Grades: Spurs @ Clippers - Game 4

[timvp]

During the 17-game winning streak, the Spurs made a habit of blowing teams out of the water. Tonight, San Antonio found themselves in an ol' fashion playoff game that featured a lot of ups and down. With a 102-99 victory to complete a sweep of the Clippers, the Spurs illustrated the necessary mettle needed to grind out a playoff win in a hostile environment.

While it wasn't particularly pretty, especially compared to how the Spurs have been winning recently, the 18th consecutive win should help the team's confidence in close games going forward. That's especially true for the younger players who haven't previously been through postseason battles.

In the first half, it appeared as if another blowout could be on the horizon. The Spurs were up by 12 points after a Tim Duncan layup with 3:59 remaining in the first half. But instead of folding, the Clippers came roaring back. To close the half, they went on a 14-6 run to make it 51-47 at intermission.

The third quarter was nip and tuck, with the spread remaining within five points. The final period featured hard charges each direction. An Eric Bledsoe layup put the Clippers up by six with 6:16 remaining. Twenty seconds later, Gary Neal hit a three-pointer to cut the deficit in half.

A minute later, DeAndre Jordan scored to give L.A. a five-point advantage. But then the Spurs got two free throws from Duncan and a three-pointer by Danny Green to tie the game. With 2:13 remaining, Duncan hit a shot in the lane to give the Spurs a two-point lead, however the Clippers went right back ahead following a lucky miraculous three-point play by Chris Paul.

Tony Parker scored the next four points to give the Spurs a three-point lead with under two minutes to go. In the final 30 seconds of the game, the Spurs got a pair of stops to seal the victory and end the series.

Overall, it was a quality W that the Spurs can feel good about. They didn't play their best but they found a way to get a win ... again.

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Tim Duncan A
Playing in the second night of a back-to-back after going 38 minutes yesterday, Tim Duncan had his minutes limited by the coaching staff. However, in the 30 minutes he was on the court tonight, he was far and away the game's best player. Offensively, he was decisive with his movements and had his entire arsenal at his disposal. Duncan's outside jumper was money, he was able to score driving to the rim and also turned back the clock with a few vintage post moves. In the fourth quarter, his passing was fantastic; the Spurs don't win this game without him finding his teammates for easy baskets late. Defensively, Duncan was really good. He helped out on the pick-and-rolls, was a rock on the low block and he was extremely reliable when it came to protecting the rim. My only nitpick is he looked a bit stiff in the second quarter after getting a long rest, but other than that Duncan was able to put an exclamation point on a fantastic series for him.

Manu Ginobili C+
The best way to describe Manu Ginobili's Game 4? Erratic. For stretches, he played really well. In the fourth quarter, he had an important assist and a key basket. But the good also came with some bad. This was by far his worst defensive game of the series. Instead of moving his feet, he was reaching for everything. Offensively, his decision-making was iffy and he was sloppy with a lot of his passes. Ginobili also didn't show much explosion on either end, which was probably a result of the back-to-back. Thankfully, Ginobili played solid down the stretch on both sides of the court and helped guide the Spurs to the victory.

Tony Parker C+
Like Ginobili, Game 4 was a bumpy ride for Tony Parker. In the first half, he did a good job of getting to the free throw line but his shot was off and his playmaking was poor. Instead of attacking, Parker was dribbling too much and was late with most of his passes. The second half was better. Parker began creating well for his teammates and was more effective in terms of pushing the pace. Late in the fourth, he executed well and scored a couple of big baskets. Overall, though, Parker's energy just wasn't at its normal level. He, too, was probably affected by the back-to-back. Defensively, he wasn't as good as we've come to expect this series but he was still above average.

Danny Green A-
Offensively, I can't complain too much with what Danny Green provided. His decision-making could have been better at times but he definitely provided a lift on that end. He shot well and made plays off the dribble, including a couple slick passes. His growth on offense has been astounding if you compare what he can do today to what he could do at the start of the season. Defensively, the results weren't always positive but I loved his tenacity. He was giving it his all on each possession and even when he made mistakes, the mistakes were usually because he was trying too hard. Green was the one defending Chris Paul down the stretch and his work in the final minute was outstanding. Rebounding was another area Green provided bonus production. It wasn't perfection but he got great experience tonight and was up for the challenge.

Kawhi Leonard B+
After his amazing Game 3 performance, Kawhi Leonard gave more solid minutes. While his encore wasn't quite as impressive, it was another step in the right direction. Leonard's three-point shot wasn't dropping tonight but he found other ways to score. He was also one of the few players on the team who took care of the ball. Defensively, Leonard was very solid. He once again defended a variety of positions. His best work coming against Caron Butler, who he made disappear, and Paul, who he confounded with his length. Leonard's rebounding was once again a strength, as was his team defense. In fact, he had some absolutely dominating defensive sequences in the first half in which he rotated perfectly three or four times in a matter of seconds. Like I said after last game, Leonard is turning into the real deal on D.

Boris Diaw B-
It wasn't an overly positive or negative evening for Boris Diaw. He struggled with foul trouble a bit and never seemed to get into much of a groove. Defensively, I thought Diaw was solid. While he had a few errors, he generally forced Blake Griffin into tough shots. On offense, Diaw didn't make a basket but his aggression was at an acceptable level. Per usual, he passed well and spaced the court. Diaw can play a lot better but he managed to not be a liability despite some struggles.

