Adjustments for Game 2 - Spurs vs. Grizzlies

[timvp]

Looking back, what's the good news and bad news Spurs fans can take from Game 1?

The good news is that many points in the gameplan were executed to perfection.


The Grizzlies got only five offensive rebounds. During the regular season, they averaged nearly triple that against the Spurs.


Zach Randolph averaged more than seven offensive rebounds per game against the Spurs in the regular season. In Game 1, he was held without an offensive rebound.


The Grizzlies only scored 40 points in the paint. Their regular season average led the league at more than 50 points in the paint per game.


The Spurs only turned the ball over 10 times and the Grizzlies only had two steals. Memphis led the NBA in steals.


The Spurs controlled the tempo and limited the Grizzlies to only five fast break points, while scoring 15 fast break points of their own.


The Spurs went to the free throw line 47 times. That was their most trips to the charity stripe in nearly eight years.


The bad news is the Spurs accomplished all of that but still lost the game. The Spurs are unlikely to follow their gameplan any better the rest of the series, which is sobering thought.



So if the Spurs did all that good work, how did they lose?

Give the Grizzlies credit, they knocked down their shots. From 16 feet and out, Memphis hit 14-of-27 attempts. The Spurs, on the other hand, were just 7-for-33 on two-pointers that weren't at the rim.

Defensively, it appeared as if the Spurs were willing to give up mid-range jumpers in an attempt to keep the Grizzlies out of the paint. The Grizzlies, as the stats show, made the Spurs pay for that strategy.

On the other side of the court, the Grizzlies pressured the Spurs for practically every inch, which definitely played a part in the Spurs shooting 21.2% on two-pointers away from the rim.

The other obvious reason for the loss was the absence of Manu Ginobili. More specifically, the Spurs missed the way Ginobili usually quarterbacks the second unit. Even though he has started all season, his biggest help has been the way he has elevated the bench players.

In Game 1, the starters actually did good work. When Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, George Hill and Richard Jefferson were on the court, the Spurs outscored the Grizzlies by 14 points. But when the bench players were on the court, the offensive efficiency plummeted -- and that just doesn't happen when Ginobili is around.



Do you have any second thoughts to your initial reaction (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=177213) after rewatching the tape?

Tony Parker wasn't as bad on tape as I thought when watching it live. Yes, he missed a ton of easy shots, but his execution throughout the game was solid. Almost all of his 12 misses were good looks and he created a lot of open shots for his teammates. And with the Grizzlies playing him physical, Parker took advantage by getting to the line 16 times while only turning the ball over twice.

If Parker gets the same looks again and creates the same shots in Game 2, he could very easily go for 32 and 10. Plus, that much criticized jumper he missed late in the fourth wasn't exactly a new idea. Parker hit that same exact shot in a much more important game (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJ_JrJRGBvA).

Conversely, on second viewing, Antonio McDyess was even worse. He made a lot of mistakes on defense in addition to being physically manhandled. On offense, his presence allowed the Grizzlies to sag into the paint and clog the lane.



Like the rest of the known Spurs fans in the universe, you think Tiago Splitter should play more, right?

Actually I don't. He just doesn't have enough experience in the system. Blame the injuries that kept him out of training camp. Blame Pop for not making it a priority to indoctrinate Splitter during the regular season. But at this point, it's just too late. The ship has sailed.

And really, I don't think Splitter is a good fit to force feed against the Grizzlies. If Memphis is going to sag against McDyess, they'd really sag off of Splitter. Secondly, Splitter's main flaw right now is he has weak hands. The Grizzlies are the last team you want to play against if you have issues controlling the basketball.



But Matt Bonner sucks!!!

He was much, much better than I expected he'd be in Game 1. Defensively, he actually wasn't liability. By my count, the player he defended scored nine points on 4-for-9 shooting from the floor. Bonner also boxed out extremely well, especially in the fourth quarter against Randolph.

Offensively, he scored 12 points on four shots and didn't turn the ball over. Those two three-pointers he hit late were extremely surprising considering he has sucked shooting in the playoffs ... much less shooting under pressure in the playoffs. Let's hope it's a sign that Bonner may finally be ready to carry his regular season level of play into the postseason.



You're crazy. Splitter rules, Bonner's a fool. Anyways, what adjustments are needed in Game 2?

The Spurs have to find a way to slow down Randolph and Marc Gasol. In Game 1, that duo scored 49 points on 19-for-25 shooting from the field. San Antonio can afford for one of the two bigs to have a good game -- but not both. Paying more attention to Gasol and throwing more defensive looks at Randolph should help.

What isn't helping is Memphis' marksmanship from three-point land against the Spurs. In the five games against the Spurs this season, the Grizzlies are 25-for-54 on three-pointers for 46.3% -- including 6-for-10 in Game 1. In the other 78 games they've played, they are 32.9% from deep. The Spurs have to defend the three-point line better, but you also have to think their percentage will start regress toward the mean.

