Grisly Escape: The Good and Bad

[timvp]

Outside of the bench (Manu Ginobili, specifically) catching fire at the end of the third, that was an ugly game. But after the Lakers abomination, the Spurs NEEDED this game. They really had to have it ... so the win was great.



Good

-Manu's stretch in the second half where he was orchestrating the bench unit was great to see. That's the type of action that has allowed the Spurs to win so many games this year.

-Tim Duncan willed the Spurs in the second half. He had another gear to go to when the team got desperate; that alone was great to see.

-Diaw might have just won the starting gig.

-Matt Bonner was muuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuch better in the second half.

-Kawhi Leonard kept the Spurs afloat for a bit in the third.

-The Grizzlies look beatable. They wouldn't be easy but if the Spurs are clicking offensively, S.A. has the firepower to beat that team in the playoffs.


Bad

-Tony Parker choked so violently it was difficult to watch. If he's not righted before the start of the playoffs, the Spurs have no chance.

-Other than that stretch in the second half, Ginobili looked pedestrian ... to put it nicely.

-Pop somehow makes Splitter a non-factor. Smh.

-The overall rhythm of this team has fallen off so much in less than a week. Hopefully that rhythm returns or else this could be headed to a 2011 type ending. That said, I'm confident they will regain their footing in the next few games.









The gamplan should be to go all out against the Suns and then "forfeit" the Warriors game (they could probably win that game anyways since the Warriors are trying to tank). And then get revenge against the Lakers.

Better. Not best ... yet.

Believe.

[NASpurs]

I like the part of the game where Blair didn't set foot on the court.

[Richie]

Props to Pop for benching Blair for the whole second half and giving Diaw his 2nd half starter minutes

[DPG21920]

I have a major issue with Tony. He has taken a major hit in my book. You coward it up against LA you respond like Tim. TP seemingly has no pride. He's a great player that can overcome, but just like when Roddy eats his lunch or Conley, he doesn't have the killer instinct or pride to take it personal. He just doesn't care that way. I thought the LA game would really piss him off. Instead? Garbage.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

-Tony Parker choked so violently it was difficult to watch.

Brah, I think it's got to the point where we have to calmly admit:

1) Parker is not as fast as he used to be

2) Mike Conley owns Tony Parker

It's just the way it is, going by facts and subjective observation.

[Mugen]

Motherfukin pun, intended.

Spurs win!

[MmP]

It's amazing how tiago it's so useful and does not play.

[ElNono]

Tim and Manu won this game. Between Tony trying to sabotage it and Pop still trotting out Bonner to close games, this was a great win.

[Quiet Strength]

I like the part of the game where Blair didn't set foot on the court.

lol :toast

[Solid D]

True. Tony Allen was missed. He plays Manu tough. Tale of 2 halves...especially for Matty Bonner and Manu. Matt spread the floor in the 2nd half..in he first half he spread manure.

[mexicanjunior]

Tiago Splitter 13 minutes...LOL.

[Reck]

Cant wait for Tony's grade. lol

I think its safe to say he deserves 2 solid Fs.

[Josepatches_]

Brah, I think it's got to the point where we have to calmly admit:

1) Parker is not as fast as he used to be

2) Mike Conley owns Tony Parker

It's just the way it is, going by facts and subjective observation.

I still can't believe that part.

[The ADMIRAL 50]

It's amazing how tiago it's so useful and does not play.

[The ADMIRAL 50]

btw: cue the random gnsf timvp antagonizer who thinks he mispelled grizzly :lol

[Mugen]

:lmao @ the Grizzlies play calling down the stretch.

Bonner(!) guarding Z-Bo(!!!) and they run PnRolls with Gay/Gasol.

And that's why a healthy Rudy makes them much more beatable.

[Paranoid Pop]

I have a major issue with Tony. He has taken a major hit in my book. You coward it up against LA you respond like Tim. TP seemingly has no pride. He's a great player that can overcome, but just like when Roddy eats his lunch or Conley, he doesn't have the killer instinct or pride to take it personal. He just doesn't care that way. I thought the LA game would really piss him off. Instead? Garbage.

That's because you're really dumb or have the memory of a goldfish, he came out with great intensity in the first half, playing both ends hard, just blew his wad.

[Spurtacus]

Parker looks fatigued. Summer ball and the grind of the season is now showing. Take away that dreadful 4th quarter and he had a solid game. But the Spurs are deep enough to overcome poor play. Duncan and Ginobili stepped up to seal the deal.

[ElNono]

What was good about Bonner in the 2nd half (other than he played better than the 1st)?

Speights got anything he wanted inside against him when Memphis made their run...

And we made our run with Tiago on the floor... I'm so sick of this shit with Pop, tbh

[timvp]

Brah, I think it's got to the point where we have to calmly admit:

1) Parker is not as fast as he used to be

2) Mike Conley owns Tony Parker

It's just the way it is, going by facts and subjective observation.

1) Parker is statistically the fastest player in the league (at least at some point this season) so it's doubtful he has lost any speed. If you are saying he's slower right now than he was a couple weeks ago, then yeah I'd agree with that.

2) Tbh, it looked more like self-asphyxiation.

[Findog's Ex Fiancee]

Tony Allen is arguably the best perimeter defender in the NBA, and he's Memphis's floor leader.

His absence cannot be neglected.

[DPG21920]

That's because you're really dumb or have the memory of a goldfish, he came out with great intensity in the first half, playing both ends hard, just blew his wad.

I don't care about the first half. If Tim didn't blow his wad, TP has no excuse

[Dunc n Dave]

I have a major issue with Tony. He has taken a major hit in my book. You coward it up against LA you respond like Tim. TP seemingly has no pride. He's a great player that can overcome, but just like when Roddy eats his lunch or Conley, he doesn't have the killer instinct or pride to take it personal. He just doesn't care that way. I thought the LA game would really piss him off. Instead? Garbage.

Typical French... surrendering at the first sign of adversity....

[DMC]

Tony Allen is arguably the best perimeter defender in the NBA, and he's Memphis's floor leader.

