At this point, the MVP award is pretty much a toss up.

[SpursFanDan]

I'm not getting ahead of myself, i'd just like to discuss it, because there isnt a clear cut winner.

Ginobili.. great in the first two.. so so in 3 and 4, good in 5. Timmy was pretty consistent when it came to rebounds and such, but his fg% blew. Horry?... huh... that would be interesting,... a bench player.

Who do you think will get it?

[Timmy21]

No doubt about it, Tim Duncan

[duncan_21]

timmy

[MadDog73]

Oh crap. Not this again, last time we brought this up, we lost two in a row!!!

:cuss

I honestly don't care, as long as we win, but if Duncan keeps playing like he did last night, it'll be hard to give it to somebody else...

[mouse]

Rasho :lmao

[SpursFanDan]

how about Rasheed, the best player on our team.

[Phenomanul]

how about Rasheed, the best player on our team.

You mean the "best Spurs player not on our team"

edit: added Spurs as part of initial thought...

[td4mvp21]

If we win it, Tim Duncan.
If Detroit wins it, Chauncey Billups(based on so far)

[nkdlunch]

You mean the "best player not on our team"

How about best Spur player wearing a Pistons uniform?

[Xolotl]

You mean the "best player not on our team"

:lol thats what makes it a joke captain obvious, he helped the Spurs win the game last night, probably because he secretly wants to play with them.

[SpursFanDan]

yeah.. I'm sure everyone knew what I meant.

[Phenomanul]

:lol thats what makes it a joke captain obvious, he helped the Spurs win the game last night, probably because he secretly wants to play with them.


I knew that was the intent... I just didn't sound right... but nkdlunch wrote it best...

[T Park]

I disagree with it being Billups.

IMO, its Ben Wallace.


Gotta take into account his fantastic D on Duncan as well.

[SpursFanDan]

I guess you're picking a piston because you gave up on the spurs?

[Xolotl]

Lets just make a co-MVP. So that everyone will be happy








I think Timmy should get it.

[SpursFanDan]

co-mvp... that will never happen. I predict timmy having a big game Tuesday, and receiving the award.

[smeagol]

If Manu would have made the winning shot in game five and the Spurs win it all, Manu.

Same thing if TD's putback after Manu missed that shot would've gone in.

If Horry has another monster game, Big Shot.

If the Pistons win, Billups or Big Ben.

Conclusion: It's a toss-up.

[td4mvp3]

ginobilli. he was great in the first two games, got injured in game 3 and hobbled in game 4, consequently we lost those two even with duncan being pretty consistent.game 5 had tim's breakout game, but it was ginobilli's earlier brilliance that likely played a role in rasheed deciding to double him.

[td4mvp3]

oh, and they've gone to having the ball in his hands at the end of games now more so than parker or duncan.

[E20]

Dude, we're gonna be the champions I know that for SURE, so the hell with who wins what awards that don't mean that much compared to the trophy. What worries me right now the most is that there might be no Basketball next year!!! :depressed

[peskypesky]

Tim Duncan.

He hasn't been perfect, but he's been banging with the Wallace Boys game after game on two sprained ankles and still putting up big numbers.

Do you know who is leading the Spurs in points per game? His name is Tim Duncan.

And guess who's leading the Spurs in rebounds per game? Yep, you got it, it's Tim Duncan.

He's averaging more rebounds per game than the next two Spurs combined. In fact, he's averaging almost as many rebounds as the next THREE Spurs combined.

I believe he's also blocked a few shots along the way.

There can be no serious doubt. Tim Duncan is the horse this team is riding. To deny that is to admit that you do not understand the game you are talking about.

[Xolotl]

A little crappy on the formatting so I do apoligize I just wanted to show game by game.

Manu
Min FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A OFF DEF TOT AST ST BL TO PTS
39 10-16 2-4 4-4 3 6 9 2 1 0 4 26
32 6-8 4-5 11-13 1 2 3 7 3 0 3 27
29 2-6 1-3 2-2 0 4 4 0 0 0 6 7
32 4-9 1-5 3-4 0 4 4 3 1 1 2 12
44 5-16 0-4 5-5 3 3 6 9 1 0 2 15

Points - 17.4
Assists - 4.2
Steals - 1.2
Rebounds - 5.2
Blocks - .2

Timmy
Min FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A OFF DEF TOT AST ST BL TO PTS
41 10-22 0-0 4-5 6 11 17 2 0 2 3 24
37 5-10 0-0 8-9 3 8 11 1 0 4 2 18
38 5-15 0-0 4-4 3 7 10 4 3 1 2 14
39 5-17 0-0 6-9 3 13 16 2 0 3 3 16
48 11-24 0-0 4-11 8 11 19 2 0 2 2 26

Points - 19.6
Assists - 2.2
Steals - .6
Rebounds - 14.6
Blocks - 2.4

[Brodels]

http://www.insidehoops.com/pictures/bruce_bowen.jpg

No doubt about it. I think it's safe to say that the Spurs wouldn't be up in this series without Duncan, Manu, Horry, and Bowen. Horry has played a good game or two and one great game. Duncan and Manu have played well at times but pussed out for two entire games. Duncan, as big as he was last night, orchestrated one of the bigger choke jobs in recent memory.

