Team Defense

[Ghost Writer]

We discussed Playoff Matchups last week and I'm convinced that the Spurs are giving up several positional battles against the Lakers, Suns and possibly the Mavs even.

That said, the Spurs calling card remains its team defense.

And I still think that it can be enough to overcome all those "names" on the Western rivals.

It will be important to have the Big 3 playing at optimal levels, hence the bold brilliance of Pop shutting Parker down for a while.

(I would monitor Manu's minutes a little down the stretch now, too).

I don't know what to make of Bowen's inconsistent minutes as of late. I don't like him overall as a player, but I do admit his one-on-one defense is critical in the playoffs. I hope Pop is not playing him as much to save him and not because his faith in him is shaken.

I'm still very concerned about the C spot for the Spurs, because now they'll have to guard Gasol and/or Stoudamire in more man-to-man scenarios. Oberto and Elson do not intimidate around the hoop, either. I wish we had another shotblocker to help Tim and allow our guards to take more chances on D.

Anyway, what do you think about the Spurs defense being the saving grace come playoff time?

[MoSpur]

The Spurs defense is the Spurs #1 ingredient to winning championships. I think the center spot is the Spurs weakest. There is no one there to block shots.

[BonnerDynasty]

Elson better get his shit together by the time we face Lakers.

Don't worry about partying like a rockstar, play some fucking defense.

[Holt's Cat]

Yes Ghostie, the Spurs win championships by playing defense. That's why the player you hate so much is in the starting lineup.

Welcome to 5 years ago.

[clubalien]

ben wallace?

[Ghost Writer]

Yes Ghostie, the Spurs win championships by playing defense. That's why the player you hate so much is in the starting lineup.

Welcome to 5 years ago.
You still think they got enough gas in the tank?

You addressed none of my concerns about Oberto or Bowen on defense.

[SenorSpur]

The Spurs defense is the Spurs #1 ingredient to winning championships. I think the center spot is the Spurs weakest. There is no one there to block shots.


Diop Diop

[MoSpur]

Diop Diop

I know, but doubt that will happen.

[Holt's Cat]

Diop would be a very Popportunistic move.

[StoneBuddha]

Diop would be a very Popportunistic move.

Plus, it's in the Pop playbook of bringing in a big man onto the Spurs that has given Duncan some difficulty in the past, i.e. Horry.

[Solid D]

When the Spurs are playing small, a normal situation down the stretch against several teams, Tim is at the 5. That isn't a weakness unless Tim is in foul trouble.

Don't count on Elson nor Bonner in the playoffs. Although the Spurs had 10 players averaging 10+ minutes in the playoffs last year, that was highly unusual and was a reflection of who they were playing.

The other Big besides Tim is probably going to be Oberto or Horry...because of their team defense acuity.

Tough, physical defense will be even more important this season. The Spurs will have to have their top 9 healthy PLUS hit their shots to make it all the way. If Barry doesn't heal, Udoka is an upgrade defensively but a downgrade offensively. Pop will probably end up having to roll with the guys he has again...unless (someone in) the league decides to cooperate with them on a trade.

[Solid D]

Oh, and this rate... don't count on Damon Stoudamire being one of the 9 getting 10+ minutes/game.

[Slippy]

I'm still very concerned about the C spot for the Spurs, because now they'll have to guard Gasol and/or Stoudamire in more man-to-man scenarios. Oberto and Elson do not intimidate around the hoop, either. I wish we had another shotblocker to help Tim and allow our guards to take more chances on D.

Anyway, what do you think about the Spurs defense being the saving grace come playoff time?


Just goes to show how much we miss Drob even on his last legs.. never in my wildest dreams did i think replacing 8 points and 7 rebounds (correct me if im wrong) would get this hard. Yah i realise they only stats but you think finding a big that can defend with a bit of intelligence , rebound and score on easy points would be a mere formality.