His absence cannot be neglected.
If Manu's absence in the playoffs was neglected, Allen's can be.

[Solid D]

Conley has done his homework on Parker. He knows his tendencies and reads his moves very well. Offensively, Conley feeds off Tony getting caught under the screens.

[ElNono]

I don't mind his missed shots from the floor... I do mind his missed layups (and Green's too, but Green is a rook). He got scared. He stopped attacking and turned it over. Missed freethrows. He had a wide open shot and went for a contested (missed) floater.

I'm glad Tim was around to bail him out.

[DMC]

I have a major issue with Tony. He has taken a major hit in my book. You coward it up against LA you respond like Tim. TP seemingly has no pride. He's a great player that can overcome, but just like when Roddy eats his lunch or Conley, he doesn't have the killer instinct or pride to take it personal. He just doesn't care that way. I thought the LA game would really piss him off. Instead? Garbage.
I read that he and Diaw shared a cigarette and glass of wine in the locker room and spoke French to each other making crazy hand gestures and nodding.

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

Tony Allen is arguably the best perimeter defender in the NBA, and he's Memphis's floor leader.

His absence cannot be neglected.

This.

[Robz4000]

Not super confident about the win with Pop not playing Splitter much despite his effectiveness, but he learned his lesson with Blair. Diaw had a positive effect guarding Zbo, which is good to see. Timmy also continues to lock down Marc. Leonard/SJax made Rudy a chucker (or kept him as one). Bonner played like a man for the second half. Ship isn't righted yet but it was a massive step in the right direction. Also would like to add the boards were even at 42-all. Seems to me the Spurs don't have problems with massive frontlines, but merely with the Lakers.

[Stringer_Bell]

I have a major issue with Tony. He has taken a major hit in my book. You coward it up against LA you respond like Tim. TP seemingly has no pride. He's a great player that can overcome, but just like when Roddy eats his lunch or Conley, he doesn't have the killer instinct or pride to take it personal. He just doesn't care that way. I thought the LA game would really piss him off. Instead? Garbage.

No one seems to think the bad games have anything to do with the Brian McKnight concert at TP's club last night?

TP tore a hole in Westbrook's ass that one game this year, he can take it personal for sure. There was a stretch where he was also not shy about ripping apart the T-Wolves for god knows what reason, but he was always angry against them. He carried us a lot earlier in the season, so I won't kick dirt on him now, but I can see how his effort might concern some folks.

[GSH]

If not for the Laker game last night, this would have just been a hard-fought win against a playoff team. The only real trouble spot would have been Parker's play. Everything else? We would have just said, "Hey... it's Memphis. Good win."

It's clear that the teams that stocked up on big men are going to give this Spurs team trouble.



Conley has done his homework on Parker. He knows his tendencies and reads his moves very well. Offensively, Conley feeds off Tony getting caught under the screens.


And THAT is dead on. He got in Parker's kitchen.

[ElNono]

This.

Not running loose for you tonight :lol

[angelbelow]

Duncan and Ginobili :tu
-Ginobili was pretty consistent through-out the game. Came out really aggressive on the boards and ended aggresive on the boards. He devstated Memphis in the 2nd half and contributed to closing out this game.
-Duncan was a little slow out of the gates but had another one of his monster 3rd quarters.

Bonner got 3 great looks and took 1 rushed shot in the 1st. When he's off like this, I think we should go a different direction However, like last night against the lakers, Bonner and Splitter were more effective than Duncan and Blair in the 1st half. And Bonner redeemed himself in the 2nd half.

Splitter's defense on Randolph was spectacular to watch. Not much of a surprise though, his defensive performance was an encore from opening night. However, unlike opening night where he played 32 minutes, he only played 13 tonight.

I think this Grizzles team is more talented than last years team (with Gay healthly). We'll have to see if that translates to results though... cause Gay and Randolph, while talented, are both high volume shooters. I haven't seen any Grizzles games except for the ones against the Spurs but they're statistically on fire.
-8-2 in their last 10 games (including wins over the Heat, Thunder, Mavericks, Clippers, Suns, Lakers)
- 8th in defensive effiency and rebounding effciency.

Still a pretty formidable team to go up against.

[timvp]

At least TP picked a better spot for his unexplainable struggles this year. With Nash coming to town, that should be a good opportunity for Tony to get his groove back.

[Mugen]

This game and the Laker games are getting them ready for playoff basketball.

I'm glad they responded better tonight after the ass pounding from last night.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

At least TP picked a better spot for his unexplainable struggles this year. With Nash coming to town, that should be a good opportunity for Tony to get his groove back.

you better knock on wood dude

[100%duncan]

i like the part of the game where blair didn't set foot on the court.

+10000000

[DPG21920]

At least TP picked a better spot for his unexplainable struggles this year. With Nash coming to town, that should be a good opportunity for Tony to get his groove back.

It's explainable. Cowardly play.

[ElNono]

I read that he and Diaw shared a cigarette and glass of wine in the locker room and spoke French to each other making crazy hand gestures and nodding.

:lol

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

Not running loose for you tonight :lol

Sure I can...the Spurs needed Tim Duncan to turn back the clock to hold off the Grizzlies at home, in a game that was MUCH more important to the Spurs and their psyche--and the Grizz were without one of the best perimeter defenders, and got meh performances from their bigs

Good luck having that formula work in the playoffs:lol

[crc21209]

1.) TP has GOT to be gassed, or some sort of lingering injury is bothering him because he looked horrible out there when it mattered the most.

2.) HOPEFULLY we have seen the end of Blair, as he had his ass glued to the bench the entire 2nd half.

3.) When the Manu-Splitter pick-n-roll game was killing the Grizzlies, Pop pulled them in favor of Tony and Tim, which then killed the offense. Why? Why not milk those two for at least 3-4 more minutes? I was at a loss for words there...

4.) TD was the fucking MAN tonight, enough said....

5.) Gotta love the hustle and intensity from Leonard, Green, and Jax. At least 2 out of these 3 bring it every night, and you gotta love it..:tu

6.) I was pretty surprised at Bonner's D on Randolph when he was matched up against him. Bonner > Blair at anything and everything pretty much at this point...

