Dirty Spurs

[Ghost Writer]

Um, anyone besides me like that the Suns are crying that the Spurs play "dirty"?

I have passed on trying to defend or deny the anti-Spurs sentiment.

I am actually embracing it.

The Spurs team have been labelled boring and soft for years.

I thank the Suns for putting a name to the Spurs' tough defense.

It's given this particular group of Spurs veterans an identity.

It's an edge, I think.

The fans are taunting Amare Stoudamire, the biggest Spurs critic, with "Dirty, Dirty."

The fans should increase the chant and make it a ralying cry!

Bowen is emerging as sort of an anti-hero in these playoffs.

Whether it is real or imagined, the mystique that Bowen will try to hurt you has got to play psychologically on the opponents' minds?




I dig the whole "Dirty," thing. To me, it saying that the Spurs play physical defense to the point where an opposing players has to call it "unfair."




You wanna call the Spurs "dirty"?

Cool.




:cooldevil

[timvp]

Dirty > Soft

Undoubtedly.

[Kori Ellis]

I think it's awesome.

The Spurs obviously have the Suns rattled as evidenced in the postgame. D'Antoni was whining at how rough the series is and crumpling up his paper as an act of defiance, while Duncan was laughing out loud at the thought of this series being physical.

Edge Spurs.

[jmard5]

Yup. No problem. We are there along with the Pistons of the 80s!

[GrandeDavid]

As long as we get the win tonight, you can call the Spurs anything you want and I won't care. Just win, baby.

[Ghost Writer]

What are your thoughts on the temperment of the Spurs as a team?

I may not be as close to the fire, but I have picked up on a distinct difference in how these guys are carrying themselves on the floor and in interviews, etc.

I alluded to this swagger in my other thread, but was wondering what y'all thought.

Everytime Parker answers a question, he almost has a Frenchie arrogance, like "Oh, well, we're the Spurs... we play harder."

Duncan had that whole altercation with Joey Crawford, which even though Crawford was wrong, I was stunned to see Duncan laughing at him and carrying on.

Big Shot Rob (that's right, he said R-ob), is playing it cool in his swan song.

Ginobili got popped in the eye and was yelling to hurry up to get him back into Game 3.

And this series has turned into the Dirty Bowen Show.

I can't put my finger on it, but these guys all seem to be edgier.

It's like they either feel disrespected or p1ssed off about last playoffs.

Either way, I like the fire and determination.

It's fun to watch and I think the extra effort is making up for a little lack of athleticism.



Have you noticed a subtle change in the Spurs attitude?


:cooldevil

[Sec24Row7]

I thought we lost the "Soft" label 3 championships ago...

[Kori Ellis]

Have you noticed a subtle change in the Spurs attitude?


:cooldevil

Yes.

They didn't like being dismissed by the Mavericks last year at all and I think they are very focused on the mission.

[GrandeDavid]

Ghost, nice to have you back!

[Budkin]

Dirty > Soft

Undoubtedly.

So true. It was rough watching the Spurs go through the "soft" years...

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

It kind of bugs me when the national media tries to hang that label on them. I love it when the opponent does it, because they are essentially announcing, "We're looking to the refs for help instead of ourselves," and that kind of attitude will kill you quick. I don't think D'Antoni has the Phil Jackson kind of pull with the refs.

[thispego]

What are your thoughts on the temperment of the Spurs as a team?

I may not be as close to the fire, but I have picked up on a distinct difference in how these guys are carrying themselves on the floor and in interviews, etc.

I alluded to this swagger in my other thread, but was wondering what y'all thought.

Everytime Parker answers a question, he almost has a Frenchie arrogance, like "Oh, well, we're the Spurs... we play harder."

Duncan had that whole altercation with Joey Crawford, which even though Crawford was wrong, I was stunned to see Duncan laughing at him and carrying on.

Big Shot Rob (that's right, he said R-ob), is playing it cool in his swan song.

Ginobili got popped in the eye and was yelling to hurry up to get him back into Game 3.

And this series has turned into the Dirty Bowen Show.

I can't put my finger on it, but these guys all seem to be edgier.

It's like they either feel disrespected or p1ssed off about last playoffs.

Either way, I like the fire and determination.

It's fun to watch and I think the extra effort is making up for a little lack of athleticism.