Bruce has been the only player to bring energy and toughness every night. He's hit big threes, he's played great D on Hamilton, and he's even been finishing at the rim some. More importantly, he did a real solid job on Billups at the end of the game last night. His defense on Chauncey at the end was as big as anything Manu or Duncan did in that game.

Only one player has brought it every night.

[peskypesky]

And people, let's just keep this in perspective and remember one thing. Tim has put up these numbers while being guarded a lot of the time by THE DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR!

Ben Wallace got that title for a reason. He is a monster in the paint.

If you want to criticize Tim's performance, go ahead. By doing that you not only insult him, you insult Ben Wallace.

[timvp]

It has to be Bowen if the Spurs win and Billups if the Pistons win.

[Xolotl]

http://www.insidehoops.com/pictures/bruce_bowen.jpg

No doubt about it. I think it's safe to say that the Spurs wouldn't be up in this series without Duncan, Manu, Horry, and Bowen. Horry has played a good game or two and one great game. Duncan and Manu have played well at times but pussed out for two entire games. Duncan, as big as he was last night, orchestrated one of the bigger choke jobs in recent memory.

Bruce has been the only player to bring energy and toughness every night. He's hit big threes, he's played great D on Hamilton, and he's even been finishing at the rim some. More importantly, he did a real solid job on Billups at the end of the game last night. His defense on Chauncey at the end was as big as anything Manu or Duncan did in that game.

Only one player has brought it every night.

I must say I do agree with this. I was going for Timmy but you made an excellent point. Bowen has shut down anybody he's been covering this series. Except I think Rip had a good game in 3 or 4 dont remember.

[HB22inSA]

It has to be Bowen if the Spurs win
Bowen has just as good a chance of winning MVP as me dating Eva Longoria.

Tim Duncan will win his 3rd Finals MVP award.

What are his stats? 20 and 14.

He's a lock.

[ZStomp]

bruce Bowen

[HB22inSA]

Tim Duncan will win his 3rd Finals MVP award.

[Brodels]

Bowen has just as good a chance of winning MVP as me dating Eva Longoria.

Tim Duncan will win his 3rd Finals MVP award.

What are his stats? 20 and 14.

He's a lock.

Oh, Bowen won't win it because he's not the kind of player the league and the media want to win it. But he should. 20 and 14 are nice. But Bowen's defense yesterday, in the biggest game of the series, had every bit as much to do with the win as Duncan's 26 and 19 did. He got a stop at the end. Duncan missed a ton of free throws and turned it over.

Duncan's great, but the Spurs might still have won last night if he wouldn't have played the last six minutes of the fourth quarter and the overtime. They wouldn't have won without Bruce and Robert.

Look beyond stats. If you fall into the stats trap, you'll be getting away from what's really going on. If you watch closely, you'll see that Bruce has been just as key as anyone else. And he's the only starter playing up to his potential in this series. The only one.

[ballhog]

Gotta be Duncan. Wouldn't even win a game without him. That fact that he sometimes does it so quietly shouldn't dull his impact. The other guys are fulfilling their roles but Duncan has to do it all sometimes.

[ShoogarBear]

It would be nice if Bowen won it if the Spurs won.

If the Pistons won, it would be equally nice if Ben Wallace won it.

Billups has been more consistently good, but the Pistons go as Ben goes.

[SouthernFried]

Let's win game 4 first...then we'll talk.

[SpursFanDan]

we lost game four by 31..

[ReverendRob]

Bowen has just as good a chance of winning MVP as me dating Eva Longoria.

All you have to do is take a number.


Actually, without a clear front-runner at this point, I think Tim gets it by default as long as he has a good game. Manu hasn't done enough (and yes, I know he has contributed his all-around game) the past three games to warrant the MVP. I think it would take a monster game by Manu to push it in his favor. The complicating issue is that even though we didn't lose Game 5, people will still remember Tim's performance in the last few minutes. It's the only thing that keeps the door open on this. Horry would not only need a monster game, he would need another game saving effort for him to receive serious consideration for the MVP.

As for me, I'm indifferent toward the potential MVP (other than hoping it's a Spur). I'm sure most of the Spurs feel the same way. Gotta keep an eye on the real prize. The Larry O'Brien is the goal and the remaining hardware is secondary.

