Is this Matty's year? (seriously)

[Interrohater]

Again, Matt Bonner seems to be playing well through the regular season. I won't fake the funk, I'm a Bonner hater. However, I also see the value that he brings to the team. Spurfan knows that it's fools gold to rely on his 3 pt stroke, but hear me out.

We have more slashers on this team than we've had in recent memory. Kawhi, Tony, Manu, Jack, even Green and Anderson (when he plays). Bonner isn't nearly as effective during the playoffs because the close outs on the perimeter are faster, and were even more so the last few because we had no slashers and only Timmy as a post presence to suck in the defense. With those slashers mentioned above and Timmy, Tiago and Diaw actually giving credibility to our interior offense, will Bonner be freed up to do what Bonner does? Also, offensive rebounds Matty? Really?

[DAF86]

If he doesn't deliver come playoffs time this year he never will.

[slick'81]

well hes been a spur 4-5 years soooooooooooo better late then never

[BoricuaSpursFan]

http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0fwvk1Puh1rn2cy5o1_400.jpg

[Interrohater]

http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0fwvk1Puh1rn2cy5o1_400.jpg

wtf :lol

[100%duncan]

We all hope so

[ducks]

pop has no business playing booner under 3 minutes in a playoff game if the spurs are not up 10

[angelbelow]

Probably not. Enough data suggests that the playoffs are too much for his poor soul.

Bonner playing well in the playoffs would certainly be a welcome sight though and good news for the Spurs. But the better news is that we don't really have to rely on him to be a consistent contributor. The pressure is off of him to step up because we have tons of weapons on this team. Because of the depth of our roster, Bonner's responsibilities are reduced and there is less pressure on him to perform. Therefore, maybe regular season Bonner making an appearance from April-June is a possibility.

[Spur|n|Austin]

Honestly, this is the first season ever that I have felt quite confident when Bonner goes into the lane with his signature drive. His ability to spread the floor is huge because D's will have to respect his three come playoff time. I've never been one of the "bonner haters" but I also can't say I've ever had this much faith in him. Cheers to you, Red Rocket, someone who knows their role and plays it well.

[Sean Cagney]

Matty sucked late tonight and even shot an airball! I will not hold my breath for him to have a good playoffs. He is what he is.

[ElNono]

whatever happens, if he can't deliver, I want him gone. It's patently obvious Pop can't help himself if he has his pet players around.

[Ice009]

I was going to start a Matt Bonner thread tonight, but not one about him being good.

He yet again missed a ton of shots tonight in the second half when there was more pressure. That last three he took was way off. I thought Diaw was pretty good for the first half of the 4th and I thought Bonner ruined what Diaw had going with all his 3 point misses.

Can Bonner just make one darn shot when the pressure is on?

Is that too much to ask of him?

[NRHector]

not really, he's just feeling foot steps

[ducks]

4 big o rebounds tonight was nice that airball tp set for with 35 seconds left was pretty sad

tp will rember that airball

[Ice009]

whatever happens, if he can't deliver, I want him gone. It's patently obvious Pop can't help himself if he has his pet players around.

I was absolutely disgusted when he missed that 3 late in the 4th quarter when he didn't even get close to hitting the rim on it.

If it wasn't for his offensive rebounds I would have given him an D for the game.

Matt Bonner is PRESSURE'S BITCH.

The sooner Pop learns that the better off we'll be.

[Warlord23]

Till he actually proves otherwise, expectations about Matty performing in the playoffs are about the same level as a hope in the return of Jesus, i.e. can be believed only when it happens ...

[2centsworth]

Bonner is putting too much pressure on himself. He needs to shoot it like in practice.

[Ice009]

PRESSURE'S BITCH.

Nothing else needs to be said, except - DO NOT PLAY HIM DEEP in the 4th quarter of playoff games.

[Splits]

If this is Matty's year and he performs in the playoffs and we win 'chip number 5, Duncan's going to retire and everyone will blame.... Bonner.

