Utah's super big lineup.. how do the Spurs react

[Spursfanfromafar]

Utah's renaissance in the final few games was because of its super size lineup it featured quite heavily in the run up to the playoffs -

PG: Harris, SG: Hayward, SF: Millsap, PF: Jefferson, C: Favors.

And it is also the highest yielding lineup it has featured all season, according to Basketballvalue - link (http://basketballvalue.com/amofunit.php?year=2011-2012&unit=15-934-629-911-247)

How does the Spurs counter it, if they start with this one? Do the Spurs react at all? IMO, they should. Kawhi has been featured as a wing defender with limited plays on offense and the Jazz won't lose much by keeping Jefferson or maybe Millsap on him. And even though they will lose on speed, they will be difficult to defend.

Your opinions?

[angelbelow]

I just see a few issues for that Jazz lineup.

First off, Favors is an offensive liability out there. He's going to get in the way of Jefferson in the post and Milsap in the high post. As of now, most of Favors offense comes from cuts, offensive rebounds, and transition basketball. I don't think they'll go to him in post up situations when Jefferson is out there because he is only 38%FG from there. If he steers clear from the paint then we might be able to get away with double teaming Al Jefferson, just as long as we don't forget to box Favors out.

2nd, They have no shooters who can spread the floor. Harris has been an inconsistent 3point shooter his entire career. Hayward looks good as of late but it remains to be seen if his 52% from the 3pt line at 2 a game can stay consistent. The odds are no, the only other time that Hayward has averaged more than 1 3pm in a given month was April of his rookie season.

3rd, their pick and roll defense isn't spectacular. I can't see a bigger, slower lineup having much success against a Manu/Tiago pick and roll with Bonner either wide open or drawing one of Jefferson or Favors to him.

[TDMVPDPOY]

inexperience playoff players

hence didnt we beat them miserable this season....

[SpursIndonesia]

Teams WILL pack the paint defensively and rough up our bigs offensively, i think that's a given. The Spurs hit their open, outside jumper & tough play from our bigs, then we can be a champ, otherwise, another disappointing post season.

[Spursfanfromafar]

I just see a few issues for that Jazz lineup.

First off, Favors is an offensive liability out there. He's going to get in the way of Jefferson in the post and Milsap in the high post. As of now, most of Favors offense comes from cuts, offensive rebounds, and transition basketball. I don't think they'll go to him in post up situations when Jefferson is out there because he is only 38%FG from there. If he steers clear from the paint then we might be able to get away with double teaming Al Jefferson, just as long as we don't forget to box Favors out.

2nd, They have no shooters who can spread the floor. Harris has been an inconsistent 3point shooter his entire career. Hayward looks good as of late but it remains to be seen if his 52% from the 3pt line at 2 a game can stay consistent. The odds are no, the only other time that Hayward has averaged more than 1 3pm in a given month was April of his rookie season.

3rd, their pick and roll defense isn't spectacular. I can't see a bigger, slower lineup having much success against a Manu/Tiago pick and roll with Bonner either wide open or drawing one of Jefferson or Favors to him.

Nice points.

I think Utah expects Millsap to be its X factor. He is allowed to roam during defense and perhaps play a little bit of pick and pop and more on the perimeter in offense.

And with Favors and Jefferson to clog the paint, they perhaps expect it to be difficult for Splitter or Duncan to get easy points there in the paint.

I think this combo is not the same as Gasol-Randolph, but does pose some threat to make the matchups more interesting than usual.

[Fireball]

go with Duncan + Splitter/Diaw + Leonard/Jackson against this lineup and we will be fine ...

[AusSpur]

Thier bench just got a little weaker too which is fine.

The good thing is Kawhi can defend post players so it should worry him too much being on Millsap.

[elemento]

Millsap can't be a full-time SF. He is too slow to play the 3. Leonard or S-Jax would murder him if he plays the 3.
Jazz fans wanting Millsap to play the 3 is just as delusional as some Spurs fans wanting Blair to play the 3. Not gonna happen.

They will play Millsap at PF and Jefferson at Center and their size is not that great. Millsap is 6'7 and Jefferson is actually a PF playing out of position. Their pick and roll defense is terrible, Jefferson isn't a true anchor and they don't have an elite perimeter defender (unless you still count Bell as one, i don't).

Anyway ..i think we win this 4-1 at most.

[elemento]

Millsap can't be a full-time SF. He is too slow to play the 3. Leonard or S-Jax would murder him if he plays the 3.
Jazz fans wanting Millsap to play the 3 is just as delusional as some Spurs fans wanting Blair to play the 3. Not gonna happen.

They will play Millsap at PF and Jefferson at Center and their size is not that great. Millsap is 6'7 and Jefferson is actually a PF playing out of position. Their pick and roll defense is terrible, Jefferson isn't a true anchor and they don't have an elite perimeter defender (unless you still count Bell as one, i don't).

Anyway ..i think we win this 4-1 at most.

[benefactor]

:wakeup

[Spursfanfromafar]

More from Basketball Prospectus' Kevin Pelton -

http://www.basketballprospectus.com/unfiltered/?p=915


Even before then, the big lineup had been dynamite. Entering Saturday’s game, Millsap had played nearly exactly 100 minutes at small forward, per BasketballValue.com. During that span, the Jazz outscored opponents by 23 points, or 11.3 per 100 possessions, on the strength of elite defense. The big lineups had allowed just 86.6 points per 100 possessions, way down from the 106.4 Utah usually gives up. With Millsap at small forward, the Jazz has tons of size to control the glass and contest shots. Millsap has proven capable of defending bigger opponents on the perimeter. These lineups also almost always feature second-year reserve Derrick Favors, the team’s best interior defender who also helped take away sharpshooter Ryan Anderson Saturday, including blowing up the pick-and-roll the Magic ran with Anderson on the final play of regulation.

[elemento]

100 minutes? Really ? So they outscored Portland when POR started Nolan Smith and Hasheem Thabbet and Orlando without Howard and we should be really worried about it ?

Even if they play this lineup against us (and they won't), their size isn't that great. Millsap is 6'7 in shoes and Favors is 6'10. They're missing CJ Miles, Raja Bell, Watson and Howard is just coming back from an injury.

Seriously, in terms of BIGS Utah is not Memphis or LA. Not even close.

[DMC]

If we need to be worried about these clowns, we have no shot at the 2nd rounders.

[mkurts]

Super big lineup ...... :lmao:lmao:lmao

What about LA or Memphis ??? Not as big as Utah ???

