ball movement noticeably snappier

[boutons]

So far, I've noticed a lot snappier passing the ball in half-court offense vs last year (as well as pushing the ball up the court very well). Tim mentioned "moving the ball real well" in a post-game interview.

That's one behavior that doesn't show up in any metrics, afaik. But it's a "vital sign" indicating very good health, dynamic team play, movement off the ball to get open, esp so early in the season.

Crisper passing means passing lanes are harder to cut off, and defensive adjustments and rotations have to quicker and more accurate.

Another sign of team play is that avg AST/G are +1 vs all of last season, again very good to see so early (while opp avg AST/G are way down). Spurs seem to be in sync.

Still very early days, but lookin good...

[exstatic]

Main Entry: con·ti·nu·i·ty
Pronunciation: "kän-t&n-'ü-&-tE, -'yü-
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -ties
1 a : uninterrupted connection, succession, or union b : uninterrupted duration or continuation especially without essential change
2 : something that has, exhibits, or provides continuity: as a : a script or scenario in the performing arts b : transitional spoken or musical matter especially for a radio or television program c : the story and dialogue of a comic strip
3 : the property of being mathematically continuous

[timvp]

So far, I've noticed a lot snappier passing the ball in half-court offense vs last year (as well as pushing the ball up the court very well). Tim mentioned "moving the ball real well" in a post-game interview.

That's one behavior that doesn't show up in any metrics, afaik. But it's a "vital sign" indicating very good health, dynamic team play, movement off the ball to get open, esp so early in the season.

Crisper passing means passing lanes are harder to cut off, and defensive adjustments and rotations have to quicker and more accurate.

Another sign of team play is that avg AST/G are +1 vs all of last season, again very good to see so early (while opp avg AST/G are way down). Spurs seem to be in sync.

Still very early days, but lookin good...

Nice post.

This will be key for the Spurs this year. With Manu, Parker, Barry and Beno ... the Spurs have four above average passers on their team. They must be sure to utilize this advantage against other teams.

[slayermin]

The Spurs version of the Globetrotters:

Duncan
Horry
Barry
Manu
Beno

I would say the above five players are the best passing group, though Horry has a few deficiencies at the four.