Game Blog: Spurs vs. Panathinaikos - Preseason

[MrChug]

My little lady just won tickets from WOAI @ Indigo Joe's and we on the way tonight! Scouting report? The ones on all the mainstream sights offer no help whatsoever...I know Spaz (Spanoulis) is playing, but what else should I know?

[Obstructed_View]

I thought he was hurt.

[exstatic]

Even without Spandex: PantyTacos by 8.

[MrChug]

I thought he was hurt.

I hope so...he's not exactly a pleasure to watch. :oops

[Kori Ellis]

The player I like on Panathinaikos is Mike Batiste. He should be in the NBA, but I guess he's happy there and making good money.

[meta2007]

He is a weaker Okur! :lol


The player I like on Panathinaikos is Mike Batiste. He should be in the NBA, but I guess he's happy there and making good money.

[Kori Ellis]

He is a weaker Okur! :lol
I've seen him play a lot. He could easily be a backup in the NBA. He's much smaller than Okur. I don't get the comparison.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

http://www.nba.com/playerfile/mike_batiste/index.html

Played a year with the Grizz. He didn't do so bad. His career high in points (18) came against the Spurs. :reading

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

I've seen him play a lot. He could easily be a backup in the NBA. He's much smaller than Okur. I don't get the comparison.

Yes but he not best player of team. Diamantidis is better than him and Spanoulis better than both them.

Spanoulis not play he have rupture on foot bottom and also hurt calf muscle.

[Kori Ellis]

Yes but he not best player of team. Diamantidis is better than him and Spanoulis better than both them.

Spanoulis not play he have rupture on foot bottom and also hurt calf muscle.

I didn't say he was the best player on the team. I think Diamantidis is. I just said he was the player that I LIKE on the team.

[meta2007]

You can watch him closely tonight.


I've seen him play a lot. He could easily be a backup in the NBA. He's much smaller than Okur. I don't get the comparison.

[Kori Ellis]

You can watch him closely tonight.

I watched him a lot in the last few years. I like him as a player. I just didn't understand your comparison to Okur, when Okur is so much bigger.

[meta2007]

He has perimeter players' range.


I watched him a lot in the last few years. I like him as a player. I just didn't understand your comparison to Okur, when Okur is so much bigger.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

I didn't say he was the best player on the team. I think Diamantidis is. I just said he was the player that I LIKE on the team.

Coach Obradovic say Spanoulis now best Greek player after Eurobasket.

[Indazone]

Is this going to be televised anywhere or is ther a webcast?

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Is this going to be televised anywhere or is ther a webcast?

ERT1 Hellas tv I think

[Summers]

ERT1 Hellas tv I think

So not helpful.

[T Park]

Mike batiste is a very solid player, and would more than likely be the starting C on the Spurs.

Hes that good.

[Summers]

Mike batiste is a very solid player, and would more than likely be the starting C on the Spurs.

Hes that good.

But that contradicts Coach Obradovic, so you must be wrong.

[Pero]

But that contradicts Coach Obradovic, so you must be wrong.

:lol

[Pero]

ERT1 Hellas tv I think

Ok... Is it possible to watch this over the internet somehow?

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

But that contradicts Coach Obradovic, so you must be wrong.


No because Spanoulis better player than Oberto. Yes Batiste better than Oberto. Oberto good role player in Europe not star so much like Batiste or superstar like Spanoulis.

But I thinks in NBA Batiste maybe play PF.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Ok... Is it possible to watch this over the internet somehow?

Hmm I think sopcast usuals have the games.

[MrChug]

God...all we watched EVERY game of were Rockets and Spurs games. If Spanoulis is a SUPERSTAR anywhere, I think we really need to re-examine what a "superstar" is. The guy plays out of control, never knows when to shoot and looks like the hairy old guy at the court that nobody wants to guard because he stinks and he's a dirty player.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

God...all we watched EVERY game of were Rockets and Spurs games. If Spanoulis is a SUPERSTAR anywhere, I think we really need to re-examine what a "superstar" is. The guy plays out of control, never knows when to shoot and looks like the hairy old guy at the court that nobody wants to guard because he stinks and he's a dirty player.