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

[Wild Cobra Kai]

The answer to this is to slide Diaw to SF when they play Milsap there. End of issue. Milsap is only a mismatch if you allow him to be. Diaw is quick enough to check him on the perimeter, and strong and long enough to check him inside. Jack would also do a credible job in both of those areas.

[Russo21]

Fuck those fuckers. Bring em on.
We can go big to

Splitter
Duncan
Diaw
Jackson/Ginobili
Parker/Ginobili

Suck on that Jazz. We'll kick the shit out of you either way.

1. Parker will kick the shit out of Harris.
2. Who is Hayward? Who the fuck is Hayward? Never heard of him. Manu will fuck him up.
3. Milsap? You suck. Jackson will torment you and Leonard will piss you off big time.
4. Good luck to Jefferson trying to guard Duncan lmao worst post defender i've seen, bit of an exageration i know but he sucks
5. Tiago v Favours? Immature POS Tiago will kill him.

Not to mention our bench. I've never heard of one of the bench players for Utah. Fuck the Jazz. We will beat them big. We will beat them small. They're fucked either way.

Man i love xanax lmao

[J.T.]

Spurs will sweep Utah unless Ginobili pulls a last year and breaks his arm again

[Russo21]

or we can go ala Poenix suns and run the shit out of them and dictate the pace so there tall lineup cant get back on d quick enough

Duncan
Diaw
Jackson
Manu
Parker

Utah are fuucked

[Russo21]

BTW

Is there still a chance of Dallas finishing with the 8th seed? or is utah locked in ?

[Fireball]

Utah is not locked in 8th place yet ... I think

[Wild Cobra Kai]

BTW

Is there still a chance of Dallas finishing with the 8th seed? or is utah locked in ?

Dallas beat them three times. I stopped looking at that point because a possibile fourth non-division matchup didn't matter.

[Wild Cobra Kai]

Utah is not locked in 8th place yet ... I think

Yes they are. Dallas owns the tiebreaker and they are one game ahead with each team having one game left to play.

[FromWayDowntown]

BTW

Is there still a chance of Dallas finishing with the 8th seed? or is utah locked in ?

Dallas owns the tiebreakers with both Denver and Utah. Since the Mavs only have one game left, the worst finish for them is 30 losses. Utah already has 30, so there is no way the Mavs could fall behind them.

If Denver loses out, they'll have 30 losses as well, but that would create a 3-way tie if the Mavs lose their finale and Utah beats Portland. Since the Mavs hold the tiebreaker over both, they can't fall behind either and can't become the 8th seed.

[Fireball]

Does Denver own the tie-breaker against Utah as well? They might lose their last two games ...

[FromWayDowntown]

Yes they are. Dallas owns the tiebreaker and they are one game ahead with each team having one game left to play.

Utah could move up to 7 if it wins and Denver loses out. The Jazz hold the DEN/UTH tiebreaker.

[Old School 44]

Because of tie breakers Denver is either 6-8.
Dallas is either 6-7.
Utah is either 7-8.

I know...sounds strange.

[elemento]

Not locked yet

If Denver loses both games (@OKC and @MIN) and Utah wins against POR, we play Denver in the playoffs.

[elemento]

Not locked yet

If Denver loses both games (@OKC and @MIN) and Utah wins against POR, we play Denver in the playoffs.

[FromWayDowntown]

Basically (I think this is right -- I've given it about 30 seconds of thought; if someone finds something wrong, please correct):

NUGGETS

Denver ends up #6 if it wins out (@OKC, @MIN), or if it loses 1 and Dallas loses in Atlanta.

Denver ends up #7 if it loses one and Dallas wins in Atlanta.

Denver ends up #8 if it loses out AND Dallas loses in Atlanta AND Utah beats Portland.


MAVERICKS


Dallas ends up #6 if Denver loses out OR if Denver loses once AND Dallas beats Atlanta

Dallas ends up #7 if Denver wins out OR if Dallas loses at Atlanta AND Denver wins one of its remaining games

Dallas cannot end up #8.


JAZZ


Utah cannot end up #6

Utah ends up #7 if Denver loses out AND Utah beats Portland.

Utah ends up #8 in any other scenario.

[SenorSpur]

The fact that the Spurs have basically evolved into a perimter-oriented team is evident. Outside shooting, as a primary weapon, comes and goes and cannot be depended upon consistently for a deep playoff run. It will be interesting to see how this bodes for the Spurs.

Meanwhile, the Spurs inferior size along the frontline still concerns me - but not against the Jazz. I'm more concerned with possible future matchups against the Grizzlies or Fakers.

[acoelho1]

There is zero chance that Utah or Denver can beat the Spurs. Clearly, Utah is the more physical team and I wouldn't expect a sweep but 4-1 seems about right. In terms of lineups, the only permanent change I hope Pop maintains in the playoffs is keeping Diaw as a starter. Everyone one else should remain the same.

Parker
Green
Duncan
Leonard
Diaw

[Keepin' it real]

Basically (I think this is right -- I've given it about 30 seconds of thought; if someone finds something wrong, please correct):

NUGGETS

Denver ends up #8 if it loses out AND Dallas loses in Atlanta AND Utah beats Portland.

JAZZ


Utah ends up #8 in any other scenario.



Will they tank?
I wonder if the Jazz will tank against the deflated Blazers team to ensure a matchup with San Antonio. If they don't, I wonder if Denver will "pull a Memphis" and tank vs. Minnesota to get the Spurs. Maybe Denver's been watching First Take, so they think these are the same Spurs from last season!

[KaiRMD1]

Don't sleep on the Jazz though

[ffadicted]

Tony is gonna murder harris, and with Timmy, Splitter, a surging Diaw and hopefully a Bonner with some balls, I think our frontline is good to go

[emanueldavidginobili]

Spurs dominate this series.

[K-State Spur]

FWIW, length/shotblockers give the Spurs more problem in the front line than bulk.

And, of Jefferson, Favors, and Millsap - only Favors would be considered long for his height - which falls short of 7 feet.

[timvp]

Utah's renaissance in the final few games was because of its super size lineup it featured quite heavily in the run up to the playoffs -

PG: Harris, SG: Hayward, SF: Millsap, PF: Jefferson, C: Favors.

And it is also the highest yielding lineup it has featured all season, according to Basketballvalue - link (http://basketballvalue.com/amofunit.php?year=2011-2012&unit=15-934-629-911-247)

How does the Spurs counter it, if they start with this one? Do the Spurs react at all? IMO, they should. Kawhi has been featured as a wing defender with limited plays on offense and the Jazz won't lose much by keeping Jefferson or maybe Millsap on him. And even though they will lose on speed, they will be difficult to defend.

