Rank the teams..

[HarlemHeat37]

In order of chances of winning their conference, at this moment..in your opinions..

I'd go..

West:
1. Dallas
2. San Antonio
3. LA Lakers
4. OKC

5. LA Clippers

East:
1. Miami

2. Chicago





3. Orlando
4. Atlanta
5. New York

[DeadlyDynasty]

OKC
Dallas
LAC
SA
MEM (if Z-Bo returns)


Miami



Chicago
NY
Boston
Indiana

[Nathan89]

OKC
Spurs
Clippers
Dallas
Lakers

[DMC]

With Mike Brown at the helm, I wouldn't put the Lakers ahead of the Clippers, especially if the Ron Artest ordeal blows up.

I agree about Dallas however. I think Dirk can get back to form and PGs are a dime a dozen it seems, only thing missing for them is the TC factor.

OKC's problem will be Westbrook and Brooks' clock management skills.

San Antonio: as long as Bonner and that faggot ass milk dud are getting solid minutes, I don't see how the Spurs escape a surging 1st round team, even with a healthy Manu. They better get lucky with the matchups. I do like their new defensive identity, but Matt Bonner and Jefferson (and to a point, Blair) are going to be a huge problem. I hope they amnesty Dick's bald headed faggot ass before then. Anyone we can get would be much better than him tbh.

East:

Miami and Chicago. Maybe a late push by NY. No one else. I don't see Orlando presenting a real challenge, but you never know. Atl and Indiana are just farts in the wind.

[Lincoln]

West:
1. Dallas
2. San Antonio


3. LA Clippers
4. OKC

5. LA Lakers

East:
1. Miami

2. Chicago





3. Atlanta
4. Boston
5. New York

[FkLA]

West
1.Spurs
2.Dallas
3.Lakers
4.OKC

Eeast
1.Heat

2.Bulls



3.Orlando
4.NYK
5.Indiana

[Robz4000]

East:
Only teams in the East with a chance are the Heat and Bulls. They're tied, while the rest are proving why they won't these days.

West:
1. Spurs (with third big)
2. Mavs
3. Thunder
4. Lakers
5. Rockets
6. Clippers

These are the only teams with a chance. If the Spurs remain as is, I'd put them in 4th.

[Goran Dragic]

:lol Spurs
:lol Spurs fans overrating their shitty fast break team
:lol trying to win the same way they said a certain team couldn't win from 2005-2007
:lol another regular season championship

[Lincoln]

I just can't see the Spurs maintaining their offensive strategy the entire way through the playoffs. Their defense isn't strong enough either when the game slows down imho.

Then again, I didn't think the Mavs hot 3point shooting would last either...

[Kewni Leonard]

Why anyone has Dallas number one baffles me. They don't scare me whatsoever without Chandler. Hell, they didn't when they had him. Dallas had the perfect storm happen for them last year.

1) Spurs
2) Thunder
3) Clippers
4) Lakers
5) irrelevant

[Hoops Czar]

Its al about matchups. I think the spurs can take any team down not named the lakers. Conversely, the lakers can take take down any team not named okc. Miami and chicago can take down all of the above.

[Goran Dragic]

I think the spurs can take any team down not named the lakers.
or the grizzlies

[Kewni Leonard]

or the grizzlies

Manu Ginobili says hello.

[Goran Dragic]

Manu Ginobili says hello.
So does Rudy Gay

lol thinking the Spurs' gimmicky fast break teams will have anymore success in the playoffs than Phoenix's gimmicky fast break teams ever had

[Tiago Splitter]

West
Dallas
SA
OKC (not sold, no post threat)

LAC
LAL

East
MIA


Chicago


Orlando
Boston
NY
Sixers

[Kewni Leonard]

So does Rudy Gay

lol thinking the Spurs' gimmicky fast break teams will have anymore success in the playoffs than Phoenix's gimmicky fast break teams ever had

Comparing the Spurs to the Suns in any way is insulting and totally inaccurate.

Also, how is Rudy Gay working out for them this year? They're a better team without him. Proof is in the pudding.

[Robz4000]

So does Rudy Gay

lol thinking the Spurs' gimmicky fast break teams will have anymore success in the playoffs than Phoenix's gimmicky fast break teams ever had
Rudy Gay is a non-issue. Spurs aren't a fast break team; they lived by the 3 and died by the 3. This year they do less of that and score in the paint more.

[HarlemHeat37]

It's all about the matchups, tbh..

I don't think the Spurs are a great team, but the rest of the West is weak..Spurs weakness is post scorers, and only the Lakers fit the criteria..Memphis, as well, but Randolph may not return, and they might not even make the playoffs(it helps that the Spurs own Rudy Gay)..

The Nash-Amare Suns would easily win today's West IMO..

[Goran Dragic]

Rudy Gay is a non-issue.
:lol great argument

[Nathan89]

:lol Suns fan
:lol Suns fan talking shit about a "fast break" team
:lol Suns fan probably thought they could win with that system
:lol 0&43--Seppe

[DeadlyDynasty]

Comparing the Spurs to the Suns in any way is insulting and totally inaccurate.

Yeah, last time they met the Suns swept them, and since then Pop has adopted their style of offense:lmao

[Goran Dragic]

Spurs weakness is post scorers
and defense
and having a PG who doesn't get outplayed by Mike C:lolnley

[HarlemHeat37]

Of course, this is all a moot point, if Popovich sticks with Bonner, through thick and thin..

The optimism comes from the fatal flaws in the rest of the West teams, tbh..their flaws are just as bad, or worse, than the Spurs, tbh..


OKC has no interior scorers, they're mentally weak and Westbrook is potentially a cancer..

Dallas has some of the same flaws as the Spurs, since they rely on perimeter shooting..

Clippers only have 1 consistent creator, no bench, especially up front..

Lakers have no bench, no athleticism, Kobe could be worn out..

Memphis has no shooting, Randolph is hurt, and they'll have to balance an inside-outside game(which is difficult with Rudy Gay)..

Spurs have an inconsistent defense and too many 1-dimensional, soft players..

[Nathan89]

:lol great argument

Well some would argue that Memphis was better without him. No one would argue that the Spurs were better without Manu. Also Memphis was without Rudy Gay for a long period so they were prepared to play without him.

:lol Apples and Oranges

[Goran Dragic]

Comparing the Spurs to the Suns in any way is insulting and totally inaccurate.

Also, how is Rudy Gay working out for them this year? They're a better team without him. Proof is in the pudding.
Totally tbh. Rudy Gay coming back is what's hurting them. Their best player being injured must of nothing to do with it.

The 2012 Spurs are a mediocre defensive team that relies on their PG providing enough offense to win the game. Sounds pretty similar to the Suns.

[DeadlyDynasty]

The Spurs could make the Finals though...I'm not wavering in my opinion that you could pull almost any team out of a hat in the WC to represent in the Finals. Just a horrible year for the West, and I find it hilarious when people rationalize it by saying "actually I think all the competition has made it even better blah blah blah."

No, the West blows so much cock and whomever makes it out earns the privilege of getting cockslapped by Miami.

[Kewni Leonard]

Yeah, last time they met the Suns swept them, and since then Pop has adopted their style of offense:lmao

They did, and what did they do after that? That Spurs team wasn't equipped to make a run that year. We have a perimeter defensive stopper and great complimentary players this time around.

[Goran Dragic]

:lol Suns fan probably thought they could win with that system
No I didn't.

And in the event I did, Spurfan has proven last season and this season they buy into bullshit regular season gimmick ball just as much as Suns fans did from 2005-2007.

[Hoops Czar]

or the grizzlies


I'm not worried about the grizz. They had players playing over teir heads most of the season. You can put a ? On randolph's health and they lost battier to the heat.

[Goran Dragic]

Of course, this is all a moot point, if Popovich sticks with Bonner, through thick and thin..

The optimism comes from the fatal flaws in the rest of the West teams, tbh..their flaws are just as bad, or worse, than the Spurs, tbh..
There was the same optimism about the Spurs' chuck and duck 3 point shooting team last year.

[FkLA]

The Spurs are a run and gun team ?

[Kewni Leonard]

Totally tbh. Rudy Gay coming back is what's hurting them. Their best player being injured must of nothing to do with it.

The 2012 Spurs are a mediocre defensive team that relies on their PG providing enough offense to win the game. Sounds pretty similar to the Suns.

