Spurs vs. Suns March 9th -- Game Blog

Let's start this game blog early. It's a big game for both teams heading down the stretch of the season. The Spurs have already won the first two meetings, so the Suns will be going all out to get this one.

What are your keys to the game?

My main key is the small lineup has to produce. Expect Pop to run with Devn at power forward for some stretches to matchup to the small ball the Suns utilize. It's a lineup that can really do well, but the five players on the floor have to rebound and play great help D. Offensively, it's one of the better units.

What are some other keys?

Discuss.

Alicia Keys ?

I think, similar to the first meeting, you have really got to make Nash work on the defensive end. Run him into picks, bump him, etc. Just slow him enough so he is not as effective on the offense end....where he gets the Suns so many easy shots. Parker the key tonight. Can't come from 17 down again with TP on the bench. Manu's night was once a season deal.

Stoping Nash's penetration and good transition defense... any news on Timmys ankle?

If the Spurs bench show some good stuff tonight, we may win, but the Suns will be really motivated to win against us.

Tranistion Defense - the more easy baskets the Suns get, the more likely the Spurs are to lose. The Spurs like to run too, but they can't get into another 120-130 point battle with both teams running up and down the floor all right. They need to pick their spots and control the tempo to some extend.

Pressure on the Ball - The halfcourt defense will be fine as long as the point guards don't allow Nash to get wherever he wants to get to on the court. Amare gets a ton of easy baskets only when Nash gets in the lane or can have easy lanes to pass the ball up the court. The shooters aren't going to be open if Nash is contained. It's better to give Nash some open shots than it is to let him run around the court like he's on speed. Slowing Nash is the key for any team against Phoenix.

Bring Some Toughness - play physical. It still isn't known what the Suns will do in a high-pressure game when playing a physical team. The Spurs need to control the boards, prevent easy baskets, and bring a general toughness to the table. Rasho and the guards need to be thinking about this.

Get the guard involved early - Give Manu and Parker some early opportunities to work. It will put pressure on their defense, give Duncan some more space to operate, and render the Spurs unpredictable.

Go with what is working - Pop shouldn't be afraid to park a starter on the bench if he's not producing. Devin and Horry have had good games recently and have a lot of confidence. If Rasho and Massenburg aren't making a noticeable impact right away, Pop needs to go small as soon as the Spurs start to struggle.

Energy in the 4th quarter. It's 2nd game of a B2B on the road...not to mention vs. the highest octane, anti-shot clock team in the league.

"keys to the game?"

1. defense (esp transition, don't leave the bombers alone in the corners, wings)

2. defense (esp transition, everyone must get back fast and pick up his man, esp the Sun with the ball, Steve. force Suns to half-court offense)

3. defense (esp Steve on high pic-n-rolll)

4. defense (shut down the Spurs paint. Rasho and Tim very aggressive on D, boards)

5. defense (defensive boards, Suns get "one and done")

... the game is won.

6. offense: push the ball, fastbreaks (sparked by defense), and drive, drive, drive, penetrate. Spurs can't out-jumpshoot the Suns, but they can surely tear up the Suns' paint.

7. offense: No freakin 4-down. lotsa ball movement, lotsa movement off the ball.

duh, absolutely nothing original or creative above, just ..... EXECUTION

I'm sure Tony will rise to the challenge of harrassing MVP-wannbe Nash. Tony owes us big from his no-show last PHX game. I'm sure he will show up and out-do Steve. I will post here a 10 minutes left in the first quarter whether Tony has his killer face on. :) (he didn't have it at the beginning of game vs Nets, and his final stat line showed it)

We know from Nash's absences that Amare's game sucks without Nash, so Spurs really need to prevent Nash from his game, and Amare will be taken care of as consequence.

effort and defense.

Brent Barry deciding to wanting to play ball.


Devn Brown bringing it two nights in a row.


Parker needs to have a better offensive game than last night also.

Same goes for Ginobili.


Duncan also has to bring agressiveness and dominating will.


If he can drive right to the hole everytime get Stoudamire in foul trouble, you can start to beat the SUns early and often.


