Worst thing that ever happend to SA was the media love for Pop

[Spurs21Fan4Ever]

Pop is one of the best basketball minds of all time. We know that, the media knows that, players know that, but unfortunately, Pop knows that too, and that goes straight to his arrogant head. Tonight, along with game 6 of the Finals, are prime examples of how arrogant he is. Unfortunately, Pop doesn't trust his players anymore, he only trusts himself. He sees himself as the mastermind behind all of the success for SA, and therefor he overthinks constantly with the lineups that he uses. Someone needs to tell Pop that if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Tonight, Green was on fire, he shot great, looked good on offense, and he can shut Ellis down, and Ellis has been the key for the success Dallas has had this series. Also, while Duncan wasn't as good as he can be on defense, he still rebounded well and looked very good on offense. Finally, Splitter has been the best player on this team this series. Shocking, and weird, but its' true. His pick and roll defense was perfect and he was making his free throws, drawing fouls, and scoring. You could say that Dirk scored on him, but Dirk was making those shots over anyone tonight.

These three players played great. However, because Pop overthought and doesn't trust his players, these three did not have near as many minutes as they should've had, especially in the fourth quarter. Instead, Pop decided to run everything through Parker and Ginobili in the fourth quarter, and those players were awful tonight. Parker and Ginobili combined for 11-31, with Ginobili going 1-8 and Parker going 10-23. Green, Splitter, and Duncan were a combined 18-23 with Duncan going 7-9, Splitter going 4-7, and Green going for a perfect 7-7. Now I know Ginobili and Parker are to blame, Parker plays too much heroball, and Ginobili was just plain awful tonight with poor shot selection and constant dumb decision making. However, any coach should see when a player like Ginobili is having an off-night, and should defer to the player who has been shooting great, because, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Green, who was on fire, hardly saw the floor on the fourth quarter. Hell, Errors might have seen more playing time in the fourth quarter. Now who was the anchor for the Dallas run that gave them the win? Monta Ellis. And not surprisingly, his points came while Green was NOT guarding him. Everyone who has watched this series know how much Dallas relies on Ellis. But for some reason, Pop chose not to put the best defender on Ellis on the floor when it matters most, in the biggest game of the season. He chose instead to have Ginobili who Ellis constantly flew by and was no help to the team on offense. Like I said earlier, if it ain't broke don't fix it, but Pop doesn't trust his players, he only trusts himself. He thinks he has more control than his players, and that results in horrible rotations when the fact is, the hot players who have been playing the best should be in, especially for the crucial moments.

The same goes with Splitter, he played great, but got benched in favor of Errors and Diaw in the fourth quarter. We built a 7 point lead off of him with great ball movement and post play, but Pop had to try and be the amazing mastermind and overthink the situation, and like Green, sat him at a horrible time. Immediately that 7 point lead went away while Dallas built an 8 point lead that sealed the deal, and I can guarantee that run would not have happened and SA would've won if Pop kept the lineup as Parker-Green-Leonard-Duncan-Splitter for the final 7 minutes of the fourth quarter.

I'm not trying to completely discredit what Pop has done for SA. He's an amazing basketball mind, but ever since this arrogance has come from him, I just don't think he's an amazing coach like he used to be. He did prevent Duncan from getting a thumb ring.

[HI-FI]

has Pop always benched players when they start getting hot or is that a recent thing with him?

[Spurs21Fan4Ever]

has Pop always benched players when they start getting hot or is that a recent thing with him?

Good question, I can't answer that, but to me, it feels like he's done it more often these last couple of years. Taking Duncan out last year in game 6 of the Finals is a prime example, I can't imagine him ever doing that before 2012.

[ElNono]

has Pop always benched players when they start getting hot or is that a recent thing with him?

He's always done it... it was just different when the "hot hand" was your franchise player and he was 30 years old...

I wouldn't worry too much about Pop, I suspect he won't be around for much longer after TD retires... could be wrong though...

[xtremesteven33]

Totally agree with the over-thinking part. Ive constantly said that Pop tends to out coach himself . Not in every case but for the most part he has a tendency to not let things be. Hes always preparing for the worst or the inevitable . As great as he has been since his tenure in San Antonio and has sealed his ticket to the hall of fame already. I do agree that he may not totally trust his players. Not for the wrong reasons though. He is fully aware of the minutes he has to constantly juggle and prepare for the future as well.

Spurs dont have the luxury anymore of having a prime trio of all stars anymore. They rely heavily more than ever on their overachieving role players, and thats exactly what they are. (some not overachieving). Pop rather trust that Manu can still win big games for us and its obvious he can't perform this regularly as he used to.

[silverblk mystix]

Pop happened ..... again....

[Spurs21Fan4Ever]

Totally agree with the over-thinking part. Ive constantly said that Pop tends to out coach himself . Not in every case but for the most part he has a tendency to not let things be. Hes always preparing for the worst or the inevitable . As great as he has been since his tenure in San Antonio and has sealed his ticket to the hall of fame already. I do agree that he may not totally trust his players. Not for the wrong reasons though. He is fully aware of the minutes he has to constantly juggle and prepare for the future as well.

