Spurs In Trouble???

[Manu_Ginobili]

...with 14 pts advantage in the 3rd quarter for the Hornets - there was NO WAY BACK in this one - with a score 84-69 and 8 min. left in the game Pop put/had the following players on the floor - Vaughn, Bowen, Finley, Horry and Oberto - when you look at the time to see how many point those guys had at the time you would find amazingly they had less than 8 pts - SO MY REAL QUESTION HERE was/is how do you EXPECT to get back in this game, being down by 14 pts, by PUTTING THOSE OLD DONKEYS on the floor, who had NOTHING in this game??? NO WAY!

The big problem I see is The Spurs LOST 12 of their LAST 17 against teams over .500 - this is a disturbing record!!! They are NOT playing well this year after the all-star break - they are going to Detroit now where they will get beaten/drilled by the Pistons (especially after the Pistons lost today at home by 1 pt from the 76rs!)...Even with the game "finished" (Hornets by 20), and we saw the "reserves" playing, the 'Mighty Mouse'-guy showed that he is in a very bad shape by missing layups, and open shots-3s (he couldn't even hit close to the basket in the end! So did Finley!) that makes you wonder WHY he was acquired by the Spurs??? FINLEY also was a disaster...

The Spurs need Barry back, Bonner has to play instead of Horry, bench Finley and play Udoka for his minutes, plus Vaughn instead of Mighty Mouse, then, they have some chance...I say 'a chance' because the Western Conference teams improved greatly this year with YOUNG TALENT, something the Spurs DON'T HAVE right now...The Hornets are SCARY the way they play right now...They BLEW US OUT 2 TIMES ALREADY - the 1st game at the ATT center and now at home...A lots of things for Pop to think about - Hornets defeated Phoenix as well - even better record there - 3:1 the series, and they have a very good shot to win the Division...The Spurs on the other hand have a very difficult schedule, they WILL NOT WIN IN DETROIT AND DALLAS by playing Horry and Finley (it will be another disaster THERE AS TODAY)... and my estimate now is, they will fight for the 3rd-4th spot to rank in the Playoffs - then, it will depend who we play, but I CURRENTLY DON'T LIKE THINGS NOW WITH THOSE "OLD DONKEYS" Horry, Finley, and Mighty Mouse, and I believe if Popovich continues to depend on those 3, WE WILL NOT REPEAT THE TITLE THIS YEAR, something very important for us because EVERYONE KNOWS that only the GREAT ONES repeat...I WOULD TAKE THE 2 CONSECUTIVE RINGS OF THE ROCKETS IN THE 90s OVER THE ONES WE HAVE...THE SPURS NEED YOUNG TALENT AND SOME psychical GUYS under the basket - somethings they don't have right now...I am very worried about the Playoffs...

GO MANU!!!

[SouthernFried]

...I WOULD TAKE THE 2 CONSECUTIVE RINGS OF THE ROCKETS IN THE 90s OVER THE ONES WE HAVE...
GO MANU!!!

I hated math. But as far as I remember, 4 > 2. Would I want 4 rings on my fingers...or 2?

I agree about Horry tho. 1 great defensive play for every 4 stupid fouls isn't mathematically sound. 4 is also greater than 1.

[SpurOutofTownFan]

No need to worry - the spurs know how to win when it counts - trust me they will come together when they smell playoff/ring time.

[Manu_Ginobili]

I hated math. But as far as I remember, 4 > 2

I agree about Horry tho. 1 great defensive play for every 4 stupid plays doesn't work either. 4 is also greater than 1.

I know you are CORRECT - I just want to see us REPEATING, because I am tired of those "****" comments that the Spurs are NOT a dynasty because they never repeated - however, besides Horry, Finley and the Mighty-Lousy Mouse are terrible as well - I don't get it WHY Bonner and vaughn are sitting over these 2 guys (Horry and Stoud.), a big mistake!???

[Manu_Ginobili]

No need to worry - the spurs know how to win when it counts - trust me they will come together when they smell playoff/ring time.

