Random Thoughts After the Game 3 Three-Point Barrage in the 2013 NBA Finals

[timvp]

-It still hasn't sunk in that it's 2013 and the TD/MG/TP Spurs are in the Finals :wow

-What a game. I'm still trying to collect my thoughts after that one. What can we take from this game? Offensively, I don't think there's much that can be carried forward. That was just an awesome three-point shooting exhibition. The Spurs were a little bit better about taking care of the ball, had better ball movement, created better spacing -- but at the end of the day, it was about shooting the lights out.

-Defensively, though, there is some takeaway -- and it's all positive. Basically, the Spurs continue to look pretty damn good on that end. I liked that they continued to pay LeBron a ton of attention. Outside of Mike Miller, their role players were noticeably less comfortable away from Florida. Gotta stick to this gameplan and milk it for all it's worth. The only thing I'd do differently is superglue someone on Miller's nvtsack the moment he steps off the bus for Game 4. That guy isn't even hitting rim right now.

-Pop had a great adjustment to the 1-3 pick-and-roll that killed the Spurs in Game 2. They had Kawhi jump the point guard and sent an immediately double to LeBron. With Kawhi's length, he took away most every passing angle and the Spurs were able to swallow up LeBron with weakside help. It went from a killer play to ineffective ... nice going, Pop :tu

-I love how the Spurs are defending Wade. You have to make him shoot right now. If he hits five or six of those jumpers, then maybe switch up. But go under EVERYTHING and live with the outcome.

-Though the results were good, the Spurs are making me a bit nervous about how far they are laying off of LeBron. It's like they drift further and further away as the series progresses. I'd like Kawhi and Danny to get a bit closer in Game 4 because he's someone who could legitimately go off from the perimeter. It might not look like it so far this series but the way they're playing him right now, they're risking a LeBron explosion. In other words, I think they should go back to how they were defending him in Game 1.

-The Spurs aren't showing a ton of respect for Chris Bosh right now -- and they really can't. This scheme has the bigs fading into the lane at every opportunity. If Bosh catches fire, the Spurs would be powerless to stop him unless they change up the scheme. Let us pray he stays lukewarm.

-Stick with Ray Allen and especially Miller. The Spurs can live with any other role player shooting other than those two.

-I loved Duncan's energy and passion. He really went after it from the opening tip and his emotion seemed to give his teammates extra confidence. His rebounding was huge and he defended the rim well. But the two areas on D where he really shined were in transition (he was sprinting back on defense consistently) and on switches (his mobility looked great against LeBron the handful of times he got switched onto him). On O, Duncan was solid. He still has room to improve but he was a definite help on that end.

-Their stats don't jump off the sheet but I was reasonably happy with Parker and Ginobili. They have by far the most difficult job of this series. Dealing with the Heat's traps is really, really difficult. They both made some mistakes but they also made a ton of plays. Being a little less sloppy in Game 4 would help but the Hall of Fame duo were deceptively pretty damn effective tonight.

-Ginobili and Parker are both jumping often on their passes in an effort to get better passing lanes. I'm not sure I love the risk-reward with all that jump-passing ... but then again, with the Heat's length there might not be an alternative.

-What can be said about Green and Neal? That was really damn impressive. Gotta hope they can just keep shooting like this. BTW, it's no accident these two guys are getting looks. With all the blitzing the Heat do on pick-and-rolls, if you can survive the trap, there are going to be players open -- and most likely your other guard.

-Gotta give Pop credit again. Neal had become a forgotten man heading into the Finals but it's been a genius move to ride with him against Miami. Against the Heat, you need extra playmakers and shooters on the court. Neal is a playmaking shooter -- even though he has been inconsistent in both areas. It's been a risky move by Pop to trust so heavily in Neal in the Finals but the results have been largely positive.

-Kawhi F'in Leonard. I'm still not convinced he's not a robot constructed by Pop and the front office in a lab somewhere. He's the perfect fit next to the Big 3 and tonight he took his game up another level. Great defense. Great rebounding. Great aggression on offense. Keep balling, young man, keep balling.

-If Splitter would grab a few more defensive boards, I'd be pretty damn happy with him. I loved what he did on the offensive glass and I thought his D was pretty darn good -- just need those defensive rebounds. It's good to see the Splitter pick-and-roll was effective this game. If the Spurs can make the Heat worry about him, that will create another step of space for the shooters on the perimeter.

