I'm getting sick of this hack a shaq BS...

[DespЏrado]

I'm getting sick of this hack a shaq BS. Honestly, it's been played out....And I agree the rules need to be changed if any nba team can use a deficiency of one great player to dominate all the momentum.

It's unreal that Spurs fans are advocating so hard for doing this. I loved it in choice moments in the first game but this is just ridiculous...It's bad for the game to make hack-an-anybody a go to defensive mode. This might just ruin what was an epic series for me.

The Spurs have always been about winning the right way. That is how it should be, not like this.

[TDMVPDPOY]

stfu kent

shaq earns 20m a season, doesnt hurt his earnings to go out hire a ft shootin coach.

[DespЏrado]

Bring it bitch. At least I'm a fan of the game, it takes serious homer glasses to enjoy a team winning via hack a shaq.

[jmard5]

Pop is making this a mental game. :lol
Poor Shaq. Can't defend the pick 'n roll. Can't shoot free throws. Major exploitation!

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

I'm a fan of the game. Shaq embodies everything that's wrong with the American game. Get big, strong, and you don't have to have shit in the way of fundamentals.

And then you get owned with something braindead like Hack-a-Shaq. Shit happens. Learn how to shoot.

[THE SIXTH MAN]

Who gives a shit? Hack a Shaq is not the reason why the sons are losing.

[DespЏrado]

I would have liked to see the Spurs play this game without relying on hacking Shaq at any point in this game. It's insulting to think the Spurs couldn't have gutted out the victory without it.

[Elraptor]

The league can't change it now, not after all the history with it.

[Cry Havoc]

I'm getting sick of this hack a shaq BS. Honestly, it's been played out....And I agree the rules need to be changed if any nba team can use a deficiency of one great player to dominate all the momentum.


If one player at the NBA level making OVER 20 MILLION DOLLARS PER YEAR shoots free throws worse than your AVERAGE high school player, -THAT- is the BS, my friend.

It is a travesty that Shaq won 4 titles in this league simply because he was bigger than everyone else and could throw elbows and dunk.

If Shaq was even 6'5", he never would have made it to a D-I college school, let alone the NBA.

THAT is the disgrace.

[Strike]

If Snaq can't hit his god damn free throws, he deserves to be exploited.

[THE SIXTH MAN]

I would have liked to see the Spurs play this game without relying on hacking Shaq at any point in this game. It's insulting to think the Spurs couldn't have gutted out the victory without it.

:lol
What are you talking about? The Spurs have been leading this whole game. They went with that strategy when they were up. And it actually brought the sons closer.

My point is before this series, hack a snaq wasn't even an after thought. So why now? Why make the change for just one player?

Must the sons have all the rules changed just to cover up their shortcomings?

:lobt2:

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Making Shaq shoot free throws is the equivalent of forcing a guy to go left when he can only dribble with his right hand. It's his job to fix his weakness, not your job to be nice.

[tmtcsc]

deSPURado, I don't think you'll find many people who give a shit. Humiliate the guy. He spends most of his time throwing cheap elbows and over accentuating fouls so that he can throw his arms around. I have no sympathy for him. This doesn't taint a thing for me.

1 qtr to go.

[Strike]

Parker is a straight pimp.

He's gettin blown tonight.

[O-Factor]

Bring it bitch. At least I'm a fan of the game, it takes serious homer glasses to enjoy a team winning via hack a shaq.

Shut the fuck up and enjoy the beauty of Parkers game tonight.

[DespЏrado]

If one player at the NBA level making OVER 20 MILLION DOLLARS PER YEAR shoots free throws worse than your AVERAGE high school player, -THAT- is the BS, my friend.

It is a travesty that Shaq won 4 titles in this league simply because he was bigger than everyone else and could throw elbows and dunk.

If Shaq was even 6'5", he never would have made it to a D-I college school, let alone the NBA.

THAT is the disgrace.

And that is completely missing just how good Shaq actually was. He was athletic enough to put that body to good use. I can't believe I am defending this asshole to spurs fans, but wtf? Hatred sometimes begets begrudging respect, and you had to respect Shaq's shoulder lowering game.

But this might be Shaq's last good run at the ship, and I will respect the nemesis that lead to such heartbreak for the Spurs for so many years.

[Elraptor]

Making Shaq shoot free throws is the equivalent of forcing a guy to go left when he can only dribble with his right hand. It's his job to fix his weakness, not your job to be nice.That is the full answer to this thread. To win basketball games, you have to be and play smart. That's what fouling Shaq is. Make him shoot 2 shots, which usually he'll make 1. Stragegy.

[Strike]

Fuck respect for Shaq. Trust me, he'd have no respect for you.

He respects nothing but the paycheck and the celebrity. Nothing more. Hack his fat ass all god damn game if he can't make his fucking throws.

[SpursFan0728]

just shut the fuck up already...

I don't see any thing wrong exploring a player's weakness...
so he sucks at FT and we can't send him to the line?
WTF is wrong with you

[DespЏrado]

Making Shaq shoot free throws is the equivalent of forcing a guy to go left when he can only dribble with his right hand. It's his job to fix his weakness, not your job to be nice.

Playing defense takes effort, Otherwise everyone would magically be able to force Manu to go right. Hack a Shaq takes zero energy and effort. It's BS. It's like cheering for the special olympic kid to make his free throws.

[DespЏrado]

deSPURado, I don't think you'll find many people who give a shit. Humiliate the guy. He spends most of his time throwing cheap elbows and over accentuating fouls so that he can throw his arms around. I have no sympathy for him. This doesn't taint a thing for me.

1 qtr to go.

It isn't tainted for me because the Spurs would have won anyways the way they were playing, but now we are robbed of the opportunity to have the proof of that.

As fans of the game we are seeing a gimmick being used as a go to defense. It's ridiculous and insulting. And it sure as hell isn't in the spirit of the game. Nor is it winning the right way.

[IceColdBrewski]

I'm getting sick of this hack a shaq BS. Honestly, it's been played out....And I agree the rules need to be changed if any nba team can use a deficiency of one great player to dominate all the momentum.

It's unreal that Spurs fans are advocating so hard for doing this. I loved it in choice moments in the first game but this is just ridiculous...It's bad for the game to make hack-an-anybody a go to defensive mode. This might just ruin what was an epic series for me.

*sniff sniff*

Do you cry everytime the coach of your favorite baseball team calls for an intentional walk to get to a batter who's in a slump? Do you hang your head in shame everytime the coach of your favorite football team tells his QB to keep picking on the CB who has already given up 110 yards and 2 TD's?

Didn't think so.

Same concept here. Use their weakness as an advantage.

Shaq's had an entire NBA career to improve his free throws. Blame him, not the Spurs.

[Strike]

It isn't tainted for me because the Spurs would have won anyways the way they were playing, but now we are robbed of the opportunity to have the proof of that.

As fans of the game we are seeing a gimmick being used as a go to defense. It's ridiculous and insulting. And it sure as hell isn't in the spirit of the game. Nor is it winning the right way.

Winning is the right way. If Snaq is too much of a dipshit to improve his free throw shooting, he deserves to be exploited like a porno skank in a gangbang.

The Spurs aren't breaking any rules. Simple as that. If you don't like watching the Spurs win, I'm sure arizonasportsfans.com could use another cryer on their board.

[VaSpursFan]

why penalize a team for exploiting a weakness on the other team. what next, penalize teams that can score in the paint because the other team can't hit layups? shaq needs to become a better free throw shooter.