I also think it's important in Game 2 to get George Hill going early. He's a player who tends to play a lot better if he begins well. If Hill struggles early, he has a bad habit of playing more and more passively as the game progresses. The Spurs really need an offensive punch from Hill, so Pop needs to call a couple early plays for him.

Pop also has to be careful with McDyess. If he's a dud again, pulling the plug early is vital. Bonner and DeJuan Blair showed enough in Game 1 to replace McDyess if need be.

The offensive gameplan needs to adjust to how Duncan is playing. In Game 1, he was playing too well to get only a handful of touches in the second half. If Duncan has it rolling again in Game 2, the Spurs need to look for him a lot more, especially if Ginobili isn't at full force.



You talk as if Ginobili is playing ...

He has to. The AT&T Center in Game 1 felt more like a funeral than a playoff game. Everyone -- from the players to the fans to the ushers -- was mourning the fact that Ginobili was sitting on the sideline with a face like Father Pop had sent him to his room behind the bench. (Well, since that's basically what happened, it's difficult to blame anyone.)

Even if it's more of a ceremonial Willis Reed type role (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Mz4WcaknVc), the Spurs need the emotional lift. And even with one arm, I expect Ginobili to some how, some way make a difference.



[I]Is this a must-win game?

Yeah, it is. These Grizzlies aren't your typical 8th seed. As we've already discussed, the Spurs took away their main strengths and yet they were still able to win on the road. The number of 8th seeds in history who could do that can be counted on one hand. If the Spurs aren't mentally prepared for a long, difficult series, they are in for a surprise ... and a possible upset.

Get Game 2.

1.

Believe.

[urunobili]

thanks timvp! Go Spurs tonight!!!

[JR3]

Great read Timvp. I'm excited for game 2. I'm not concerned yet. How many championships have we won after losing game 1 of the first round? Heck, we have had our share of series wins after a game 1 loss. Go SPURS GO!

[Splits]

Excellent write up. Finally, some truth about that game is posted instead of idiots claiming ridiculous fiction such as Bonner guarded Randolph every trip down the floor or Dice played decent defense. I hope you're right about Gino, I expect him to lead the Spurs to a big win tonight.

[jmanu20]

Good writeup, timvp, but I have to disagree with you on one thing: I think putting Splitter out there would be worth a shot. Sure, I don't see BOTH Gasol and Randolph shooting that well again tonight, but Timmy had to carry much of the defensive load against those two by himself because of our lack of height on the front line. Monty Williams (a Pop disciple, as I'm sure you know) threw an underutilized Aaron Gray out there to neutralize the Lakers' size, and it was a huge part in the Hornets stealing game 1.

[honestfool84]

:tu

[Mugen]

Do you think Pop starts Blair tonight in place of Dice? I know he went to that in the 2nd half last game. Not sure if it was because of foul trouble but I actually like the move going into Game 2 as well.

Memphis' biggest advantage is their front court. To see how they pretty much torched us in Game 1 and to say that giving Tiago some mins. couldn't help doesn't really make sense. It's not like DeJuan is spreading the floor when he's out there with Timmy....

Good points, as always though.

[honestfool84]

in all honesty, i think Splitter might play against the Lakers if/when we meet them.

call me crazy, but i think that will be the case.

[z0sa]

Great points concerning Bonner. All that "Golden Minute" talk concerning his clutch 3's was such non-sense. Dude played his heart out, didn't overthink anything, and did exactly what everyone pisses on him about for not doing - made clutch shots.

[Splits]

Do you think Pop starts Blair tonight in place of Dice? I know he went to that in the 2nd half last game. Not sure if it was because of foul trouble but I actually like the move going into Game 2 as well.

I believe in the shootaround video yesterday Pop was asked, besides Gino, if there would be any starting lineup changes, and he said no. So Dice should start, but I sure hope the string on him is short and he isn't jacking up his 18 footer with double-digits left on the shot clock.

[Obstructed_View]

Like the rest of the known Spurs fan in the universe, you think Tiago Splitter should play more, right?

Actually I don't. He just doesn't have enough experience in the system. Blame the injuries that kept him out of training camp. Blame Pop for not making it a priority to indoctrinate Splitter during the regular season. But at this point, it's just too late. The ship has sailed.

And really, I don't think Splitter is a good fit to force feed against the Grizzlies. If Memphis is going to sag against McDyess, they'd really sag off of Splitter. Secondly, Splitter's main flaw right now is he has weak hands. The Grizzlies are the last team you want to play against if you have issues controlling the basketball.

Precisely.

I agree that the reason for his not playing is that he doesn't have enough time in the system by the person that didn't give him any time. I agree that the ship has sailed for this year, whether or not he'd actually be able to contribute.