-After Game 2, I said I wanted Bonner added back to the rotation for his ability to stretch the floor -- knowing full well that Bonner wouldn't actually hit the open shots on a stage this big. Pop made this obvious switch and it played out as expected. Even with Bonner out there missing, the Heat were forced to empty the weakside paint. When Diaw plays, they zone off of him -- so Bonner's reputation, at the very least, is helpful against the Heat.

-Speaking of Diaw, I thought I saw him come up lame in Game 2. Someone landed on his back and he soon headed to the bench. Maybe that's not the reason he got a DNP -- but I'm pretty sure his back isn't 100% right now. Add that to the need of extra spacing and it wasn't a surprise to see him sitting tonight.

-Cory Joseph needs to take better care of the ball but other than that I thought he did well. He competed. He was quick to loose balls. he didn't back down from pressure. This continues to be a very impressive playoff run for the second year PG out of Texas. I wouldn't be opposed to more minutes for CJ in Game 4 ... though let's hope it's not due to Parker's injury.

-Speaking of Parker's injury, that's the one cloud hanging over this game. I don't have any reason to think he's seriously injured but it's still damn worrying. Without Parker forcing the Heat to blitz him, those three-point looks would dry up and Duncan wouldn't have nearly as many opportunities in the lane. Anything less than a 90% TP going forward would be damn near disastrous.

-Obviously every game is huge right now but Game 4 is HUUUUGE. It's a type of trap game because the Heat will come in with Game 7 intensity and they will look to throw a few haymakers of their own after the azz-kicking the Spurs laid on 'em tonight. The Spurs can't enter the contest fat and happy and think the three-point showers are going to continue to fall. They Spurs need the same edge they'd have after a loss.

-With two days off before Game 5, things line up well for that night. The Spurs won't be tired, they'll attack it knowing it's their last home game of the season. I'm not really worried about the Spurs bringing the juice to Game 5. But, like I said, Game 4 is the trap. Prepare for war, be ready to fight and continue making us proud.

Believe.

[playbonner15]

Pop had a great adjustment to the 1-3 pick-and-roll that killed the Spurs in Game 2. They had Kawhi jump the point guard and sent an immediately double to LeBron. With Kawhi's length, he took away most every passing angle and the Spurs were able to swallow up LeBron with weakside help. It went from a killer play to ineffective ... nice going, Pop :tu


Is that why Spo didnt use the Chalmers/Lebron P&R? I didn't seem to see the Heat use it this game

[timtonymanu]

Heat in 6

[nkdlunch]

long series

spurs in 6

[timtonymanu]

But seriously, I'm so proud of this team. We still have a long way to go, but it's crazy to think we are just 2 wins away from another title.

[nkdlunch]

But seriously, I'm so proud of this team. We still have a long way to go, but it's crazy to think we are just 2 wins away from another title.

we were 2 wins away from the Finals last year and look what happened. This is a long war

[dg7md]

If they play like they did tonight and it continues... Spurs in 5.

:flag:

[timtonymanu]

we were 2 wins away from the Finals last year and look what happened. This is a long war

Noticed I said "long way to go."

[BatManu20]

Game 4 is massive. We all know by now that miami hasn't lost back to back games in 5 months. They've been nearly unbeatable after a loss. If there was ever a time to break any streak, this is it. I honestly think if the Spurs win game 4 then this series is ours. If we lose, I think all the momentum shifts back to miami and I REALLY don't want to go back to miami. That means we'd have to beat them 3 straight times. I know that sounds impossible, but I think this team knows the urgency and importance of Game 4 and they don't want to go back to miami either. Huge opportunity here. It's going to take a great all-around performance by this team cause miami will come out aggressive and ready and treat it like a game 7, but I really think we can pull it off. Tony's injury is just a s important. Get on your knees and pray it's nothing serious Spurs fans.
:flag:

[dg7md]

Think about this, we wouldn't have lost game 2 if we didn't royally fuck up with turnovers. We had the lead throughout the majority of that game before the late third quarter thrashing occurred. The Heat have yet to be truly dominant in the 4th quarter in any games, because by the time it was crunch time in game 2, the Spurs already surrendered.

It's hard to believe but I truly think they could win game 4, and then when a chance to end it all in 5 could occur — they want it to end as much as the Heat want it to continue.

:lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2:

It can happen.

[milkyway21]

BELIEVE.

If you are pulling for the Spurs to win but you don't believe in them then it's useless.
You just end up whining and pointing fingers who caused the collapse every time.
That's why I wasn't around in 2011, I took a vacation in 2012 because I didn't believe 95% they can win the title.