[DespЏrado]

*sniff sniff*

Do you cry everytime the coach of your favorite baseball team calls for an intentional walk to get to a batter who's in a slump? Do you hang your head in shame everytime the coach of your favorite football team tells his QB to keep picking on the CB who has already given up 110 yards and 2 TD's?

Didn't think so.

Same concept here. Use their weakness as an advantage.

Shaq's had an entire NBA career to improve his free throws. Blame him, not the Spurs.

Baseball deserves no mention with basketball. The game has been so tainted by the use of steroids that it's ruined the nature of the sport.

Hacking Shaq is a poor substitute for good team defense.

[Strike]

Snaq missing free throws is a poor substitute for scoring points.

Fuck him.

[flipcritic]

Baseball deserves no mention with basketball. The game has been so tainted by the use of steroids that it's ruined the nature of the sport.

Hacking Shaq is a poor substitute for good team defense.

Whatever. Hitting your free throws would render this argument moot. Blame Shaq for not hitting them, not the Spurs for taking advantage of this weakness.

Hack a Bowen used to be a tactic employed by other team in past playoff series. If there's a weakness, exploit it.

[DespЏrado]

Winning is the right way.

Not really no. Steroids can give an edge to a player in most sports, so winning isn't the measuring stick by itself if the measuring stick can be bent. Merely winning without rules and a spirit of the game is meaningless. It ceases to be a sport and is just about who can exploit the rules better.

Are we beating the Suns down because of hack a shaq? No most definetely not. But we cheapened the game tonight by denying the Suns a chance to play their offense against our defense for a pretty damn crucial period of this game.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Playing defense takes effort, Otherwise everyone would magically be able to force Manu to go right. Hack a Shaq takes zero energy and effort. It's BS. It's like cheering for the special olympic kid to make his free throws.

It takes zero effort for Shaq to back someone down with his fat ass and then turn and dunk, but I don't see you on here crying about that or begging for it to be outlawed.

[VaSpursFan]

Not really no. Steroids can give an edge to a player in most sports, so winning isn't the measuring stick by itself if the measuring stick can be bent. Merely winning without rules and a spirit of the game is meaningless. It ceases to be a sport and is just about who can exploit the rules better.

Are we beating the Suns down because of hack a shaq? No most definetely not. But we cheapened the game tonight by denying the Suns a chance to play their offense against our defense for a pretty damn crucial period of this game.

i was trying to give you the benefit of the doubt...are you really a spurs fan???

[Cry Havoc]

and you had to respect Shaq's shoulder lowering game.

You just offered the textbook definition of a charge. I rest my case.

[Strike]

We cheapened the game tonight by denying the Suns a chance to play their offense against our defense for a pretty damn crucial period of this game.

Ok, how about Pop pulls duncan so the Suns have a CHANCE. Or maybe the Spurs just stop rebounding altogether. You know, so the Suns have a CHANCE. Or how about the Spurs just forfeit the next two games. Just so the Suns have a CHANCE!

Are you a closet Suns fan? Good Christ! I can't believe you would even defend Snaq's fat overrated ass!

Take your ass over to phxsuns.net

[DespЏrado]

It takes zero effort for Shaq to back someone down with his fat ass and then turn and dunk, but I don't see you on here crying about that or begging for it to be outlawed.

I did when he used to do it against DRob/ Malik/ Rasho/ etc. in his day. Shaq has gotten away with more offensive fouls in a single series against the Spurs than most players have in a career.

But don't let that stop you from cheering the exploitation of the rules....Make no mistake it is taking an advantage of a rule designed to be a deterrent/ reward.

I hope the NBA fixes it, because it is bad basketball.

[DespЏrado]

i was trying to give you the benefit of the doubt...are you really a spurs fan???

Need to see my ticket stub from the memorial day miracle?

I'm glad the Spurs won, and Tony played a hell of a game. It was a good win overall, but I hope we don't run into another poor ft shooting team in these playoffs. It's shit to watch when we hack a player to avoid having to play defense.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

How is it exploitation of the rules? How would it be any different than fouling him as he goes up to shoot and making him shoot FTs instead of letting him get a dunk or a layup?

Maybe we should outlaw the pick and roll too, because Shaq's fat ass couldn't handle that either, and clearly that wasn't fair to the Suns defense that we exploited their D like that at a key time in the game, right?

You sound like a friggin' Suns fan. Or D'Antoni.

[Cry Havoc]

I hope the NBA fixes it, because it is bad basketball.

What the fuck? Are you that fucking dense? What part of GOOD basketball involves NEVER developing a shot outside of 6 feet? Hell, even STAT has that! Yao Ming a guy with bigger hands than Shaq can hit from range!

How the FUCK is shooting 50% at the fucking FREE THROW LINE GOOD FUCKING BASKETBALL?

[VaSpursFan]

I did when he used to do it against DRob/ Malik/ Rasho/ etc. in his day. Shaq has gotten away with more offensive fouls in a single series against the Spurs than most players have in a career.

But don't let that stop you from cheering the exploitation of the rules....Make no mistake it is taking an advantage of a rule designed to be a deterrent/ reward.

I hope the NBA fixes it, because it is bad basketball.

this is silly. people strategically exploit gaps in rules all the time whether it's basketball or corporate america. the way to prevent you from getting your ass handed to you is to become proficient at that weakness...i.e., snaq practicing his free throws.

[lebomb]

I'm getting sick of this hack a shaq BS. Honestly, it's been played out....And I agree the rules need to be changed if any nba team can use a deficiency of one great player to dominate all the momentum.

It's unreal that Spurs fans are advocating so hard for doing this. I loved it in choice moments in the first game but this is just ridiculous...It's bad for the game to make hack-an-anybody a go to defensive mode. This might just ruin what was an epic series for me.

The Spurs have always been about winning the right way. That is how it should be, not like this.

Dude seriously......freethrows are the easiest shot in the game besides a layup......hell, it may even be easier because noone can contest it. You have to learn to shoot free throws if you want to play basketball. Defending Shaq is just dumb. Learn how to play basketball before you open your pie hole next time.

[DespЏrado]

How the FUCK is shooting 50% at the fucking FREE THROW LINE GOOD FUCKING BASKETBALL?

I agree completely, however it's not any better basketball to foul said player to avoid playing defense.

[SRJ]

Trust me Despurado...this is the one and only team we'll be hacking. No other team we could face has a player with such a glaring weakness at FT shooting. There's Ben Wallace, but the Cavs aren't getting out of the East.

[lebomb]

I dont understand the whining......this is basketball, you exploit the other teams weakness.

[Strike]

Need to see my ticket stub from the memorial day miracle?

And? I'm sure there's a Blazers fan or two with a ticket stub from that game.

It's not exploitation. It's strategy. But if you want the Suns to have a CHANCE to win, give Pop a call. I'm sure he'll take time out of his day to listen to you.

[DespЏrado]

How is it exploitation of the rules? How would it be any different than fouling him as he goes up to shoot and making him shoot FTs instead of letting him get a dunk or a layup?


It is an exploitation of the rules in that in that free throws were explicitly created as a penalty to prevent body contact that would otherwise disrupt a good shot.

A penalty that has been expanded to include the use of time management in a close game. But taking what was first instated as a penalty and using that to not have to play defense is an obvious exploitation.

I hated it back when other teams hacked Bowen or Duncan and I hate it now. It is shit basketball.

[Borosai]

Do you really believe--honestly--that the Spurs are trying to avoid playing defense? It may not be the most popular thing to do, but the real problem lies in Snaq's fat hands.

