Defense

[Kuestmaster]

Looking at the numbers, it's clear that our defense has improved. In the last 16 games, only four teams have scored more than 100 points against us, and only 6 teams more than 91.

Pretty impresive, and with Manu back in a few games we can be better in that aspect too. If they continue to play this good, this hard, I think that we can be very scary come playoff time.

Also props for Duncan for picking it up lately, he is our barometer in defense, so far so good. :toast

[Solid D]

Part of the reason is that scoring is down significantly in the NBA this season, due to the compact schedule. It's down by a team average of 4 or 5 ppg.

[DesignatedT]

It's 100x better than last year.

[ElNono]

Still has room for improvement. We're still thin in the front, IMO. Agree it's better than last season though.

[Mel_13]

Some encouraging trends:

Opp FG% (rank and %)
Season to date: T23/45.3%
Last 10 games: 20/44.9%
Last 5 games: 6/42.2%

Opp PPG:
Season to date: 12/93.5
Last 10 games: 4/90.3
Last 5 games: 2/85.0

The Spurs are currently ranked 13th in defensive rating, their high water mark for the season. They are also ranked 1st in the NBA in defensive rebounding percentage.

[Mel_13]

Some encouraging trends:

Opp FG% (rank and %)
Season to date: T23/45.3%
Last 10 games: 20/44.9%
Last 5 games: 6/42.2%

Opp PPG:
Season to date: 12/93.5
Last 10 games: 4/90.3
Last 5 games: 2/85.0

The Spurs are currently ranked 13th in defensive rating, their high water mark for the season. They are also ranked 1st in the NBA in defensive rebounding percentage.

[urunobili]

Point differential?

[Mel_13]

Point differential?

Season: 8/4.19
Last 10: 5/5.80
Last 5: 3/9.20

[NASpurs]

Last 5 games: 6/42.2%
Last 5 games: 2/85.0
Last 5: 3/9.20

If those numbers held up or were anywhere near going into the playoffs... oh man, I don't even wanna get my hopes high thinking about that.

I'll say even this, I like the way Bonner has been playing defense as of late.

[bklynspursfan]

I think we have a good shot if the defense stays this way. This team is like 07, minus Bowen for Leonard (a drop off there but better than we've had since) and put Splitter in for Oberto who is more effective on both ends. The bench play will be big, and of course health. I'm thrilled to see the defensive improvements. Still a lot of work to do, but they're headed in the right direction, and seem to be peaking at normal Spur like times. (Minus Manu)

[Horse]

It's certainly better, and all season long teams have consistently hit well defended tough shots against us. We saw it again last night when memphis made their comeback. Just throw up some trash at the end of the shotclock, nothing but net!

[boutons_deux]

76ers have the best defense (opp PPG and points differential), we'll see if We Can Overcome. Looks like old school Doug Collins got a mediocre group playing The Right Way.

[024]

spurs still need to pick up a big. blair and bonner should not be getting more than 15-20 minutes in the playoffs. if pop won't play splitter, he better find someone else to fill in the minutes.

[bklynspursfan]

This says it all

Andrew A. McNeill @drew_48moh Reply Retweet Favorite · Open

Even crazier, Bonner is currently 4th in the league at defending the low post, giving up just .53 PPP.

[NASpurs]

Chalk another team up to the streak.

Sixers: 40.9%/90 points/10 point differential

[TDMVPDPOY]

whats the defensive rating when splitter is in and out?...dont care about the rest