Tiago Splitter A-
This was easily the best game of the series for Tiago Splitter. Considering the Spurs really needed him to play well tonight in order to rest Duncan, it was great timing by the Brazilian bigman. On both ends of the court, I loved the ferocity and passion he played with. It's been a while since I've seen him go so hard after rebounds and protect the rim with such force. Splitter also did mostly good work when matched up with Griffin defensively. While his screens could have been better, his movement away from the ball was very good. Splitter kept things simple when around the basket and was quicker with his decisions. Going forward, let's hope we see a lot more of this version of Splitter.

Matt Bonner C
While it was good to see Matt Bonner hit half of his four shot attempts, he passed up another three or four looks that he has to shoot. If he's going to be a floor spacer, he has to let it fly -- not pump-fake a half-dozen times. Bonner was dribbling into the lane tonight and although it didn't really hurt the Spurs, that's not what the team needs from him. Defensively, while he had a few good possessions, he also had a couple embarrassingly bad possessions where he basically conceded easy shots. Although Bonner was a lot more active tonight than he has been the last few weeks, I just don't think he played well enough to justify his minutes.

Stephen Jackson B
After a horrid outing yesterday, Stephen Jackson bounced back with a much better showing. His passing in the first half was wonderful. Jackson's patience offensively was an asset throughout. He might have passed up a couple looks but I prefer that to Jackson forcing the issue like he did in Game 3. Defensively, he was mediocre at best. These Clippers were just a really difficult matchup for Jackson on the defensive end. In the Western Conference Finals, I'm sure he'll be relieved to go against players his size for a change.

Gary Neal B+
The bad: Defense. Like Jackson, Gary Neal just had really bad matchups this round. There was no one he could defend consistently -- and that was apparent again in Game 4. Whoever he attempted to guard instantly turned into the best Clipper on the court. The good: Offense. Neal's 14 points in 14 minutes were huge. Eight of those points, including a pair of three-pointers, came in the decisive fourth quarter. Neal is proving to be someone he relishes the opportunity to take big shots at key moments. Passing-wise, this was the best game of the series for Neal. While his ballhandling was still shaky, he was able to do enough scoring and passing to play the role of a more than adequate backup to Parker.

Pop B
This was the first game of the series I had some notable quibbles with Pop's coaching. First of all, I don't see the logic in playing Bonner key minutes in the fourth quarter. Diaw, Splitter or small ball (which Pop eventually went to after the Clippers went small) seemed to be much better options. I also thought Pop should have given Parker more rest. It was obvious early that the Frenchman was running on fumes, yet Pop kept him out there for 37 minutes. More Leonard might have made life easier for everyone. And up until the fourth quarter, I though Pop's playcalling was much too bland. But then again, Pop just coached his team to an 18th consecutive victory ... so who am I to complain? Time to move on to what promises to be a gargantuan challenge: the 2012 Western Conference Finals.

[Matty2Cool]

I think the Tony Parker grade is accurate, I'd really like to see him start to take control over some games this post season which I feel he is yet to have done. But at the same time if we're winning I guess it really doesn't matter? (insert confused smiley here i can't find it lol)

[hooperflash]

Great Grades and Excellent Write-Up! 8 More Wins

[ForeignFan]

thanks - looking forward to your preview of the matchup with OKC

[timvp]

thanks - looking forward to your preview of the matchup with OKC

This time I'll probably wait until the series is actually over to write it :lol

[therealtruth]

Danny Green seemed to be in every winning play on defense down the stretch. It was very Ginobili like. He was playing great defense and then making sure we got the defensive rebound or loose ball. Then his 3 to tie the game at 92 was huge. The momentum could have gone either way there. When he hit that I knew they were going to win.

[therealtruth]

I think the Tony Parker grade is accurate, I'd really like to see him start to take control over some games this post season which I feel he is yet to have done. But at the same time if we're winning I guess it really doesn't matter? (insert confused smiley here i can't find it lol)

We're going to need Parker to be really aggressive against Westbrook. He dropped 42 on him earlier in the year. If he does that I think we'll be fine.

[ForeignFan]

We're going to need Parker to be really aggressive against Westbrook. He dropped 42 on him earlier in the year. If he does that I think we'll be fine.

hopefully we do not need him to drop 42 each game to win...

[MaNu4Tres]

Well done LJ. :tu

[Nathan89]

I thought Neal's ball handling was less of a issue tonight because the Clippers seemed to not put as much defensive pressure on him. At least that's what I thought. That could be a major reason he was more successful as a scorer tonight.

A match-up vs Lakers or Thunder is perfect for Neal.

[will_spurs]

I think as usual the focus is on what Parker did wrong rather than well. He scored the 2 most important baskets of the game and was defintiely very clutch. That's the kind of showing that got Paul his reputation for being a 4th Q beast this year (except against the Spurs).

A win is a win, what I find really amazing is that somebody will rise to the occasion. Last night it was Neal, who has otherwise been rather mundane so far. I can't remember a team with so much depth.

[Arcadian]

I actually liked the play calling today. Tim Duncan is back in low-post scoring mode this year, and he's our most consistent player. If he can score in isolations, keep dumping it down to him. He knows when to pass. His passing in today's game was masterful.

[Paranoid Pop]

Danny Green +10 with a nice statline, to be fair he rested a lot last night.

TOSBs Manu and TP in the negative.

Bonner absolutely putrid despites his numbers, possession killer, ball stopper. He just doesn't fit in at all in the best offense we ever had, can't create off the dribble but still tries and it's not like we play him for his D.