I'm not talking about this year. I'm talking about last year. They were a better team without him.

The 2012 Spurs rely on what they've always relied on, for the most part... excellent team play. They play basketball how it's meant to be played. They are above average on defense and have more than enough offense to win in the playoffs.

[Nathan89]

No I didn't.

And in the event I did, Spurfan has proven last season and this season they buy into bullshit regular season gimmick ball just as much as Suns fans did from 2005-2007.

All Spurs fans? NO

We aren't the same team as last year.

[DeadlyDynasty]

I'll give HH credit, as he was one of the only spurfans not to buy into the fool's gold spurs last year. The majority of this board never saw it coming though, and that's what blind homerism will do to you:lol

[Kewni Leonard]

There was the same optimism about the Spurs' chuck and duck 3 point shooting team last year, until Manu broke his arm. They were a better team than the Mavs last year.

fify

[Goran Dragic]

I'm not worried about the grizz. They had players playing over teir heads most of the season. You can put a ? On randolph's health and they lost battier to the heat.
This sounds identical to what Suns fans would say after losing in the playoffs to San Antonio

"I'm not worried about the Spurs next year:cry, they played over their heads and no longer have Brent Barry:cry!"

[HarlemHeat37]

There was the same optimism about the Spurs' chuck and duck 3 point shooting team last year.

A lot of us didn't believe, tbh..

I predicted them to lose in the 2nd round, I was also worried about the Grizzlies more than any team outside of the Lakers, last year..

Blind homers will always be present, tbh..

I believe in winning the West, this year, strictly due to the weak competition and the emergence of Splitter..

[Kewni Leonard]

Whatever did or didn't happen last year in the playoffs for the Spurs has 0 bearing on anything. Predictions, foresight for the future, anything. Arguably their best player played with a broken arm.

[Goran Dragic]

The 2012 Spurs rely on what they've always relied on, for the most part... excellent team play. They play basketball how it's meant to be played. They are above average on defense and have more than enough offense to win in the playoffs.
They have the 14th best defensive rating in the NBA, the Suns had the 13th best in 2007 (it was a higher number but with respect to the rest of the league that year it was 13th). They're an average defensive team.

The Spurs have never won a championship as an average defensive team. They aren't going to start now.

[Nathan89]

No, the West blows so much cock and whomever makes it out earns the privilege of getting cockslapped by Miami.

Meanwhile Lebron is still icing his face after Dirk got done with him.

[Goran Dragic]

Whatever did or didn't happen last year in the playoffs for the Spurs has 0 bearing on anything. Predictions, foresight for the future, anything. Arguably their best player played with a broken arm.
Making excuses like a Suns fan circa 2007

:cryAmare was suspended for game 5:cry
:cryManu had a broken arm:cry

[Goran Dragic]

Meanwhile Lebron is still icing his face after Dirk got done with him.
Tbh at least Lebron didn't get outplayed by Mike C:lolnley like a certain PG out of a certain country occupied during World War II.

[Kewni Leonard]

Making excuses like a Suns fan circa 2007

:cryAmare was suspended for game 5:cry
:cryManu had a broken arm:cry

Apples and oranges. First of all, nobody forced Amare off the bench. Second, Amare's suspension lasted 1 game. Manu missed the first game entirely and then played with it the entire series.

[DeadlyDynasty]

Whatever did or didn't happen last year in the playoffs for the Spurs has 0 bearing on anything. Predictions, foresight for the future, anything. Arguably their best player played with a broken arm.

Yeah, and that guy has one injury after another every goddamn year now. Stop making excuses for it and just accept that he's a frail faggot who can't take the grind of an NBA season anymore.


Seriously, he's gotta be the only 33-34 year old in the country with osteoporosis.

[Goran Dragic]

Apples and oranges. First of all, nobody forced Amare off the bench. Second, Amare's suspension lasted 1 game. Manu missed the first game entirely and then played with it the entire series.
:cryMy excuse for losing is better than the excuses Suns fans created for losing:cry


lol blaming a Manu Ginobili injury on losing as if Manu Ginobili injuries don't occur regularly

[Nathan89]

Tbh at least Lebron didn't get outplayed by Mike C:lolnley like a certain PG out of a certain country occupied during World War II.

TBH at least the Spurs made the Playoffs.

[Robz4000]

Is it butthurt Suns troll in here or is it just me? Guess they have to do something to deal with the disappointment that is the Suns the past few years.

[DeadlyDynasty]

Meanwhile Lebron is still icing his face after Dirk got done with him.

The Mavericks had some hard, pipe-hittin' niggas on that team. The Spurs have a ginger, a fat-ass, a bonafide faggot, and an aging LARPer.

Good luck:tu

[Goran Dragic]

TBH at least the Spurs made the Playoffs.
Tbh I'm not making fun of the Spurs, they're a solid, competitive team that might even win a playoff round to give their fans excitement.

I'm making fun of Spurs fans for thinking their PG oriented team that's average defensively can win a championship.



And yeah I'm making fun of Tony Parker for getting outplayed by Mike C:lolnley

[Kewni Leonard]

Yeah, and that guy has one injury after another every goddamn year now. Stop making excuses for it and just accept that he's a frail faggot who can't take the grind of an NA season anymore.


Seriously, he's gotta be the only 33-34 year old in the country with osteoporosis.

So I'm sure if the Lakers had the best record in the West and Kobe goes down with a broken arm on the last day of the regular season... not only wouldn't you use it as an excuse, but the thought would probably never enter your mind. Right? Give me a fuckin break. Moron.

[Goran Dragic]

Is it butthurt Suns troll in here or is it just me? Guess they have to do something to deal with the disappointment that is the Suns the past few years.
There's no disappointment when you don't expect anything. Spurs fans expected a championship last year and got 8

[Calispursfan11]

I think you gotta put the Knicks in the top 4 in the East right now, even without Melo back.

[DeadlyDynasty]

:cryif only Manu wasn't so fragile every year we would win:cry

shhh, girl.

[Kewni Leonard]

lol blaming a Manu Ginobili injury on losing as if Manu Ginobili injuries don't occur regularly

I'm not saying I think they win the championship, but I do know for sure they beat the Grizz, and I also know for sure they were a better team than the Mavs, so anything would be possible.

[Robz4000]

Tbh I'm not making fun of the Spurs, they're a solid, competitive team that might even win a playoff round to give their fans excitement.

I'm making fun of Spurs fans for thinking their PG oriented team that's average defensively can win a championship.



And yeah I'm making fun of Tony Parker for getting outplayed by Mike C:lolnley
In case you haven't noticed, no one has said the Spurs will win this year; they're saying they can make it out of the West. Spurs would need to pull off some trades to make that leap.

[Lincoln]

Is it butthurt Suns troll in here or is it just me? Guess they have to do something to deal with the disappointment that is the Suns the past few years.

Pretty sure the Spurs and Suns have had the same amount of success the past few years.

:cry we made it to the playoffs though!
:cry we were the number 1 seed last year!

tbh when was the last time the Spurs even sniffed the WCF?

[Hoops Czar]

This sounds identical to what Suns fans would say after losing in the playoffs to San Antonio

"I'm not worried about the Spurs next year:cry, they played over their heads and no longer have Brent Barry:cry!"


Brent barry was a scrub for the spurs. He had a couple of shining moments against the lakers when ginobili was playing injured back in '08. I didn't realize the emotional distress losing to the spurs caused your fanbase. Maybe things would have been different if they didn't spend the entire series complaining to the refs.

[Kewni Leonard]

Pretty sure the Spurs and Suns have had the same amount of success the past few years.

:cry we made it to the playoffs though!
:cry we were the number 1 seed last year!

tbh when was the last time the Spurs even sniffed the WCF?

4 rings, tbh. Robbed of another by 0.4 that shouldn't have counted, tbh.

[Robz4000]

There's no disappointment when you don't expect anything. Spurs fans expected a championship last year and got 8
Only blind homers did. Spurs more than likely were gonna lose in the 2nd round or WCF, even with a healthy Manu. Didn't expect 8 tho, but when they got the Grizz in the first round, I was worried as hell.

[MavDynasty]

sup gnsf, only took 3 pages for the 4 rings, faggot card to be played

[Goran Dragic]

I'm not saying I think they win the championship, but I do know for sure they beat the Grizz, and I also know for sure they were a better team than the Mavs, so anything would be possible.
The Mavs don't rely on players with brittle, calcium starved bones.

