Im arguing the Spurs > USA team in a 6on6 game....

[Dizzle]

I honestly think the Spurs would make the current USA team look the way Puerto Rico/Argentina did to us a few years back due to the Spurs insane chemistry, team defense, and the fact that they have the greatest PF of all time.

Agree or disagree?

Im arguing this at the ISH message boards. Nobody is buying it.

[leemajors]

i'm arguing this could have gone in the thread relevant to it.

http://spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76988

[Leetonidas]

We'd probably get our asses kicked. Bruce can't guard them all man.

[mavs>spurs2]

Bruce can't guard any one of them. They always still get theirs, they just have to work a little harder.

[Samr]

Yes, chemistry is good and there's something to be said for it. But let's be realistic: Spurs would get absolutely killed. Embarrassed. Run out of the building. Michiganed.

On Team USA, everyone has talent, and the disparity in talent between the Spurs and Team USA more than makes up for the disparity in team chemistry. Sure, Vaughn and Finley are good, but compared to Williams and Redd? No contest. It is one thing to be proud of the Spurs, but if you are arguing that the Spurs are better, clearly you are showing a homer bias. Not that having a bias is a bad thing, but you asked if the debate it logical, and it just isn't.

[Trainwreck2100]

Spurs would get run

[incansables]

FIBA rules or NBA rules?

[Nashfan]

I honestly think the Spurs would make the current USA team look the way Puerto Rico/Argentina did to us a few years back due to the Spurs insane chemistry, team defense, and the fact that they have the greatest PF of all time.

Agree or disagree?

Im arguing this at the ISH message boards. Nobody is buying it.


:lmao :lmao :lmao

[midgetonadonkey]

6 on 6?

[Fast Dunk]

Bruce can't guard any one of them. They always still get theirs, they just have to work a little harder.


That's true!!

Kobe, LeBron, Allen, TMac etc... average over 30 ppg when Bowen is guarding them.

[mikeanthony21]

That's true!!

Kobe, LeBron, Allen, TMac etc... average over 30 ppg when Bowen is guarding them.

Maybe in your XBOX mind they do but what was LeBroom's average against Bowen IN THE FINALS?

[Fast Dunk]

Bowen can't guard my 5-year old son!

[JamStone]

Bowen can't guard my 5-year old son!

5 year olds that are not potty trained and yet don't wear diapers anymore are a really tough cover. Stinky stinky.

[JamStone]

But, what if it were 7on7? Who do you think would win then?

[mikeanthony21]

Bowen can't guard my 5-year old son!

YOU probably can't guard your 5-year-old son.

[Spurs Dynasty 21]

Spurs>team USA


USA has more talent but the Spurs play 100x better D and have more talent

[JamStone]

Spurs>team USA


USA has more talent but the Spurs play 100x better D and have more talent


So each team has more talent than the other?

[The Franchise]

The Spurs would get raped along with every other NBA team!!!

[hater]

USA team is scary as hell right now.

But Spurs are Spurs so they would win at least 2 if not 3 in a 7 game series.

[saporvida]

Spurs>team USA


USA has more talent but the Spurs play 100x better D and have more talent

thats because teamUSA has coachK and not pop. coachK needs to go back to college.

ps: id root in favor of the spurs regardless but im biased like that.

[Medvedenko]

What a dumb question...but it's the offseason....USA would sweep in a 7 games series.

[mavs>spurs2]

Spurs>team USA


USA has more talent but the Spurs play 100x better D and have more talent

...you're joking right?

[JamStone]

I would give the Spurs one game tops on either a really poor shooting night for USA or an unbelievably hot shooting night for the Spurs.

[mavs>spurs2]

I would give the Spurs one game tops on either a really poor shooting night for USA or an unbelievably hot shooting night for the Spurs.

I guess anythings possible..just ask Puerto Rico

[Spurs fan forever]

I think the Spurs could put up a good fight make it close but im not sure about winning USA just has so much talent you mentioned the Spurs have great chemistry yes they do but i have seen the USA play and imo they also have great chemistry even though the Spurs have great team defense and the best PF in the league possibly of all time you still have to face the fact that USA is made up of the best in the league they would evenully wear us down with all the talent their made up of if they played the score would look something like this.

USA-107
Spurs-98

[manubili]

One game, possibly. ¿A complete series? Never in a millon years.

[gus]

I think that this U.S team can never beat the Spurs.

Never a team could 70 % from 3 point and make like 20 treys per match vs. the spurs. .-

Can you afford to play with no post play????

Never they will be winning by 20 after the first quarters.

I will say what Manu said today " I respect U.S. team but there will be a time when they face a team who does not let score 40 points in the first quarter and we'll see what happens "

Gus

[mardigan]

So Oberto would have to guard Mello?
Or Finley or Manu would have to guard Bron or Kobe?
The Spurs would be slaughtered

[gus]

I still think that many people do not understand BB.

In BB you have perimeter and post play. I say that U.S. play mostly perimeter and no Post Play. The Spurs KILLED many times very good perimeter players with a complete game.

Now come to my mind DENVER, CLEVELAND and Oh NEW JERSEY NETS.

And for anyone sake since when Carmelo Anthony, Le Bron are winners ??????

Let me tell you something, maybe U.S. will win gold next year but I wouldn't guarrantee it.

I saw Manu face commenting U.S. level and he had a malicious face.

Gus

[romain.star]

Spurs>team USA


USA has more talent but the Spurs play 100x better D and have more talent


i think the spurs would get killed but i also think USA would get killed :dizzy

[mardigan]

I still think that many people do not understand BB.

In BB you have perimeter and post play. I say that U.S. play mostly perimeter and no Post Play. The Spurs KILLED many times very good perimeter players with a complete game.