[Spurs Brazil]

Pop is making this a mental game. :lol
Poor Shaq. Can't defend the pick 'n roll. Can't shoot free throws. Major exploitation!

Coach Brown just said that on radio. It's not only the FTs but the way they play after the hack a Shaq

[Strike]

Fine. Go support the Suns.

[Demo Dick Marcinko]

Give a guy a bagful of money and he complains about the bag. In the name of everything that is holy the Spurs just won a game in dominating fashion and a fan is nitpicking a facet of a beautifully played game. Relax and just enjoy the exhibition of basketball that we just had the privilege of seeing.

[DespЏrado]

It is a great tactic and it takes the Suns out of their rhythm, but your too stupid to see that.


No I am remembering 2006 when AJ used hack a Bowen during a crucial stretch against the Spurs that might have cost us the title.

But I guess it's a great strategy :rolleyes ....When the Spurs do it

[SRJ]

Give a guy a bagful of money and he complains about the bag.

If I quoted posters in my sig, this would be one I'd use.

[BonnerDynasty]

Call us Floppers now bitch.

[Bulwark]

Shaq shouldn't be able to throw is fat ass around either.

[NASpurs]

This thread is beyond stupid. It's up there with SpursDynasty21 threads. Congrats OP. :toast

[DespЏrado]

Call us Floppers now bitch.

Pass me off as a Suns fan if you want... I'm still rooting for the Spurs.

A real Spurs fan would remember our history with hack a whoever...and not be so quick to cheer its return to these playoffs. Especially while we still need a player like Bowen on the floor if and when we meet the Kobe lead Lakers.

[Slippy]

They are free points to be had and he can't take advantage. A similar situation occurs late in a game when teams keep fouling to avoid time been wasted, trying to make a comeback. That's why when the spurs are in that situation they take Bowen out.

This is Shaq's problem and the Suns have to deal with it.

[wildbill2u]

Nobody thought it was a bad ploy when they used to foul Bowen all the time for exactly the same reason--to exploit his weak foul shooting skills. Pop sometimes had to hide him on the bench to counter it.

[NASpurs]

Pass me off as a Suns fan if you want... I'm still rooting for the Spurs.

A real Spurs fan would remember our history with hack a whoever...and not be so quick to cheer its return to these playoffs. Especially while we still need a player like Bowen on the floor if and when we meet the Kobe lead Lakers.

If the Spurs were to lose to such a stupid tactic then they don't deserve to even play in the first place.

[wijayas]

I'm getting sick of this hack a shaq BS. Honestly, it's been played out....And I agree the rules need to be changed if any nba team can use a deficiency of one great player to dominate all the momentum.

What's the problem brother? Don't be a whiny winner.:lol

[carina_gino20]

It isn't tainted for me because the Spurs would have won anyways the way they were playing, but now we are robbed of the opportunity to have the proof of that.

As fans of the game we are seeing a gimmick being used as a go to defense. It's ridiculous and insulting. And it sure as hell isn't in the spirit of the game. Nor is it winning the right way.

You're looking at it the wrong way if you think this is Pop's defensive plan. It's not even about that anymore. He has employed it while the Spurs were trailing, and while the Spurs were leading. 4th Q, 2nd Q, 1st Q... He's just toying with Shaq now, disrupting Phoenix's offense, keep the Suns guesging. It's a brilliant move because the Suns can't buckle down and toughen up mentally. If they are able to do that, Pop would drop this like a hot potato. But they're playing right into his hands.

[carina_gino20]

No I am remembering 2006 when AJ used hack a Bowen during a crucial stretch against the Spurs that might have cost us the title.

But I guess it's a great strategy :rolleyes ....When the Spurs do it

It is a great strategy. We'd be pissed, but it's within the rules.

[DespЏrado]

Nobody thought it was a bad ploy when they used to foul Bowen all the time for exactly the same reason--to exploit his weak foul shooting skills. Pop sometimes had to hide him on the bench to counter it.



Really not in 2006 and fans were calling for AJ's head when he used it when the Mavs were ahead.

Look I don't even mind Hack a shaq so much as a means of catching up to a team, but using it to avoid playing defense is just weak ass basketball. And the Spurs sure as hell didn't look like the weaker team tonight did they?

[DespЏrado]

If the Spurs were to lose to such a stupid tactic then they don't deserve to even play in the first place.

That's it you're catching on. Who's next that wants to defend this BS?

[NASpurs]

That's it you're catching on. Who's next that wants to defend this BS?

Exactly it's stupid yet it's effective if the player can't shoot FTs and the coach is an idiot. You seem to have some kind of selective hearing going on here.

[Cry Havoc]

That's it you're catching on. Who's next that wants to defend this BS?

"You may advance and be absolutely irresistible if you make for the enemy's weak points; you may retire and be safe from pursuit if your movements are more rapid than those of the enemy."

- Sun Tzu

[VaSpursFan]

You're looking at it the wrong way if you think this is Pop's defensive plan. It's not even about that anymore. He has employed it while the Spurs were trailing, and while the Spurs were leading. 4th Q, 2nd Q, 1st Q... He's just toying with Shaq now, disrupting Phoenix's offense, keep the Suns guesging. It's a brilliant move because the Suns can't buckle down and toughen up mentally. If they are able to do that, Pop would drop this like a hot potato. But they're playing right into his hands.

+1...we have a winner!!!

[BonnerDynasty]

Pass me off as a Suns fan if you want... I'm still rooting for the Spurs.

A real Spurs fan would remember our history with hack a whoever...and not be so quick to cheer its return to these playoffs. Especially while we still need a player like Bowen on the floor if and when we meet the Kobe lead Lakers.

not you, Shaq

my bad :(

[Desperado]

I'm getting sick of this hack a shaq BS. Honestly, it's been played out....And I agree the rules need to be changed if any nba team can use a deficiency of one great player to dominate all the momentum.

It's unreal that Spurs fans are advocating so hard for doing this. I loved it in choice moments in the first game but this is just ridiculous...It's bad for the game to make hack-an-anybody a go to defensive mode. This might just ruin what was an epic series for me.

The Spurs have always been about winning the right way. That is how it should be, not like this.

I'm ashamed of this guy using my name for this pieboy post...

[DespЏrado]

Exactly it's stupid yet it's effective if the player can't shoot FTs and the coach is an idiot. You seem to have some kind of selective hearing going on here.

It's a game changing kind of effectiveness. And it's weak sauce especially since the Suns were never able to recover from it in tonight's series deciding game, since no team has ever recovered from down 0-3.

I don't want any part of a Spurs team that ever has to use such a strategy, as anything more than a gimmick. Three straight games in which crucial momentum shifting moments were stifled was weak. It was painful to watch.

Call me a purist, but the game should be played not over burdened with free throws.

[Obstructed_View]

I absolutely love the tactic. Pop is psychologically pissing on the entire Suns organization. It doesn't matter if Shaq hits every single one of his free throws, because it completely prevents the three point shooters from getting any momentum at the ends of quarters. Mentally weak teams don't do well having to sit there between periods thinking about how badly they are doing.

Secondly, and allow me to make this very clear: Fuck the Suns. They've had no class for years and can't admit that they lost to a better team. They lobby for suspensions, hurl accusations and blame everyone else for their failures, and I'm sure the Spurs are completely sick of it. They deserve no mercy. Fucking eliminate their asses and move on.

[DespЏrado]

"You may advance and be absolutely irresistible if you make for the enemy's weak points; you may retire and be safe from pursuit if your movements are more rapid than those of the enemy."

