Why I'm Wary - Spurs vs. Clippers Playoff Preview

Personally, I wanted the Grizzlies. Knowing how competitive the Spurs are and how much they hated last year's series against Memphis, I'm confident that San Antonio also wanted the Grizzlies. (In case you missed in, due to a bout of premature epostulation, I wrote out why I thought the Spurs would sweep the Grizzlies.)

With the Clippers digging deep and grinding out a Game 7 win in Memphis, we're now set for a Spurs versus Clippers second round matchup. While I still think the Spurs will beat the Clippers and advance to the 2012 Western Conference, I'm not nearly as confident that this will be an easy series.

As I continue to ponder my final prediction, here are the areas that are giving me reason to recalibrate my enthusiasm.

Letdown Likely
Against the Grizzlies, there was no way the Spurs were going to come out not ready to play. The Game 1 loss last year turned out to be the difference so there was no doubt in my mind that San Antonio would be ready to rumble from the first possession. But now against the Clippers, I'm not so sure. Everyone knows L.A. has three starters dealing with injuries in Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and Caron Butler. The Spurs were surely watching as the Clippers looked underwhelming for a majority of the Memphis series. Add in the long layoff and I think a letdown early in the series is inevitable.

Steve Nash Redux
The last time the Spurs were in the second round, they faced off against a superstar point guard who was supposedly slowed by a hip injury. If you remember correctly, Steve Nash was an injury question mark back in 2010 when he was just 4-for-12 with 12 turnovers in the final two games of Phoenix's first round series against Portland. Thinking Nash was hobbled, the Spurs decided to try to let Nash beat them ... and Nash more than obliged. He exploded for 33 points on 13-for-19 shooting to go along with ten assists in the Game 1 victory for the Suns that set the stage for the sudden sweep. Fast forward to today and it’s another superstar point guard that is dealing with a hip injury in Chris Paul. In the last three games of the Grizzlies series, Paul averaged only 16.3 points and five assists. I, for one, hope the Spurs don't tempt the existence of deja vu by daring Paul to beat them in Game 1. That didn’t work out too well last time.

Small Guards Galore
Perhaps the biggest weakness of San Antonio's defense is the ability to defend small guards. Outside of Tony Parker, there's no one on the team who is above average at defending such players. More bluntly, everyone else is either bad or really bad at defending small guards. Unfortunately, the Clippers have four small guards who can play in Chris Paul, Eric Bledsoe, Mo Williams and Randy Foye. When Parker is on the bench, Gary Neal is going to be a major defensive liability no matter who he's defending. Manu Ginobili has done a much better job defending size than speed this season. In this series, Ginobili is going to be forced to defend smaller, quicker players who can score. If you've been following along this season, you know that's not a good thing.

Battle Tested
Heading into the second round, the Clippers are about as battle tested as humanly possible. They climbed out of a huge deficit in Game 1. They won close, hard fought contests in Game 3 and Game 4. And following the disappointment of losing Game 6 at home, the Clippers showed an amazing amount of resiliency by bouncing back and winning Game 7 on the road. The Spurs, on the other hand, have had clear sailing for more than a month now. As good as San Antonio is right now, there's no way to classify this team as battle tested.

Elite Offense
We know the Spurs had the NBA's most efficient offense, but the Clippers are elite in their own right. They were fourth in the league in offensive efficiency, averaging 108.5 points per 100 possessions. The Clippers were also the league's second least turnover-prone team – one spot ahead of San Antonio. If the Spurs get in a shootout with the Clippers, Los Angeles has enough firepower to put up a fight. In fact, that's exactly what happened the last time these two teams met. There was a shootout and the Clippers beat the Spurs in the AT&T Center by a final score of 120-108.

Pick-and-Roll Frenzy
As much as Tim Duncan has turned back the clock this season, he's still 36-years-old and he's still a below average defender of the pick-and-roll on most nights. Against the Clippers, Duncan is going to be forced to defend against pick-and-roll sets more than 40 times per game. That won't be easy and it could wear him down as the series progresses. If Blake Griffin is limited due to injury, that will just mean even more pick-and-rolls for Duncan to defend.

Combustible Shooters
The Spurs have had issues with opponents catching fire from long range. Look no further than the last time these two teams faced off when Mo Williams erupted for 33 points on 7-for-9 three-point shooting. Against the Jazz, the Spurs didn't have to worry about losing games due to poor perimeter defense. Against the Grizzlies, the Spurs could have again been confident that they'd win a jumpshooting contest. However, these Clippers have a gaggle of explosive shooters. From Mo Williams to Randy Foye to Nick Young to Chris Paul, L.A. has players who can beat you if your perimeter defense is lax.

Snail's Pace
These aren't your older brother's Spurs. These Spurs like to get out and run. Not only do the Spurs run for easy buckets, they run to create mismatches that they can then exploit in their early-offense sets. The bad news is that the Clippers are going to splash some cold water on that strategy. Not only are they the slowest paced team still alive in the playoffs, Paul is without question the game's best player at controlling the pace of games. In the regular season, the Clippers played at a pace of 91.8 possessions per game. To beat the Grizzlies, they dropped that number to under 90. The Spurs, conversely, averaged 95.1 possessions per game and they've played at the league's fastest pace so far in the playoffs. However, it's going to be next to impossible to speed up this series with Paul at the helm of the Clippers. And that's unfortunate because the Spurs have lost only one time since Feb. 22 in games that have had at least 95 possessions.

Depth Matched
Against almost every team in the NBA, the Spurs have a decided advantage when it comes to depth; San Antonio rolls ten deep and there's nary a letdown when the bench unit is on the court. Keyword: Almost. The Clippers very well could be the only exception to that statement still alive in the championship race. They too have ten players who can contribute on a nightly basis. In Game 7 against the Grizzlies, their bench of Eric Bledsoe, Mo Williams, Nick Young, Reggie Evans and Kenyon Martin basically won the game by playing remarkably well down the stretch. As good as San Antonio's bench is right now, it would be a tall order to ask them to duplicate what the Clippers bench did to eliminate Memphis. Since rest will be at a premium in this upcoming series, L.A.'s reserves are going to be even more important than usual. Expect ten on ten action -- which is something you almost never see in the playoffs.

Best Closer
There's a lot of talk about who the best closer is in the NBA. While there are a lot of great players in this league who step up in money time, I think Paul is the most dangerous all-around threat late in the game. He steps up under pressure and can beat you with a shot or a pass. The stats agree: in the clutch, Paul averaged more than 40 points and eight assists per 48 minutes. He was also far more productive in fourth quarters than any other quarter. In a close playoff game, he's not a guy you want to see on the opposing team, to say the least.

Blake and Chris are hurt. Why wouldn't you want the Clippers more?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Venti Quattro

Blake and Chris are hurt. Why wouldn't you want the Clippers more?