[slick'81]

gif of pressure fucking matty b please

[100%duncan]

At least when Bonner screws up, Diaw can help with his same style of play (even better if he gets his shooting back).

[BoricuaSpursFan]

Tbh his defense has been solid the last 4 games.

[Splits]

PRESSURE'S BITCH.

Nothing else needs to be said, except - DO NOT PLAY HIM DEEP in the 4th quarter of playoff games.

His offensive board with 52 seconds basically won the game, though he missed the dagger 3.

[2centsworth]

He's not scared to shoot, but he is way over thinking it. He just needs to relax. If he were to ever figure it out, watch out.

[ducks]

sj needs to tell him to just let it fly
kind of like steve smith in warmups against suns walked up to tp and told him to use his knees

[Splits]

He's not scared to shoot, but he is way over thinking it. He just needs to relax. If he were to ever figure it out, watch out.

10pts 5boards 0to in 24min with the 2nd highest +/- to Diaw. I think he did alright tonight.

[DMC]

His offensive board with 52 seconds basically won the game, though he missed the dagger 3.

No.

Matt Bonner probably cannot see the arena during pressure moments, likely gets the black veil over his eyes and just heaves up a prayer.

When we are up early in games, Matt is money, no pressure, it's practice basically. Late, he knows the situation, chokes. Not a money player. I've seen the same things in billiards, individual free stroking until a quarter hits the table then he's sweating like Richard Simmons. Suddenly the shot changes.

[The Whopper]

Our rejuvenated Red Rocket's raucous rebound ripped our resilient, rascal rivals' rectums royally, robustly, and redundantly.

[slick'81]

exactly hes not getting open looks come playoof time everything will be contested ,thats bonner at his worse folks

[2centsworth]

10pts 5boards 0to in 24min with the 2nd highest +/- to Diaw. I think he did alright tonight.

He's decent, but I thought the topic was about his clutch, or lack thereof, shooting.

I think air balling open threes down the stretch when ur as good a shooter as Matt is something that deserves attention.

[DMC]

As you saw tonight, it doesn't matter if he gets open looks or not, the fact that it's a playoff game will hinder his shot more than any defender could.

[Spur|n|Austin]

Our rejuvenated Red Rocket's raucous rebound ripped our resilient, rascal rivals' rectums royally, robustly, and redundantly.

:toast

[2centsworth]

As you saw tonight, it doesn't matter if he gets open looks or not, the fact that it's a playoff game will hinder his shot more than any defender could.

It's something that can b worked out when u as good a shooter as Matt. Takes him relaxing and shooting freely. AROD use to tighten up too, but I saw him work it out.

[Borosai]

Matt Bonner!

[The Whopper]

I like this man Bonner and what he brings to our mighty franchise. The rain-making threes tracing their arc across the heavens. The pointy elbows placed with precision in the sinewy ribs of our foes. The klutzy knock-kneed run upcourt after a proud Spurs defensive stop. Yes, all these things draw us around our televisions in gladful awe as we behold this unlikely specimen participating in sport designed for the most graceful of men.

But, my fellow fans, don't you think there is something amiss in his costuming? Our hero Matthew--all red-haired, be-freckeled, and barrel-chested--is ill-suited in a traditional basketball outfit. In perfect honesty, he looks like an upside-down pear prancing on toothpicks; his scrawny lower legs kicking out sideways as he makes his heroic runs from end to end, wearing a noticeable groove in the hardwood between the three-point arcs.

Perhaps the solution to this dilemma is a simple one: Rather than the traditional baggy shorts, Red Rocket would appear far more graceful, manly, and intimidating in a pair of fitted capri trousers. Capris would conceal his underdeveloped quadriceps whilst allowing his lower legs the freedom of their awkward sideways parabolic path. Imagine Bonner, bejeaned in silver and black capris, squaring up for a crucial wing three-pointer while the Spurs Nation looks on in pride. So inspiring, in a virile sort of way.