Now come to my mind DENVER, CLEVELAND and Oh NEW JERSEY NETS.

And for anyone sake since when Carmelo Anthony, Le Bron are winners ??????

Let me tell you something, maybe U.S. will win gold next year but I wouldn't guarrantee it.

I saw Manu face commenting U.S. level and he had a malicious face.

Gus
Read the thread title, 6 on 6
If your taking the top 6 players off the Spurs...
Tony, Finley, Bruce, Timmy, Manu, and either Oberto or Horry
If you take the top 6 off of US team...
Kidd, Kobe, Bron, Melo, Howard, Amare
US team has players to guard everyone out of that 6, the Spurs dont.
I love the most people dont understand basketball comment btw, good stuff

[yourcheatinheart]

i think the spurs could kill team USA if team USA consisted of the following line-up.

Hank Gathers
Len Bias
malik sealy
bobby phills
eddie griffin

[yourcheatinheart]

I think that this U.S team can never beat the Spurs.

Never a team could 70 % from 3 point and make like 20 treys per match vs. the spurs. .-

Can you afford to play with no post play????

Never they will be winning by 20 after the first quarters.

I will say what Manu said today " I respect U.S. team but there will be a time when they face a team who does not let score 40 points in the first quarter and we'll see what happens "

Gus


that's the worst fucking shit i've ever heard and i've heard alot of shit.

[gus]

Read the thread title, 6 on 6
If your taking the top 6 players off the Spurs...
Tony, Finley, Bruce, Timmy, Manu, and either Oberto or Horry
If you take the top 6 off of US team...
Kidd, Kobe, Bron, Melo, Howard, Amare
US team has players to guard everyone out of that 6, the Spurs dont.
I love the most people dont understand basketball comment btw, good stuff

Sorry was a brainfart¡¡¡.-

[gus]

that's the worst fucking shit i've ever heard and i've heard alot of shit.

Yes, Yes... I've heard two years ago when nobody know what to do with the run and gun style that nobody in the world will be able to run with the mighty Suns...

[gus]

Yes, Yes... I've heard two years ago when nobody know what to do with the run and gun style, that nobody in the world will be able to run with the mighty Suns...

[barbacoataco]

The high and mighty Team USA manages to lose fairly often in international play. The Spurs would have the best player on the court (Duncan) the fastest player (Parker) the best defender (Bowen) and the most determined to win (Ginobili.) Oberto played good defense on Amare last year. Defending Lebron, Kobe and Carmelo at the same time would be impossible, but would team USA be able to stop Duncan, Parker and Ginobili?

[yourcheatinheart]

Yes, Yes... I've heard two years ago when nobody know what to do with the run and gun style that nobody in the world will be able to run with the mighty Suns...


i thought their could be know way you could top yourself, :clap congrats.

[Xylus]

The high and mighty Team USA manages to lose fairly often in international play. The Spurs would have the best player on the court (Duncan) the fastest player (Parker) the best defender (Bowen) and the most determined to win (Ginobili.) Oberto played good defense on Amare last year. Defending Lebron, Kobe and Carmelo at the same time would be impossible, but would team USA be able to stop Duncan, Parker and Ginobili?
But this Team USA hasn't lost yet.

The Spurs have a strong international core, but past Bowen, the Spurs don't have what it takes to beat a well-coached team of gifted superstars. No team in the NBA would come close to beating Team USA.

[papaspurf]

The Spurs would beat team USA. It would be very close, but the Spurs would pull it out. True, Team USA has better individuals, but the bottom line is that great teams with good individuals beat good teams with great individuals. That is why the US team has struggled in international play in recent years, and that is why they would struggle against the spurs. It also helps the Spurs chances that Team USA has absolutely no one who can guard Duncan.

[mardigan]

The high and mighty Team USA manages to lose fairly often in international play. The Spurs would have the best player on the court (Duncan) the fastest player (Parker) the best defender (Bowen) and the most determined to win (Ginobili.) Oberto played good defense on Amare last year. Defending Lebron, Kobe and Carmelo at the same time would be impossible, but would team USA be able to stop Duncan, Parker and Ginobili?
Are you serious?
Kidd can guard Parker well enough
Kobe would SHUT DOWN Manu, and manu cant guard Kobe
Bron and mello would take turns backing Bruce or Finley down in the post, and can guard both well on the other side.
Duncan would get his, but Howard can still do a good enough job on him
That would leave Berty or Horry on Amare or Mello :lol
I cant believe some of these responses
No chance

[JamStone]

Kobe averaged 33 points on 55% FG shooting against the Spurs this past season. And, now, you give him LeBron and Carmelo as teammates????

Team USA would run all over the Spurs, but they could also easily score in the half court set. I mean, the Spurs half court defense is as good as it gets in the NBA, but there is no weakness on Team USA. They have pure scorers, a natural distributer in Kidd who can also get to the rim, three options to post up in Carmelo, Kobe, and Amare (edit: actually all five could post up), and Amare is the best pick-and-roll big man in the league. You can't stop that in the half court. And, that's the alternative to letting them run all over you in transition.

The Spurs lose. The Spurs lose big against Team USA.

[mavsfan1000]

USA TEAM of this year would win easily.

[yourcheatinheart]

the spurs could kick the shit of team USA if team USA consisted of players from the documentary "murderball".

[papaspurf]

last summer the Greek National Team beat Team USA because they were a better team. IMO the Spurs are much better than the Greek Nat team. If Greece can beat a very similar version of team USA, then the Spurs can beat an improved version. It's not about individual talent, its about the team. The Spurs are by far the greater team. That's the beauty of team sports. According to the "logic" that the team with the most talented individuals always wins, no team USA in the past decade should have ever lost a single game.