Well in Europe be in Greece, Euroleague or Eurobasket he considers superstar. Never say he considers superstar in NBA.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Ok... Is it possible to watch this over the internet somehow?

sop://broker.sopcast.com:3912/10505

Not sure but I have sees fotball game there before.

[Pero]

sop://broker.sopcast.com:3912/10505

Not sure but I have sees fotball game there before.

Ok thanks, will check out. If I`ll be able to get up on time haha.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Oh I sees link of internet for game live to see. But I forgets which Greece site has this. It can be sees on the clutchfan site on the PAO/Rocket game thread but I blocks from uses this site because Greece domain blocks during game by idiot Clutch. But Amerikan user can go there and gets link and posts here.

[Pero]

I`m looking, but all I`m seeing is links for the game against Houston.
Don`t spurs fans know anything?

[duncan228]

I`m looking, but all I`m seeing is links for the game against Houston.
Don`t spurs fans know anything?

All I've found is Audio League Pass, free at NBA.com. (http://www.nba.com/)
8:30 EST start.

You can click on "Listen Live" under the schedule on the upper left side of the page.
Or click on "Audio League Pass" on the bottom right of the page.

If anyone finds a webcast please post the link!

[Indazone]

God...all we watched EVERY game of were Rockets and Spurs games. If Spanoulis is a SUPERSTAR anywhere, I think we really need to re-examine what a "superstar" is. The guy plays out of control, never knows when to shoot and looks like the hairy old guy at the court that nobody wants to guard because he stinks and he's a dirty player.

The turnover rate that Spanoulis had in the preseason of the Rockets is about the same as Scola. However, Adelman will be playing Scola a lot cause he's not JVG. A guy like Monta Ellis with his turnover rate would also be benched by JVG. You just can't make a mistakes with that guy or your ride the pine.

For the Europeans, I think there has to be a period of adjustments to learn. Yao wasn't so good either in his rookie year but has turned into a beast in the low post. Lots of Europeans like Garbajosa, Bargnani, and Delfino had to learn and adjust to the speed and the rules. Spanoulis just never got the chance.

[Summers]

Okay, I'm on sopcast.com... How do I find out if they'll be carrying the game?

There aren't any stations listed for Greece at all.

[ChumpDumper]

Amerigans don't give a crap about this game.

[jaespur21]

sorry but sopcast isnt showing this spurs game. their schedule listing is right here and i dont see it.
http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/tr?lp=zh_en&trurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sopcast.com%2Fchannel%2Finc 1.jsp

[ChumpDumper]

:lol even the illegal internet broadcasters don't give a crap about this game.

[Summers]

Damnit.

[Hemotivo]

The Greek channel ERT1 will broadcast the game

-we need the link-

[Summers]

The Greek channel ERT1 will broadcast the game

-we need the link-

I think this is their website:

http://www.noc.ntua.gr/index.php?module=ContentExpress&func=display&btitle=CE&mid=&ceid=178&meid=186

but (it has to be said) it's all Greek to me.


Edited to add when I clicked on the unicast link it brought up what my Real Player says is a live stream, so give it a try.

[Spurs Brazil]

Manu starting again

[Spurs Brazil]

Manu tres!

Oberto and one

[Spurs Brazil]

Bruuuuuuuuuuuce dunk!

Finley 2

Spurs up 10-5

[RobSM64]

GINOBILI! :clap

[Spurs Brazil]

Manu tres again

Pedroza and Barry in, Bruce Manu out

Pedroza J

Spurs up 19-9

[Spurs Brazil]

Cisco in for Oberto

[Spurs Brazil]

Jasikevicius with 10pts

Spurs up 21-18

[loveforthegame]

I can't believe the Warriors couldn't find some minutes for Jasikevicius.

[T Park]

because he isn't that good in the NBA.

Too slow, not a great ball handler for the quicker guards in the league.