In 2009, Manu missed the playoffs completely.
In 2010, he fucked up his nose and killed his endurance/lung capacity.
In 2011, he broke his arm and missed an important game.

When it happens 3 years in a row, it's goes from being a legitimate excuse to a problem. The Spurs relying on Ginobili to be healthy for the playoffs is their own fault.

[Nathan89]

OKC
Spurs
Clippers
Dallas
Lakers

:lol Me posting the teams in the exact order of the standings.

I guess I agree with the standings.

[Goran Dragic]

Maybe things would have been different if they didn't spend the entire series complaining to the refs.
Things mighta been different for the Spurs if they didn't spend the entire series crying about Manu's :crybwoken arm:cry

[Robz4000]

Pretty sure the Spurs and Suns have had the same amount of success the past few years.

:cry we made it to the playoffs though!
:cry we were the number 1 seed last year!

tbh when was the last time the Spurs even sniffed the WCF?
Not saying the Spurs haven't been living up to expectations, but then again by making the playoffs anything can happen. That's how it went for your Mavs last year tbh.

[MavDynasty]

:cry if only the NBA liked a small market team
:cry .4 was rigged
:cry the refs sucked ass in 06 and my favorite player is a dipshit who fouls on layups
:cry brent barry shouldve gotten free throws!
:cry goran dragic wasn't supposed to be that good!
:cry TP is a great defender who shouldve not gotten shit on by conley and dragic
:cry we would be looking at the best dynasty in NBA history but bullshit happens!

[Goran Dragic]

sup gnsf, only took 3 pages for the 4 rings, faggot card to be played
Hey, my arguments might suck but....

Suns Suck! 4 rings faggot!

Remember 2007!
Remember the Alamo!

[Kewni Leonard]

sup gnsf, only took 3 pages for the 4 rings, faggot card to be played

You're right, championship rings are irrelevant. Since you deem it a cliche and have thus come up with an utterly brilliant self-defense against your inferiority to the Spurs franchise, I can only commend your efforts.

[LnGrrrR]

7th seed bitches!

[MavDynasty]

Not saying the Spurs haven't been living up to expectations, but then again by making the playoffs anything can happen. That's how it went for your Mavs last year tbh.

Mavs caught fire in the playoffs, no denying that. However, they were playing the best ball out of any team in the regular season before Caron and Dirk went down. Luckily, they were able to get their flow back just in time tbh.

With the West as shitty as it is this year, Spurs do have a chance. I just don't think that their style will work come playoff time.

[Goran Dragic]

With the West as shitty as it is this year, Spurs do have a chance. I just don't think that their style will work come playoff time.
Average defensive teams that try to outscore the other team with a PG-oriented offense never do well in the playoffs, the Spurs being a classy franchise with classy fans isn't gonna change that.

[Kewni Leonard]

:cry if only the nba liked a small market team
:cry .4 was rigged
:cry the refs sucked ass in 06 and my favorite player is a dipshit who fouls on layups
:cry brent barry shouldve gotten free throws!
:cry goran dragic wasn't supposed to be that good!
:cry tp is a great defender who shouldve not gotten shit on by conley and dragic
:cry we would be looking at the best dynasty in nba history but bullshit happens!

3/7

[ElNono]

:lol Spurs
:lol Spurs fans overrating their shitty fast break team
:lol trying to win the same way they said a certain team couldn't win from 2005-2007
:lol another regular season championship

tbh, the Spurs are currently winning and only shooting 38% from 3 point land... quite different from last season.

That said...

:lol Spurfan thinking Bonner won't be playing major minutes in the playoffs
:lol Spurfan thinking Bonner won't choke this time
:lol Spurfan thinking RJ won't disappear again
:lol Spurfan thinking they'll be healthy when it matters

[MavDynasty]

You're right, championship rings are irrelevant. Since you deem it a cliche and have thus come up with an utterly brilliant self-defense against your inferiority to the Spurs franchise, I can only commend your efforts.

So do you think 4 rings has anything with how this season will play out? Honest question

[DeadlyDynasty]

You're right, championship rings are irrelevant. Since you deem it a cliche and have thus come up with an utterly brilliant self-defense against your inferiority to the Spurs franchise, I can only commend your efforts.

Good point, you're massively inferior to the Lakers franchise with that kind of argument. So throat my scrote, faggot.

Be thankful you have an NBA job or else your crack business would be in dire straits now that Whitney's dead.

[MavDynasty]

You think a choking ginger that sucks dick in the playoffs will show up?

You think a faggot who likes cock off the court will show up in the playoffs?

You think a player that got lit the fuck up by dragic and conley will defend in the playoffs?

You think a player that gets injured everrrrrrrrrrrrrrry fuckin year will be healthy come playoffs?

[Kewni Leonard]

So do you think 4 rings has anything with how this season will play out? Honest question

Somewhat. That experience for their 3 best players is invaluable, but most of the team does not have that experience.

Now, do you honestly think the playoffs last season have any bearing on how this year's will play out? Or that the Spurs PERCEIVED system failures in the playoffs last year were actually legit?

[Hoops Czar]

:cry if only the NBA liked a small market team
:cry .4 was rigged
:cry the refs sucked ass in 06 and my favorite player is a dipshit who fouls on layups
:cry brent barry shouldve gotten free throws!
:cry goran dragic wasn't supposed to be that good!
:cry TP is a great defender who shouldve not gotten shit on by conley and dragic
:cry we would be looking at the best dynasty in NBA history but bullshit happens!

What did you expect on a spurs forum. Have you paid any attention to the mavs forum around playoff time, its usually a ghost town.

[MavDynasty]

:cry My arguments blow total ass so I have to resort to "4 rings, faggot!" just to prove that my beloved classy franchise> yours

[redzero]

The Spurs would be on their way to a six-peat if Manu never got injured.

[Goran Dragic]

tbh, the Spurs are currently winning and only shooting 38% from 3 point land... quite different from last season.

That said...

:lol Spurfan thinking Bonner won't be playing major minutes in the playoffs
:lol Spurfan thinking Bonner won't choke this time
:lol Spurfan thinking RJ won't disappear again
:lol Spurfan thinking they'll be healthy when it matters
Exactly tbh.

No different than Sunfan thinking D'antoni wouldn't allow Barbosa to chuck shots in the playoffs, go 4 of 27 from the field, then blame the abysmal performance on the fact his slut of a mother is dead because she was fucking monkeys in Brazil.

[Robz4000]

Mavs caught fire in the playoffs, no denying that. However, they were playing the best ball out of any team in the regular season before Caron and Dirk went down. Luckily, they were able to get their flow back just in time tbh.

With the West as shitty as it is this year, Spurs do have a chance. I just don't think that their style will work come playoff time.
Yeah, I'll admit, when the Mavs were rolling last year early they looked pretty legit. I still feel the Spurs could've pulled a win out in a series with them last year, if only because there wasn't a superior front court to contend with. All in the past now. As for the current season, this year's play > last year's tbh. It's far from perfect but the better balance between D and O will give them as much of a shot as anyone else. Let's face it, the East will more than likely win it all this year, but all you have to do is get there to have a shot.

[MavDynasty]

What did you expect on a spurs forum. Have you paid any attention to the mavs forum around playoff time, its usually a ghost town.

Most Mav forums suck major ass tbh

DB is full of homers just like this one is full of Spur homers.

D-M was good but it is dead now pretty much.

[Kewni Leonard]

:cry My arguments blow total ass so I have to resort to "4 rings, faggot!" just to prove that my beloved classy franchise> yours

I use emoticons to try to strengthen my non-existant arguments. I also use derogatory internet forum slang, because I have friends in real life and I am better than you thanks to being 'in' with the internet forum crowd.

[ElNono]

I'll give HH credit, as he was one of the only spurfans not to buy into the fool's gold spurs last year. The majority of this board never saw it coming though, and that's what blind homerism will do to you:lol

Are you gonna give me credit too? :cry

[Goran Dragic]

Now, do you honestly think the playoffs last season have any bearing on how this year's will play out?
Are you being serious :lmao

The championships San Antonio won in 2007 and earlier are lot less relevant than last year's playoffs.

:crythe only relevant years are the years I want to be relevant. Outside of 1999, 2003, 2005 and 2007, everything else is irrelevant:cry

[Robz4000]

tbh, the Spurs are currently winning and only shooting 38% from 3 point land... quite different from last season.