Blair should work on a jumper this summer like his life depends on it so we can amnesty Bonbon, Blair is closer to the Diaw anyways.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Thanks LJ :tu

I agree about the play-calling, particularly in the 3rd Q when we way-overplayed 4-down. Any idea why Pop would do that when the high pnr and motion sets get us so many easy layups and wide open 3s?

I'm looking forward to your OKC series preview - there are so many intriguing matchups, and it will be a series to remember I think. :)

[Manufan909]

Pop B
This was the first game of the series I had some notable quibbles with Pop's coaching. First of all, I don't see the logic in playing Bonner key minutes in the fourth quarter. Diaw, Splitter or small ball (which Pop eventually went to after the Clippers went small) seemed to be much better options. I also thought Pop should have given Parker more rest. It was obvious early that the Frenchman was running on fumes, yet Pop kept him out there for 37 minutes. More Leonard might have made life easier for everyone. And up until the fourth quarter, I though Pop's playcalling was much too bland. But then again, Pop just coached his team to an 18th consecutive victory ... so who am I to complain? Time to move on to what promises to be a gargantuan challenge: the 2012 Western Conference Finals.

I looked at the box score and was annoyed with Bonner's PT, even though he was only on the floor for 16 min. But then I read this and remembered what pissed me most off in the game; Bonner playing key 4th quarter minutes (only 3 minutes, which was still 3 too many). Yes, it turned out alright, and yes Diaw wasn't doing very well, but Boris is always a better option than Bonner in crunch time. ALWAYS. Hell, Tiago should've been subbed in after getting 2-3 minutes of blow. He was subbed out at 7 min, so Pop could've subbed him back in at 4 min... but Leonard was probably the right choice.

Timvp, do you think Tiago and Diaw sharing starting duties (without foul trouble in the equation) will increase in the one of the next 2 rounds? If not, then let us all pray that Boris fouls 3x in the first half the rest of the way. I know he fits in swimmingly alongside TP and Duncan, but Tiago brings rim protection and easy points in the paint, as well as drawing fouls on opposing bigs. I much prefer the twin towers-lite lineup, but I'm fine with a solid Horry impersonator backing up Timmy.

:flag:

P.S. I don't agree with both Tony and Manu getting a C+, but then again I don't take in everything when I watch the game like you and OV do.:toast

[Kuestmaster]

Thanks timvp, good read as always :toast
It's amazing how good Tim can be at 36. He's been our best player in the playoffs

[TheSkeptic]

I looked at the box score and was annoyed with Bonner's PT, even though he was only on the floor for 16 min. But then I read this and remembered what pissed me most off in the game; Bonner playing key 4th quarter minutes (only 3 minutes, which was still 3 too many). Yes, it turned out alright, and yes Diaw wasn't doing very well, but Boris is always a better option than Bonner in crunch time. ALWAYS. Hell, Tiago should've been subbed in after getting 2-3 minutes of blow. He was subbed out at 7 min, so Pop could've subbed him back in at 4 min... but Leonard was probably the right choice.

Timvp, do you think Tiago and Diaw sharing starting duties (without foul trouble in the equation) will increase in the one of the next 2 rounds? If not, then let us all pray that Boris fouls 3x in the first half the rest of the way. I know he fits in swimmingly alongside TP and Duncan, but Tiago brings rim protection and easy points in the paint, as well as drawing fouls on opposing bigs. I much prefer the twin towers-lite lineup, but I'm fine with a solid Horry impersonator backing up Timmy.

:flag:

P.S. I don't agree with both Tony and Manu getting a C+, but then again I don't take in everything when I watch the game like you and OV do.:toast

Interesting. I thought you were a bigger supporter of letting Diaw start. Why the sudden change of heart?

Thanks as always Timvp. :toast

I actually think that Tony deserved about a C+ as did Manu. Gino's had some amazing playoff performances but this game his defense was off and I wasn't really a fan of his decision making. And Bonner's first half was really good but the second half was *so* disappointing. Passing up good looks, not playing as well on defense...I was so glad when he got subbed out at the end there. I'm really thinking Bonner might have to be done at around the third quarter at this rate.

As an aside, I'm glad that the Spurs aren't getting as much of a rest as last time. It looked like the bench was finally in rhythm and I would hate for them to take another 3 games in the Finals to put it together.

[MI21]

Hey, when will the series preview against OKC or LA be up on ESPN?

Cheers.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

This time I'll probably wait until the series is actually over to write it :lol

Come on man, hurry up, John Carroll is waiting.

[-21-]

thanks - looking forward to your preview of the matchup with OKC

John Carroll is that you? :lol

[SenorSpur]

Is it me or is Manu simply looking old? All things LJ worte up about him in this game post are spot on. He really isn't moving his feel well at all and he's lazily reaching more and momre to try for steals. His decision-making has always been "risky", to say the least, but now at 34, he's settling for 3's early in the shot clock and, at times, forcing entry passes into tight spaces, that he probably should not.

Does anyone think he's simply in a slump or is his skills simply deteriorating or both?

[Manufan909]

Interesting. I thought you were a bigger supporter of letting Diaw start. Why the sudden change of heart?

Thanks as always Timvp. :toast

I actually think that Tony deserved about a C+ as did Manu. Gino's had some amazing playoff performances but this game his defense was off and I wasn't really a fan of his decision making. And Bonner's first half was really good but the second half was *so* disappointing. Passing up good looks, not playing as well on defense...I was so glad when he got subbed out at the end there. I'm really thinking Bonner might have to be done at around the third quarter at this rate.