[roycrikside]

Bonner doesn't have to make 3s to be valuable. If he can rebound decently, play good post defense, play good team defense, make smart passes, pump fake and drive on contested 3s and not turn it over, all of those things contribute to his great +/- totals as much as made 3s.

Unfortunately, his entire game has gone haywire in the playoffs. Hopefully that won't be the case this year. With Diaw here, or even Leonard who can play the 4 in smallball and rebound better than Bonner, the pressure will be off Matt. Even if he's getting abused in the post, we have other guys who can do that.

[Splits]

I like this man Bonner and what he brings to our mighty franchise. The rain-making threes tracing their arc across the heavens. The pointy elbows placed with precision in the sinewy ribs of our foes. The klutzy knock-kneed run upcourt after a proud Spurs defensive stop. Yes, all these things draw us around our televisions in gladful awe as we behold this unlikely specimen participating in sport designed for the most graceful of men.

But, my fellow fans, don't you think there is something amiss in his costuming? Our hero Matthew--all red-haired, be-freckeled, and barrel-chested--is ill-suited in a traditional basketball outfit. In perfect honesty, he looks like an upside-down pear prancing on toothpicks; his scrawny lower legs kicking out sideways as he makes his heroic runs from end to end, wearing a noticeable groove in the hardwood between the three-point arcs.

Perhaps the solution to this dilemma is a simple one: Rather than the traditional baggy shorts, Red Rocket would appear far more graceful, manly, and intimidating in a pair of fitted capri trousers. Capris would conceal his underdeveloped quadriceps whilst allowing his lower legs the freedom of their awkward sideways parabolic path. Imagine Bonner, bejeaned in silver and black capris, squaring up for a crucial wing three-pointer while the Spurs Nation looks on in pride. So inspiring, in a virile sort of way.

I thought you were going to go with 80's Larry Bird shorts

http://thetoiletpaper.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/Larry%20Bird%20Short%20Shorts.jpg

[freetiago]

playoff bonner showed up in the 4th quarter
team get feeding him for whatever reason and he bricked all of them
barely hit the rim and you could tell it wasnt even close

more popovichs fault
why take out diaw when he was making big plays and playing solid d
not like we needed the offense

[Splits]

I thought you were going to go with 80's Larry Bird shorts

http://thetoiletpaper.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/Larry%20Bird%20Short%20Shorts.jpg

Bird
????
Ellis
Ainge
Dennis Johnson???
Byron Scott
Michael Cooper
???

[The Whopper]

Detlef and Kiki, man!!!

The Buck in the middle is Paul Pressey. Later a Spur. Not a great one, to my crushing disappointment at the time.

[FkLA]

tSerVBppBgE

1:30-1:45 Matty Ice takes a shit all over SpursTalk tbh

[Splits]

Detlef and Kiki, man!!!

The Buck in the middle is Paul Pressey. Later a Spur. Not a great one, to my crushing disappointment at the time.

Schrempf not in a sonic uni confused me. Never knew van deweigh was so fugly!

[The Whopper]

Ugly? Look at that photo. He's definitely not the ugliest. Detlef is also confusingly pre-mullet, so your mistake is understandable.

They would all benefit from form-fitting capris.

[ElNono]

1:30-1:45 Matty Ice takes a shit all over SpursTalk tbh

All the shots he made that game... he went 4-14 from downtown the rest of the series...

[Fireball]

lol Detlef Schrempf ...

[TDMVPDPOY]

i dunno what he was doing closing out the game in the final 2mins against the suns

[slick'81]

All the shots he made that game... he went 4-14 from downtown the rest of the series...


bbb he had 1 good playoff game :lol

[rudwick]

Detlef and Kiki, man!!!

The Buck in the middle is Paul Pressey. Later a Spur. Not a great one, to my crushing disappointment at the time.

Not Paul Pressey, Craig Hodges.
Paul's best moments as a Spur were as an assistant coach.
He's a really good guy.