---

Steve Nash was even more hurt. That didn't work out too well for the Spurs.

Those are 10 big kicks to the nuts...

I think those Suns a couple years ago had a better team around Nash however. Paul doesnt have a career year Channing Frye, nor an Amare Stoudamire who when healthy was better than Blake Griffin.

That said, I think Griffin's health is more of a detriment than Paul's.

The only things that really concern me are the Small Guards & Outside shooting.

Duncan in the PnR doesn't concern me as much because the Clippers dont have a big that can shoot outside of 5ft and force Duncan to switch onto the perimeter like Frye, ZBo, or even Marc Gasol.

You need to check out that Worst Matchups for the Spurs thread again tbh :lol

Alot of the series will come down to Spurs 3 point shooting, the best 3 point shooting team facing the worse three point shooting defense left in the playoffs. As much as you want to talk about being battle tested the Clippers didn't have to worry about that against Memphis because they were horrible from distance

I'm not concerned because of execution. Memphis didnt make LA pay for their undisciplined play. While the Clips have solid defensive big men, they will surrender looks after the initial pass. Those are both key items SA has over Memphis.

LA has proven to be resilient, but this has the feel of a team that sighs the sigh of relief since they reached their goal.

The only dude that can possibly catch fire other than CP3 is Mo Williams, and even then it's not enough to slow us down.

Spurs have way more experience, the Clippers haven't done shit in the playoffs. More experienced players and coach. The Spurs are too smart for the Clippers, I think Spurs in 5. This Spurs team is yet to peak.

Im much more concerned now than i was yesterday this series wont be easy. paul is not gonna be injured the whole series neither griffin

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Stringer_Bell

The only dude that can possibly catch fire other than CP3 is Mo Williams, and even then it's not enough to slow us down.

---

I recall Randy Foye killing us this year tbh.

^Foye is a scrub and you should not worry.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by timvp

(In case you missed in, due to a bout of premature epostulation, I wrote out why I thought the Spurs would sweep the Grizzlies.)

Battle Tested
Heading into the second round, the Clippers are about as battle tested as humanly possible. They climbed out of a huge deficit in Game 1. They won close, hard fought contests in Game 3 and Game 4. And following the disappointment of losing Game 6 at home, the Clippers showed an amazing amount of resiliency by bouncing back and winning Game 7 on the road. The Spurs, on the other hand, have had clear sailing for more than a month now. As good as San Antonio is right now, there's no way to classify this team as battle tested.

---

So you wanted the Spurs to go another round without getting challenged?

my biggest fear is TP getting caught up in a one-on-one game vs. Paul and forgeting to play team ball. I just know Paul is gonna try to bait him into it, too.

As a Spur fan you cannot be worried about this series, because if they win, they will have a tougher opponent in the WCF. The Thunder and Lakers are both tougher teams to beat than the Clippers.

Mo Williams is the one who went off on us, but I'm honestly thinking that Patty should get some spot up minutes because I see Gary getting burned very badly by Bledsoe or Williams.

It will be tougher than Jazz. But still easier than OKC or LAL. If we can't beat LAC, then we don't deserve a championship.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by FvckMavs

It will be tougher than Jazz. But still easier than OKC or LAL. If we can't beat LAC, then we don't deserve a championship.

---

If they can't beat the Clippers then they will be eliminated.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Stringer_Bell

The only dude that can possibly catch fire other than CP3 is Mo Williams, and even then it's not enough to slow us down.

---

Nick Young says hi.

2:47.0 N. Young makes 3-pt shot from 24 ft (assist by C. Paul) +3 87-96

2:15.0 N. Young makes 3-pt shot from 24 ft (assist by C. Paul) +3 90-96

1:47.0 N. Young makes 3-pt shot from 24 ft (assist by C. Paul) +3 93-96

Game 1 will be interesting.. Clips may be beat to shit mentally as much as physically and need a game to get into the series. So Spurs need to jump all over them at home and get up 2-0. They get up 2-0 and the series is over IMO..

2 great offenses so if this is a shoot-out i take the Spurs. We have more weapons...

Nonsense. The Paul vs Nash comparison just doesn't fly, because Nash had no problem switching between assist man and massive scorer. CP3 isn't that guy. He can put up points on a given night, but you can't ask him to carry the load night it and night out.

Add to that the fact that Nash was surrounded by simply better talent for that kind of game (Amare for the pick and roll, Grant Hill and Jason Richardson for the mid-range and Frye acting as the stretch 4). They also had hustle guys off the bench in Admunson and Dudley. And the Spurs was still a very limited team with Roger Mason and Keith Bogans off the bench. Suns also had home court advantage.

Furthermore, unlike the Memphis series, he will have to cover a quick guy like Tony. No more walking around following a slow footed guy like Conley Jr.

As I pointed out in another thread, the Spurs will have to be very careful to defend the 3 point shot. Guys like Mo Williams, Foye and Young can catch fire rather quickly. The Clipps look big inside with guys like DJ, Griffin and KMart, but they're low basketball IQ players that shouldn't require more than single cover. There's no reason for the Spurs to start leaving shooters open.

Lastly, the Clipps are riding the high note from game 7. If the Spurs can smack them back down to earth in Game 1, this might end up being a fairly quick series.

Spurs simply have the much better talent, depth, execution, coaching, and home court advantage. In some areas the difference is actually abysmal (execution, coaching).

Spurs are due for a letdown though, so I think 5 games is reasonable.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ElNono

Nonsense. The Paul vs Nash comparison just doesn't fly, because Nash had no problem switching between assist man and massive scorer. CP3 isn't that guy. He can put up points on a given night, but you can't ask him to carry the load night it and night out.

Add to that the fact that Nash was surrounded by simply better talent for that kind of game (Amare for the pick and roll, Grant Hill and Jason Richardson for the mid-range and Frye acting as the stretch 4). They also had hustle guys off the bench in Admunson and Dudley. And the Spurs was still a very limited team with Roger Mason and Keith Bogans off the bench. Suns also had home court advantage.

Furthermore, unlike the Memphis series, he will have to cover a quick guy like Tony. No more walking around following a slow footed guy like Conley Jr.

As I pointed out in another thread, the Spurs will have to be very careful to defend the 3 point shot. Guys like Mo Williams, Foye and Young can catch fire rather quickly. The Clipps look big inside with guys like DJ, Griffin and KMart, but they're low basketball IQ players that shouldn't require more than single cover. There's no reason for the Spurs to start leaving shooters open.

Lastly, the Clipps are riding the high note from game 7. If the Spurs can smack them back down to earth in Game 1, this might end up being a fairly quick series.

Spurs simply have the much better talent, depth, execution, coaching, and home court advantage. In some areas the difference is actually abysmal (execution, coaching).

Spurs are due for a letdown though, so I think 5 games is reasonable.