As an aside, I'm glad that the Spurs aren't getting as much of a rest as last time. It looked like the bench was finally in rhythm and I would hate for them to take another 3 games in the Finals to put it together.

Hell no bro (I know you're a woman, but sis doesn't rhyme so zip it:ihit)!!! It's just a small quibble for me that Diaw is starting. I prefer Tiago, but both are leagues above either of the Turd Towers starting, so I don't mind. I hope that with this game Tiago has earned the chance to start 3 quarters, which still leaves 2 for Diaw.

Tiago might not really be needed in the starting lineup against OKC, which almost makes me wish LAL makes the WCF so Pop has to start his tallest bigs together. Tiago will start at C before Duncan retires, so why put it off? TP can suck it, his bff will still get PT with him and live around half an hour away, he doesn't need to start too.

P.S. We still don't know how much rest the Spurs will end up getting. For all we know, the LAL could take the series to 7. According to T Park, the WCF will start Sunday, no matter what. Take that with a grain of salt though.



Is it me or is Manu simply looking old? All things LJ worte up about him in this game post are spot on. He really isn't moving his feel well at all and he's lazily reaching more and momre to try for steals. His decision-making has always been "risky", to say the least, but now at 34, he's settling for 3's early in the shot clock and, at times, forcing entry passes into tight spaces, that he probably should not.

Does anyone think he's simply in a slump or is his skills simply deteriorating or both?
He has to be in a funk, he was playing much better the last couple weeks of the season, iirc. The real Manu Ginobili will stand up soon, but for now I'm content with Green and Leonard taking up the slack and blossoming for all to see. And that Brazilian guy playing over the ginger and the dude with cannibalistic knees is pretty sweet. Can't remember their names, so you'll just have to figure it out yourself.:hat

[ForeignFan]

John Carroll is that you? :lol

:lol If that was the case, since I have been a member since 2005, I could have "used" Timvp's expertise a little more often, don't you think?

[Buddy Holly]

This time I'll probably wait until the series is actually over to write it :lol

What did I tell you. :p:

[jiggy_55]

Is it me or is Manu simply looking old? All things LJ worte up about him in this game post are spot on. He really isn't moving his feel well at all and he's lazily reaching more and momre to try for steals. His decision-making has always been "risky", to say the least, but now at 34, he's settling for 3's early in the shot clock and, at times, forcing entry passes into tight spaces, that he probably should not.

Does anyone think he's simply in a slump or is his skills simply deteriorating or both?

I think it's a bit of both unfortunately, but hopefully it's just the former. I mean ya he's simply not even like the Manu of last year who was great, but it does seem he's in a slump. He can still dominate but he seems to be a step slow these past couple of weeks and it's scary because he will be needed against the likes of OKC/LAL and in the Finals if we advance. I would like to see him getting closer to 30-32 mins rather than 25 mins.

[Obstructed_View]

I fell asleep at halftime and woke up just in time to watch the last 90 seconds of the game. West coast starts suck when you have a nine month old baby to chase around.

Thanks for the grades, LJ. Halfway there. Let's get this.

[temujin]

This time I'll probably wait until the series is actually over to write it :lol

Quite the opposite.
Maybe your armageddonish predictions had a part in Spurs taking the Clippers series very seriously.
I am sure some of the Spurs are reading your posts (in fact, I would be extremely surprised if some of the staff didn't), so you should now put some ice on the current too exuberant outlooks.
I would elaborate on the following.
Perkins=Parish
Ibaka=young Akeem
Sefalosha=Bowen
Westbrook=Wade plus brains.
Durant=Dr.J plus Bird (but better at FTs).
And Harden=young and healthy Ginobili.

Mix some stats you are fantastic at coming up with, agitate and serve chilled.
Very chilled.
Time to cool off this euphoria.

:toast

[DMC]

I thought Manu was cheating too far off his man, and gambled too often (and fell in love with the 3).

For some reason though, I just trust him to do what's right when it needs to be done.

[DMC]

Quite the opposite.
Maybe your armageddonish predictions had a part in Spurs taking the Clippers series very seriously.
I am sure some of the Spurs are reading your posts (in fact, I would be extremely surprised if some of the staff didn't), so you should now put some ice on the current too exuberant outlooks.
I would elaborate on the following.
Perkins=Parish
Ibaka=young Akeem
Sefalosha=Bowen
Westbrook=Wade plus brains.
Durant=Dr.J plus Bird (but better at FTs).
And Harden=young and healthy Ginobili.

Mix some stats you are fantastic at coming up with, agitate and serve chilled.
Very chilled.
Time to cool off this euphoria.

:toast

I understand the giddiness but I sincerely hope the Spurs aren't reading forums to see what they need to do.

[team-work]

Great write-up as usual.

For people like me who don't have the chance to watch the game live, your grades make me feel as if I did watch. It's double enjoyment to know that the Spurs has won and then read your recap.

[rjv]

splitter seems to finally be getting acclimated to the playoffs

[Brazil]

I was wondering myself if Pop wanted to test Green down the stretch on an all star PG (CP3) to see what he can do against Westbrook. I don't see any other explanation. Part of our struggles came from CP3 heating it up in this game while defending by Green. I don't deny that late in the fourth Green played some good D on him but overall I think he did quite a poor job during 3 quarters and half. I don't see any valid reason to not have kept TP on him like the first 3 games other than giving Green a taste of defending a top PG in the PO. I guess we will see a lot of DG on Westbrook.