[TDMVPDPOY]

in this system his better than that clown rj who basically did nothing when his offensive game isnt on, bonner plays defense and effort shown his hustling....

his pumpfake and attacking the rim for some lame shot has been very consistent if the defense continues to buy his pumpfakes

[Keepin' it real]

You lost me at (seriously).


Again, Matt Bonner seems to be playing well through the regular season. I won't fake the funk, I'm a Bonner hater. However, I also see the value that he brings to the team. Spurfan knows that it's fools gold to rely on his 3 pt stroke, but hear me out.

We have more slashers on this team than we've had in recent memory. Kawhi, Tony, Manu, Jack, even Green and Anderson (when he plays). Bonner isn't nearly as effective during the playoffs because the close outs on the perimeter are faster, and were even more so the last few because we had no slashers and only Timmy as a post presence to suck in the defense. With those slashers mentioned above and Timmy, Tiago and Diaw actually giving credibility to our interior offense, will Bonner be freed up to do what Bonner does? Also, offensive rebounds Matty? Really?

[Dex]

I'll believe it when I see it.

[Pocket Hippo]

In the playoffs I would love to see him shoot and miss or shoot and get the ball stuffed back in his face, either would be better than averaging 3 shots for 20+ minutes of playing.
JUST SHOOT IT BONNER FFS!!

[benefactor]

We have this conversation every year.

The answer is the same.

[therealtruth]

In the playoffs I would love to see him shoot and miss or shoot and get the ball stuffed back in his face, either would be better than averaging 3 shots for 20+ minutes of playing.
JUST SHOOT IT BONNER FFS!!

I don't know about that. It could lead to a fastbreak the other way if he's stuffed.

[Seventyniner]

Bonner getting 10-12 minutes in the playoffs doesn't bother me at all. 3-4 minutes in each of the first 3 quarters, maybe 1 or 2 at the beginning of the 4th.

[Splits]

All the shots he made that game... he went 4-14 from downtown the rest of the series...

For the record, nobody shot the 3 well in the Memphis series.

RJ: 6/17 35.5%
Bonner: 6/18 33.3%
Manu: 9/28 32.1%
Hill: 4/15 26.7%
Neal: 5/19 26.3%
Green: 1/4 25%
Parker: 1/8 12.5%
Total: 32/119 26.9%

From a team that shot 39.7% for the season and depends on shooters to knock it down, that's not going to get you out of any round of the playoffs.

[therealtruth]

For the record, nobody shot the 3 well in the Memphis series.

RJ: 6/17 35.5%
Bonner: 6/18 33.3%
Manu: 9/28 32.1%
Hill: 4/15 26.7%
Neal: 5/19 26.3%
Green: 1/4 25%
Parker: 1/8 12.5%
Total: 32/119 26.9%

From a team that shot 39.7% for the season and depends on shooters to knock it down, that's not going to get you out of any round of the playoffs.

The Spurs didn't consistently get good 3pt looks. As a result they also probably rushed the open looks they got.

[DesignatedT]

RJ and Bonner shot it the best lol

[Splits]

RJ and Bonner shot it the best lol

And from a FG% standpoint, Bonner was 2nd only to Splitter. Dick was near the bottom:

FGM FGA FG%
Tiago Splitter 10 16 0.625
Matt Bonner 12 25 0.480
Tim Duncan 33 69 0.478
Tony Parker 43 93 0.462
Manu Ginobili 31 70 0.443
Antonio McDyess 15 36 0.417
George Hill 20 50 0.400
Richard Jefferson 12 31 0.387
Gary Neal 17 46 0.370
DeJuan Blair 7 21 0.333
Danny Green 2 6 0.333

[FuzzyLumpkins]

I would prefer to talk about using the amnesty clause on Bonner and taking that money to keep Diaw this offseason. Hes a $4m AAV with two years left on his contract. Only other real option is going to be to use it on Manu or Tony and i don't see that happening. That or just not use it.