This team may not be the best Spurs team(I think the 2003 was), but I truly believe if they just stick to Pop's plan, maybe they can win the whole thing. This team is special. With so many young guns who can really shoot from the arc.
And young defensive specialist in Kawhi, great addition to replace Bowen.
And finally a true center alongside Duncan who can really score.

[blkroadrunners]

Hopefully this Spurs team can pull a Detroit 2004 on the Heat. I still think it will go down in 6 though.

[rascal]

I don't see how hard it is for Miami to guard the 3 point shot. The Spurs have several guys who just camp out standing around the 3 point line the entire game on offense. Just stay defensively on the 3 point line and force those guys to take it to the basket. The Spurs have several players not capable of doing much more than shoot a 3 point shot, just shut down that shot by staying on their man at the 3 point line.

[Horry Hipcheck]

Hopefully this Spurs team can pull a Detroit 2004 on the Heat. I still think it will go down in 6 though.

Why not pull a 2012 Miami on Miami?

[slick'81]

It is amazing big 3 still going strong in their 30s.Danny green playing unreal I can't believe these first three games, what a series and Wat a night from the spurs

[blkroadrunners]

Why not pull a 2012 Miami on Miami?

Or that too, but Miami pulled a back-door sweep last year.

Just win darn it.

[rascal]

Teams will alternate wins all the way through game 7.

[jesterbobman]

While I disagreed with timvp on prediction, the reality is that both teams are really good, and the point differential, adjusted point differential all pointed to a toss up. If the heat win 1/2, they have home court again. The Spurs are probably favourites at the moment though, and winning 2 games in the finals 16 YEARS after they last had a lottery pick is amazing.

I think the takeaway with shooting as much is that shooting 3's is a good strategy. Sure, sometimes you lay an egg, but tonight the Spurs shot 50% on 3's(Not too far above true ability/Average) But shooting 32 of them is a good thing. As is getting 19 Offensive rebounds, from Duncan, Kawhi, Green and Splitter(7, 3, 3 and 4 respectively).

[rascal]

Miami will win game 4.

[TE]

I have a feeling the role players regress to the mean in game 4 and the big three are forced to carry the load. Hope I'm wrong about the role players part...

[HI-FI]

-Kawhi F'in Leonard. I'm still not convinced he's not a robot constructed by Pop and the front office in a lab somewhere. He's the perfect fit next to the Big 3 and tonight he took his game up another level. Great defense. Great rebounding. Great aggression on offense. Keep balling, young man, keep balling.


this is a pretty good description. I sometimes try to describe him to non basketball fans what he means or his background, and it's hard to describe. It feels almost like a Chosen One for us, to get someone that good with raw talent who just needed to be in the right place for it grow.

it's funny about this series, first I heard how Game 3 would decide the series, now I'm hearing that about game 4. Honestly, I feel like as long as Stern doesn't intrude on things with his goons, and gives us a fair and balanced series, I think we can win this. The first half of tonight's game had some memorably bad moments with the refs, but the second half was fair and I think we figured out how to adjust. To me, it's kind of amazing that we are 2-1 and have yet to have a great game from the big 3. Like the previous series, I feel like our depth and ability to execute makes us unique.

[lauren_gino20]

:flag: BELIEVE :flag:

[ShrimpDimp]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TdABFnE10I - all 16 spurs 3 pointers

[pookenstein]

Game 4 is the trap. Prepare for war, be ready to fight and continue making us proud.

Believe.

Give them nothing. But take from them everything.
X5COdb1oo0A

[BillMc]

Really nice write up. Yep, game 4 is huge (but aren't they all?) Still 3-1 with the close out game coming at home or 2-2 with Miami having home field advantage. Those are our choices. Hope Parker is healthy.

I'm still predicting an offensive "break out" game from Timmy. I can't believe the Miami D can smother him so well, when Hibbert was such a problem for them. That said, he's gettting good looks they're just not falling. Before this series is out they will. Same could be said for LeBron's shots too. They will fall. But Timmy seems to be taking it more in stride than James. Shades of the 2011 Dallas series coming in for him...

[milkyway21]

Danny Green has made 16 3-point field goals in his first three career NBA Finals games.
That's the most 3-pointers made over a three-game span in the Finals for any player in NBA history.
The previous record was 15 by Ray Allen, spanning the 2008 and 2010 Finals.