That said...

:lol Spurfan thinking Bonner won't be playing major minutes in the playoffs
:lol Spurfan thinking Bonner won't choke this time
:lol Spurfan thinking RJ won't disappear again
:lol Spurfan thinking they'll be healthy when it matters
Pretty much, but I think the team's a bit better equipped to handle it this season.

[Goran Dragic]

Pretty much, but I think the team's a bit better equipped to handle it this season.
We heard the "better equipped" crap last year, but keep pretending this year is gonna be a truly special brand of "better equipped!"

[MavDynasty]

Cool. So did you not resort to "4 rings, faggot!" once you realized your argument was shit?

Starting to sound like Cully and retarded lakerfan, who along with you, also have shit arguments.

[ElNono]

Pretty much, but I think the team's a bit better equipped to handle it this season.

Sure, we got a better bench... but it's also an inexperienced bench... we'll see...

I'm liking we're not living and dying by the 3... that's one of the positives so far...

[Bill_Brasky]

So far, the Spurs are holding opponents to 93.3 ppg this year as opposed to 98 last year. They're also down to scoring only 98 ppg this year as opposed to 103 last year.

The defense has improved with this team and they play at a slower pace than last year. They are a big man away from having a legit shot at the WCF.

[Hoops Czar]

7th seed bitches!


I don't know. A home loss to detroit might cause ainge to think irrationally and blow up the team. The seventh seed might be a long shot. Oh wait, you were talking about boston right?

[Kewni Leonard]

Cool. So did you not resort to "4 rings, faggot!" once you realized your argument was shit?

Starting to sound like Cully and retarded lakerfan, who along with you, also have shit arguments.

It sounds like you have an inferiority complex. There are always going to be teams better than you. The Spurs are one of them.

[DeadlyDynasty]

Are you gonna give me credit too? :cry

crofl, I couldn't remember if you were a sheep or shepherd last year, tbh

[MavDynasty]

If Bonner and RJ show up in the playoffs (not likely) Ill be the first one to admit that I was wrong.

[ElNono]

crofl, I couldn't remember if you were a sheep or shepherd last year, tbh

I probably trolled Lakerfan too much... :lol

But I'm a founding member of the Bonner/RJ fool's gold club.

[MavDynasty]

It sounds like you have an inferiority complex. There are always going to be teams better than you. The Spurs are one of them.

crofl great argument

the spurs are better than the mavs!

[Robz4000]

Sure, we got a better bench... but it's also an inexperienced bench... we'll see...

I'm liking we're not living and dying by the 3... that's one of the positives so far...
There are players who can more than likely step up to fill in the holes in the starting lineup. Splitter showed last year he could ball, even coming in cold. Neal showed massive courage and should perform well again. Leonard and Green will be question marks, so we'll see.

[Bill_Brasky]

Oh and there's no way we get to the WCF with Bonner/RJ getting major minutes. Leonard needs to start with Ginobili and Splitter needs to get the most big man minutes next to Duncan.

[Goran Dragic]

So far, the Spurs are holding opponents to 93.3 ppg this year as opposed to 98 last year. They're also down to scoring only 98 ppg this year as opposed to 103 last year.

The defense has improved with this team and they play at a slower pace than last year. They are a big man away from having a legit shot at the WCF.
Spurs are 11th in the NBA at least points given up per game. They're an above average team in that stat, and an average team regarding defensive rating, while below average in opposing FG% (20th lowest opposing FG%). All signs indicate that they're an average defense and their opponent's drop in PPG is largely due to as you said a slower pace.

[Kewni Leonard]

crofl great argument

the spurs are better than the mavs!

Isn't that what it's all about?

[Goran Dragic]

Isn't that what it's all about?
That's not what the argument was about, no.

It's what you're trying to make the argument about since you were getting jizzed in the original argument.

[redzero]

Is this Kewni guy trying to fit every negative stereotype of Spurs fans on here?

[FkLA]

Did you niggas give shit to Mavfan when they held on to hope despite choking year after year? I agree that this site is full of homers but picking the Spurs to come out of the West this year isnt that unreasonable. Especially considering the fact that Ginobili has been sitting for weeks and will be relatively fresh in the playoffs.

[Hoops Czar]

Oh and there's no way we get to the WCF with Bonner/RJ getting major minutes. Leonard needs to start with Ginobili and Splitter needs to get the most big man minutes next to Duncan.


You can add green to that list. If he isn't upgraded, the spurs have no shot.

[dirk4mvp]

:lol only in a spurfan mind where they think they can get away with twisting some bullshit idea into a fact because this is their "home forum" can the idea exists that a team gets better when losing an efficient scorer and good defender for the year due to injury.

[Goran Dragic]

Did you niggas give shit to Mavfan when they held on to hope despite choking year after year?
I ended up being wrong but, yeah, I gave stretch and Ghazi tons of shit last year.

[MavDynasty]

I think it's a lame troll...very 4>0 rings esque. Don't think anyone is that fucking retarded tbh

[Kewni Leonard]

That's not what the argument was about, no.

It's what you're trying to make the argument about since you were getting jizzed in the original argument.

There was no argument; I was educating.

[Kewni Leonard]

:lol only in a spurfan mind where they think they can get away with twisting some bullshit idea into a fact because this is their "home forum" can the idea exists that a team gets better when losing an efficient scorer and good defender for the year due to injury.

Yet, somehow, their record was better without him. Gee, I wonder why that is??? That is a real head-scratcher.

[Goran Dragic]

There was no argument; I was educating.
Then why do you randomly need to bring up the fact that the San Antonio Spurs franchise has 4 rings? Did you get tired of educating us on how average defensive teams win in the playoffs?

[Robz4000]

I thought it was established that Kewni = Kool?

[dirk4mvp]

Yet, somehow, their record was better without him. Gee, I wonder why that is??? That is a real head-scratcher.


Yeah because losing arguably their best player last year is the obvious answer.

[Kewni Leonard]

Then why do you randomly need to bring up the fact that the San Antonio Spurs franchise has 4 rings? Did you get tired of educating us on how average defensive teams win in the playoffs?

So, wait, you're saying the Mavs were an elite defensive squad last season? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[redzero]

This guy isn't the first Spurs fan to use Gay not playing as an excuse for why his team lost.

[DeadlyDynasty]

I thought it was established that Kewni = Kool?

lol, hell no. There's no youtubes or black cock references to speak of.

I'd guess Harlem, since this troll is very joshdaboss-esque

[Kewni Leonard]

Yeah because losing arguably their best player last year is the obvious answer.

It is not arguable who their best player is. It isn't even close. It's Randolph.

[Kewni Leonard]

lol, hell no. There's no youtubes or black cock references to speak of.

I'd guess Harlem, since this troll is very joshdaboss-esque

This is daboss.

[Goran Dragic]

I thought it was established that Kewni = Kool?
Kool doesn't try to put forth arguments. He's accepted his role as the forum circus monkey.

Kewni is staring in the latest episode of "extremely stereotypical GNSF meanders into the NBA forum, brings his blind homerism with him, and then gets shat on."

[Goran Dragic]

This guy isn't the first Spurs fan to use Gay not playing as an excuse for why his team lost.
Tbh it's funny that Spurfan excuse making has been over the top ridiculous for so long that no one is even surprised that Spurs fans use an injury to the other team's player as an excuse for losing.

[Kewni Leonard]

Kool doesn't try to put forth arguments. He's accepted his role as the forum circus monkey.

Kewni is staring in the latest episode of "extremely stereotypical GNSF meanders into the NBA forum, brings his blind homerism with him, and then gets shat on."

GNSF? I take it you are a virgin.

[dirk4mvp]

It is not arguable who their best player is. It isn't even close. It's Randolph.

:lol spin it. Whatever makes you more comfortable with getting dropped by an 8th seed.

[Goran Dragic]

So, wait, you're saying the Mavs were an elite defensive squad last season? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
I'm saying the Spurs aren't and their ceiling is a 2nd round exit.

[Kewni Leonard]

:lol spin it. Whatever makes you more comfortable with getting dropped by an 8th seed.

I would have no problem admitting defeat... if arguably our best player did not have a broken arm.

[Kewni Leonard]

I'm saying the Spurs aren't and their ceiling is a 2nd round exit.

I like what you did there, you changed it around completely. Their ceiling is obviously an NBA championship. Realistically, probably out in the WCF after Durant breaks FTA records.