Your opinions?

It's a legit concern. In the last game against the Jazz, Utah was +18 with that lineup. It was also the lineup they used in the fourth quarter to make their comeback. Since the Spurs only lost by six points, it was likely the difference in the game.

It's possible Pop could try something like Diaw at small forward to combat it if it becomes too much of a problem but I think that Leonard and Jackson are big enough to hang. The key will be to have Duncan on the court so he can clean up the boards. Without Duncan last game, the Jazz just lived on the offensive glass.

I'm not sure if Leonard will be able to defend one of those three but I'm pretty sure Jackson is up for the challenge. He's tall, strong and competitive enough that he'll be able to survive.

The real key will be to make the Jazz pay on the offensive end. While Millsap is mobile for a power forward, he's slow for a small forward. Spread the court, utilize a lot of movement and make those bigs chase players off the three-point line. The Jazz aren't very good at defending the three-point line as it is. With those three on the court at the same time, the Spurs should get plenty of wide open looks from deep.

[silverblk mystix]

There is zero chance that Utah or Denver can beat the Spurs. Clearly, Utah is the more physical team and I wouldn't expect a sweep but 4-1 seems about right. In terms of lineups, the only permanent change I hope Pop maintains in the playoffs is keeping Diaw as a starter. Everyone one else should remain the same.

Parker
Green
Duncan
Leonard
Diaw

This is exactly what a lot of posters here were saying about Memphis last year....

I think the Spurs can beat anyone...but I don't see any team as having zero chance....and a few teams have a really good chance....

[Spursfanfromafar]

It's a legit concern. In the last game against the Jazz, Utah was +18 with that lineup. It was also the lineup they used in the fourth quarter to make their comeback. Since the Spurs only lost by six points, it was likely the difference in the game.

It's possible Pop could try something like Diaw at small forward to combat it if it becomes too much of a problem but I think that Leonard and Jackson are big enough to hang. The key will be to have Duncan on the court so he can clean up the boards. Without Duncan last game, the Jazz just lived on the offensive glass.

I'm not sure if Leonard will be able to defend one of those three but I'm pretty sure Jackson is up for the challenge. He's tall, strong and competitive enough that he'll be able to survive.

The real key will be to make the Jazz pay on the offensive end. While Millsap is mobile for a power forward, he's slow for a small forward. Spread the court, utilize a lot of movement and make those bigs chase players off the three-point line. The Jazz aren't very good at defending the three-point line as it is. With those three on the court at the same time, the Spurs should get plenty of wide open looks from deep.

Indeed. Duncan cleaning up the defensive rebounds; the three point specialists not choking and Leonard/Jackson defending Millsap well. That sums it up.

[Dr Cox]

Milsap 6'8 Diaw 6'8
Jefferson 6'10 Duncan 6'11
Hayward 6'8 Leonard 6'7
Carrol 6'8 Green 6'6
Harris 6'3 Parker 6'2


Where is this "SUPER Big Lineup" you are talking about?

EDIT:
The Lineup I would run out there against the Big"er" Utah Lineup.
Favors 6'10 --- Bonner 6'10
Jefferson 6'10 --- Duncan 6'11 or Splitter 6'11
Milsap 6'8 --- Jackson 6'8
Hayward 6'8 --- Manu 6'6
Harris 6'3 --- Parker 6'2

[Spursfanfromafar]

Milsap 6'8 Diaw 6'8
Jefferson 6'10 Duncan 6'11
Hayward 6'8 Leonard 6'7
Carrol 6'8 Green 6'6
Harris 6'3 Parker 6'2


Where is this "SUPER Big Lineup" you are talking about?

Check the opening post again.

[Dr Cox]

Check the opening post again.

My bad lol :wakeup

I don't think Favors helps them that much against a team like the Spurs.

With Milsap/Favors at the three gives them a size advantage but not really that big of one with Leonard in the game.

Also, putting in Bonner (I know I know) could make them take that lineup off the floor if the Spurs can spread it out and hit some threes.

[Paranoid Pop]

Milsap 6'8 Diaw 6'8
Jefferson 6'10 Duncan 6'11
Hayward 6'8 Leonard 6'7
Carrol 6'8 Green 6'6
Harris 6'3 Parker 6'2


Where is this "SUPER Big Lineup" you are talking about?

When they put in Millsap for Carroll, did you even read the opening post?

[DesignatedT]

Wait so if Dallas wins @Atlanta and Denver splits it's two games (OKC,MIN) then Dallas is 6?

[DesignatedT]

Favors is a non-factor. Kid will be irrelevant or in foul trouble if they expect to play that lineup all game.

[DesignatedT]

Also, does anybody see Denver trying to tank the last 2 games to draw us first round ala memphis last year?

[CGD]

Utah tried that triple big line up again yesterday with Jeff/Milsap/Favors at the same time. Seems like our spacing and shooting would negate any of that crap. Suns couldn't buy a bucket last night. Also, it's a lot of energy that their bigs will expend guarding a PnR as it is.

[urunobili]

in 6...

[MannyIsGod]

I think the starting lineup matches up well against that lineup. The ball movement the Spurs have should absolutely destroy that lineup.

The Spurs WILL have to hit their jumpers, though. If the Jazz want to try to kill the offensive boards with that lineup, then the Spurs need to be sharp with out let passes and make them pay with easy fast breaks.

If running a big slow lineup like that was viable in the long term for teams in the NBA then you would see more do it, but the reality is that it is extremely exploitable.

[Solid D]

The Spurs give the Jazz appropriate respect. Pop will always respect them.

Boxing out is key because their size is definitely a concern. With that said, the Spurs have tremendous scoring superiority and remember, without their 3 stars, they led the game in Salt Lake City until 2:47 remaining. It wasn't the Jazz' height & length that won it in the end. It was 6'-3" Devin Harris and 6'-8" Paul Millsap.

Appropriate fear and respect and the Spurs depth and firepower should prevail.

[MannyIsGod]

It's a legit concern. In the last game against the Jazz, Utah was +18 with that lineup. It was also the lineup they used in the fourth quarter to make their comeback. Since the Spurs only lost by six points, it was likely the difference in the game.

It's possible Pop could try something like Diaw at small forward to combat it if it becomes too much of a problem but I think that Leonard and Jackson are big enough to hang. The key will be to have Duncan on the court so he can clean up the boards. Without Duncan last game, the Jazz just lived on the offensive glass.

I'm not sure if Leonard will be able to defend one of those three but I'm pretty sure Jackson is up for the challenge. He's tall, strong and competitive enough that he'll be able to survive.