:tu

[chapnis]

Is that why Spo didnt use the Chalmers/Lebron P&R? I didn't seem to see the Heat use it this game

What timvp and Chalmers foul trouble

[siraulo23]

- agree on their defense on james, they should sag off him but not that much :lol, theyre treating him worse than say rajon rondo :lol
- 1-3 pick n roll, iirc majority of the times they ran that play kawhi got a steal/deflection, we'll see what miami is gonna do to counter that or if theyre gonna go away from that play
- kawhi was unbelievable, he was in feb-march form where he was aggressive offensively, showing all kinds of moves and that d :wow
- duncan was nothing short of amazing, he was DOMINANT defensively and on the glass, offensively he was bullying his defender to get to the rim, he missed more than a couple of putback and shots that he normally makes but hopefully can continue playing like this, he looked like pre all star break td
- cory joseph played great, he plays great perimeter on ball d and closes out 3 pt shooters very quickly, prolly one of the best on the team

[Brazil]

Just heard an interview in French by TP after the game. He said that the key player of the serie offensively for the spurs is Gary Neal and the role of the role players is going to huge. He also said that before the serie start that he told gary it's going to be his time to shine in the finals and that he will have tons of opportunities. He also told Neal told him after the game you were right TP.

[siraulo23]

^ anything on his injury?

[romsho]

Well said. I would only add one thing...a helicopter or police escort to get to the game on time. It would be the shame of all damn shame's to have traffic....fvcking traffic!!!!...be a factor in whether or not the Spurs get their 5th ring. Can't help but think Parker's hamstring would not be compromised with the proper warm up time and normal pre game preparation. Beyond ridiculous.

[Capt Bringdown]

The Heat are now 8-9 in their last 17 games?

[spurspokesman]

Neal did not surprise me, I called it before the series knowing full well he brings it when the stakes are high. Danny Green has impressed us all and made us happy spurs fans. splitter did ok but really needs an all out love affair with the weight room. Agree on all points and hope TP is just fine.

[Richie]

I don't see how hard it is for Miami to guard the 3 point shot. The Spurs have several guys who just camp out standing around the 3 point line the entire game on offense. Just stay defensively on the 3 point line and force those guys to take it to the basket. The Spurs have several players not capable of doing much more than shoot a 3 point shot, just shut down that shot by staying on their man at the 3 point line.

Miami are too small to do that. They double the pick and roll so the man defending the 3 has to drop down to pick up the roll man. If they don't do that, the roll man is open in the paint and will get a dunk every time.

Defenders need to find a balance. When you look at the Grizzlies series, Parker was scoring 30+ when Memphis stayed at home on shooters and dished 18 assists when they collapsed off him leaving shooters open. Pick your poison.

[Baam]

Why is nobody starting a "is game 4 a must win", if they tie the series again we're headed directly to a game 7.

[Capt Bringdown]

Why is nobody starting a "is game 4 a must win", if they tie the series again we're headed directly to a game 7.

Wanting no part of a game 7 in Miami

[Marcus Bryant]

-Obviously every game is huge right now but Game 4 is HUUUUGE. It's a type of trap game because the Heat will come in with Game 7 intensity and they will look to throw a few haymakers of their own after the azz-kicking the Spurs laid on 'em tonight. The Spurs can't enter the contest fat and happy and think the three-point showers are going to continue to fall. They Spurs need the same edge they'd have after a loss.

Agreed. Much is made of Miami's ability to bounce back after a loss. If the Spurs win Game 4, then this is over on Sunday night.

If Miami wins, they got the split they needed. But, hey, if they only win even numbered games and the Spurs take the odds we're good.

Not sure my liver can take that though.

[J.T.]

The Spurs are in great position, but they far from have this thing in the bag. It felt like the Spurs were up by 20 or more the entire second half, and rather than enjoying it, I just wanted them to hold on until the clock was all zeroes. That's really what it's like against this team. I don't think I've been this consistently nervous between Finals games of any opponent the Spurs have faced. The days off between Games 4 and 5 of the Detroit series were pretty rough, as were the days off between Games 6 and 7, but even after pulling the Heat's pants down on national television, I can't be satisfied with this team or the situation they're in until they win two more games. I think all of the O.G. Spurs fans who remember what it was like to have zero championships are in the same boat. I feel like I'm just as dialed in to winning this thing as Duncan is. It's been a while, and I want it so bad.

I'm encouraged about Parker's injury. He didn't seem to he visibly hurt, but depending on how bad he hurt his hamstring, he could be less than 100% for the next game. I pray that he's not and Pop just benched him because we were on fire.