Spurs dont have the luxury anymore of having a prime trio of all stars anymore. They rely heavily more than ever on their overachieving role players, and thats exactly what they are. (some not overachieving). Pop rather trust that Manu can still win big games for us and its obvious he can't perform this regularly as he used to.
I just personally can't stand coaches who try to control the game too much, and Pop has done that so much lately.

[Shastafarian]

Carlisle has been outcoaching Pop since Game 1. Would enjoy him as a Spurs coach in the future if Cuban gets tired of him.

[Expert]

You guys need to realize that NBA coaches are paid to make money for the franchise, and getting another full game in SA is worth upwards of 100m dollars in total revenue. If the move means you don't make the next series, it's a risk that Pop was willing to make. Spurs lost a lot of potential earnings last year with two series sweeps. The Finals was a big payout, which is why it went seven games and why Pop benched Tim in a crucial moment (and Tony in another).

Also, Pop and Tony think a lot alike. Tony knows that Tim and Manu will be forever cemented with him in his legacy, and Pop knows this as well. Pop couldn't care less about the role guys, hot or not, Pop is going to put the big 3 on the screen so that fans get what they paid to see, and so that these three corporate knowledge folks get the lion's share of the spotlight. It's been all downhill since 2007. Last year was an anomaly due to injury, but this downhill run is the "collect HOF points" run for these guys. We know most of the 3 are locks, and so is Pop. The rest of the guys are just come and go pieces.

[TheGoldStandard]

Parker had to be in there, without someone who can create the team is pretty helpless but the Spurs got away from the ball movement that allowed guys like Green to go off in the 1st and dumping the ball into Tim on the mismatch or the switch. Manu was pure garbage last night and he kept trying to force up 3's that he had no business shooting it wasn't until after he scrubbed away 3 of those shots that he attacked and went to the line. I don't know why Pop is concerned with minutes, he coddles his players all season to play them extended minutes in the playoffs but they're not that far off what his regular season minutes are.

When you have Prime Tim Duncan it really doesn't take a genius to call 4 down almost every time down on offense. When you have a PG that can torch 70% of the league it doesn't take a genius to get the ball into his hands and have him create. Since 2007 four other coaches have taken teams to the finals and won and outside of Phil nobody would call those guys geniuses. Regular season success means very little as long as you make it to the playoffs you have a shot. "But we've won a lot of playoff games, we compete" There are a lot of teams that make it to the playoffs and don't win so what's the point. When you have great players you expect title runs, there are expectations and Pop and the front office have gone out of there way to screw the pooch time and time again.

[therealtruth]

The problem is Pop has no accountability and pressure to improve. That in addition to his regular season success makes him untouchable and that why's thing like game 6 happen. The players should have no problem calling Pop out in private if they think his decisions don't make sense. He's no infallible.

[TheGoldStandard]

Spurs players have been conditioned to stick with the script, they won't question him. If you do you end up getting shipped out

[superjames1992]

You guys need to realize that NBA coaches are paid to make money for the franchise, and getting another full game in SA is worth upwards of 100m dollars in total revenue. If the move means you don't make the next series, it's a risk that Pop was willing to make. Spurs lost a lot of potential earnings last year with two series sweeps. The Finals was a big payout, which is why it went seven games and why Pop benched Tim in a crucial moment (and Tony in another).

Also, Pop and Tony think a lot alike. Tony knows that Tim and Manu will be forever cemented with him in his legacy, and Pop knows this as well. Pop couldn't care less about the role guys, hot or not, Pop is going to put the big 3 on the screen so that fans get what they paid to see, and so that these three corporate knowledge folks get the lion's share of the spotlight. It's been all downhill since 2007. Last year was an anomaly due to injury, but this downhill run is the "collect HOF points" run for these guys. We know most of the 3 are locks, and so is Pop. The rest of the guys are just come and go pieces.

:lol

[Expert]

Parker had to be in there, without someone who can create the team is pretty helpless but the Spurs got away from the ball movement that allowed guys like Green to go off in the 1st and dumping the ball into Tim on the mismatch or the switch. Manu was pure garbage last night and he kept trying to force up 3's that he had no business shooting it wasn't until after he scrubbed away 3 of those shots that he attacked and went to the line. I don't know why Pop is concerned with minutes, he coddles his players all season to play them extended minutes in the playoffs but they're not that far off what his regular season minutes are.

When you have Prime Tim Duncan it really doesn't take a genius to call 4 down almost every time down on offense. When you have a PG that can torch 70% of the league it doesn't take a genius to get the ball into his hands and have him create. Since 2007 four other coaches have taken teams to the finals and won and outside of Phil nobody would call those guys geniuses. Regular season success means very little as long as you make it to the playoffs you have a shot. "But we've won a lot of playoff games, we compete" There are a lot of teams that make it to the playoffs and don't win so what's the point. When you have great players you expect title runs, there are expectations and Pop and the front office have gone out of there way to screw the pooch time and time again.