- Sun Tzu

War is different from a sport...In war the trojan horse is a brilliant plan. In basketball I don't want to see Duncan dressed as the Suns gorilla. :lol On second thought maybe that would be classic.

[DespЏrado]

Secondly, and allow me to make this very clear: Fuck the Suns. They've had no class for years and can't admit that they lost to a better team. They lobby for suspensions, hurl accusations and blame everyone else for their failures, and I'm sure the Spurs are completely sick of it. They deserve no mercy. Fucking eliminate their asses and move on.

I agree but the Spurs are better a better team/ organization than the Suns in every way. Why stoop when we had their jugular in hand?

[K-State Spur]

All Shaq would have to do is hit 55% (still a pathetic number) from the line to make this strategy unusable.

It's HIS fault (and all his). Not Pop's, not Stern's, not the Refs, and not even D'Antoni's. Shaq is a PROFESSIONAL. And that many people on this board could go out and hit more FTs than him should EMBARRASS him to the point of improving.

[carina_gino20]

Really not in 2006 and fans were calling for AJ's head when he used it when the Mavs were ahead.

Look I don't even mind Hack a shaq so much as a means of catching up to a team, but using it to avoid playing defense is just weak ass basketball. And the Spurs sure as hell didn't look like the weaker team tonight did they?

Again, this is not true. You think Pop doesn't trust his defense enough to play it straight up? This is just a mental game Pop is playing. He doesn't care if Shaq makes all of them. He's just toying with them, and it's worked brilliantly.

[carina_gino20]

It's a game changing kind of effectiveness. And it's weak sauce especially since the Suns were never able to recover from it in tonight's series deciding game, since no team has ever recovered from down 0-3.

I don't want any part of a Spurs team that ever has to use such a strategy, as anything more than a gimmick. Three straight games in which crucial momentum shifting moments were stifled was weak. It was painful to watch.

Call me a purist, but the game should be played not over burdened with free throws.

Wow. What do you want them to do? Allow the Suns to gain some steam? Let them get into a run, out of a crucial game-changing moment? Shouldn't you be happy the Spurs are actually stopping the suns from gaining momentum?

[dbreiden83080]

Spurs are up 3-0 i am happy as can be.

[DespЏrado]

Again, this is not true. You think Pop doesn't trust his defense enough to play it straight up? This is just a mental game Pop is playing. He doesn't care if Shaq makes all of them. He's just toying with them, and it's worked brilliantly.

Probably true. And it worked brilliantly. But why should we support a strategy whether it's used against us or by us that detracts from the game as a whole? Why should I support the use of something that gives the Spurs an advantage they didn't earn?

[K-State Spur]

It's a game changing kind of effectiveness. And it's weak sauce especially since the Suns were never able to recover from it in tonight's series deciding game, since no team has ever recovered from down 0-3.

I don't want any part of a Spurs team that ever has to use such a strategy, as anything more than a gimmick. Three straight games in which crucial momentum shifting moments were stifled was weak. It was painful to watch.

Call me a purist, but the game should be played not over burdened with free throws.

Call me a purist, but the best way to hurt teams' fouling is to knock down the shots. Crazy idea and all...

[anakha]

WGAF, We're Up 3-0 forum.

[DDS4]

All I can say is 3-0. You don't get fucking style points for victories.

Like everyone stated before, it's not totally about Shaq making FTs. Its about disrupting the Suns offensive rhythm and preventing big runs at the Spurs.

Of course it's not pretty to see, but if you wanted pretty, you would be a Suns fan.

[DespЏrado]

reposting what I wrote in the other thread:
Oh and if you don't like the thread I made...Don't click it. Simple as that. Deep down inside I think everyone knows I'm right on this. TIMVP was quick to denounce it in his game thoughts.

It would have been nice to see the Spurs win playing straight up defense tonight, and that's something we as Spurs fans were robbed of tonight. We were robbed of a chance for a clean kill.

[Obstructed_View]

I agree but the Spurs are better a better team/ organization than the Suns in every way.

Why give a team that can suddenly score points any momentum going into the end of a period? Why give a team at home any chance to come back from a double digit deficit? Why assume that just because you are a better organization that another team can't beat you? Why let up when you have a chance to crush the spirit of a team that badly fucking needs its spirit crushed?


Why stoop when we had their jugular in hand?
Since when is it "stooping"? Just when the Spurs do it? Seriously, get off your high horse. This has been going on for years. It's a tactic that's been used dozens of times, and it happens to be a big part of the reason the Spurs are now firmly in control of the series. And believe me, the sooner the Spurs get the fuck out of this series, the better. Nothing good can come of this series going any longer than it has to. I say remember Juwan Howard and do everything within the boundaries of the rules to move onto the next round ASAP. If you don't like it, lobby to have the rule changed.

[Strike]

Wow. Is this what we're reduced to?

We're actually arguing about HOW THE SPURS WON THE FUCKING GAME!!!

Pathetic.

[Just Joe]

I like what Van Gundy said about it tonight. He and Jackson were talking about whether a rule should be made to stop this kind of thing. He said something like you do not legislate a rule to make up for someone's lack of skill.

The thing is, you talk about being a purist. I'm a basketball purists, also, and being that horrible at making free throws pisses me off way more than this tactic. This guy is making enough money to put a little extra time in the gym shooting free throws. The fact that most junior high kids have a better free throw percentage than this guy is absolutely pathetic.

Also, you kind of answered your own question as to why it is used. Why not use a perfectly legal tactic on the Suns from which the Suns can't recover? It would be stupid not to, when it's been so effective. Why not use a perfectly legal tactic to crush the opponents momentum? What was Pops supposed to do while the Suns made their comeback? Should he use a tactic that he knows has been successful, or twiddle his thumbs like D'antoni would have done?

The fact that it works so well is a black mark against the Suns, not the Spurs. If the Suns were mentally tougher, then this wouldn't be an issue. The mental aspect of the game is just as important as the physical aspect. Teams have always tried to find new ways to get into the opponents heads, from calling a time out before a free throw to making a hard foul on someone who keeps coming into the lane a bit too easily.

[timvp]

I don't like Hack-a-Shaq but it has worked beautifully for all but the third quarter of Game 2. D'Antoni has helped it work at times (and so have the refs by calling Shaq for lane violations for the first time ever). I think the Spurs could would have won these games with or without Hack-a-Shaq so it's not too much of a concern. It's more just a funny ploy at this point than anything that is or isn't effective.

[Obstructed_View]

It would have been nice to see the Spurs win playing straight up defense tonight, and that's something we as Spurs fans were robbed of tonight. We were robbed of a chance for a clean kill.
What a load of BS. Win or go home. The Spurs have their sights set on loftier goals.

[carina_gino20]

Probably true. And it worked brilliantly. But why should we support a strategy whether it's used against us or by us that detracts from the game as a whole? Why should I support the use of something that gives the Spurs an advantage they didn't earn?

WTF? It's only an advantage because Shaq can't make freethrows. Whatever. So many people have tried explain it, but you still don't get it.

Why wouldn't I support a strategy that is perfectly legal and has been effective thus far in this series?

I'm outta here. Peace out.

[DespЏrado]

What a load of BS. Win or go home. The Spurs have their sights set on loftier goals.

Yeah and no one represents a threat to the Spurs in the West that the Suns did this series. Why not prove it by beating them straight up?

Oh well guess that's why I'm not payed millions to coach, but wtf ever. The Spurs won. I'm going to enjoy what was going to be a victory regardless, but I would have liked to see the Spurs gut it out with their defense. Again we could have beaten the Suns straight up but relying on a damn gimmick was just taking the cheap way out of what could have been an otherwise epic destruction of one of our most hated rivals.