[Spurs Brazil]

Elson Dunk!

Barry 3333333333333

DW layup, 5pts for him

End of 1st

Spurs up 32-25

[xcoriate]

Yeah, but basketball is still basketball...

It's hard to believe someone that's as good as he is in Europe and international ball can bust.

How many legit big time Euro stars have busted over the years?

[Indazone]

link???

[buking]

any live?

[Spurs Brazil]

Manuuuuuuuu and one

Ime in

Small ball TD, Finley, Bruce, Ime and Manu

Spurs up 40-32

[Indazone]

dammit, no link??? :(

[Spurs Brazil]

Bruuuuce from Manu

Spurs on a 10-0 run

[Spurs Brazil]

Barry 33333333

Spurs up 53-36 with 3:53 to go in the 2nd

[ShoogarBear]

Spurs with a 21-8 FTA advantage.

[Spurs Brazil]

Another Barry 33333333

[Spurs Brazil]

Bonner and one

Ime block

Cisco J

Halftime

Spurs up 60-44

[whottt]

Yeah, but basketball is still basketball...

It's hard to believe someone that's as good as he is in Europe and international ball can bust.

How many legit big time Euro stars have busted over the years?


It's easier to name the ones who didn't...there are about 10 of them.


Sarunas didn't have the physical ability to make it in the NBA...and he wasn't as good of a 3 shooter from the NBA 3 line either.


In summary...

Heal > Sarunas

[Spurs Brazil]

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/getty/20/fullj.getty-76973614ce001_greece_spur.jpg

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/getty/f1/fullj.getty-76973614ce003_greece_spur.jpg

[T Park]

Spurs with a 21-8 FTA advantage.


Tim Donaghy got money on the game?

HEY OOOOOOO

(rimshot)

[Spurs Brazil]

Manu slam dunk from TD

[mystargtr34]

Nice shot of Oberto springing off the floor there

[Spurs Brazil]

Finley 3333333

Spurs up 72-48

[ShoogarBear]

Tim Donaghy got money on the game?

HEY OOOOOOO

(rimshot)Spurs also have a 6-to-18 turnover advantage.

[Spurs Brazil]

TD with 16pts (6-8)

Ime J

Cisco in

Spurs up - 76 - 53

[WTF ???]

Spurs also have a 6-to-18 turnover advantage.



???????????????????????????!?!?!?!?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Spurs Brazil]

Pedroza J

Cisco dunk from Ime

TD (8-10FT)

TD layup, 20pts

Ime J

Spurs up 86-58

[mystargtr34]

Timmy being aggressive. Why isnt Ian and Williams playing?

[T Park]

How many friggen points does Elson have?

[Spurs Brazil]

How many friggen points does Elson have?

7pts 5rebs

[T Park]

ah ok.

Decent game.

Of course their bigs blow so Iwould hope so.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

What's up with Ian and Marcus?

[Spurs Brazil]

Cisco block

Brent and one from Ime, 3asts

Pedroza with 9pts

Spurs up 92-64 after the 3rd

[A.H 21-50]

Williams in

[T Park]

up 28, its prob ok to put the Toros in the game now.

[A.H 21-50]

up 28, its prob ok to put the Toros in the game now.

offcourse we"ll see more williams and mahinmi during this quarter IMO

[Spurs Brazil]

Cisco, Bonner, Williams, Barry and Pedroza starting the 4th

[duncan228]

For those of us not able to see the game.
Pictures are starting to come out.


http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x282/duncan228/000001.jpg

[Spurs Brazil]

Langford and Ian in

Williams with a TO and a miss layup

[Spurs Brazil]

Williams with the off reb and got fouled, to the line - 1/2

[mystargtr34]

Iaaann

[mystargtr34]

Timmy has to have the biggest hands in the NBA, maybe C-Webb and Shaq also

[Spurs Brazil]

Lang in and to the line, 0/2

Ian for 2 inside

Williams misses J, get the reb and misses again

Ian travels

Williams block

Williams layup

Spurs up 99-77

[Spurs Brazil]