[Mugen]

Sure I can...the Spurs needed Tim Duncan to turn back the clock to hold off the Grizzlies at home, in a game that was MUCH more important to the Spurs and their psyche--and the Grizz were without one of the best perimeter defenders, and got meh performances from their bigs

Good luck having that formula work in the playoffs:lol

Right bout dem Lakers but wrong bout dem grizz, tbh.

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

Right bout dem Lakers but wrong bout dem grizz, tbh.

How many minutes did Splitter get?

[MaNu4Tres]

Pop is handling Splitter and the front-court situation like a dumbass.

I'm sick of this shit, tbh.

[ElNono]

Sure I can...the Spurs needed Tim Duncan to turn back the clock to hold off the Grizzlies at home, in a game that was MUCH more important to the Spurs and their psyche--and the Grizz were without one of the best perimeter defenders, and got meh performances from their bigs

Good luck having that formula work in the playoffs:lol


-The Grizzlies look beatable. They wouldn't be easy but if the Spurs are clicking offensively, S.A. has the firepower to beat that team in the playoffs.

:lol 4-0
:lol Rudy Gay 7-22
:lol beat them twice without Manu
:lol Nono right bout dem Grizz

[angelbelow]

What was good about Bonner in the 2nd half (other than he played better than the 1st)?

Speights got anything he wanted inside against him when Memphis made their run...

And we made our run with Tiago on the floor... I'm so sick of this shit with Pop, tbh

It's true, Bonner hit his shots but wasn't very helpful otherwise. But like you said, Pop's rotation is set and he intends on playing him 20+ mpg. If he's going to play, then he has to hit his shots.. and if he hits his shots, then that has to be good enough.

[TD 21]

As poorly as he ended up playing, no one came out with more intensity than Parker. He was going all out on both ends. I'm still not really concerned with him.

I'm actually more annoyed with Ginobili, who refuses to attack the basket, for the most part. I don't know if he's just being extra cautious until the playoffs (annoying as it is now, that would be understandable) or if he's flat out pacing himself. But he's got to be more assertive, especially when Parker's not in. Simply being a pick-and-roll maestro and shooting spot up threes isn't enough. That being said, its time to move him back into the starting lineup in perpetuity.

This might be overstating it, but I'd go so far as to say that Duncan's third quarter performance might have saved the season. Seriously. They were teetering, confidence wise and another loss to a team with an imposing front line may have completely sapped them of their confidence and sent them into a tailspin that they may not have recovered from. I'm still not convinced that they're out of the woods in that respect, though. I think a lot of that will depend on the next Lakers game.

And I don't know that Diaw won the starting gig, so much as Blair lost it. Or, to be even more precise, he never earned it and simply had it handed to him for balance purposes. Either way, its time to be who they're going to be.

[ElNono]

How many minutes did Splitter get?

Who won the rebounding battle? :lol

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

:lol 4-0
:lol Rudy Gay 7-22
:lol beat them twice without Manu
:lol Nono right bout dem Grizz

Nono loves him some fool's gold, can't deny det:lol

[024]

splitter :depressed

spurs aren't getting past the lakers and grizzlies without his help.

[Mugen]

How many minutes did Splitter get?

Ryan...

+22. Nuff said.

We ridin the Red Rocket straight to the Moon. :flag:

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

Who won the rebounding battle? :lol

How many minutes did Splitter get?

:lolwinning the battles only to lose the war again

:lolgetting VC'd

[Spurtacus]

Parker wasn't the same after the no call blow to the head.

[Robz4000]

Tony Allen was injured, guys. Their best perimeter defender, by far.,
Spurs got raped on the perimeter despite that. Take Mayo out for Allen and you lose offensive production.

[ElNono]

How many minutes did Splitter get?

:lolwinning the battles only to lose the war again

:lolgetting VC'd

:lol "gonna have to wait till the playoffs" :cry

:lol "business decisions"

:lol DD wrong bout dem Grizz

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

splitter :depressed

spurs aren't getting past the lakers and grizzlies without his help.

Smart man. I can tell you based off this statement that this poster has watched playoff basketball before. Some of you other people, I'm not so sure about...


Ryan...

+22. Nuff said.

We ridin the Red Rocket straight to the Moon. :flag:

:lol

[TheSkeptic]

splitter :depressed

spurs aren't getting past the lakers and grizzlies without his help.

They don't have a prayer of beating whoever comes out of the East (Miami, Chicago, maybe Boston) without him either.

[DPG21920]

Does this win really inspire? Sure, Spurs won, but in typical ST fashion over confidence abound. The issues that plague the Spurs in bad match ups (LA/MEM) were still on display namely the big man rotation and TP shriveling vs big frontlines and not being the on court advantage that he is on paper.

Yes a win is good, but there are legit issues.

[jjktkk]

Duncan and Ginobili :tu
-Ginobili was pretty consistent through-out the game. Came out really aggressive on the boards and ended aggresive on the boards. He devstated Memphis in the 2nd half and contributed to closing out this game.
-Duncan was a little slow out of the gates but had another one of his monster 3rd quarters.

Bonner got 3 great looks and took 1 rushed shot in the 1st. When he's off like this, I think we should go a different direction However, like last night against the lakers, Bonner and Splitter were more effective than Duncan and Blair in the 1st half. And Bonner redeemed himself in the 2nd half.

Splitter's defense on Randolph was spectacular to watch. Not much of a surprise though, his defensive performance was an encore from opening night. However, unlike opening night where he played 32 minutes, he only played 13 tonight.

I think this Grizzles team is more talented than last years team (with Gay healthly). We'll have to see if that translates to results though... cause Gay and Randolph, while talented, are both high volume shooters. I haven't seen any Grizzles games except for the ones against the Spurs but they're statistically on fire.
-8-2 in their last 10 games (including wins over the Heat, Thunder, Mavericks, Clippers, Suns, Lakers)
- 8th in defensive effiency and rebounding effciency.