Additionally, the second paragraph is the key: Even if they played him, it wouldn't be the way anyone calling for him would want in this series. He'd get minutes behind Duncan, not beside him, and he would indeed get the ball far too much on offense. Having both of them on the floor could allow Duncan some rest on offense by allowing him to stand 20 feet from the basket while Splitter takes the beating, and you still have as close to shut-down interior defense as the Spurs have had in a long time. There probably aren't two players who have played fewer minutes together than Duncan and Splitter this year.

[Mugen]

I believe in the shootaround video yesterday Pop was asked, besides Gino, if there would be any starting lineup changes, and he said no. So Dice should start, but I sure hope the string on him is short and he isn't jacking up his 18 footer with double-digits left on the shot clock.

Disappointing to hear. Thought Pop had come to his senses and realized that Blair/Bonner should never be out there with Randolph/Gasol.

[Obstructed_View]

Disappointing to hear. Thought Pop had come to his senses and realized that Blair/Bonner should never be out there with Randolph/Gasol.

Bonner and Blair were way better than Dice. The only lineup change Pop would make to the front line would be one of those guys to start.

[Budkin]

Your posts always put order to chaos.

[duncan228]

Get Game 2.

1.

Believe.

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x282/duncan228/lead/leadone2.jpg

[Mugen]

Bonner and Blair were way better than Dice. The only lineup change Pop would make to the front line would be one of those guys to start.

Agree with both points. I wanted to see Blair start tonight.

[ducks]

but but but but but tp sucked ass and he was the main reason they lost

[ducks]

Disappointing to hear. Thought Pop had come to his senses and realized that Blair/Bonner should never be out there with Randolph/Gasol.

pop cia

[Obstructed_View]

Agree with both points. I wanted to see Blair start tonight.

I'm sure it's been impressed upon Dice for three days how badly he played. He probably deserves one more shot to redeem himself.

[Obstructed_View]

but but but but but tp sucked ass and he was the main reason they lost

Main reason? No, but don't act like it wasn't a big reason they lost.

Love the TPark wannabe act, btw. Well done.

[ohmwrecker]

Interesting points, but is timvp interviewing himself here? What's going on?

[Mugen]

I'm sure it's been impressed upon Dice for three days how badly he played. He probably deserves one more shot to redeem himself.

His play has been subpar since he was inserted into the starting lineup.

I think Dice will play better tonight. But my thinking with Blair starting is to see how he handles Randolph early with the luxury of playing with Tim. If he's getting torched than you can bring Dice in for a different look. As opposed to Dice starting and still playing bad, then you'd have to rely on Blair/Bonner to cool down Randolph.

Dice's play is crucial to winning this series, IMO.

[timvp]

Do you think Pop starts Blair tonight in place of Dice? I know he went to that in the 2nd half last game. Not sure if it was because of foul trouble but I actually like the move going into Game 2 as well. The lineup change to begin the second half was very likely due to foul trouble. However, like you, I wouldn't be mad at Pop for changing the starting lineup. With Blair going up against Randolph, at the very least the Spurs can count on an energetic start.


Memphis' biggest advantage is their front court. To see how they pretty much torched us in Game 1 and to say that giving Tiago some mins. couldn't help doesn't really make sense. Their bigs did a lot of their damage with jumpers. I don't think Splitter would be a big improvement in defending the mid-range area.

If the Grizzlies dominated in the paint, I could possibly see the advantage of simply getting Splitter's size out there ... but that wasn't the case in Game 1.


It's not like DeJuan is spreading the floor when he's out there with Timmy....The three areas where Blair has an advantage over Splitter are strength with the basketball, rebounding and experience. The Grizzlies leading the league in steals and previously dominating the Spurs on the boards makes those first two points important. This being the playoffs makes experience important.

Don't get me wrong, if I were in charge, I would have given Splitter a lot more minutes during the regular season so he could be ready for the playoffs. But Pop didn't so, like I said, I think that ship has sailed.

During the regular season, Duncan and Splitter played together for about 33 minutes total. TOTAL. On the season, Duncan and Blair played together for 930 minutes.

If the Spurs fail to win a championship, Spurs fans will point to the lack of Splitter as perhaps the main reason. I probably won't be able to totally disagree ...

[Lebowski Brickowski]

Did you just interview yourself?

Yes

seriously -- good writeup

[ducks]

neal is much better then a 50% manu


manu is not that great of a three point shooter
especially with a guy in his face
mem would be wise to force him to drive
if they play as phyisical as last game manu would not drive
how many times did tp hit the ground

[timvp]

There probably aren't two players who have played fewer minutes together than Duncan and Splitter this year.

Good call. Beat me to it.

[ducks]

oh and pop telling everyone if manu does not they can not win
and always going to manu and no one else really helps spurs condifence late in the game

[Fabbs]

Nope. I'll bet Splitter could hold his own and possibly excell just as he has in plenty of spots this season.
Even if he doesn't, give him the freaking chance and pull him. Farking Bonner has gotten how many chances the last three playoffs?