I hope so...I am VERY worried about Horry, Finley and Mighty Mouse - those 3 ARE JUST TERRIBLE, and I don't see them getting better, to be HONEST...so unless the Spurs get good production from Barry, Udoka, Bonner and Vaughn, we will not repeat...

GO SPURS!!! GO MANU!!!

[SouthernFried]

Horry has been terrible all year. Finley still has some juice in him...and MM's problems started when Pop told him to become a scorer first.

Am I worried? Yeah.

But, I seem to get this way every year around this time.

[SenorSpur]

Horry has been terrible all year. Finley still has some juice in him...and MM's problems started when Pop told him to become a scorer first.

Am I worried? Yeah.

But, I seem to get this way every year around this time.

Horry is done. Anytime a player resorts to pushing the ball back through the hoop after an opposition's made-basket, YOU'RE DONE. I never thought I 'd want to usher Horry off this team, but it's time. His roster spot needs to go to someone else next year. Finley, as usual, picks a fine time to go into the tank.

[Manu_Ginobili]

Horry is done. Anytime a player resorts to pushing the ball back through the hoop after an opposition's made-basket, YOU'RE DONE. I never thought I 'd want to usher Horry off this team, but it's time. His roster spot needs to go to someone else next year. Finley, as usual, picks a fine time to go into the tank.

I agree. Horry is finished - Pop needs to play Bonner instead...

GO SPURS!

[Obstructed_View]

Horry is done. Anytime a player resorts to pushing the ball back through the hoop after an opposition's made-basket, YOU'RE DONE.
He's done that before.

[WalterBenitez]

We are going down, everyone has our numbers and we see weak.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

The big problem was falling in love with the three on a night the team was 2-18 from downtown. Stupid.

[JamStone]

Spurs are still going to be in the conversation when it comes down to the playoffs. But, I'd say EVERY team in the West is pretty much in trouble this season.

[Manu_Ginobili]

The big problem was falling in love with the three on a night the team was 2-18 from downtown. Stupid.

Do you want to borrow my picture of Manu with the ball for your avatar? I can send it to you...

[SpurOutofTownFan]

I'm not counting Horry out just yet. But respect your opinions.

[Obstructed_View]

Spurs are still going to be in the conversation when it comes down to the playoffs. But, I'd say EVERY team in the West is pretty much in trouble this season.
I don't think anyone's going to beat the Celtics, either.

[Findog]

Lose 3 in a row or 4 out of 6 and you're in trouble in the West. The Spurs are in better shape than 6 other West playoff teams. Still, the Hornets are one of the four best teams in the conference. Chris Paul deserves to be in the MVP conversation.

[Indazone]

We're number 2 Whoooo Hoooo!

[SenorSpur]

He's done that before.

How about defending his position in the post and not allowing West post position on him?

[DazedAndConfused]

I am not looking forward to the Lakers upcoming 4 game road trip from hell. The Spurs/Lakers could flip-flop in the rankings real fast.

[Cherry]

Spurs are still going to be in the conversation when it comes down to the playoffs. But, I'd say EVERY team in the West is pretty much in trouble this season.

Well...that's true :lol

But besides this horrible game, Pop has a problem: He don't know what to do with his team...i'm tired to see a tired Manu coming on/off/on/off/on/off/on the bench, i'm tired to see Robert/Michael/Ime/Damon/Fabricio missing shoots and i'm TIRED to see a different starting lineup almost every night.

On this way, they don't know who they are :dizzy

[Obstructed_View]

How about defending his position in the post and not allowing West post position on him?
How about not having him in the game when defense should be the priority? All I'm saying is that tonight isn't the first time he's knocked the ball back through the hoop.

[Manu_Ginobili]

I don't think anyone's going to beat the Celtics, either.

come on, they will BEAT THEMSELVES in the playoffs...

[Cherry]

We're number 2 Whoooo Hoooo!

Props :toast i don't know what to say :depressed

[J_Paco]

Spurs are still going to be in the conversation when it comes down to the playoffs. But, I'd say EVERY team in the West is pretty much in trouble this season.

