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Do you want the Spurs to win or look pretty?
Spurs must do everything possible to beat the Celtics-Lakers Stern Destiny.
This is survival on the Spurs last opportunity for a repeat.
Is Pop going to go use a similar fouling strategy on Tyson Chandler that he used on Shaq?
I cringed when Pop continuously went to this against Shaq, because it was not very "Spurs-like" and sent the message that he did not have faith in his team's defense, so he had to resort to a Phil Jackson like gamesmanship in order to win.
Do you want the Spurs to win or look pretty?
Spurs must do everything possible to beat the Celtics-Lakers Stern Destiny.
This is survival on the Spurs last opportunity for a repeat.
It is smart, why not play the math. Each time he did it, it not only put the chance that they would score less than 2 points, it also completely through their entire rythym off from coaching changes, to plays, to defense...it frustrated them in all spots and let us get back in rythym.
I think it was extremely smart against a team as explosive as phoenix.
I seem to remember all of us calling Phil Jackson a major pussy for using this tactic on Bruce Bowen a few years ago....yes?
I have my opinion on this and my opinion is that I did not like the tactic, and thought it was bush league....but you can not argue with the result....I will give you that.
If Chandler's missing his freebies and they have the momentum, I will bet money that Pop uses this strategy. I hate it as well, but you can't deny it's effectiveness.
It just seems like all the Spurs' moves the last couple of years are creating discussions of all kinds of rule changes, and all refelct negatively on the Spurs.
For example:
Leaving the bench during an on court altercation should not be an automatic suspension, but be up for discussion and interpretation of the intent.
Flopping should be illegal and floppers should get a technical foul, etc etc
Noteam shall foul to gain an advantage and the fouls off the ball should be outlawed etc etc.
If the NBA addresses this 10-year-old problem now, it will only be because the Spurs won while using it. In the past it has been employed primarily against teams that usually won in spite of it (Lakers, Pistons, Spurs). So at that point, I guess it wasn't seen as a problem... but now that the hacking team has WON, and this is seen to be a key strategic maneuver in their victory, NOW it's a problem that needs to be addressed.Super
If I'm right, the Spurs won't do that again this season, even if they play Cleveland in the finals and have Ben Wallace sitting there waiting to be sent to the stripe. I really think that was PSYOPS Pop trying to embarass the Suns.
As I stated earlier. You use every advantage you can get in the playoffs. Use your opponents weaknesses against them.
Shaqs free throw shooting is without a doubt, the glaring weakness on that team. When you have a varied arsenal, you use what you need, when you need it.
Like it or not, it was genius on the part of Pop to do it. In every game. It had to take a mental toll on Shaq, knowing that every possession he may cost them a point or two, simply because he can't shoot a fricking free throw.
It won't work.
Yeah. I'm getting sick of announcers and their "Something has to be done about this" mantra.If the NBA addresses this 10-year-old problem now, it will only be because the Spurs won while using it. In the past it has been employed primarily against teams that usually won in spite of it (Lakers, Pistons, Spurs). So at that point, I guess it wasn't seen as a problem... but now that the hacking team has WON, and this is seen to be a key strategic maneuver in their victory, NOW it's a problem that needs to be addressed.
If the opposing team don't like it.....Learn to make free throws. Problem solved.
True, but 99% of that is hatred for the team as a whole. They're smart enough to manipulate the rules to their benefit and instead of emulating those tactics most of the teams,fans and media cry and moan about the unfairness of it all because it's the Spurs. I'm sure there will be something else to about in the upcoming series, some travesty that puts another asterik on a championship run (if we're lucky and good enough to make it through).
Chandler is a much better free-throw shooter than his stats indicate. I'll just leave it at that.
He can't be any worse than Shaq and Skinner.
I wrote this in another thread in the NBA section:
I don't like hack-a-Shaq, but since it's well within the rules, if you're going to do it, do it. Don't wait until the fourth quarter. If it's an advantage, use it as much as you can to take advantage of that advantage. That's the genius of Gregg Popovich. Sure, he was micro-managing the game. And, yes it was somewhat painful to watch. And, to a point, it was even embarrassing. But, he knew what the Suns were capable of on offense. That shows respect for the Suns offense, respect towards Shaq as an impact player, and wise strategy to ensure a win even when the Suns make a run later in the game. I really don't like hack-a-Shaq. But, if you're going to use it, take full advantage. Pop shows once again why he's one of the best coaches in the game. There was no shame on his part. He stayed with the gameplan even when Shaq made free throws. And, each time he used it, it helped put his team in better position to win.
He's not at all. Chandler actually bends his knees and flicks his wrist, lol. Idk what the Shaq does.
I thought it was sheer genious
pop is amazing
Perhaps, but being able to make them on the biggest stage when you have little experience in the spotlight is all together different, I say.
True indeed, but I'm confident the Hornets will be smart enough not to get the ball in Chandler's hands when the Spurs need to foul.
Looking at his game log, I think you have a point. I don't see a whole lot of 3-9, 2-11 games.
There are some players who are just bad FT shooters... others just don't shoot enough to get into a rhythm. For example, I think if we had sent Brian Skinner to the line more last night, he would have hit more than his season percentage.
I think the strategy was specific to Shaq and the Suns. And more so than to make Shaq miss free throws, it was used to force D'Antoni to take Shaq out of the game so Shaq wouldn't be there to defend Duncan and protect the paint. I don't think Pop has the same concerns about Chandler. And, while he won't be shooting 90%, I don't think Chandler will struggle the same way Shaq did.
Don't forget the 'hand checking rule' that was ins uted about 3-5 years ago...
A rule which was supposedly meant to stop Bowen's perimeter defense while helping improve general scoring in the league.
Face it... the Spurs can win despite rule changes which are meant to make them weaker. Duncan, Pop & Co. have overcome.....
No, for a couple of reasons.
Chandler hits 59%, that's horrible, but it's still enough that it's no longer statistically advantageous to put him at the line at the beginning of a possession (they should, however, be willing to foul him quickly if he's looking a dunk).
The Hornets, for all their talent, do not have the numerous offensive options that the Suns have. It's easier (by a relative measure only) to string together a set of stops against their offense.
They did shoot 50% against us this year, which is damn good compared to everyone else. Also out 2 biggest losses this year were at the hands of New Orleans, so our defense against them is not stellar.
59% is not bad enough for hack strategy. so this will not happen with chandler.
I don't like hack a snaq strategy but it worked. Pop is a ing genius, no other coach in history pulled this strategy so masterfully.
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