Diminished expectations

[Rummpd]

I went into this season with blinders on, thinking that with the depth of the Spurs and three new players hungry to win a championship plus an athletic Nazr back for his first full year, Spurs would be close to unbeatable. When I saw them blow out Denver and Golden State early in the season and a more mobile Duncan hitting FTs with ease and Parker playing consistently, well like Parker, - I thought this was perception was going to be validated.

Now I am not losing it like others or giving up, but reality has sent in, the Spurs are a very good team but are not showing enough signs to me they want it bad enough to defend their championship, much less become the dynasty I predicted.

Sigh but they still are my team for whatever happens down the road.

[Extra Stout]

I went into last night's game thinking they were way overdue for a loss. They haven't played nearly as well as their record would indicate.

Spurs fans still get way too bent out of shape about wins and losses night in and night out. If a team goes 60-22, that means they have to lose once for every three times they win.

[Rummpd]

I agree but rarely in the past three weeks have we seen the Spurs play either lock down defense or swing the ball around the horn as well as they did last year in the early stretch. I am going to give them a pass somewhat as I think Manu is so essential to the team but one Finley has stepped in admirably so far for him.

I am most concerned about a lack of a killer instinct - teams like NOK should have been put away early.

I fully expect this team got a lashing by Pop last night - the amount of turnovers showed a lack of mental toughness period.

Spurs need to stop sleepwalking Dallas is right behind them and I do not want Spurs in the playoffs as a 4 seed.

[bigzak25]

just remember this....S-P-A-M. :tu

[Notorious H.O.P.]

The Spurs traditionally have problems getting it up for lesser teams (especially earlier in the season) and that hasn't changed no matter how many championships we have. Luckily these younger, more athletic and physical teams don't make it into the playoffs too often or we might have more to worry about than an early season loss to a scrub team. I'll chalk it up to selective focus during the long regular season and hope that SPAM comes into full effect as we roll into the playoffs.

[Supergirl]

I went into last night's game thinking they were way overdue for a loss. They haven't played nearly as well as their record would indicate.


This is so true. They have a great record, but they've played some close games that shouldn't have been so close - like the recent Kings game AT HOME.

If anything, Spurs have shown that they can fight through games where they aren't shooting well, and find ways to win. But on a back to back, they just run out of gas, usually in the 4th quarter.

But it's better to play conservatively and take a few losses now than to play too recklessly and get seriously hurt...(unless of course you're Manu, and you don't know how to play any other way).

[Oh, Gee!!]

I went into this season with blinders on, thinking that with the depth of the Spurs and three new players hungry to win a championship plus an athletic Nazr back for his first full year, Spurs would be close to unbeatable. When I saw them blow out Denver and Golden State early in the season and a more mobile Duncan hitting FTs with ease and Parker playing consistently, well like Parker, - I thought this was perception was going to be validated.

Now I am not losing it like others or giving up, but reality has sent in, the Spurs are a very good team but are not showing enough signs to me they want it bad enough to defend their championship, much less become the dynasty I predicted.

Sigh but they still are my team for whatever happens down the road.

that's because you're a homer

[smeagol]

just remember this....S-P-A-M. :tu
People overlook, as Zak points out, the fact the Spurs starting clicking after the ASG.

Dude, you owe me an answer on the other forum :spin

[DesiSpur_21]

December fever has really set in for (some) spurs fans :spin
...and looks like it's gonna continue till the all-star break

[JamStone]

For some perspective, last year, the Detroit Pistons lost early in the season to teams like Toronto, Utah, Atlanta, and Charlotte. Pistons fans were down about some of those losses, but there was often rationalization because of "championship hangover." Rasheed Wallace came into the season overweight and unconditioned. To a certain extent, Ben and Tayshaun were still fatigued from the long minutes. And, losing a few key bench players, the team was not ready every single night. And, then Ben Wallace was suspended for a few games. Despite those early disappointing losses, the Pistons found themselves in game 7 of the NBA finals.

Similarly, San Antonio has been missing a few pieces on early with Ginobili's injury, and TD's been slowed down also by injury. Only Tony Parker has appeared really fresh and rejuvenated over a summer of celebrating.

Take it for what it's worth. And, you can still be disappointed. But, at the end of the day, the Spurs still have the best record in the West, the second best record in the league, and the season will still be judged on how the team does in the post season.

That's just a little perspective from a Pistons fan's point of view.

