Ludden: Spurs simply can’t match up with Kobe, Lakers

[wisnub]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_yl...yhoo&type=lgns

By Johnny Ludden,
Yahoo! Sports

SAN ANTONIO – Kobe Bryant had just snuffed the life from the San Antonio Spurs, coolly drilling a 3-pointer to send fans streaming into the brisk South Texas night, and even he was not prepared for the response that greeted him.

M-V-P! M-V-P!

MVP? Deep in the heart of Texas? Lakers Nation had taken over the home of one of its most bitter rivals, surprising no less than Bryant himself.

“Especially considering all the battles we’ve had here,” he said.

The Los Angeles Lakers and Spurs added another to their collection on Thursday. San Antonio spotted L.A. an 18-point lead after one quarter, fought its way back, but then watched Kobe deliver yet another MVP moment in the Lakers’ 102-95 victory, which clinched the Pacific Division le for the Lakers. If the resulting chant surprised Kobe, so did what preceded it, and that says something about how this rivalry has changed.

In those tense final minutes, with the Spurs having clawed within two, Bryant looked across the court to see a rookie guarding him. His first thought?

“Bake him.”

Bryant’s old rival, the man who had chased him through so many of those playoff battles, sat on the bench watching. Bruce Bowen doesn’t start games these days and, on many nights, he also doesn’t finish them.

But Thursday was different. With Roger Mason having picked up his fifth foul with two minutes left, the Spurs needed someone to put on Bryant. Gregg Popovich looked down his bench, past Bowen, and called on his rookie guard, George Hill.

“It’s just weird for me,” Bryant said, “because I’m so used to having [Bowen] draped all over me.”

It’s weird for Bowen, too. Two seasons ago, he was the runner-up for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Now, he’s getting passed over for even situational defense.

“I don’t ever remember that happening here,” he said.

The Spurs have changed, and it remains to be seen whether that’s going to help them should they face the Lakers again in the playoffs. They can tell themselves they were missing Manu Ginobili on Thursday. That Tim Duncan’s knees might start to feel better. That they won’t shoot free throws that poorly again. That Tony Parker won’t need a full half to hit full speed. That Drew Gooden might become a valuable addition.

But deep down, the Spurs also left Thursday knowing this: For them, the Lakers are matchup . That doesn’t make the Spurs different from most of the NBA, but it also won’t help them in May. Duncan hasn’t looked right since he took a few games off to rest his knee, but Pau Gasol also has consistently given him trouble since arriving in Los Angeles. The Spurs never have had an answer for Lamar Odom’s athleticism and length. Nor can they match the depth of the Lakers’ bench.

And should Andrew Bynum eventually return healthy and hungry? The last time the Spurs faced the Lakers with Bynum, they lost by 14.

Now, it seems like the Spurs again are searching for a counter to Bryant. Bowen was wise enough never to consider himself a “Kobe Stopper,” but he took pride in making Bryant work. He also is smart enough not to do what Ron Artest did Wednesday in Houston: Talking smack to Kobe always makes for a longer night.

Bowen and Bryant long have had a relationship built on respect. Before the Spurs played the Lakers in January, they sat at midcourt, talking. Ray Allen and Vince Carter always complained about Bowen’s tactics. Bryant only competed, and on most nights, he won.

Bryant won last spring, too. With Bowen guarding him for much of the Western Conference finals, he led the Lakers to a five-game dismissal of the Spurs. Bowen turned 37 one month later, and the Spurs knew they needed to get younger, so they signed Mason.

Mason already has beaten the Lakers once, and his shooting will help in the playoffs. But what he can’t do is defend. He spent most of Thursday reaching, finishing with five fouls, three of which Bryant drew 18 feet from the basket. The most telling moment: With Duncan already running at Bryant, Mason jumped desperately from behind, clipping Bryant just enough for the officials to blow their whistle.

With the Spurs having to help on Bryant so much in the final minutes, Gasol and Odom created their own mismatches.

The Spurs haven’t abandoned the philosophy that’s made them so good for so long. They still emphasize defense. But they also don’t play it as well, and some of that is because of personnel. Like Mason, Matt Bonner has improved the Spurs’ shooting and spacing. But when the Detroit Pistons walked onto the floor after a timeout last month against the Spurs, one Piston asked what play to run.