[pgardn]

Its clearly Bonner's year.

They have a 5 dollar footlong at Subway.

[Splits]

I would prefer to talk about using the amnesty clause on Bonner and taking that money to keep Diaw this offseason. Hes a $4m AAV with two years left on his contract. Only other real option is going to be to use it on Manu or Tony and i don't see that happening. That or just not use it.

Why would you amnesty one of the top 3 point shooters in the league and one of the top stretch-4s in the league? He has trade value, if the Spurs wanted to ship him they could do so in a heartbeat, at a minimum for a 1st rounder. It's clear the Spurs feel they have value in Bonner. You can expect them to amnesty him this summer as soon as it snows in Laredo.

Idiot.

[slick'81]

a first round pick for matt bonner :wow:lol

[Splits]

a first round pick for matt bonner :wow:lol

Yeah because all first rounders are superstars or at a minimum have long careers in this league.

Is Joseph starting tonight?

[therealtruth]

Why would you amnesty one of the top 3 point shooters in the league and one of the top stretch-4s in the league? He has trade value, if the Spurs wanted to ship him they could do so in a heartbeat, at a minimum for a 1st rounder. It's clear the Spurs feel they have value in Bonner. You can expect them to amnesty him this summer as soon as it snows in Laredo.

Idiot.

The Spurs are the only team Bonner has value on.

[therealtruth]

And from a FG% standpoint, Bonner was 2nd only to Splitter. Dick was near the bottom:

FGM FGA FG%
Tiago Splitter 10 16 0.625
Matt Bonner 12 25 0.480
Tim Duncan 33 69 0.478
Tony Parker 43 93 0.462
Manu Ginobili 31 70 0.443
Antonio McDyess 15 36 0.417
George Hill 20 50 0.400
Richard Jefferson 12 31 0.387
Gary Neal 17 46 0.370
DeJuan Blair 7 21 0.333
Danny Green 2 6 0.333

Splitter shot 60% in the playoffs and Pop still limited his minutes in favor of the red rocket. Like the team didn't need more high percentage shots. Pop was an idiot for not integrating him sooner.

[TheSkeptic]

Splitter shot 60% in the playoffs and Pop still limited his minutes in favor of the red rocket. Like the team didn't need more high percentage shots. Pop was an idiot for not integrating him sooner.

I agree. The problem I'm having is that it doesn't seem like he's learned from last year's debacle. I mean he has obviously since he's addressed players like RJ and brought in Jax and Diaw, but his continued mismanagement of Tiago borders on irresponsible.

I'd be happy to eat crow but I do believe I've heard this song before...

[Stalin]

im one the biggest bonner haters, tbh
but i think he'll do better in the playoffs then ever before, because the team is so deep, therefore less pressure on him to deliver every time he checks in

[Paranoid Pop]

Matts explains his newfound cluchness :


“The laws of probability,” he said. “I think I missed my previous 93 shots. At least that’s what it felt like in my head. So I knew that one was going in.”

:lol

But seriously I can't hate on him for a while. Bonner is a decent backup PF this year. Blair is still not a good starting PF tho and is clearly the weakest starter but Pop won't change his PO rotation this late in the season.

[Spursmania]

We have this conversation every year.

The answer is the same.


amen brah...

[VBM]

Those wide-open 3s he was missing when the game got close in the 2nd half? Yeah, he's ready for the playoffs.

[Drz]

I've put this in every other thread, may as well put it here too.

Quiz: Who was the Spurs #1 player in Win Shares per minute in the 2011 playoffs

Answer in white, highlight to see: MATT F**KING BONNER

Some of the less educated Spurs fans may be surprised to hear that from game to game, the value Bonner brings to the team is not all that dependent on his 3 pt percentage. It's a bit cliche to say, but it truly is about spreading the floor, and making the offense a 4 on 4 game instead of 5 on 5. Having additional floor space to operate an offense in is HUGE. HUGE HUGE HUGE.

http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SAS/2011.html

[silverblk mystix]

:pop:"Absolutely. I will bet my hall of fame career on it."