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

Jamstone might be on to something there. For as disconcerting as the play is right now the Spurs have beaten some quality opponents along the way and looked pretty sharp in the process. I was suprised to see that most of Pop's postgames comments were in praise of the Hornets (and rightfully so) instead of calling his team out. The Spurs will be fine. This reminds me of the early season road trip last year where the Spurs lost to the Celtics and the Raptors back to back. They'll bounce back. I won't hold it against anyone who isn't happy with their play thus far, but some folks need to come down off the ledge.

[ChumpDumper]

that the second unit would beat any other starting 5 unit in the NBAlink or STFU.

[Marcus Bryant]

The basic problem is that Spurs fans entered this season with unrealistic expectations. If you were expecting a 75-7 record, then yeah, it's time to for an adjustment in your expectations. The Spurs aren't to blame for that.

[ChumpDumper]

I don't have a linkTypical.

You know what the other choice is then.

[Brutalis]

lamo @ this thread

[Vingianx]

They are a bit hungover like the pistons were last season...I just hope they don't lose in the Finals like they did....and no i'm not saying they are a mirror image of that piston squad...because the spurs are way better.....

[tim_duncan_fan]

because the spurs are way better.....
they're not showing it

[101A]

This reminds me of the early season road trip last year where the Spurs lost to the Celtics...

That seems to be the one team, unfortunately for them, Tim never lets down against. The Spurs have not lost to the Celtics in forever.

[boutons]

The lottery losses last autumn were @TOR (up by 20 to start the 4th, Spurs lose) and @Orlando.

[Rummpd]

When I say diminished expectations I mean that, I applaud the 19-5 record but the fact is that the Spurs have not played as well as last year early, despite the record. Last year I saw games where the Spurs looked incredible, before Duncan got hurt, and so far, I have not seen it. Now injuries may be or may not be a valid excuse but the fact is even with Manu out
I expected more easy wins, more mental toughess, more "something" and I am not seeing it.

Past results, i.e, this is just the Spurs way, don't always predict success and the Spurs should be working in my opinion on trying to leave the Mavs in the dust and striving for get the best possible record from the get go as there are several other strong teams out there - and home court in the playoff could well be huge.

The Lakers always thought they could turn it on an it haunted them two years in a row - Spurs need to really step it up to live up to what I expected = a dominant team that teams are afraid to play, instead they seem to relish stepping on the court with them.

[Extra Stout]

When I say diminished expectations I mean that, I applaud the 19-5 record but the fact is that the Spurs have not played as well as last year early, despite the record. Last year I saw games where the Spurs looked incredible, before Duncan got hurt, and so far, I have not seen it.
You're right. The Spurs have not been the juggernaut they were the first 49 games of last season.

However, the Spurs won the championship without ever returning to that form.

This season, I would rather they peak in June than January.

[Extra Stout]

Spurs need to really step it up to live up to what I expected = a dominant team that teams are afraid to play, instead they seem to relish stepping on the court with them.
That fear doesn't emerge until the playoffs.

[leemajors]

The basic problem is that Spurs fans entered this season with unrealistic expectations. If you were expecting a 75-7 record, then yeah, it's time to for an adjustment in your expectations. The Spurs aren't to blame for that.

i feel so weird, but yes... i agree with marcus. again, when was the last time the team with the best regular season record won the finals?

[boutons]

"the best regular season record won the finals?"

this is a weird year.
Only Spurs and Pistons are in the running, far out distancing the next teams in each conference.

It's all about Finals HCA between those two, not about best overall record.

[Extra Stout]

"the best regular season record won the finals?"

this is a weird year.
Only Spurs and Pistons are in the running, far out distancing the next teams in each conference.

It's all about Finals HCA between those two, not about best overall record.
And we're complaining because a Spurs team whose two best players are banged up is all of a game and a half behind a healthy Pistons team, with four months left to play?

We're complaining about a season where a Finals berth is all but a foregone conclusion?

Y'know, all those $100 bills stuffed in my wallet are making my butt sore.

[FromWayDowntown]

Y'know, all those $100 bills stuffed in my wallet are making my butt sore.

My supermodel wife has a pimple.

[slayermin]

Chaulk up last nights loss to the Katrina factor. After the game, there was too much love going around, imo. Pop greeting Byron Scott. Parker and Chris Paul being chums. It seemed like the Spurs were happy to lose the game.

WTF?!?

Merry Christmas, NOK Hornets.

[myhc]

nice perspective from the pistons fan. i was disappointed with the loss but i realize a whole range of factors are involved here.