---

You're very ignorant, 1st off Steve Nash is the guy who had problems alternating between assist man & scorer, not Chris Paul just look at his last series. Also :lol @ thinking Mike Conley is slow footed this was the same guy who was giving Tony trouble last season. :rolleyes

But I agree with the rest of what you, but man you're underrating Chris Paul big time!

As always, the points are valid and well put. The one thing I think is worth noting is that when the Spurs lost to the Clippers back in early March, their starting lineup was: Gary Neal, Danny Green, Richard Jefferson, Duncan, and Blair. And while giving up 36 to Paul was a problem, the real killer was giving up 33 to Mo Williams, who went 7-9 from the 3P line. Well - that and going 20-32 from the FT line that night.

If the Griz had won today, they would be a confident team who had come back from a 3-1 deficit. The Clips are a team who almost blew a 3-1 deficit, and just managed to get a win in one of the ugliest games of the season. Other than the fact that they advanced, they don't have a lot of cause to be confident.

My biggest concern is Game 1. It always makes for a tough series when you lose that first one at home, and the Spurs have every possibility of showing some rust. That's my concern, but I don't think it's going to happen. The addition of Diaw and Jackson, plus the subtraction of Jefferson make this a MUCH better team than the one that lost to the Clippers on March 9. That, plus the presence of Tony Parker - especially since he's healthy and rested.

If TP doesn't get caught up with trying to upstage Paul, we will sweep the Paper Clips, in my opinion. Experience, discipline, forcing Blake to shoot jumpers, and transition D will be the keys...and having a Big 3 be the Big 3 against their Big 2. It should be a gimme...but TP can make it much, much harder if he gets baited by Paul.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Spurs da champs

. Also :lol @ thinking Mike Conley is slow footed this was the same guy who was giving Tony trouble last season. :rolleyes

!

---

Tony playing in his usual playoff mode gave Tony trouble last year

Why does LJ keep bringing up Nash and the 2010 series? The Spurs had a crappy bench, a shitty Hill and an even shittier Jefferson. This years Spurs team would sweep those Suns and I'm not kidding.

CP3 always has been, and always will be a tough cover for the Spurs. That I give them, they also have a very good bench. But the advantage the Spurs have is their post play. Duncan, Splitter, and Diaw can all play with their back to the basket, while Griffin is VERY limited offensively, Jordan and Evans is mainly a rebounder/defender, and K-Mart may be the only guy who can pop a 15 foot jumper. Spurs in 5....

The Clippers haven't played the Spurs since they have acquired Sjax, Diaw, and since then the defense has steady improved, and the offense is even more balanced, and to top it off the one game the Clippers did win this year, Tony did not play.

The Clippers' offense is overrated IMO, 17 asst on 33 fg made
The Spurs are much more efficient 22.5 asst/34 fg made, during the playoffs.

The Clippers' ball movement is subpar, and they rely too much on their athleticism, and they are not as fundamentally sound as the Spurs.

The Spurs in 5 at the most, barring injuries.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by crc21209

CP3 always has been, and always will be a tough cover for the Spurs. That I give them, they also have a very good bench. But the advantage the Spurs have is their post play. Duncan, Splitter, and Diaw can all play with their back to the basket, while Griffin is VERY limited offensively, Jordan and Evans is mainly a rebounder/defender, and K-Mart may be the only guy who can pop a 15 foot jumper. Spurs in 5....

---

K-Mart also tends to defend TD well. That will be a match-up to watch.

George Hill starting had alot to do with Steve Nash playing well in '10. I think if Pop had started Parker from game 1 we would have won the series. Like the Grizzlies showed you can't give away games in the playoffs.

It seems kind of weird that the Clippers play at a slow pace yet have a high offensive efficiency.

The Spurs do not want to face Chris Paul in the clutch with their untested defense.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Buddy Holly

Why does LJ keep bringing up Nash and the 2010 series? The Spurs had a crappy bench, a shitty Hill and an even shittier Jefferson. This years Spurs team would sweep those Suns and I'm not kidding.

---

I can see where he's coming from, that year felt alot like this year does know, just extreme confidence that the Spurs would win. Then they got steamrolled by scrubs. (Goran Dragic) And if it's one thing from that year the seems to have stayed with the Spurs, it was the ability to let shit players on the other team go HAM. And The Clips are loaded with shit players.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ElNono

Nonsense. The Paul vs Nash comparison just doesn't fly, because Nash had no problem switching between assist man and massive scorer. CP3 isn't that guy. He can put up points on a given night, but you can't ask him to carry the load night it and night out.

---

Not sure what CP3 you are talking about. I'm talking about the one on the Clippers. You know, the one who averaged more point this season than Nash ever has. And the one who has topped Nash's career-high in points per game in three seasons and whose best year in assists is higher than any of Nash's seasons.

Sounds like someone fell for the Nash MVP hype, tbh.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ElNono

Add to that the fact that Nash was surrounded by simply better talent for that kind of game (Amare for the pick and roll, Grant Hill and Jason Richardson for the mid-range and Frye acting as the stretch 4). They also had hustle guys off the bench in Admunson and Dudley. And the Spurs was still a very limited team with Roger Mason and Keith Bogans off the bench. Suns also had home court advantage.

---

I didn't say the Spurs were going to lose the series. In fact, I said they were going to win. I was just using Nash as an example as why it's dangerous to put all your eggs in the "hip injury" basket.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ElNono

No more walking around following a slow footed guy like Conley Jr.

---

A top five fastest player in the league who is the son of one of the fastest people alive is slow footed? :rollin

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ElNono

As I pointed out in another thread, the Spurs will have to be very careful to defend the 3 point shot. Guys like Mo Williams, Foye and Young can catch fire rather quickly. The Clipps look big inside with guys like DJ, Griffin and KMart, but they're low basketball IQ players that shouldn't require more than single cover. There's no reason for the Spurs to start leaving shooters open.

---

Agree. But they left them wide open in the last game these two teams played.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ElNono

Lastly, the Clipps are riding the high note from game 7. If the Spurs can smack them back down to earth in Game 1, this might end up being a fairly quick series.

---

The Spurs aren't riding a high note? Winning Streak Spurs Fan Syndrome in full effect.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ElNono

Spurs simply have the much better talent, depth, execution, coaching, and home court advantage. In some areas the difference is actually abysmal (execution, coaching).

---

WSSFS evident here, fwiw.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Buddy Holly

Why does LJ keep bringing up Nash and the 2010 series?

---

When did I bring them up previously?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Buddy Holly

This years Spurs team would sweep those Suns and I'm not kidding.

---

WSSFS.

SPURS ROCK! nough said!:lol

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by cherylsteele

The Clippers haven't played the Spurs since they have acquired Sjax, Diaw, and since then the defense has steady improved, and the offense is even more balanced, and to top it off the one game the Clippers did win this year, Tony did not play.