Also I thought TP was passive during this game, he was giving up the ball especially to Manu at the beginning of the play to transform himself on spot shooter in the corner 3 far from the action (I had some RJ deja vu impression seeing that). Maybe it was on purpose to let Manu going in prevision of the WCF.

I still can't believe some teams are letting Tim wide open on mid range JS, he has been deadly with those. Overall I think the most important/valuable player in the PO so far for the Spurs is Tim, he has been consistently good on both end of the floor and open things up for the team. Once again Spurs rely more on Tim's play than any other player including TP. We can survive with a TP poor game not with a Tim's poor game against the top teams of the league imho.

[polandprzem]

This time I'll probably wait until the series is actually over to write it :lol

:guin:guin

[Legacy]

http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.1081480.1337510557!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_635/image.jpg


EXCELLENT!!






Thank you so much, timvp!





:flag: :flag: :flag: :flag:

[Dr Cox]

Maybe it is just me, but I think Bonner was in during the 4th to prepare for "hack a".

Diaw had too many fouls to be in for that.


I thought Pop deserves an A. His play calling was outstanding in the 4th.

but hey that is just me : )

[ducks]

Is it me or is Manu simply looking old? All things LJ worte up about him in this game post are spot on. He really isn't moving his feel well at all and he's lazily reaching more and momre to try for steals. His decision-making has always been "risky", to say the least, but now at 34, he's settling for 3's early in the shot clock and, at times, forcing entry passes into tight spaces, that he probably should not.

Does anyone think he's simply in a slump or is his skills simply deteriorating or both?

he sucks on backto back
tried to tell you that for years

[Fabbs]

I agree about the play-calling, particularly in the 3rd Q when we way-overplayed 4-down. Any idea why Pop would do that when the high pnr and motion sets get us so many easy layups and wide open 3s?
Gave me badd memories too.
Hopefully that was a temporary regression. :lol

[Blake]

Bonner hit some shots and ended with a +3.

People will always gripe about his minutes, I guess.

[wildbill2u]

Is it me or is Manu simply looking old? All things LJ worte up about him in this game post are spot on. He really isn't moving his feel well at all and he's lazily reaching more and momre to try for steals. His decision-making has always been "risky", to say the least, but now at 34, he's settling for 3's early in the shot clock and, at times, forcing entry passes into tight spaces, that he probably should not.

Does anyone think he's simply in a slump or is his skills simply deteriorating or both?

His passing is a great concern. He's trying to make dangerous passes, threading the needle, while simply bringing the ball up the court. You can understand him trying to make such a pass to a cutter to the basket or on a P&R, but at midcourt?

And what's with getting trapped or in the air and trying to make a high cross-court pass? Parker was doing the same damn thing, time after time, even though they sometimes got away with it, they were dangerous against a quick Clipper team that was over-playing the passing lanes.

Manu and Parker were the worst Spurs on TOs last night when they should be using their veteran experience to avoid them. Tony was trying to be too aggressive against a team that was bent on keeping him out of the lane. He should have taken the short jumpers they were giving him or passed out to the open man more since he was getting into trouble when going against four players in the lane. That was just demb.

When Manu starts missing 3s short, you know its because of tired legs. He played hard on defense against quicker guards and it showed up in his getting left behind too many times resulting in reach in (or reach from behind) fouls.

You can't say too many nice things about Green in the last minutes. He was ball-hawking all over the court and even when his man got free, he worked hard to recover. Tremendous effort.

[Bruno]

Thanks for the grades.

Parker and Ginobili were a little tired for this game. Since they are the primary ballhandlers, it affected the whole team that was out of sync. Pop's move of putting Green on CP3 was the right choice with Parker tired.

The good news is that Spurs have a long break to be fresh for the WCF. It's going a hell of a series. After two easy rounds, true playoffs are starting for the Spurs.

[vander]

wow 28 assists

[GSH]

Tim Duncan

Rudy T said, "Don't ever underestimate the heart of a champion." But even he might be surprised at the performance of Tim Duncan. We're seeing something truly rare and special here. Enjoy it. Halley's Comet is due to return in 2061. It may be that long before a player turns back the years to perform like Tim Duncan has this season. Well... unless he does it again next year.


Pop

Late in the fourth quarter, the Clippers' offense was killing the Spurs. They were in rhythm, scoring seemingly at will, and the Spurs couldn't buy a stop. Pop's decision to go to the Hack-a-Reggie yet again changed all that. It slowed the tempo of the game, and took control away from Paul and Bledsoe. Best of all it got the Spurs what amounted to stops. Like it or not, that strategy won the game. And Pop proved why he was COY, by injecting himself directly into the game from the sidelines.


Manu Ginobili

Through this whole series, Manu had trouble getting the corner on his way to the basket. You can blame that on the Clippers' youth and quickness - but that's just a more tactful way of talking about Manu's lack of youth and quickness. Maybe there is some lingering lack of conditioning from all the time he missed this season. It's hard to play yourself back into shape, even without all the mileage on Manu's body. Or maybe it's a sign that the future is here today. But when the Spurs are down by one, and the shot clock is turned off, we're not nearly as likely to see Manu swooping down from the 3P line for a game-winning layup.