[VBM]

I've put this in every other thread, may as well put it here too.

Quiz: Who was the Spurs #1 player in Win Shares per minute in the 2011 playoffs

Answer in white, highlight to see: MATT F**KING BONNER

Some of the less educated Spurs fans may be surprised to hear that from game to game, the value Bonner brings to the team is not all that dependent on his 3 pt percentage. It's a bit cliche to say, but it truly is about spreading the floor, and making the offense a 4 on 4 game instead of 5 on 5. Having additional floor space to operate an offense in is HUGE. HUGE HUGE HUGE.

http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SAS/2011.html

If it's about spacing the floor, then Boris Diaw can do that just as well, along with being a better defender and passer.

[MannyIsGod]

:lmao

I'm sorry but :lmao :lmao

[Sean Cagney]

For the record, nobody shot the 3 well in the Memphis series.

RJ: 6/17 35.5%
Bonner: 6/18 33.3%
Manu: 9/28 32.1%
Hill: 4/15 26.7%
Neal: 5/19 26.3%
Green: 1/4 25%
Parker: 1/8 12.5%
Total: 32/119 26.9%

From a team that shot 39.7% for the season and depends on shooters to knock it down, that's not going to get you out of any round of the playoffs.

It's more than just one series for MR MATT BONNER, it's the last few years and heading up to the playoffs where he fades! He sees April come, he runs. :lmao
I've put this in every other thread, may as well put it here too.

Quiz: Who was the Spurs #1 player in Win Shares per minute in the 2011 playoffs

Answer in white, highlight to see: MATT F**KING BONNER

Some of the less educated Spurs fans may be surprised to hear that from game to game, the value Bonner brings to the team is not all that dependent on his 3 pt percentage. It's a bit cliche to say, but it truly is about spreading the floor, and making the offense a 4 on 4 game instead of 5 on 5. Having additional floor space to operate an offense in is HUGE. HUGE HUGE HUGE.

http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SAS/2011.html

And on D getting abused by Darrell Aurthur or whoever out there? It's like we are playing 4 on 5 on D at times.

[TJastal]

It's more than just one series for MR MATT BONNER, it's the last few years and heading up to the playoffs where he fades! He sees April come, he runs. :lmao

And on D getting abused by Darrell Aurthur or whoever out there? It's like we are playing 4 on 5 on D at times.

It's engrained. Even if there is less pressure on him to perform he'll find a way to add it himself. This is what is so maddening, is that it's so easy to see when Bonner is shitting himself out on the court, his form goes all to hell, he starts rushing the shot before his feet are even set, etc, etc. Yet Pop will leave him in there to throw up brick after brick after brick.

[DeadlyDynasty]

:lmao

I'm sorry but :lmao :lmao

[Interrohater]

I have to admit, begrudgingly, that Matt is looking okay. He's playing decent defense, and by decent I mean average, and he's going after rebounds. He even added the dribble drive to his "arsenal". Maybe Matt Bonner has not hit his ceiling. Maybe Matt Bonner is still learning. Nobody thinks that he'll become the next Dirk Nowitzki, but maybe he can become more than just the punch line in the "Did ya hear the one about the Spurs defense?" joke.

[therealtruth]

I don't get why this guy gets a million chances. That Matt Bonner experiment should have ended years ago. He's got a limited ceiling at best.

[sventhedog]

i like bonner but i don't like his chances. bonner has been constantly chased off of his spots and comfort zones by playoff teams.

miracles do happen though.

[8FOR!3]

He's 6'10, a below average athlete, an average defender, a below average rebounder but he gives effort, a hard worker, and a solid three point shooter. That's Matt Bonner in a nutshell. He's got a couple of moves offensively other than the three, but that's his biggest skill. And he's got a low basketball IQ for a guy as smart as he is. But at the same time those add up to be decent traits for a big coming off the bench.