[barbacoataco]

Yeah this Team USA didn't lose, but they didn't play a full strength Argentina, Greece, Italy or any top international team. I am surprised by Spurs fans complete lack of faith in their team. Puerto Rico picked apart Team USA with execution and discipline, and this Team USA is no different.
Also- Kidd can not guard Parker, nor would Kobe "shut down" Ginobili, and defense is more than individual match-ups. The Spurs defensive rotations are much better than Team USA's. And the Spurs have Tim Duncan.

[mavsfan1000]

Yeah this Team USA didn't lose, but they didn't play a full strength Argentina, Greece, Italy or any top international team. I am surprised by Spurs fans complete lack of faith in their team. Puerto Rico picked apart Team USA with execution and discipline, and this Team USA is no different.
Also- Kidd can not guard Parker, nor would Kobe "shut down" Ginobili, and defense is more than individual match-ups. The Spurs defensive rotations are much better than Team USA's. And the Spurs have Tim Duncan.
:lol

[mardigan]

Yeah this Team USA didn't lose, but they didn't play a full strength Argentina, Greece, Italy or any top international team. I am surprised by Spurs fans complete lack of faith in their team. Puerto Rico picked apart Team USA with execution and discipline, and this Team USA is no different.
Also- Kidd can not guard Parker, nor would Kobe "shut down" Ginobili, and defense is more than individual match-ups. The Spurs defensive rotations are much better than Team USA's. And the Spurs have Tim Duncan.


:lol

[yourcheatinheart]

the spurs could kick the shit of team USA if team USA consisted of players from the documentary "murderball".

[JamStone]

Thing is, playing as a team takes a little time, development of chemistry, and sacrifice. We already saw the beginnings of that with this Team USA. Kobe took 6 shots and had 8 assists in the gold medal game. He pro-actively wanted to be the defensive stopper of the team.

Kidd and LeBron are natural "team" players. And, we've seen that Kobe can too with the right teammates around him.

So, as long as Kobe, LeBron and Carmelo continue to sacrifice a little bit and play within a team concept and play unselfishly, their talent is so overwhelming that the Spurs really wouldn't have a chance.

There's something to be said for team chemistry, which the Spurs have. But, when the talent is Kobe, LeBron, Kidd, Carmelo, Howard, and Amare, you're talking about the top 2% of the best basketball players in the known universe. We're not talking about Lamar Odom and Richard Jefferson. We're not talking about Ben Wallace and Wally Szczerbiak. It's Kobe, LeBron, Kidd, Carmelo, Amare, and Dwight Howard.

The Spurs lose.

[barbacoataco]

If this Team USA stays together and beats the best teams in the world, I might change my mind. But you people are proclaiming them unbeatable based on their performance against a weak field in a qualifying tournament. Lebron, Carmelo, and Amare are not clutch, nor are they great defenders. Kobe is clutch, but he has been stopped in the past.

[Indazone]

If the Spurs tried to pack it in and play zone to offset Team USA's athleticism, Michael Redd and Lebron James would light up the Spurs from 3 point range. Team USA has no weaknesses.

[yourcheatinheart]

If this Team USA stays together and beats the best teams in the world, I might change my mind. But you people are proclaiming them unbeatable based on their performance against a weak field in a qualifying tournament. Lebron, Carmelo, and Amare are not clutch, nor are they great defenders. Kobe is clutch, but he has been stopped in the past.


amare not clutch?? now i know you're retarted...

[barbacoataco]

If you're going to call me names learn how to spell them. And when has Amare done anything clutch?

[monosylab1k]

yeah but what if it was a 12 on 4 in favor of San Antonio, and Team USA players only had 2 fouls before fouling out, plus they had a 5 second shot clock, and 3-pointers counted as 4 for the Spurs only?

Spurs would KILL Team USA! Oh yeah!

[mardigan]

If this Team USA stays together and beats the best teams in the world, I might change my mind. But you people are proclaiming them unbeatable based on their performance against a weak field in a qualifying tournament. Lebron, Carmelo, and Amare are not clutch, nor are they great defenders. Kobe is clutch, but he has been stopped in the past.
Im not declaring them unbeatable, just that their top 6 players would wipe the floor with the Spurs top 6, not that hard to understand
And Lebron took a team of scrubs to the Finals, Amare has always been very good in the playoffs, and Melo played pretty damn good last year, its not his fault that the SPurs just have a much, much better team. Just because a team doesnt win a title doesnt make your claim of them being non-clutch valid at all.

[yourcheatinheart]

If you're going to call me names learn how to spell them. And when has Amare done anything clutch?


right off the bat here's the first one i think of. holla at me if you want to know some of the others...

Spurs fall to Suns in Game 1
San Antonio Express-News
By Johnny Ludden

Web Posted : 04/20/2003 12:00 AM

The first time Stephon Marbury tossed in a 25-footer off the glass with the buzzer sounding, the Spurs shrugged it off. That was Jan. 14, at the end of regulation, and the Spurs steadied themselves in overtime to beat Phoenix.

First Round: Spurs vs. Phoenix Suns






Even in Saturday's tense playoff opener, after Amare Stoudemire, who had all of two 3-pointers on his résumé, caromed in a 26-footer to send the game into overtime, the Spurs still shook their heads and smiled.

But when Marbury streaked across the court in the final seconds of OT, pulled up from virtually the exact same spot on the SBC Center floor as he did four months earlier? Again going deep off the glass at the buzzer, silencing 19,217 fans and delivering the Suns a stunning 96-95 victory? What could the Spurs call that?

Fate?

