The thing that 's upsetting me...

[Chieflion]

That 'funnel it into the shot blockers' system worked when we had two potential shot blockers under the basket. It hasn't worked since Robinson left. Our teams don't do a lot of 'passing lane' defense on a consistent basis, and that's what it would take. We have the quickness now with a lot of our guys (Hill, Parker, Ginobili, Bonner, Blair, etc.) to pull it off, but we don't play that way. OUr guys are NOT good at defending the pick and roll. Even Parker, as quick as he is, usually goes UNDER the pick, giving the shooter a nice cushion in which to get his shot off.

I see the opposite. Recently, he has gone so many times over the pick that he was behind the player he was guarding after he gets over the screen, in this case, Williams, who drives to the rim with ease just cause he can.

[TJastal]

I see the opposite. Recently, he has gone so many times over the pick that he was behind the player he was guarding after he gets over the screen, in this case, Williams, who drives to the rim with ease just cause he can.

Wes Matthews did this too him also.

[Chieflion]

Wes Matthews did this too him also.

Apperently, everyone does. Do the Spurs even read the scouting report? Cause the opponents sure look they did.

[Thomas82]

No, I don't want to trade tony/manu/RJ or fire Pop, nor do I think Holt wasted money this summer. If you watched the first half of the game (especially 1st quarter) and the 4th, the spurs looked SCARY good. Duncan was on fire, TP was playing well, our bench was clicking, and our defense was tough (and we all know about Bonner tonight). The team was working well together, solid execution, and it was gorgeous basketball to watch. Needless to say, we outscored Utah 82 - 67 in those quarters.

Then the 3rd quarter was a completely different story. Out of nowhere, the team lost its will, heart, and started playing sloppy basketball. They forgot their fundamentals, and blew a big lead. I'm not sure what happened, but out of nowhere, everything suddenly went wrong in a certain span of time. Turn overs, bad shots, sloppy D.... everything. The same basic story happened in the denver and boston games.

Basically what I'm getting at is this spurs team is most definitely lacking something, but it's not something fixed with a trade or change in coaching staff. This is a problem the team itself has to fix; they have to start playing with pride again. I'm not making excuses for them, I'm definitly holding them accountable. But not their skill; there's a big difference between like "can't do", "can't play defense" and "aren't doing". The spurs just aren't doing the things they should, and CAN, to pull out wins against teams. Denver, Boston and Utah were close and very winnable games, that in my opinion, the spurs lost to themselves.

So in summary, I guess I'm just upset that it seems the team just isn't putting their hearts and pride into games, and they aren't playing with the effort, intensity, and killer instinct of champions that we've come to expect. I just want to see the silver and black heart shine once again! It's there, just hidden somewhere.... and I can't wait until the day we find it.
Until then, hang in there guys!


PS: Not usually one to get angry at stupid comments by fans after losses because I know they're just as heartbroken as I am... but do you guys seriously think that last play went as designed by pop? Gimme a break.... happens, things don't go as expected, and they had to get a shot off. That's just basketball.

Good post!!

[Spursmania]

Great thread and post. I'm sick of trade Manu, RJ, etc...threads. For 's sake we have to support the team even when they suck which is now. The fact that they don't take these games personal is what pisses me off.

Our leaders need to get pissed off and show it on the court. Bonner looked pissed and played damn well for Bonner. If he can man up and play half as good as he did last night I would be happy with his contributions. We all know Bonner is best suited as a role player but red rocket played with his heart and passion out there that I haven't seen from him. Other players should have been taking notes last night.

Parker has got to stop with his TO's and non-involvement of RJ. He has had sloppy play at crucial moments in the last few games. Fast breaks aren't looking too good either and lack of defense hurts. We know you love Hollywood and all the extra attention you get from international play. But, the Spurs pay your salary and your young so start earning your pay. Study your team, study their offensive needs and tendencies and become the great PG the team needs you to be. The roster is full of talent, use their talents. Get RJ involved and things will change. You've got a quick, athletic solid contributor begging to fit into the system in RJ. Man up to your responsibilities as a leader and a PG with 3 les under your belt, and do whatever it takes to get that offense revving. Lead with intensity, passion and knowledge.

Manu get it going defensively with steals and tips and crazy Manu blocks. You're not in rhythm offensively so play defense like a madman and grab rebounds and don't turn the ball over. Manu you don't need to be superbat right now just play solid and don't cause to's. Your offense will come, just play ball like your on the streets of Argentina man.

Duncan, you are the man, You have lifted this team on your shoulders for so long. Taken the blame for so many of the Spurs losses. You come out and play like you mean business and you have to deal with players that don't bring it every game. Please, don't get weary now, show why your Timmy Duncan and get pissed and I mean really pissed. This is the last 2 years we will see you playing, bring it Timmy just bring it.

I still love you guys so man up will you

[Spursmania]

I hope the big three get into rhythm soon. I miss watching Manu, TP and Timmy. If only they could incorporate RJ as well. I am waiting to see this happen every game.