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Fingers crossed???
I've got things crossed that probably shouldn't.
Well said.
And if it's not working because Roger is clearly off, you can bring in Manu early, which is a proven Pop tactic. And of course you can play the Big 3 together throughout the game as deemed necessary, and certainly at the end.
*fingers crossed* Manu is able to get healthy by the playoffs.
Fingers crossed???
I've got things crossed that probably shouldn't.
Another game that seemed to drive home the point that this is now Tony Parker's team. He's been the most consistant all year, and has really stepped it up lately.
Unfortunately for him and us, PJ seems to written the book on how to defend him.
I think Tony has been terrific and has overachieved on so many occasions. As to the Spurs being his team, no one can doubt his value though opinions may differ on this point (whose team it is). My concern is Tony's consistency. He has stretches where he's been very good followed by games where he really struggles and is a completely different player. When his offensive game is derailed, he really loses a lot of his impact.. usually his defense will suffer as well. He's not a rebounding guard. His assists are up slightly (at least that's my impression) which is good. Tony's only human and trying to carry the team with an injured Manu and hurting Timmy muswt eventually take its toll. I'm hopeful that when everyone is healthy (or at least as healthy as possible) then the SPurs can elevate their game to a higher level needed for the playoffs.
Gooden stepped up and Matt Bonner grabbed some rebounds. Parker scored 28 and the Spurs won. No suprises there.
We have been getting killed this season on pick and rolls. Parker gets picked and Duncan has to step up while his man rolls to the basket. The rotation defender has been too slow (Bonner, Thomas, Oberto) or too small (SF rotating). Gooden has the foot speed and size to make the rotation. This could allow Parker the time he needs to recover on defense and may help with the overall appearance of Parker's defense.
No he hasn't. Tim has been the most consistent for more of the season than TP has. The only thing holding Tim back is his tendonosis. When Tim was feeling good he's been our best player this season.
Tony is playing very good right now, but his defense was mediocre to awful for a couple of months there.
TP in the last month though has been playing like we know he can.
His "minutes" were non-existent. And though I understand the matchup issue, to not give him even spot minutes is pretty telling.
Like timvp said, I'm beginning to think there's no plan to save Bowen for the playoffs....maybe they just think he's done.
Gee, that couldn't have been because he was hurt was it?
Nah...
He's definitely not done. The numbers show that we're still a much better defensive team with him on the floor.His "minutes" were non-existent. And though I understand the matchup issue, to not give him even spot minutes is pretty telling.
Like timvp said, I'm beginning to think there's no plan to save Bowen for the playoffs....maybe they just think he's done.
Pop is trying to put more offense out on the court and we all know that isn't Bowen's forte.
Against LA, I think Pop doesn't want to play 5 v 4 offensively. Even though Bowen has that corner 3, its all he has and he isn't a guarantee from there. When the Lakers face a player like that, whose offense they don't respect, they'll cheat off him, leave him open and go double someone else to force turnovers or bad shots. They'll keep doing it until the guy they're leaving proves them wrong. Think Rondo in last year's Finals. It really messed with Boston because they had to play Eddie House and Cassell more than they wanted to until Rondo started hitting some shots.
Against Houston last night, without a strong wing scorer, and against a very good defensive team, there's not as much reason to put Bowen on the floor. We needed more offense last night and Bruce couldn't provide it.
In sum, I think we'll see Bowen play limited minutes in the playoffs against strong wing scorers. If we have to play NOH again, he'll put some time in against Peja. Same with Roy, Josh Howard, Carmelo, etc. If we're getting killed by a good wing, he'll play more. If we're not, he won't. When we are struggling offensively, he won't play, but if we're struggling defensively, he will.
I don't think it has as much to do with Bowen's diminished skills as it does with Pop wanting more offense on the court.
HOw can you determine Bowen when he hasn't been playing much?
A don't say he being saved for the playoffs. Thats a bad speculation.
appreciating your recaps as always....
great read
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