Have you noticed a subtle change in the Spurs attitude?


:cooldevil
good post and great points :tu

I havent had this much fun watching playoff basketball in a while!! :clap

[samikeyp]

Dirty > Soft

Undoubtedly.

Agreed.



You know its serious for GW to show up.

Good to see you brother.

[Soul_Patch]

I fucking love it. I love every second of it.


These guys are so in the Suns head that a minute cant go by without someone else making some comment or them being frustrated enough to throw a fit at the media stand.


Finally the spurs have something to stand behind. Play hard, rattle their cage, and let the chips fall where they may.

Whine about rough play all you want, the officials and NBA obviously dont see it that way. Time to sack up and adjust, which, for most teams will mean their downfall as i dont see a team playing harder than these spurs this post season.

[Obstructed_View]

The Bowen flagrant upgrade ends up looking like a message to the Suns from the NBA: "Here, are you happy now? Now shut up and go play basketball already."

[FromWayDowntown]

Good to see you again, GW.

I'd agree that this team has a different swagger/edge to them. I think this bunch knows that the end of the line is getting nearer and nearer. They know what it takes to win a championship and they've been too close in 2004 and 2006 to take anything for granted at this point. I think Timmy is definitely setting the tone, at least publicly, with his brash-for-Timmy statements.

I'll repeat what I've posted elsewhere: at this point, along with the bitching and complaining that the Suns have done, they're also the only team in this series that has made relatively fundamental adjustments -- playing Thomas, committing themselves to being more physical. The Spurs adjustments after Game 2 were relatively minor things -- move the ball better, get better player movement, tweak some things defensively, effective use of smallball in spurts. I don't know that there's a long history of teams finding playoff success by changing their personalities halfway through a playoff series.

I don't know if the Spurs are in the Suns' heads, but they're certainly causing the Suns to re-think a lot of things.

Spurs still need to play better in Game 4 than they did in Game 3 -- on both ends.

1.

[G-Nob]

Can we just worry about 4?

Game 4, title 4, Finley (4)

[MadDog73]

I think there are a lot of factors in this:

Perhaps the Suns complaining and calling the Spurs "dirty" are causing Spurs players to have "a chip on their shoulder." (Tim's words, I believe).

Perhaps, as Kori says, they feel vengeful after last year.

But mostly there is a sense of urgency because the team feels they are the best basketball team right now. And they know that won't last forever.

It's more than just vengence, it's about missed opportunities, and the fact that those opportunities are going to get shorter and shorter with each passing year.

Really, Pop should make this part if his motivational speech, "It's now or never. We've been banging on this rock for 8+ years now. Let's break this thing open."

[T Park]

After the years of disrespect and getting laughed at, its almost like the Spurs are becoming the despised hated winners.

Like a New York Yankee ilk.

Its fan fucking tastic.


G Dub being back just makes these playoffs that much better :smokin

[zrinkill]

I love when they cry Dirty!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v210/zrinkill/cartman_tears.gif

Their tears taste so yummy!

[MadDog73]

After the years of disrespect and getting laughed at, its almost like the Spurs are becoming the despised hated winners.

Like a New York Yankee ilk.

Its fan fucking tastic.



Or the Lakers :elephant

Now I know why Laker fans were so damned cocky all the time. It must harden you to hear people bitch about your team ALL THE TIME.

[bdictjames]

Everyone hates a champion.

Spurs are just above anyone's league right now in the playoffs, maybe except for Detroit.

[bull62400]

u know, i was thinking the same thing. its funny how we turned from soft to dirty. it makes me happy. 10 yrs ago we were getting alot of shit about how soft we are and how big dave will never win us a championship. i love how we are finally getting the respect we deserve. go spurs go

[Sportcamper]

What I don’t understand is that the Phoenix Suns and their fans are known to be the Classiest people in the NBA...They have never accused a team of being dirty before...It makes you wonder if there isn’t something to it...

[41times]

I fucking love it. I love every second of it.


These guys are so in the Suns head that a minute cant go by without someone else making some comment or them being frustrated enough to throw a fit at the media stand.


Finally the spurs have something to stand behind. Play hard, rattle their cage, and let the chips fall where they may.

Whine about rough play all you want, the officials and NBA obviously dont see it that way. Time to sack up and adjust, which, for most teams will mean their downfall as i dont see a team playing harder than these spurs this post season.