To just carte blanche judge as "no he couldn't do it" -wrong.

[ohmwrecker]

I have always been against pulling Blair from the starting line-up. Whatever adjustment period that needed to transpire to make this decision work, has come and gone without improvement. McDyess has performed much better from the bench this season and Blair has been worse since being demoted.

I still think Splitter should get a few minutes if the situation calls. For instance, if Gasol gets going, they can throw Splitter in there as a "cooler". Putting a big body on Gasol and making him work a little harder. He can grab a couple of boards, draw a couple of charges and collect some fouls, but it could provide a momentum shift if needed.

[timvp]

For instance, if Gasol gets going, they can throw Splitter in there as a "cooler".

In theory, I don't disagree.

In reality, Splitter was dominated by Gasol this season. In 18 minutes Splitter played against Gasol, Gasol had 11 points, five rebounds and three assists while the Grizzlies outscored the Spurs by 22 points.

[Splits]

In theory, I don't disagree.

In reality, Splitter was dominated by Gasol this season. In 18 minutes Splitter played against Gasol, Gasol had 11 points, five rebounds and three assists while the Grizzlies outscored the Spurs by 22 points.

Out of curiosity, where do you get these matchup statistics? I don't doubt the validity, but sure would like the resource!

[timvp]

Out of curiosity, where do you get these matchup statistics? I don't doubt the validity, but sure would like the resource!

That one was via StatsCube (http://www.nba.com/statscube/), which was just launched a couple days ago.

[Libri]

That one was via StatsCube (http://www.nba.com/statscube/), which was just launched a couple days ago.

Thanks, bookmarked.

[EVAY]

Count on Memphis trying to get McDyess in foul trouble again early.

I'm sure that Pop will start McDyess, but both Memphis big men are way too fast for him. He is very strong, and his attempt to counter their quickness with his strength is what got him in foul trouble, I think.

This is one (and perhaps the only one) playoff team we will face where I think the Duncan/Blair combo makes more sense than the Duncan /McDyess combo.

Part of the problem here is that their front court big men are going to be on court together a lot more minutes than our starting big-man duo, however it is constituted.

So there is going to be a large component of our second string bigs vs. their first-string bigs, and that is not at all a good thing for us trying to win.

[rmt]

Going by the StatsCube, Splitter should be defending Randolph, not Gasol.

[024]

the splitter cultists aren't going to be happy about this..

[mingus]

Gasol and Randolph will not be limited defensively as you say they need to be. I was at the game second row. Know what I saw when Bonner checked in? Saw Gasol tell Randolph to give him the ball next possession when Bonner was on him. Sure enough, it did happen. Gasol did not score the next possession, but that's the strategy they will keep on employing until it won't work anymore. Guess what? It hasn't not worked all season.

[Mugen]

the splitter cultists aren't going to be happy about this..

:lol We've resigned to the fact that he won't be playing til next season.

Tiago supporters, which is pretty much the majority of Spurs fans, just wanted him to have a fair chance to earn playing time this year, which he never got.

Btw, timvp is basing his conclusions of Tiago's impact on this series on a pretty limited sample size....I think he would contribute a lot and he doesn't. No way of really knowing with the few meaningful minutes Tiago has gotten this season.

[ginobilized]

great writing and thoughts

go spurs!

[romad_20]

I don't know why Hill didn't get going early last game. Pop put him in charge of the offense while Tony played off guard and he was a ball stopper. I like his energy with Manu on the court with him or even Tony controlling the ball while Hill comes off screens. I always feel he's most effective in the corner or coming off screens and not hesitating to shoot. I hope he makes the adjustment.

[John Basedow]

The Grizzlies have a lot more to improve than the Spurs imo.

16 turnovers (spurs had 10)
33 fouls--many of them stupid--bailed the spurs out countless times with the shot-clock winding down.
Their perimeter players were unspectacular as well.

Z-BO will get his this series, but Gasol probably won't put up those kinda #'s again. That being said, Gasol is quite capable of proving the doubters wrong--especially against that front-line (assuming Splitter sits again).

Spurs will probably take this one b/c of the desperation factor.

[DesignatedT]

If the Spurs can control the tempo of the game and get out in transition the grizzlies have zero chance against us. The whole foul situation although it gave us more free throws at the end of the day really benefited MEM because it constantly slowed the game down and turned it into a half-court game which we don't want anymore. If I were MEM and Hollins I would continue to tell the guys to foul and play ultra aggressive because IMO that is the only way they have a chance in this series.

We need to get out on the break where we can get easy layups and 3s in transition because there half court defense is no joke especially if we don't have a healthy Manu since he is our go to guy in that scenario.

[lurker23]

timvp bringing the goods. :tu I knew we were just saving him for the playoffs.

[TDMVPDPOY]

are we all on the same page if spurs are out in the first round

pop is fired?