Also, the transition D, and the half court D has to be solid all 48 minutes.


Use the tape of the second Phoenix game in the first three quarters of how NOT play.

All I have to contribute to this thread is :flipoff to David Stern and League Pass next season.

I would mainly focus on making sure that we have more points than they do when the fourth quarter ends.

same as always, limit turnovers, hustle on D and boards...all will be well.

Try and control the pace of the game, even if we get behind early-stay with our half court sets and work the shot clock, don't get suckered into the Suns run-and-gun style.

Play physical against Nash, make him have to work on the defensive end, use up energy.

Perimeter D, don't let guys like J. Johnson, Marion, Q. Richardson and Nash get repeated open looks for 3 pointers. I can deal with Amare throwing down a few dunks, they're only worth two points, those threes will kill you if the Suns get rolling.

Control the boards, DON'T give the Suns any second chances on offense, if they miss-get the rebound and get into our half court sets.

Establish our inside game, when we produce in the lane it wears them down, also creates foul problems for the Suns and FT's for us, also slowing the pace of the game down.

It should be a great game, I think the Suns will be highly motivated to win this one, I just want them prepared to be embarassed in front of their home crowd! Go Spurs!

respect the 'fro :fro

Quote:

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Originally Posted by boutons

"keys to the game?"

1. defense (esp transition, don't leave the bombers alone in the corners, wings)

2. defense (esp transition, everyone must get back fast and pick up his man, esp the Sun with the ball, Steve. force Suns to half-court offense)

3. defense (esp Steve on high pic-n-rolll)

4. defense (shut down the Spurs paint. Rasho and Tim very aggressive on D, boards)

5. defense (defensive boards, Suns get "one and done")

... the game is won.

6. offense: push the ball, fastbreaks (sparked by defense), and drive, drive, drive, penetrate. Spurs can't out-jumpshoot the Suns, but they can surely tear up the Suns' paint.

7. offense: No freakin 4-down. lotsa ball movement, lotsa movement off the ball.

duh, absolutely nothing original or creative above, just ..... EXECUTION

I'm sure Tony will rise to the challenge of harrassing MVP-wannbe Nash. Tony owes us big from his no-show last PHX game. I'm sure he will show up and out-do Steve. I will post here a 10 minutes left in the first quarter whether Tony has his killer face on. :) (he didn't have it at the beginning of game vs Nets, and his final stat line showed it)

We know from Nash's absences that Amare's game sucks without Nash, so Spurs really need to prevent Nash from his game, and Amare will be taken care of as consequence.

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Uhh....'ya got any gum?

own them like we have been doing. stick with the game plan. dont try anything cute this game. lets CRUSH THEM!

I have a bad feeling about this game. First for being an away game and most importantly because of the way they have been playing in the past few weeks.
The Spurs have undoubtedly used up their pass for the miracle game from the free throw line. I think the only chance they have is to have a better than average shooting % game. Parker and Ginobili had subpar games last night..hopefully both can rebound and the bench can bring it simultaneously.

Parker was better against the Nets than against Utah, he scored only ten points but he taked only 6 shots and he added 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals and 4 TO in 32 minutes.
Tonight he will have the opportunity to show on national TV that he deseved an AS spot in Denver, I hope he will not miss it.

tp will have a better game then last outing
it sucks devin brown was so hot last night
spurs could use him being hot tonight

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Tonight he will have the opportunity to show on national TV

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Really?

I checked ESPN and it didn't look like they were showing it.

Spurs.com shows KRRT (local) and NBATV Hidef

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Originally Posted by Spurminator

Really?

I checked ESPN and it didn't look like they were showing it.

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I was so confident that they will not miss it that I didn't even look if it was broadcasted. Living in France doesn't help either.
I can't understand why they won't show the game between the two best teams in the league.

They are not showing it nationally. When they scheduled these games out at the beginning of the year they probably did not plan on this being the clash of the titans. It is only on San Antonio Local station KRRT and NBA League Pass. As well as some station in Phoenix.