You all remember this quote for the next round vs. the Jazz.

Personally i think they are the roughest team in the west for sure. You can call them Dirty or you can call them "experienced" but it's all they way they are coached by Sloan. Remember, he coached the "deadliest elbows in the league" Karl Malone.

So all i'm saying is get ready for some ruff and tumble Jazz and remember how you hated the Suns for whining.........

[MadDog73]

What I don’t understand is that the Phoenix Suns and their fans are known to be the Classiest people in the NBA...They have never accused a team of being dirty before...It makes you wonder if there isn’t something to it...


Sarcasm, right Sports? I mean, Suns fans never bad mouth the Lakers....

[Obstructed_View]

The Jazz weren't even the dirtiest team on the floor last night, basketball genius.

[Sportcamper]

Sarcasm, right Sports? I mean, Suns fans never bad mouth the Lakers....

No, it has been years since anyone has been concerned about the Lakers....

[MadDog73]

You all remember this quote for the next round vs. the Jazz.

Personally i think they are the roughest team in the west for sure. You can call them Dirty or you can call them "experienced" but it's all they way they are coached by Sloan. Remember, he coached the "deadliest elbows in the league" Karl Malone.

So all i'm saying is get ready for some ruff and tumble Jazz and remember how you hated the Suns for whining.........

Sure, Spurs fans will whine.

But I have yet to see Manu, Tim, Tony or Pop call an entire team dirty like Amare did the Spurs....


Hell, I'd be interested if anyone could find Tim or Pop calling a particular player dirty. Did Robinson ever call Malone dirty?


Fact is, Spurs have played teams like the Jazz before. Hell, Tim was playing through two hurt ankles and gettin gbeat up on every night when he put away the very physical Sonics in 2003.

So, yeah, Spurs are ready for the Jazz. They just need to focus on the whiny Suns first....

[MadDog73]

No, it has been years since anyone has been concerned about the Lakers....

I said never.

Fact is, even I was bitching about the shit the Lakers "got away with." But, in retrospect, I realize the 2001 & 2002 Lakers were just better than the Spurs. (and no, I will not concede that the 2004 Lakers were better... sorry. ;) )

People bitch about teams that consistently win. As a Laker fan, I assumed you'd realize that. But, I guess all the accusations against the Lakers over the years are true?

[spurster]

This team needed a nickname.

[Kevin Blackistone]

I'm starting to really love the "Dirty" mantra. I love the grit, I loved the physical nature against the bruising Nuggets, and I love seeing them make the Suns cry. I love it.

[mbass]

What are your thoughts on the temperment of the Spurs as a team?

I may not be as close to the fire, but I have picked up on a distinct difference in how these guys are carrying themselves on the floor and in interviews, etc.

I alluded to this swagger in my other thread, but was wondering what y'all thought.

Everytime Parker answers a question, he almost has a Frenchie arrogance, like "Oh, well, we're the Spurs... we play harder."

Duncan had that whole altercation with Joey Crawford, which even though Crawford was wrong, I was stunned to see Duncan laughing at him and carrying on.

Big Shot Rob (that's right, he said R-ob), is playing it cool in his swan song.

Ginobili got popped in the eye and was yelling to hurry up to get him back into Game 3.

And this series has turned into the Dirty Bowen Show.

I can't put my finger on it, but these guys all seem to be edgier.

It's like they either feel disrespected or p1ssed off about last playoffs.

Either way, I like the fire and determination.

It's fun to watch and I think the extra effort is making up for a little lack of athleticism.



Have you noticed a subtle change in the Spurs attitude?


:cooldevil


Most definitely there is a change in attitude - as you say a swagger. Duncan especially -

[Marcus Bryant]

The Spurs are now officially Team Balla.™ Welcome back, Chief.

:cooldevil

[CosmicCowboy]

The Spurs are now officially Team Balla.™ Welcome back, Chief.

:cooldevil

Spursfan and Ghostwriter together again. And not bitchslapping each other...yet. :lol

This is a very good sign.

Headlines tomorrow may be "Spurs win and Peace declared in the Middle East"

[SpursWoman]

SpursFan must not have been in the forum today....there's no other explaination. :lol

[CosmicCowboy]

Or maybe SF's conversion to Marcus has brought out his kinder gentler side?