“Just give the ball to whoever Bonner is guarding,” Rasheed Wallace yelled.

Popovich still has hopes for Hill, his long-armed rookie. He praised him for his recent work on Steve Nash, then gave him the ultimate compliment – the opportunity to guard Bryant with the game up for grabs.

So Bryant raised up behind the 3-point line. Hill leaned into him. Bryant faded and released his shot.

Afterward, Duncan shrugged.

“Kobe being Kobe,” he said.

Kobe being Kobe. Should the Spurs see him again in May, they’ll have more reason than ever to worry.

I hate to say it, but I agree....As much as I dont want Kobe to perform good in AT&T Center...honestly speaking he really is an MVP. I dont know if San Antonian becoming sarcastic but to see your lovely team trail by 18 at home with anybody but Manu present...i dont know what to say either.


“Just give the ball to whoever Bonner is guarding,” Rasheed Wallace yelled.
If I were Bonner, I probably got a hard time sleeping....

[wildbill2u]

We all thought Pop was simply resting Bowen early in the season. Now we have to face the facts: Pop no longer really has confidence that Bowen can do the job. Sometimes the legs just go without warning.

[Capt Bringdown]

There were too many "CIA" moments that we sure as wont see at all if we play the Lakers in the Playoffs.

Agreed, I feel somewhat better about the loss today. Obviously Pop was tinkering and trying some things out.
We've got no chance of catching the Lakers, so why not?

On the other hand, Pop does not exactly have a stellar record against PJ. I have little doubt that PJ is already 5 steps ahead of Pop everytime we step on the court.

Also, we could have used a win against this team. I'm convinced that they're in our heads in a big way, in much the same way we hold court with the Suns. I'm wondering if we honestly believe we can beat the Lakers. That's where it all starts.

[2Cleva]

You failed at your attempt to be one of the few rational Laker fans.

Another homer.

There is nothing on paper that says SA can beat LA even when SA is healthy.

The only matchup SA has a clear advantage is Parker over Fisher but LA has guys who they know they can turn to to lock down Parker (Kobe, Ariza). Fisher and Farmar just keep the spot warm.

Kobe with a clear advantage at the 2 and no one for SA can guard him. SA is so slow that even Walton and especially Ariza can constantly attack.

Both Pau or Bynum can play Duncan evenly on both end by themselves due to their skill and length as well as Duncan being hampered. The other one just abuses whatever big man is left.

And off the bench, Ginobili is unlikely to be 100% so him having an impact every game is unlikely. No one else can consistently make an impact off SA's bench. For LA - LO is a nightmare for the Spurs and LA has a bench that always does well against SA because SA is too slow to stay with them.

Even the coaching matchup is in LA's favor. Last year, SA had one edge in mental strength because LA (as that group) hadn't been there but that is even gone. Whats more, SA lacks the continuity because they all haven't been there together for years like previous SA teams. There are 4 new pieces in the top 8 rotation and they have zero PT together because of the injuries.

Even style of play tilts in LA's favor. SA at their best could slow the game down, make it less posessions, and out execute LA. Not any more and they don't have the firepower to hang with LA over 48.

The chances are slim to none that SA beats LA in a series and slim is looking for the exit.

[Baseline]

Of course we can't "match up" with the Lakers if we don't have Manu.

Why don't people realize that the Spurs playing without Manu is exactly like the Lakers playing without Bryant?

Manu is our closer and has been since 2005. But this year we've been having to do it by committee. Frankly I'm shocked that our record is as good as it is this year with Manu either out or still "finding his rhythm."

If he's back for the playoffs at 95%, and Tim is no worse than he is right now (at 75%), we'll be in pretty good shape for the playoffs. And Gooden will really help us as well.

If Bryant is hurt, who is the closer for the Lakers? Fisher? Odom? Is Pau going to take it from the key and create? They would be a trainwreck. Yet with our best offensive creator and best defensive difference maker out, the whole world merely talks about how great the Lakers are.

I'm sick of the NBA - the National Bryant Association. Let's just take care of business and get our ring back in June.