Perhaps a bigger concern is that, in the past, Manu's outside shot has been a pretty reliable early indicator of his health problems. When Manu doesn't look like Manu, it's usually because Manu isn't Manu. When he can't get the corner AND he can't seem to hit from outside, you have to wonder if he's got some nagging leg problem that he's keeping to himself. Maybe it's nothing, and Manu will explode for 20+ a few times in the WCF. But, just the same, I'm glad for any rest he can get right now.


Tony Parker
Parker used up a lot of energy in that epic Game 3 comeback. He deserved a little bit of a letdown the next night. He struggled with his floater, which is probably a result of legs and lift. But when he really needed it in the fourth quarter, the ball barely rippled the net. Maybe he struggled, but picture what the night would have looked like without him. Then pretend like this is the NCAA, and just give him an "A" whether he earned it or not.


Danny Green

The Reformed Church of Danny Green is still accepting converts. Better late than never.


Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi got pushed by Caron Butler, and he got himself a T for pushing back - but he didn't lose his cool. In fact, he gave Butler a little smile (a huge smile, by Kawhi's standards) like he was amused at the old man for going there. Nothing about this kid says "rookie" - except maybe the fact that you can see he's going to get even better.


Matt Bonner

Bonner doesn't want to take the 3P shot. He's looking to pass, or to get his man off the ground so he can get closer for his running... floating... thingy. To me, it looks like he's afraid any time a defender is closing on him at the arc. If he's not totally wide open, or at least a step or two back from the 3P line, he looks like the teacher just called on him, and he didn't read the chapter. Not only is Diaw a better defender, but he's been a better 3P shooter. There's not going to be a lot of minutes for a big man who's not really a big man, who shoots 3's but not really in the playoffs.


Stephen Jackson

Jackson's toughness and desire are always there, even when he has an off game. And we'll need them in the next two rounds.


Gary Neal

My faith in Neal's ability to hit a timely 3 is unshaken. He's an assasin. And when put in that position, he's as likely as anyone to come up big. Everyone knows that he's vulnerable when he's on the dribble, and they're going to come after him. The Clippers were particularly well equipped to do that, but so are most of the rest of the teams left. It's not fair for him to be in that position, but he's going to have to Neal with it. I hope they get him the shot opportunities to redeem some of the inevitible turnovers.


.

[Rummpd]

Blair an A+ for riding the bench without complaint. It must be killing this guy [if not he needs to leave the NBA] to go from starter to last man off the bench but he has seemingly accepted it. Hope Spurs blow out Thunder or even LAL enough in a game to get him at least a few minute of burn.

[024]

manu actually looks like he's injured and/or fatigued. it's either that or he's getting old. he's a step slow a lot of times, making crazing passes, and gambling a lot on defense. he's definitely not confident on the floor. it's not going to get better next round where he'll face harden directly off the bench and then also deal with sefolosha's defense.

[boutons_deux]

It really was fun while it lasted for the Clippers

I'm sitting here watching a game the Clippers have no chance of winning and it's still a hoot.

Who gets up for a game when already down three games to none to the Spurs and losing the last one after being up by 24?

The Clippers should be deflated, but they are winning, 75-74, after three quarters. Their playoff run is over, and yet they don't seem to know it.

Inspired effort is what fans have been getting from the Clippers all season long, and right now there are 19,000 fans on their feet. They had to come here knowing this was doomsday.

Yet everyone in Lob City is wearing red again, the place alive with noise and so this is what it's like to have fun at a basketball game.

You forget that when you're a Lakers fan.

Winning is the only thing that is fun. Winning championships, as we're repeatedly reminded, is the only thing that counts.

But who had a better time this season, Clippers or Lakers fans?

How does anyone root for the Lakers? I understand history, tradition and all those trophies, but right now how does anyone invest everything they have in these players?

What is it like to expend so much energy loving the Lakers and getting Andrew Bynum in return? Do you think that for one second of his life he gives a rip about any of you?

The Clippers are not the Lakers, and probably never will be as long as most of us live.

But name the last time fun and Lakers were mentioned in the same sentence? Anything but winning seems to result in anger, fans wanting Coach Mike Brown fired and the players now pointing fingers at each other.

Chris Paul is every bit as competitive as Kobe Bryant. But I can't imagine Paul throwing blame Blake Griffin's way as Bryant has done with Pau Gasol.

If Griffin turned the ball over, somehow got it back and missed the shot, or stepped out of bounds or forgot to shoot and the clock ran out, Paul would say it was all his fault.

But when Gasol made an errant pass, according to Plaschke's online column, Bryant told reporters: "It was a bad read. It was a bad read on Pau's part.''

A kid does that in high school and he gets reprimanded by his coach, his parents and his teammates for singling out a teammate.

Yet Bryant goes on. "Pau has to be more assertive; he's got to be more aggressive. He's looking to swing the ball too much. He just has to shoot it."

All that's true, and add in the frustration that comes with cheering for Gasol while he whines about every foul called and plays so soft at times.

But after a stinging defeat, to get stung again by a teammate -- and a teammate of Bryant's caliber -- is too much.

It's not the first time. This is the same guy who looked as if he would need to be taken him off the court in a straitjacket after Metta World Peace passed the ball to Steve Blake for a last-second three-point attempt earlier in the series.

http://mobile.latimes.com/p.p?m=b&a=rp&id=2151164&postId=2151164&postUserId=7&sessionToken=&catId=6219&curAbsIndex=0&resultsUrl=DID%3D6%26DFCL%3D1000%26DSB%3Drank%2523 desc%26DBFQ%3DuserId%253A7%26DL.w%3D%26DL.d%3D10%2 6DQ%3DsectionId%253A6219%26DPS%3D0%26DPL%3D3

[MannyIsGod]

Is it me or is Manu simply looking old? All things LJ worte up about him in this game post are spot on. He really isn't moving his feel well at all and he's lazily reaching more and momre to try for steals. His decision-making has always been "risky", to say the least, but now at 34, he's settling for 3's early in the shot clock and, at times, forcing entry passes into tight spaces, that he probably should not.