[41times]

Before last night, the casual basketball fan was clueless about this new Spurs team.
They still thought the Spurs were all about the Old Big 3.
BAM! WRONG!
Welcome to the n3w look Spurs!

[Brazil]

^ anything on his injury?

I posted that on the Parker injury thread

French press is not saying much.
l'equipe is reporting a TP quote, he says "I'm gonna have a MRI tomorrow we will see, I felt something, I hope this is nothing serious. For the moment I don't know. I stay positive. I hope this is just a tired muscle or a cramp, I don't know. It was weird. I left with 5 mn to go in the third we were +15. Then I played two minutes in the fourth but it was meh and because we were +23, we thought it was better to shut me down for the rest of the game"

As I said in this thread I'm quite skeptical about the cramp theory. Cramps are easy to recognize for an athlete and Parker is saying he felt something weird so something he is not used to therefore I don't think it is a simple cramp. In his interview he was more like I really hope this is a weird cramp.
On the bright side, during his interview in French he didn't seem to be desperate or something just a bit concerned, he was answering questions not related to his injury naturally.

Best thing to do right now is to wait MRI result.

[Brazil]

Why is nobody starting a "is game 4 a must win", if they tie the series again we're headed directly to a game 7.

because every single game of a PO serie in the finals is a must win.
Game 1 was key
then Game 2 was really important to kill them
then Game 3 was huge
now it's game 4

all these bs about creating a freaking thread every game saying this game is a must win is stupid, they are all must wins

[Baam]

because every single game of a PO serie in the finals is a must win.
Game 1 was key
then Game 2 was really important to kill them
then Game 3 was huge
now it's game 4

all these bs about creating a freaking thread every game saying this game is a must win is stupid, they are all must wins

Wrong you don't wave the white flag in a must win like we did in game 2.

[Brazil]

Wrong you don't wave the white flag in a must win like we did in game 2.

what white flag ? seriously dude... you think Spurs were like yeah game 2 is not important, let's throw away 1 of the 6 games potentially remaining in the season and probably some of the most important ones in their life cauz you know game 2 was not a must win. idiot

[Captivus]

-Though the results were good, the Spurs are making me a bit nervous about how far they are laying off of LeBron. It's like they drift further and further away as the series progresses. I'd like Kawhi and Danny to get a bit closer in Game 4 because he's someone who could legitimately go off from the perimeter. It might not look like it so far this series but the way they're playing him right now, they're risking a LeBron explosion. In other words, I think they should go back to how they were defending him in Game 1.

Im not sure about that. It seems to me that every time someone gets close to Lebron he will somehow penetrate and go for the and-1. Its a 3 point play + foul.
I will continue to give him space until he starts scoring from deep, then I will change the defens, not before, specially knowing how important it is for TD to stay out of foul trouble.
Manu is (used to be...maybe) like Lebron. You gave him space, he hits the 3, you go after him, he penetrates. Hard to defend that.
I choose giving Lebron space...ATM.

[szkorhetz]

TBH, before it started to rain, I just felt this is the best Spurs game I've ever seen. Our system shined, we controlled the game, everything went our way. The best Spurs-type game, EVER and than we pulled a Warriors.
I really don't care how the rest of the series will go down: I love you guys, really, I cried during the second quarter, before I even knew we will kill them. Guys, you are simply amazing and I am really proud to be the fan of the best team in the world.
Believe. :lobt:

[Spurs9]

I saw a stat on NBA tv last night, the Heat are 3-23 in San Antonio. I'm not sure how far back that goes, but interesting.

[Jenks]

they are all must wins
No, "must win" gets thrown around way too much. It's different mentally for a team when it really is a must win. For the team that it isn't playing a must win game, winning is that much more impressive.

A good example is WCF game 3. Must win for the Grizzlies, they came out playing out of their minds because they had the emotion of their backs to the wall. For the Spurs to come back and win that game, it was *extremely* impressive.

Game 2 was not a must win for the Spurs, and neither is game 4. We know what happened in game 2. If they are able to take game 4, in a must win for Miami, the series is over. That's why it's called a must win game. If the Spurs lose, the series is far from over. It's hard to match a team of this talent that has its back to the wall when your back isn't. If they can do it, appreciate how hard it is to do.