[underdawg]

There is nothing on paper that says SA can beat LA even when SA is healthy.

The only matchup SA has a clear advantage is Parker over Fisher but LA has guys who they know they can turn to to lock down Parker (Kobe, Ariza). Fisher and Farmar just keep the spot warm.

Kobe with a clear advantage at the 2 and no one for SA can guard him. SA is so slow that even Walton and especially Ariza can constantly attack.

Both Pau or Bynum can play Duncan evenly on both end by themselves due to their skill and length as well as Duncan being hampered. The other one just abuses whatever big man is left.

And off the bench, Ginobili is unlikely to be 100% so him having an impact every game is unlikely. No one else can consistently make an impact off SA's bench. For LA - LO is a nightmare for the Spurs and LA has a bench that always does well against SA because SA is too slow to stay with them.

Even the coaching matchup is in LA's favor. Last year, SA had one edge in mental strength because LA (as that group) hadn't been there but that is even gone. Whats more, SA lacks the continuity because they all haven't been there together for years like previous SA teams. There are 4 new pieces in the top 8 rotation and they have zero PT together because of the injuries.

Even style of play tilts in LA's favor. SA at their best could slow the game down, make it less posessions, and out execute LA. Not any more and they don't have the firepower to hang with LA over 48.

The chances are slim to none that SA beats LA in a series and slim is looking for the exit.

If you're trying to make your argument or even convince yourself of why it's a no-brainer that the lakers win against the Spurs, you ultimately have to narrow your arguments down to this simple question - do the lakers have enough talent to overcome the talent of the Spurs and more importantly the execution of the Spurs' game plan? Credit PJ all you want, but the fact is that as PJ has succeeded with very talented teams - GP has succeeded with less talented teams.

[DrHouse]

The bottom line is the Spurs don't match up well with the Lakers. I don't know how many more games you need to see to realize this. They just can't handle the length, speed, and quickness of the Lakers. When Bynum returns it's going to tilt the already favorable matchups that much more in the favor of LAL.

For the Spurs to win a 7 game series it's going to take one of a flawless effort. It can be done, but it's not likely. Even the most homer of Spur fans has to realize that now.

[Marcus Bryant]

you Ludden.

[lefty]

Ludden is re ed

[aka_USAPA]

It doesn't look good, but it's basically impossible without Manu and Gooden playing. Not sure how you can take this game as anything more than just a regular season game given the cir stances.

How convenient. If the Spurs won, it would be an eye opener, right? Because they beat the #1 team in the league w/o Manu, a hobbled TD, with a starter named Matt Bonner. Since the Spurs lost, it's just a regular season game.

[Man In Black]

When Bynum returns it's going to tilt the already favorable matchups that much more in the favor of LAL.

Riddle me this Doc...when he returns, how healthy is he TRULY going to be?
If he's not healthy, then how does it tilt anything?

[aka_USAPA]

Laker fans are too damn confident about last night. There were too many "CIA" moments that we sure as wont see at all if we play the Lakers in the Playoffs:

1.) Hill on Kobe (Clearly an experiment, when Bruce was in on Kobe, he did not shoot well..so in the final moments of the game, why put Hill (a rookie) on Kobe? To experiment of course....)

2.) Hill on Walton (Another CIA moment, I mean come on, Walton clearly outweighs Hill and could post him up all night if he wanted)

3.) Ime on Powell (Powell is taller and of course outweighs Udoka, why would Pop wanna throw that match-up out there)

4.) A lineup at ANY time of Mason, Bowen, Udoka, Thomas, and Oberto. (You gotta be outta your mind to throw that lineup out there against the Lakers, obvious mix and matching and trying things out..nothing serious)

5.) If Bonner continues to play like this against the Lakers, we will see more Thomas and Gooden.

Translation: CIA = tanking.

I don't think it's that complicated. The Lakers are just better. They proved it last year, they proved it last night. The injuries just make it worse for the Spurs but the Lakers have their injuries too.

[aka_USAPA]

Riddle me this Doc...when he returns, how healthy is he TRULY going to be?
If he's not healthy, then how does it tilt anything?

