And what was frickin priceless?
Rocky soundtrack when Findog hit that dagger and then calmly went to the bench no emotions.
( I just rewatched that play )
And what was frickin priceless?
Rocky soundtrack when Findog hit that dagger and then calmly went to the bench no emotions.
( I just rewatched that play )
Yeah, that was freakin sweet! Being as though thats what I am currently listening too when I'm at the gym. It fit the situation.
Thanks for the recap. I have been looking forward to it.
I think the hack-a-shaq is lame as it would normally be used but in this case I think CIA Pop was getting into D'Antoni head. Used like that, its pure brilliance. D'Antoni is going to be second-guessing himself throughout the series.
The reason why I think the win helps tremendous is that the Spurs should have a lot of confidence for the upcomming games. They had to come back from 16 points against one of the best offensive team in the league. There are moments that just give you a lot of confidence and those shots should make them feel good.
Win game 2. Believe.
Yea if we play like we did the second half in that game the rest of the series, we're going to beat the suns.
how about the fan base there at the center....were they rowdy and nuts....they should get some kudos if so because that is very much not like them...but ths wasnt a normal game after all either....just would like to know about the fans from someone who was there in other words
I couldn't help but think the exact same thing. Before Game 1 against the Mavs, they were on a high after closing out Sacramento. Then they sneaked past the Mavs in the first game and that was an emotional game, too. I really hope the Spurs don't let themselves be overwhelmed with all the emotions from Game 1, and just calmly and methodically plan their strategy for winning Game 2.This game could still go either way and as a Spurs fan, I can't help but recall Game 1 of the 06 Mavs series. Mavs made some unforced errors in that one too and the Spurs got away with a win. However, we all know how that series ended up going
Oh, and I think Bruce is gonna have a much better game on Tuesday.
While it was an amazing win, it is what it is. Game 1 of the first round series. It took a superhuman effort and lots of unforeced errors on the part of the Suns to win this game. My worry is how the Spurs react and will handle the Suns IF Amare/Shaq DOn't get into foul trouble. D'Antoni is going to turn this in the jumpshooting contest and before the Spurs won the game with late 3 pointers, Suns were actually doing a great job denying the Spurs 3 point shooters. That's why Bowen was driven off the corner 3's and forced to dribble and drive. Finley wasn't able to get clean looks either and Ginobili is obviously still hurt as many of his 3 point shots were flat.
Spurs historically have shown that they struggle to win games when they aren't making 3's. They aren't a great jumpshooting team either. This game could still go either way and as a Spurs fan, I can't help but recall Game 1 of the 06 Mavs series. Mavs made some unforced errors in that one too and the Spurs got away with a win. However, we all know how that series ended up going
The exact same thoughts crossed through my mind; however, what you have to remember about Game 1 of the Mavs series is that the Mavs did not play their best game while the Spurs did play a lot better than the Mavs. In Game 1 of this series, Phoenix played pretty damn well and the Spurs only played well in the second half and the overtimes. I think that's why it was hard to beat Phoenix because we had already let them get into a rhythm and they were already confident going into the second half. Realistically, the Spurs came out flat and played like crap in the first half. If the Spurs come out like they did in the Jazz game in Game 2, it will put a lot of pressure on the Suns and expect the Spurs to be in control rather than fighting to get back in the game. I may be wrong but that's how I am going to look at it until the Spurs win or lose the series.
And the Spurs weren't getting open threes because they were not moving the ball well at all in the first half. That was why the offense was struggling. If you noticed, the Spurs hit 5 of their 6 threes in the second half due to moving ball. Our 6 threes was one more than the 5 the Suns hit. I'm assuming if the Spurs quit playing 1-on-1 basketball in the beginning of the game they won't get off to such a bad start. Defensively, the Spurs were solid for most of the game. They had some lapses in the first half obviously but a lot of the shots the Suns made were difficult shots and you have to give them props for being a good shooting team. The Spurs contested shots very well and Phoenix made them anyway.
Also, the Spurs were doing better with Shaq and Amare in the game rather than with them out of the game. That's when Phoenix made their run (with Shaq out of the game) in the first half. I think there's a lot to be confident about just as there is a lot to worry about. If the Spurs are to win this series, they aren't going to win it in less than 6 games. It's obviously going to be a very tough thing to do. They didn't play Spurs basketball for a full game last game, so I'm hoping a full game of Spurs basketball will put them in control of a game.
Phoenix did not want to lose that game and they made it apparent from the start of the game. They did not miss in the clutch and every Spurs run resulted in Phoenix countering. I'm very impressed that the Spurs matched that and found a way to win in a game where a lot of things weren't going their way (at the same time, a lot of things ended up going their way because they refused to lose).
