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I agree with this. I would also caution Sun fans to look for a bounce-back game from George Hill. This is, after all, the guy who earned one (1) NBA All-Defensive First Team vote.
-I continue to think that the right move is to replace George Hill with Tony Parker in the starting lineup. That puts the matchups in the Spurs favor from the opening tip. Hill's athleticism can be better utilized against Phoenix's bench unit, anyways. I haven't heard a single argument against the adjustment that makes sense. Parker's penetration against Nash is the best weapon the Spurs have this series. Not maximizing that advantage would be foolish.
-No matter what the opening lineup is, Pop needs to play Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili together as much as possible. The Suns just don't have the defenders to guard both at the same time. In Game 1, the Spurs outscored the Suns by 18 points in the 26 minutes Parker and Ginobili were on the court together. In the other 22 minutes, the Suns outscored the Spurs by 27 points. That stat is startling yet not surprising.
-I'm generally not a fan of small ball but I don't mind it too much against these Suns. Other than Amare Stoudemire, the Suns don't have a big who can really take advantage of a smaller defender. I prefer normal lineups but if the Suns go small, I don't have a problem with Pop responding with a small lineup. Small ball can better defend three-pointers and these Suns are most dangerous when getting looks from beyond the arc.
-I remain convinced that the Suns will win at least one game this series due solely to their ability to get red hot on threes. The scary thing about the Game 1 loss is the Suns' role players were pretty darn bad. Grant Hill, Channing Frye, Jared Dudley and Goran Dragic were only 7-for-23. If their role players get it going, the Suns can easily put 120 points on the board ... and the Spurs really don't have the firepower to match.
-The Spurs really do have to pay extra attention to Jason Richardson. Not only because he's on fire but because his success comes off of defensive mistakes. If your transition defense isn't crisp, he makes you pay with dunks or transition threes. If you rotate slowly, he's the player on the weakside who will get the open shot. But if you do your work early and stay tight on him, you can take advantage of the fact that he's not a very good dribbler or passer.
-Can Keith Bogans step up? Pop invested a lot of time in him during the regular season. In theory, Bogans could defend anyone from Nash to Frye. If he can knock down some threes on the offensive end, he could really be helpful.
-The Spurs really do need to get this game. A loss tonight pretty much dooms San Antonio's chances. These Suns are built to a steal a game or two. It'd be a monumental challenge to beat them four times in five games.
I agree with this. I would also caution Sun fans to look for a bounce-back game from George Hill. This is, after all, the guy who earned one (1) NBA All-Defensive First Team vote.
Thanks, i'm staying up to watch this one, and I have a good record when I do.
Timvp,
Don't you think Spurs should try to exploit the Jefferson matchup on offense? Most specifically from 15 feet out or on the block.
The entire game the Suns put Hill or Dudley on Manu or Tony. Which left Nash, Barbosa, or Richardson on Jefferson.
I believe the Spurs could benefit going to Jefferson early and often during this scenario, which would ultimately cause the Suns to double. Leaving Manu and Tony having the opportunity to create against a shifting defense if Jefferson reads the double well.
I really think Spurs should exploit this match-up. I was really surprised the Spurs didn't go to it one time in game 1.
Hope the swelling in Duncan's knee went down.
timvp, you should have sent your thoughts to Popovich.
All I have to say is: if George Hill starts and the Spurs come out stagnant again, I will be furious at Pop, for he will be as big of a reason for losing this series (if they do) as any other factor.
I don't like this matchup with the Suns at all. They've always been a dangerous opponent, but I think that the edges that the Spurs held over them previously (three-point shooting, Bruce Bowen's defense, a rock-solid Tim Duncan) just don't seem to be there anymore. Right now it's grit vs. guns, and the Suns have the guns to go on a lot of runs. I know this is sounding like a Dr. Seuss book, but what I'm trying to say is, I don't like it.
The Phoenix Suns are gunning for the Spurs this round, just like the Spurs were gunning for the Mavericks in the last round. They want redemption, and that is going to give them extra drive. If San Antonio does not show up with some impeccable efforts, this is going to be a rough series.
Well I thought everybody that saw a game in Phoenix already knew Pop will start TP in the 2nd game. Pops CIA now puts that theory away.
If Hill would survive and TP would be coming for George off the bench then Nash would be desroyed by much fresher Parker.
Still Pop can give the theory a shot.
Although I would prefer starting Parker and Hill would not be intimidated by that IMO. Blackjack thinks it can spoil Hills confidence. Frankly it will build him.
Spurs needs to control the pace. There were so many areas the spurs played badly but the Suns team also have reserves to play better. They can make much more devastating runs.
Now it also will come to Duncan on a low block or his overal play. Suns doing a good job wth spurs setting 4down. Spurs can take adventage of it by making the guards slash. Inside outside does not work.
