BeerIsGood!
05-23-2007, 03:33 PM
When the playoffs began I thought that this 2007 team was not nearly as good and wasn't playing anywhere near the level of the 2005 team that won the Championship. 10 wins into the playoff picture and I have to say that I appear to be wrong about that. I think this team is better, and I have 3 main reasons:
1) TD - The difference so far is amazing. He had a great playoff run in 2005 despite the bum ankles, but the true difference is on the defensive end. He's been an absolute beast on D and hasn't looked better in a long time.
2) TP - The growth of Parker over the last two years is really showing up now. He's making plays and taking the ball to the rim, but it's his knack for knocking down the midrange jumper and free throws that's really got him far and above where he was in 2005.
3) Oberto - The way Oberto has stepped up for the playoffs is inspiring. He's the consistent playing center that the Spurs have been needing for a while. He's shown himself to be efficient on both ends of the court and is almost always in excellent defensive position.
Honorable Mention) Finley - Although he's cooled a bit on the shot since the 1st round, he's still coming through and making plays on both ends of the court. He can really be the boost the team needs if he can consistently rebound, play D, and hit the wide open shots he's getting.
The only real advantage that swings towards 2005 was the play of Manu, but he realistically can't match that kind of performance again. Luckily, with all of the other advantages this team has I don't think he needs to match, he just needs to play hard, play smart, and keep making plays.
Any other opinions?
1) TD - The difference so far is amazing. He had a great playoff run in 2005 despite the bum ankles, but the true difference is on the defensive end. He's been an absolute beast on D and hasn't looked better in a long time.
2) TP - The growth of Parker over the last two years is really showing up now. He's making plays and taking the ball to the rim, but it's his knack for knocking down the midrange jumper and free throws that's really got him far and above where he was in 2005.
3) Oberto - The way Oberto has stepped up for the playoffs is inspiring. He's the consistent playing center that the Spurs have been needing for a while. He's shown himself to be efficient on both ends of the court and is almost always in excellent defensive position.
Honorable Mention) Finley - Although he's cooled a bit on the shot since the 1st round, he's still coming through and making plays on both ends of the court. He can really be the boost the team needs if he can consistently rebound, play D, and hit the wide open shots he's getting.
The only real advantage that swings towards 2005 was the play of Manu, but he realistically can't match that kind of performance again. Luckily, with all of the other advantages this team has I don't think he needs to match, he just needs to play hard, play smart, and keep making plays.
Any other opinions?