The Clippers' offense is overrated IMO, 17 asst on 33 fg made
The Spurs are much more efficient 22.5 asst/34 fg made, during the playoffs.

The Clippers' ball movement is subpar, and they rely too much on their athleticism, and they are not as fundamentally sound as the Spurs.

The Spurs in 5 at the most, barring injuries.

---

+1. The Grizzlies don't move the ball anywhere near as well as the Spurs do. The Spurs ball movement should drive the Clippers defense crazy. On the other hand the Clippers ball movement is horrible. Their offense consists of CP3/Butler/Foye going 1 on 1 or PnR with them.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Trainwreck2100

I can see where he's coming from, that year felt alot like this year does know, just extreme confidence that the Spurs would win. Then they got steamrolled by scrubs. (Goran Dragic) And if it's one thing from that year the seems to have stayed with the Spurs, it was the ability to let shit players on the other team go HAM. And The Clips are loaded with shit players.

---

Goran isn't a scrub.

Sure there was confidence because we got by Dallas. But we barely hit 50 wins that season so again, it's not even remotely similar to this season aside from it being a 50 win season.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by timvp

When did I bring them up previously?

---

You brought up Nash going bonkers on the Spurs in 2010 twice in this thread.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Spurs da champs

You're very ignorant, 1st off Steve Nash is the guy who had problems alternating between assist man & scorer, not Chris Paul just look at his last series.

---

What did I miss?

CP3 had a 14 point game (game 1), 11 point game (game 6), shot 7-17 to score 19 points (game 7), 10-22 to score 27 (game 4).

Nash, on the other hand, didn't had a game with less than 16ppg, and only one game where he shot under 50%.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Spurs da champs

Also :lol @ thinking Mike Conley is slow footed this was the same guy who was giving Tony trouble last season. :rolleyes

---

That makes him quick? :rolleyes

lol ignorant

One thing's for sure, the best closer and most clutch player in the NBA is in LA, and the Spurs are going to face him this round. The Spurs had best make sure to respect him. If they let the Clippers shooters get some confidence, it could get really tough.

Basically, I expect something along the lines of the following being included in Lj's game grades Tuesday night/Weds morning:

"As you know, I was wary of this match up for a number of various reasons (posted here) but thankfully I was proven wrong, as the Spurs... "

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Buddy Holly

You brought up Nash going bonkers on the Spurs in 2010 twice in this thread.

---

:lol Oh I thought maybe I brought it up somewhere else and didn't remember. Not sure if twice in the same thread classifies as "keep bringing up Nash" but I guess that's debatable.

the Spurs ball movement is just so superb they should be able to score 110 a night on these guys.. Clips are not the most disciplined of teams.. They rely on talent to win with a ton of 1 on 1 play..

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by timvp

:lol Oh I thought maybe I brought it up somewhere else and didn't remember. Not sure if twice in the same thread classifies as "keep bringing up Nash" but I guess that's debatable.

---

Nope, I meant this thread. I feel it doesn't need to be brought up once, let alone twice.

I think you're giving yourself reasons to be wary. imo

Well, I think the Spurs can handle the Clippers in 5. Yes, these are good points but I'm confident that TP and the crew can handle CP3 and the monkeyballers.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by timvp

Not sure what CP3 you are talking about. I'm talking about the one on the Clippers. You know, the one who averaged more point this season than Nash ever has. And the one who has topped Nash's career-high in points per game in three seasons and whose best year in assists is higher than any of Nash's seasons.

Sounds like someone fell for the Nash MVP hype, tbh.

---

I'm talking the Clippers playoffs CP3, who can lay eggs like 11 point and 14 point nights, or 10-22 and 7-17 nights... What CP3 are you watching?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by timvp

I didn't say the Spurs were going to lose the series. In fact, I said they were going to win. I was just using Nash as an example as why it's dangerous to put all your eggs in the "hip injury" basket.

---

I'm not counting on any "injuries". After all, CP3 was healthy in Game 1, and he was still fairly mediocre.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by timvp

A top five fastest player in the league who is the son of one of the fastest people alive is slow footed? :rollin

---

Where does he ranks in fastest PG's in the league? By league standards, he's slow footed.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by timvp

Agree. But they left them wide open in the last game these two teams played.

---

Well, should be a point of emphasis now that we're only playing the Clippers.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by timvp

The Spurs aren't riding a high note? Winning Streak Spurs Fan Syndrome in full effect.

---

I said the Spurs aren't riding a high note? Quote?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by timvp

WSSFS evident here, fwiw.

---

So in what area (from talent, depth, execution, coaching) do you think the Clippers have an advantage?

No WSSFS here. Already pointed out the Spurs are due for a letdown. I don't think it'll last more than a game.

And FWIW, ElNono was right bout dem Grizzlies :hat

I hope we will be waiting on the winner of OKC/Fakers and getting a little more rest before the WCFs. Spurs in 5...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by timvp

[...]I think a letdown early in the series is inevitable.

---

Lol, no it's not. A letdown is never "inevitable." That's just pessimistic.

Quote:

---

Perhaps the biggest weakness of San Antonio's defense is the ability to defend small guards.

---

Nah, I'm pretty sure it's large centers. If the opposing team's biggest weapon is small guards, I'm not worried. Post players can potentially do more damage than guards, both as a general basketball principle, and in relation to this Spurs team.

Quote:

---

As good as San Antonio is right now, there's no way to classify this team as battle tested.

---

I guess, but that's a good thing. That means no team has been able to challenge the Spurs enough to test them.

Quote:

---

As much as Tim Duncan has turned back the clock this season, he's still 36-years-old and he's still a below average defender of the pick-and-roll on most nights. Against the Clippers, Duncan is going to be forced to defend against pick-and-roll sets more than 40 times per game. That won't be easy and it could wear him down as the series progresses. If Blake Griffin is limited due to injury, that will just mean even more pick-and-rolls for Duncan to defend.

---

I'm pretty sure Duncan will not be defending Griffin much regardless. I'm skeptical of your claim that Duncan is below average. And I don't follow your logic in the last sentence (less Griffin should lead to less pick-and-rolls).

Quote:

---

Not only are they the slowest paced team still alive in the playoffs, Paul is without question the game's best player at controlling the pace of games.

---

I'm not threatened by that at all. The Spurs are fully capable of running a crisp half-court offense. I view the Spurs as a versatile team capable of playing any pace. So bring it on.

Quote:

---

Depth Matched

---

Heh...nah. Our bench is still better than theirs.

Quote:

---

Best Closer

---

They have one closer? We have at least three.

Whichever points I agreed with, I didn't quote. Overall, I think you're overstating the issue. And you're wrong about Memphis being a better matchup...that series would not have been a sweep, but this one might be.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Buddy Holly

Nope, I meant this thread. I feel it doesn't need to be brought up once, let alone twice.