Spurs scored 111 points in regulation. That doesn't indicate a problem with generating offense. Letting the Mav's midget get to the rim time and again in the 1st quarter isn't a problem with the Spurs offense.

[Spurs21Fan4Ever]

Spurs scored 111 points in regulation. That doesn't indicate a problem with generating offense. Letting the Mav's midget get to the rim time and again in the 1st quarter isn't a problem with the Spurs offense.
And allowing Ellis to lead a big run in the 4th was frustrating when we had a player sitting on the bench that could've prevented it.

[wildbill2u]

"Splitter, he played great, but got benched in favor of Errors and Diaw in the fourth quarter."

If I remember correctly, Splitter picked up his 5th foul. A smart team like Dallas is going to go right at him so he has to foul again or let them score. Not a good choice if you can bring in Diaw. Same reason he had to take Duncan out. In a close game you can't have a guy playing with one hand tied behind him because of fouls if you have someone else. Diaw has been very good in this series on offense and defense so I can't second guess Pop too much.

I kind of agree with you about Green; however, when I checked on his minutes he was just under 30 for the game so it wasn't as bad as I thought. But since he hardly scored after the 1st period, it indicates he wasn't ballin' much during the other minutes he got later.

[Spurs21Fan4Ever]

"Splitter, he played great, but got benched in favor of Errors and Diaw in the fourth quarter."

If I remember correctly, Splitter picked up his 5th foul. A smart team like Dallas is going to go right at him so he has to foul again or let them score. Not a good choice if you can bring in Diaw. Same reason he had to take Duncan out. In a close game you can't have a guy playing with one hand tied behind him because of fouls if you have someone else. Diaw has been very good in this series on offense and defense so I can't second guess Pop too much.

I kind of agree with you about Green; however, when I checked on his minutes he was just under 30 for the game so it wasn't as bad as I thought. But since he hardly scored after the 1st period, it indicates he wasn't ballin' much during the other minutes he got later.
First, Splitter finished the game with only 2 fouls.

second, Green wasn't scoring because he wasn't getting the shots. He finished 7-7, I never saw a time where he cooled off, Pop ruined his great shooting night.

[Malik Hairston]

Popovich is the star of the Spurs, tbh, the media has created an aura and mystique about him, because the Spurs don't have another marketable star..

Duncan wasn't interested in the spotlight, and Tony/Manu are international players that would never have the same appeal in America, tbh..Pop's interviews, along with the Spurs' success, has made him a star and the primary figure for the Spurs, mainly due to these factors, tbh..

[Spurs21Fan4Ever]

Popovich is the star of the Spurs, tbh, the media has created an aura and mystique about him, because the Spurs don't have another marketable star..

Duncan wasn't interested in the spotlight, and Tony/Manu are international players that would never have the same appeal in America, tbh..Pop's interviews, along with the Spurs' success, has made him a star and the primary figure for the Spurs, mainly due to these factors, tbh..
Yes he's the media star but he's not the real star. Duncan made Pop along with Ginobili and Parker, I guess I'm getting a sour taste in my mouth regarding Pop because he's been tarnishing the legacy of Duncan, the guy that made San Antonio the franchise that it is.

[jag]

You guys need to realize that NBA coaches are paid to make money for the franchise, and getting another full game in SA is worth upwards of 100m dollars in total revenue. If the move means you don't make the next series, it's a risk that Pop was willing to make. Spurs lost a lot of potential earnings last year with two series sweeps. The Finals was a big payout, which is why it went seven games and why Pop benched Tim in a crucial moment (and Tony in another).



:lmao

[therealtruth]

"Splitter, he played great, but got benched in favor of Errors and Diaw in the fourth quarter."

If I remember correctly, Splitter picked up his 5th foul. A smart team like Dallas is going to go right at him so he has to foul again or let them score. Not a good choice if you can bring in Diaw. Same reason he had to take Duncan out. In a close game you can't have a guy playing with one hand tied behind him because of fouls if you have someone else. Diaw has been very good in this series on offense and defense so I can't second guess Pop too much.

I kind of agree with you about Green; however, when I checked on his minutes he was just under 30 for the game so it wasn't as bad as I thought. But since he hardly scored after the 1st period, it indicates he wasn't ballin' much during the other minutes he got later.

If you listened to Pop's interview it was because Splitter was dog tired.

[Arc]

If you listened to Pop's interview it was because Splitter was dog tired.

i guess playing guys under 30mins a game has its disadvantages when you get to the playoffs and need them to play 35+

[ElNono]

Meh.... Pop is a great coach... worst thing that happened to SA is that father time is undefeated...

[jimbo]

If you listened to Pop's interview it was because Splitter was dog tired.

That's what I thought just looking at him. He was a focal point of the offense along with playing defense on Dirk all game long, that has to get you tired--especially when you're not used to it. Before he was pulled he was leading the Spurs in minutes played. That has to be a first, I can't think of another time that's happened.

[therealtruth]

i guess playing guys under 30mins a game has its disadvantages when you get to the playoffs and need them to play 35+

Exactly. People like it means the Spurs will have more energy now. I don't think that's the case at all. The guys need to get used to play playoff minutes during the season.