What's that saying? "you don't realise what you've got until it's gone".

[hsxvvd]

Just goes to show how much we miss Drob even on his last legs.. never in my wildest dreams did i think replacing 8 points and 7 rebounds (correct me if im wrong) would get this hard. ...finding a big that can defend with a bit of intelligence , rebound and score on easy points...

Maybe we should trade for Oberto, oh wait... He's on our team.

[Slippy]

Maybe we should trade for Oberto, oh wait... He's on our team.


He's effective and will be be an asset in the play-offs. Im glad he's on our team... just too short to guard the likes of Shaq Stoudamire, Brynum and Gasol which is what i quoted from Ghost's topic. For easy points, depends on Manu often so I don't think he' ideal for what we talking about.

[Slippy]

surely, no-one thinks Oberto replaces 03 DROB?

[hsxvvd]

surely, no-one thinks Oberto replaces 03 DROB?

No, but we're not playing playing against 03 Shaq either.

[Slippy]

No, but we're not playing playing against 03 Shaq either.

No just the 08 Stoudamire in tandem with 08 Shaq. Oberto is not the answer. He's a stop-gap against those bigs. A massive match-up problem. Same with Gasol and Bynum.

Oberto will be good for 6 fouls just as much as Elson to avoid foul trouble on Tim.

[hsxvvd]

We've got nothing to fear from Stupidamire or some fat old man.

As for the Lakers, they'll have enough trouble making the playoff without Kobe. Gasol and Bynum are no better than Boozer and Okur and we took care of that last year 4-1. Before you start talking about Kobe, think back to Deron Williams coming into that series and he was a monster.

[hsxvvd]

I'm getting tired of hear "Spurs fans" talking about how great all these teams are and making out like those other teams have nothing to worry about.

What are they going to do about Duncan? They've not managed to do anything about him for the past 10 years, I don't see that changing anytime soon.

What about Parker? Finals MVP. Ginobili? It's taken miracles to beat us in the past otherwise we'd have 5 straight titles!

[Slippy]

It's one thing to talk about match-ups and another to discuss Spurs championship aspirations. Same would be said when comparing DRob to Oberto. Apples and oranges if you get my drift.

It's your right to vent those fustrations of yours going by your last 2 posts (most of it i agree with) but this is the wrong thread. Most who know of me from way back, would know I've believed in this team for a very long time, through thick and thin . I just don't get cauhgt up in the "sign up here if you're on the badwagon rah rah "'roll call anymore. I signed up long time ago and never got off.

[hsxvvd]

Bobcats shot 28% today. It's about time.

[SA Gunslinger]

Oberto and Horry are savvy defenders. They usually win more battles than they lose. And Udoda plays well in the front court. The problem I see here is that none of these players can guard Shaq.

Every position is manned two to three deep except for the five position. Spurs need another big and it's getting close to the deadline. Hopefully they don't give up guys with rings.

[genomefreak13]

I don't know what to make of Bowen's inconsistent minutes as of late. I don't like him overall as a player, but I do admit his one-on-one defense is critical in the playoffs. I hope Pop is not playing him as much to save him and not because his faith in him is shaken.

I'm still very concerned about the C spot for the Spurs, because now they'll have to guard Gasol and/or Stoudamire in more man-to-man scenarios. Oberto and Elson do not intimidate around the hoop, either. I wish we had another shotblocker to help Tim and allow our guards to take more chances on D.

Anyway, what do you think about the Spurs defense being the saving grace come playoff time?

I think the fact that Bowen is still starting is proof that Pop has never had doubts with him. We all know how Pop is with his players, if he doesn't like him, he's benched.

I think Bowen inconsistencies is just normal. He's just human, even LeBron has his bad days ever once in a while. Anyway, during those times, we still have Udoka (and possibly Barry) to rely to. So That wouldn't really be a big concern.