Good for all the spurs fans in here who can enjoy the victory without my reservations.

[timvp]

DespЏrado might have a point in that 2007 will be viewed as "Suspension Asterisk" and 2008 could end up being view as "Hack-a-Shaq Asterisk". But F the media. They were riding the Suns' nvts coming into this series. They have to save face.

[greyforest]

Fuck respect for Shaq. Trust me, he'd have no respect for you.

He respects nothing but the paycheck and the celebrity. Nothing more. Hack his fat ass all god damn game if he can't make his fucking throws.

yea that

[DespЏrado]

I like what Van Gundy said about it tonight. He and Jackson were talking about whether a rule should be made to stop this kind of thing. He said something like you do not legislate a rule to make up for someone's lack of skill.

The thing is, you talk about being a purist. I'm a basketball purists, also, and being that horrible at making free throws pisses me off way more than this tactic. This guy is making enough money to put a little extra time in the gym shooting free throws. The fact that most junior high kids have a better free throw percentage than this guy is absolutely pathetic.

Also, you kind of answered your own question as to why it is used. Why not use a perfectly legal tactic on the Suns from which the Suns can't recover? It would be stupid not to, when it's been so effective. Why not use a perfectly legal tactic to crush the opponents momentum? What was Pops supposed to do while the Suns made their comeback? Should he use a tactic that he knows has been successful, or twiddle his thumbs like D'antoni would have done?

The fact that it works so well is a black mark against the Suns, not the Spurs. If the Suns were mentally tougher, then this wouldn't be an issue. The mental aspect of the game is just as important as the physical aspect. Teams have always tried to find new ways to get into the opponents heads, from calling a time out before a free throw to making a hard foul on someone who keeps coming into the lane a bit too easily.


I agree with you, but that doesn't mean I like it. It's one of those things that I would rather the Spurs not have to rely on. And I think it was unwarranted in this game. We had the Suns number. They would have made a run but it wouldn't have stopped Parker and Manu from tearing them a new one...

[Obstructed_View]

Yeah and no one represents a threat to the Spurs in the West that the Suns did this series. Why not prove it by beating them straight up?
Um, they have. Three times in a row now.


but I would have liked to see the Spurs gut it out with their defense.
Then you should have been watching, because they have. Three times in a row now.


Again we could have beaten the Suns straight up but relying on a damn gimmick was just taking the cheap way out of what could have been an otherwise epic destruction of one of our most hated rivals.
No otherwise. It's an epic destruction. I'm not sure how a team that the Spurs so completely own is considered a rival.


Good for all the spurs fans in here who can enjoy the victory without my reservations.
Like anyone needs your approval. :sleep

[Obstructed_View]

DespЏrado might have a point in that 2007 will be viewed as "Suspension Asterisk" and 2008 could end up being view as "Hack-a-Shaq Asterisk". But F the media. They were riding the Suns' nvts coming into this series. They have to save face.

The only way 2008 becomes something-asterisk for the Spurs is if they :lobt2: and if they do so coming out of the most competetive western conference in history and can beat the Celtics on their home floor nobody's going to remember the extra window slamming humiliation that was hack a shaq.

[DespЏrado]

DespЏrado might have a point in that 2007 will be viewed as "Suspension Asterisk" and 2008 could end up being view as "Hack-a-Shaq Asterisk". But F the media. They were riding the Suns' nvts coming into this series. They have to save face.

My point exactly...not to say that the media should have any say in how the Spurs win because they have sucked shit during Duncan's entire career.

[Obstructed_View]

I agree with you, but that doesn't mean I like it. It's one of those things that I would rather the Spurs not have to rely on. And I think it was unwarranted in this game. We had the Suns number. They would have made a run but it wouldn't have stopped Parker and Manu from tearing them a new one...

I'm not sure why you keep insisting the Spurs were "relying" on it. I'm starting to understand why people are suggesting that you aren't a Spurs fan.

OMG: PP, is that you?

[DespЏrado]

Like anyone needs your approval. :sleep

Whatever floats your boat man. I didn't like it. If you did, good on you.

[Obstructed_View]

Whatever floats your boat man. I didn't like it. If you did, good on you.

Any win against the Suns is a good win, Princess.

[K-State Spur]

I agree with you, but that doesn't mean I like it. It's one of those things that I would rather the Spurs not have to rely on. And I think it was unwarranted in this game. We had the Suns number. They would have made a run but it wouldn't have stopped Parker and Manu from tearing them a new one...

There's not liking the strategy (which is semi-fair, even if I disagree with that opinion) and there is grossly over-representing its effect on this series. You're doing the latter.

[DespЏrado]

I'm not sure why you keep insisting the Spurs were "relying" on it. I'm starting to understand why people are suggesting that you aren't a Spurs fan.

OMG: PP, is that you?


I admit rely is to harsh a word. But we did use it, and to the outside observer I can see people saying we relied on it. And for once, I think they might have a legitimate gripe about the Spurs style because I sure as hell didn't like it.

[DespЏrado]

Any win against the Suns is a good win, Princess.

:lol I've been around a lot longer than that bitch...and I will be here long after they go, but I just brought back an old screen name that I used to use on this board and one I have used since Spursreport was the main place to hang out before the rift.

[DespЏrado]

There's not liking the strategy (which is semi-fair, even if I disagree with that opinion) and there is grossly over-representing its effect on this series. You're doing the latter.

Sorry the thread was made during the game. I had no idea how long it was going to be our go to defense. But I think it was a bad call to bring it out tonight of all nights when we already were going to get the W. My argument was never that it changed the outcome of the series. But that it cheapened this particular game.

[Obstructed_View]

I admit rely is to harsh a word. But we did use it, and to the outside observer I can see people saying we relied on it. And for once, I think they might have a legitimate gripe about the Spurs style because I sure as hell didn't like it.

Giving a rat's ass about what the outside observers think is your first mistake. I'm way past giving a shit what anyone else thinks. The Spurs have absolutely nothing to prove to me, and fuck what the rest of the world thinks. Again, if they don't like it, I'm sure they'll lobby to change the rule just because the Spurs happened to do it for the first time ever.

It's all mountains and molehills. I'm done being resentful of idiots trying to undermine the celebration of a great performance by my team.

[DespЏrado]

Giving a rat's ass about what the outside observers think is your first mistake. I'm way past giving a shit what anyone else thinks. The Spurs have absolutely nothing to prove to me, and fuck what the rest of the world thinks. Again, if they don't like it, I'm sure they'll lobby to change the rule just because the Spurs happened to do it for the first time ever.

It's all mountains and molehills. I'm done being resentful of idiots trying to undermine the celebration of a great performance by my team.

Like I said enjoy this one then. I got turned off from a spurs game for the first time in my history of watching them play, outside of Rodman's quitting on the team. I've always supported what the Spurs did as a team win or lose.

I am a Spurs fan because of how they play the game the right way. And tonight was a setback for that. It's not like the Spurs to shy away from the other teams best punch. Tonight they did just that.

[callo1]

BROOMSHAQALAKA !!


http://i27.tinypic.com/dmqkb9.jpg

[LakeShow]

Props to a Spurs fan who has balls to admit that this hack a shaq shit is unnecessary and hurts the integrity of the game. What's even more pathetic is to hear Spurs fans say, Shaq can't make free throws, blah, blah, blah. Shaq never could make free throws! Why didn't you do it back in the day when shaq was winning titles? Why wait until Shaq is old, past his prime and a mirror image of hisself? Trying to embarrass an old man that in his prime gave you so much grief gives you that much satisfaction? My suggestion is that you seek help!