Ian huge block, Shoening said the ball went to midcourt

[mystargtr34]

Williams and Ian both have a field goal and blocked a shot each

[Spurs Brazil]

Williams with another off reb

DW 33333

Williams J at the buzzer

Lang dunk from Williams

Shoenning said Williams is playing well

Williams with the reb and a miss layup

Spurs up 106-87 with 2:26 to go

[Spurs Brazil]

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/getty/6b/fullj.getty-76973614ce005_greece_spur.jpg

[Spurs Brazil]

Spurs vs. Panathinaikos
FOURTH QUARTER: YOUTH SERVED


Duncan hit 6 of 9 from the field and 8 of 10 free throws.

Early in the fourth quarter the Spurs went with a lineup of Anthony Lever-Pedroza, Keith Langford, Marcus Williams, Kris Lang and Ian Mahinmi. Williams was drafted by the Spurs this summer and Mahinmi was drafted in 2005.

Mahinmi, a 6-foot-11 center, made his first basket with 7:52 left in the game. He had a strong defensive stop moments later that had Duncan clapping on the sidelines.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, long known for his intensity on the sidelines, was in his calm teacher mode throughout the game.

THIRD QUARTER: UDOKA STEPS UP

Ime Udoka, who has been called the next Bruce Bowen, scored his first points of the game when he hit a jumper with 6:36 left in the third quarter. That finished a 14-2 Spurs run that made it 76-48.

Udoka had another basket as the Spurs took a 92-64 lead at the end of the third quarter.

At one point the game was held up while an official made one of the Panathinaikos players tuck in his shirt. We were trying to figure out what they can do to a player from Greece who doesn't tuck in his shirt. It's not like the NBA can fine or suspend him.

SECOND QUARTER: DUNCAN AND BOWEN

Tim Duncan and Bruce Bowen got in an offensive groove in the second quarter to carry the Spurs to a 60-44 halftime lead over Panathinaikos on Saturday at the AT&T Center.

Duncan had eight points in the second quarter with two baskets and 4-of-4 free-throw shooting.

Bowen was looking youthful on offense. He followed his first-quarter dunk with a driving finger roll with the shot clock running down with 9:33 left in the second quarter. Bowen added an assist to Tim with 8:24 left and a jumper with 6:56 left in the half.

Barry drilled two more 3-pointers with 3:57 and 3:20 left in the half to put the Spurs up 56-37.

FIRST QUARTER: ROOKIES' GRAND ENTRANCE

The Spurs' rookies led the team out onto the floor before the game. The catch - the veterans stood and waited under the stands for about a minute - leaving the youngsters standing on the floor by themselves wondering what to do.

Manu Ginobili started again as the point guard. Ginobili as a starting point guard looks a lot like Ginobili as an off guard. He had eight points in the first six minutes of the game, hitting two 3-pointers and a driving basket. He also had one assist. The Spurs finished the first quarter with a 32-25 lead.

Barry showed his experience when he drilled his first shot, a 3-pointer. That made him 5 of 7 from 3-point range in the preseason.

The Spurs' young guards got involved early. Anthony Lever-Pedroza entered the game and almost immediately hit a jumper. He scored four points in less than a minute. Marcus Washington hit the floor later in the first quarter and drew a foul, made a free throw, and had an assist to Francisco Elson on a break.

PREGAME: GREEK FANS

A small but lively and loud group of five Panathinaikos fans was having fun in upper seats a little while before the game. They were all wearing green - their team's colors - and had a drum to help them make their presence known.

Kris Lang, Keith Langford, Anthony Lever-Pedroza and Darius Washington are all likely to see playing time at guard for the Spurs tonight. It is also possible that not one of them will wear a Spurs uniform in a regular-season game this year.

But odds are a few of them will eventually follow the trail of players like Devin Brown and eventually make their way back to the NBA somewhere down the line. Their few preseason games can be an important learning experience on the way to eventually making a living in the sports - even if they have to play in the Developmental League or overseasons to accomplish their goals.