I think if hill can find a way to take nash to the basket, and get into the lane he can continue to start. you could tell he was disappointed in himself because nash went off, and he'll be determined to get the job done. with that said. Tony will and probably should start. can you say Pressure
Suns prime revange was in 2007
I expect Hill to bounce back offensively. He was doing decently on the offensive end until Nash totally ate his lunch. If Hill doesn't have to defend Nash too much, he should be okay offensively.I agree with this. I would also caution Sun fans to look for a bounce-back game from George Hill. This is, after all, the guy who earned one (1) NBA All-Defensive First Team vote.
But honestly, I don't want to see much of Hill on Nash. Hill hasn't defended elite point guards well at any point in his career. I doubt he'll suddenly figure it out now.
Not quite that desperate yet. But if Nash destroys Hill again, Pop may have to turn to Temple for his defense.
I'm not a fan of forcefeeding RJ. It just hasn't worked consistently enough. Especially on the post ... RJ has never been good on the post and that hasn't changed this season.
But I do support RJ getting more touches. When RJ is getting touches, that usually means there's good ball movement. With touches in the flow of the offense, RJ should get plenty of opportunities to put points on the board. However, with all the other holes available, going out and trying to force a big game out of RJ would be a mistake.
Good point. His mobility is very key ... especially when both teams are playing small and Duncan has to defend Amare.
In the playoffs, it usually takes at least two games for Pop to make major adjustments. I'd say it's 50/50 right now regarding whether TP will start.
Great post
I bet he can't. I really hope Pop isn't thinking about giving Bogans any playing time.
1. I completely agree with the RJ part. He simply isn't that great of a scorer when creating on his own, he needs a guy who can find him in ways that he is efficient, and it's no wonder he's stated he plays better with Manu on the floor as well. I also get nervous when he's taking lots of jumpers, unless he's making them. I can't ever stress enough to get confidence going early by getting easier buckets first via slashing...if you notice, Manu's huge games usually start with him playing aggressive from the get go and driving the lane, not starting off with a slew of outside jumpers.
2nd part: I have a feeling he will start Hill simply based on what I gathered from his last interview at practice. But if Nash starts torching early, I would expect Pop to pull Hill out much quicker this time around.
The fact is you need at least an X amount of players in rotation in the playoffs, and that simply means a few of our scrubs have to play. And Bogans will at least defend, so as he's not a great player or anything, it makes more sense than Mason...
A couple of the scrubs have to play. The Spurs can't go with a four-man rotation.
The way to get RJ more touches is for TD to be more decisive after he receives the entry pass on the low block. We don't run designed plays for RJ. I am still befuddled why in game 1 Tim would receive the entry, and then look over his shoulder for 6 seconds and finally put the ball on the floor. It totally throws our offense out of sync and gets us into late clocks and bad shots when he does that. They aren't doubling the entry they're doubling the first dribble. So don't stand there and survey what's happening. Make your move, draw the double, and kick it or dump it to a slasher.
There isn't many other options unless the Spurs want to see the wing rotation worn out by the end of the series. He didn't do anything outstanding but he wasn't a liability in the first game either. As long as it continues like that I'm for giving him spot minutes to allow the rest of the perimeter players to rest.
Spurs need to insert Parker into the starting 5 and take out Georgie, also insert Bogans for Jefferson. Dice, Duncan, Bogans, Ginobili, Parker and have Jefferson and Hill come off the bench. THat way Jefferson gets more touches and hopefully becomes effective in the series.
Coy is how Pop plays between games. Everyone knows TP is the starter, even the Suns. The problem is Pop may think to not start him to see how the team adjusts with better transition d and see if Hill can get off to a better start. If nash starts off strong again, we may see TP 3-4 mins into the game. I think doing that would seriously spoil the rhythm of getting off to a good start mentally for the spurs.
Common sense points to Parker starting.
We all know Popovich makes adjustments... I'm a Suns fan and I know this. I see the Spurs winning this game but I could be and would LOVE to be wrong. I know how good you guys are at executing your offense and playing good defense. Having played basketball my whole life I love watching Parker and Ginobili slice up the defense and Duncan make crafty moves down low. The key for you guys is to get a 4th guy going whether it's Jefferson or Hill or Blair somebody. Because I don't think anybody besides Nash Richardson and Stoudemire played well for us offensively HIll did as well as he could defensively.
I'm looking for Dudley and Frye and Dragic to score more this game help out the Suns Big 3.
Is it game time yet?
What about an 8 man rotation like Pop used with Dallas?
And I know Mason has been but if I have to choose between Bogans and him, I would rather play Mason, at least I have seen him hit threes at a respectable rate during a period on his career.
I really don't think this is a must win, but it would be a huge momentum swing. I think the spurs can take care of business at home and when in Phoenix in game 5 or 7.
You haven't seen spurs game in like six months have you?
Pop went nine deep against the Mavericks. I don't think there was a game where either Mason or Bogans didn't at least play spot minutes.
There were times where they were on the floor together, which is absolutely inexcusable barring injury or foul trouble.
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