[Sportcamper]

Congrats Spurs…No other team in the West could play this well against The LeBron’s… :toast

[rascal]

TBH, before it started to rain, I just felt this is the best Spurs game I've ever seen. Our system shined, we controlled the game, everything went our way. The best Spurs-type game, EVER and than we pulled a Warriors.
I really don't care how the rest of the series will go down: I love you guys, really, I cried during the second quarter, before I even knew we will kill them. Guys, you are simply amazing and I am really proud to be the fan of the best team in the world.
Believe. :lobt:

I hope your a girl with such an emo post.

[Spurs and Mavs fan]

Well said. I would only add one thing...a helicopter or police escort to get to the game on time. It would be the shame of all damn shame's to have traffic....fvcking traffic!!!!...be a factor in whether or not the Spurs get their 5th ring. Can't help but think Parker's hamstring would not be compromised with the proper warm up time and normal pre game preparation. Beyond ridiculous.


Totally agree. This would go down as a huge regret if the Spurs lose the series because of Parker's injury.

[Brazil]

No, "must win" gets thrown around way too much. It's different mentally for a team when it really is a must win. For the team that it isn't playing a must win game, winning is that much more impressive.

A good example is WCF game 3. Must win for the Grizzlies, they came out playing out of their minds because they had the emotion of their backs to the wall. For the Spurs to come back and win that game, it was *extremely* impressive.

Game 2 was not a must win for the Spurs, and neither is game 4. We know what happened in game 2. If they are able to take game 4, in a must win for Miami, the series is over. That's why it's called a must win game. If the Spurs lose, the series is far from over. It's hard to match a team of this talent that has its back to the wall when your back isn't. If they can do it, appreciate how hard it is to do.

that's my point though on ST you have on each and every game of whatever serie a thread is been created with game x is a must win

[Brazil]

that's my point though on ST you have on each and every game of whatever serie a thread is been created with game x is a must win

now in the finals against a great team like Miami all games are must win

[DDS4]

The next logical adjustment for the Heat is less trapping and staying home on the 3-point shooters. They're gonna force a gimpy Parker and a struggling Ginobili to make all the plays.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

-After Game 2, I said I wanted Bonner added back to the rotation for his ability to stretch the floor -- knowing full well that Bonner wouldn't actually hit the open shots on a stage this big. Pop made this obvious switch and it played out as expected. Even with Bonner out there missing, the Heat were forced to empty the weakside paint. When Diaw plays, they zone off of him -- so Bonner's reputation, at the very least, is helpful against the Heat.

Huh? Bonner's first two looks the Heat didn't have anyone within ten feet of him. Both attempts clanged harmlessly off the rim.

[elbamba]

Manu's pass to Splitter for a dunk at the end of the third was a huge play for the Spurs. James was starting to score and the Spurs looked like they were going to breakdown. That play lead perfectly for Neal to do his thing to open the 4th.

[pgardn]

Miami is capable of the same type of barrage shooting.

But we got it last night.

Next.

Tim, right block on Haslem and abuse him please. Make them send help and if they don't, game 1 performance again.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

The next logical adjustment for the Heat is less trapping and staying home on the 3-point shooters. They're gonna force a gimpy Parker and a struggling Ginobili to make all the plays.

I'd agree, but at the same time, Spoelstra seems to think they just didn't defend hard enough. Their trapping the pick and roll is their bread and butter though defensively, and I think they are too stubborn/arrogant to completely go away from that.

[Obstructed_View]

Huh? Bonner's first two looks the Heat didn't have anyone within ten feet of him. Both attempts clanged harmlessly off the rim.

Yeah, that whole spreading the floor thing makes no sense since nobody covered him for like three shots. He also managed to leave Mike Miller completely alone at least once.

[Obstructed_View]

The next logical adjustment for the Heat is less trapping and staying home on the 3-point shooters. They're gonna force a gimpy Parker and a struggling Ginobili to make all the plays.

Actually if they do that on pick and rolls, they end up forcing Tim Duncan and Tiago Splitter to score easily inside. Not really a good poison to pick.

[pgardn]

Huh? Bonner's first two looks the Heat didn't have anyone within ten feet of him. Both attempts clanged harmlessly off the rim.

The game just seems way too fast for him. Even when he is wide open.

[BillMc]

Congrats Spurs…No other team in the West could play this well against The LeBron’s… :toast

Cheers! Thanks!:toast

[TJastal]

I'd agree, but at the same time, Spoelstra seems to think they just didn't defend hard enough. Their trapping the pick and roll is their bread and butter though defensively, and I think they are too stubborn/arrogant to completely go away from that.

+1

The heat feed off the turnovers those traps create. If those opportunities aren't there the game is going to slow down even more which means whoever does best in halfcourt execution will win which favors the spurs.