Lang, Langford, Lever-Pedroza and Washington all played at least 10 minutes in the Spurs' first preseason game. With Tony Parker slowed by an injury and the Spurs' other veterans not in need of much preseason game time, the little-known Spurs players have the chance to gain more experience tonight.

http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/spursworld/2007/10/updates_spurs_vs_panathinaikos.html

[T Park]

Ime says get that shiznit outta here :smokin

[Spurs Brazil]

Ian J is good

DW layup, 9pts

Ian with 3rebs

Langford 2/2FTs

Spurs win 113-91

Link to Box Score
http://www.nba.com/games/20071013/PANSAS/boxscore.html

[T Park]

Ian showin em whats up :)

[mystargtr34]

Ian J is good

DW layup, 9pts

Ian with 3rebs

Langford 2/2FTs

Spurs win 113-91

Link to Box Score
http://www.nba.com/games/20071013/PANSAS/boxscore.html
Ian has a J?

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Ian: 4pts 3rebs 1blk 2PFs in 10 minutes. Not bad.
Udoka: 4pts 2 asts 1blk 1stl in 19 minutes. Okay.
Marcus: 5pts 4rebs 1blk 1TO in 12 minutes. Holy shit.

[Indazone]

yeah, the turnover rate was a problem for PANA in the Rockets game too. When they come over and play the NBA game the fouls and turnovers go through the roof because they don't get the NBA rules. It was like when team USA went to play the FIBA game and got scorched in 2006 by Greece. They need to practice more with NBA rules or play the FIBA rules. I would actually like to see how the Spurs and Rockets would have done playing by FIBA rules.

Not that I think Pana would win but would have been more entertaining.

[T Park]

Marcus: 5pts 4rebs 1blk 1TO. Holy shit.


gowildcat gowildcat go :smokin

Nice quarter from Marcus Williams.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

gowildcat gowildcat go :smokin

Nice quarter from Marcus Williams.
And in 12 minutes. :wow

[Spurs Brazil]

And in 12 minutes. :wow

Rookie of the year :smokin :lol

[Spurs Brazil]

B.Brown said TP may practice with the rest of the team next week but probably won't play

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

At the rate Marcus is going he can give us 20 and 12 a night.

[T Park]

Thats fine, I think the Spurs know what they are gonna get out of Tony Parker.


Man, thats a great sign that Marcus Williams played that well.


Will be interesting to hear TIMVP's assesment when he gets home.

[xcoriate]

It's easier to name the ones who didn't...there are about 10 of them.


Sarunas didn't have the physical ability to make it in the NBA...and he wasn't as good of a 3 shooter from the NBA 3 line either.


In summary...

Heal > Sarunas

Thats exactly what I'm saying Petrovic, Gino, Kukoc, Sabonis etc. in europe Sarunas is in their class and in the NBA nothing. I just find it baffling, I mean the others managed to make it work and Sabonis was slower than pretty much any player in NBA history.

As for Heal I disagree, he is a gunner, with decent playmaking skills, and a ridiculous amount of grit thats about it. That being said he is probably the best point Australia ever produced...

Sarunas though is a rich mans Beno udrih... guess not rich enough for the NBA though.

[xcoriate]

Ps. Guys Marcus was 2-7 not that impressive. He played better, but by no means well.

[Indazone]

We need to see the Spurs play by FIBA rules. That would be entertaining to watch. Besides, we know PANA is better than what they showed these two games. If Greece can beat Team USA, they are better than this.

[T Park]

Ps. Guys Marcus was 2-7 not that impressive. He played better, but by no means well

The 4 rebounds and blocked shot negate that.

[xcoriate]

In you're mind maybe...

We already know he can board and play D. This game doesn't show anything new just sure it reinforces what we know already.

i.e. He can't create his own shot, shots for others or shoot.

[angel_luv]

Sani played a nice second half. It was so awesome to see him play in person. :fro

I also enjoyed the glimpse of the new and potential new guys.