[DesignatedT]

are we all on the same page if spurs are out in the first round

pop is fired?

that's not going to happen my friend.

[TDMVPDPOY]

:lol We've resigned to the fact that he won't be playing til next season.

Tiago supporters, which is pretty much the majority of Spurs fans, just wanted him to have a fair chance to earn playing time this year, which he never got.

Btw, timvp is basing his conclusions of Tiago's impact on this series on a pretty limited sample size....I think he would contribute a lot and he doesn't. No way of really knowing with the few meaningful minutes Tiago has gotten this season.

i dont think its whether he gets the chance or not, or knowing the system

we know what he can do during his limitless minutes in the regular season

you dont go play small against a big lineup thats abusing us down low...not with our shitty roster frontline rotation.


this series will be like the mavs/spurs series where GHILL didnt play until the final game where he was used and guess what happen? we won that game and it was till late to make any adjustments for the series....this is the same situation with splitter. he can be the difference maker in a series or down low to contend/contain the grizz frontline

we better use him now or else in the next series against the thunder we are doom with perkins and abaka powering in the key and relyin on undersized bigs to play against them...

i look at the pacers frontline, they got shitall and their coach aint afraid to use young inexperience players to hand out easy 6 fouls

[TDMVPDPOY]

that's not going to happen my friend.

well unless theres a lockout and duncan callin it quits, i see no reason why peter holt wont ask pop to resign to save him another 8m a season...

[Mugen]

that's not going to happen my friend.

I'd be worried for you if that ever happened. But you're right, no chance.


i dont think its whether he gets the chance or not, or knowing the system

we know what he can do during his limitless minutes in the regular season

you dont go play small against a big lineup thats abusing us down low...not with our shitty roster frontline rotation.


this series will be like the mavs/spurs series where GHILL didnt play until the final game where he was used and guess what happen? we won that game and it was till late to make any adjustments for the series....this is the same situation with splitter. he can be the difference maker in a series or down low to contend/contain the grizz frontline

we better use him now or else in the next series against the thunder we are doom with perkins and abaka powering in the key and relyin on undersized bigs to play against them...

i look at the pacers frontline, they got shitall and their coach aint afraid to use young inexperience players to hand out easy 6 fouls

Preaching to the choir mate.

[John Basedow]

well unless theres a lockout and duncan callin it quits, i see no reason why peter holt wont ask pop to resign to save him another 8m a season...

It's not going to happen...even if they get swept.

[DesignatedT]

Even if it's only for 10-15 minutes a game, I don't see why Tiago couldn't go out there with the mindset to just D up Randolph or Gasol. He probably wouldn't even be able to play much more then that anyway with the way he will be treated by the whistles.

I don't think anyone is calling for him to start now or to finish the game on the court but he could definitely be helpful to help keep Marc and Zach off the glass and out of the paint and he wouldn't need very many minutes to contribute in that fashion.

[polandprzem]

That one was via StatsCube (http://www.nba.com/statscube/), which was just launched a couple days ago.

Yup this is snother kill me but I do not look at the stats.

You can get crazy. I hate stats really !



I don't know about Ginobili. He still is not ready to play the game. Willis Reed type of player - maybe.

But there is Tim Duncan for sake!



About Hill. he was trying to be too aggressive and that's why he failed to succeed. Indiana Goeorge - well he took it to heart too much.

Anyway he needs to be more patient and execute better.

Same with TP. he can be vicious inside.


Umm give Tim more touches?
Well I don't think that it will work that great. He needs more then in reg but the spurs cannot just change the strategy all of sudden. Ball movement is almost non existent.
Also three pointes. Spurs were unable to produce in that area and that was the reason they are no1 seeded.


well okay

This is the time to see if the spurs are a real contender cause Thunder looks great.

[gameFACE]

Is this a must-win game?

Yeah, it is. These Grizzlies aren't your typical 8th seed. As we've already discussed, the Spurs took away their main strengths and yet they were still able to win on the road. The number of 8th seeds in history who could do that can be counted on one hand. If the Spurs aren't mentally prepared for a long, difficult series, they are in for a surprise ... and a possible upset.

Get Game 2.

1.

Believe.

The Spurs are also not your typical 1st seed, too. And this version of the Spurs is not your typical Spurs either. Defensively, they have got to get stops at the end of the game. No three's if the game is close in the last few seconds. Foul them.

The Spurs should be able to win without Manu. But they did miss him in his ability to get a stop by forcing a turnover, steal, taking a charge, etc.

[Cessation]

Bonner got lucky that game, when his man isolated him, he missed some easy shots. Ginger still didn't box out well, I saw him give up offencive boards more than once.

[Obstructed_View]

If the Spurs can control the tempo of the game and get out in transition the grizzlies have zero chance against us. The whole foul situation although it gave us more free throws at the end of the day really benefited MEM because it constantly slowed the game down and turned it into a half-court game which we don't want anymore. If I were MEM and Hollins I would continue to tell the guys to foul and play ultra aggressive because IMO that is the only way they have a chance in this series.