The real problem is about matching up one on one with the bigs of Phoenix and lakers. If hell lets loose during the game, an early double team in the post could possibly be the solution . We have good perimeter defender with the likes of Bowen, Ginobili and Udoka - so we can gamble on this one. Besides that (and a lot of hail marys), i can't hardly think of anything to solve the problem.

A zone defense against Phoenix would surely make a target practice out of us and a simple man-to-man defense can easily be broken by a dominant center such shaq and Gasol.

[hsxvvd]

I think the fact that Bowen is still starting is proof that Pop has never had doubts with him. We all know how Pop is with his players, if he doesn't like him, he's benched.

I think Bowen inconsistencies is just normal. He's just human, even LeBron has his bad days ever once in a while. Anyway, during those times, we still have Udoka (and possibly Barry) to rely to. So That wouldn't really be a big concern.

The real problem is about matching up one on one with the bigs of Phoenix and lakers. If hell lets loose during the game, an early double team in the post could possibly be the solution . We have good perimeter defender with the likes of Bowen, Ginobili and Udoka - so we can gamble on this one. Besides that (and a lot of hail marys), i can't hardly think of anything to solve the problem.

A zone defense against Phoenix would surely make a target practice out of us and a simple man-to-man defense can easily be broken by a dominant :rolleyes center such shaq and Gasol.

[SA Gunslinger]

The real problem is about matching up one on one with the bigs of Phoenix and lakers. If hell lets loose during the game, an early double team in the post could possibly be the solution . We have good perimeter defender with the likes of Bowen, Ginobili and Udoka - so we can gamble on this one. Besides that (and a lot of hail marys), i can't hardly think of anything to solve the problem.

A zone defense against Phoenix would surely make a target practice out of us and a simple man-to-man defense can easily be broken by a dominant center such shaq and Gasol.

Shaq is a problem. But I am confident Horry and Oberto can handle Gasol.

[genomefreak13]

as compared to Elson and Oberto- shaq and Gasol is dominant
:lol :lol

[genomefreak13]

Shaq is a problem. But I am confident Horry and Oberto can handle Gasol.

Sure hope so. Despite Shaq's inconsistent play this season, His weight and size still pose a big problem for the spurs. He can still out rebound the rest of our big man - which may lead to a transition basket by the suns.

[SA Gunslinger]

as compared to Elson and Oberto- shaq and Gasol is dominant
:lol :lol

Actually, no. Tim Duncan is the only dominant low post player left in the league. Doc Rivers was doubling him in the all-star game. I think that speaks volumes about what TD is about.

[genomefreak13]

Actually, no. Tim Duncan is the only dominant low post player left in the league. Doc Rivers was doubling him in the all-star game. I think that speaks volumes about what TD is about.

How about Howard (orlando)? He's been dunking over a lot of people lately. Can't he be consider as dominant? I think his team is up in the standings in the east right now.

[itzsoweezee]

it all depends on whether horry is able to put in quality big time minutes in the playoffs. he's the one guy that the spurs need to be playing really well against the lakers.

[hsxvvd]

I think for some, this is one of those threads we bump come playoffs to prove our point.

[Slippy]

I think for some, this is one of those threads we bump come playoffs to prove our point.

GEEZ you're really going out on a limb here.

For the life of me i still can't work out how you equate discussing match-ups and team defense to losing faith in the spurs. You're on the wrong track mate. As soon as you compared Oberto to Drob you hit that detour.

This is a forum to discuss anything related to the Spurs, that includes concerns we all may share.. If that means giving credit to opposing players and being humble enough to admit they could pose a problem , then fair enough. Hell iv'e seen Pop and the players do it. Doesn't mean they think any less of their own. You 're letting your emotions get the better of you.


In case you missed it. The topic starter does state he still likes our chances of winning the championship.

[hsxvvd]

I've never compared Oberto to Robinson, simply stated that Oberto will be able to provide 8 points, 7 rebounds and play intelligently in the playoffs.