Still a pretty formidable team to go up against.

Have to disagree that the Grizz are more talented this year. Maybe they are offensively, but not having Tony Allen and Battier takes away alot of their toughness defensively.

[Robz4000]

Would also like to add this was a night where Pop played with the playoff rotation.

[MannyIsGod]

How the hell does Leonard play so damn well and then not play in the fourth? I mean wtf?

[Robz4000]

Does this win really inspire? Sure, Spurs won, but in typical ST fashion over confidence abound. The issues that plague the Spurs in bad match ups (LA/MEM) were still on display namely the big man rotation and TP shriveling vs big frontlines and not being the on court advantage that he is on paper.

Yes a win is good, but there are legit issues.
This

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

Why can't anybody tell me how many minutes Splitter got?

This must be a touchy issue, tbh...

[ElNono]

Does this win really inspire? Sure, Spurs won, but in typical ST fashion over confidence abound. The issues that plague the Spurs in bad match ups (LA/MEM) were still on display namely the big man rotation and TP shriveling vs big frontlines and not being the on court advantage that he is on paper.

Yes a win is good, but there are legit issues.

The issue was last night IMO. They played flat out scared.

I thought they played well tonight despite some struggles. Moved the ball, played our game. Memphis is a good team. Not as good as last season, but still a playoff team. It was a solid win.

[Reck]

How many minutes did Splitter get?

:lolwinning the battles only to lose the war again

:lolgetting VC'd

DD always finding a way to shit on the Spurs...can we have this at least without you going ultra hateful on us man? Just this once?

Although you may be right after all. :lol

[ElNono]

Why can't anybody tell me how many minutes Splitter got?

This must be a touchy issue, tbh...

13 mins, tbh

[slick'81]

Does this win really inspire? Sure, Spurs won, but in typical ST fashion over confidence abound. The issues that plague the Spurs in bad match ups (LA/MEM) were still on display namely the big man rotation and TP shriveling vs big frontlines and not being the on court advantage that he is on paper.

Yes a win is good, but there are legit issues.


no doubt hopefully the next two v la will c how the spurs adjust and hopefully the spurs get a w or two.I have never said the spurs r favorites but im not as scared of mem as i am la

[DPG21920]

The issue was last night IMO. They played flat out scared.

I thought they played well tonight despite some struggles. Moved the ball, played our game. Memphis is a good team. Not as good as last season, but still a playoff team. It was a solid win.

Sure it's a good win. It didn't erase last night and even though they won, it's about sustainability

[Spurtacus]

Would also like to add this was a night where Pop played with the playoff rotation.

We won't make it out of the 2nd round if Pop uses tonight rotation. Splitter needs more than 13 minutes.

[DPG21920]

no doubt hopefully the next two v la will c how the spurs adjust and hopefully the spurs get a w or two.I have never said the spurs r favorites but im not as scared of mem as i am la

Agreed. Things can change, I was simply saying the last two nights were way more alarming than good.

[ElNono]

Sure it's a good win. It didn't erase last night and even though they won, it's about sustainability

This team isn't going anywhere anyways with these rotations. "going forward" is really nitpicking, IMO

[Mugen]

They don't have a prayer of beating whoever comes out of the East (Miami, Chicago, maybe Boston) without him either.

We'd beat Chicago. We'd beat Boston. We'd have a chance against at Miami.

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

It's not hate, Shadow...DPG (and to a certain extent timvp) are saying the same things. A win is a win, but rewind the clock 2 days ago and what was your opinion of the Spurs?

What is it now? Playoff basketball slows to a crawl, and shots tend not to fall. That's when you really on your defense, bigs to take high-% shots, and crash the boards

[angelbelow]

Have to disagree that the Grizz are more talented this year. Maybe they are offensively, but not having Tony Allen and Battier takes away alot of their toughness defensively.

Allen is still there though. Would you say that Battier is more talented than Gay?

Battier, Arthur, Vasques (sp?) were definitely a good fit, but none of them have the talent that Gay has.

[Robz4000]

Yeah but Mayo is a mediocre defender. Replace him with Allen and the Spurs' perimeter offense on the wings is stymied, and the Grizzlies don't really have to worry too much about offense when they can just forcefeed guys like Randolph and Gasol.
The Spurs layed an egg tonight shooting the ball (30% on 3s tonight). Allen would not have limited that many more shots. They also don't force-feed the bigs with Gay around.

[MaNu4Tres]

Pop is an idiot with the front-court situation. Has that been established yet?

If not, well there you go.

[ElNono]

It's not hate, Shadow...DPG (and to a certain extent timvp) are saying the same things. A win is a win, but rewind the clock 2 days ago and what was your opinion of the Spurs?

What is it now? Playoff basketball slows to a crawl, and shots tend not to fall. That's when you really on your defense, bigs to take high-% shots, and crash the boards


This team isn't going anywhere anyways with these rotations. "going forward" is really nitpicking, IMO

[TheSkeptic]

We'd beat Chicago. We'd beat Boston. We'd have a chance against at Miami.

Not if Bonner's playing as the second big. We've struggled against those defenses and if we're counting on TD to play 35+ after getting all the way to the Finals then it's not happening.

And no. Miami would destroy us.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

How the hell does Leonard play so damn well and then not play in the fourth? I mean wtf?

for reals
he needs the end of game experience

[spectator]

Sure I can...the Spurs needed Tim Duncan to turn back the clock to hold off the Grizzlies at home, in a game that was MUCH more important to the Spurs and their psyche--and the Grizz were without one of the best perimeter defenders, and got meh performances from their bigs

Good luck having that formula work in the playoffs:lol

if duncan averages 15 pts/game @ 28.5 min/game in the regular season, he could average 18pts/game in the playoffs.

add green and tony making their layups (3 easy misses) and the spurs get the points to still beat memphis tonight, if you want to follow that logic.

the main point is that we were able to match them in the paint. we know we have better 3PT shooting and better teamwork.

[MaNu4Tres]

Chalk up another fools gold win folks!

