maybe, just maybe playing basketball for 3-4 years without a summer off has taken a bit of a toll. whatever happens the rest of this year, i would be surprised if we didn't see a totally revitalized tim as well as manu.
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maybe, just maybe playing basketball for 3-4 years without a summer off has taken a bit of a toll. whatever happens the rest of this year, i would be surprised if we didn't see a totally revitalized tim as well as manu.
The guy who wrote this article is pissing in the wind. Since 99, the RC and Pop have worked hard to put together a team that could do more offensively than dump it down low to Dave and Tim. Unlike in years past, the offense is designed to capitalize on double teams by kicking out to capable shooters or passing to cutters. Most of the time (59 games worth this year despite injuries) it has worked well. Tony, Manu, Bruce and at times, Horry, Brown and Barry have made the system work by hitting big shots. When the shots don't fall, however, the Spurs lose. That's what happened last night. Tim got his shots, collapsed the D and made the passes out to our guys who clanked them. When the shooters proved they couldn't hit, Seattle slacked off the perimiter, clogging the passing lanes and getting steals. As far as the author's assertion that Tim is no longer a dominant low-post player, bullshit. If you're teamates don't hit their shots, and you are doubled and tripled by thugs and you still score 35, you're dominant.
The fact is that Seattle hit everything they possibly could and played way the hell over thier heads. Shit happens (about 29% of the time this season). Tim, Tony and Manu will have their shit together at SBC, and we'll win games 5 and 7 (yes, I'm implying that we'll lose game six as well). Nobody said the playoffs were easy.
I know this is angering, but the guy is right. Duncan has not been the same since last years injury late in the season. He just hasn't. Its disappoints me because i can never rely on him to score like i used to. He is still worried about getting injured. Look at his rebounding. look how he hardly ever jumps. Look at how he settles for jumpers. Look at how he tries to draw fouls CONSTANTLY. He is not the same as he used to be, but its def. because of injury and tiredness. I miss the old Duncan, but he is getting there. It just takes time .
Pop is the one to blame. Write an article about how much of a baloney giving dipshit he is.
I agree with the article. Tim put up 35, but he could have put up 55. He's not attacking the way he could. I seriously am wanting him to just slam it over Jerome James like he did on Shaq in 2003 with so much passion and tenacisty.
Yes, Tim still isn't back to his old self since the injury but you can't deny that he's fucking trying. At least he's using he head when his body can't do all the things he wants to. The same can't be said of the rest of the supporting cast in game 4.
Parker and Manu forced shots and played very selfish basketball. Tony in particular was very bad in letting himself get outplayed by Ridnour. As starting pg, he didn't penetrate and dish like we know he can. And you know that something is very wrong when Manu gets outplayed by Antonio fucking Daniels.
The only knock on Tim I still have is his lack of leadership in getting vocal with his teammates when they really need a kick in the ass. Sometimes, leading by example just doesn't work. However, Tim has never been the vocal type and after all this time likely never will be. That's still cold comfort for me however because it seems if Pop doesn't rip the team when they need it, no one else does.
I agree somewhat. I think the article was a little too over the top. I think we can all agree that 2003 Duncan was better than 2005 Duncan. But I also think his 3 ankle injuries and the long summer has a lot to do with it.
Too imply he's washed up or declining is ridiculous in my opinion.
Like i posted in some other topic duncan IS playing like wimp compared to his peers. Like it or not the article is correct.
PS. I criticize tim to make him better.
P.S. Tim's not reading this forum.Quote:
Originally Posted by tim_duncan_fan
2005 Tim < 2003 Tim, I'll give you guys that, but he is trying out there. But in the back of his mind he's worried about re-injuring that ankle and ruining the Spur's playoff chances.
Trust me on this one, a guy who can score 39 points on Marcus Camby and Kenyon Martin, and then score 35 against a bunch on thugs in Seattle in only 32 minutes is dominant.
BTW, I'm tired of hearing that Tim is not a vocal leader. How the hell do you guys know what is going on in the huddles? Remeber game 4 @ Denver when he huddled his teammates together and gave an inspirational speech? We have 2 other All-Star calliber players on this team who should not need inspirational speeches or a tongue-lashing to play well.
I love how everyone is so quick to blame Tim when Tony and Manu barely even show up for game 4 and forget to play defense.
I'm confused. How is a 35 pt night a step backwards for Tim?!?
Yes. :rolleyesQuote:
Originally Posted by MadDog73
i will only say 3 words:Quote:
Duncan’s game of today is a far cry from how he used to play.
DUNCAN IS HEALTHY!
Everything is possible.
I think it may be partly due to his ankle, but Tim used to use a greater variety of low post moves than he does now. He also used to get angry, drop-step people and tear the rim off, but I haven't seen much of that since 2003!
He is a differnet player since the 2003 championship - one that settles for long jumpers more often and doesn't use his feet to destroy opponents like he used to.
Hate to say it, but some valid points made by Kris.
The author of this article wanted to point out that as TD approaches 30, his peak years are gone, just as all Hall of Famer did.
Yes,
1. Duncan will not stay in MVP form forever,
2. and his ankle will at least take the whole summer to heal.
However, to say that Duncan did not play with heart in game 4 is simply unfair to him. Though it's not one of his most memorable performance, at least it wasn't disappointing. The whole team needs to step up and react to aggressiveness by the Sonics with more aggressiveness. (More playing time to Devin!)
Yup...he is past his prime and still is one of the top 3 players in the NBA. So hes over 30 thats his excuse...whats Tony's and Manu's???Quote:
Originally Posted by team-work
Then need to step it up
Yes, TD is still the most feared interior force beside Shaq, and he's got the most all-rounded fundamental skills in the league.
All negative things said (esp after 2 road losses), I still believe the Spurs will come out with their best in Game 5 (no matter what's the outcome, I'll still be a Spurs fan).