2014 Playoffs - Round 1, Game 1 - Dallas Mavericks @ San Antonio Spurs

[PingPong]

Manu's brain runs on Windows 98. And there are the classic blue screens sometimes.

[Vito]

recipe for win = Tiago 7+pts ))

[capek]

Also fuck Reggie Miller. I can't stomach that piece of shit.

Ya he's fucking horrible.

[timtonymanu]

LOL, without Dallas' choke this game would have been over. If this was any other team in the Western playoffs, would have been a double digit loss..

:lol making excuses. You're consistently a shitty poster so ill give you that.

[ElNono]

Well, I am thinking down the road. TP can't do everything. Having multiple ball handlers is critical. He has to be able to handle pressure effectively or else he's no different from Mills/Beli or any other back up PG that can't really handle the ball that well in the playoffs.

That's what Beli was brought in to help with. Just dubious right now he can stay on the floor... same for Mills.... I'm thinking they'll need a few games to adjust to playoff intensity (at least Mills).

[RD2191]

Bench needs very limited minutes. They really hurt this team when it matters. Mix and match starters/bench. Marco/Mills is a recipe for disaster.

[BillMc]

Gotta hand it to the Mavs coach. Rick managed to take away the 3 point line and the supporting cast and make our old trio beat them. It's a good strategy given the tread on the tire. Leonard and (late in the game) Splitter showed up, but Green (offensively) and Boris, Mills, and Marco were nonfactors.

We'll be okay with some adjustments, but gotta give credit to the Mavs coaching staff. If Dirk's shot is falling might be a different outcome.

[Darius Bieber]

:lol making excuses. You're consistently a shitty poster so ill give you that.

If you didn't see the major flaws in the team tonight, then you're the shitty poster.

[siraulo23]

dat gimmick d from the mavs

pretty smart imo, take away the 3s, they looked like a competent defensive ball club, i doubt it would work over the series

[DPG21920]

That's what Beli was brought in to help with. Just dubious right now he can stay on the floor... same for Mills.... I'm thinking they'll need a few games to adjust to playoff intensity (at least Mills).

:lol So basically Manu should have no responsibility? They paid Manu more than Mills/Beli, it's his job.

[jARS mEsH sEt]

That's what Beli was brought in to help with. Just dubious right now he can stay on the floor... same for Mills.... I'm thinking they'll need a few games to adjust to playoff intensity (at least Mills).

Belli wasn't really brought in to be a ball handler, though. That was just an unexpected bonus. Manu is still expected to handle the ball with the second unit and he's shown signs of serious weakness in that regard from the 2013 NBA finals to now. He's alright in the regular season when things don't really matter, but when the intensity heats up Manu seems to fold.

[jmard5]

Good win Spurs! Now, I need my sleep.

[testies]

dallas is a good playoff team, i don't think clippers, okc or other team would blow them out of the water

[jARS mEsH sEt]

dat gimmick d from the mavs

pretty smart imo, take away the 3s, they looked like a competent defensive ball club, i doubt it would work over the series

How the hell is that a gimmick. It's common fucking sense.

[timtonymanu]

If you didn't see the major flaws in the team tonight, then you're the shitty poster.

Of course the Spurs have flaws. Every team does. i dont make shitty predictions like :cry the Mavs will sweep prematurely like you do. If it was the Bobcats out there, your pussy ass would cry the same thing. Do yourself a favor and post less or just get off the forum.

[Darius Bieber]

Of course the Spurs have flaws. Every team does. i dont make shitty predictions like :cry the Mavs will sweep prematurely like you do. If it was the Bobcats out there, your pussy ass would cry the same thing. Do yourself a favor and post less or just get off the forum.

Nah I'll stay here faggot. Mavs are gonna come back and make this a series for sure. And umm, Bobcats are not as good as the Mavs? Duh... Like I've said, Memphis would have been a WAY better match up...

[Arcadian]

I actually am very pleased with not just the Spurs win, but the way they won. They proved they still have the ability to close out a tight game down the stretch, and Duncan proved he is still fine and playing at a high level. The role players will not continue to suck this much. This was a great way to open the playoffs - with a vintage Duncan performance, setting the tone from the beginning that he is still the captain of the team.

[ElNono]

:lol So basically Manu should have no responsibility? They paid Manu more than Mills/Beli, it's his job.

That's not what I'm saying, he will have that responsibility... But against certain matchups, they will avoid the traps on Manu by having another ball handler like Beli, which unlike Neal, can actually make decisions with the ball...

[DPG21920]

One thing is it should have been much easier for Dallas to game plan against the Spurs than vice versa. Spurs have the same core they have had for years. Dallas is a brand new team.

[siraulo23]

How the hell is that a gimmick. It's common fucking sense.

i meant putting dalembert/wright etc... on parker, switching the pick and roll, i agree the mavs have a better shot shutting down everyone and let parker beat them

[ElNono]

Belli wasn't really brought in to be a ball handler, though. That was just an unexpected bonus.

I pointed it out when the Spurs signed Beli, before he played a single game. Guess it wasn't unexpected at all...

[timtonymanu]

Nah I'll stay here faggot.