[peskypesky]

From another post:

"Wouldya just look at this shit!

BEN WALLACE - 12 Rebounds, 13 Points
SHEED WALLACE - 5 Rebounds, 12 Points

Lets total this up....

TOTAL: WALLACE BROTHERS 25 Points 17 Rebounds
TOTAL: TIM DUNCAN 26 Points 19 Rebounds

Can you say OWNED!!!!!

Yeah, yeah, yeah...Timmy missed some FT's, clutch ones too. But, don't give me any crap about TIM not being the MAN for San Antonio. He fucking carried the team for 3 quarters! TD was the reason we had a chance to win this...PERIOD! If not for TIMMY...Horry wouldn't have gotten to shine in the end.

I freakin' LOVE Horry...but, damnit...TIM WAS FUCKING HUGE TONIGHT!! He outplayed two of the biggest stars in the game...by HIMSELF!!!"

-nuff said

[samikeyp]

Personally I don't care...as long as the big gold trophy takes another ride down the river. :)

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

If Manu has a good game 6 he should win the MVP.

[peskypesky]

If Manu has a good game 6 he should win the MVP.


I love Manu, make no mistake. But get a clue, please.

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

I love Manu, make no mistake. But get a clue, please.

It is my opinion from what I saw in these 5 games, you don't like it? oh, well... :rolleyes

[spurschick]

It should be Bruce Bowen. Maybe he'll get the credit he's due, but I wouldn't bet the house on it. It will be a toss up between Manu and Tim. Whoever has a big game 6 between the two of them will probably get it.

[td4mvp3]

A little crappy on the formatting so I do apoligize I just wanted to show game by game.

Manu
Min FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A OFF DEF TOT AST ST BL TO PTS
39 10-16 2-4 4-4 3 6 9 2 1 0 4 26
32 6-8 4-5 11-13 1 2 3 7 3 0 3 27
29 2-6 1-3 2-2 0 4 4 0 0 0 6 7
32 4-9 1-5 3-4 0 4 4 3 1 1 2 12
44 5-16 0-4 5-5 3 3 6 9 1 0 2 15

Points - 17.4
Assists - 4.2
Steals - 1.2
Rebounds - 5.2
Blocks - .2

Timmy
Min FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A OFF DEF TOT AST ST BL TO PTS
41 10-22 0-0 4-5 6 11 17 2 0 2 3 24
37 5-10 0-0 8-9 3 8 11 1 0 4 2 18
38 5-15 0-0 4-4 3 7 10 4 3 1 2 14
39 5-17 0-0 6-9 3 13 16 2 0 3 3 16
48 11-24 0-0 4-11 8 11 19 2 0 2 2 26

Points - 19.6
Assists - 2.2
Steals - .6
Rebounds - 14.6
Blocks - 2.4

granted, duncan has been great against ben wallace, the DPOY, but manu was killing tayshaun prince, who everyone on the pistons squad and the media crowned as the pistons' stopper in the same way bowen is to the spurs. we see that they have similar stats for the series and the spurs go no where withou both of them having good games. but then you realize the greater responsibilities that ginobilli has earned. in crunch time, he's in charge, he's the engine to get things going and he causes the pistons to react. duncan's been great but isn't responsible for getting the ball up the floor, initiating the offense or creating his own shot off the dribble when things break down. that's what manu has become and i think his injury just clouds that a bit.

[SenorSpur]

With his superior numbers, it's got to be Tim Duncan.

A bit off the subject, they should recall the DPOY award and give it to Bruce Bowen for his continued yeoman's work in these NBA playoffs.

No offense to Ben Wallace, but first Carmelo, then Ray, then Shawn now Rip. Oh and for good measure, his late game defensive efforts on Detroit's Mr. Big Shot (Chauncey Billups) results in "0" points on his last few shots in both regulation and OT.

He's gotta be the league's true defensive stopper.....but I digress.

[td4mvp21]

^No, Ben Wallace deserved DPOY, he is a very good player and he has changed alot of shots this series. Bowen is great at his job, but Ben deserved it. If I remember correctly, Bowen was a tad bit inconsistent this season with his matchups.

[1Parker1]

I think Bowen DESERVES to win it. He has been the most consistent Spur these last 5 games. His offense has even gotten better. However, I don't think he's going to win, most likely it will go to Duncan and 5% chance Manu may get it if he has an amazing Game 6 or 7.

[ChumpDumper]

I'm glad others are thinking about Bruce, and I hope those who decide it are thinking that way too. He deserves it, but it won't be a crime if Duncan gets it again.

I seriously want Bruce to get it -- it would be especially sweet playing the team of the player who beat him out for DPOY. That would be as storybook as DRob's going out on top.

[SenorSpur]

Note. I was touting Bowen for DPOY not MVP of the finals.