"BS," Stephen Jackson said.

While Jackson's initials didn't stand for Bank Shot, Robinson interpreted Marbury's last-second heave as something else.

A wakeup call.

"Welcome to the playoffs," Robinson said. "We're sober now."

No one would be surprised if the Spurs are still staggering around punch-drunk. Four times this season, Phoenix has beaten them. This one carried considerably more importance because it left the Spurs in a 1-0 deficit in the best-of-seven series.

Never in the Spurs' 30 years — and that goes back to their red-white-and-blue ABA days — have they won a playoff series after losing the opening game.

"We were in their heads before the series," said Suns center Scott Williams, who had Kevin Willis' elbow in his throat at the end of the second quarter. "Now they've got some questions and they need to find some answers. They're definitely not going to sleep much tonight."

If the Spurs, who are trying to avoid becoming the third No. 1 seed in NBA history to lose to a No. 8, do spend the night tossing and turning, they likely will do it while thinking of missed opportunities, most of which were missed free throws. They clanged three of their four foul shots in the final 6.6 seconds, 6 of 8 in overtime and 15 of 41 in the game. They couldn't even call it surprising, considering the 72.5 percent they shot from the line during the season ranked 26th among the league's 29 teams.

"I'm thrilled with our (41) free throws," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "But I guess they have to go in before 41 means something. They got us tonight."

Said Tim Duncan: "I missed some that would have put us on top."

Namely two. After rebounding Tony Parker's missed free throw, Duncan misfired on both of his attempts with 5.1 seconds remaining.

Marbury grabbed Duncan's second miss with 3.7 seconds left, raced left to right across the court and released a 25-footer at the buzzer that banked perfectly off the glass and through the net. As the officials reviewed the shot to determine both whether Marbury took it in time and whether his feet were behind the 3-point line, Duncan buried his head in his hands.

"I wasn't trying to bank it," Marbury said. "I was trying to make it."

That wasn't much consolation for the Spurs. Both of the 3-pointers Stoudemire and Marbury made hit the same backboard Marbury banked his initial one off in January.

"I guess they're good off the glass," Malik Rose said. "They have sufficient funds in the bank to draw all those out.

"As soon as we missed those free throws, I thought something bad was going to happen. Anything can happen in the playoffs. It did tonight."

As a result, the Spurs wasted 18 points from David Robinson — the most he's scored since he had a season-high 20 against Orlando on Jan. 31 — and 23 from Stephen Jackson, who was playing in the first playoff game.

Parker, however, scored only seven — less than half his season average — while missing 11 of 13 shots and all six of his 3-pointers. With the Suns choking off Duncan with two and three defenders and limiting him to only 12 shots, the Spurs missed 19 of the franchise playoff-record 24 threes they hoisted.

Stoudemire, meanwhile, hit the only one he took. After Jackson made both his free throws with 16.9 seconds left in regulation, the Spurs forced Marbury to pass to Stoudemire, who totaled 24 points and nine rebounds in his playoff debut. Instead of rolling to the basket, the 20-year-old Stoudemire, stepped back and fired a 26-footer, which hit the backboard before rattling through the rim with 7.9 seconds left.

"I don't think they have our number," Robinson said. "I think they have been very fortunate. Tonight they were very fortunate and they played well. But we played well ourselves. We just have to get over the hump and get a win.

"We didn't get here by accident. We got this seed for a reason."


http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/meeks4president/geico-cavemen2.jpg

[barbacoataco]

That is your argument for Amare being clutch!!!!

[yourcheatinheart]

That is your argument for Amare being clutch!!!!


i didn't want to do it but here you go...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nbsp9H6z978

[yourcheatinheart]

amare stoudemire was never, is never, and will never be afraid to put it all on his shoulders. ever..

[Dalhoop]

Kidd vs Parker - Parker would out score Kidd as Kidd most likely would only take a shot if left wide open ... Kidd would have three times the number of assists as Parker and three times the number of rebounds. This would be about even.

Kidd's line - 5 points, 8 rebounds, 12 assists.
Parkers line - 18 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists.

Kobe vs Bowen - This would be a fun matchup ... Even if Bowen doesn't allow Kobe to score a single point, it still removes the Spurs best defender from guarding anyone ... as he simply cannot leave Kobe to help defend.

Kobe's line - 21 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists
Bowens line - 3 points, 3 rebounds, 0 assists

Lebron vs Manu - Both would score at will against each other. Lebron is the better rebounder and assist man. Only spreading the ball on team USA would make the lines look similar.

Lebron's line - 20 points, 4 assists, 5 rebounds.
Manu's line - 24 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds.

Duncan vs Howard - US would put Howard on Duncan, not Mello. Duncan would be the best player on the floor for stats, but unlike in other games, he cannot afford to help defend and leave his man under the basket ... It is also impossible to hide him from foul trouble .. Something that team USA would have no problem with. This is the key with Duncan, he defends the "weaker" of the opposing teams PF or C to enable him to help defend and stay out of foul trouble ... On team USA, there is no "weaker"

Duncan's line - 28 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists.
Howard's line - 14 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists.

Mello vs Oberto - This will be a killing, Oberto can do abosutly nothing with someone as quick as Mello and with a three point shot. Mello doesn't have to do much to contain a man that would hardly see the ball as the fifth option on the Spurs team. Mello would be free to use all his energy in blowing by Oberto and wrecking the Spurs defensive system ... If they help, its a lob to rim for Kobe, Lebron or Howard.

Mello's line - 24 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists.
Oberto's line - 6 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists.

Amare vs Horry .... a Killing for USA

Redd vs Finley ... A Killing for USA

Five on Five ... Spurs keep it under double didgits, but just barely. The more the Spurs go to the bench, then more Team USA wins by.

