The Spurs' energy level..

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by HarlemHeat37

It has been evident that the Spurs have been playing with a poor energy level as of late..the games vs. LA and Miami in particular, where the Spurs didn't seem interested in playing from as early as the 1st..

It's understandable that a team that has virtually clinched the #1 seed won't have an incentive to play hard every night..it's also understandable that a team will attempt to conserve some bodies for the playoffs, especially when a number of these games are meaningless, at this point of the season, considering the Spurs' current position..

However, are the Spurs playing with fire?..can they "turn it on" for the playoffs, from an energy standpoint?..how would you like to see them play in this last month or so?(from an energy standpoint)..do they need some "statement wins"?..

A more dangerous and worrisome question could be: are the Spurs coasting, or are they worn out?..

---

Can't agree more. Posted something similar in the poll thread before seeing this one. Their starters are coasting in particular. Manu plays in two halfs, from "Kobe" Manu to the more articulate one play at a time Manu. Tim keeps holding back on D like the statue of liberty. R'J's too content in sharing the ball, shooting only threes and going for the odd big rebound. Blair the former starter is trying to be be too fancy while forgetting his core and rebounding are his strengths. Tony is playing aggressive but reverting back to his old self from a passing standpoint. Dice well he's trying hard, you just don't expect him to be the differnece maker out of the starters.

Clear examples of lacking energy and urgency. Preserving health might be in the back of their minds, expecting their bench to come in and pull it out could be it too . Either way, they gotta show up and set the tone.

I hope Spurs prove me wrong but I think we have serious reason to be concerned. Manu and Hill have looked terrible for the most part since AS break, Dice starting gives us better defense/rebounding to start the game but any advantage is negated by the Bonner/Blair combo that follows (the worst defensive front line in basketball). Not even sure if Duncan can play 35 minutes at high level in PO. The Spurs have been hurt by the lack of development of Tiago and to some degree JA (We saw Miami turn the game early by exploiting lack of size on perimeter not inside Wade vs. Hill). The Spurs second unit really lacks size and defense on perimeter and in paint - and I think it will be too much to overcome in playoffs.

What will it take for Spurs to have chance to make deep PO push possible win championship?

40% + shooting from 3pt line as a team in every series, and very low TOs (not easy when teams really focus on defending 3pt line)