We need to get out on the break where we can get easy layups and 3s in transition because there half court defense is no joke especially if we don't have a healthy Manu since he is our go to guy in that scenario.

:toast

Since any talk of desperately throwing a mythical big out there to save the defense is just wishful thinking, the above is absolutely the critical point. Honest to God, what happened to the running game? Watching the Spurs walk the ball up (and having George Hill doing most of it) had me screaming at the TV for most of the game.

With or without Manu, the Spurs need to be running and sharing the ball. This is the new Spurs, and this is how they win. Waiting 82 games to turn into a half court team is a recipe for disaster.

[Obstructed_View]

Bonner got lucky that game, when his man isolated him, he missed some easy shots. Ginger still didn't box out well, I saw him give up offencive boards more than once.

Yet he was probably the most consistent defensive big in the game. If Dice is going to be as bad as he was in game 1, then Blair and Bonner are who you want out there.

BTW, can we get some minutes for Duncan? What the hell did they rest him for all season?

[Obstructed_View]

Good call. Beat me to it.

I just guessed, but I've been bitterly disappointed about that all season, so I knew it couldn't have been very many.

[Obstructed_View]

crofl @ not mentioning richard jeffersons AWFUL AWFUL defense play to lose the game ....

Wrong thread, idiot.

[Cessation]

Yet he was probably the most consistent defensive big in the game. If Dice is going to be as bad as he was in game 1, then Blair and Bonner are who you want out there.

BTW, can we get some minutes for Duncan? What the hell did they rest him for all season?

Dice was terrible thats true, he's playing much worse than last year, don't think he'll get any better, looks like age has caught up to him. He shouldn't be starting, he would be perfect coming of the bench, though. Bonner/Blair didn't do much better, in first half the kept the game even, and in second half they gave up a run to the opposing team. Other than bonners two threes, he had a pretty unremarkable game. He did better than I expected, but it's only one game, he's gonna have to show some consistency, if he wants to drop that choker tag.

[The Truth #6]

If Blair and his horrible jump shot can play against MEM then in theory Splitter should be able to play as well. Splitter isn't the savior, but should be considered as an option against their frontline, if only to give some variety, because whatever the team is doing isn't working that well.

Also, Splitter's constant moving around on offense, in theory, should help the offensive movement (not that anyone ever passes him the ball when he's rolling to the basket, but that's another issue...)

[Obstructed_View]

Dice was terrible thats true, he's playing much worse than last year, don't think he'll get any better, looks like age has caught up to him. He shouldn't be starting, he would be perfect coming of the bench, though. Bonner/Blair didn't do much better, in first half the kept the game even, and in second half they gave up a run to the opposing team. Other than bonners two threes, he had a pretty unremarkable game. He did better than I expected, but it's only one game, he's gonna have to show some consistency, if he wants to drop that choker tag.

Agreed. I'd really love to see Pop just throw the lion's share of the minutes at Blair and Duncan if he's absolutely convinced that Splitter's incapable of contributing as much as Danny Green. You could get Bonner four or five shots in only a couple of minutes because there's realistically nothing he provides that Blair doesn't if you've got two or three other three point shooters on the floor at the time.

[TDMVPDPOY]

rj. blair and dice better show up today

[objective]

someone else posted it, but it's worth repeating.

The same "Splitter's not ready" argument was made for playing Mason and Vaughn over George Hill. It was a terrible mistake then and a terrible mistake now.

Splitter can help the Spurs win more than any big not named Duncan. It's never too late to start over, every excuse-laden game for not playing him isn't the end, just an opportunity for a new beginning.

But what's the point, really? We all know he's not playing. This team is a fraud team that is exactly the same as last year's fraud team except Neal is in for Mason/Bogans. A busted up Manu, an out of sorts Parker, and so on.

The whole point of signing Splitter, the whole point of waiting these three years on him, was to help the team. By not playing Splitter, the Spurs deserve to lose.

They can beat Memphis by just reproducing last year's first round of getting carried by the big 3 plus Hill, but they are the same flawed team.

[temujin]

Splitter has less "experience" than Blair?

Splitter has played dozens of in-or-out games around the worst european arenas, places where you go in, but you don't know exactly WHEN you are going out if you win th game. Places where you can't hear your teammate screaming at you at arm's length.
Not the creepy graveyard places like Sunday, where you could hear a coin drop while the ball is in play.

[igruex]

BTW, can we get some minutes for Duncan? What the hell did they rest him for all season?

He played far more than his average, I guess Pop thinks he just can't sustain a high level of play for 40+ mins, and sadly, he's probably right.