The real key will be to make the Jazz pay on the offensive end. While Millsap is mobile for a power forward, he's slow for a small forward. Spread the court, utilize a lot of movement and make those bigs chase players off the three-point line. The Jazz aren't very good at defending the three-point line as it is. With those three on the court at the same time, the Spurs should get plenty of wide open looks from deep.

Reading too much into stats from a regular season game with no big 3. You should pretty much just throw that box score away.

[MannyIsGod]

Basically the Spurs would have to make that lineup move. Thats one thing the Spurs excel at, however. Appropriate ball movement would absolutely destroy a big slow Jazz lineup. I would love to see Milsapp on the perimeter chasing a 3 off the line. Or better yet, Milsapp NOT chasing one of our 3's off the line and just giving up open 3s.

[jhfenton]

What are the chances Pop would throw out a zone against that big lineup?

I can't see that Jazz lineup defending the Spurs well regardless.

[TimmehC]

Counter with Bonner/Diaw and Jax/Kawhi to spread the floor a ridiculous amount. If they're getting torched by threes and dribble penetration, that lineup won't stay on the floor long.

[CubanMustGo]

@ZachLowe_SI (https://twitter.com/#%21/ZachLowe_SI): Spurs vs Jazz in 97 mins w/ Bonner on court: 125.6 points/100 possessions. Bonner on bench (95 mins): 82.2

[timvp]

Reading too much into stats from a regular season game with no big 3. You should pretty much just throw that box score away.

Tbh, I don't read anything into it; just posted what happened. The rest of my post basically agrees with your other two posts in this thread.

Pop and the coaching staff should be concerned enough about the lineup to gameplan for it ... just like they would any odd lineup in a team's repertoire. But, like we've both said, it's unlikely to be much of an issue and the Spurs naturally should be able to exploit it.

[ElNono]

Barring unexpected last-minute injuries, I'll be mildly disappointed if the Spurs don't finish them off in 5 games or less.

There's no "super big" lineup (by league standards anyways) on that team. The only way Utah can make it competitive is simply by outhustling the Spurs. I think with RJ's departure and Jack's focus, there's less room for that to happen.

[Venti Quattro]

Did you see Enes Kanter play? A turtle can beat him in a race. He can be the first big man that Bonner and Blair can outhustle and outplay.

[Dr Cox]

Did you see Enes Kanter play? A turtle can beat him in a race. He can be the first big man that Bonner and Blair can outhustle and outplay.

I do think Bonner has a lot of hustle in him but I do get what you are saying. Their two bigs on the bench could make a run or two in maybe ONE or TWO games max, no way those guys make a difference for a 7 game series.

[gambit1990]

spurs in 5 against utah or denver.

[Horse]

Let's not forget the refs handed utah the last game against our bench.

[Venti Quattro]

refs again? :lmao Referees are not enough to lose you a 7-game series

[Mr Fundamental]

Stop Hayward - the only winner in Jazz roster - that's all.

[Fenix]

Barring unexpected last-minute injuries, I'll be mildly disappointed if the Spurs don't finish them off in 5 games or less.

There's no "super big" lineup (by league standards anyways) on that team. The only way Utah can make it competitive is simply by outhustling the Spurs. I think with RJ's departure and Jack's focus, there's less room for that to happen.

utah is statisticlly the best team in the league with the lineup of
C: Favors
PF:Jefferson
SF:Milsap
SG:Hayward
PG:Harris

[Mel_13]

utah is statisticlly the best team in the league with the lineup of
C: Favors
PF:Jefferson
SF:Milsap
SG:Hayward
PG:Harris


What statistic is that?

[DAF86]

What are the chances Pop would throw out a zone against that big lineup?

I can't see that Jazz lineup defending the Spurs well regardless.

They tried a zone for a bit tonight in the second quarter, they may have been practicing. I heard somewhere that Utah is the worst team attacking vs the zone.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

The Spurs had issues with Memphis because Gasol could guard Duncan one on one. Horry was able to do so when he was with the Lakers as could Bogut. Those teams gave the Spurs fits.

We know Jefferson can't and unless Favors has improved by leaps and bounds then neither can he.

I think the notion of size in reference to the Spurs is overrated. Being able to guard Duncan one on one is meaningful. If you have to rotate and double in order to play good defense the Spurs are the best in the league at making teams pay.

Spurs in 5.

[Texas_Ranger]

we should play without the big 3 so their players would feel offended again.... fuck their bigs, sweep their ass.

[T Park]

If Neal is healthy, I don't see how Utah wins 1 game.

[z0sa]

The Big 3 lineup for the Jazz will have a lot of trouble reacting against the perimeter players of the Spurs if the previous games this season are any indication. Parker got 10 FTAs both games he played and Manu 15 FTAs. Neal also had a good game scoring without the big 3 @ utah in a close game which is a good sign for the playoffs. I think they will actually dictate the pace of the game and ultimately the series. IMHO these streaking Spurs very may well may "blitzkrieg" Utah, at least in the first couple games @ ATT.

[Wild Cobra Kai]

They tried a zone for a bit tonight in the second quarter, they may have been practicing. I heard somewhere that Utah is the worst team attacking vs the zone.

They don't have to attack the zone, just put up anything and crash the offensive glass. That's the great weakness of the zone: you give up offensive rebounds by the bushel.

[pgardn]

As individuals this is a nice group of players.

As a team, not so much.
We could lose a game or two in Utah.
The future looks good if they can keep together and find a workable rotations with roles played well.

[pgardn]

The Spurs had issues with Memphis because Gasol could guard Duncan one on one. Horry was able to do so when he was with the Lakers as could Bogut. Those teams gave the Spurs fits.

We know Jefferson can't and unless Favors has improved by leaps and bounds then neither can he.

I think the notion of size in reference to the Spurs is overrated. Being able to guard Duncan one on one is meaningful. If you have to rotate and double in order to play good defense the Spurs are the best in the league at making teams pay.

Spurs in 5.

I think this is a very good point. If Duncan can hit his foul line jumper, Gasol is dead meat. Tim can go around him this year if Gasol dares inch out to contest the jumper.

[Mr. Body]

Stop Hayward - the only winner in Jazz roster - that's all.

Hayward is a guy who doesn't quite worry me, but he's a concern for that reason. Not to say they don't have other winning players, but Hayward has great intangibles and can win plays.