Also note that the Spurs ... After watching Mello own Oberto, would be forced to go to a smaller line-up to match-up with Mello, taking out Oberto in favor of either Finley or Barry (Horry couldn't do any better with Mello) ... Of cource Finey or Barry also would have problems with Mello ... Going small would destroy any symbolance of the team defense that the Spurs are known for. It would become a shoot-out ... In that game ... Team USA is unbeatable.

[mardigan]

Kobes games against the Spurs last year-31, 34, and 34. :lol at 21 points.

[Dalhoop]

On this team ... He would not shoot enough to get that many points. On this team Kidd distributes the ball, Kobe doesn't bring the ball up court to run the play he wants, Kidd brings it up the floor and runs the play that best takes advantage of the situation.

[JamStone]

Kobes games against the Spurs last year-31, 34, and 34. :lol at 21 points.


... on 55% shooting from the field ... with teammates like Lamar, Smush Parker, Brian Cook, and Vladimir Radmanovic as secondary options.

[JamStone]

And, Kobe would be defending Manu. Carmelo probably defends Bruce. And, LeBron probably defends Oberto.

[Dalhoop]

Carmelo probably defends Bruce. And, LeBron probably defends Oberto.

Both of these say very little as Bowen and Oberto are hardly worth defending. This is why they (Melo and Lebron) would be the high scorers in the games vs the Spurs, they would expend very little energy on the defensive side of the ball.

Kobe's defense against Manu would result in about the same thing as Lebron on him. Manu and Kobe are too good to be stopped by any one players. No matter who guards them, they will still get theirs.

[JamStone]

Disagree. I think Kobe could shut down Manu. He wouldn't hold him scoreless, but Manu isn't getting his average points unless he starts chucking a lot of shots. And, Manu doesn't do that.

[Dalhoop]

In this game, the Spurs only hope is in Manu, Parker and Duncan taking ALL the shots. If Bowen, and Oberto start handling the ball and putting up shots, the Spurs lose badly.

Could the Spurs even get the ball inside to Oberto being guarded by one of the USA's defenders? Or would it be a steal or turnover ... Mello would take the ball right from him, Lebron would do the same.

Bowen would only shoot if left open for the corner three ... This is why you put Kobe on him, it frees up Kobe to help defend on Parker and Manu penetrations. They can kick the ball out to Bowen all night long .... Are the Spurs willing to live or die on Bowens shooting instead of Parker and Manu penitrations?

Bowen shoots good, but with Kobe helping on Manu and Parker, two of the big three on the Spurs could have a very difficult game.

[JamStone]

Why wouldn't you just keep Kobe on Manu so no help would be needed so all the doubles and triples go to Tony and Duncan?

Doesn't make any sense. Back to the original point ... I think Kobe could shut down Manu, especially as he showed his penchant for not being a main scorer on this Team USA squad. He could put his main focus on shutting down Manu like he did Barbosa.

[DarkReign]

Offseason sucks.

The fact that this is even a conversation is funny.

USA in a blowout. Spurs are great. Spurs are actually fucking awesome. For a TEAM.

Not an All Star team.

[sandman]

amare not clutch?? now i know you're retarted...


re-
pref.
Again; anew: rebreathing.
Backward; back: recurvation.


tart·ed, tart·ing, tarts Chiefly British
To dress up or make fancy in a tawdry, garish way

barbacoataco, I think he just called you a Metro...

[Man In Black]

TEAM USA WOULD GET THEIR ASSES KICKED.

Tell me this, are we talking FIBA Rules with the trapezoid lane? Then for sure Team USA would get their asses kicked.

You guys keep posting up their individual stats and their run in the FIBA Americas like it means something. Hell, ARG sent their B team and lost only to the US. The thing about TEAM is that you are willing to sacrifice for the greater good. It ain't about them being more talented, they are, but they will never, ever get the cohesion needed to beat the SPURS unless they play for years just like Argentina did with Manu, Oberto, Nocioni, Scola, Herrman, Sanchezm Montecchia, Delfino, et al.

That's the problem here, same as it ever was, COHESION. It's what makes an undertalented DETROIT team a solid team. It's what makes the Spurs better than they are.
The days of the DREAM TEAM are dead. If the USA wants to win, they need commitment so they can build COHESION.
READ and RECOGNIZE.

[v2freak]

I think the Spurs could put up a good fight make it close but im not sure about winning USA just has so much talent you mentioned the Spurs have great chemistry yes they do but i have seen the USA play and imo they also have great chemistry even though the Spurs have great team defense and the best PF in the league possibly of all time you still have to face the fact that USA is made up of the best in the league they would evenully wear us down with all the talent their made up of if they played the score would look something like this.

USA-107
Spurs-98

Agreed

[rAm]

What about the spurs vs. any of the other international teams?

Since USA is playing really well right now, everyone is all on their jock about how they can take on the world. What if they have some bad games? What if the Spurs were to play last Olympic's USA team?

[JamStone]

What about the spurs vs. any of the other international teams?

Since USA is playing really well right now, everyone is all on their jock about how they can take on the world. What if they have some bad games? What if the Spurs were to play last Olympic's USA team?


Can't play last Olympic's USA team. Both teams had Duncan. Who gets Duncan? No cloning.

[Fast Dunk]

LOL

Puerto Rico can beat the Spurs...LOL

[ginobili fan]

Spurs kill USA team.
Duncan would own everything

[rAm]

Can't play last Olympic's USA team. Both teams had Duncan. Who gets Duncan? No cloning.

it was a metaphor

[Man In Black]

Eventually wear us out with their talent?