1. no manu-finley is doing an admirable job but manu brings that killer instinct that we're lacking right now
2. early in the season-everybody knows we have our lulls, as long as we're peaking late in the season, i'm ok
3. we're getting every teams best shot. let's face it, for teams like the hornets and hawks, this is THEIR championship game
4. tim-doesn't he also normally start slow and pick up speed as the season progresses?
5. team chemistry-mike and nick still getting used to the team

yes, the loss to the hawks and hornets was disappointing. but does that mean that lack of killer instinct in december is indicative of their desires for another championsip? doesn't make much sense to me. now if we're playing like this in april, i'll be more worried. but for now, my approach is win or lose, move on to the next game because April can't get here fast enough.

[Supergirl]

Spurs always start slow in the Duncan era. He's always been slow in the early half of the season but he always comes on stronger. Spurs are finding ways to win games when they're not playing well - that should scare the rest of the league.

[Rummpd]

Those of you that think only the Pistons and Spurs are the only teams in the running for the best record in the conference are sorely mistaken. That might be true in the East but is simply wrong in the West. Dallas is one loss behind the Spurs and right now is probably playing better basketball - in fact, Stein rated them number 2 today in his NBA rankings (for what that is worth).

[Extra Stout]

Dallas? You're worried about Dallas?

[Rummpd]

Dallas could take the Division, take off the blinders, now if Spurs play to potential it will not happen!

However, Dallas could well be a 58-62 win team based on early play and remember they have not had their full squad play. Spurs have the potential to exceed that if they start playing like they have the full potential to play and benefit as they play Dallas their last two games at home - they should win it, but to say they will is simply not assured based on some of Spurs recent play.

If not, Dallas picks up the probable 1 seed and the Spurs are 4th. Spurs stilll have the ability too win it all, but it will not be an easy ride.

[Sii]

what a dumbass thread. Its december and the Spurs are a few games off the best record in the league. Get back to me in April and March and we will see what this team has. I cant belive the amount of freaking over last nights games...and now expectations for the season need to be lowered? please.

[Extra Stout]

Dallas could take the Division, take off the blinders, now if Spurs play to potential it will not happen!
Who cares if they take the division? Are you expecting Memphis or the Clippers as a #5 seed to knock off the Spurs in the first round? Do you genuinely think Dallas can beat the Spurs in a playoff series?

If the Spurs are playing their best game going into the playoffs, it doesn't matter what the seeds are.

[boutons]

This could have been a special season, where the Spurs repeat as Champs, while exorcising their perennial demons of playing down to and losing to lottery teams, giving themselves and their fans a special, dominant season to remember, maybe 65 Ws. Bring it every game, like the Pistons are doing now, like Phx did last year, achieve some consistency for just one season. But no, same old Spurs, playing badly and giving away to games to lottery teams.

So they win again next June, BFD.
They're supposed to win next June. :)

"diminished expectations" is a good thread title. :)

We now return you to regularly diminished Spurs season. :)

[Rummpd]

Listen I have been a Spurs fan as long as anybody and am not freaking out simply about last nights play, I am just saying they are not playing as well as expected, despite an impressive record, and that for all of you that don't believe Dallas is a legit threat - have simply not been watching them play. Right now there is no reason to think they fear either the Spurs or the Pistons.

Would they beat the Spurs in a playoff series if they had home court? Unlikely but to dismiss it from the realm of plausibility is inane.

[Sii]

Dallas is no real threat. sorry

[dbreiden83080]

Now I am not losing it like others or giving up, but reality has sent in, the Spurs are a very good team but are not showing enough signs to me they want it bad enough to defend their championship, much less become the dynasty I predicted.

Sigh but they still are my team for whatever happens down the road.

I think expectations are always too high when you are talking about a team like the spurs with so many players in their primes and the depth that they have at so many spots. The reality is their record is really good when you consider Manu has not been healthy at any point yet this year. You know everyone remembers the great Bulls team of 96 that won 72 games. However the regular season records of the other 5 title Bull teams was very often not the best in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls beat teams like the Knicks and the Pacers many times without the home court advantage. All to me that matters is that they get through this season and head to the playoffs healthy and ready to defend their title. In a 7 game series if we are healthy can anyone in the west beat us, i don't think so. Dallas is good but they are not ready for that championship level yet. As far as the finals goes yeah the Pistons scare me but we will worry about that when we get there, it's a long year just hang in there.

[Kong]

Actually, I always thought it was the Rodeo Road Trip that more or less solidified the team, since we've had several undefeated months of March in years past. We're not playing our best defense right now, and I still don't think we've jelled as a team. Let's get everybody healthy...if possible.