[ffadicted]

Tony, Manu, Leonard, Splitter, Duncan is a pretty big lineup as well, I'm not worried if we roll with that, even if we switch Diaw with splitter

[Obstructed_View]

The Jazz look the most like the Spurs. They play good team basketball, they're smart, they have similar rosters. That said, the Spurs have no excuse not to steamroll them.

Hello, Jazzfan lurkers: No, we have no respect for your team. They barely won at home against the Spurs' JV team.

[hooperflash]

Hi Utah, I know you're reading this! :eyebrows

[timvp]

^Impressive subtle foul by Kanter, tbh.

[T Park]

lol @ Jazz fan selecting highlights as proof "Splitter can't guard so and so"

Love it.

[JazzFanz69]

STDalamon

[Manu-20]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZXeOD7REOo

Yeah, you guys are right. Splitter and Bonner can defend Favors.
:lol LOL thinking one dunk defines if a player can defend someone.

[Spurtacus]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZXeOD7REOo

Yeah, you guys are right. Splitter and Bonner can defend Favors.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ELFl2_1q7DI/TObn1HnV2fI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/5JkvAtpbv7k/s1600/Not_sure_if_serious.jpg

[T Park]

Curious what the point of an opposing team's fan is in coming here.

Bored? Nothing to do? Occupy wall street rally fell apart so your desperate to kill time?

[The TroutBum]

LOL Jizz

Spurs sweep these Mormon fucks.

I can honestly say, Mormons ARE the best fucks around.


Did you see Enes Kanter play? A turtle can beat him in a race. He can be the first big man that Bonner and Blair can outhustle and outplay.

Oh, just you wait. His triple pump fake from his ankles to his chest is KILLER.


Let's not forget the refs handed utah the last game against our bench.

Haha, still crying about the refs? Stop being such a bitch ass trick.


Stop Hayward - the only winner in Jazz roster - that's all.

Quoted for truth. (PBUH)



Hello, Jazzfan lurkers: No, we have no respect for your team. They barely won at home against the Spurs' JV team.

Hi there, poop dick. Enjoy the fishing trip. The only real concern I have is if we're going to sweep you guys or let you win one or two just so we stay in game shape for round two. I know it sounds silly, but you've seen how that long layoff between series' can fuck with a team.


http://spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=195971




Idiot.

Easy, Dalamon, they're from Texas. (you know, the whole "steers and queers" thing. (not to mention the violent bouts of incest))

Cheers!

[ElNono]

FUCK yes!!!!! Hahahaha. SpursTalk: beware. TroutBum (PBUH) is in the motherfucking house.

For the next 4 games anyways... :sleep

[FromWayDowntown]

After reading the views of Jazz fans, I now firmly expect the Jazz to put the Spurs away in 3 games, with the league calling off Game 4.

I also fully expect that Derrick Favors will be enshrined in Springfield with 10 minutes left in the 3rd quarter of Game 2.

[The TroutBum]

After reading the views of Jazz fans, I now firmly expect the Jazz to put the Spurs away in 3 games, with the league calling off Game 4.

I also fully expect that Derrick Favors will be enshrined in Springfield with 10 minutes left in the 3rd quarter of Game 2.

You know, for a dumb ass sister fucker, you're intriguing.

[ducks]

this sweep is going to be funny

[MannyIsGod]

Curious what the point of an opposing team's fan is in coming here.

Bored? Nothing to do? Occupy wall street rally fell apart so your desperate to kill time?

No, they probably ran out of carnival tickets and couldn't ride the ferris wheel anylonger.

[ElNono]

tbh, there's no better time to run their mouths... at least 3/4 of them will be gone by tomorrow afternoon...

[The TroutBum]

Agreed.







The Spurs will probably move out of San Antonio, upon falling in the 1st round as a 1st seed for the second season in a row- only this time, they didn't even log a win.

This, tbh.

[MannyIsGod]

Jokes are fun and all but its not like you actually believe your team has a chance. Then again, Favors did dunk that one time.

[ElNono]

No, they probably ran out of carnival tickets and couldn't ride the ferris wheel anylonger.

It's pretty sad... do you remember when Utah used to be a really good playoff team? Yeah, me neither...

[ElNono]

So tell me, would you rather have Devin Harris hit the game winner? Or have Ty bring in Karl Malone for the fourth quarter, and dunk on Tim for the winner in his Sketcher Shape-Ups?

Did your 3rd wife type that smack for you?

[MannyIsGod]

So tell me, would you rather have Devin Harris hit the game winner? Or have Ty bring in Karl Malone for the fourth quarter, and dunk on Tim for the winner in his Sketcher Shape-Ups?

Remember that time Karl Malone beat Duncan in the playoffs and went on to win his 4th NBA Championship?

Me either.

[The TroutBum]

Did your 3rd wife type that smack for you?

Ah SNAP!

[ElNono]

Ah SNAP!

Sounds like Utah's playoffs chances...

[ducks]

this has 10% chance of going 5 games

[ElNono]

Do you remember when the Spurs got past the first round in the playoffs? Yeah, me neither.

I remember the Mailman doesn't deliver on Sundays.... ahh, shit...

[MannyIsGod]

Do you remember when the Spurs got past the first round in the playoffs? Yeah, me neither.

Do you remember the last time Utah raised a banner with NBA Champions on it? Maybe you an find it on youtube. Search for "Favors Finals MVP" and let me know how many hits come up.

[ElNono]

this has 10% chance of going 5 games

Yeah, I played it on the safe-side and called it in 5...

[MannyIsGod]

You know what I do remember? A top PG in the league ending your legendary (but titleless) coaches career and getting traded from that disaster of a franchise. How did that fee, Jazzfan?

[ElNono]

:lol what's hilarious is Jizzfan saying "this guys gets it" pointing to some cnnsi.com guy talking about the big lineup, and the dude predicts Spurs in 5 :lmao

[ElNono]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bsuLF0DqzU he definitely delivered on this day.

How did that work out for him in '98? I bet the WCF parade was great...

[MannyIsGod]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bsuLF0DqzU he definitely delivered on this day.

Without looking I'm going to guess this isn't an NBA Finals elimination game.

[MannyIsGod]

Whats hilarious, is that your team is about to be eliminated by an 8th seed in the first round, for the second year in a row.

On the back of Derrick Favors 9 PPG, no less.

[ElNono]

Whats hilarious, is that your team is about to be eliminated by an 8th seed in the first round, for the second year in a row.

Says who? You? :lmao

Talk to me, brah... are you going to show up tomorrow after your team gets skullfucked?

[ElNono]

:lol our absolute worst PF (Blair) averaging 15 PPG against Utah

[ElNono]

Sorry, how many times has Tim Duncan and/or David Robinson beat Michael Jordan?