[Goran Dragic]

GNSF? I take it you are a virgin.
:lmao more stereotypical and generic comebacks

[mavs>spurs]

people named josh are generally stupid in my experience

[Spur_Fanatic]

:lol only in a spurfan mind where they think they can get away with twisting some bullshit idea into a fact because this is their "home forum" can the idea exists that a team gets better when losing an efficient scorer and good defender for the year due to injury.

Depending where you put the commas, this is pretty good.

[Kewni Leonard]

people named josh are generally stupid in my experience

That's true. I wonder if anyone here is named Josh?

[Goran Dragic]

I would have no problem admitting defeat... if arguably our best player did not have a broken arm.
So does this mean the Spurs are working on a 6-peat since 2008-2011 all had playoff eliminations related to Manu's fragile, delicate body?

[dirk4mvp]

I would have no problem admitting defeat... if arguably our best player did not have a broken arm.

That's convenient. If I'm a Grizzly fan, I would have no problem admitting defeat to the Thunder... if arguably our best player did not have an injured shoulder.

[Spur_Fanatic]

Brians suck too.

[mavs>spurs]

Is there anything funnier....than a spur fan with hope?

[Goran Dragic]

Is there anything funnier....than a spur fan with hope?
:lmao

[Kewni Leonard]

So does this mean the Spurs are working on a 6-peat since 2008-2011 all had playoff eliminations related to Manu's fragile, delicate body?

No, it only means we don't know what would have happened if he was healthy. If arguably a team's best player is not playing, you can't expect them to win. You also can't feel like you've been defeated if you are a fan of that team.

[Goran Dragic]

No, it only means we don't know what would have happened if he was healthy. If arguably a team's best player is not playing, you can't expect them to win. You also can't feel like you've been defeated if you are a fan of that team.
Seeing that you are a fan and have never actually played in the game, you should never "feel" like you've personally been defeated or accomplished victory. You personally have as many championships as the Suns' franchise does.

[Spur_Fanatic]

Is there anything funnier....than a spur fan with hope?

-A Mavs fan with one?
-Lakers with a decent PG.
-French Allah fans?

[Robz4000]

Is there anything funnier....than a spur fan with hope?
Anything from Lakersground tbh

[dirk4mvp]

No, it only means we don't know what would have happened if he was healthy. If arguably a team's best player is not playing, you can't expect them to win. You also can't feel like you've been defeated if you are a fan of that team.

Are you really expecting a team with Manu as the "best player" to do shit anyway?

[mavs>spurs]

-A Mavs fan with one?

I'm a defending champ. You ain't won shit since the last time you had pussy. Pish posh motherfucker.

[Kewni Leonard]

Seeing that you are a fan and have never actually played in the game, you should never "feel" like you've personally been defeated or accomplished victory. You personally have as many championships as the Suns' franchise does.

While I respect your opinion(just kidding lol), when you dedicate months of your life watching a team every night, yes, you should feel some sort of emotion about how they perform. If you don't, there is something wrong with you.

[Spur_Fanatic]

I'm a defending champ. You ain't won shit since the last time you had pussy. Pish posh motherfucker.

As Goran said, you won as many championships as the Suns.

[MavDynasty]

Lol this Leonard faggot got his shit pushed in

[Kewni Leonard]

Are you really expecting a team with Manu as the "best player" to do shit anyway?

Argentina Gold says hello.

[mavs>spurs]

While I respect your opinion(just kidding lol), when you dedicate months of your life watching a team every night, yes, you should feel some sort of emotion about how they perform. If you don't, there is something wrong with you.

awwwww he thinks the spurs gon win without manu! its so cute lol

[Goran Dragic]

Are you really expecting a team with Manu as the "best player" to do shit anyway?
Even though Manu has been out completely or noticeably limited by injury in the 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 playoffs, someone who's expecting a "healthy Manu" to be the difference maker in the playoffs this year is also someone delusional enough to think a team with Manu as its best player can make a playoff run.

[MavDynasty]

Argentina Gold says hello.

:lmao

[Kewni Leonard]

Lol this Leonard faggot got his shit pushed in

lol @ the hilarity of a white person using that terminology on an internet forum

[mavs>spurs]

Even though Manu has been out completely or noticeably limited by injury in the 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 playoffs, someone who's expecting a "healthy Manu" to be the difference maker in the playoffs this year is also someone delusional enough to think a team with Manu as its best player can make a playoff run.

:lmao:lmao:lmao

[mavs>spurs]

lol @ the hilarity of a white person using that terminology on an internet forum

i didn't take notice, i was too busy chuckling at the level of a brain that would seriously think the spurs are contenders or count on manu ginobili to be that difference maker :lmao

[Goran Dragic]

While I respect your opinion(just kidding lol), when you dedicate months of your life watching a team every night, yes, you should feel some sort of emotion about how they perform. If you don't, there is something wrong with you.
Having emotions and subconsciously convincing yourself you're a part of the team are two different things.

If you think the Spurs' 4 championships are any kind of personal accomplishment on your part, you are a very sad person :lol

[Goran Dragic]

Argentina Gold says hello.
:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao

[Kewni Leonard]

i didn't take notice, i was too busy chuckling at the level of a brain that would seriously think the spurs are contenders or count on manu ginobili to be that difference maker :lmao

They barely got beat by a team that presented terrible matchup problems for the Spurs specifically. So yes, Manu was the difference.

[dirk4mvp]

Argentina Gold says hello.

I once won a rec league championship the summer after 11th grade.

[redzero]

:lol I refuse to believe that this guy is a serious poster.

[mavs>spurs]

They barely got beat by a team that presented terrible matchup problems for the Spurs specifically. So yes, Manu was the difference.

manu = difference in a first round playoff series, and that's about it

[Kewni Leonard]

:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao

Refute it? They didn't take the gold? Did the stacked USA team take it? I'm just wondering...

[Kewni Leonard]

I once won a rec league championship the summer after 11th grade.

Oh, so some of the best NBA players in the entire league didn't play for the US that year. Gotcha'.

[Goran Dragic]

They barely got beat by a team that presented terrible matchup problems for the Spurs specifically. So yes, Manu was the difference.
They were the 1st seed. The Grizzlies were the 8th seed. They lost to the 8th seed. If they needed that much of a quality performance to squeak by the 8th seed, then they weren't destined for great things.

[Rapper]

In East
1 NYK (Linsanity)

In west
1 SAS (Timmy)

[Kewni Leonard]

:lol I refuse to believe that this guy is a serious poster.

I refuse to believe you would dedicate your entire profile on a sports website to a mediocre TV show.

[mavs>spurs]

Wait, so this guy thinks the spurs were winning hte championship last year before manu went down??? :lmao :lmao :lmao

Kewni, I'm not saying you should kill yourself, but.....aw fuck it, die already.

[Goran Dragic]

Refute it? They didn't take the gold? Did the stacked USA team take it? I'm just wondering...
If by stacked you mean Stephon Marbury and Allen Iverson leading a mutiny against Larry Brown who had no idea what he was doing with Duncan ultimately quitting on the team and giving up completely, yeah, the 2004 US team was stacked.

[Kewni Leonard]

They were the 1st seed. The Grizzlies were the 8th seed. They lost to the 8th seed. If they needed that much of a quality performance to squeak by the 8th seed, then they weren't destined for great things.

It is all about matchups in the playoffs. Anyone who knows anything about the NBA will tell you that. Besides, this is the West we're talking about. Anyone can realistically beat anyone.

[DeadlyDynasty]

You gotta give it to HH. Start a thread only to set it up for your troll.:lol

Well done sir, though you shouldn't have made him sound overtly retarded at times or he could've been joshdaboss-good:lol

[dirk4mvp]

Oh, so some of the best NBA players in the entire league didn't play for the US that year. Gotcha'.

Can/Could Manu lead a team to an NBA championship as the #1?

[mavs>spurs]

It is all about matchups in the playoffs. Anyone who knows anything about the NBA will tell you that. Besides, this is the West we're talking about. Anyone can realistically beat anyone.

yup it's all about matchups tbh, and the spurs lost theirs to an 8th seed :lmao

[Robz4000]

Man, this thread got derailed quick

[Kewni Leonard]

Wait, so this guy thinks the spurs were winning hte championship last year before manu went down??? :lmao :lmao :lmao

Kewni, I'm not saying you should kill yourself, but.....aw fuck it, die already.