I look forward to getting to know each of their games better.

Great, great, great to have the Spurs home!

[Air biscuit]

Those Greek fans were funny. They kept the chants up all night. There was about ten of them, but sounded like 50. They must really love that team the way they kept up with the chants down 25. Euro flavor in the ATT tonight.

[sa_kid20]

Those Greek fans were funny. They kept the chants up all night. There was about ten of them, but sounded like 50. They must really love that team the way they kept up with the chants down 25. Euro flavor in the ATT tonight.

yeah i sat about 3 rows in front of them and they were chanting the entire game, it was pretty cool. I took video of them chanting and im gonna put it on here in a little while so ya'll can see for yourselves

[sa_kid20]

Here is the video of the Greek fans

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZY683_0JvP0

[TMTTRIO]

yeah I just got back from the game and I was sitting 4 rows above from those guys. I thought it was pretty cool how they were standing the whole time and cheering their guys on until the very end even if they were getting blown out. By the way can anybody find a clip of Manu's dunk. That was just sick. He looked like the old Manu again dunking like that.

[exstatic]

We need to see the Spurs play by FIBA rules. That would be entertaining to watch. Besides, we know PANA is better than what they showed these two games. If Greece can beat Team USA, they are better than this.
Except that Team USA isn't really a team at all. It's an aggregation of players thrown together for PR purposes.

[Trainwreck2100]

Except that Team USA isn't really a team at all. It's an aggregation of players thrown together for PR purposes.

Not to mention half the Spurs roster couldn't qualify for it

[Hemotivo]

and

Tony, Manu, Oberto and even Bruce knows how to play under Fiba rules very well

[jmard5]

Marcus: 5pts 4rebs 1blk 1TO in 12 minutes. Holy shit.

Holy shit alright. :)

[mystargtr34]

but Tim certaintly doesnt lol :) It would have been very close in FIBA rules IMO, because those rules suck

[jmard5]

If Greece can beat Team USA, they are better than this.

Nah. Spurs are a lot more cohesive team than Team USA. Add to that that you have 3 offensive players and a great supporting cast. They could win.

But, yeah, FIBA rules might make the game a bit more interesting.

[Indazone]

Nah. Spurs are a lot more cohesive team than Team USA. Add to that that you have 3 offensive players and a great supporting cast. They could win.

But, yeah, FIBA rules might make the game a bit more interesting.

So you're basically telling me that the Spurs can beat Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire, Dwight Howard, Jason Kidd, Chauncey Billups, Redd, Miller, Tyson Chandler, Tayshaun Prince and Deron Williams.

:lmao

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Those Greek fans were funny. They kept the chants up all night. There was about ten of them, but sounded like 50. They must really love that team the way they kept up with the chants down 25. Euro flavor in the ATT tonight.

Panathinaikos fan have been votes best in world before

http://www.bestsupporters.com/video.php?id=1165275270

[angel_luv]

Those Greek fans were funny. They kept the chants up all night. There was about ten of them, but sounded like 50. They must really love that team the way they kept up with the chants down 25. Euro flavor in the ATT tonight.


They were awesome. It was so fun having them in the building.

I also love how the Greek national anthemn was sung in addition to the USA one. :tu

[10-tka]

They were awesome. It was so fun having them in the building.

I also love how the Greek national anthemn was sung in addition to the USA one. :tu It is common to have this kind of atmosphere at European basketball games. But Greeks are the best in this they keep chanting for ever and ever. It is common for European players that they are shocked by behavior of American ‘’popcorn’’ eating fans on b-games. There isn’t any passion for team, maybe only in Finals.

Angel did you try to talk to Sani? We are practicing your Slovenian for a while now? Hehe

[angel_luv]

It is common to have this kind of atmosphere at European basketball games. But Greeks are the best in this they keep chanting for ever and ever. It is common for European players that they are shocked by behavior of American ‘’popcorn’’ eating fans on b-games. There isn’t any passion for team, maybe only in Finals.