This team won't go anywhere with Splitter only playing 13 minutes. Fuck Pop.

[TD 21]

Does this win really inspire? Sure, Spurs won, but in typical ST fashion over confidence abound. The issues that plague the Spurs in bad match ups (LA/MEM) were still on display namely the big man rotation and TP shriveling vs big frontlines and not being the on court advantage that he is on paper.

Yes a win is good, but there are legit issues.

I agree, for the most part. But can people stop pretending that the Grizzlies front line is the Lakers front line, especially defensively? What "big front line"? Gasol is their one rotation big over 6-10, their only blocking threat and while he's a good shot blocker, he's merely an adequate rebounder and he's not dominant in either area. I also think he's worn down from playing so many minutes while Randolph was out.

[angelbelow]

We'd beat Chicago. We'd beat Boston. We'd have a chance against at Miami.

We'd beat Boston. But would be heavy underdogs against Chicago and Miami.

[ElNono]

Chalk up another fools gold win folks!

This team won't go anywhere with Splitter only playing 13 minutes. Fuck Pop.

you're coming around... took you a good two years :lol

[TheSkeptic]

We'd beat Boston. But would be heavy underdogs against Chicago and Miami.

After a run to the finals while running TD into the ground and playing these rotations, Boston is the closest one. And admittedly one that they could beat if everything went well.

Chicago not at all. Their defense is too good and ours is too not.
Against Miami, the Spurs would need to outproduce their frontcourt while hoping Manu/Tony can at least keep it within reach versus their perimeter. Plus they have a tendency to fall apart for stupid reasons.

I'd give us a better shot against them than the Bulls tbh. But we'd still be the underdogs.

[Robz4000]

They should, if they know what's best for them. Gay should be used in other ways, such as cutting to the basket on a post play and penetrating when the ball is pitched out after Randolph/Gasol are double-teamed.
They should, but it doesn't mean they will. This is why LA and Memphis are better without Kobe/Rudy; without them both teams are forced to play inside-out, and against the Spurs it works.

[GSH]

Does this win really inspire? Sure, Spurs won, but in typical ST fashion over confidence abound. The issues that plague the Spurs in bad match ups (LA/MEM) were still on display namely the big man rotation and TP shriveling vs big frontlines and not being the on court advantage that he is on paper.

Yes a win is good, but there are legit issues.


The biggest issue is the one we've known about since pre-season. This team needs another decent big man. Be honest - if you could back this exact game up to before the Utah forfeit, it would have been the 12th game in the streak, and nobody would be upset about anything but Parker's play. We'd be talking about how we knew that Memphis is a matchup problem, but we swept the season series with them anyway.

LA has two monsters in the middle. And if we meet them in the post-season, we're probably screwed. But if we were to meet Memphis in the playoffs, I wouldn't be worried about it like I was last year. They played pretty good tonight. In fact, I think they did their best to send a message, just like they did last year - and the Spurs still got the W. I think we're good enough elsewhere to overcome their bigs. Bynum and Pau, not so much.

BTW - remember the season series with the Griz last year? We blew a 10 point lead, and did well to win in OT. The next game we were behind with a minute and a half left, and got to take 10 FT's in the last 90 seconds to win that one. Then we got our asses thoroughly kicked in the last two games of the season. We knew we had a problem going into that playoff series. Even after the last two games, I don't feel that way now.

This team does have issues - they don't go to the Finals without the right matchups and a little luck. But they're legitimately better than last season.

[Mugen]

We'd beat Boston. But would be heavy underdogs against Chicago and Miami.

Rose has been banged up all year and I'm still not sold on a team with Luol Deng as their second best player. Either way, they're still not getting past Miami in the ECF. Didn't think it'd happen last year and still dont this year.

A Spurs team that somehow manged to get to the Finals, possibly with home court? Yeah, they'd have a chance against Miami.

[MaNu4Tres]

you're coming around... took you a good two years :lol

I've been pro-Splitter for as long as he's been here. I called Pop an idiot because of his decision making with the front-court at the end of last season.

This season he started playing Splitter more and more (a few 24-28mpg appearances IIRC) so I kept hush and had hope. Then Splitter got hurt, and it's been all downhill since.

Fuck Pop though for giving Tim, Manu and Tony slingshots to battle and war with, when he has a bazooka picking up dust on the bench.

[DPG21920]

Look, I expect TP to be great & I think he'll bounce back. That won't change these past two days though and it causes uncomfortable thoughts of can you trust him to shine if you need him to be your advantage in the playoffs.

[ElNono]

I've been pro-Splitter for as long as he's been here. I called Pop an idiot because of his decision making with the front-court at the end of last season.

This season he started playing Splitter more and more (a few 24-28mpg appearances IIRC) so I kept hush and had hope. Then Splitter got hurt, and it's been all downhill since.

Fuck Pop though for giving Tim, Manu and Tony slingshots to battle and war with, when he has a bazooka picking up dust on the bench.

I still remember peeps telling me how Bonner was going to be the 5th big and play 10-15 mins a game :lmao

Followed by "Pop is saving him for the playoffs" :lmao

After last season's bukkake, same tune... Bonner still 3rd big :lol:lol:lol

[angelbelow]

Rose has been banged up all year and I'm still not sold on a team with Luol Deng as their second best player. Either way, they're still not getting past Miami in the ECF. Didn't think it'd happen last year and still dont this year.

A Spurs team that somehow manged to get to the Finals, possibly with home court? Yeah, they'd have a chance against Miami.

I think we have a chance against both teams but we'd be the underdogs.

The Bulls front line is as scary as they come. Noah, Asik, Gibson, and kind of Boozer. They have shooters and scorers as well. Not surprised they went on a winning streak without Rose. They've also been one of the best defensive teams in the league for two years.. no fluke there.

I would definitely prefer to see Boston if we made the finals.

[TD 21]

The biggest issue is the one we've known about since pre-season. This team needs another decent big man. Be honest - if you could back this exact game up to before the Utah forfeit, it would have been the 12th game in the streak, and nobody would be upset about anything but Parker's play. We'd be talking about how we knew that Memphis is a matchup problem, but we swept the season series with them anyway.