Is it their fault Mike got tired of beating the shit out of your pussy team?


Right, right, different eras. Lol @ anyone who thinks that the 98 Jazz team couldn't beat the 2007 Cavs team, the 2003 Nets team, and the 2005 Piston team.

Cool story...

Wait, wait a minute...

Malone went to the Finals one more time chasing a ring with the Lakeshow and failed again...

lol not even top 3 PF of all time...

[ElNono]

Talk to me brah, are you going to contemplate suicide when Favors defecates over Splitter while dunking over him, for the game winner?

who? :lmao

Your team should do itself a Favors and just forfeit... Oh wait, no... that's right... getting their shit pushed will gain them experience :cry:cry:cry

[L.I.T]

It's like you want to take Jazzfan bait out of pity.

[MannyIsGod]

If screwing young girls and being a redneck were worth NBA titles Malone might have a ring.

But I guess its obvious why he loved Utah so much.

[TE]

Sorry, how many times has Tim Duncan and/or David Robinson beat Michael Jordan?


Right, right, different eras. Lol @ anyone who thinks that the 98 Jazz team couldn't beat the 2007 Cavs team, the 2003 Nets team, and the 2005 Piston team.

:lol jizzfan attempting to troll
:lol jizzfanz.com
:lol you wasting your time here for no reason when it'll amount to being swept
:lol Dejuan fucking Blair having the match up of his life against the jizz frontcourt

[ElNono]

It's like you want to take Jazzfan bait out of pity.

Like I said... probably the last chance they get to run their mouths... might aswell provide some entertainment... :lol

[MannyIsGod]

LOL, as a 41 year old. Tell me where Tim Duncan is at that age.

Well he'll have at least 4 more rings than Karl Malone at age 41. That is a guarantee.

[ElNono]

"Do itself a Favors"?

Jesus, I have heard that the Education system in Texas is terrible- this essentially confirms it.

Mormon with the education smack... is your 4th wife a teacher?

[ducks]

mailman elbow sent david robinson to hostpital
artest elbow atleast did not send harden to hospital

[ElNono]

LOL, as a 41 year old. Tell me where Tim Duncan is at that age.

polishing his 4/5 rings?

:lol bandwagoning with Payton for a ring
:lol accepting that the Jazz would never win it all
:lol chasing little mexican girls

[ducks]

Mhm, against the Knicks, Nets, Pistons, and Cavs. A win against the Pistons is probably the only impressive win of those 4 championship runs.

they beat other teams to get there

[ElNono]

Mhm, against the Knicks, Nets, Pistons, and Cavs. A win against the Pistons is probably the only impressive win of those 4 championship runs.

What would you know? Your team was perennially getting kicked out of the playoffs by the same teams we were beating...

[baseline bum]

Mhm, against the Knicks, Nets, Pistons, and Cavs. A win against the Pistons is probably the only impressive win of those 4 championship runs.

What about those Blazers that held Hot Karl to 8 points in an elimination game?

[ElNono]

Jokes on you dickbreath, I live in Canada. And I'm not even Christian.

Well, joke's on you too, because I'm not Texan and I don't live in Texas either...

[TE]

:lol living in Canada

[ElNono]

rememba det time when Kirilenko, Boozer and Okur laid down and let us walk to the Finals? :lol

[L.I.T]

Like I said... probably the last chance they get to run their mouths... might aswell provide some entertainment... :lol

Favors is going to dunk on everyone.

Favor it.

[baseline bum]

Karl Malone, as told by Hope & Change posters:

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/3453/jordanzu3.png

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/4422/stealjc0.png

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/8933/ohnoesfr1.png

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/7617/ohshitli9.png

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/8876/saveusna8.png

http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/5741/noooooohv2.png

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/4549/noringdh2.png

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/7198/fvckpb8.png

[ElNono]

Spurs '07 run was probably the easiest... especially because of Utah making the WCF...

'03 was pretty tough though... considering we had to out the 3 peat Lakers with Kobe, Shaq, Horry, etc...

'05 Pistons were a tough as nails team too...

[ElNono]

Favors 8.3 PPG against the Spurs this season really tell the story.... for the Spurs...

[CitizenDwayne]

Oh definitely: for example, their 2007 Run. The played the Utah Jazz in the WCF. Lets compare this teams roster, to a team that the Jazz had to play in the WCF in 97:

Spurs WCF opponent, 2007:

PG: Williams
SG: Fisher
SF: Kirilenko
PF: Boozer
C: Okur

Jazz WCF opponent, 1997:

PG: Maloney
SG: Drexler
SF: Ellie
PF: Barkley
C: Olajuwon
You forgot the most important part.

2007 Spurs=NBA Champions
1997 Jazz=Lost to Bulls in Finals

[TE]

SO does this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZXeOD7REOo

:cry our big guy dunks on your big guy and that's a sign of things to come :cry

[ElNono]

SO does this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZXeOD7REOo

I really liked this one:

http://www.nba.com/games/20111231/UTASAS/gameinfo.html

and this one:

http://www.nba.com/games/20120220/SASUTA/gameinfo.html

and this one too:

http://www.nba.com/games/20120408/UTASAS/gameinfo.html

[CitizenDwayne]

If this is all that you gathered from my post, then, quite frankly, I don't know what to say.
Last time I checked, that's all that matters

[MannyIsGod]

Karl Malone, as told by Hope & Change posters:

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/3453/jordanzu3.png

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/4422/stealjc0.png

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/8933/ohnoesfr1.png

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/7617/ohshitli9.png

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/8876/saveusna8.png

http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/5741/noooooohv2.png

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/4549/noringdh2.png

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/7198/fvckpb8.png

:lmao

[ElNono]

6'7 Blair against Utah this season:

26.3 mpg, 15 ppg, 7.3 rpg

6'10 Favors against the Spurs this season:

26.0 mpg, 8.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg

Savior Favors has a lot of work to do, tbh...

[MannyIsGod]

Favors 8.3 PPG against the Spurs this season really tell the story.... for the Spurs...

TBH that's a huge drop from his gigantic MVP like 8.8 points average against everyone. Spurs must have found some way to control his dominance.

[MannyIsGod]

My favorite part of that picture series is the Joseph Smith save us. :lmao

[ElNono]

Haha, this has been some decent fun, though. In all honesty, the Spurs are a damn-good team this year. Well coached, excelling offensively, deep at nearly every position, a bench that can outlay some starting teams, and a good home court. As much as I hate the Spurs (and trust me: I fucking hate them) I would still rather have this team win, than the Lakers, Clippers, Heat, Bulls, Knicks et al. If the Jazz are eliminated, Ill be rooting for the Grizz first, and for the Spurs second (unfortunately).