It's already tilted as it is. It tilts even more because instead of seeing Mbenga, you'll be seeing Andrew Bynum. An 85% Bynum is still way more than Mbenga could ever dream of becoming.

[Man In Black]

Really? 85%...seriously?

How does one determine 85%?
Outside of having measurements done via Cybex (It's this device called a Dynamometer) PRIOR to his injury, how does one determine if he's at 85%. And assuming that his leg is able to generate the needed force to hit 85%, what does that mean for his game? Does it mean he'll be only 85% as fast? Does it mean that he can only jump 85% as high? Does it mean that he'll only be able to cover 85% of the paint since he's not 100%?

See, what happens when you try to quantify an injury? Look, I'll say it. Manu last season was not 100% and it affected him and the team when it most counted. This season, both teams will have issues...I'm intimating that Bynum's injury will affect him more than you guys think. 265 lbs is what his legs have to support in one of the world's most challenging sports.

GOOD LUCK.

[slayermin]

Tim is hurt. He is obviously laboring out there. We have no chance of beating the Lakers if he isn't healthy so losing last night doesn't really hurt that much. I saw some positive things. Tony Parker showed glimpses of what he would be like if he could shoot the three consistently. Drew Gooden showed glimpses of hustle and his excellent offensive skill set. Michael Finley showed that he might not be done after all and could be an asset against the Lakers in the playoffs.

What distresses me is that the Spurs homecourt advantage is gone. WTF? Where did all the Laker fans come from? I saw way too many Laker jerseys at the AT&T Center. I was at a Double Daves Pizza and to my horror, we were outnumbered by Laker fans. WTF? In San Antonio? We are outnumbered by Laker fans? As a Spurs fan, we need to take back our town. I don't know how we are going to accomplish this. But this is bull . When the Spurs go to LA, everyone is against them. Here Kobe is getting MVP chants. This is total bull .

[DrHouse]

Tim is hurt. He is obviously laboring out there. We have no chance of beating the Lakers if he isn't healthy so losing last night doesn't really hurt that much. I saw some positive things. Tony Parker showed glimpses of what he would be like if he could shoot the three consistently. Drew Gooden showed glimpses of hustle and his excellent offensive skill set. Michael Finley showed that he might not be done after all and could be an asset against the Lakers in the playoffs.

What distresses me is that the Spurs homecourt advantage is gone. WTF? Where did all the Laker fans come from? I saw way too many Laker jerseys at the AT&T Center. I was at a Double Daves Pizza and to my horror, we were outnumbered by Laker fans. WTF? In San Antonio? We are outnumbered by Laker fans? As a Spurs fan, we need to take back our town. I don't know how we are going to accomplish this. But this is bull . When the Spurs go to LA, everyone is against them. Here Kobe is getting MVP chants. This is total bull .

It's called bandwagon fans.

For all the you talk about Laker fans you will never see that happen at the Staples Center.

[aka_USAPA]

Really? 85%...seriously?

How does one determine 85%?
Outside of having measurements done via Cybex (It's this device called a Dynamometer) PRIOR to his injury, how does one determine if he's at 85%. And assuming that his leg is able to generate the needed force to hit 85%, what does that mean for his game? Does it mean he'll be only 85% as fast? Does it mean that he can only jump 85% as high? Does it mean that he'll only be able to cover 85% of the paint since he's not 100%?

See, what happens when you try to quantify an injury? Look, I'll say it. Manu last season was not 100% and it affected him and the team when it most counted. This season, both teams will have issues...I'm intimating that Bynum's injury will affect him more than you guys think. 265 lbs is what his legs have to support in one of the world's most challenging sports.

GOOD LUCK.

85% is an arbitrary number. If he does return, the Lakers will make sure he is at least that. There have been questions about the competence of the medical staff of the Lakers but I don't think they will let Bynum get back if they know it will hurt Bynum or the team.

The good news for the Lakers is that they didn't need Bynum to beat the Spurs last year. Manu will keep getting injuries, it's beginning to be a trend. He hasn't been healthy for the longest time. It will be interesting to see what Gooden can bring to the table this late in the game. For selfish reasons, I hope he does not mesh. LOL. The Lakers can get back to the Finals w/o Bynum.