LA has two monsters in the middle. And if we meet them in the post-season, we're probably screwed. But if we were to meet Memphis in the playoffs, I wouldn't be worried about it like I was last year. They played pretty good tonight. In fact, I think they did their best to send a message, just like they did last year - and the Spurs still got the W. I think we're good enough elsewhere to overcome their bigs. Bynum and Pau, not so much.

BTW - remember the season series with the Griz last year? We blew a 10 point lead, and did well to win in OT. The next game we were behind with a minute and a half left, and got to take 10 FT's in the last 90 seconds to win that one. Then we got our asses thoroughly kicked in the last two games of the season. We knew we had a problem going into that playoff series. Even after the last two games, I don't feel that way now.

This team does have issues - they don't go to the Finals without the right matchups and a little luck. But they're legitimately better than last season.

Its not even about match-up, so much as it is about belief. They still don't believe that they can beat the Lakers and that's half the battle in any series. Their aura and mystique may be gone to the rest of the league (as well it should be, considering that they almost never win easily and regularly lose or squeak out wins against bottom feeders), but not to the Spurs, who are seemingly constantly in a state of shock when playing them. Like its the first time they've ever seen Bynum and Gasol and like they have no one bigger than 6-9 to defend them.

[td4mvp21]

I'll take it but seemed like another fool's gold win to me. They got by without Allen and playing small. LOL @ Splitter barely playing. Pop's gone off the deep end, unless there's something we don't know.

[Mugen]

I still remember peeps telling me how Bonner was going to be the 5th big and play 10-15 mins a game :lmao

Followed by "Pop is saving him for the playoffs" :lmao

After last season's bukkake, same tune... Bonner still 3rd big :lol:lol:lol

2nd Big, NoNo. Second fucking big. :lol

:depressed

[Keepin' it real]

Tiago is Timmy's backup, right? If so, why is everyone upset that they don't play together? We likely won't see Parker and Mills together either, and we shouldn't. Timmy starts, Tiago plays when Timmy's on the bench. Isn't this basketball 101?

[Brazil]

Typical French... surrendering at the first sign of adversity....

I would have read everything tonite :lmao

No offense but I do think you know shit about French. That's exactly the contrary in sports French are well known to kick ass of the best team in the world and loose against the weakest.

[TheSkeptic]

Tiago is Timmy's backup, right? If so, why is everyone upset that they don't play together? We likely won't see Parker and Mills together either, and we shouldn't. Timmy starts, Tiago plays when Timmy's on the bench. Isn't this basketball 101?

Because they're two of our best players and they can play together but need practice. Our other bigs are just not good enough to make it in the playoffs.

[Mugen]

Because they're two of our best players and they can play together but need practice. Our other bigs are just not good enough to make it in the playoffs.

Don't bother.

[emanueldavidginobili]

Im still at a lost of words for why Tiago barley plays and Blair is starting. Blair is awful undersized and doesnt rebound, the guy gives me headaches.....what is going on in Pops mind I truly would love to know

[Borosai]

At this point, the only sensible thing would be to give Blair's minutes to Splitter, and work on that rotation. Neither one has a reliable jumper, but Splitter is more consistent. And tall.

[Mel_13]

Good

I'd include the defense on Rudy Gay tonight and all season:

Game 1: 8-18

Game 2: 0-7

Game 3: 9-26

Game 4(tonight): 7-22

32.9% for the season series.

[Spurtacus]

At this point, the only sensible thing would be to give Blair's minutes to Splitter, and work on that rotation. Neither one has a reliable jumper, but Splitter is more consistent. And tall.

Won't work in Pops rotation. Diaw would have to take Blair's minutes and starting role. Splitter won't start opposite of Duncan...he's barely played with Duncan this season. Unfortunately Pop failed to build chemistry between his best bigs and if he plays them together in the playoffs they may not gel.

[Legacy]

I'm just happy that :pop: is actually letting Manu play. Two games in a row so far (seems like a record or something, lol) with physical teams ... Yes, even though we were brutally 'man-handled' last night. :spless:


Manu still needs to be out there getting his body and swag back together as much as Pops will possibly allow him to. :ihit


That makes me pretty happy. :D





*prays to Jesus that words weren't spoken too soon*








:huddle:

[ace3g]

Hopefully that surge at the end of the 1st half (including a 3 pointer) by Diaw to get the Spurs within 4 points helps propel Diaw the rest of the season. He isn't perfect (none of our back up PF/C are) but as we saw in the game against Dallas, he did a great job defending Dirk. He didn't get too pushed around tonight vs either Gasol or Randolph.

Sure he needs to cut down on some of the ticky tack fouls (although he has had the misfortune a couple of times, getting the wrong end of the foul, fighting for a rebound/boxing out in the paint) but he is more suited for the playoffs than either Bonner or Blair. By the way can anyone look up Diaw's 3 point % in the playoffs compared to Bonner?

He deserves consistent minutes in the rotation, coming off the bench he wasn't, hopefully the fall out of Blair in the rotation will open up more minutes for Diaw and Splitter.

Charles Barkley on TNT Inside The NBA just said "Boris Diaw and SJAX might make the difference in the Western Conference"

[GSH]

I'd include the defense on Rudy Gay tonight and all season:

Game 1: 8-18

Game 2: 0-7

Game 3: 9-26

Game 4(tonight): 7-22

32.9% for the season series.


8/18 is pretty much Gay's season average. That was the first game of the season, and Kawhi came off the bench that game.

[sehui]

It's not fatigue for tony parker,

I've said it earlier this season and I've said it forever. When you guys were praising TP for his MVP playing, I was probably in the minority to state that I still don't like Parker.

He's an excellent PG, but he has far too many flaws! He's not that athletic (no vertical), and his jump shot is still shoddy. All a team has to do is play zone and he's pretty much effectively disabled. Due note that our huge win streaks weren't against strong frontcourt teams like LA and Memphis (w.o Zach Randolph).