---

The similarities are eery, tbh.

Nash got hurt two games before the end of his first round series.

CP3 got hurt two games before the end of his first round series.

Nash was diagnosed with a strained hip.

CP3 was diagnosed with a strained hip.

Spurs fans were predicting sweep because Nash was hurt.

Spurs fans are predicting sweep because CP3 is hurt.

Back in 2010, the Spurs decided to test Nash's health by going under screens and daring him to beat them with his jumper. It turned out to be a horrible idea that kickstarted the Suns to a sweep.

Let's hope that's where the similarities end.






P.S.

I haven't even given my prediction yet. Perhaps I predict a Spurs sweep. I'm just listing areas of concern. I know WSSFS causes fans to react violently to someone bringing up anything even slightly negative but I haven't figured out yet if these issues will cost the Spurs a couple games, one game or none.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by timvp

The similarities are eery, tbh.

Nash got hurt two games before the end of his first round series.

CP3 got hurt two games before the end of his first round series.

Nash was diagnosed with a strained hip.

CP3 was diagnosed with a strained hip.

Spurs fans were predicting sweep because Nash was hurt.

Spurs fans are predicting sweep because CP3 is hurt.

Back in 2010, the Spurs decided to test Nash's health by going under screens and daring him to beat them with his jumper. It turned out to be a horrible idea that kickstarted the Suns to a sweep.

Let's hope that's where the similarities end.






P.S.

I haven't even given my prediction yet. Perhaps I predict a Spurs sweep. I'm just listing areas of concern. I know WSSFS causes fans to react violently to someone bringing up anything even slightly negative but I haven't figured out yet if these issues will cost the Spurs a couple games, one game or none.

---

Similarities yes but the non Jefferson factor is big, he was so shit.

Quote:

---

Sounds like someone fell for the Nash MVP hype, tbh.

---

Lol, it isn't "hype" if it really happened...twice in fact.

Quote:

---

The Spurs aren't riding a high note? Winning Streak Spurs Fan Syndrome in full effect.

---

This applies to everything in life. People seek patterns and make predictions based on them. So yeah...when the Spurs are on a winning streak, we tend to think good things about them. I wouldn't call it a syndrome; it's a cognitive bias at best.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by timvp

I haven't even given my prediction yet. Perhaps I predict a Spurs sweep. I'm just listing areas of concern. I know WSSFS causes fans to react violently to someone bringing up anything even slightly negative but I haven't figured out yet if these issues will cost the Spurs a couple games, one game or none.

---

:lol I agree with some areas of negativity (perimeter shooting, due for a letdown). You can add Bonner being a concern as far as rebounding if Evans is out there.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ElNono

What did I miss?

CP3 had a 14 point game (game 1), 11 point game (game 6), shot 7-17 to score 19 points (game 7), 10-22 to score 27 (game 4).

---

You obviously didn't see Paul in the final minutes of game 1, he closed it out scoring & dishing, lol game 6 dude re injured his groin the game b4, game 4 10-22 for 27 points isn't bad & again look in overtime he was just killing the grizzlies.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ElNono

Nash, on the other hand, didn't had a game with less than 16ppg, and only one game where he shot under 50%.

---

Nash isn't as good a closer or scorer as Paul & he usually had a better team then Paul in the PO's, he also didn't take as many shots as Paul. Nash in the PO's= choker.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ElNono

That makes him quick? :rolleyes

---

That makes him slow? :rolleyes

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ElNono

lol ignorant

---

Ignorance is bliss.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Trainwreck2100

Similarities yes but the non Jefferson factor is big, he was so shit.

---

We trotted Roger Mason Jr and Keith Bogans off the bench too... and Nash still had Amare on that series...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ElNono

I'm talking the Clippers playoffs CP3, who can lay eggs like 11 point and 14 point nights, or 10-22 and 7-17 nights... What CP3 are you watching?

---

In the series before Nash destroyed the Spurs in 2012, he had games of 10, 13, 13, 14 and 15 points. He had turnover games of 7, 6, 5 and 5. He had shooting games of 3-for-8, 2-for-5 and 2-for-7.

2012 CP3 vs. Grizzlies >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 2010 Nash vs. Blazers

So I'm not sure what your point is.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ElNono

I'm not counting on any "injuries". After all, CP3 was healthy in Game 1, and he was still fairly mediocre.

---

Nash was healthy all the way up until Game 4 of that Blazers series. That didn't guarantee anything against the Spurs, obviously.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ElNono

Where does he ranks in fastest PG's in the league? By league standards, he's slow footed.

---

Conley is definitely among the fastest point guards. Parker is the fastest and Conley is the only point guard who is able to stay in front of him consistently. That should tell us something, tbh.

There's no way he's "slow footed".

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ElNono

And FWIW, ElNono was right bout dem Grizzlies :hat

---

I would ax for a link but I'll go ahead and believe you :tu

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by timvp

The similarities are eery, tbh.

Nash got hurt two games before the end of his first round series.

CP3 got hurt two games before the end of his first round series.

Nash was diagnosed with a strained hip.

CP3 was diagnosed with a strained hip.

Spurs fans were predicting sweep because Nash was hurt.

Spurs fans are predicting sweep because CP3 is hurt.

Back in 2010, the Spurs decided to test Nash's health by going under screens and daring him to beat them with his jumper. It turned out to be a horrible idea that kickstarted the Suns to a sweep.

Let's hope that's where the similarities end.

---

I think you're reading way too much into things. Similarities abound everywhere if you look hard enough.

I'd be calling it in five or even four with a 100% CP.

In 2010, you had a 50 win team that got out of the first round then faced a team looking for payback. Our role players than disappeared on us.

The Spurs this season, in the last two months, have been on a roll unlike many seen before.

Sure Clippers took out a Memphis team in seven, but we swept that same team this season. I have no doubts this Spurs team is taking out the Clippers quickly.

Quote:

---

P.S.

I haven't even given my prediction yet. Perhaps I predict a Spurs sweep. I'm just listing areas of concern. I know WSSFS causes fans to react violently to someone bringing up anything even slightly negative but I haven't figured out yet if these issues will cost the Spurs a couple games, one game or none.

---

I don't know what WSSFS stands for but I've seen a few other board initialisms, and like those I assume this one also has a negative connotation.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Buddy Holly

I don't know what WSSFS stands for but I've seen a few other board initialisms, and like those I assume this one also has a negative connotation.

---

winning streak spurs fan syndrome

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Spurs da champs

You obviously didn't see Paul in the final minutes of game 1, he closed it out scoring & dishing, lol game 6 dude re injured his groin the game b4, game 4 10-22 for 27 points isn't bad & again look in overtime he was just killing the grizzlies.

---

I watched the whole series. :lol

Paul got bailed out by Nick Young in Game 1, when the Clippers were down by 21, and Del Negro was already considering taking Paul out due to the groin injury.

