teams fear the Lakers a hell of lot more than the Spurs, and for good reason.

Fans have been blinded by the record, and most are not realizing until now the consequences of Pop not playing Splitter.

[Sean Cagney]

:lol
No worries, Pop's got a system.

He has Bonner too, that alone is reason for worry. :lol:lol

[wunderkindepiphany]

Magic are my darkhorse. Its weird saying that the Magic are darkhorses, considering theyve been to the finals in the last five years and are stacked, but Id actually put more on them to be in the ECF than I would on the Bulls. Call me crazy.

[John Basedow]

Lakers are not going to win this year and they only won last year cause Perkins got injured not to mention Kobe choked what like the whole second half.

If Spurs dont do it, Chicago would seem to be favorites.

Oklahoma will be your Huckleberry. They got the size and youth, one weakness and strength of yours matched and exceeded.

That means OKC would have to go through you to get to the WCF. I take that as a concession that the Spurs will lose in the WCSF

[wunderkindepiphany]

Fans have been blinded by the record, and most are not realizing until now the consequences of Pop not playing Splitter.

Splitter is a part of it, but I believe that Pop had a reason for holding off on Splitter for a good portion of the season. I've watched most games on TV and about 10 at the AT&T center this year, and throughout most of the early season, Splitter looked either lost, soft, or winded. He's coming into his own now, but its taken development behind the curtain.

[duncan228]

Losing streaks have plagued other NBA champions (http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/03/27/losing-streaks-have-plagued-other-nba-champions/)
Tim Griffin

...Eight of the last 12 NBA titlists all had losing streak of at least three games. One had a four-game losing streak. Another one endured a six-game losing streak.

Here’s a look at the most recent championship teams and their longest losing streaks. Playoff losing streaks are included.

2010 L.A. Lakers – three games
2009 L.A. Lakers – two games (four times)
2008 Boston – three games
2007 San Antonio - three games (two times)
2006 Miami – four games
2005 San Antonio – three games
2004 Detroit – six games
2003 San Antonio – two games (four times)
2002 L.A. Lakers - three games
2001 L.A. Lakers – two games (seven times)
2000 L.A. Lakers – two games (five times)
1999 San Antonio – three games

Source: Express-News research.

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/03/27/losing-streaks-have-plagued-other-nba-champions/

[futureAE]

That means OKC would have to go through you to get to the WCF. I take that as a concession that the Spurs will lose in the WCSF


I can be realistic. OKC was built to beat Lakers. Sure we beat them up all year but they are a new team with a new bag. If we dont beat them they would be more of a headache for yall than us.

Think first round last year if you can. Then add Perkins, Nazr, and Robinson.

Loyalties aside lets talk basketball.

[mexicanjunior]

That means OKC would have to go through you to get to the WCF. I take that as a concession that the Spurs will lose in the WCSF

Spurs will be lucky to make it out of the first round...

[John Basedow]

Spurs will be lucky to make it out of the first round...

I wouldn't go THAT far now...:lol

[dbreiden83080]

Fans have been blinded by the record, and most are not realizing until now the consequences of Pop not playing Splitter.

They are beat to shit right now.. The Spurs were healthy most of the season and were on pace for 70 wins for most of it. If the Spurs get reasonably healthy for the playoffs they are gonna be a load for anybody.. And they are gonna hang on to the 1 seed..

[TampaDude]

Spurs are one and done in the playoffs. Book it.

[G-Dawgg]

The spurs can't shoot hot from the 3pt line for the whole playoffs.... and the one series that their 3pt fg% comes back to earth or suffers will be the series that we get eliminated in. The Spurs rely too heavily on the long-ball and don't have the defense to fall-back on when the 3's aren't falling....

..Mark my words.....

[spurs10]

Playing Matt and Blair for the majority of the 4th quarter is not working well. With Manu and Tim highly unlikely, we will need huge games from everyone and more of Dice and Tiago to close the game out. Tomorrow our outside shooting needs to come alive. Again putting the clamps on Aldridge will be essential.

[Budkin]

Spurs are one and done in the playoffs. Book it.

Ok you just gave yourself away right there. :lol

[admiralsnackbar]

This is 2003, not 1999. You guys can score some points and you've been a cute little revival story this year, but it's time for the big boys to take over.

That's funny... I remember douchebags like you saying this not so long ago. Your cute little three-peat story turned into punchline in an AMEX ad.