OMG? There are other teams out there that have talent. When the Spurs knocked off the 3-peat Lakers, on paper the Lakers had more talent. AND WHO WON THAT?
It's not about talent all the time, it's about maximizing effort with cohesion so that way, everyone from top-to-bottom is on the same page. The USA will NEVER get that cohesion in a summer camp nor while playing the FIBA Americas. They could still win the GOLD but it won't be easy. America is no longer the dominant team in world hoops, what they are is the most talented but again, not the most dominant.

[Indazone]

Mavs got Spurs number so what is all this talk about beating America's best in Team USA?

[DarkReign]

God, whatever. I never realized how blind-homers truly believe the bullshit their sold.

IF the Spurs would/could handle the US team, then there is no reason that this incarnation of the Spurs shouldnt be kicking the shit out of every NBA team year in and year out. IF they are better than the US team, then this starting 5 would never lose a playoff series against inferior opponents.

While 3 titles in 5 years is awesome, it isnt perfect. US would rout any NBA team in a 7 game series. I would go so far as to say they would route any team in the world in a 7 game series.

Olympics are fickle. Its one and done once you move to the later rounds. Both teams become very familiar with each other in a 7 gamer. Weaknesses get exposed.

[hater]

Mavs got Spurs number so what is all this talk about beating America's best in Team USA?

Utah and everyone else got Rockets number so what?

[Indazone]

Spurs>team USA


USA has more talent but the Spurs play 100x better D and have more talent

LMAO!

[Man In Black]

Apparently people still can't tell the difference between FIBA Rules and NBA Rules. I say again, Cohesion is important here. The Spurs armed with Tim Duncan, 2 world class players and stud role players will overtake an ALL-STAR team only because those all-stars will never understand their roles to the level that the Spurs do.
And to think I have to explain this to someone who calls himself a Piston fan, a team that has won in the past not on the basis of their talent alone but on the trust forged by them working together.
That shit can't be accomplished in the short time frame given by USA Basketball gives them.
It used to be that that shit didn't matter, that you could just roll out a ball and watch the US run everyone, but seriously when was the last time the US won anything in the senior level of FIBA hoops on the WORLD level?

[mavs>spurs2]

Apparently people still can't tell the difference between FIBA Rules and NBA Rules. I say again, Cohesion is important here. The Spurs armed with Tim Duncan, 2 world class players and stud role players will overtake an ALL-STAR team only because those all-stars will never understand their roles to the level that the Spurs do.
And to think I have to explain this to someone who calls himself a Piston fan, a team that has won in the past not on the basis of their talent alone but on the trust forged by them working together.
That shit can't be accomplished in the short time frame given by USA Basketball gives them.
It used to be that that shit didn't matter, that you could just roll out a ball and watch the US run everyone, but seriously when was the last time the US won anything in the senior level of FIBA hoops on the WORLD level?

The Spurs aren't a FIBA team.

[Man In Black]

But the opp is Team USA and as such...THEY WOULD HAVE TO PLAY FIBA RULES. EVERY TIME!!!! But you should know that Mavs Fan or do I give you too much credit?

[mavs>spurs2]

But the opp is Team USA and as such...THEY WOULD HAVE TO PLAY FIBA RULES. EVERY TIME!!!! But you should know that Mavs Fan or do I give you too much credit?

Dude, the Spurs can't touch team USA, especially not in a 7 game series

Give it up

[Man In Black]

If it's Team USA, there is no such thing as a 7 game series. Team USA must play FIBA rules, since FIBA dictates International Basketball Medal Play. If the Spurs played Team USA, all that talent don't mean shit if they can't play together.
Can you think of the last time a team of ALL-Stars won a title?
Try NEVER. Philly had a team full of all stars against the Walton-led Blazers, got beat. 04 Lakers had 4 All-stars against the Pistons, got beat. When was the last time that Team USA won a title on the World Stage? 2000 OLYs in Australlia. Since then...no golds. Zip, nada...nothing. So why don't you explain again how this group is going to win when those others haven't since 2000?

[mavs>spurs2]

If it's Team USA, there is no such thing as a 7 game series. Team USA must play FIBA rules, since FIBA dictates International Basketball Medal Play. If the Spurs played Team USA, all that talent don't mean shit if they can't play together.
Can you think of the last time a team of ALL-Stars won a title?
Try NEVER. Philly had a team full of all stars against the Walton-led Blazers, got beat. 04 Lakers had 4 All-stars against the Pistons, got beat. When was the last time that Team USA won a title on the World Stage? 2000 OLYs in Australlia. Since then...no golds. Zip, nada...nothing. So why don't you explain again how this group is going to win when those others haven't since 2000?

This isn't the same USA team that hasn't won anything since 2000

The Spurs are an NBA team, not a FIBA team, and wouldn't be any more used to FIBA rules than Team USA.

Now you can keep thinking the Spurs are the greatest team in sports history and Duncan>Jordan but i'm going to keep it realistic

[Man In Black]

You've been exposed as someone who doesn't know shit about the Spurs.


The Spurs are an NBA team, not a FIBA team, and wouldn't be any more used to FIBA rules than Team USA.

1) Gregg Popovich was a finalist to be the US Coach and has been on many a staff for TEAM USA

2) Ginobili and Parker are principal players for the their respective countries. Add Oberto for Argentina as well. Udrih for Slovenia. Newcomer Ime Udoka plays for Nigeria, Mahinmi too plays for France, both Finley and Bowen have played for the US as well as 1 Tim Duncan. That makes 8 players with loads of FIBA experience. Since Manu, Tony, Fab, and Tim(when he was last part of Team USA) make FIBA All-Tourney teams, you can bet that it's because they understand that game well.