[spurschick]

Bruce deserves MVP for the entire playoffs. It was his consistent D throughout that enabled the Spurs to get here.

[ChumpDumper]

Note. I was touting Bowen for DPOY not MVP of the finals.Note. I am touting Bowen for MVP of the finals.

[JustEnough]

"Steve Nash" -David Stern

[1Parker1]

Now that I think about it...the last time someone started a thread "Should Manu or Duncan win MVP?" we lost 2 straight blowout games. I hope this doesn't jinx us. :(

[ChumpDumper]

It's a big "if" at this point -- Detroit is far from done.

[bigbendbruisebrother]

So far, Bowen.

[NZHayden]

Tim Duncan will win his 3rd Finals MVP award.



agreed

[HB22inSA]

Bruce deserves MVP for the entire playoffs. It was his consistent D throughout that enabled the Spurs to get here.
zzz...zzz...zzz
j/k.

I know where you're coming from, Bowen's been my favorite player since he came to SA.

But the League will not give the MVP to a defensive specialist averaging .003 points per game.

[T Park]

defensive specialist averaging .003 points per game

Eh????

[Kori Ellis]

In addition to great D, Bowen is averaging 9 points per game and has hit 10-for-22 from 3 in this series. I said it after game 2 and everyone laughed at me, but he deserves to be MVP of the Finals IF the Spurs win. Nobody thought he'd win Player of the Week this year, but he did that too. So hopefully (yes, I still seriously doubt it) the voters will give him his due.

But this series isn't over yet. And a huge game from either Manu or Tim could give them on a lock on it. And if the Pistons pull out two victories at the SBC, then that changes everything.

[MiNuS]

WO! Let me just clarify something here! Even though Tim is the anchor ot the Spurs I would NOT consider him the MVP of this series.Game four at the Palace will forever be in Spurs minds.How can a 29 y/o MAN,be on the bench head down,crying,and not helping his team win on the court?Game five should have been won by Duncan on that last possesion before regulation but he missed that!He ass was definitely save by Horry last night,becuase that game could have been easily been lost.
I say right now neither Duncan nor Ginobili have a grip on anything.Whoever does a better job on closing these Pistons should get MVP.

[Summers]

I think I've asked this once before but it got lost in the thread. I can't find the answer by googling (really, I tried). Who votes on the finals mvp and how? I would assume it's sports journalists. The award is presented at the end of the final game, yes? So, how and when do they cast their vote. Does anyone know?

[travis2]

As I said yesterday, it's Tim's to lose. But it's close. Whoever steps up and has a big game tonight (assuming we win of course) will get it.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

hmmm, the prospect of bowen winning it does sound pretty amazing, and i think now with all the crap bowen has gone through this year (dirty player, slander) it would be well deserved

but when we start talking about deserving an mvp award, tim duncan does not fade away from the forefront.

He's fucking Duncan guys. Sure imo he blew it in games 3, 4, and 5, but he still had rebounds, still had to arm wrestle with the wallace brothers, still was our first option and still anchored the defense just as much as Bowen!

Duncan deserves this. But if Bowen won, i wouldn't be pissed.
pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease lets win tonight!!!

GO
SPURS
GO

[Clandestino]

right now, bowen is a 20-1, manu 9-2 and tim 1-3.... so vegas thinks timmy all the way...

[TheAfricanFan]

People say that Tim choke last game but as good as Bowen defended Billups at the 4th qtr Tim Duncan was the one standing under the basket both times Billups drived to the passed by Bowen, without him there maybe we wouldn't be here celebratin our game 5 win.... Tim for MVP all the way!!!

[shelshor]

Make it a co-MVP: Tim Duncan and Bruce Bowen

[spursnut]

My vote (OK, IF I had a vote) would be for co-MVPs:

Bruce Bowen and whoever shows up big in the final game (Duncan or Ginobili, I suppose, are the favorites).

Why not? Surely we would not have gotten this far without great defense, and as Pop says, "It all starts with Bruce."

Bruce never takes a play off. He works as hard or harder than anyone else on the court.

That would be too sweet - a defender finally getting his due.

[jochhejaam]

And people, let's just keep this in perspective and remember one thing. Tim has put up these numbers while being guarded a lot of the time by THE DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR!

Ben Wallace got that title for a reason. He is a monster in the paint.

If you want to criticize Tim's performance, go ahead. By doing that you not only insult him, you insult Ben Wallace.

It's been quite a match-up, makes for good basketball watching. Both Ben and Tim have had their moments in this series

If the series had ended after 5, Tim MVP easy.

[SpursFanDan]

At the half, it could easily be ginobili. Thats right, I'm saying we're gonna win.

[Pistons < Spurs]

Billups will get it!!!!!!



I hope!!!