[slayermin]

It's called bandwagon fans.

For all the you talk about Laker fans you will never see that happen at the Staples Center.

A fairweather fan educating me about bandwagon fans. Thanks guy.

[Duncan2177]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_yl...yhoo&type=lgns

By Johnny Ludden,
Yahoo! Sports

SAN ANTONIO – Kobe Bryant had just snuffed the life from the San Antonio Spurs, coolly drilling a 3-pointer to send fans streaming into the brisk South Texas night, and even he was not prepared for the response that greeted him.

M-V-P! M-V-P!

MVP? Deep in the heart of Texas? Lakers Nation had taken over the home of one of its most bitter rivals, surprising no less than Bryant himself.

“Especially considering all the battles we’ve had here,” he said.

The Los Angeles Lakers and Spurs added another to their collection on Thursday. San Antonio spotted L.A. an 18-point lead after one quarter, fought its way back, but then watched Kobe deliver yet another MVP moment in the Lakers’ 102-95 victory, which clinched the Pacific Division le for the Lakers. If the resulting chant surprised Kobe, so did what preceded it, and that says something about how this rivalry has changed.

In those tense final minutes, with the Spurs having clawed within two, Bryant looked across the court to see a rookie guarding him. His first thought?

“Bake him.”

Bryant’s old rival, the man who had chased him through so many of those playoff battles, sat on the bench watching. Bruce Bowen doesn’t start games these days and, on many nights, he also doesn’t finish them.

But Thursday was different. With Roger Mason having picked up his fifth foul with two minutes left, the Spurs needed someone to put on Bryant. Gregg Popovich looked down his bench, past Bowen, and called on his rookie guard, George Hill.

“It’s just weird for me,” Bryant said, “because I’m so used to having [Bowen] draped all over me.”

It’s weird for Bowen, too. Two seasons ago, he was the runner-up for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Now, he’s getting passed over for even situational defense.

“I don’t ever remember that happening here,” he said.

The Spurs have changed, and it remains to be seen whether that’s going to help them should they face the Lakers again in the playoffs. They can tell themselves they were missing Manu Ginobili on Thursday. That Tim Duncan’s knees might start to feel better. That they won’t shoot free throws that poorly again. That Tony Parker won’t need a full half to hit full speed. That Drew Gooden might become a valuable addition.

But deep down, the Spurs also left Thursday knowing this: For them, the Lakers are matchup . That doesn’t make the Spurs different from most of the NBA, but it also won’t help them in May. Duncan hasn’t looked right since he took a few games off to rest his knee, but Pau Gasol also has consistently given him trouble since arriving in Los Angeles. The Spurs never have had an answer for Lamar Odom’s athleticism and length. Nor can they match the depth of the Lakers’ bench.

And should Andrew Bynum eventually return healthy and hungry? The last time the Spurs faced the Lakers with Bynum, they lost by 14.

Now, it seems like the Spurs again are searching for a counter to Bryant. Bowen was wise enough never to consider himself a “Kobe Stopper,” but he took pride in making Bryant work. He also is smart enough not to do what Ron Artest did Wednesday in Houston: Talking smack to Kobe always makes for a longer night.

Bowen and Bryant long have had a relationship built on respect. Before the Spurs played the Lakers in January, they sat at midcourt, talking. Ray Allen and Vince Carter always complained about Bowen’s tactics. Bryant only competed, and on most nights, he won.

Bryant won last spring, too. With Bowen guarding him for much of the Western Conference finals, he led the Lakers to a five-game dismissal of the Spurs. Bowen turned 37 one month later, and the Spurs knew they needed to get younger, so they signed Mason.

Mason already has beaten the Lakers once, and his shooting will help in the playoffs. But what he can’t do is defend. He spent most of Thursday reaching, finishing with five fouls, three of which Bryant drew 18 feet from the basket. The most telling moment: With Duncan already running at Bryant, Mason jumped desperately from behind, clipping Bryant just enough for the officials to blow their whistle.

With the Spurs having to help on Bryant so much in the final minutes, Gasol and Odom created their own mismatches.