Manu continues to be the answer to MEM's riddle. :(

[romsho]

Even if the plan was to not play Splitter, it should have changed when Blair and McDyess were saddled with 5 fouls apiece. At the very least, Splitter give you height, good position defense, does the dirty work rebounding and taking scharges, and most importantly, has 6 fouls to use. Leaving the team defensively neutered because of foul trouble is just assinine when you have that left on the bench. For even just a few minutes? Vintage Pop.

[Obstructed_View]

Even if the plan was to not play Splitter, it should have changed when Blair and McDyess were saddled with 5 fouls apiece. At the very least, Splitter give you height, good position defense, does the dirty work rebounding and taking scharges, and most importantly, has 6 fouls to use. Leaving the team defensively neutered because of foul trouble is just assinine when you have that left on the bench. For even just a few minutes? Vintage Pop.

When Horry and Duncan were in foul trouble, as they often were, against Dallas in 2006, Pop put in Oberto instead of Rasho or Nazr. The word you're searching for is "grudge".

[timvp]

someone else posted it, but it's worth repeating.

The same "Splitter's not ready" argument was made for playing Mason and Vaughn over George Hill. It was a terrible mistake then and a terrible mistake now.

Actually, that's kinda the opposite. That season, Pop went almost the whole year with Hill as the backup point guard before inexplicably changing things at the last second and dropping him out of the rotation. Pop gave Hill the needed minutes to be ready for the playoffs ... but then chickened out of actually playing a rookie point guard in the playoffs.

This season, Pop never played Splitter like we all imagined. If Pop actually starts playing Splitter in the playoffs, it'd be the exact opposite situation.

[ploto]

The Grizzlies got only five offensive rebounds.

Maybe because they only missed 30 shots.

[crc21209]

Great points all around by timvp! :toast

[timvp]

Maybe because they only missed 30 shots.

And? In the regular season, the Grizzlies averaged 16 offensive rebounds against the Spurs on an average of 46 missed shots.

A .833 defensive rebound percentage is a lot better than a .652 defensive rebound percentage.

[Obstructed_View]

Actually, that's kinda the opposite. That season, Pop went almost the whole year with Hill as the backup point guard before inexplicably changing things at the last second and dropping him out of the rotation. Pop gave Hill the needed minutes to be ready for the playoffs ... but then chickened out of actually playing a rookie point guard in the playoffs.

This season, Pop never played Splitter like we all imagined. If Pop actually starts playing Splitter in the playoffs, it'd be the exact opposite situation.

It's absolutely maddening that a coach could have so many staring contests with himself and always seem to blink, particularly after successful regular seasons.

[timvp]

Random fact:

That George Hill three-pointer the Spurs got after the Battier three-pointer was statistically a fantastic shot. Hill from the right corner this season was a better shooter than any player in either corner in the entire league. If the Spurs could have picked any shooter in any spot, that's probably the shot they select.

[Obstructed_View]

Random fact:

That George Hill three-pointer the Spurs got after the Battier three-pointer was statistically a fantastic shot. Hill from the right corner this season was a better shooter than any player in either corner in the entire league. If the Spurs could have picked any shooter in any spot, that's probably the shot they select.

Sorry, I must be brainfarting. Are you referring to the shot they wanted that RJ almost threw away?

[timvp]

Sorry, I must be brainfarting. Are you referring to the shot they wanted that RJ almost threw away?

0:56 Marc Gasol makes layup (Tony Allen assists) 96-98
0:31 96-98 Tony Parker misses 16-foot jumper
0:28 Zach Randolph defensive rebound 96-98
0:23 Shane Battier makes 25-foot three point jumper (Mike Conley assists) 99-98
0:10 99-98 George Hill misses 23-foot three point jumper
0:10 Marc Gasol defensive rebound 99-98
0:10 99-98 George Hill personal foul (Tony Allen draws the foul)
0:10 Tony Allen makes free throw 1 of 2 100-98
0:10 100-98 Antonio McDyess enters the game for Matt Bonner
0:10 Tony Allen makes free throw 2 of 2 101-98
0:10 San Antonio full timeout
0:10 101-98 Matt Bonner enters the game for Antonio McDyess
0:01 101-98 Richard Jefferson misses three point jumper

[DesignatedT]

George was absolutely wide open on that shot also.

[Mugen]

It was a great look. RJ's too.

Reminded me of Bowen's 3 to beat the suns in Game 5 and RJ's reminded me of Horry's against Detroit. Except those went in...:depressed


:lmao confusing Bonner and Bowen

[John Basedow]

Great points all around by timvp! :toast

Thanks for the solid contribution to this thread :tu

[anonoftheinternets]

Thanks for the solid contribution to this thread :tu

thanks for the same ... (forever ... forever ... forever .. )

[John Basedow]

thanks for the same ... (forever ... forever ... forever .. )

I made mine earlier in this thread, where's yours scro?

[anonoftheinternets]

I made mine earlier in this thread, where's yours scro?