:lol rascal level takes
:lol you probably have a shitty life outside of watching basketball too

[DPG21920]

That's not what I'm saying, he will have that responsibility... But against certain matchups, they will avoid the traps on Manu by having another ball handler like Beli, which unlike Neal, can actually make decisions with the ball...

He has to be able to handle full court pressure, traps..ect.. That's what I said is the concern. It's going on year 2 now where he has not shown the ability to do that consistently. It's a concern which is what I said and you called it an overreaction. So you seem to think Manu has been fine at handling pressure/traps. Then you came up with every excuse in the world on why it's not on him (TP should handle the ball, that's why they brought in Beli, that's what Mills is for..)

[Otaku]

Spurs are fine, they will just play the last 4 minutes of the 4th quarter. That's enough to beat the Mavs. Don't need to waste energy.

:wakeup

[DPG21920]

I pointed it out when the Spurs signed Beli, before he played a single game. Guess it wasn't unexpected at all...

Everyone knew Beli was about the same as Neal at handling the ball. OK in a pinch, but not for playoffs.

[ElNono]

He has to be able to handle full court pressure, traps..ect..

No he doesn't.

[jARS mEsH sEt]

I pointed it out when the Spurs signed Beli, before he played a single game. Guess it wasn't unexpected at all...

lucky guess tbh :lol...

He never had that kind of role in Chicago. He was more of a curl off screens off-the-ball and shoot mid range jumpers kind of guy.

[Darius Bieber]

:lol rascal level takes
:lol you probably have a shitty life outside of watching basketball too

Nah, Aerospace Engineering student. Not bad at all. Also enjoy watching soccer as well as playing sports. Four year varsity basketball/football athlete in high school. I've actually had a good and blessed life.

[ElNono]

Everyone knew Beli was about the same as Neal at handling the ball. OK in a pinch, but not for playoffs.

Completely disagree. Neal could barely bring the ball up. Beli can pass.

[Mikeanaro]

Outside the Big 3...shame on you Spurs, TOSB saving the day.

[DPG21920]

No he doesn't.

:lol Ok.

[DPG21920]

Completely disagree. Neal could barely bring the ball up. Beli can pass.

Please show evidence of that. Beli is not an upgrade at all over Neal in the "PG" department.

[dbreiden83080]

Better to win an ugly one that Hand them a game. Need to be much sharper for game 2..

[Boomersgold]

Well, I am thinking down the road. TP can't do everything. Having multiple ball handlers is critical. He has to be able to handle pressure effectively or else he's no different from Mills/Beli or any other back up PG that can't really handle the ball that well in the playoffs.

All of Mills' high scoring games have come from him being the main ball handler, and him being in charge of running the offense. What we saw tonight was Bellineli and Mills camping out at the corner three whilst watching Manu over-dribbling the ball. You could tell that Mills was uncomfortable with not having the freedom the create his own shot. I wonder if this was something that Pop decided.

[ElNono]

lucky guess tbh :lol...

He never had that kind of role in Chicago. He was more of a curl off screens off-the-ball and shoot mid range jumpers kind of guy.

He always been a good passer, in NO, playing for Italy... he's more known for his wild range, but like every good European, he can pass and play the team game.

I doubt the Spurs thought that was "accidental"...

[Juggity]

:lol

:lol

[davidbowie]

gary is gonna lead the bobcats to the second round. MARK THE TAPE.

[LoneStarState'sPride]

3/17 from downtown is pathetic. So is getting outplayed by the Mavs' bench.

Clean it up in game 2, Spurs. Jesus.

[ElNono]

Please show evidence of that. Beli is not an upgrade at all over Neal in the "PG" department.

Beli posted a career high 179 assists with the Spurs this season. Neal's best assist season with the Spurs produced 129 assists.

Manu will still run the backup PG when Mills is struggling like tonight, but the Spurs will have more options when Manu becomes the focus of the other team's D... I thought that was the plan all along...

[Darius Bieber]

Even the Heat having troubles early to the Bobcats tbh

[DPG21920]

Beli posted a career high 179 assists with the Spurs this season. Neal's best assist season with the Spurs produced 129 assists.

Manu will still run the backup PG when Mills is struggling like tonight, but the Spurs will have more options when Manu becomes the focus of the other team's D... I thought that was the plan all along...

Number of assist doesn't make him a better ball handler. Especially when you factor in the fact TP missed more games this season than normal which equated to more opportunities. Beli is not an upgrade defensively (or it's negligible) or in the PG department.

[elemento]

It took one game to show that we still need old Timmy to get things done. He was great today, offensively and defensively. He is still our best player BY FAR.

Dallas defended the 3 very well today. Very difficult win, but I'll take it.

[ElNono]

Number of assist doesn't make him a better ball handler.

It makes him a better passer, which has been my argument all along. It's somebody you can give the ball to and make a sound decision without chucking a long shot. We have Mills for the long chuck.

[DPG21920]

Here's the basic question for Nono: Do you think Manu has handled traps/pressure well in the playoff environment in the past year or two?