I would imagine ESPN is showing NCAA Championship games.

NBAtv is national, technically.*



* Though probably not in Austin tonight. Bitches.

hey timvp could you stick the thread dear? :)
i was looking for it and didn't realize it was in the middle
thx thx

If the Spurs lose this game is because Rummpd jinx the game :)

i dunno i think they might be able to win

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Originally Posted by td4mvp21

i dunno i think they might be able to win

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supporting = being optimistic
they'll win for sure :king

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Originally Posted by stéphane

supporting = being optimistic
they'll win for sure :king

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me stupid :spin
do we stand a chance w/o Manu and Timmy? :depressed

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Frenchise player

If the Spurs bench show some good stuff tonight, we may win, but the Suns will be really motivated to win against us.

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I think the bench is the key. We have a very good bench and will have to use them a lot with Many and TD out. But we are going to have a problem with their starters against only 3 of ours.

Bruce Bowen will get a career-high 42 points tonight.

[/Jim prediction]

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ShoogarBear

Bruce Bowen will get a career-high 42 points tonight.

[/Jim prediction]

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:rolleyes

Peter Vescy is saying that Pop is pulling CIA stuff and that they will play.

Brown and Barry will have 40 pts betw them.

Jim prediction....mark it down.

Brown scores basket in first quarter.

Other Spurs score 40 points.

Barry scores basket in third quarter.

Jim claims victory.

I can't believe this game isn't being Nationally televised. :depressed Well, if it does turn out to be a great game can someone who is taping the game send me a copy? I have the express written consent of the NBA... :angel

It is on NBA TV

NBA TV says no duncan or manu

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jimcs50

Peter Vescy is saying that Pop is pulling CIA stuff and that they will play.

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If Vescy said that, the debate should have been put to rest...they aren't going to play.

The only guy dumber than Vescy is Stephen A.

why in the hek did duncan and manu not sit out last night? its not like we need the tiebreaker vs the nets

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Originally Posted by Que Gee

If Vescy said that, the debate should have been put to rest...they aren't going to play.

The only guy dumber than Vescy is Stephen A.

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I think he said it tongue in cheek.

He just picked TD for MVP this year, so do not call him dumb.

this makes me so mad i was looking forward to this game

Quote:

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Originally Posted by td4mvp21

why in the hek did duncan and manu not sit out last night? its not like we need the tiebreaker vs the nets

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Nets would have won if TD and Manu did not play...that would have been horrible, because there was really not much chance to win tonight anyway against a rested Suns team when the Spurs played back to back.

what time is now in Phoenix?


-my english is bad-

Without Tim and Manu not playing tonight I will say that Parker goes for 40+ points.

I bet on 33pts for TP tonight

TP is only scorer tonight

I've got a feeling we're fucked tonight!! We're in for a one hell of an embarassment!

Um, I realize we're without Tim and Manu but are we planning to play anything resembling defense tonight?

Piss-poor first quarter defensive effort.

on gamecast Tim an Manu ar on the bench, is this truth?

Spurs have quit already. The don't believe.

These Spurs can score on the Suns, but the Spurs defense is totally absent.

ugh games already over

This may pay off or it might not. Pops obviously thinking we lose this game with everyone playing, so giving a couple of guys the night off might just work out.

Where is Spurs defense???
It seems it is gone without Duncan.

Tony has a lot of load to carry on his shoulder tonight :cry.

Just be careful San AnTONY-ohh.
We don't want ANY other Spur added on the IL or bench. We need you to get ready for the playoffs.

Time to see that great passing Brent. Pops said you are. :angel

36 pts in the first quarter. That is horrendous defense. Where is the focus tonight? I hope Pop rips someone a new one.

Spurs allowed 36 points in the 1st Quarter :depressed

The lack of defense tells me they just don't believe.

one scenario: something happens, the Spurs start to believe, outplay the Suns all over the court, but have let themselves get in too deep of a hole (much like the [email protected] loss).

This is a valid test for the Spurs. To play like they did on Nov 6 03, [email protected] with no Tim and no Tony.