Ya'll like to talk up Steve Novak, but Novak is too small strength and weight size to be playing PF and way to slow to guard SFs but that's essentially his position as a Knick. Funny thing is, Bonner hits his shots at a similar percentage, plays better defense, has more size (they're about the same height though,) and is a better rebounder. But most of ya'll would still take Novak any day. The one thing I'll give Novak is he's got a much better release. I wish Bonner shot like that no doubt.

[Seventyniner]

Bonner is a great 4th big IMO, good for 12 or so MPG. When he plays too high on the depth chart, or is asked to do too much, you see the results.

There would probably be far less hate for Bonner if he had some minute-eaters in front of him. But with Pop saving Duncan and refusing to play Splitter more than 17-20 MPG, Bonner (and Blair) get more time than is good for the team.

[gambit1990]

HOPEFULLY.

but i'm not holding my breath.

[Interrohater]

Not bad, Matty, not bad. Don't get all uppity now, it wasn't great. But not bad.

[T Park]

Agreed. I declared that was the best playoff game he's ever played. That said, it was a B- game. Again, in the playoffs, if you get B- games from Bonner this team becomes VERY hard to beat. He was also used just right. In with Tiago and Tim. wasn't put in too many spots to fail.

[Splits]

If you get 3/4 from 3 out of Matty BonBon, you're going to win 9/10 games. But it was one game. Let's slow down.

[Interrohater]

If you get 3/4 from 3 out of Matty BonBon, you're going to win 9/10 games. But it was one game. Let's slow down.

This thread was made about a month ago so it has been more than one game. He's been playing well most of the year. If regular season Matt has finally found a way to either kill or reabsorb playoff matt, then we have a great weapon, what pop has been envisioning this whole time.

[T Park]

If you get 3/4 from 3 out of Matty BonBon, you're going to win 9/10 games. But it was one game. Let's slow down.

No ones declaring him cured, just that it was a gigantic step in the right direction.

[Splits]

No ones declaring him cured, just that it was a gigantic step in the right direction.

I think the expectations are pretty high. He did nail 2 clutch game 1 3s last year, but we lost the game. He shot 33%, which is below his season average but not series-destroying. The only way he gets respect during this run on this board (not that I agree) is if he is hitting 50%+ from range.

[T Park]

I dont think it was to be 50% If he shot 2 of 5 had 6 rebounds and played good D, that IMO is a damn good game.

Rebound, defend well, dont get bullied in the post, and make at least 40% of the threes and he and the team is fine.

[freetiago]

more like shades of game 5 robert horry and he might get respect
tonight was 110% what bonbon needs to do and we win almost every time

[T Park]

more like shades of game 5 robert horry and he might get respect
tonight was 110% what bonbon needs to do and we win almost every time


:rolleyes

[TDMVPDPOY]

matt needs to tread every game from now on as a regular season game than a playoff game, takes the pressure off him with too much thinking and expectations that he has to deliver in the playoffs then the regular season games....

every time he penetrates into the key i would like to see him chuck up some floater instead of looking to pass it out where he lacks control and court vision, i think i can put up with his circus shots when penetrating cause he needs touches to get his game going, compared to the other low % players on the team who will play only limited minutes and role responsibility...

new remix clip for the year
http://youtu.be/CHj5ppNGqAQ

[100%duncan]

3/4 from threes? Maybe...

[G-Dawgg]

He had a good game. Give credit where its due haters.....

[Borosai]

Rain drops.

[Splits]

5 of 10 from distance in the series sweep, averaging 16 min/game, and played some tough defense down low against more highly skilled and bigger dudes.

Probably Bonner's best playoff series ever. He was used appropriately, and filled his role.

[T Park]

Key words used appropriately. Next round there are HORRIBLE matchups with Griffen. That said, I could live with him being on Kenyon Martin.

[Borosai]

Matty's gonna get his thug on in the next series.