[DPG21920]

It makes him a better passer, which has been my argument all along. It's somebody you can give the ball to and make a sound decision without chucking a long shot. We have Mills for the long chuck.

That doesn't help with the issue that caused Manu to have one of the worst playoff performances ever: lack of ball handling against pressure. If your argument is that even though Manu is paid to be that person and used to be able to do that, they brought in Mills/Beli to do that, the fact they can't doesn't make the situation better.

It's not an overreaction. It's a legit concern. Spurs almost won despite that, but it's an issue.

[ElNono]

Here's the basic question for Nono: Do you think Manu has handled traps/pressure well in the playoff environment in the past year or two?

I don't think he has against teams with dominant P&R defense, which are the minority and it's somewhat expected. He's not the devilish guy that could split screens anymore. In general, I think he's done an above average job.

But it's clear the Spurs can't rely on him to be the sole producer of game for the entire bench, thus bringing another guy that can pass and make plays makes sense. Diaw also helps on that department (despite his poor game today).

Some people will agree with this, some people might not. That's fine. Everybody is entitled to their opinion.

[ElNono]

That doesn't help with the issue that caused Manu to have one of the worst playoff performances ever: lack of ball handling against pressure.

Disagree, it does. Now you don't have to be stuck with Manu being the only guy that can drive and kick, or run a P&R with Tiago while everybody else stands around. Of course it helps.

[DPG21920]

No, because no one they brought in is any better. Not to mention they all won't be on the floor together.

[ElNono]

Disagree, and stated why. They were on the floor together today. Beli didn't play well, but that can change.

[BatManu20]

Let's hope so :tu

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[Aus10]

Coach Pop with Craig Sager Jr.:toast

http://www.nba.com/video/channels/tnt_overtime/2014/04/20/20140420-popovich-craig-sager-jr-interview.nba/

[Arcadian]

Rick Carlisle on Duncan: "He's one of the ten greatest to ever play, along with Nowitzki."

The first part is true...second part not so much :lol

[Reck]

Game 1, check.

Closer than I wanted it to be but them guys got it done today. :clap

[SupremeGuy]

457958619644837889That's good stuff right there. Can't wait for Craig to be back on the sidelines, tbh.

[G-Dawgg]

The Spurs bench and roleplayers can't disappear in the playoffs like they did today... teams like OKC, Portland and Houston will be more than happy to murder us if we pull this kind of shit against them... in fact we would have lost this game if Dirk shot 50%... I think we were lucky to steal this game. We were trailing by double digits and were behind for most of the game... wake up call for the Spurs. Hello Green, Diaw, Mills and Belinelli the playoffs are here.

[RD2191]

The Spurs bench and roleplayers can't disappear in the playoffs like they did today... teams like OKC, Portland and Houston will be more than happy to murder us if we pull this kind of shit against them... in fact we would have lost this game if Dirk shot 50%... I think we were lucky to steal this game. We were trailing by double digits and were behind for most of the game... wake up call for the Spurs. Hello Green, Diaw, Mills and Belinelli the playoffs are here.

[TampaDude]

Coach Pop with Craig Sager Jr.:toast

http://www.nba.com/video/channels/tnt_overtime/2014/04/20/20140420-popovich-craig-sager-jr-interview.nba/

Highlight of the game. Pop = CLASS :hat

GO SPURS GO!!!!!

[TampaDude]

The Spurs bench and roleplayers can't disappear in the playoffs like they did today... teams like OKC, Portland and Houston will be more than happy to murder us if we pull this kind of shit against them... in fact we would have lost this game if Dirk shot 50%... I think we were lucky to steal this game. We were trailing by double digits and were behind for most of the game... wake up call for the Spurs. Hello Green, Diaw, Mills and Belinelli the playoffs are here.

Yup...hopefully it was just a bit of rust, and the Spurs will come out gunning in Game 2.

GO SPURS GO!!!!!

[Sean Cagney]

Highlight of the game. Pop = CLASS :hat

GO SPURS GO!!!!!

YES, they went on bigtime run after that interview but man that was great.

[ace3g]

https://s1.yimg.com/sr/img/1/1411c13d-3bbc-3097-a194-8103e9d1310b

https://s1.yimg.com/sr/img/1/d18902b6-9a3c-37c2-9f47-66471a6136f2

https://s2.yimg.com/sr/img/1/09c1115a-5342-3019-b761-044bb00ebb25

[spurs10]

Great photos Senor Sir Acelot!!

[ace3g]

http://media.kens5.com/images/20140420G1_Spurs_Mavs_35.JPG

http://media.kens5.com/images/20140420G1_Spurs_Mavs_17.JPG

[ace3g]

http://ww3.hdnux.com/photos/27/47/54/6191910/3/960x540.jpg

http://ww3.hdnux.com/photos/27/47/54/6191894/3/960x540.jpg

[heyheymymy]

nice pics ace. now, where is flashzo, i think it was? with the cool sketched effect photographs?

[mclinejr]

I'm hoping Portland and Houston give each other a good beating.

[TampaDude]

http://ww3.hdnux.com/photos/27/47/54/6191894/3/960x540.jpg
Timmy, you're my BFF! :lol