Take:

Unfortunately as much as we want the spurs to take care of business in four straight games, pop and the spurs are not going to go all out to win game 1, and its going to involve serious experimentation on their part. Including not giving out critical out of timeout plays and trying to beat them "straight up" without adjustment.

The spurs played their cards, and lost game one, albeit in a extremely close loss. Pop is too arrogant to play chicken little after one game, look for the same in game 2, with minor if any adjustments except with a different result since I expect an 80% ginobili to provide a shot in the arm (:lmao) for this team to win.

All year long we have won with offense and we should be able to steamroll a grizz team scoring in the high 90s or low 100s.

[Obstructed_View]

0:56 Marc Gasol makes layup (Tony Allen assists) 96-98
0:31 96-98 Tony Parker misses 16-foot jumper
0:28 Zach Randolph defensive rebound 96-98
0:23 Shane Battier makes 25-foot three point jumper (Mike Conley assists) 99-98
0:10 99-98 George Hill misses 23-foot three point jumper
0:10 Marc Gasol defensive rebound 99-98
0:10 99-98 George Hill personal foul (Tony Allen draws the foul)
0:10 Tony Allen makes free throw 1 of 2 100-98
0:10 100-98 Antonio McDyess enters the game for Matt Bonner
0:10 Tony Allen makes free throw 2 of 2 101-98
0:10 San Antonio full timeout
0:10 101-98 Matt Bonner enters the game for Antonio McDyess
0:01 101-98 Richard Jefferson misses three point jumper

I'm so mad that I deleted the game as soon as it ended. I totally forget all that crap without the ability to go back and re-watch.

[roycrikside]

neal is much better then a 50% manu


manu is not that great of a three point shooter
especially with a guy in his face
mem would be wise to force him to drive
if they play as phyisical as last game manu would not drive
how many times did tp hit the ground

Hey retard, the reason Manu doesn't shoot as high of a three point percentage as guys like Bonner, Neal and RJ is because Manu doesn't have Manu passing him the ball. EVERYONE shoots better off the catch than the dribble. RJ and Bonner never shoot threes off the dribble and Hill and Neal rarely do. Manu has to fairly often because there aren't other guys creating shots for him. You want his percentage to go up? Here's a crazy idea, have TP pass him the ball more.

And I like that you're basically trying to make an argument that Manu is a bigger pussy than Tony. That's new, even for you. I think Ginobili draws more charges in a week than Parker has his entire career.

[roycrikside]

Looking back, what's the good news and bad news Spurs fans can take from Game 1?

The good news is that many points in the gameplan were executed to perfection. ....


Get Game 2.

1.

Believe.


I think you're too kind to Tony. It wasn't just the missed shots, it was the brain farts at the end.

Bonner swishes a three, he's WIDE OPEN on basically the same play the next time down the floor and Tony ignores him trying to get his own shot. We were fortunate to get the rebound with Tim and he made the right play to get it to Bonner to give us the lead. Then, when it was 98-96, Tony took another shot, not only ignoring open teammates but also leaving 9 seconds on the clock. That, to me, is inexcusable. Then, on defense he let himself get picked easily and they had to switch with Jefferson on Conley which caused all sorts of fuckups in a domino-like fashion.

As for the Splitter stuff, I don't really understand the criticism about his hands. Yeah, they were weak earlier in the season, but I thought his defensive rebounding improved a lot the last couple months of the year and now he isn't playing like a pussy at all. Blair is a strong offensive rebounder, but at this point I think I would trust Splitter more to grab a defensive board in traffic than the undersized Blair. Also, who cares if the Grizzlies big men are shooting jumpers? Randolph is a good shooter, but he wouldn't be Splitter's man, he'd be Bonner's/Dice's. Splitter would be on Gasol or Arthur. Gasol is a good player, but I'd give him open 18-footers all day long. I'd like to have Splitter as close to the basket as possible to challenge drives to the basket and offer a last line of defense if Randolph beats the first man.

[objective]

Actually, that's kinda the opposite. That season, Pop went almost the whole year with Hill as the backup point guard before inexplicably changing things at the last second and dropping him out of the rotation. Pop gave Hill the needed minutes to be ready for the playoffs ... but then chickened out of actually playing a rookie point guard in the playoffs.

This season, Pop never played Splitter like we all imagined. If Pop actually starts playing Splitter in the playoffs, it'd be the exact opposite situation.

this is a late response, but might as well.

I don't see anything that refutes the main point.

Hill was a Summit League 22-year old who missed his junior year with an injury and was struggling to learn the his position and averaged 16 minutes a game. But he was still a better option to help the Spurs improve their chances than the alternatives that were getting time.

Splitter is a battle tested 26 year old MVP who had loads of domestic and international high level play under his belt and had largely excelled during his 12 minutes a game, as shown by his above average PER and all the other ridiculous stats HarlemHeat pulled up. And he is a better option to help the Spurs improve their chances than the alternatives.