[SpursWoman]

Or maybe SF's conversion to Marcus has brought out his kinder gentler side?


Pffffft. :lol

[CosmicCowboy]

Pffffft. :lol

:lmao

yeah...

what the fuck was I thinking?

can't wait for the first catfight.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

I have it on good authority that the Spurs shower after every game.

So while I, too, enjoy the 'dirty' label, I believe it to be unwarranted.

[duncan228]

It's Duncan. He's got the swagger you speak of, he's got the fire in his eyes, he has all season.
We know about the big three, we know this is a team sport.
But this is Duncan's team still. And he will lead them. If tough if what it takes, if "dirty" is what it takes, so be it.

I think it was all over when he burst out laughing in his press conference. I see something in him this post-season I only see when he goes all the way.

[myhc]

I've learned to embrace the hate as well! People absolutely HATE the Spurs. Before they were boring, now they're boring AND dirty. Thanks Amare! I love it! :elephant

[sa_butta]

Dirty Spurs from the Dirty South, its fitting.

[Ghost Writer]

Hey, it's nice to see all the old faces in this thread... too numerous to mention, but all noteworthy just the same.

SpursFan and I have always had a healthy respect for each other. Maturity has allowed us to see we always wanted the same thing... success (re: titles) for the Spurs.

Anywho... the most poignant theme that I read in this thread since my last post are the points about this veteran group realizing they can't "come close" forever.

Someday, Popovich is going to want "a new challenge" (re: total control and more money elsewhere).

Duncan is 31 years old. Where has the time gone? Sh1t... I'm 30 with a wife and kid now. 30 is the new 20, so F' it. But still...

Horry is retiring, Bowen is up there.

Quite frankly, the way Ginobili plays, I am not sure we'll get 10 years out of him. Wasn't Sarunas Marcilus' career cut short due to wear and tear.

I agree that being there and winning it all and also paying dues has given the Spurs a healthy edge that is driving them this year to beat team with more "names."

It's like they are in on a secret that maybe only only Detroit knows.

Make it count.








:cooldevil

[Marcus Bryant]

...and I've hit the new 20 with a wife and a Beagle.

Pop will never leave. If he wants a new challenge, coaching the post-Duncan Spurs should do it for him.

There is no secret. Win them while you can.

[Marcus Bryant]

Congrats on Ghost Writer, Jr., btw.

-MB

[Ghost Writer]

True that, but I think some of these other teams think that the playoffs are their right, which makes Horry's stretch of 15 years never missing the playoffs even more remarkable.

I feel like last year's crushing Game 7 loss and the fashion in how they were eliminated will drive this team to beat maybe more talented teams. That and having the best low-post player in the game and the most disciplined defense.

Beagle, huh? Wanna trade? Just kidding, sort've.... time to get Tino's bottle!




:cooldevil

[spursrocksocks]

go dirty south go

[Marcus Bryant]

Hmmm...it's amazing how much of my life centers around whether or not the dog drops a deuce on his morning walk, but I digress.

Anyways, it's simple. The Spurs have one of the top 10 players in NBA history with a lot of miles left.

Never settle.™

:cooldevil

[Ghost Writer]

If the AT&T Center sound guy or Silver Dancers had any creativity, we'd here "Ridin' Dirty" by Chamillionaire and "Dirty" by Christina Aguilera tonight.

Didn't Nelly used to say "Durty, Dirty" all the time?

Lots of hip-pop songs with that in it.






I used to hate Bowen, but now he is a bad@ss.*



*So long as he shoots exclusively baseline corner 3s.

[Marcus Bryant]

Bruce has always been a "bad@ss" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAakQjpFibg).

[leemajors]

how about something off of Ridin Dirty by UGK, like Pinky Ring.

[spursrocksocks]

"bad@ss"[/url].
best youtube ever

[spursrocksocks]

Bruce has always been a [url]"bad@ss" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAakQjpFibg).

[Ghost Writer]

Uh, so does Horry's move kinda make this monicker stick?


:lol

[violentkitten]

it don't mean a thing, if you ain't got that ring. or three. or six.

[GrandeDavid]

I am getting a kick out of the hypocricy in the Spurs being called dirty and even "thugs" by jerk offs like Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle. Idiots.