10-22 isn't bad? And while he was great in that game that went to overtime, the game itself went to overtime because of a fuckup by Paul.

Paul is a good player, he just wasn't as good as Nash was with the Suns in 2010, against a flawed Spurs team.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Spurs da champs

Nash isn't as good a closer or scorer as Paul & he usually had a better team then Paul in the PO's, he also didn't take as many shots as Paul. Nash in the PO's= choker.

---

Well, I don't necessarily disagree, but then again, CP3 has yet to get out of the second round. Something Nash has done.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Spurs da champs

That makes him slow? :rolleyes
Ignorant.

---

I don't recall Mike Conley Jr blowing past anybody with his quick feet... do you?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Trainwreck2100

winning streak spurs fan syndrome

---

Oh. These are getting silly. My optimism and opinion have nothing to do with the streaks but the play of the team I've seen. It just so happens to coincide with the streak.

I mean, we had an 11 game win steak pretrade with Jefferson still on the team. I'd feel a hell of a lot differently if that 11 game win streak team was the one we were coming into the playoffs with.

Jefferson on the team. No Jax, no Diaw, no Mills.

This is a slightly more elaborate jinx thread imo tbh fwiw

Some of those points seem valid on first glance, but really it's a tempest in a tea pot. As long as they're disciplined about getting back on D, and they stay with their man at the 3 point line, the Clips will have a real hard time scoring enough points to beat us.

And I'm totally not buying that there will be a let down. I think with Jax back, the other changes, the depth leading to such a cohesive locker room, and what these guys have built with their long winning streaks, this team is chomping at the bit to get back on the court. If anything, I think it's more likely that the big letdown in game one will come from the Clips. They had to expend so much energy and emotion to win that game seven on the road, only two play game 1 of the next round 48 hours later, that there's a high likelihood that they'll be pretty damn spent once the game actually starts. Whereas I think the Spurs will surprise by how fluid they'll look, like they haven't missed a beat since they last played a week ago.

That could turn out to be wrong, but that's what my gut is telling me will happen.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Arcadian

Lol, no it's not. A letdown is never "inevitable." That's just pessimistic.

---

It'd be human nature to have a letdown with the other team hobbled and the team you actually wanted to play fishing. But perhaps the Spurs aren't human. We'll see.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Arcadian

Nah, I'm pretty sure it's large centers. If the opposing team's biggest weapon is small guards, I'm not worried. Post players can potentially do more damage than guards, both as a general basketball principle, and in relation to this Spurs team.

---

Large centers? Outside of that one Andrew Bynum game, what large center hurt the Spurs this year?

Off the top of my head, the Spurs held Howard, Hibbert, Monroe, Gortat, both Gasols and Kaman in check.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Arcadian

I guess, but that's a good thing. That means no team has been able to challenge the Spurs enough to test them.

---

I agree it's a good thing. But going forward, can any Spurs fan honestly say they are confident in this team executing down the stretch to win a close game? Perhaps we can be blindly confident but we haven't seen that happen in a looooong time.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Arcadian

I'm pretty sure Duncan will not be defending Griffin much regardless. I'm skeptical of your claim that Duncan is below average. And I don't follow your logic in the last sentence (less Griffin should lead to less pick-and-rolls).

---

Duncan has been below average at defending pick-and-rolls since at least 2009.

And the Clippers have two main sets: pick-and-roll and isolation for Griffin. If Griffin is hobbled, that means the Clippers will be down to one set, which would mean endless pick-and-rolls.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Arcadian

I'm not threatened by that at all. The Spurs are fully capable of running a crisp half-court offense. I view the Spurs as a versatile team capable of playing any pace. So bring it on.

---

Glad you're confident but the Spurs are better the faster the pace. I agree they can win slower paced games too but that's not when these Spurs are best.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Arcadian

Heh...nah. Our bench is still better than theirs.

---

Good to know.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Arcadian

And you're wrong about Memphis being a better matchup...that series would not have been a sweep, but this one might be.

---

Also good to know. :tu

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by timvp

In the series before Nash destroyed the Spurs in 2012, he had games of 10, 13, 13, 14 and 15 points. He had turnover games of 7, 6, 5 and 5. He had shooting games of 3-for-8, 2-for-5 and 2-for-7.

2012 CP3 vs. Grizzlies >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 2010 Nash vs. Blazers

So I'm not sure what your point is.

---

The point is that the comparison isn't there. Nash shot 50%+ on 3/4 of the games, never scored under 16 ppg in the series, and run a tight ship.

I'm not lowballing CP3. He's a great player, but you have to look at him more individually. He just doesn't have such a great team around him that can exploit all his virtues, and he can't carry an efficient scoring load night in and night out.

For example, I think his Hornet team we beat in 2008 was a better team than these Clippers, and used him a lot better.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by timvp

Nash was healthy all the way up until Game 4 of that Blazers series. That didn't guarantee anything against the Spurs, obviously.

---

I don't think the Spurs should take CP3 lightly, but I don't think he's something to fear either, at least, not at Nash's levels. Nash has a knack for getting in our player's head with the pick and roll. I just don't think CP3 has that, at least with the talent he has with him.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by timvp

Conley is definitely among the fastest point guards. Parker is the fastest and Conley is the only point guard who is able to stay in front of him consistently. That should tell us something, tbh.

There's no way he's "slow footed".

---

On offense he is, which is what I pointed out. Conley isn't looking to drive to the basket like Tony is. I'm not even sure who the heck is going to guard TP on that team. Putting CP3 on him might just wear him out before halftime.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by timvp

I would ax for a link but I'll go ahead and believe you :tu

---

I'll look it up, tbh. I also had to suspend my "ElNono right bout dem Lakers" until the OKC series. :hat

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ElNono

I watched the whole series. :lol

Paul got bailed out by Nick Young in Game 1, when the Clippers were down by 21, and Del Negro was already considering taking Paul out due to the groin injury.

10-22 isn't bad? And while he was great in that game that went to overtime, the game itself went to overtime because of a fuckup by Paul.

---

No Del Negro was considering taking him out because the game was out of reach but again who got Young those shots? And again he scored when it mattered most & just torched the Grizzlies to close out the game.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ElNono

Paul is a good player, he just wasn't as good as Nash was with the Suns in 2010, against a flawed Spurs team.

---

Eh trust me George Hill made Steve Nash look really good.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ElNono

Well, I don't necessarily disagree, but then again, CP3 has yet to get out of the second round. Something Nash has done.

---

Yes well he never really had a team full of offensive weapons like Nash.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ElNono

I don't recall Mike Conley Jr blowing past anybody with his quick feet... do you?