[MI21]

Key words used appropriately. Next round there are HORRIBLE matchups with Griffen. That said, I could live with him being on Kenyon Martin.

Martin wouldn't be a completely horrible match-up.

You can't put him on Griffin. He couldn't keep Evans off the boards. Same with DeAndre.

[T Park]

Martin wouldn't be a completely horrible match-up.

You can't put him on Griffin. He couldn't keep Evans off the boards. Same with DeAndre.

Splitter could hang with all of the above.

Bonner staying on Martin would be fine, plus with the Clippers bad D he'd be getting WIDE open shots.

[MI21]

Splitter could hang with all of the above.

Bonner staying on Martin would be fine, plus with the Clippers bad D he'd be getting WIDE open shots.

Splitter can certainly hang, I guess that's my point. He has done a very good job guarding Griffin this year. DeAndre you just have to box him out and be aware of him working the baseline and in transition. Reggie, well, you just have to box him out, easier said than done though.

Seeing CP3 make that play just now to put them up against the best perimeter defender in the league...ugh.. tough choice on who I would prefer the Spurs face.

[Manu-20]

I liked matty a lot this series having diaw and splitter as our options beside bonner makes all the difference in the world. I think this playoff bonner is the playoff bonner we will see in the second round he plays good D, hits some shots, and causes the opponent to respect his 3 all you can ask really for bonner to do out there.

[ElNono]

So far so good. I liked Pop having a short leash and pulling him quickly for Tiago when he noticed Utah was going at him (Game 3). Diaw also reduces the need of him being out there. All that said, Utah was a very limited team that only figured out to close down the paint in the last game or two. We'll see what's in store for Matt in the next round.

[TheSkeptic]

I have to say, I'm really appreciating Bonner's effort. He fought for rebounds, he hustled, he did his best on defense. Of course the issue is that he's out there for his shooting.

The short leash is a definite plus though.

[Chase_the_Bass]

I think Jackson's presence is helping Bonner.

[TDMVPDPOY]

i think bonner will be fine on griffin if bonner plays very physical and keep him from being airborne....

[freetiago]

bonners actually done pretty well vs griffin in the reg season
the first time he matches up griffin usually just spins off him and gets a lob
but after that he figures griffin out and did pretty well
tiago we dont know since griffin injured him last time they played

clippers are really bad defensively also
jordan has no offensive game and griffin doesnt really either
hes mostly bullying his way into the paint and awkwardly throwing up something and hoping for a foul
martin forgot how to score also

we could put green/leonard on cp360 like we did last time but his heliflopping might get out of control with rookies on him

[silverblackfan]

I think Jackson's presence is helping Bonner.

I agree. Matts looked better and his shots are going in, but it helps to have a thug on your team adding that attitude.

[Poolboy5623]

The spurs thankfully don't need Bonner to produce to be successful anymore...anything he does is now just icing on the cake. That takes some pressure of off him and that's why I think your seeing better play with less min and attempts.

[ohmwrecker]

No pressure on Bonner this year. He's not being asked to perform beyond his ability for big minutes. Spurs have options this year. Blair looks better with limited minutes too.

[Paranoid Pop]

Bump.

[Paranoid Pop]

M. Bonner (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/matt_bonner/index.html)

10:52
4-6
2-3
0-0
+3
0
0
0
1
2
0
0
0
0
10

[ElNono]

regular season goodness...

[Stabula]

Hats off to Bonner he single handedly kept us in the game in the 4th quarter. Played like a guy with nothing to lose.

[Splits]

JMcDonald_SAEN: (https://twitter.com/JMcDonald_SAEN/status/270736962200145920)


I honestly don't know how many times Matt Bonner has to keep bailing this team out.

19 Nov 12 (https://twitter.com/JMcDonald_SAEN/statuses/270736962200145920)

[Paranoid Pop]

Looks like it's finally his year, defended CP3 like a champ when he got the switch and shot like a cold blooded killer on the other end.