We have got to find a way to defend that Nash to Amare pick and roll better.
I think the hack-a-skinner and hack-a-shaq were brilliant CIA moves. D'Antoni had no idea what he should do, it was clear that he wasn't prepared for that situation. His solution was to overreact and bench the players putting up bricks.
It's obvious that hack-a-shaq is gimmicky (see: http://www.hakubi.us/lakers/hack-a-shaq/) but I think it was a good choice. Most teams average 1.1 points per possession while taking 7-16 seconds off the clock. Pops moves allowed the Spurs to get extra possessions since the clock obviously is stopped for the FTs. It was a way to make sure the score differential was a bit closer before half so that we wouldn't have to fight a real uphill battle.
Edit: does anyone know how many points PHX averages per possession this season? Curious as to what clip Shaq/Skinner would have to hit FTs.
Did Pop anticipate Shaq/Skinner being benched? I'm not sure. It was probably just the icing on the cake.
D'Antoni was thoroughly outcoached.
Great Game, Great Recap.
The slow start concerned me a bit. Especially considering the 8 turnovers in the 1st period, or the lack of Fast Break points during the 1st half. Hopefully it can be chalked up to being a bit rusty. I like their defensive intensity from the 4th period onward, especially Tony.
I would like to push the ball more, with TP in the game, and have Tim run the floor a little more and at the least, have the 4 down set up quickly. With Manu in, I think we could afford to run a little more half-court, pick n roll.
Anyways, it was the most passionate I've ever seen Duncan and it's really special to see that as a fan.
bowen did well on matrix last year
this year matrix is gone
OMG totally... It was pissing me off the way we would double Nash all the way to the baseline while Amare would just keep rolling to the basket for an open layup or dunk. We finally got it by the end.
Was Damon Stoudamire even there?
I looked behind the bench I didn't see him
Yeah, doubling Nash on the P'n'R doesn't make sense to me either. I would prefer him shooting a 10-15 ft fadeway jumper as opposed to an Amare layup or dunk. But I guess Pop knows best and often times it is not as simple as we fans think.
I'm just wondering where everyone thinks that defending that pick and roll is so easy.
"Gotta shut it down"
Uh well, I'm sure they'd like to, how about thinking, trying to limit it and hope you get a steal cause Nash and Stoudamire are just THAT damn good?
Pop was smart by trapping Nash. I think that was a very good adjustment.
Great work as usual, timvp.
Game two will be huge. But I think the pressure will be on the Suns. If the Spurs are smart, they will play with even more resolve and heart to keep their proverbial foot on their throat.
Yeah the Suns tommarow night are gonna come out firing hardcore to get that game, they don't get that game, Shaq has a history of going into operation shutdown. We shall see.
Its almost a must win for the Spurs, cause if you let them win, they go back 1-1 and the Spurs would be lucky to get another game.
Leave Parker on Nash as much as possible.
Parker is fantastic on Nash IMO.
If Giricek starts, put Bowen on Bell. If Barbosa, put Fin on Bell and Bowen on Barbosa.
I am mixed about that. I don't see a problem with it unless Barbosa is in the game at the same time. Then again, Bowen on Nash in the fourth quarter seems like a must. I trust Bowen on Nash more so than Parker. And that's not to say Parker didn't do a good job on Nash, because he did. But Bowen is Bowen.
Didn't Parker foul out with Nash going off during the fourth quarter and overtime?
I pray they keep Parker on Nash.
thanks timvp for the recap. I very helpful for people like me that enjoys the game but have no real knowledge.
I am new around here and I have one question regarding the hack-a-whoever.
why some people (spurs fans included) thinks it is lame?
I don't pretend to know a much about basketball , and I am trying to learn, but I don't see a difference between that and make the ball bounce on a rival to regain posesion if you are loosing the ball outbounds. Or fouling on purpose when you still have fouls to give or attacking through a bad defender.
I thought that a big part of the game is to exploit the other team weaknesses but maybe I am missing something with the hack-a-whoever stuff..
sorry for my english. I am trying to learn that as well.
What's amazing is how all the league players keep their eyes up expecting Nash to make a pass above waist level when most of the time he gives a little bounce pass to the rolling picker. Time after time after time.
Every once in a while our guys will be ready for it (usually while trailing the roller) and create a steal or disrupt the play.
But ya gotta hand it to Nash. He is able to put the ball in the exact spot where it needs to go, even when it looks like there is no opening or angle. And he does it at relatively slow speed, waiting for the moment.
Wow.
Just...wow.
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