TP's point of view on the Spurs in l'Equipe

[adrien]

My translation of an article by Olivier Pheulpin in today's "L'équipe"

About Duncan's injury

"It's not a disaster since it will enable Blair and Splitter to take more responsabilities. It's too bad we didn't use Tiago more during regular season because he is used to playing big games. But competition is fierce in the paint with McDyess and Bonner. However, we need Duncan at 100% during playoffs. We won't go anywhere without him."

On Spurs' defense

"We know very well that in order to win the title, we have to defend. We played and defeated teams like Dallas and Phoenix that scored 110-120 points a game, but they couldn't do that against us because of our defense. Without defense, we won't go anywhere. We know that we are still very far from the level required to win a title."

Is it the best season of his career ?

"I score less because I shoot less. The team is better so I don't have to shoot as much. Even though I think it's a bit lopsided since I think Manu and I have to score a lot to beat good teams. I'm 28, I start to be in my prime and the best years of my career. Even if I haven't been to the All-star game, I think this has been my best season."

About the Spurs level and the fact they shoot more 3s

"Manu and I score quite a lot of points but we also "clear the game" (french expression) by making assists. With all the shooters we have, we give them time to fire with our penetrations. The result is that our O is much better than the former Spurs teams that won the rings... But our D is also much worse. And that's what we lack to be compared with those former teams."

Is the bench deeper ?

"We may have the best bench since i've been here. Neal is great. He has definitely become my favourite target. He is fearless. He is a great pick-up."

Conclusion

"It's going to be tough. I've never been through such a regular season. But being first is pointless if we don't get the ring. The years we won the title, I was believing we were going to win. Today, I think we have a good team, we have a chance against the Lakers but I'm not as confident as I was the years we got the rings."

[Bruno]

Thanks for the translation. :tu


It's too bad we didn't use Tiago more during regular season because he is used to playing big games.

But he doesn't spread the floor...
I trust Pop and hopefully he will make the right choice and put back Splitter in the doghouse when Tim will be back.


Today, I think we have a good team, we have a chance against the Lakers but I'm not as confident as I was the years we got the rings.

It's hard not to put Lakers as favorite against Spurs with the way they have played since the all star break.

[Giuseppe]

But being first is pointless if we don't get the ring.

Geez, does that go against conventional wisdom of Spurs Fan.

:lol

[igruex]

As usual Tony being so honest.. it makes you uncomfortable. In Spurs' minds there is no doubt the Lakers are the team to beat.

[Cessation]

Even parker knows that splitter should have been intergrated earlier.

[Leetonidas]

The last quote is somewhat troublesome

[Stringer_Bell]

But he doesn't spread the floor...
I trust Pop and hopefully he will make the right choice and put back Splitter in the doghouse when Tim will be back.

:lmao

Are you for real? :wow

[mingus]

IF the Spurs beat the Lakers this year, crying will be allowed. it would be a massive upset. Duncan would have to tap into stuff he hasn't pulled off in at least two years. basically have to make Gasol his bitch. the only team that won championships without a consistent low post threat was Detroit in '04 and the Bulls teams, but the rest have needed 20 ppg from their post player, even Kobe (shit he needs 2 who can do it).

[Marco]

Parker is a player and knows the value of Splitter.
Too bad Pop is only a wine connoisseur and no more a coach.

[timaios]

:lmao

Are you for real? :wow

Do you know the meaning of the word sarcasm ?

[Budkin]

He sounds annoyed an unconfident. Good combination for success.

[Stringer_Bell]

Do you know the meaning of the word sarcasm ?

No, possibly because french isn't my first language.

Somebody, I can't always recall who, always counters with the "Bonner spreads the floor" bit. Sometimes it's me too. I can usually tell its a joke, but not this time. There's an actual movement out there, real crazy people, that would rather "spread the floor" than have a decent rebounding and post presence alongside Tim. :nope

[SenorSpur]

It's good to know that we're not the only ones questioning the decision to keep Splitter chained to the bench, when he was finally healthy enough to play.

[dunkman]

It's interesting that Parker doesn't feel the Spurs are going to win it all. After 4 straight lost games it's not a surprise though.

[timaios]

No, possibly because french isn't my first language.

Somebody, I can't always recall who, always counters with the "Bonner spreads the floor" bit. Sometimes it's me too. I can usually tell its a joke, but not this time. There's an actual movement out there, real crazy people, that would rather "spread the floor" than have a decent rebounding and post presence alongside Tim. :nope

You're wrong.

[stxspurs]

the last quote is somewhat troublesome

reverse jinx!

[G-Dawgg]

Tony know that offense is not getting them the title this year...and he knows their defense is too porous...

[adrien]

It's interesting that Parker doesn't feel the Spurs are going to win it all. After 4 straight lost games it's not a surprise though.

I'm pretty sure this interview was made before last night's Portland loss or even before the losing streak started.

[Pauleta14]

Even parker knows that splitter should have been intergrated earlier.

+1

I like his argument in favor of Splitter...

The main reason I sure he's gonna help the team during the PO is because "he is used to playing big games" !!!

He has shown on the international level that he is good under pressure, something not so usual (ie, Bonner!)...

[4>0rings]

You just know everyone on the team HATES Bonner playing and hates Pop for playing Bonner.

Also why is it that every interview NOT in this country they give honest answers, not what the public/media want to hear?

[Amuseddaysleeper]

I wonder if Tony or any of the big 3 have talked to Pop about playing Splitter more. Really depressing to hear what Tony is saying about their confidence though.

[Harry Callahan]

Splitter was hurt most of the year and was not able to get out there and do it.

This streak w/o Tim shows he is a player. Just like everyone else, he has to be physically well with the opportunity to play.

This was the first time all year things fell into place for him.

[nkdlunch]

You can tell Tiago is used to big games. He does not crumble like Bonner or even the young guys Hill, Blair. Yeah, his FTs suck and he makes crap plays once in a while but at this point, so does Duncan.

Jefferson is the biggest dissapointment in the team by far. Dude is used to big games, 15 year or so veteran and still looks like a piece of trash most of the crunch time.

[ducks]

spurs hopefully can beat the lakers

the way the lakers are playing right now they are the favorites

had spurs gone 15-1 since the allstar break people would fear them

spurs main problem is health
spurs will be more confident when everyone is healthy again

[temujin]

It's pretty obvious Parker does not believe they can win it all.

Can't blame him.

[duncan228]

Thanks for the translation. It's always nice to hear from players in their own words.

[TampaDude]

Spurs will need to be at 100% with HCA or they have no shot.

[pookenstein]

Do you know the meaning of the word sarcasm ?


He should have used blue tbh...

[tmtcsc]

Tony speaks the truth. Unless they up their defense, we won't win the title. He's not AS confident as in years past. No one in this forum is either.

But the playoffs are pretty darn special and guys up their games. It will be fun to see us adjust and play balls out. I think we've seen sparks of what it takes to play solid D. This team can do it, they just have to want it bad enough.

The best D we played all year was in the first home game against the Lakers. I don't think Bynum played in that one. Might be a reason we won so easily.

[SenorSpur]

TP is probably just being realistic. He knows that, unlike in years past, this team isn't capable of "dialing it up" defensively. They just do not have the necessary players who can do that.

[Stringer_Bell]

You're wrong.

And what's that I'm wrong about, Willis?