Wow, a rational and composed thought!! How novel with all this doom & gloom I'm reading.


I'm not counting Horry out just yet. But respect your opinions.

I really think it's time for Pop to give Bonner the minutes that Horry's been playing. Horry has played like shit almost the entire season, except for the occasional flash of good play, and the team is headed into the stretch run. I don't think the team can rely on Horry, other than spot-minutes in close games.

[Manu_Ginobili]

I'm not counting Horry out just yet. But respect your opinions.

I offer you my Manu picture with the ball instead, how is that?

[Manu_Ginobili]

Am I worried? Yeah.

But, I seem to get this way every year around this time.

me too...

[greens]

At this point, I think it's more like the Spurs "role players" are in trouble...to be more specific.

I just don't see anyone other than the Big Three contributing offensively or even defensively, except Bruce Bowen.

[Manu_Ginobili]

At this point, I think it's more like the Spurs "role players" are in trouble...to be more specific.

I just don't see anyone other than the Big Three contributing offensively or even defensively, except Bruce Bowen.

good point...

[Manu_Ginobili]

He's done that before.

when last season did he do that?

[ploto]

when last season did he do that?
Horry has done that for years...

[SenorSpur]

The Spurs have yet to win a championship without efforts and contributions from their bench players. If they only have the Big Three playing well heading into the playoffs, that's not a good sign.

[dav4463]

This happens every year. I feel confident the team will be ready for the playoffs. In the playoffs, Pop has time to get ready for an opponent that he will see in more than one game. There are no back-to-backs in the playoffs. Give the Spurs time to get ready and there aren't many teams that can beat them in a best of seven series.

[Indazone]

hmm maybe you needed Elson after all? Or is it a case of Kenny Thomas not getting enough minutes and not taking enough shots? The rest of the team's shooting was simply atrocious. Oberto didn't take enough shots and Finley/Udoka took too many.

Damon Stoudamire just sucked and I knew he would when the Spurs got him.

[Mr. Body]

You don't get less old as a season goes on.

[Obstructed_View]

You don't get less old as a season goes on.
But it's obviously possible to get less smart, or at least less aggressive. 55 jumpers? Are you kidding?

[Findog]

Of course the main concern for San Antonio is the supporting cast. The Big Three will show up for the playoffs and the Spurs should still be considered the faves to come out of the West. But your problem is that you're depending on so many other players on the wrong side of 33 years old.

[Spursofthemoment]

Every season I feel like they should have added just a few slightly younger players to the team but I do understand why they don't want to chance it.

I really hope they can snap out of this. It looks like everyone is struggling out there and helplessness makes it very hard to stay confident and fight through it. That is what I see. When it is obvious that luck isn't on their side, they panic more than they ever did and that just makes the offense worse.

These losses just make other teams more confident. Either way I'm betting next year's team will look quite different if they don't pull this out.:(

[Obstructed_View]

Of course the main concern for San Antonio is the supporting cast. The Big Three will show up for the playoffs and the Spurs should still be considered the faves to come out of the West. But your problem is that you're depending on so many other players on the wrong side of 33 years old.
If you were depending on them to outrun or outjump the other team, I'd be inclined to agree with you. When you are depending on them to make smart decisions, take high percentage shots and play disciplined basketball as a team, it's not so bad. The Spurs haven't been winning championships because they have the best athletes, and they certainly haven't suddenly gotten old four games after an 11 game winning streak that had everyone saying they were the team to beat. They play dismally uninspired basketball one or two times every regular season, and have come out of it every single year to play well. Some might argue that they are only one Nazr Mohammed three pointer from going for four in a row.

[Findog]

IWhen you are depending on them to make smart decisions, take high percentage shots and play disciplined basketball as a team, it's not so bad.

Yep, and that's why San Antonio is going to be so difficult to dethrone. It's certainly doable though, you guys look a little more vulnerable than usual this year. Of course, it's always kind of hard to gauge because the Spurs approach the regular season in a marathon, not sprint sort of fashion.