The Spurs offense would be in good shape tonight if they were playing any defense.

Rasho - 1 rbd? :wtf. hmmnn, unusual...

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Originally Posted by Aggie Hoopsfan

The Spurs offense would be in good shape tonight if they were playing any defense.

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& hope Brent "let him play" Barry try making those 3s? :angel

spurs do not need to shoot alot of threes
just hang in there and steal the win
it will really hurt suns confidence if they lose tonight

The Suns suck hind tit on a Texas boar hog.

lead is only 7 GO SPURS

I've said my piece on Barry - he is not a spot up shooter, we need to run the pick and roll with him/set him up in transition.

Looks like Tony and Wilks have figured out that they can drive at will on offense.

Brent is going to get a lot minutes. He really needs to play ball, grind it out, free-style, whatever.

Come on, guys, you still get paid for tonight, give it ittle bit of fucking effort.

if spurs keep it close it has to scare the suns and the spurs will start believing they can win

Suns are making a "Spurs"....
they blowed SA in the first Q and thought the game was already over and let SA come back in the game...
while playing w/o 2all stars this team is doing good against phx ^^

nice if brown or barry would get going
figured brown would not bring it tonight since he did last night though
suns dare anyone but tony to beat them

i hope they can eke out a win 2night! GO SPURS!!!

Lead is down to six, Spurs have finally realized they can play with them.

down by 10 at half time, everything is possible....

well the first 3 minutes of third are going to be important if they do not want to get blown out.

10 is alot againt pistons but not suns

Suns shot 51% to Spurs 43%
Spurs gotta hit some 3s (0-6)

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Originally Posted by ducks

if spurs keep it close it has to scare the suns and the spurs will start believing they can win

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if not for the Suns' 50% (4-8) from the arc, we could have been much closer. But, we could win this game...

But that would make LakerGod very disappointed. No Duncan, Manu or Nzar? :lol

SA 0/6 from 3pts line
Phx 4/8

Pop must be thinking about bringing Manu in.

Whats up with Barry 0 points at the half while attempting only 1 shot? If spurs want to win Barry has to show up in the second half.

damn slow tiping :rolleyes

Wow 17 shots for Parker in first half.

It's to be expected

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SuBZer0

Wow 17 shots for Parker in first half.

It's to be expected

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no TD no manu...
TP = 1st offense option (only?)

spurs have more then 2 stars people
spurs are missing 2 of their 3 big guns
people need to stop acting like tp sucks
he should have went to the allstar game to

Nobody else can hit an outside shot...it is quite pitiful, really.

bowen can not hit a three without duncan being in game

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ducks

spurs have more then 2 stars people
spurs are missing 2 of their 3 big guns
people need to stop acting like tp sucks
he should have went to the allstar game to

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agree :rolleyes

LMAO, if we have at least 2 people putting up big points we can actually win this. Unless Parker drops 40-50pts we're


some one please step up

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ducks

nice if brown or barry would get going
figured brown would not bring it tonight since he did last night though
suns dare anyone but tony to beat them

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halftime:

:wow Tony 18 >Amare 17

what would be funny is if duncan and manu started in second half

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Originally Posted by nucks

what would be funny is if duncan and manu started in second half

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Lol - what a shock that would be for Phoenix

Quote:

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Originally Posted by milkyway21

halftime:

:wow Tony 18 >Amare 17

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Tony 17shoots-Amare 9 ........

Barry with the three. Good omen?

I have a feeling that in this game the lead will keep being cut to 6 or 7 before Phoenix again takes a 10+ lead

I will laugh if suns lose

we are gonna win this game. trust me

damm lead is 3

wow nesterovic can score if he needs to ^^ keep going rasho

WE GOT THIS!!!!!!!!!!can someone plz say whats happening!!!

what a weird-assed game, bizarre atmosphere. no intensity, Suns are flat, Spurs trying to find a way to believe in themselves. weird weird weird.

Sean's right, keep it close, then sneak up and steal it in crunch time with shut-down defense and good execution.

be shocked 2nite America!!!

go spurs!