TDfan2007
05-09-2013, 09:32 AM
The old cliche of "who wants it more?" applies to this series, as the Warriors have clearly shown to be the aggressors from the opening tip of both games.
The Spurs have simply been reacting while the Warriors are imposing their pace/will on us. The Spurs need to play with more passion and desperation. Screens need to be harder, closeouts need to be quicker, and guys need to be tougher on the boards.
As for mental fortitude, it's quite clear that our role players (yes, Manu is a role player) shit the bed last night. They blew countless open looks, and their body language during GS's 2nd quarter run was disappointing. In addition, the rotations on defense have been slow, and the help defense decision making has been mind-numbingly bad. You don't leave Klay Thompson to help on Andrew Bogut 15 feet away from the basket. Ever. Usually Matt, Manu, and Gary are the ones making those types of stupid roaming plays, but now Kawhi and Danny (our only 2 good perimeter defenders) have joined the party.
You can't give NBA shooters, especially historically good NBA shooters, wide open space time after time and then throw your hands up in exasperation when they barely miss.
Bottom line: our guys need to play smarter and harder, which is a pretty embarrassing problem to have to correct for a Pop-coached team, but it is what it is.
My question to you guys is this: given that the Spurs were the worst 3-point defending team in the league to end the season, do you see this trend/mentality changing in Oakland? If it doesn't, then the Spurs might as well pack their bags and grab their fishing rods, tbh...
The Spurs have simply been reacting while the Warriors are imposing their pace/will on us. The Spurs need to play with more passion and desperation. Screens need to be harder, closeouts need to be quicker, and guys need to be tougher on the boards.
As for mental fortitude, it's quite clear that our role players (yes, Manu is a role player) shit the bed last night. They blew countless open looks, and their body language during GS's 2nd quarter run was disappointing. In addition, the rotations on defense have been slow, and the help defense decision making has been mind-numbingly bad. You don't leave Klay Thompson to help on Andrew Bogut 15 feet away from the basket. Ever. Usually Matt, Manu, and Gary are the ones making those types of stupid roaming plays, but now Kawhi and Danny (our only 2 good perimeter defenders) have joined the party.
You can't give NBA shooters, especially historically good NBA shooters, wide open space time after time and then throw your hands up in exasperation when they barely miss.
Bottom line: our guys need to play smarter and harder, which is a pretty embarrassing problem to have to correct for a Pop-coached team, but it is what it is.
My question to you guys is this: given that the Spurs were the worst 3-point defending team in the league to end the season, do you see this trend/mentality changing in Oakland? If it doesn't, then the Spurs might as well pack their bags and grab their fishing rods, tbh...