Knowing that there is a different set of rules and style of play makes the Spurs a perfect foil to TEAM USA who DOES NOT YET have that perfect understanding.

[mavs>spurs2]

You've been exposed as someone who doesn't know shit about the Spurs.



1) Gregg Popovich was a finalist to be the US Coach and has been on many a staff for TEAM USA

2) Ginobili and Parker are principal players for the their respective countries. Add Oberto for Argentina as well. Udrih for Slovenia. Newcomer Ime Udoka plays for Nigeria, Mahinmi too plays for France, both Finley and Bowen have played for the US as well as 1 Tim Duncan. That makes 8 players with loads of FIBA experience. Since Manu, Tony, Fab, and Tim(when he was last part of Team USA) make FIBA All-Tourney teams, you can bet that it's because they understand that game well.

Knowing that there is a different set of rules and style of play makes the Spurs a perfect foil to TEAM USA who DOES NOT YET have that perfect understanding.

I'll give you Tony and Manu, but there are several flaws to your argument.

I don't recall Finley or Bowen playing for the US but if they did it was years back

Udoka and Mahinmi have yet to even play for the Spurs, so I wouldn't count my chickens before they hatch

Tim never really adapted to the international game

That said, Team USA has been playing together now for 2 summers and as a team has much more FIBA experience than the Spurs roster would. If the Spurs could beat team USA then surely they could beat any regular NBA team and would have 10 championships straight by now, but that's just not so. Now you can live in fairy tale land and think the Spurs can smash a team full of the greatest players in the world but like I said i'm going to keep it realistic.

[Slomo]

I'll give you Tony and Manu, but there are several flaws to your argument.

I don't recall Finley or Bowen playing for the US but if they did it was years back

Udoka and Mahinmi have yet to even play for the Spurs, so I wouldn't count my chickens before they hatch

Tim never really adapted to the international game

That said, Team USA has been playing together now for 2 summers and as a team has much more FIBA experience than the Spurs roster would. If the Spurs could beat team USA then surely they could beat any regular NBA team and would have 10 championships straight by now, but that's just not so. Now you can live in fairy tale land and think the Spurs can smash a team full of the greatest players in the world but like I said i'm going to keep it realistic.Do you recall Bowen playing in France for a few seasons?

That could count as FIBA experience wouldn't it?

[mavs>spurs2]

Do you recall Bowen playing in France for a few seasons?

That could count as FIBA experience wouldn't it?

Sure. But Bowen playing in France for a while years back isn't going to change the outcome of a game.

[Slomo]

Sure. But Bowen playing in France for a while years back isn't going to change the outcome of a game.Wasn't just "a while" it was more than that and the argument was familiarity with the FIBA rules/style of play. There's a lot of that on this Spurs team.

[mavs>spurs2]

Wasn't just "a while" it was more than that and the argument was familiarity with the FIBA rules/style of play. There's a lot of that on this Spurs team.

So you honestly think that just because roughly over half the Spurs roster has some sort of international basketball experience, they would be able to beat Team USA?

[Slomo]

So you honestly think that just because roughly over half the Spurs roster has some sort of international basketball experience, they would be able to beat Team USA?I never said that.

MIB named Spurs' FIBA experience as one of the reason for his conviction, you argued against it and you are wrong.

You can debate how much of an impact it would have but you can not argue against the fact it is there, so MIB's assesment that you don't know much about the Spurs stands.

[mavs>spurs2]

I never said that.

MIB named Spurs' FIBA experience as one of the reason for his conviction, you argued against it and you are wrong.

You can debate how much of an impact it would have but you can not argue against the fact it is there, so MIB's assesment that you don't know much about the Spurs stands.


The Spurs are an NBA team, not a FIBA team, and wouldn't be any more used to FIBA rules than Team USA.

So you're saying that the Spurs AS A TEAM have more FIBA experience than Team USA who has been playing together in international competition for the past 2 years? When was the last time the San Antonio Spurs played in an international event?

What I said stands, from a TEAM perspective the Spurs wouldn't have any kind of advantage over Team USA considering only Team USA has played together in international competition.

I never argued with MIB that certain Spur players don't have international experience, I said that it wouldn't be enough to be considered an advantage since Team USA has more experience in international basketball as a whole.

[Galileo]

I honestly think the Spurs would make the current USA team look the way Puerto Rico/Argentina did to us a few years back due to the Spurs insane chemistry, team defense, and the fact that they have the greatest PF of all time.

Agree or disagree?

Im arguing this at the ISH message boards. Nobody is buying it.

I agree.

Team ball beats great talent.

Especially when the team that plays team ball has very good talent and Tim Duncan.

If you don't believe me, ask Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, John Havlicek, or Sam Jones.

[Fernando TD21]

I'm not going to say that the Spurs is better than the USA team, but I think that the Spurs could beat the USA team in a game. I don't know who would win a best of 7 but I'm sure it wouldn't be easy for the USA team to beat the spurs.
Some of the reasons that makes me believe in that:
1- Spurs have some great players with international basketball experience.
2- Spurs have great team chemistry and they do have a lot of talent on their main players.
3- USA team have many talented players but Spurs players know their role on the team.
4- style of play: Spurs plays great defense, if they can slow down the game and make team USA play on the way Spurs likes, then that would help the Spurs a lot.

[Man In Black]

So you honestly think that just because roughly over half the Spurs roster has some sort of international basketball experience, they would be able to beat Team USA?
Told ya...exposed. What are we going to say if the US loses again to the likes of ARG or ESP or LIT or GRE or anyone else in the OLY field? Not saying it's going to happen but because those countries have forged together a system and players who have MUCH MORE EXPERIENCE THAN 2 summers playing FIBA rules, them beating the superior talent that is the US shouldn't come as a surprise if it happens YET AGAIN.