[mercos]

One thing I am thinking about game 4: if the Spurs can survive an early Miami onslaught, I think they can break the will of the Heat. I agree that LBJ should not be given as much space to shoot in game 4, because I think he is going to aggressively take those shots, at least to start the game. If you can force him into a bad start again, I think he will have another bad game. The key is to not let him get going.

[dylankerouac]

Keep it up Spurs.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Yeah, that whole spreading the floor thing makes no sense since nobody covered him for like three shots. He also managed to leave Mike Miller completely alone at least once.

That, and don't forget the offensive rebound and put back by Ray Allen while Bonner stood three feet away in the paint trying to figure out how to box out air. :rolleyes

[Obstructed_View]

That, and don't forget the offensive rebound and put back by Ray Allen while Bonner stood three feet away in the paint trying to figure out how to box out air. :rolleyes

Yet another reason I refuse to "apologize" to Gary Neal is that he and Bonner collectively failed to block out Ray Allen on that play.

[TJastal]

That, and don't forget the offensive rebound and put back by Ray Allen while Bonner stood three feet away in the paint trying to figure out how to box out air. :rolleyes

I remember that play, that was all on Gary Neal. Not only was he supposed to be guarding him, he made no effort whatsoever to box him out or even put his body on him, just allowed him to waltz straight in for prime rebounding position. This is a prime example of why Neal needs to be shooting lights out .. because if he's not he's almost always giving up free points like a sieve.

[carina_gino20]

- I agree. It's hard to take away anything from the offense today. We can't expect to hit 16 threes next game. That said, I think 4 or 5 those occurred after Spurs already had a 20+ lead in the 4th.
- I loved the energy from TD and Tiago. Just need to put up stronger shots. Enough with the weaksauce shots. Make them pay for making midgets guard you.
- I'm worried about the hard blitzes on TP. It was fine in Game 3 since the others were hitting threes but can't rely on that moving forward.
- The one thing I was looking for (aside from Manu's shooting touch), was more movement on O. And I did see that tonight. Not a lot of standing around that just plays right into the Heat's hands. Guys were moving without the ball, trying to free themselves up as best they can, making the quick extra pass, and running every chance they got off of turnovers.
- I loved every singled one of Whi's rebounds, even though it was preceded or followed by another point-blank miss. :lol

[ShoogarBear]

The next logical adjustment for the Heat is less trapping and staying home on the 3-point shooters. They're gonna force a gimpy Parker and a struggling Ginobili to make all the plays.


I'd agree, but at the same time, Spoelstra seems to think they just didn't defend hard enough. Their trapping the pick and roll is their bread and butter though defensively, and I think they are too stubborn/arrogant to completely go away from that.

I actually agree with Spoelstra. What makes the Heat so tough defensively are those blitzing traps. Playing straight up they're not anything special, especially on the interior, where they made Hibbert look like the second coming of Kareem.

If Parker is gimpy, then that's even more reason to trap.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

I remember that play, that was all on Gary Neal. Not only was he supposed to be guarding him, he made no effort whatsoever to box him out or even put his body on him, just allowed him to waltz straight in for prime rebounding position. This is a prime example of why Neal needs to be shooting lights out .. because if he's not he's almost always giving up free points like a sieve.

I agree, Neal missed the primary assignment on the box out.

But for goodness sake, you're 6'8", it's the Finals, get your ass in there and fight for the board.

[BlackSilver]

- I agree. It's hard to take away anything from the offense today. We can't expect to hit 16 threes next game. That said, I think 4 or 5 those occurred after Spurs already had a 20+ lead in the 4th.
- I loved the energy from TD and Tiago. Just need to put up stronger shots. Enough with the weaksauce shots. Make them pay for making midgets guard you.
- I'm worried about the hard blitzes on TP. It was fine in Game 3 since the others were hitting threes but can't rely on that moving forward.
- The one thing I was looking for (aside from Manu's shooting touch), was more movement on O. And I did see that tonight. Not a lot of standing around that just plays right into the Heat's hands. Guys were moving without the ball, trying to free themselves up as best they can, making the quick extra pass, and running every chance they got off of turnovers.
- I loved every singled one of Whi's rebounds, even though it was preceded or followed by another point-blank miss. :lol

I will mildly disagree with the thought that there's not much to takeaway regarding our offense, for the following reasons.