That isn't what I'm saying. But I do know they were better than the Mavs last season. But again, it's all about matchups and the Spurs probably would have been dominated by the Heat. LeBron James is only stopped by mobile, shotblocking bigs 7' +

(and also when Stern decides he wants a white star to win another ring)

[Goran Dragic]

It is all about matchups in the playoffs.
And when you give Matt Bonner significant minutes, you run into a lot of matchup problems :lmao

[Kewni Leonard]

Can/Could Manu lead a team to an NBA championship as the #1?

That's hard to answer since Duncan has always been their best player.

[FkLA]

http://hoopsafrique.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/ManuGold.jpg

[Kewni Leonard]

And when you give Matt Bonner significant minutes, you run into a lot of matchup problems :lmao

Matt Bonner definitely isn't the problem. Bonner is a very solid roleplayer. Yes, he's struggled in the playoffs, but he is, again, a roleplayer.

[Kewni Leonard]

yup it's all about matchups tbh, and the spurs lost theirs to an 8th seed :lmao

With arguably their best player playing with a broken arm. I'm not sure how that's funny, but all right.

[mavs>spurs]

But I do know they were better than the Mavs last season.

:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao

[dirk4mvp]

That isn't what I'm saying. But I do know they were better than the Mavs last season.

The Mavs beat the team that beat the team that beat the Spurs. Do the math.

[Kewni Leonard]

:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao

Not sure what's funny. They destroyed them the previous year in the playoffs and had the best record in the West going into the playoffs.

[Goran Dragic]

Matt Bonner definitely isn't the problem. Bonner is a very solid roleplayer. Yes, he's struggled in the playoffs, but he is, again, a roleplayer.
The fact their other big men suck so much that Matt Bonner gets consistent PT is a problem.

And even then, the Spurs having two "big men", Bonner and DeFat who are both atrocious defenders getting significant minutes leads to "matchup problems."

[dirk4mvp]

With arguably their best player playing with a broken arm. I'm not sure how that's funny, but all right.

Just imagine how bad it would've been if Memphis had arguably their best player. Sweep maybe?

[Kewni Leonard]

The Mavs beat the team that beat the team that beat the Spurs. Do the math.

I could see where you would ask me to do the math, considering it is very hard to do, due to the Spurs best player playing with a broken arm.

[Kewni Leonard]

The fact their other big men suck so much that Matt Bonner gets consistent PT is a problem.

And even then, the Spurs having two "big men", Bonner and DeFat who are both atrocious defenders getting significant minutes leads to "matchup problems."

Is Dirk Nowitzki a good defender? Is he even an average defender?

[dirk4mvp]

I could see where you would ask me to do the math, considering it is very hard to do, due to the Spurs best player playing with a broken arm.

Memphis' best player was also out with injury.

[Goran Dragic]

With arguably their best player playing with a broken arm.
Is this the same best player who was injured during the 2008, 2009 and 2010 playoffs?

At which point do you realize Ginobili being injured during the playoffs isnt bad timing or coincidence but rather something they should actually anticipate as it's an annual occurrence?

[mavs>spurs]

Not sure what's funny. They destroyed them the previous year in the playoffs and had the best record in the West going into the playoffs.

.sffoyalp eht otni gniog tseW eht ni drocer tseb eht dah dna sffoyalp eht ni raey suoiverp eht meht deyortsed yehT .ynnuf s'tahw erus toN

[mavs>spurs]

^what i actually see when i read a joshtheboss post

[Kewni Leonard]

Memphis' best player was also out with injury.

That is funny. I could have sworn I saw Zach Randolph destroying McDyess in that series.

[Goran Dragic]

Is Dirk Nowitzki a good defender? Is he even an average defender?
He's a better defender than DeFat or Bonner, and the Mavs also had a true center between Chandler and Haywood on the floor at all times last year. The Spurs frequently whored small ball lineups last year.

[mavs>spurs]

Gay >>>>>> Manu

[Kewni Leonard]

Is this the same best player who was injured during the 2008, 2009 and 2010 playoffs?

At which point do you realize Ginobili being injured during the playoffs isnt bad timing or coincidence but rather something they should actually anticipate as it's an annual occurrence?

That's fine, when they beat my team at full strength, I'll be happy to congratulate them.

[Kewni Leonard]

gay >>>>>> manu

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahaha

[dirk4mvp]

That is funny. I could have sworn I saw Zach Randolph destroying McDyess in that series.

I didn't put 2nd best in white font or anything. Since you are so caught up in matchups, you should probably realize how bad of a matchup ZBO is for SA. But then again, if they had their best player in Rudy Gay, it would've been an even shorter series.

[mavs>spurs]

That's fine, when they beat my team at full strength, I'll be happy to congratulate them.

Your team at full strength is a 2nd round exit at best you fucking dotard.

[Kewni Leonard]

He's a better defender than DeFat or Bonner, and the Mavs also had a true center between Chandler and Haywood on the floor at all times last year. The Spurs frequently whored small ball lineups last year.

No, he isn't. Nowitzki is a turnstile defensively. Easily the worst superstar defender that I've ever seen, including Nash.

[Goran Dragic]

That's fine, when they beat my team at full strength, I'll be happy to congratulate them.
You didn't answer my question but I see this is slowly becoming an, "I was trolling all along and my extremely retarded opinions weren't serious," episode.

[Kewni Leonard]

I didn't put 2nd best in white font or anything. Since you are so caught up in matchups, you should probably realize how bad of a matchup ZBO is for SA. But then again, if they had their best player in Rudy Gay, it would've been an even shorter series.

With the Spurs winning in 5 games, even with Manu hurt.

[mavs>spurs]

This guy is like an untrollable level of stupid, he's too stupid to even realize that he's an idiot. Creating some sort of a false reality for him. Guys kewni isn't trolling at all, he's a walking lesson in psychology.

[Spur_Fanatic]

Anyway, my rankings:

West:

OKC (Durant/West/Harden is a nice combo)
Mavs (Dirk. But Odom is terrible. VC experiment working, but Terry is too irregular)
Spurs (Parker is playing better, Pop is awesome, but needs healthy Manu)
Lakers (Kobe/Gasol/Bynum, but not PG, and Artest will snap soon, so...)
Clippers (they should start clicking soon)

Maybe Grizzlies, if they make a good run.

East:

Heat (Lebron)
Bulls (lots of road wins)
Sixers (team is pretty good)
Orlando (Howard)
Hawks (because the rest are terrible)

Maybe Knicks, if Melo/Amare/Lin can work together.

[Kewni Leonard]

You didn't answer my question but I see this is slowly becoming an, "I was trolling all along and my extremely retarded opinions weren't serious," episode.

Whatever you want to try to say to try to subvert my dominance over you. The fact will remain: Me > you, in NBA knowledge. Me > you, in life.

[dirk4mvp]

No, he isn't. Nowitzki is a turnstile defensively. Easily the worst superstar defender that I've ever seen, including Nash.

If you've been trying to tell the forum who you are, this post has solidified it.

[mavs>spurs]

Whatever you want to try to say to try to subvert my dominance over you. The fact will remain: Me > you, in NBA knowledge. Me > you, in life.

:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao

[DeadlyDynasty]

Sixers aren't going anywhere w/o superstars. They're a nice story, but that's all.

[Goran Dragic]

Whatever you want to try to say to try to subvert my dominance over you. The fact will remain: Me > you, in NBA knowledge. Me > you, in life.
Yup, now he's trying to be sarcastic and funny hoping to pass his retarded decisions off as a joke.

[mavs>spurs]

if it's really joshthebitch he actually isn't trolling at all i tell you, he's a real life sa dotard

[Kewni Leonard]

Yup, now he's trying to be sarcastic and funny hoping to pass his retarded decisions off as a joke.

That was a solid effort to try to neutralize the truth I just hit you with. Just kidding.

[Spur_Fanatic]

Sixers aren't going anywhere w/o superstars. They're a nice story, but that's all.

I know, but the East is pretty weak. I'd like to see them on the 2nd round.

[Goran Dragic]

if it's really joshthebitch he actually isn't trolling at all i tell you, he's a real life sa dotard
My guess is he's just some random fat mexiCANT from San Antonio who wishes he was black so therefore has an avatar of that African rookie on the Spurs making a chimp like face.