Y'all are still gonna get swept by the jazz starting tomorrow night, though.

Well, except when you all throw bottles, coins and shit from the stands, you guys have classy fans, tbh... And I have to say I always appreciated Sloan...










Enjoy your 4 playoffs loses this season...

[baseline bum]

^ Sounds more like the net for the series tbh.

[CitizenDwayne]

Favors stat line prediction for tomorrow



37 minutes






7 points




6 rebounds






2 Blocks






0 Steals






0 Assists

A little more realistic

[ducks]

Favors stat line prediction for tomorrow



37 minutes






31 points




16 rebounds






11 Blocks






3 Steals






2 Assists

maybe in 4 games and more minutes

[ElNono]

^ Sounds more like the net for the series tbh.

Actually, what you want to bet he not only not get to 11 blocks for the series, but grandpa Duncan will have more blocks than him when the series is over...

[ElNono]

12-4 seems about right.

:lol


But the same applies with you guys. This is a decent forum, though it does carry its fair share of town-idiots. Same applies to every fan base though, I suppose. Id probably say that Pop is a top 5 all time coach no-discussion, and could be somewhat-easily debated into the top 3.

It's jungle here... but the variety is enjoyable if you have a thick skin...

Frankly, we have had really good posters come around here and stick after trash talking like this...

I still remember BRHornet, who came over with his 'son' schtick and to this day he's hilarious to read.

[ElNono]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiGIbsc3oxE Its gon' be a longass night for Duncan.

lol Gortat...

[TheSkeptic]

Haha, this has been some decent fun, though. In all honesty, the Spurs are a damn-good team this year. Well coached, excelling offensively, deep at nearly every position, a bench that can outlay some starting teams, and a good home court. As much as I hate the Spurs (and trust me: I fucking hate them) I would still rather have this team win, than the Lakers, Clippers, Heat, Bulls, Knicks et al. If the Jazz are eliminated, Ill be rooting for the Grizz first, and for the Spurs second (unfortunately).












Y'all are still gonna get swept by the jazz starting tomorrow night, though.

:lol What did you do to start all this?

I haven't watched the Jazz all that much this season but I do think you guys have a pretty decent team. As I'm sure you're already aware, your frontcourt is good, Harris is a talented player, and Hayward looks pretty solid imo. Your team seems to hustle and play physical ball as well which are traits that I like to see.

That said, they seem to lack experience overall and they're nowhere near San Antonio's level either way this year. Barring injuries and the like I do expect them to continue getting better though.Of course I could be completely wrong on all this since I've probably only seen about 5 or 6 games in total this season. So obviously you'd know better.

As for the "super big" line-up (I'm not sure they're all that tall)...I'm not convinced that it would disrupt us all that much. I would worry a bit about Favors running Bonner off the perimeter but maybe that'll be what the redhead needs to get going.

I'd think that our ball movement would be enough to generally offset it and since the Spurs don't really crash the offensive boards I don't know that Utah's (sort of) size advantage would make all that much of a difference where our offense is concerned...

It could be a problem on the defensive boards though. I'm guessing Millsap would be the one playing the 3 ? Unless that line-up really does end up beating us badly on both ends I'd be surprised to see Pop attempt to match that up with something like TD/Diaw/Spitter. I should think Kawhi or Jax would get the first shot at him.

Does anybody know if the Jazz use a different defensive scheme with this line or if they do the same thing except bigger?

[slayermin]

Indiana Jones is a Jazz fan.

hOmpLholhvI

[T Park]

WTF :lol

Indiana Jones references are always welcome however...

[TheSkeptic]

You've pretty much nailed it, actually.


A lot of people don't really understand why the 3 bigmen-rotation is doing as well as it is, albeit in a small sample size. Main reason that I, along with many other Jazz fans, have determined, is the presence, and the increase of minutes for Derrick Favors. When Favors is in the game, the pick and roll isn't NEARLY as effective. On the flip side, Al Jefferson might very well be one of the worst pick and roll defenders I have ever laid eyes upon, with exception to David Lee. When it comes to offense, it all hinges on Millsap's ability to exploit his matchup at the three. You have all brought up the fact that Millsap doesn't really have great games against Blair. Millsap playing at the three might aid this in some regards- especially seeing as Leonard is a rookie, and Millsap draws more fouls than any other player (don't get me wrong, I know how solid of a player that Leonard has been this season- fact of the matter is, he's still a rookie, and Millsap could get him in foul trouble). Personally, I think that Millsap can match up decently against Leonard or Jackson, on paper. This coming to fruition in-game will be one of the keys for the Jazz to keep this series competitive, offensively.


The "super-big" comment stems moreso from the weight of the players, in my opinion, coupled with Derrick Favors's 9'2" standing reach. Thats a lot of height, IMO.


Answerng your question, at this stage it is a bit ambiguous. Favors and Al don't always guard their positional counterparts, but Sap generally guards the three position. What some of you may not know, is that Millsap is quite a damn-good on-ball defender. At one point this season, he was guarding Eric Gordon in crunch time, in an Iso situation.



EDIT: What pushes the Spurs over the edge, in my opinion, is the presence of Manu Ginobili, and Matt Bonner. In the end of the day, Tony Parker and Tim Duncan aren't what worry me. Its the two aforementioned Jazz-killers that give me nightmares at times like these.

Matt Bonner :lol. We're hoping that he gets it together this year but Bonner doesn't really shoot all that well in the playoffs. Maybe Diaw is the stretch 4 you should be worried about? As for Manu...no disagreements here.

Well yes, I would assume out of your super big line-up that Favors would probably be the best defender on the pick and roll for obvious reasons. I may be misremembering but he seems pretty quick. How do you expect him to do against our pick and roll players specifically? What's his offensive game like?

This is again where my ignorance is showing because I didn't realize Millsap was a player that draws a lot fouls. In theory I see where you're coming from on Leonard but that rookie has surprised and impressed us all this year. If Millsap does get to the line a fair amount then it wouldn't surprise me if it forced the Spurs to adjust at some point. I'm not going to write it off as a bad match-up until I've seen it in action though. :D

Generally speaking, Pop really doesn't like playing our bigs together so I should think he'd let our wings try and sort him out first.

Oh really? So would Millsap end up guarding, say, Manu at certain points then? What's his team defense like overall? If he's as good as you're telling us on the ball that could actually be an interesting development.