[Obstructed_View]

Yep, and that's why San Antonio is going to be so difficult to dethrone. It's certainly doable though, you guys look a little more vulnerable than usual this year. Of course, it's always kind of hard to gauge because the Spurs approach the regular season in a marathon, not sprint sort of fashion.
They only look vulnerable since they've lost three of four and are playing like garbage. They've got some time to turn it around. Nobody wants to face the Spurs when they are playing well.

[hater]

Like many have said before. This team is not built for the regular season. especially not a regular season as intense in the west as this one.

Spurs are a playoff team. can't wait for playoffs to get here. In the meantime let's pray spurs don't fall too much in the seedings

[wildbill2u]

In previous years the Spurs had the best record (or near to it) in the important rating of average point differential.

That came from good team defense, which is keyed by fast feet and the ability to rotate.

I don't know where to find that stat, but I bet the Spurs aren't anywhere near leading the league this year.

[Obstructed_View]

In previous years the Spurs had the best record (or near to it) in the important rating of average point differential.

That came from good team defense, which is keyed by fast feet and the ability to rotate.

I don't know where to find that stat, but I bet the Spurs aren't anywhere near leading the league this year.
Following a 25 point loss, it looks like they are tied for eighth with Dallas at +4.5.

[Indazone]

FYI Last 10 games

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee228/RocketsPics/PtDifferentialAllTeams.jpg

[Budkin]

Big 3 are fine... we need a bench.

[Obstructed_View]

The Spurs were only +8.8 when they went 17-3 to start the season.

[T Park]

A couple days off would do the team wonders of good.

The schedule isn't allowing of that right now unfortunately.

[Obstructed_View]

A couple days off would do the team wonders of good.

The schedule isn't allowing of that right now unfortunately.

If I were the coach I'd call up Ian and start him, Bonner, Vaughn, Udoka and Finley and let them each play 40 minutes against the Pistons. If the NBA's not going to do any better a job at scheduling, they can stick their nationally televised games in their ass.

[wildbill2u]

The Spurs were only +8.8 when they went 17-3 to start the season.
I think we are only +2.48 for the whole season.

Maybe we need to go back to the rotation of the beginning of the season.

[Harry Callahan]

No back to backs will help, but I am concerned given the improvement of former also rans in the western conference, the age of our supporting cast and most importantly the health of Tony Parker. His outstanding play the last couple of years has really given the Spurs an edge over other teams. He is not right this year (all year long), and that could prove to be fatal in the POs.

Playing on the French National Team was an enormous mistake. TP's gimpiness this year as a result of that ankle injury this summer is a very big issue right now. The Spurs cannot put as much pressure on the opposing team and get easy baskets.

BTW, I would like to know the FT Attempts per game for Duncan, Parker and Ginobili, I feel like the attempts are way down, but I have not researched it.

[Obstructed_View]

I think we are only +2.48 for the whole season.

Maybe we need to go back to the rotation of the beginning of the season.
You mean the Spurs? No, they are +4.5 for the season. Since they really haven't put together more than a couple complete games this entire year, it's kind a misleading stat, other than to suggest how inconsistent they've been. Fortunately, that's something that can be fixed by effort.

[Spurs Dynasty 21]

Spurs in trouble? YES


manu = gassed

parker = overrated

bench = non nonexistent

[barbacoataco]

Last year Horry looked pretty bad until the playoffs started. I think kthe Spurs are still better off hoping that Horry gets it together. Bonner just isn't that good.

[SpursFan0728]

Horry actually pisses me less than Finley. Fin's shot selections were so bad that I want to blowup my TV when he take a shot

[Mr. Body]

Bonner just isn't that good.

Nonsense. He's $9,000,000 good!

[Manu_Ginobili]

hmm maybe you needed Elson after all? Or is it a case of Kenny Thomas not getting enough minutes and not taking enough shots? The rest of the team's shooting was simply atrocious. Oberto didn't take enough shots and Finley/Udoka took too many.

Damon Stoudamire just sucked and I knew he would when the Spurs got him.

Well, let's wait for the Sonics to release him as well, so we can pick him up as well as BARRY... :smokin :smokin :smokin :smokin