[Kewni Leonard]

if it's really joshthebitch he actually isn't trolling at all i tell you, he's a real life sa dotard

Don't worry, man. timvp/Kori Ellis will save you. I've been banned like 15 times from this site already. That is what I call being too good at the computer for my own good.

[ElNono]

Actually, after looking at the Messi=GOD thread, it makes complete sense he would be joshdabitch...

[DeadlyDynasty]

I know, but the East is pretty weak. I'd like to see them on the 2nd round.

2nd round is possible if they have HCA and they can avoid the Knicks or Celtics. They could upset ATL or ORL imo

[mavs>spurs]

Don't worry, man. timvp/Kori Ellis will save you. I've been banned like 15 times from this site already. That is what I call being too good at the computer for my own good.

that's what i call being a real dotard :lol

you couldn't form an intelligent basketball opinion if phil jackson counseled you every thursday night after stopping by to bang your mother

[ElNono]

Not sold on the Bulls, tbh... They work hard, but are you really trusting Deng or Boozer to be your second option?

[Spur_Fanatic]

2nd round is possible if they have HCA and they can avoid the Knicks or Celtics. They could upset ATL or ORL imo

I see them beating IND in the first round.

[Kewni Leonard]

that's what i call being a real dotard :lol

you couldn't form an intelligent basketball opinion if phil jackson counseled you every thursday night after stopping by to bang your mother

Whatever unfounded, uneducated conjecture you want to spew towards me won't change the fact I know more about basketball than you do, and that I am better than you in general.

[DeadlyDynasty]

Bulls are GREAT defensively and execute well enough on offense, but when your PG is the best player on your team you'll never win. Not since the days of Zeke and Magic.

[mavs>spurs]

Whatever unfounded, uneducated conjecture you want to spew towards me won't change the fact I know more about basketball than you do, and that I am better than you in general.

you're like the neighborhood kid who says "oh yeah, well my dad can beat up your dad!" after getting that ass waxed 1 on 1 imho

[Kewni Leonard]

you're like the neighborhood kid who says "oh yeah, well my dad can beat up your dad!" after getting that ass waxed 1 on 1 imho

I see your mind is pretty refined. I bet you have a college degree.

[DeadlyDynasty]

I see them beating IND in the first round.

I actually could see IND pulling that upset, but it would be a great first-round matchup nonetheless.

[MavDynasty]

bitches & blunts!

[mavs>spurs]

I see your mind is pretty refined. I bet you have a college degree.

ask me in 3 months, i'll be graduated with a mothafuckin 3.9 NIGGA where you at josh the bitch :lmao

[ElNono]

Where's my african american Lincoln at?

[Kewni Leonard]

Why bother talking about the East? Nobody can beat Miami in 7 games.

[Kewni Leonard]

ask me in 3 months, i'll be graduated with a mothafuckin 3.9 NIGGA where you at josh the bitch :lmao

"I'll be graduated" LMFAO... OK... I'm done.

[Spur_Fanatic]

I actually could see IND pulling that upset, but it would be a great first-round matchup nonetheless.

Probably the only east playoff series I'd see.

[Spur_Fanatic]

ask me in 3 months, i'll be graduated with a mothafuckin 3.9 NIGGA where you at josh the bitch :lmao

:nope

[mavs>spurs]

"I'll be graduated" LMFAO... OK... I'm done.

i'm proud of you for your english degree brah..maybe you could use it to read the labels and make sure you're stocking the item in the right place :lmao

[dirk4mvp]

joshdaboss did you attend the prestigious utsa?

[Killakobe81]

I'll give HH credit, as he was one of the only spurfans not to buy into the fool's gold spurs last year. The majority of this board never saw it coming though, and that's what blind homerism will do to you:lol

Absolutely. My boy DPG was nervous about them too ...

Harlem is right even OKC doesnt look so good as a lock in the West. Though I dont hate on Westbrook the way many of you do. I think the loss of Maynor hurts because Harden is truly a defacto starter, but Maynor gave them traditional PG off of the bench if Westbrook struggles ...

[endrity]

No, he isn't. Nowitzki is a turnstile defensively. Easily the worst superstar defender that I've ever seen, including Nash.

Maybe, maybe not.

However, this is what the facts tell us.
(you can refer to the magnificent 82games.com for detailed info on what I am about to lay on your ass)

1) The Mavs last year were a substantially BETTER defensive team with Dirk on the floor than off it.
- Infact their top 5 man unit (Chandler-Dirk-Marion-Kidd-Terry) was beasting on both ends during their run last year. How do you think they made those amazing comebacks?
So the less here is that either those other 4 were Bill Russell incarnated or that Dirk had a hand to play in it.

2) The Mavs have been an even BETTER defensive team this year than last year. And I am not comparing deffensive efficiency only because offensive play is down throughout the league. Relative to other teams they are better than they were during last season.
- All of this while playing their starters the third smallest amount and using their bench a lot. So even their best team is playing little minutes, they are still performing defensively.
- The reason of course, is not that Haywood and Ian became better than Tyson, but the perimeter D has been much better therefor asking less from the centers.

Now, to bring it all back to Dirk. What does this mean?

1) Dallas has a very good defensive system. And whether you like it or not, Dirk is part of it. He might not be the main defender, but he's doing his part.
Which leads us to ...

2) The big misconception that stars have to be great defensively. It helps of course, but more often than not stars will not be the ones playing defense (Kobe sits on a corner mostly these days). All teams try to give their stars the least amount of work defensively to save them for offense. And next time a team picks a Ben Wallace or Bruce Bowen over a Kevin Durant (awful defender), Stoudemire, Melo, Dirk on a draft night let me know. Therefore the defensive performance of a team will actually depend mostly on the other 4 non stars. As long as there is a good defensive center, and Marion playing along Dirk the front court is more than covered for as much as I am concerned.

Now go back to your trolling.

[Killakobe81]

KL does not know of which he speaks ... not sure if it is bad trolling or low bball IQ. But his posts are better upstairs so my guess is trolling .

[endrity]

Absolutely. My boy DPG was nervous about them too ...

Harlem is right even OKC doesnt look so good as a lock in the West. Though I dont hate on Westbrook the way many of you do. I think the loss of Maynor hurts because Harden is truly a defacto starter, but Maynor gave them traditional PG off of the bench if Westbrook struggles ...

They have little scoring outside Durant and Westrbook. Harden is hit and miss. And their end of game execution was awful last year and I haven't seen it improve much this year.

Ibaka and Harden really have to play well for them because their two stars alone won't be enough.

[z0sa]

1. DAL
2. OKC
3. SA
4. LAC
on the outside looking in
5. LAL (could change)
6. MEM

Top 5 are close, with top 3 having the best chances. None will be favorites vs Heat.

[Goran Dragic]

Their top 4 players of Durant, Westbrook, Harden and Ibaka will show up for the playoffs and are simply better than the Spurs' top 4 of Parker, Duncan, Ginobili and Dick.

[DeadlyDynasty]

They have little scoring outside Durant and Westrbook. Harden is hit and miss. And their end of game execution was awful last year and I haven't seen it improve much this year.

Ibaka and Harden really have to play well for them because their two stars alone won't be enough.

I like Harden and think he's much more reliable in the clutch than Westbrook. Ibaka is overrated and you can't count on him for jackshit in the playoffs.

[Goran Dragic]

You can count on defense from Ibaka but any offense he might provide during the regular season evaporates during the playoffs. He's extremely hesitant taking wide open jumpers during the playoffs which kills OKC's offense.

[endrity]

Their top 4 players of Durant, Westbrook, Harden and Ibaka will show up for the playoffs and are simply better than the Spurs' top 4 of Parker, Duncan, Ginobili and Dick.

Sorry to disagree with you here for a bit, even though I think you're a good poster.

Last year's playoffs should have shown you that top heavy teams with little chemistry can be beaten with deeper, more coordinated teams.

Now I don't know if SA can beat OKC, but I am just saying I won't be surprised if it happens. Spurs still execute as good as anyone, their play is crisp no matter who is on the floor and OKC still relies on Durant shooting contested 30ft shots at the end of close games.

[z0sa]

Their top 4 players of Durant, Westbrook, Harden and Ibaka will show up for the playoffs and are simply better than the Spurs' top 4 of Parker, Duncan, Ginobili and Dick.