Edit: Blair's probably out of the rotation. He can score against Millsap but his defense...:depressed

We're most likely going to see Diaw taking over his minutes.

[slayermin]

WTF :lol

Indiana Jones references are always welcome however...

The way they talk about Favors, it reminded me of Indy talking about Marcus Brody.

[phyzik]

This Jazz fan is still a minor blip on the radar for the true ST trolls to take the bait...

Elnono is already regulating, you dont want the big guns coming in.

Im not one of them either.

Give it until after game 1 or 2 and the empresarios of ST trolling MIGHT make an appearance if Jazz fan can step up their game.

[ElNono]

This Jazz fan is still a minor blip on the radar for the true ST trolls to take the bait...

Elnono is already regulating, you dont want the big guns coming in.

Im not one of them either.

Just killing the hours, tbh... can't sleep... Spurs are going to kill me one of these days :hat

[baseline bum]

Spurs are going to kill me one of these days :hat

You're safe, man; they've already done their damage for the season.

[TheSkeptic]

I have heard about Bonner lack of decent playoff performances. but he has had enough 20 point games against to make me completely paranoid, lol. I can only hope that you're right.

Favors is definitely a quick guy, in all honesty. Very athletic. He has done an unbelievable job on defending the pick and roll, specifically in terms of hedging point guards to his left. Its something that I can't really describe too well over post, but you will probably see this in action over the course of the series. My main worry with him though, is foul trouble.The kid is quite foul-prone, and he gets a little timid when he's sitting at 3 fouls or more.

On the flip side, Favors has a pretty limited offensive game, in some regards. He doesnt have a go to move. He tries to make up for it though, with his unbelievable athleticism; as a result, most of his points when playing with Jefferson and Millsap will be along the realms of putbacks, fast break dunks, or baseline cuts/dunks. Favors isn't relied upon offensively very much at this stage of his career. He has actually proven to be quite a serious pick and roll player on the offensive side of the ball though: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVMhTyvpeGM He ended up tieing it. An example of his athleticism, in a P&R play. Given, it was against Golden State, but the point still stands (more or less).


Yeah, he's quite good at the foul-drawing aspect. Shoots them at a good clip, too. Honestly, we have zero chance at this series if Millsap doesn't play well. Its one of the very very few match ups that the Jazz could potentially outplay the Spurs in. Again, the flip side could easily occur as well. I won't be able to watch the game tomorrow, so try and pay attention to Millsap's play against your guys's three (he won't start there, he is often thrown in that position either at the end of the 1st, or the middle of the second) and tell me how he does.

Typically, no. The reason Millsap guarded Gordon towards the end is because Eric Gordon was being defended by Gordon Hayward (who is actually a very solid defender), and he drained two step back threes on him. For the third iso play, Hayward deferred to Millsap, and Millsap nearly got the steal, causing Gordon to fumble it away to one of his teammates. Millsap historically struggles defending against taller power forwards, and very agile stretch-fours. He's quite solid in most other circumstances, actually. So will he ever guard Manu? If a game ever goes to clutch time, and Hayward is dogging it (which usually never happens: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaiUkuSIVXM 3:00 mark) then yes, Millsap would probably be the defender trying to guard him on iso. In summary, Millsap is easily the most versatile, skilled player on our time. Not only does the guy do it all, but he is hands-down our most clutch player as well:http://www.nba.com/video/channels/playoffs/2012/04/27/20120427_UTA_TOP_10.nba/


Im excited to see how Diaw and Millsap matchup. Again, should be very exciting. The Spurs will most-certainly be too much to handle, but this series will do an excellent job of exposing our greatest weaknesses, which we can use as important lessons while heading towards the offseason, and free-agency.

I'm hoping that your players are paranoid about him tbh. That'll play right into our hands when it comes to spacing. I for one will be interested in seeing how Utah decides to guard Bonner. Last year the Grizzlies sent wings over at times and that seemed to disrupt him quite a bit.

Yeah. I was just refreshing my memory on Favors and I think I have a better picture of who we're talking about now. :lol So basically Favors=2011 Tiago Splitter? Foul prone, you say? I think the Spurs will exploit him in that case. ElNono was saying in the other thread (and I happen to agree with him) that the solution against this line-up is to pack the paint and force you guys to shoot since you're not so strong on the perimeter. While that definitely sounds like it should work I have to ask: has this strategy worked for the teams you've played the 3 bigs against?

I would agree with that. I've seen Millsap catch fire and he's really hard to stop once he gets going like that. Him playing well at the 3 is probably the best chance the super line-up has but even then I'm thinking that the Spurs would likely just try and get Favors in foul trouble. I guess I'm just having a hard time seeing why quality ball movement can't beat this line-up on the one hand even if the pick and roll does improve their spacing (kind of) on the other end. You know?

Yes well I'm hoping that the games aren't that close. :D Millsap does to me seem like the guy I'd want with the ball when it matters (on your team anyway). His versatility makes him a tough guard once he's in rhythm. I would think Diaw would be able to defend him decently to start. Possibly even the best on our team. He has the quickness and the length to bother him well enough and I guess there's other options at Pop's disposal if it comes to that.

As an aside, you seem to be taking the series loss rather well. :lol
Where weaknesses are concerned, I'll actually be very surprised if it ends up being one or two things that you can easily point to (although execution and in-game adjustments will likely be somewhere up there). I'm actually thinking that a lot of this is just going to come down to the fact that the Spurs are deeper and better coached (no offence).

Edit: I'll likely be missing the first part of the game as well so I might have to wait until Game 2 to see how that works out.

[MannyIsGod]

Favors.

























































































:lmao

[ElNono]

Nigga, Favors....

[timvp]

For the record, the Spurs outscored Utah's Super Big Lineup by two points today.

[MannyIsGod]

Howard was bad. REALLY bad.

[NRHector]

Sigh. Howard hasn't played well in a game since January, in all honesty.


Today was a very poor game from our frontcourt, offensively. Hayward's free throws basically kept this game from becoming a blowout. Al had a very quiet night, and Favors should have gotten more burn. Carroll, as limited as he is, is so much better than Howard, it aint even funny.


Regardless, this game was lost on the defensive end. The jazz played sue decent defense before the end of the first half. We need to play entire games like that. The quicker this team clicks into that mentality, the more competitive this series will be. Im eagerly awaiting game 2 now. Not a great night for the Spurs, aside from some three-point bombs from Bonner and Sjax, and Parker playing ridiculously.


Also impressed with Hayward's defensive performance against Ginobili.

that should tell you something, Spurs still won