My problem is not just with this thread, but all those that have started since all these recent trades, that seem to forget who won it last year and with what team. I simply don't think these recent trades are much to be concerned about. Honestly, the Suns were not far away from beating us last year, Dallas? We never got to find out. Those playoff match-ups with the Mavs & Suns were scary. But neither move has made them any better. In fact, I feel better about playing them now than last year.

Suns + Shaq. Honestly, I thought trading away Kurt Thomas was going to hurt the Spurs more, because they never should have played him against us, they are better running against us. Shaq will only do now, what Kurt Thomas did, and that's slow them down. This will play to our strength.

Mavs + Kidd, Harris was the difference that got them past us in 06, Terry & Harris were a headache & No Diop = No defence on Duncan and all sorts of problems for the Mavs.

As for Gasol & the Lakers. Well the Lakers had a long way to go before they were ever going to be a problem for the Spurs. Gasol isn't really that much of a concern to me, and the whole Bynum & Gasol thing is terribly overrated. The problem the Lakers will still have is that Nash, Paul, Parker, Williams, Davis & now Kidd are all going to abuse them. Also, despite all his shortfalls, Kwame was the best defender the Lakers had on Duncan.

[Slippy]

I've never compared Oberto to Robinson, simply stated that Oberto will be able to provide 8 points, 7 rebounds and play intelligently in the playoffs.




When you repond that Oberto is already on the team for the center spot that DROb used to play then you are comparing.

You do realise the guy that supposed to play DROb's role is Elson right? He matches up to the bigs mentioned in this thread. A gimpy DROb in 03 took on these type of bigs and played his role to a tee. Plus he's allowed Duncan to stay out of foul trouble. I dont mean just with stats but smarts, toughness and leadership. I just wish we could get the first two aspects from Elson, then matching up to the lakers and suns wouldn't be as much of a concern.

I have no doubt Oberto will bring it for the play-offs, he just doesn't match-up well to the likes of Shaq and Bynum. For me, that's stating the obvious. Where he doesn't match-up , he makes up for it with intelligence and hustle.

[hsxvvd]

Illgauskas/Gooden/Varajao are also big, and cause match up problems, but we managed.

I see what your saying, I'm just not scared of it being a bigger problem for us than anything we haven't faced and beaten in the past.

Okur/Boozer
Camby/Nene

Wallace/Wallace/McDyess in 05

In 06 it was Harris, Terry and Stack that killed us, not Dampier or Diop.

A lot of the match up problems and weaknesses are covered by having Oberto or Elson teamed with Duncan.

Let's not forget also, that Tony and Manu are much improved from 03 and it more than compensates for not having 03 Robinson.

[Slippy]

Illgauskas/Gooden/Varajao

Okur/Boozer
Camby/Nene

Wallace/Wallace/McDyess in 05

In 06 it was Harris, Terry and Stack that killed us, not Dampier or Diop.





Offensively none of these stack up to the front-courts the spurs could face in the play-offs.

Lakers Bynum, Gasol and Odom.

Suns Shaq and Stoudamire. You could thrown in Diow who's versatility could be a problem.

Elson and Oberto will have to pick up the slack . Avoiding foul trouble on Tim is the main priority.

[Slippy]

Forgot to mention, how much of a factor Horry is will play a big part in supporting Tim.

[wildchild]

Oberto and Horry are savvy defenders. They usually win more battles than they lose. And Udoda plays well in the front court. The problem I see here is that none of these players can guard Shaq.

Every position is manned two to three deep except for the five position. Spurs need another big and it's getting close to the deadline. Hopefully they don't give up guys with rings.


Don't worry about Shaq. Really he isn't a big problem for us. When Spurs play smalls Shaq/Amare can't guard 3's of Mike, Ime, Brent, Rob. :lol
It's not as serious as all that.
Don't worry about Oberto and Horry. They show the best after april.
Believe, guys. Believe!