---

I don't recall Conley getting blown by, which is my point.

tbh, the whole "letdown" conundrum comes even from the fact that Pop himself was already allegedly spotted wondering if he should "toss" a game to stop with the psychological BS of the winning streak.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Spurs da champs

No Del Negro was considering taking him out because the game was out of reach but again who got Young those shots?

---

GOOD MOVE: Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro said he considered pulling point guard Chris Paul around the six-minute mark due to his injured left groin.

So Paul gets the credit for the 3 assists to reserve Nick Young, but he doesn't get the blame because his team was 21 point down going into the 4th? :lol

Frankly, that game was won by Young and Reggie Evans, along with Rudy Gay.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Spurs da champs

And again he scored when it mattered most & just torched the Grizzlies to close out the game.

---

Torched? He scored 4 points in the 4th quarter... the last two on free throws...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Spurs da champs

Eh trust me George Hill made Steve Nash look really good.

---

Don't disagree.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Spurs da champs

Yes well he never really had a team full of offensive weapons like Nash.

---

Do you think he does now with these Clippers?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Spurs da champs

I don't recall Conley getting blown by, which is my point.

---

But which completely sidesteps mine. Do you think CP3 will have more work guarding Parker or Conley Jr?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ALVAREZ6

^Foye is a scrub and you should not worry.

---

By now I thought you would have learnt not to be so overconfident, tbh.

That goes for you too Nono.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DAF86

That goes for you too Nono.

---

I wouldn't classify it as overconfidence, tbh. I am confident that the Spurs are the better team in this series, and should win.

If you disagree, go ahead and tell me where do you think the Spurs have such a matchup problem that the Clipps can consistently exploit...

Barring injuries, I just don't see the Spurs losing this unless they're extremely sloppy guarding the 3 point line.

The Spurs should win but it will be tough.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by timvp

Letdown Likely
Against the Grizzlies, there was no way the Spurs were going to come out not ready to play. The Game 1 loss last year turned out to be the difference so there was no doubt in my mind that San Antonio would be ready to rumble from the first possession. But now against the Clippers, I'm not so sure. Everyone knows L.A. has three starters dealing with injuries in Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and Caron Butler. The Spurs were surely watching as the Clippers looked underwhelming for a majority of the Memphis series. Add in the long layoff and I think a letdown early in the series is inevitable.

---

Won't the best coach in the NBA have some motivational method?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by timvp

Lengthy reverse jinx.

---

So many negatives... why not look at some positives?

1. Conley can guard TP somewhat. Paul can't. His only defensive tactic is going for steals. Besides that he just lets people go by him.

2. Nobody to guard Manu. I know he did a good job last year against Tony Allen. But still, between him, Mayo and Gay, that's a lot of size they can throw at him and wear him down, especially if they try to back him down and post him up. Now it'll be Manu who can post guys up, and the only guys they can put on him are either crappy defenders in Foye and Young, or a hobbled old guy in Butler.

3. No post threat for Duncan to guard. Yeah, Tim will have to move on the pick-and-roll, but he won't have to worry about the physical toll that banging takes since the Clips don't have any big post up guys. Jordan, Martin, Evans, none of them are back-to-the-basket guys. Diaw and Bonner will be guarding Griffin, who's like 6-9. Really, the way these playoffs break down, Tim might now have to guard another low-post scorer until 2013. He'll have more energy for his own post game and to rebound.

4. A worse rival coach. Hollins knows how to push the Spurs buttons. The key is to have zero respect for them and to treat them like punks. Del Negro has no idea and will be deferential at the altar of Pop.

5. No psychological advantage. I think the Grizzlies would've been cocky and confident as hell against us, even if it was misplaced. The Clips will just be happy to be here since they're banged up and know their coach is playing checkers while ours is playing chess.

6. Hack-a-whoever. For some reason Hollins never fouled anyone on purpose. Pop will send Evans, Jordan or Griffin to the line a bunch if we're down 5-10 pts late in games and make them knock down free throws.

7. They can't guard threes for shit. I mean, neither can we, but still.

8. Griffin can hardly move. His knee is in bad shape. This isn't going to be 2005 Stoudemire out there, folks.

9. We have a bench now. In 2010, we didn't, so the Suns analogy doesn't apply.

10. Kenyon Martin? Come on. Tim and Manu aren't going to lose to Kenyon freakin' Martin.

Whos gonna guard Tim Duncan?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by T Park

Whos gonna guard Tim Duncan?

---

Evans and Martin are pretty good defenders.

If SPURS cant even beat Clippers, they dont deserve any contender consideration. Just go fishing and rebuild.

clips don't have goran dragic. we'll be fine...

If only it were just Dragic. There's an unpleasant image of Grant Hill dropping jumpers over Duncan while he just stands there that I can't shake.

Ehh... Spurs in 5. Two of the games will be close.

Clippers have a huge advantage, because they are battle tested after those 7 close games and also Spurs are rusty after sitting for a week.
Spurs have a huge advantage, because they are well rested and healthy and Clipper are banged up and worn out after a brutal 7 games series.

take your view.

but there are some point that are out of discussion IMO.

Spurs are a superb offensive team. Clippers are a mediocre defensive team.
Clippers are a decent offensive team (at best), Spurs are a decent defensive team.

Spurs win.

Neal-Manu-Sjax-Bonner-Splitter >>>>> Bledsoe-Mo-Young-Martin-Evans

Spurs bench displays a size advantage of about 13''. (I know they won't go 10 deep, but likely Evabs and Bledsoe are out of a 8 rotation, so will Neal and Bonner, size advantage will still be significant)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DAF86

Evans and Martin are pretty good defenders.

---

lmao Kenyon martin on Duncan.

Good one.

Why this preview was so late?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by T Park

lmao Kenyon martin on Duncan.

Good one.

---

I don't know if it's good one.
Martin is a tough guy and when the refs are gonna let him play phisical with TD then Tim is going to have tough time.

Then you have Blake and Evans that can crash the boards.

IMO we will see as much Pick and pop as possible with Timmy

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by T Park

lmao Kenyon martin on Duncan.

Good one.

---

crofl, ok.

Spurs haven't won a second round playoff game since 2008. Given that and even if Spurs are the heavily favorite to advance, it's hard to be really confident about Spurs chances in a playoff series.

Clippers quickness in the backcourt is something that worries me. Spurs aren't well equipped to defend these players. Mo Williams and Bledsoe could create a lot of troubles to Spurs second unit. Pop should have Patrick Mills on speed dial for this series. If Mo Williams start to catch fire while Parker is on the bench, Mills would be Spurs best answer against him.

Not sure if it has been mentioned already, but I dont think K-Marts pick and roll defense has been given enough attention. In the last game against the Clippers in LA he gave both Tony and Manu tons of fits in the 4th quarter...he was quick enough to stay in front of both of them and long enough to contest their shots. If Spurs struggle to run the pick and roll successfully it could definitely be a long series tbh.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bruno

Spurs haven't won a second round playoff game since 2008. Given that and even if Spurs are the heavily favorite to advance, it's hard to be really confident about Spurs chances in a playoff series.