It shows that the Spurs organization is one of the classless organization of all time. I personally hope that the Spurs never win another title!

[DespЏrado]

Props to a Spurs fan who has balls to admit that this hack a shaq shit is unnecessary and hurts the integrity of the game. What's even more pathetic is to hear Spurs fans say, Shaq can't make free throws, blah, blah, blah. Shaq never could make free throws! Why didn't you do it back in the day when shaq was winning titles? Why wait until Shaq is old, past his prime and a mirror image of hisself? Trying to embarrass an old man that in his prime gave you so much grief gives you that much satisfaction? My suggestion is that you seek help!

It shows that the Spurs organization is one of the classless organization of all time. I personally hope that the Spurs never win another title!

Go fuck yourself troll. The Spurs are the classiest org in the league bar none. The fact that this action was so out of character for the Spurs is why it's noteworthy. For every other team in the L it's business as usual.

[LakeShow]

Go fuck yourself troll. The Spurs are the classiest org in the league bar none. The fact that this action was so out of character for the Spurs is why it's noteworthy. For every other team in the L it's business as usual.

Why fuck myself when i can fuck your mother! The Spurs will go down as the most whiniest, classless organization ever to win a title. That is all, Im Done!!

[Obstructed_View]

:lmao

[Emeyin]

I have mixed feelings about the strat, but winning cures alot of the bad ones.

:toast

[SpursPreacher]

dear heaven almighty end this thread

[MannyIsGod]

Hurts the integrity of the game?

LMAO

Its not like the spurs have unlimited fouls. Its not like this isn't almost handing any competent player points at a far better percentage than they could ever hope for from regular offense. Its the fact that Shaq is so HORRIBLE. This happens to very few horrible free throwers. Who can improve to such a reasonable percentage and give themselves a huge advantadge.

Fuck the bitching. Learn to shoot free throws or suffer the consequences.

I mean fuck, late in a game the Spurs shouldn't even foul to stop the clock. They should prove their manhood by getting a steal, LDO.

[Ronaldo McDonald]

Hack-a-Shaq is not ridiculous. Shaq getting paid 20 mil per, getting fat over the summer, not practicing on his game (has he EVER? He's had one damn move his entire career!), and then having the media back his ass up like it's the Spurs fault he can't hit a free throw is what is ridiculous.

[callo1]

Props to a Spurs fan who has balls to admit that this hack a shaq shit is unnecessary and hurts the integrity of the game. What's even more pathetic is to hear Spurs fans say, Shaq can't make free throws, blah, blah, blah. Shaq never could make free throws! Why didn't you do it back in the day when shaq was winning titles? Why wait until Shaq is old, past his prime and a mirror image of hisself? Trying to embarrass an old man that in his prime gave you so much grief gives you that much satisfaction? My suggestion is that you seek help!

It shows that the Spurs organization is one of the classless organization of all time. I personally hope that the Spurs never win another title!

Piss off !!

Maybe get some spelling and grammar lessons too.

He is a mirror image of hisself?

One of the classless organization?

[ChumpDumper]

Lots of hurt butts in this thread.

[DAF86]

Why fuck myself when i can fuck your mother! The Spurs will go down as the most whiniest, classless organization ever to win a title. That is all, Im Done!!

Someone's scared.

[Troll_Dynasty]

hack a shaq is a great strategy

[JPB]

shaq's probably the most overatted player in history. Seriously.

He spend the first part of his carrer relying on his powerfull body, getting away with travelings and elbowing on every other possession.

He never has or tried to develop any real post up game or any decent shoot.

Think about all the greats (Russell, Chamberlain, Olajuwon, Ewing, Duncan...). They all had 2 or 3 signature moves they could rely on. They actually had fundamentals and a real big man game.

You remember Hakeem's incredible moves, Ewing's midrange or reverse JS, Duncan's incredible fundamentals but what will you remember of O'Neal ?

A beast that scored half his point by dunking the ball... and that's about it.

I mean, it's fine in terms of efficiency. But if you wanna talk about pure BB, about talent, Shaq doesn't belong to this class of guys IMO.

You don't to use Shaq's game to teach young players how to play BB.

And now that his body doesn't carry him anymore, he's exposed.

Add his ego to this and the fact that he's somehow a bandwagoner (4 differents teams)...

[Ariel]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-0804246

As an added wrinkle this series, Popovich has been fouling O'Neal away from the ball and sending him to the free-throw line. Nash said the constant stops affected his rhythm on a night he took only eight shots and made three (plus a technical free throw) for seven points.

"I felt like an outsider," Nash said.

[m33p0]

its not just the potential lost points for the suns that pop was counting on.... more importantly, it pretty much messed up the suns' rhythm. nash pretty much admitted to that. strategy, mr watson, strategy.

[yourtehclay]

lawls shaq

[ballhog]

Shaq is irrelevant in this series. Pop trying to get a few stops with the clock stopped. Notice how Duncan is resting on the bench while this is going on. Oh, and by the way, Shaq will always clank FT's----might as well get into his head and slow the game down at the same time. All he has to do is hit about 4-6 in a row for the strategy not to work.

[5ToolMan]

I would have liked to see the Spurs play this game without relying on hacking Shaq at any point in this game. It's insulting to think the Spurs couldn't have gutted out the victory without it.

Yea, they most likely could have gutted out the victory in this series without it. But they have toyed with Suns mentally, destroying a "great teams" confidence with it ON THE WAY TO A SWEEP with it.

I do admit, "Hack a Shaq" does show weakness. It exposes the weak minded macho pricks like Stephen Asshole Smith, whining like little girls because the big bad Spurs resort to exploiting poor little Shaq with his known weakness.

[5ToolMan]

No I am remembering 2006 when AJ used hack a Bowen during a crucial stretch against the Spurs that might have cost us the title.

But I guess it's a great strategy :rolleyes ....When the Spurs do it

Don't pull the homer crap. It is real simple, dimwit. If any team sends fouls another on purpose to exploit a freethrow weakness and he misses, it is great strategy.

[LilMissSPURfect]

:lol


Must the sons have all the rules changed just to cover up their shortcomings?

:lobt2:



:toast:toast:toast:toast





:flag::lobt::flag::lobt::flag::lobt:

[ATRAIN]

Hack-a-Shaq is not ridiculous. Shaq getting paid 20 mil per, getting fat over the summer, not practicing on his game (has he EVER? He's had one damn move his entire career!), and then having the media back his ass up like it's the Spurs fault he can't hit a free throw is what is ridiculous.



Or trying to rap, or trying to be a sherrif, or pimpin his ride. Big dumb oaf needs to practice. All the spurs are doing are showing that shaq is a liability and not a DUNCAN STOPPER. Pop's playing chess and he is damn good.

[CharlieMac]

I would have liked to see the Spurs play this game without relying on hacking Shaq at any point in this game. It's insulting to think the Spurs couldn't have gutted out the victory without it.

You must have missed the Spurs - Suns playoff series last season.

[SpursFanFirst]

I'm getting sick of this hack a shaq BS. Honestly, it's been played out....And I agree the rules need to be changed if any nba team can use a deficiency of one great player to dominate all the momentum.

It's unreal that Spurs fans are advocating so hard for doing this. I loved it in choice moments in the first game but this is just ridiculous...It's bad for the game to make hack-an-anybody a go to defensive mode. This might just ruin what was an epic series for me.