I agree obviously ... on paper. The games actually have to be played though, which is why really any of 4-6 teams could legitimately take the West if injuries and/or weird playoff seeding/matchups occur.

[Goran Dragic]

Now I don't know if SA can beat OKC, but I am just saying I won't be surprised if it happens. Spurs still execute as good as anyone, their play is crisp no matter who is on the floor and OKC still relies on Durant shooting contested 30ft shots at the end of close games.
They're a PG oriented team that relies on Tony Parker to do everything. I'll take the team that relies on Durant over the team that relies on a borderline AS point guard.

Maybe the Mavs were an exception but top heavy teams almost always beat teams that have a deep bench. There's a reason Phil Jackson has 11 championships and never gave two shits about having a quality 8th and 9th man.

[endrity]

They're a PG oriented team that relies on Tony Parker to do everything. I'll take the team that relies on Durant over the team that relies on a borderline AS point guard.

Maybe the Mavs were an exception but top heavy teams almost always beat teams that have a deep bench. There's a reason Phil Jackson has 11 championships and never gave two shits about having a quality 8th and 9th man.

On the other hand, the 03 Spurs and 04 Pistons disprove that as well. And you might add the 02 Kings as well, who really should have won that series in 6. And these are only Laker series, not mentioning how often other stars have failed to progress due to poor teams around them (Yao-TMac Houston?) So it can and has been done, and more often than you think.

Plus, I am sure that Duncan becomes a more important part of the team in the playoffs as he always has during the recent years. He still has many games where his per minute production is absolutely otherwordly. That Manu guy is no chopped liver either.

[Kewni Leonard]

They're a PG oriented team that relies on Tony Parker to do everything.

I'm not sure why you keep saying this, it's making you look like you don't know what you're talking about. The Spurs, more than any team in the league, play team basketball. It certainly isn't Tony Parker doing everything for them like you say.

[Killakobe81]

Sorry to disagree with you here for a bit, even though I think you're a good poster.

Last year's playoffs should have shown you that top heavy teams with little chemistry can be beaten with deeper, more coordinated teams.

Now I don't know if SA can beat OKC, but I am just saying I won't be surprised if it happens. Spurs still execute as good as anyone, their play is crisp no matter who is on the floor and OKC still relies on Durant shooting contested 30ft shots at the end of close games.

I disagree a bit. OKC can run some great offense when Harden is the one running pnr to close games. The problem is whether by coaching or defference to his stars ...it's always Westbrook iso or a double screen action for a deep 3 for Durant, that they end up going to instead ...

The reason I give OKC credit, because they have the talent to do better in close games. But I have no confidence, that they will.

[endrity]

I disagree a bit. OKC can run some great offense when Harden is the one running pnr to close games. The problem is whether by coaching or defference to his stars ...it's always Westbrook iso or a double screen action for a deep 3 for Durant, that they end up going to instead ...

The reason I give OKC credit, because they have the talent to do better in close games. But I have no confidence, that they will.

True! I actually agree with everything here, especially on Harden's playmaking, and that is why coaching is still important in this league.

The difference in a Rick Carlisle offense and Avery Johnson offense is night and day and it made a huge difference for the Mavs.

[Goran Dragic]

On the other hand, the 03 Spurs and 04 Pistons disprove that as well. And you might add the 02 Kings as well, who really should have won that series in 6. And these are only Laker series, not mentioning how often other stars have failed to progress due to poor teams around them (Yao-TMac Houston?) So it can and has been done, and more often than you think.

Plus, I am sure that Duncan becomes a more important part of the team in the playoffs as he always has during the recent years. He still has many games where his per minute production is absolutely otherwordly. That Manu guy is no chopped liver either.
The 04 Pistons and 03 Spurs were the best defensive teams in the league those two years. The 03 Spurs also had the best player in the NBA that year to carry the lack of star power outside of him. You're comparing apples to oranges. A mediocre defensive team with no star power and its PG as its best player is basically the recipe for playoff failure.

Duncan averaged 12.7 PPG in the playoffs last year, and Manu hasn't been healthy the last 4 times the Spurs made the playoffs. If your reason for the Spurs being contenders is that "Ginobili will finally be healthy!" then all I have to say is good luck with that.

[Killakobe81]

I'm not sure why you keep saying this, it's making you look like you don't know what you're talking about. The Spurs, more than any team in the league, play team basketball. It certainly isn't Tony Parker doing everything for them like you say.

Featuring Tony Parker doesnt mean the Spurs dont play "team ball". The bulls played team ball yet MJ got the vast majority of shots. Good team ball includes ball movement and plays that takes advantage of their own team strengths and matchup advantages. Parker has had the advantage and has looked to score. that has been the "right play". Yet many on here criticize Westbrook for the same thing.

My problem with Russ is the TO's and the fact that he always thinks he can take his man, which often times he can, but when the bigs rotate he doesnt always make the right play by dishing. Nothing wrong with a PG scoring, if he has a great matchup the media has been sucking off Jlin for doing the EXACT same thing. But can Westbrook grow as aPG so that he doesn't always look for his shot first? Russ is like the run first QB trying to lean how to stay in the pocket and make his 2nd and 3rd reads ... but remember he never played point in college or HS ...

[Goran Dragic]

PG oriented teams always get heralded for playing "team ball"


Then they lose in the playoffs.

[Killakobe81]

A good team and a PG, will get their shooters open looks, their athletes the ball in the open court and reward their big men that run hard or after a block shot with a post touch. But the goal is always to take advantage of matchups. Many here focus to much on FGA's (lets keep it out Kobe to avoid bias) Do I think AI shot too much? Yes. I grew up a Showtime fan. But on the Sixers finals team there were few other legit scorers so it made sense that he shot that much. That was "team ball" in that context, because the team was built around great defense and HIS scoring.

the Knicks will be an interesting case study, because their best play maybe Amare/Lin pnr but Melo works best at the mid post ... and Lin loves to shoot. To me, it doesnt matter who gets the shots

[DMC]

A few things:

1st, are the Spurs really holding teams to 93ppg or is the scoring so shitty across the league that teams are not presenting the offensive challenge as they did last year?

What changed in our defense to cause this? Don't tell me Kawhi, because he's not on the floor that much. Bonner, Neal, RJ, Blair and even Parker are not good defenders. Where is the good defense coming from? You have Duncan, Splitter (when he's out there) and Leonard who play good defense. Everyone else plays so so, and some of those play shitty defense.

We are offensive, that we are. We can score the ball. We seem to have a hell of a time stopping it though, as made evident by the fact that we cannot seem to maintain a lead for long. Once the other team finds their range, it's back to trading baskets. We just have the ability to pound the ball inside and get high percentage looks while they usually settle for outside shots. Those outside shots go for awhile but sooner or later being to be long rebounds and points at the other end for us. That's not what I consider a stop, it's just a miss. Sure we make them shoot long shots, but they oblige by being to immature in the game to force the ball inside, and in the playoffs that will all change.

Manu's health is a roll of the dice. I doubt it but it could happen.

[Goran Dragic]

The average defensive rating this year is 103.0 while the average defensive rating in 2011, 2010 and 2009 was 107.3. DMC is spot on that scoring is down across the league. Every team has the "improved defense" that the Spurs have this year.

[stretch]

The Spurs are not a championship team, IMO. But they are not to be taken lightly in a playoff series either. I could see them beating any of the top West teams in a series, out of Dallas, OKC, Lakers, Clippers, etc... but can't see them beating multiple of those teams, and then somehow fending off Miami in the Finals. They can pull off one upset, max.

[Kewni Leonard]

PG oriented teams always get heralded for playing "team ball"


Then they lose in the playoffs.

It isn't oriented around Parker, though. It has been more so lately because Manu has been out. The Spurs get everyone involved. Last I checked, the Spurs had 7 players averaging 9+ PPG.

[DAF86]

After Miami and Chicago the East is a bunch of shit and I'm not sure Chicago would beat teams like the Spurs, Mavs and Lakers on a playoffs series. The NBA is in a pretty sad state right now, if the Heat doesn't win it this year they should just give up.

[DAF86]

They're a PG oriented team that relies on Tony Parker to do everything. I'll take the team that relies on Durant over the team that relies on a borderline AS point guard.

Maybe the Mavs were an exception but top heavy teams almost always beat teams that have a deep bench. There's a reason Phil Jackson has 11 championships and never gave two shits about having a quality 8th and 9th man.

WTF? :lol