Clippers quickness in the backcourt is something that worries me. Spurs aren't well equipped to defend these players. Mo Williams and Bledsoe could create a lot of troubles to Spurs second unit. Pop should have Patrick Mills on speed dial for this series. If Mo Williams start to catch fire while Parker is on the bench, Mills would be Spurs best answer against him.

---

Bruno, I think it's unfair to judge how the Spurs will do because of their past performances. It was all in the past and this team is the best we've had since '08.

The back to back will be interesting, and the Clippers do have depth and x-factors like Young and Williams. For some reason I'm looking forward to how the Spurs react to Reggie Evans. It'll also be interesting to see how Griffin plays, there's a twitter out there saying he could barely move on his injured knee, yikes

Anyway the Spurs better have taken note. Memphis lost that series almost as much as the Clippers won it, the Grizzlies' historical chokejob in game 1 was :wakeup

timvp's balls have shrivelled up and his dick has turtled.

Good analysis. The Clips might be a tougher out than most people think. Their Combustible Shooters concern me the most.
That's why rebounding will be key. No second-chance easy baskets for them. In other words, I hope we see very little of the Turd towers.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 100%duncan

Bruno, I think it's unfair to judge how the Spurs will do because of their past performances. It was all in the past and this team is the best we've had since '08.

---

If the Spurs play to their strengths they should be fine. If they try playing the other team's game then they are in trouble. They've got to dictate tempo and style of game.

you should add Reggie Evans in the Wary's department or even to the things to be afraid of, cause he's such a tough and smart defender, both at individual and team defense.

Spurs got this. No worries.

The small guards are the only potential concern, but that while they'll have an advantage in speed, we'll have a size advantage, and we can help off of their bigs. If they end up with a ton of mid range jump shots from Griffin, K-Mart et al we'll be fine.

Paul shoots 2s and 3s, assists, steals and orchestrates. Not to mention that he's clutchest in the NBA.
Basically, a combination of Magic and MJ, faster than the former, smarter than the latter.

Butler has championship(s) experience, having played last year for Dallas.

Griffin is physically overwhelming and a rounded bb player.
Jordan is smart, rebounds and blocks shots at will.

The starters are fantastic, but the reserves are even better.

Mo Williams will catch fire and punish from 3.
Young, Foye and Bledsoe will be unstoppeble for the Spurs slow backcourt.
Evans and Martin (another with championship experience) defend Pn'R like nobody ever did and crush the boards.
Evans, Griffin, Jordan are bigs with a unique capacity to never miss FTs.

Am I missing someone?

Oh yeah, Del Negro, the coach, is experienced, including a period with Pop, so he knows the system.

Clippers also have home court advantage.

On the other side, Spurs are old, have a slow backcourt, no decent bigs, no shot blocker, and no reliable shooter from 3.

In one word: doomed.

Untill two days ago, it was the Memphis bigs.
Now, it's the Clippers backcourt.

This is how you rule over people: inducing fears.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by temujin

Paul shoots 2s and 3s, assists, steals and orchestrates. Not to mention that he's clutchest in the NBA.
Basically, a combination of Magic and MJ, faster than the former, smarter than the latter.

Butler has championship(s) experience, having played last year for Dallas.

Griffin is physically overwhelming and a rounded bb player.
Jordan is smart, rebounds and blocks shots at will.

The starters are fantastic, but the reserves are even better.

Mo Williams will catch fire and punish from 3.
Young, Foye and Bledsoe will be unstoppeble for the Spurs slow backcourt.
Evans and Martin (another with championship experience) defend Pn'R like nobody ever did and crush the boards.
Evans, Griffin, Jordan are bigs with a unique capacity to never miss FTs.

Am I missing someone?

Oh yeah, Del Negro, the coach, is experienced, including a period with Pop, so he knows the system.

Clippers also have home court advantage.

On the other side, Spurs are old, have a slow backcourt, no decent bigs, no shot blocker, and no reliable shooter from 3.

In one word: doomed.

---

:lol

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by temujin

Paul shoots 2s and 3s, assists, steals and orchestrates. Not to mention that he's clutchest in the NBA.
Basically, a combination of Magic and MJ, faster than the former, smarter than the latter.

Butler has championship(s) experience, having played last year for Dallas.

Griffin is physically overwhelming and a rounded bb player.
Jordan is smart, rebounds and blocks shots at will.

The starters are fantastic, but the reserves are even better.

Mo Williams will catch fire and punish from 3.
Young, Foye and Bledsoe will be unstoppeble for the Spurs slow backcourt.
Evans and Martin (another with championship experience) defend Pn'R like nobody ever did and crush the boards.
Evans, Griffin, Jordan are bigs with a unique capacity to never miss FTs.

Am I missing someone?

Oh yeah, Del Negro, the coach, is experienced, including a period with Pop, so he knows the system.

Clippers also have home court advantage.

On the other side, Spurs are old, have a slow backcourt, no decent bigs, no shot blocker, and no reliable shooter from 3.

In one word: doomed.

---

this

I think I'm not even gonna watch this beatdown by the River!

Some of you guys sound as clueless as the Clippers fans. The fans last year who saw the mismatch against Memphis last year, I respect. The one's who sound as if they're suffering from "Mavs Fan" syndrome need to stop posting. I think I'm done with SpursTalk until we finish this series. I'll see you guys in five or six games. I don't know about YOUR Spurs, but MY SPURS got this one!!! The drive for five continues for me!!!!!!!!!!!
:flag:

And, finally, please, please, no mention to Nash.

With the CURRENT 36 years old Steve Nash, the Memphis-Clippers series is a sweep for whichever team Nash is playing on.
The mental lapses of the respective PGs were absolutely hard to believe.

I think like when any two good NBA teams meet, there will be ups and downs but I expect the Spurs to win this series probably in six games. I don't care who the Spurs play, just let them play and let the chips fall where they may. The better team will win this series, so in that sense the outcome will be satisfactory. Just don't want any major injuries or terribly inconsistent officiating. I want the Spurs to put forth their best effort and I ASSUME that's enough to beat the Clippers.

Spurs in 5, as I will expect the refs to help LA get one. Its in their blood...
The main problem for the clips is going to be that relaxing for a few minutes can allow the Spurs to lay a lot of points on them. I think the Spurs defense is good enough to keep that lead. Add in Jack, Diaw, and a healthy Manu and it gets even more grim for the Clippers.

The interesting thing about the Spurs is that we all are used to watching them force an opponent to play perfect basketball, due to their defense. If you could not score, then you would slowly die. The Spurs did not beat themselves. Always loved that as a fan.
Now, they do the same with a very efficient, volatile offense and good defense. You have to play perfect and score in bunches.
They flipped the script!