The Spurs have always been about winning the right way. That is how it should be, not like this.

At first, it kind of annoyed me, BUT...if it's legal and it works, why not? It's no different than any other play teams come up with.
The other thing - This has been a problem for Shaq forever. Maybe if he actually tried to, oh I don't know, I-M-P-R-O-V-E on his free throw shooting, this wouldn't be an issue.

[SpursFanFirst]

If one player at the NBA level making OVER 20 MILLION DOLLARS PER YEAR shoots free throws worse than your AVERAGE high school player, -THAT- is the BS, my friend.

It is a travesty that Shaq won 4 titles in this league simply because he was bigger than everyone else and could throw elbows and dunk.

If Shaq was even 6'5", he never would have made it to a D-I college school, let alone the NBA.

THAT is the disgrace.

BIG :tu
This is exactly what I was thinking!

[carina_gino20]

As an added wrinkle this series, Popovich has been fouling O'Neal away from the ball and sending him to the free-throw line. Nash said the constant stops affected his rhythm on a night he took only eight shots and made three (plus a technical free throw) for seven points.

"I felt like an outsider," Nash said.


Ding ding ding!

[TampaDude]

I can't believe the OP is making such a big deal about Hack-a-Shaq. Dude, the Spurs would have won by double digits last night anyway, because the Suns had NO ANSWER for Parker.

Fuck...I bet I could hit FTs at a higher percentage than Shaq. If he's too stupid to try and improve his game, then he deserves to get exploited. I see nothing wrong with Hack-a-Shaq. It's just one part of Pop's overall strategy, a strategy that has worked brilliantly so far.

GO SPURS GO!!!!!

[DarrinS]

The Hack-a-Shaq is a non-issue in my opinion, because the Suns could NOT guard Tony and Manu, PERIOD, END OF STORY.

[gmartin02]

Why fuck myself when i can fuck your mother! The Spurs will go down as the most whiniest, classless organization ever to win a title. That is all, Im Done!!Change your fucking team - we don't want laker fans like you - you are just another stupid idiot that knows nothing about basketball. As much as I hated Hack-a-Snaq when Snaq was on the Lakers, his lack of fundamentals caused the problem, and the problem stopped when he hired a free throw coach - Snaq's own selfish vanity caused him to stop using a free throw coach so he brought this on himself - intentional fouls on poor free throw shooters has been part of the game long before Snaq started playing.

[Harry Callahan]

The Spurs coaching staff (and players) have turned the Suns into a bunch of whining basket cases. What a wonderful job with the Hack a Shaq. Brilliant.

If Phoenix (or more specifically Shaq) had a problem with it, perhaps practicing free throws would take care of it. There is no law against practicing FTs, is there? He has been in the NBA for 15 years, so he'd had ample opportunity to improve.

Fat boy would rather go make "Shazamm" or whatever that awful movie was.

[MoSpur]

Aggies Hoop put it best. Its like forcing someone who can't go left actuallt go left.

[baseline bum]

Pass me off as a Suns fan if you want... I'm still rooting for the Spurs.

A real Spurs fan would remember our history with hack a whoever...and not be so quick to cheer its return to these playoffs. Especially while we still need a player like Bowen on the floor if and when we meet the Kobe lead Lakers.

Our history of being hacked? Don Nelson got the Mavs to hack Bruce Bowen in the second quarter of game 1 of the 2003 WCF, to erase a 17-point lead and pull the game out at the end. The Mavs pulled the same crap on Bowen in game 2, where Bruce hit like 6 in a row after spending extra time working on his FT stroke. Shaq better do the same if he doesn't want to see it again.

[Obstructed_View]

Once again: Why employ hack a Shaq against the Suns? Because fuck them, that's why. They proved over the last twelve months that they can't handle a straight up beating. They think the rules don't apply to them. They think they are owed something by the rest of the league. They've more than shown that the Spurs don't need to go out of their way to make sure the Suns are treated honorably. They need to be fucking humbled. Right now most of them sound like they are. One more embarassing loss for them and the first footnote on this year's championship run can be written.

[SAGambler]

I'm getting sick of this hack a shaq BS. Honestly, it's been played out....And I agree the rules need to be changed if any nba team can use a deficiency of one great player to dominate all the momentum.

It's unreal that Spurs fans are advocating so hard for doing this. I loved it in choice moments in the first game but this is just ridiculous...It's bad for the game to make hack-an-anybody a go to defensive mode. This might just ruin what was an epic series for me.

The Spurs have always been about winning the right way. That is how it should be, not like this.

Don't worry. You won't have to watch it past Sunday. There won't be any Shaq around to Hack.

But to put it in terms you might understand. The way to win is to exploit your opponents weaknesses. Snaq FT shooting just happens to be the achilles heel of the Suns. Pop is just doing what he is supposed to do to win a series. And isn't that why the games are being played? Not to be kind to Snaq. Not to be kind to the Suns.

[boutons_]

Doesn't Shaq have a handicapped right wrist from an injury?

With Haq-a-Shaq, are the Spurs, model franchise, abusing a handicapped person?

[E20]

Fuck.

[DespЏrado]

Bump... Did using hack a shaq disrupt our own offense in game 5 tonight?
Is it played out yet?
Should it be fixed?

[stxspurs]

if he would learn to make a fucking free throw and this wouldnt be an issue...bottom line,point blank....why change the rule to bail out suck ass shooters.

[MannyIsGod]

Tonight was the best use of Hack A Shaq yet. Totally killed the Suns in that second quarter.

[DespЏrado]

Tonight was the best use of Hack A Shaq yet. Totally killed the Suns in that second quarter.

That it did as well as our own offensive flow for a little while... So I'm not bitching I just don't ever want the Spurs to rely on this instead of good defense...

And I do want a rule change in the future, to take this option away from the game, because it undeniably detracts from the viewer experience. And I think it hurts our mentality.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Bump... Did using hack a shaq disrupt our own offense in game 5 tonight?
Is it played out yet?
Should it be fixed?

It disrupted ours, but it killed theirs, and we have a 9 point lead (versus being in the hole a couple of buckets). I'd say it's worked pretty damn well so far.

[sickdsm]

if he would learn to make a fucking free throw and this wouldnt be an issue...bottom line,point blank....why change the rule to bail out suck ass shooters.

I agree, if a spot up shooter can't watch to see if someon'es feet is under his own when he lands, that's his fault if he breaks an ankle.

[sheriee84]

I'm getting sick of this hack a shaq BS. Honestly, it's been played out....And I agree the rules need to be changed if any nba team can use a deficiency of one great player to dominate all the momentum.

It's unreal that Spurs fans are advocating so hard for doing this. I loved it in choice moments in the first game but this is just ridiculous...It's bad for the game to make hack-an-anybody a go to defensive mode. This might just ruin what was an epic series for me.

The Spurs have always been about winning the right way. That is how it should be, not like this.

closet suns fan... he can't shoot... it's working for us

[BiZNicK]

It's not our fault Shaq can't make FT's.

Stop the whining, it's been played out

[DespЏrado]

I'm so glad this series is over. I will go down on the record as being against it, and I stand by that.

Why I hate it:
1) It's weak.
2) It's ugly.
3) It sets up our defense to fail later in the game, since we relax while we hack away.
4) It can disrupt our rhythm as much as theirs.
5) It's a legal loophole that we are exploiting.
6) It's too effective in taking the other team out of the game.
7) It can bite us in the ass when they make it.


That's my assessment, and I do hope the NBA changes it.

[Kriz-Maxima]

It works. Thats all that matters.