Does anyone think he's simply in a slump or is his skills simply deteriorating or both?

Too soon to tell but this Manu is definitely not the Manu we've all grown used to. I hope he snaps out of it.

[maverick1948]

After watching the game a second time, I wonder how many of you noticed the BENCH play last night?

Points SA 43 LA 31
Rebounds 12 14
Assists 13 4
Steals 2 3
Blocks 1 1
Turnovers 6 4
Fouls 9 12 (includes 4 hack-a-bad foul shooter from Bonner)

It appears that the regular season rotation of bench seeing a lot of play in b2b paid off. Every bench player contributed to the win. Individually, they each delivered their share.
For all the Bonner haters who think he played bad D. Maybe you should look at the guard who let their man get away from them. Also, considered the 2 uncontested shots counted only 4 points. To contest may have let to +1 making the uncontest the smart move. Jackson played smart. He did not fill up the stat sheet but made a few smart plays both on offense and defense. Ginobili passed up a couple of open 3's, but his pass led to a easier basket. Neal was lights out on the offensive end. What can you say about Splitter but fantastic game. Offense, defense and rotations all were excellent. He didnt get blocks but he altered shots. And he stuffed with more gusto than usual.

Give Pop an A+ for the rotation he put on the court. He trusted each one because they were there in the regular season.

[senorglory]

Blair an A+ for riding the bench without complaint. It must be killing this guy [if not he needs to leave the NBA] to go from starter to last man off the bench but he has seemingly accepted it. Hope Spurs blow out Thunder or even LAL enough in a game to get him at least a few minute of burn.

I've been wondering how Blair is handling this. He must be frustrated. What's his attitude next season?

[Obstructed_View]

Manu hasn't been needed to save the team. His legs will be fresh when they finally face adversity. I'm not worried.

[TDMVPDPOY]

jax had a shit series, but him holding onto the ball too long isnt great...would prefer he let it go or dribble around to confuse the defense...

[therealtruth]

After watching the game a second time, I wonder how many of you noticed the BENCH play last night?

Points SA 43 LA 31
Rebounds 12 14
Assists 13 4
Steals 2 3
Blocks 1 1
Turnovers 6 4
Fouls 9 12 (includes 4 hack-a-bad foul shooter from Bonner)

It appears that the regular season rotation of bench seeing a lot of play in b2b paid off. Every bench player contributed to the win. Individually, they each delivered their share.
For all the Bonner haters who think he played bad D. Maybe you should look at the guard who let their man get away from them. Also, considered the 2 uncontested shots counted only 4 points. To contest may have let to +1 making the uncontest the smart move. Jackson played smart. He did not fill up the stat sheet but made a few smart plays both on offense and defense. Ginobili passed up a couple of open 3's, but his pass led to a easier basket. Neal was lights out on the offensive end. What can you say about Splitter but fantastic game. Offense, defense and rotations all were excellent. He didnt get blocks but he altered shots. And he stuffed with more gusto than usual.

Give Pop an A+ for the rotation he put on the court. He trusted each one because they were there in the regular season.

I'm just glad Bonner is starting to taking hard fouls and instead of the ticky tacky kind.

[tesseractive]

I've been wondering how Blair is handling this. He must be frustrated. What's his attitude next season?

His attitude should be, "I'm going to bust my ass all offseason to be in perfect condition to hold my own on the block, grab any boards I possibly can, and make shots when I can get them."

He's always going to be undersized, but if he can keep his attitude right and work on his game, there's no reason he can't be a ferocious rebounder off the bench and force his way back into a rotation for a solid career -- if not the Spurs' rotation, then someone's.

Whether DJB is that guy or not, I don't know though.

[mando6599]

Maybe it is just me, but I think Bonner was in during the 4th to prepare for "hack a".

Diaw had too many fouls to be in for that.


I thought Pop deserves an A. His play calling was outstanding in the 4th.

but hey that is just me : )

This is what I was thinking exactly, Dr Cox.

[temujin]

I understand the giddiness but I sincerely hope the Spurs aren't reading forums to see what they need to do.

Of course not. Hovewer:
from the Spurs organization's point of view, I'd be surprised if someone is not checking. This appears to be a popular site. If anything, for control purposes: they have the local media under total control, apparently, so they don't need to worry about that.
On top, there is some pretty darn good stuff in here. I mean, serious pro-like technical analysis. And I think I know what I am talking about.
Sort of a real independent view, they will never get from the local media.
So once you get hooked, you might as well report it.

As for the players, they have plenty of time off in this period, between a series and the next....

[Bruno]

I've been wondering how Blair is handling this. He must be frustrated. What's his attitude next season?

Blair will likely be traded this summer so it won't matter.

[tesseractive]

Blair will likely be traded this summer so it won't matter.

Any guess what his trade value is?

I've heard some people float the idea of a 1st rounder, but I have trouble believing that anyone will give that for a guy who fell out of the rotation.