The Spurs haven’t abandoned the philosophy that’s made them so good for so long. They still emphasize defense. But they also don’t play it as well, and some of that is because of personnel. Like Mason, Matt Bonner has improved the Spurs’ shooting and spacing. But when the Detroit Pistons walked onto the floor after a timeout last month against the Spurs, one Piston asked what play to run.

“Just give the ball to whoever Bonner is guarding,” Rasheed Wallace yelled.

Popovich still has hopes for Hill, his long-armed rookie. He praised him for his recent work on Steve Nash, then gave him the ultimate compliment – the opportunity to guard Bryant with the game up for grabs.

So Bryant raised up behind the 3-point line. Hill leaned into him. Bryant faded and released his shot.

Afterward, Duncan shrugged.

“Kobe being Kobe,” he said.

Kobe being Kobe. Should the Spurs see him again in May, they’ll have more reason than ever to worry.

Never say never Ludden.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Ludden must not watch the Spurs all the time anymore. Pop has put Bowen in several times for extended minutes over the course of the year and Bowen has demonstrated he still has the quicks that have enabled him to be one of the best defenders ever. He has increased Bowens minutes lately but I just do not see him deviating from the preservation of Bruce for any reason whatsoever.

Really what I saw moer than anything was a Lakers team that clearly gameplanned. The Lakers did a pretty good job of keeping the paint clogged and it was pretty obvious that they were determined to keep Tony off the rim. When we put in the second unit in the second quarter, it seemed that the Lakers were not quite as prepared and we started to claw back a little bit.

To be honest, I am beginning to think that Pop never game plans. I know thats not true but you didn't see us trying to deny Kobe the ball and the likes.

[Spursmania]

Ludden is an ass. It will be tough, but so what? Spurs have a great opportunity, a call here or there a turnover here or there and it's anybody's ballgame. Spurs will be as healthy as they can be with Manu back. Spurs are champions and they will play like ones come Play-offs. Anyone who discounts them is ignoring the Spurs' history.

[Man In Black]

85% is an arbitrary number. If he does return, the Lakers will make sure he is at least that. There have been questions about the competence of the medical staff of the Lakers but I don't think they will let Bynum get back if they know it will hurt Bynum or the team.

The good news for the Lakers is that they didn't need Bynum to beat the Spurs last year. Manu will keep getting injuries, it's beginning to be a trend. He hasn't been healthy for the longest time. It will be interesting to see what Gooden can bring to the table this late in the game. For selfish reasons, I hope he does not mesh. LOL. The Lakers can get back to the Finals w/o Bynum.

Again...why is it do you Laker fans instantly think that he's going to come back at close to full strength? I mean , Tiger Woods is the most dominant golfer in the world and AFTER knee surgery and intensive re-hab what has he won? ZIP...NADA...NOTHING. It takes time and a month or even 2 months MAY NOT BE ENOUGH for AB.

I could be wrong, but ask yourself, how sad will you be if I'm not?
Man...Figueroa Street hasn't seen a parade for what...7 seasons now? Hey at least you got American Idol.

[aka_USAPA]

Again...why is it do you Laker fans instantly think that he's going to come back at close to full strength? I mean , Tiger Woods is the most dominant golfer in the world and AFTER knee surgery and intensive re-hab what has he won? ZIP...NADA...NOTHING. It takes time and a month or even 2 months MAY NOT BE ENOUGH for AB.

I could be wrong, but ask yourself, how sad will you be if I'm not?
Man...Figueroa Street hasn't seen a parade for what...7 seasons now? Hey at least you got American Idol.

2-0 vs. the Celtics, 2-0 vs the Cavs giving the only lone defeat to the Cavs, 2-1 vs. the Spurs plus experience that they had last year, the best record in the league. Barring no more injuries, with or without Bynum, they have a very good chance of getting out of the West. WCF vs. the Spurs with Spurs a year older? Who is going to stop Kobe? Bowen? I hate to say it (smirk), the Lakers have the Spurs' number.

Besides, I happen to know you're a Laker fan at heart.

Having Bynum back is a plus, not necessarily a necessity to get to the Finals.

P.S.

You'll be waiting for more than 7 years, the countdown has already started. Make that 2 years after this year. But I doubt you'll wait 7 years. You'd be LakersMan in Black by then.