Tony is brilliant against a team that doesn't have stellar defense/a strong frontcourt, but when we do play against the Heat, Memphis, LAL, he falls so far. It's not like "oh it's one bad game", he just can't play.

I hope I'm proven wrong in the playoffs, but if we are playing against LAL or Grizz in the postseason, I'm not going to be surprised to see Tony play in piss-poor quality.

[crc21209]

Hopefully that surge at the end of the 1st half (including a 3 pointer) by Diaw to get the Spurs within 4 points helps propel Diaw the rest of the season. He isn't perfect (none of our back up PF/C are) but as we saw in the game against Dallas, he did a great job defending Dirk. He didn't get too pushed around tonight vs either Gasol or Randolph.

Sure he needs to cut down on some of the ticky tack fouls (although he has had the misfortune a couple of times, getting the wrong end of the foul, fighting for a rebound/boxing out in the paint) but he is more suited for the playoffs than either Bonner or Blair. By the way can anyone look up Diaw's 3 point % in the playoffs compared to Bonner?

He deserves consistent minutes in the rotation, coming off the bench he wasn't, hopefully the fall out of Blair in the rotation will open up more minutes for Diaw and Splitter.

Charles Barkley on TNT Inside The NBA just said "Boris Diaw and SJAX might make the difference in the Western Conference"

+1. I'd be fine with a TD-Diaw starting group and bringing Splitter and Bonner off the bench. While Blair....sits on the bench and enjoys some Whataburger. Fine with me...:tu

[therealtruth]

Won't work in Pops rotation. Diaw would have to take Blair's minutes and starting role. Splitter won't start opposite of Duncan...he's barely played with Duncan this season. Unfortunately Pop failed to build chemistry between his best bigs and if he plays them together in the playoffs they may not gel.

Diaw had played 0 minutes with Duncan before he got here but Pop is willing to give him those minutes to get him acclimated. Give those minutes to Splitter so he can get acclimated.

[Arcadian]

-Tony Parker choked so violently it was difficult to watch. If he's not righted before the start of the playoffs, the Spurs have no chance.

Haha... You're overreacting badly to Parker's play. He's having a rough stretch. It happens. He is still one of the best players in the league this year, and I think we should respect his ability enough to trust that he will be "righted." Do you seriously think an MVP candidate is just going to go down in flames at the end of the season and bring the whole team with him? That's just disrespectful, honestly.

Come on, you're better than that.

[Horse]

I was very impressed the way Tony came out especially defensively I really hope he just got tired or something. As far as Splitter this will go down as one of the worlds great mysteries unless Pop has some secret plan. The fucking guy seems to get a layup every other touch but gets no burn.

[EVAY]

As poorly as he ended up playing, no one came out with more intensity than Parker. He was going all out on both ends. I'm still not really concerned with him.

I'm actually more annoyed with Ginobili, who refuses to attack the basket, for the most part. I don't know if he's just being extra cautious until the playoffs (annoying as it is now, that would be understandable) or if he's flat out pacing himself. But he's got to be more assertive, especially when Parker's not in. Simply being a pick-and-roll maestro and shooting spot up threes isn't enough. ...

This might be overstating it, but I'd go so far as to say that Duncan's third quarter performance might have saved the season. Seriously. They were teetering, confidence wise and another loss to a team with an imposing front line may have completely sapped them of their confidence and sent them into a tailspin that they may not have recovered from. I'm still not convinced that they're out of the woods in that respect, though. I think a lot of that will depend on the next Lakers game.

And I don't know that Diaw won the starting gig, so much as Blair lost it. Or, to be even more precise, he never earned it and simply had it handed to him for balance purposes. Either way, its time to be who they're going to be.



This. Well said, especially the part about Tony and Duncan. Tony is one guy who ALWAYS gets right up after a hard hit. It has always seemed to me that he was determined to pretend that nothing they could do to him mattered. Also, he sort of had to stop playing like he was in the first quarter when I began to worry that it was such a Tony-Tim two man game that everyone else was gonna get out of rhythm if he didn't get them involved. Sometimes he has to do something different because that is what the game requires, not because he doesn't want to score any more.
But when he required Sevening's help last night after Conley scraped him across the face (and got no call for it), he seemed to lose a step. It seemed to me he played hurt after that.

Folks here who idiotically refer to him being cowardly due to a french heritage are showing their ignorance of bothTony and the French as well!

And the part about Duncan? ABSOLUTELY!! I thought last night that Duncan played like we haven't seen him play in years, and like he is going to HAVE to play if we are to win a title. Absolutely.

I don't agree with starting Manu because I think that we need him running the second squad. Neal simply isn't up to it.

[therealtruth]

I was very impressed the way Tony came out especially defensively I really hope he just got tired or something. As far as Splitter this will go down as one of the worlds great mysteries unless Pop has some secret plan. The fucking guy seems to get a layup every other touch but gets no burn.

Splitter shoots 60% from the field. He should be taking 15 shots a game. Those are easy baskets that put pressure on the defense and make it easier for the shooters. That's more reliable that 3's. Somehow Pop can't realize that.

[DBMethos]

Tiago is Timmy's backup, right? If so, why is everyone upset that they don't play together? We likely won't see Parker and Mills together either, and we shouldn't. Timmy starts, Tiago plays when Timmy's on the bench. Isn't this basketball 101?

Pop, izzat you?

[Proxy]

Haha... You're overreacting badly to Parker's play. He's having a rough stretch. It happens. He is still one of the best players in the league this year, and I think we should respect his ability enough to trust that he will be "righted." Do you seriously think an MVP candidate is just going to go down in flames at the end of the season and bring the whole team with him? That's just disrespectful, honestly.

Come on, you're better than that.

Parker plays like this against two teams in particular. The Lakers and the Grizzlies. Both teams take him out of his game... partly because of the game plan and capable defenders, and partly because he's scared of the bigs. This isn't a rough stretch for him... it's these two opponents having the personel to give him trouble and him not responding well. His adjustments are to play out of his comfort zone, and he turns the ball over so much that it's almost like he's a liability on offense. By the end of the game, he has no confidence... which results in a shitty performance.