Angel did you try to talk to Sani? We are practicing your Slovenian for a while now? Hehe


I wish!!!!!! I didn't have a vistor's pass and so could not go down courtside to say hello.

I did point Sani out to all my friends though. :) All the girls said he is cute.
Women love Slovenians. :) :)

As for practicing my Slovene, Sani will have to come play here again so I can.
Also, I need to come to Slovenia. :)

[exstatic]

So you're basically telling me that the Spurs can beat Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire, Dwight Howard, Jason Kidd, Chauncey Billups, Redd, Miller, Tyson Chandler, Tayshaun Prince and Deron Williams.

:lmao
So, you're basically telling me that SA beat PantyTacos last night only because of the rules?

[Indazone]

There is no way to determine how much the effect of the rules would be unless you played the game with FIBA rules and played another one with NBA rules. But I still stand by my statement, no way the Spurs beat Team USA. With Team USA geared up on FIBA and NBA rules, I think they are unbeatable either way by any other team on the planet.

The Greek team beating team USA was because the Team USA wasn't together long enough and were still unfamiliar with the FIBA style of ball. They have made adjustments and anything short of Gold at the 2008 Olympics would be a major letdown.

[exstatic]

The Greek team beating team USA was because the Team USA wasn't together long enough and were still unfamiliar with the FIBA style of ball. They have made adjustments and anything short of Gold at the 2008 Olympics would be a major letdown.
FIBA has been the standard for intl bball since the get go, and we never had problems until 2000. It aint the FIBA rules.

Teams beat us in intl ball for three reasons: the talent gap has narrowed, they SMOKE us on fundamentals and teamwork, and on any given day, a good team can beat a good or great team in a single elimination tournament, which is how the later rounds of FIBA are set up. Don't be shocked to see USAB go down again next year.

[Hemotivo]

FIBA has been the standard for intl bball since the get go, and we never had problems until 2000. It aint the FIBA rules.

Teams beat us in intl ball for three reasons: the talent gap has narrowed, they SMOKE us on fundamentals and teamwork, and on any given day, a good team can beat a good or great team in a single elimination tournament, which is how the later rounds of FIBA are set up. Don't be shocked to see USAB go down again next year.
:clap

[RashoFan]

Here is the video of the Greek fans

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZY683_0JvP0
Good to see sport fans having a good time!!!
Sometimes at the games that I have gone to, I kinda wish our fans would be a little more into the game.

[temujin]

FIBA has been the standard for intl bball since the get go, and we never had problems until 2000. It aint the FIBA rules.

Teams beat us in intl ball for three reasons: the talent gap has narrowed, they SMOKE us on fundamentals and teamwork, and on any given day, a good team can beat a good or great team in a single elimination tournament, which is how the later rounds of FIBA are set up. Don't be shocked to see USAB go down again next year.


Perfect.

[We born to be bad]

I wish!!!!!! I didn't have a vistor's pass and so could not go down courtside to say hello.

I did point Sani out to all my friends though. :) All the girls said he is cute.
Women love Slovenians. :) :)

As for practicing my Slovene, Sani will have to come play here again so I can.
Also, I need to come to Slovenia. :)

Who's that women? I'm a girl and think the latino is a real hunk like Barbosa. Or the french player as Boris or Tony (so cute). Also, the italian player like Oberto, Bargnani, Belinelli, they're kind of Florence's boy. (silky and long hair :p: )
Slovenians? Oh! Beno. :oops I see what you mean.
Oh, I'm off topic, again. Spurs vs.Panathinaikos-Preseason...damned boring! :devil

[Indazone]

Who's that women? I'm a girl and think the latino is a real hunk like Barbosa. Or the french player as Boris or Tony (so cute). Also, the italian player like Oberto, Bargnani, Belinelli, they're kind of Florence's boy. (silky and long hair :p: )
Slovenians? Oh! Beno. :oops I see what you mean.
Oh, I'm off topic, again. Spurs vs.Panathinaikos-Preseason...damned boring! :devil


LOL it's the Spurs what do you expect??