- Partly because of what you said in point 4--great movement without the ball--but primarily because from the very first possession the Spurs were aggressive in making quick moves WITH the ball. IIRC, TD got the ball near the elbow on the first possession and he immediately went into his move before Bosh could set. That was a recurring theme throughout this game and something I was screaming about at the TV during Game 2. With the Heat's hyper-aggressive trapping, a split second hesitation by whoever gets the ball from TP is all it takes for the defenders to get back in good position. Quick moves negate that and expose the Heat's scrambling to get back in position. Couple more passes from there and we suddenly end up with guys wide open.

- Agreed that Danny and Neal can't be expected to hit a zillion threes in the next game...in general our reliance on the 3 has made me a little nervous about this team. On the other hand, I counted at least six routine layups that we missed...Tiago and TD primarily I think. Also Tony missed a point blank floater from the baseline. So, I expect those two factors (3 pt and shots close to the basket) to balance out in the next game. The Spurs ought to get 95 points a game here on out.

- Oh, and Neal has been and will be our best midrange shooter. I love it when he takes that 18 footer. Not so much when he's initiating the PnR, but wow did they expose Miller and Allen on defense yesterday.

- Manu was way more aggressive in taking it to the rim. Let's hope he keeps it up.

- Another thing we did on offense that I did not see in the first two games was our patented misdirection picks. First two games it seemed like TP was one and done. In game 3 I thought TD and Tiago did a good job of resetting their picks from a different angle after the initial one. Couple of times Tiago changed direction at the last minute to spring TP or Manu in a different direction than where the defense was anticipating. We did a ton of that against Memphis, so I was puzzled that it disappeared until now.

- I was curious about Jeff Van Gundy talking about preferring to see TD on the right block instead of the left, and in my subjective mind, TD did look better on the right side in this game. But it's a little concerning that TD seems to struggle against Haslem. Kinda reminded me of the 05 finals when Horry seemed to bother TD.

- Lastly on offense, it was nice to see Kawhi finally make a few long shots.

- On defense, I agree with what others have said, but especially with what timvp (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=8) said about giving LeBron that much room. It's one thing to dare a guy to shoot, but potentially suicidal to let him shoot like he's at practice. Most NBA players will probably make the majority of their shots if they're that wide open. I don't know why LeBron didn't take up that challenge yesterday, but I'm sure he'll shoot freely in the next game.

- Also on defense, :wow at Kawhi just stealing the ball from people's hands like taking away candy from a child.

On a different topic, wtf happened on that play when the Spurs fast break was led by Kawhi, TD, and Tiago? And only two Heat players made it back.

[Knoxxx]

I agree, Neal missed the primary assignment on the box out.

But for goodness sake, you're 6'8", it's the Finals, get your ass in there and fight for the board.

Neal is 6 foot 4, an undersized unathletic 2-guard, but one helluva a scorer.

[MannyIsGod]

It really was flat out shocking to see how far down low the Spurs were willing to dive under screens and give up jumpers to Wade in that 1q. We're talking 10 feet out and under! I'm not sure what goes through Wade's mind that he won't take a 10 foot jumper but I can promise you that won't be the case in Game 4. And hes' going to make some of those so the Spurs will have to adjust. Spo is always a step behind so if Pop can have a plan ready to go to and mix it up then I like their chances of keeping them guessing.

Also, in the first quarter Bosh missed about 4-5 open jumpers 18 feet and in. That's probably not going to happen again and even making a couple of those really changes the complexion of the game. Many people will NEVER mention that but I feel those missed jumpers really changed the game in the Spurs favor.

[JRHernandez88]

Dam my man you know your shit, all my drunk ass saw was 3 pointers poppin' net :lol




na but good stuff, I like reading these cause I know what to look closer to during the next game. Spurs in 7!!

[rascal]

It really was flat out shocking to see how far down low the Spurs were willing to dive under screens and give up jumpers to Wade in that 1q. We're talking 10 feet out and under! I'm not sure what goes through Wade's mind that he won't take a 10 foot jumper but I can promise you that won't be the case in Game 4. And hes' going to make some of those so the Spurs will have to adjust. Spo is always a step behind so if Pop can have a plan ready to go to and mix it up then I like their chances of keeping them guessing.

Also, in the first quarter Bosh missed about 4-5 open jumpers 18 feet and in. That's probably not going to happen again and even making a couple of those really changes the complexion of the game. Many people will NEVER mention that but I feel those missed jumpers really changed the game in the Spurs favor.

Bosh is messed up and playing without confidence. Wade is not healthy. Those two reasons give the Spurs a big edge now.