[SnakeBoy]

Matt Bonner C
While it was good to see Matt Bonner hit half of his four shot attempts, he passed up another three or four looks that he has to shoot. If he's going to be a floor spacer, he has to let it fly -- not pump-fake a half-dozen times. Bonner was dribbling into the lane tonight and although it didn't really hurt the Spurs, that's not what the team needs from him. Defensively, while he had a few good possessions, he also had a couple embarrassingly bad possessions where he basically conceded easy shots. Although Bonner was a lot more active tonight than he has been the last few weeks, I just don't think he played well enough to justify his minutes.



You could have saved time and just said post season Bonner has arrived.

Post season after post season yelling "FUCK! SHOOT IT BONNER!" is getting really tiring.

[Bruno]

Any guess what his trade value is?

I've heard some people float the idea of a 1st rounder, but I have trouble believing that anyone will give that for a guy who fell out of the rotation.

My guess woudl be more of a pick around #40. Spurs might too trade him for another player or use him to salary dump Joseph.

[tesseractive]

My guess woudl be more of a pick around #40. Spurs might too trade him for another player or use him to salary dump Joseph.

Is Joseph a writeoff (as opposed to a project) already?

[ChumpDumper]

My guess woudl be more of a pick around #40. Spurs might too trade him for another player or use him to salary dump Joseph.I can't see their giving up on Joseph at this point. I'm sure he was a two-year project from the start and showed a fair amount of progress through the season. Guess it could depend on what they think about Mills.

[manufan10]

I've been wondering how Blair is handling this. He must be frustrated. What's his attitude next season?

He seems to be handling it very well via his Twitter page. At the very least, he's being professional about it.

[TJastal]

You could have saved time and just said post season Bonner has arrived.

Post season after post season yelling "FUCK! SHOOT IT BONNER!" is getting really tiring.

But don't ya know those meddlesome clippers closed out on poor Matty before he could shoot it! :rollin

[Obstructed_View]

I've been wondering how Blair is handling this. He must be frustrated. What's his attitude next season?

Whatever his attitude, he'd be well served to show up with a jump shot.

[Bruno]

I can't see their giving up on Joseph at this point. I'm sure he was a two-year project from the start and showed a fair amount of progress through the season.

You may be right even if Spurs have a tendency to give up quickly on projects when they don't like them.
Joseph rookie year has been screwed by the lockout and by Ford injury that forced him to stay at the end of Spurs bench instead of playing with the Toros. Because of that, they could gave him more time to prove what he is worth.

[Obstructed_View]

The only thing stupider than the scouting reports of many of you on Cory Joseph would be the Spurs giving up on him after a fraction of a season with no camp.

[coyotes_geek]

Any guess what his trade value is?

I've heard some people float the idea of a 1st rounder, but I have trouble believing that anyone will give that for a guy who fell out of the rotation.

I don't think Blair falling out of the rotation hurts his trade value all that much. GM's are going to understand that the Spurs are super deep and that Diaw is such a great fit for this team.

Whether or not there's a GM who thought Blair was worth a late 1st in the first place is a different matter. I don't think it's completely out of the question. Blair, while limited, has proven that he's good enough to be in the NBA. There might be a GM out there who would prefer to use his draft pick to acquire a known commodity as opposed to taking a chance on a rookie.

[timvp]

Maybe it is just me, but I think Bonner was in during the 4th to prepare for "hack a".

Nah, that wasn't it. Bonner was in the game for two and a half minutes before the first intentional foul. Somehow, Bonner was in Pop's clutch-time lineup. And the only reason Pop pulled Bonner was because Del Negro went small by putting Caron Butler at PF.

[Obstructed_View]

Nah, that wasn't it. Bonner was in the game for two and a half minutes before the first intentional foul. Somehow, Bonner was in Pop's clutch-time lineup. And the only reason Pop pulled Bonner was because Del Negro went small by putting Caron Butler at PF.

I suppose if you believe in a player, and Pop certainly seems to believe in Bonner, you're never going to find a better opportunity to put him in a situation to live up to that belief than when you're up three-love against an overmatched opponent and aren't sure that you want another sweep for your team.

Sorry for the run on sentence, but the above is as close as Pop and Bonner will ever get to a no-lose situation in the playoffs.

[Spurtacus]

What's Gary got to do to get an A- in the playoffs? :lol

Green def the best player on the court last night. Timmy was pretty good but I gotta give props to the playoff rook. :tu

[Obstructed_View]

What's Gary got to do to get an A- in the playoffs? :lol

Play someone other than the Clippers. The matchups are far better in the next round. I expect him to do fine against Steve Blake or Derek Fisher.

[T Park]

Yeah OKC's guards are less athletic than LAC's.

You can hide Parker or Neal on Sefolosha or Fisher.

[BackHome]

I love Manu but he needs to get on Duncan's summer workout list cause if he doesn't it is going to be an ugly year for him. I am shocked that Manu has looked so bad so far with him sitting out I don't know if it is a conditioning thing or just age?

[gilmor]

I rewatched 4th quarter again and I noticed there are at least 2-3 plays that Tony, Tim and Manu drew up from their little sketch-book of their vast experience playing off each other. Every time Clippers got the lead, they ran those plays to perfection to get back the lead.

[Blake]

Somehow, Bonner was in Pop's clutch-time lineup.

Pop being the ultimate Bonner apologist.

[TDMVPDPOY]

i just had to
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zb4PiOc9n_U/T3sSefgBkHI/AAAAAAAAAGI/rr6av7i0Ymg/s400/tresamigosSpurs.gif