And it's not about being the best team and winning 10 titles in a row, the question was asked could the Spurs beat this current version of TEAM USA and the answer is still yes they could.

[Man In Black]

Oh and it's not just because half the roster has international experience. In Tim, Tony, and Manu...YOU HAVE THE PRIMARY FOCAL POINT of each of their respective country's team. That means the best US Big, The Best French player, The best Argentine player and 2 other players who have played International Rules ball in Oberto and Mike Finley.
Finley last played for the US in 2002 and was part of the first ever NBA team to lose to an international team courtesy of Manu and his countrymen.

Let's add Bowen, who in case you forgot started with this current crew of Team USA and didn't make the final cut...Coach K's mistake because in last year's World Championship Tourney, they could've used a D-stopper and Shane Battier wasn't up to the task.
Oh and these gems right here:

So you're saying that the Spurs AS A TEAM have more FIBA experience than Team USA who has been playing together in international competition for the past 2 years?

Next time you get a chance, find out how many games the most senior of this CURRENT team has played in International ball. In Soccer its called CAPS (think Country Appearances). I'll bet you that none of them come within a dozen games of Ginobili's CAPS. You say 2 years? There is video of Nocioni reverse slamming on Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan in 1999. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VD2JXzrxyB4

How many years ago was that again 8 years? Now compare 2 summers to 8 years (really longer but we'll stick with 8 ) and tell me what advantage other than pure talent does the US have?

You need a refresher course man.
Here read this article when ARG took down the 1st TEAM USA with NBA Players.
http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/5676824



When was the last time the San Antonio Spurs played in an international event?

Try NBA Europe, Spurs went to Paris and played in 1996. Perhaps this will help you?
http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/camp06_index.html

RECOGNIZE, it ain't impossible for the Spurs to beat Team USA as long as all the Spurs are available to play against them, I wouldn't bet against them because they have spent a lot more time that 2 summer vacations to build cohesion, maybe that's why Tim has 4 rings and Manu and Tony have 3 in the time that Dirk has had to try.


What I said stands, from a TEAM perspective the Spurs wouldn't have any kind of advantage over Team USA considering only Team USA has played together in international competition.


1996 man, 1996 plus add CAPS


I never argued with MIB that certain Spur players don't have international experience, I said that it wouldn't be enough to be considered an advantage since Team USA has more experience in international basketball as a whole.

Are you sure? Country Appearances man, which US player has the most appearances as a member of the Senior US team. Start with him and then compare him to say Ginobili or Parker.

[mavs>spurs2]

You spent all that time and energy just to repost what's already been stated?

Yes, many Spur players have alot of international experience, this has already been esablished.

No, I don't think it's enough to overcome the huge talent difference between the two teams.

Bowen can only hope to slow down either Lebron, Carmelo, or Kobe and it's been proven time and time again that Kobe will always get his. This means the other 2 guys are going to have a field day against the Spurs perimeter d.

At the other end, Dwight Howard and Tyson Chandler will have just about as good luck as anyone trying to slow Duncan. Plus with Kidd on Parker and Lebron or Melo on Manu, that leaves Kobe to guard Bowen. This way Kobe won't have to use much energy on the defensive end and can help dig down on Duncan in the post. There are just too many factors in team USA's favor, not to mention the huge difference in talent.

the question was asked could the Spurs beat this current version of TEAM USA and the answer is still yes they could
You realize that this is an opinion of yours, not an established fact right?

I don't agree with you dude, and there's no way to prove it without the two teams actually playing so just leave it at that. You're wasting too much time and effort and my opinion isn't going to change.

[Man In Black]

Because as I've already proven...YOU DON'T KNOW SHIT ABOUT SPURS BASKETBALL.

I'm telling you this US team shouldn't be put on so high a pedestal, it won't be a walk in the park, if they choke, you'll already know how it feels right Mav fan?

Saying that you actually believe that matchup drivel you just posted, you do realize that zone defense are allowed in FIBA right? Kobe has got his since when? Oh yeah, the last time he had a dominant low-block presence, since then...an ass-kicking to 1st round elimination.

Carmelo, has he ever gotten out of the first round?
LeBron won how many finals games again?

See the Spurs play as a team. ALL-STARS don't work all that well together unless they accept defined roles. All those stats you wunderlichs keep posting are them as their primary players on their own NBA team and that shit ain't going to happen.

[mavs>spurs2]

Because as I've already proven...YOU DON'T KNOW SHIT ABOUT SPURS BASKETBALL.

I'm telling you this US team shouldn't be put on so high a pedestal, it won't be a walk in the park, if they choke, you'll already know how it feels right Mav fan?

:lol You haven't proven anything, there is no way of proving who would win a hypothetical matchup.

And tell me again how is it that I dont know shit about Spurs basketball?
I already agreed with you that several Spurs players have international experience yet that's all you seem to keep babbling on about.

[Man In Black]

hypotheses are what? They're tests. I just backed up tests with observation of proof and experience. You said 2 summers, I give you years of playing together. You said that talent will win in the end and I give you incidents that prove that isn't always the case. See...you've already lost, but since you ain't smart enough to comprehend...you'll just feign ignorance.

Your stupidity is laughable.
Everyone who reads this thread will know who actually won this hypothetical exercise.
Need a hint, it's not the guy whose team has ZERO championships.

[mavs>spurs2]

You just keep thinking your precious Spurs could take team USA and also the tooth fairy and santa are real

[Man In Black]

You're a chump. I'll be bringing this one back once the Olympics play out.