[SPARKY]

Who gives a shit? It's over.

[K-State Spur]

I'm so glad this series is over. I will go down on the record as being against it, and I stand by that.

Why I hate it:
1) It's weak.
2) It's ugly.
3) It sets up our defense to fail later in the game, since we relax while we hack away.
4) It can disrupt our rhythm as much as theirs.
5) It's a legal loophole that we are exploiting.
6) It's too effective in taking the other team out of the game.
7) It can bite us in the ass when they make it.


That's my assessment, and I do hope the NBA changes it.

Whether you like the strategy or not, the NBA should not change a rule just to cover one player's significant fault.

That would be liking making it illegal to throw low & away sliders because they end up in the dirt and make Alphonso Soriano take ugly swings. That's weak baseball...

[Don Quixote]

Yep. Maybe if Shaq had made a few more of his FTs, then they'd still be playing.

FT's are a fundamental part of the game. Like dribbling and passing.

[Don Quixote]

Yep. Maybe if Shaq had made a few more of his FTs, then they'd still be playing.

FT's are a fundamental part of the game. Like dribbling and passing.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Chandler shoots 59%... time for hack-a-chandler? Lord, I hope not. :rolleyes

After the season this rule will be changed and so it should be. Intentionally fouling players should be an INTENTIONAL FOUL - it ruins the flow of the game, destroys it as a spectacle, and is against the spirit.

That we used it in this series is fine - we used the rules that were there at the time to our advantage. However, I hope the NBA changes the rules in the offseason. FT shooting contests generated from intention fouls are not BASKETBALL.

[DespЏrado]

Chandler shoots 59%... time for hack-a-chandler? Lord, I hope not. :rolleyes

After the season this rule will be changed and so it should be. Intentionally fouling players should be an INTENTIONAL FOUL - it ruins the flow of the game, destroys it as a spectacle, and is against the spirit.

That we used it in this series is fine - we used the rules that were there at the time to our advantage. However, I hope the NBA changes the rules in the offseason. FT shooting contests generated from intention fouls are not BASKETBALL.


+1 Couldn't agree more

[K-State Spur]

Chandler shoots 59%... time for hack-a-chandler? Lord, I hope not. :rolleyes

After the season this rule will be changed and so it should be. Intentionally fouling players should be an INTENTIONAL FOUL - it ruins the flow of the game, destroys it as a spectacle, and is against the spirit.

That we used it in this series is fine - we used the rules that were there at the time to our advantage. However, I hope the NBA changes the rules in the offseason. FT shooting contests generated from intention fouls are not BASKETBALL.

no, because 59% (while terrible) makes it NOT advantageous to be putting him on the line.

which just further displays how HORRID shaq is at the line that teams are willing to put him there instead of playing defense.

[brettn]

you bitching about us exploiting shaq's weakness at the line is like bitching about the suns exploiting their height advantage with diaw against the likes of ginobli and finley. we found a weakness in their team and exploited, similar to what the suns tried to do to us. However elementary and basic free throws might be, they're still a PART OF THE GAME, and it's amazing fatty hasn't gotten that through his head after all these seasons. More amazing is you bitching about this strategy when it obviously worked wonders against the sun's mentality and offensive rhythm.

Spurs Mentality: Fatty can't make free throws, so make him make free throws.

Suns Mentality: Spurs cant guard diaw, make them guard diaw.

[peskypesky]

Hack-a-Shaq = VICTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!

[Borosai]

I think Pop started using it a bit much, but in the end, it worked. The Suns missed 17 free throws, and 11 of those were Shaq's. I don't love the strategy, but it is strategy.

[Crookshanks]

Chandler shoots 59%... time for hack-a-chandler? Lord, I hope not. :rolleyes

After the season this rule will be changed and so it should be. Intentionally fouling players should be an INTENTIONAL FOUL - it ruins the flow of the game, destroys it as a spectacle, and is against the spirit.

That we used it in this series is fine - we used the rules that were there at the time to our advantage. However, I hope the NBA changes the rules in the offseason. FT shooting contests generated from intention fouls are not BASKETBALL.
For the LAST time - will you guys SHUT UP about this! Winning is all about strategy and exploiting the other team's weaknesses. Shaq's FT shooting has been a HUGE weakness - and Pop used it to our advantage. Winning doesn't have to be pretty or esthetically pleasing to the fans - CASE CLOSED!!!!!!!! :flag:

[peskypesky]

I love the Hack-a-Shaq!!!

Pop was brutal, ruthless and as cold-blooded as could be. Truly Machiavellian.

[K-State Spur]

I think Pop started using it a bit much, but in the end, it worked. The Suns missed 17 free throws, and 11 of those were Shaq's. I don't love the strategy, but it is strategy.

agreed. i liked it better as a method to slow PHX runs, as opposed to using it when our guys were already getting stops.

[Obstructed_View]

I love the tactic. Pop was Achilles, dragging the Suns behind his chariot.

Death and the day of your doom are close upon you...

Props to Amare for finally being classy, but it's too little too late. Fuck 'em.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

I think Pop started using it a bit much, but in the end, it worked. The Suns missed 17 free throws, and 11 of those were Shaq's. I don't love the strategy, but it is strategy.

I don't love it either, but it probably kept the series from going six.

Now we have to see what Pop has in his bag of tricks against NO.
I like how Pop was so coy about it, and kept using it throughout the series. You think he was going to abandon it after game 2, "Shaq made it look stupid" but nope, kept forcing D'Antoni's hand.

[dav4463]

Teams used to play defense....real defense....Spurs/Pistons style defense.

Then Mark Cuban whined and cried and got the league to change the hand-check rule to try to finally beat Bruce Bowen and open up the game for Dirk to drive to the hoop. It backfired when Dwayne Wade did it to the mavericks!

So, now the league became more wide-open and higher scoring to make the sheep (fans) of offense happy and maybe let the mavericks or suns win a title.

But, guess what? The Spurs proved they can play that way too!

So, now trying to beat the Spurs......teams want to change another rule. It's not fair to foul a bad foul shooter.....whine, whine, cry, cry........!

Make your free throws! It won't matter!

What next? Outlaw the pick and roll because the Spurs are too good at it ! Outlaw the bank shot because Tim Duncan is too good at it! How about outlaw the tear drop. It's not a conventional shot and Tony Parker is too good at it. Hey, maybe put a cap on how old a player can be so Robert Horry won't beat you anymore! Spurs adapt to rule changes, style of play, whatever.....that's why the Spurs are championship contenders every year!

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

For the LAST time - will you guys SHUT UP about this! Winning is all about strategy and exploiting the other team's weaknesses. Shaq's FT shooting has been a HUGE weakness - and Pop used it to our advantage. Winning doesn't have to be pretty or esthetically pleasing to the fans - CASE CLOSED!!!!!!!! :flag:

Please, go back to grade school and learn to read. Then re-read my post. :rolleyes

[m33p0]

i remember tim being subjected to that tactic in recent years. not anymore.

[Cry Havoc]

FT shooting contests generated from intention fouls are not BASKETBALL.

And having a lazy, one-dimensional, 350 lb mammoth on the court who only knows how to knock other players on their ass to score, who won't work at his weaknesses, who has NO shot outside of 6 feet -IS- basketball?

[zedman]

Let's see...using this tatic the Spurs give PHX an opportunity to score with a wide open shots from the FT line while the clock is stopped...there's nothing wrong with the rules, the problem is with that piece of shaq on the court. Good stategy and it really threw Nash out of his rhythm as well.