Disrespectful? Are you kidding me? No one wants a repeat of last year's playoff performance. Get that condescending shit out of here.

[cheguevara]

Stephen Motherfucking Jaxson!!!

IMO he's the spark that kept us going in the 2nd half. (and timmy of course)

motherfucker is ruthless :tu

[DBMethos]

Anyone see 48MoH's grades for last night's game? Parker: B, Splitter C-!!!! :lol

That place has gone downhill fast, tbh.

[webshad]

It's amazing how tiago it's so useful and does not play.

Obviously he is keeping Tiago & Duncan combination for the playoff. Pop is smart, he won't play all his cards during regular season.

Yeah yeah, ur gonna reply "he didnt play Tiago last post-season". I BELIEVE this year's playoff scenario will be different than last year's.

[Brazil]

Parker plays like this against two teams in particular. The Lakers and the Grizzlies. Both teams take him out of his game... partly because of the game plan and capable defenders, and partly because he's scared of the bigs. This isn't a rough stretch for him... it's these two opponents having the personel to give him trouble and him not responding well. His adjustments are to play out of his comfort zone, and he turns the ball over so much that it's almost like he's a liability on offense. By the end of the game, he has no confidence... which results in a shitty performance.

Disrespectful? Are you kidding me? No one wants a repeat of last year's playoff performance. Get that condescending shit out of here.

Last 17 games againts the lakers TP is shooting 50%, has 19 pts a game, 5.5 assists, 1 stl and 2.3 TOs. He is turning the ball over so much and he is almost a liability on offense:lol. Last PO serie against the Lakers, 48% FG, 19 ppg, 5.6 assists, 0.8 stl, 2.4 TOs.

Against the Grizz last two seasons (13 games) incl POs, TP is shooting 46%, 17.8 pts per game, 6.4 assists, 1.5 stls and 3.2 TOs. Against Grizz TP struggles a bit with a lower FG% and 0.6 more TO than his regular average but it's not like he is far below his usual production.

The numbers don't seem to backing up what you are saying tbh.

For the record I also thought he had a sub par PO performance against the Grizz last year but making generalization over a PO serie where he has not been good but not terrible some people are saying and one game against the lakers is lol.

[TJastal]

Obviously he is keeping Tiago & Duncan combination for the playoff. Pop is smart, he won't play all his cards during regular season.

Yeah yeah, ur gonna reply "he didnt play Tiago last post-season". I BELIEVE this year's playoff scenario will be different than last year's.

I've heard this mentioned before in jest. I never thought anyone would actually think Pop was this stupid. lol

[T Park]

I've heard this mentioned before in jest. I never thought anyone would actually think Pop was this stupid. lol

Did it in 2007 with Oberto. In 05 with Mohammed.

[ezau]

I think it was a huge mistake that POP put Dejuan on Bynum last night. A 6'4 dude who has limited athleticism won't be able to match up against an elite big man like Bynum. Unlike many people here though, I really think POP should put Diaw on Gasol and TD on Bynum when the Spurs play the Lakers.

Diaw has the lateral quickness and size to push off Gasol out of his comfort zone. Duncan meanwhile will have his hands full on Bynum, but at least we won't look like midgets if we put Blair in.

As much as I would love to see the Splitter-Duncan combo, we have to admit that Splitter is TD's reliever and Splitter actually plays really well with Bonner in the second unit.

[Jumi]

I think it was a huge mistake that POP put Dejuan on Bynum last night. A 6'4 dude who has limited athleticism won't be able to match up against an elite big man like Bynum. Unlike many people here though, I really think POP should put Diaw on Gasol and TD on Bynum when the Spurs play the Lakers.

Diaw has the lateral quickness and size to push off Gasol out of his comfort zone. Duncan meanwhile will have his hands full on Bynum, but at least we won't look like midgets if we put Blair in.

As much as I would love to see the Splitter-Duncan combo, we have to admit that Splitter is TD's reliever and Splitter actually plays really well with Bonner in the second unit.


I totally agree!! Let Blair be the "big" that spells the other guys when they need a rest. It's that simple!

[TD 21]

This. Well said, especially the part about Tony and Duncan. Tony is one guy who ALWAYS gets right up after a hard hit. It has always seemed to me that he was determined to pretend that nothing they could do to him mattered. Also, he sort of had to stop playing like he was in the first quarter when I began to worry that it was such a Tony-Tim two man game that everyone else was gonna get out of rhythm if he didn't get them involved. Sometimes he has to do something different because that is what the game requires, not because he doesn't want to score any more.
But when he required Sevening's help last night after Conley scraped him across the face (and got no call for it), he seemed to lose a step. It seemed to me he played hurt after that.

Folks here who idiotically refer to him being cowardly due to a french heritage are showing their ignorance of bothTony and the French as well!

And the part about Duncan? ABSOLUTELY!! I thought last night that Duncan played like we haven't seen him play in years, and like he is going to HAVE to play if we are to win a title. Absolutely.

I don't agree with starting Manu because I think that we need him running the second squad. Neal simply isn't up to it.

I agree about Parker. The guy is 6-2 and a was a slight 180 for the majority of his career (he's now a slightly less slight 185), yet has fearlessly and relentlessly went into the land of giants as much as anyone I've ever seen. He's rushed back from a few injuries, tried to play through a lot more than Ginobili has (particularly in recent years) and almost never admits to being fatigued or uses it as an excuse.

As far as Ginobili starting and running the second unit, he can do both. That's exactly what he did last season. As far as a general outline for a playoff rotation, just sub him out at the 5 minute mark, bring him back for Parker at the 1 minute mark, bring Parker back at the 8 minute mark, sub Ginobili back out, then bring him back at the 4-5 minute mark. That's roughly 19 and 16-17 minutes, respectively and 11-12 together, per half.

The best players need to play together for significant minutes. He already refuses to pair his fourth best player with his three best (I mean collectively, not individually) and they never play what's statistically their best five. They can't continue to compound that by not playing their three best together that much.