Quick Grades: Spurs at Clippers - Dec. 1

[temujin]

Yet another season in which the Spurs can't go 80-2.
Damn losers.

[jjktkk]

Why didn't Pop play Splitter instead of Duncan? If we went with a younger group, we may still have lost but they would have gained experience. Playing Duncan on B2Bs is not going to work. He should know that.

Probably because Duncan gives the Spurs the best chance of winning, which is what the Spurs wanted to do last night I'm sure.

[SpursDynasty85]

Probably because Duncan gives the Spurs the best chance of winning, which is what the Spurs wanted to do last night I'm sure.

Hindsight is 20/20. Duncan played miserably. Bonner played miserably. Mcdyess wasn't going to carry us. It was obvious for about 90% of the spurs fans watching that the spurs needed younger fresher legs to compete in this game. What makes the Bonner situation worse is that last night he was exposed of his flaws more than any other time because his teammates were tired.. Bonner had no excuse to look bad, he played 15 minutes the night before. When the whole team looked terrible, Bonner still stuck out like a sore thumb. Bonner was exposed to the extent that Spur's fans watching the game were spewing Bonner hate more than anyother time in December games. Last night should be proof, that Bonner cannot be relied upon as a major player for the spurs. And IMO, Splitter looked much better than Bonner. Although Splitter looked like he was trying too much, it was a refreshing sign to see at least he knows the Spurs are in desperate need of his help.

[TD 21]

Blake Griffin's a beast. He's just a freak and one of a player and I don't want to take anything away from the guy. But the Spurs have been known to give up the individual numbers from time to time (*cough* Amar'e *cough*). It's about limiting everyone else and doing what you do best.

The Clips scored 90 tonight. Had they used Splitter the way he should have been used, maybe he prevents a bucket or two or puts some fouls on Griffin or helps to secure some of those early defensive boards the Spurs failed to grab. Maybe, just maybe, the Spurs find a way to grind one out when their 3-point shot isn't falling and their slashers legs are gone.

Tim shouldn't have even played tonight, IMO. This should have been one of those games where you throw Blair and Splitter to the wolves, with a healthy dose of Dyess since he played sparingly against GS, and live with the result.

In all honesty, in recent years, the Spurs play much better being without Duncan then they usually do with a dead-legged Duncan. With him they don't have the same sense of urgency they do when he's gone. People step up in his absence and kind of go about business as usual when he's there -- think Blair's near 30-30 last year.

I just don't understand Pop's rationale. Tim's still the same aging big man with knee problems. He's still the same guy that needs to have his defensive burden in the frontcourt lessened because of those issues. Nothing's changed; and they're still the team that's failed to capture another le because of a decline in their defense. I- -you-not.

Crazy talk, I know. But that's me, 'Jack, everyone's favorite crazy son .

McDyess, Splitter and Jefferson, are the Spurs best bets against Griffin. Bonner has no chance to cause him any trouble. Splitter's length combined with his mobility has a shot to cause some problems. But going with size and defense in tough match-ups is never the answer with this coach. The opposite is.

The fact that Splitter barely played should tell us all we need to know about how Pop views him. He doesn't view him as the guy who you put on the mobile, face-up four types, he views him strictly as Duncan's (part time) backup. That's it. He'll eventually play more, but if anyone thinks there's going to come a point this season where he's starting and playing 25-30 mpg, then they're flat out either not paying attention or in denial. It isn't happening. At this point, let's just hope he's in the playoff rotation because even that isn't assured.

That's why I keep saying Pop is the biggest impediment to this team winning the championship this season.

[angelbelow]

Bonners effectiveness largely depends on his confidence. When Bonner is happy and loose, hes confident. However, when you put an animal like Griffin in the ring and expect Bonner to try and slow him down, his confidence is going to get squashed. The fact that Griffin was ty on Bonner on the defensive end probably affected Bonners offensive game. Again, this is not Bonner's fault, there is no reasonable basketball fan thats going to expect Bonner to slow Griffin down. Therefore, like many have mentioned, Coach Pop should have made some adjustments. Not only for the sake of trying to slow Griffin down, but to preserve a happy and confident Bonner.

[jjktkk]

McDyess, Splitter and Jefferson, are the Spurs best bets against Griffin. Bonner has no chance to cause him any trouble. Splitter's length combined with his mobility has a shot to cause some problems. But going with size and defense in tough match-ups is never the answer with this coach. The opposite is.

The fact that Splitter barely played should tell us all we need to know about how Pop views him. He doesn't view him as the guy who you put on the mobile, face-up four types, he views him strictly as Duncan's (part time) backup. That's it. He'll eventually play more, but if anyone thinks there's going to come a point this season where he's starting and playing 25-30 mpg, then they're flat out either not paying attention or in denial. It isn't happening. At this point, let's just hope he's in the playoff rotation because even that isn't assured.

That's why I keep saying Pop is the biggest impediment to this team winning the championship this season.

I see Splitter as a good player, very skilled, good foot work, good BBIQ. But I also see a guy that needs to get stronger. IMO, Spitter has good mobility, average strength. But to think that Splitter is goona be the reason we will, or won't win the championship is complete and utter ludicrously, as well as Pop being the reason the Spurs do not win the championship this year.

[TD 21]

The Spurs can't beat the Lakers without Splitter being no worse than their third big. It's that simple. His numbers will likely still be pedestrian, even if he is the second or third big, but his impact and value will go beyond the box score. That's his importance to this team winning the championship this season.

If Pop won't give him that chance (and it's looking more and more like he won't), then when this team inevitably fails, probably at the hands of the Lakers, the burden will fall squarely on Pop because he wouldn't have given his team their best chance to accomplish their goal.

[itzsoweezee]

Lol @ the consistent hating on Blair.

[jjktkk]

The Spurs can't beat the Lakers without Splitter being no worse than their third big. It's that simple. His numbers will likely still be pedestrian, even if he is the second or third big, but his impact and value will go beyond the box score. That's his importance to this team winning the championship this season.

If Pop won't give him that chance (and it's looking more and more like he won't), then when this team inevitably fails, probably at the hands of the Lakers, the burden will fall squarely on Pop because he wouldn't have given his team their best chance to accomplish their goal.

Why don't you try alittle patience with your glum predictions of Splitter. Only one month into the season, and your already decided that Pop will keep Splitter glued to the bench for the rest of the season and playoffs. Splitter's minutes should only go up as he gains more expierence. You also seem to be putting some high expectations on Splitter. If Splitter doesn't average at least 20 minutes a game, it will be deemed a failure? Splitter could very well average that. Splitter should be useful against the bigger teams, like the Lakers down the road, but do you really expect Splitter to dominate against the likes of Gasol, and Bynum? Although Splitter is not your typical rookie, he is still a rookie, and rookies typically are prone to having up and down performances thruout their rookie year.

[Spurologist]

Only reason Bonner doesn't get an F is because Pop absorbed some of the failing grade for putting him in unbelievably bad positions.

how so? Bonner was mostly missing on open jumpers.

[chazley]

Clippers were hot? They scored 90. They did shoot 49%, though, not surprising since with each passing game, every team seems to shoot higher and higher percentages against this team. They keep this up, they'll be allowing teams to shoot close to 50% against them for the season. Right now, they're closing in on 47 and they already allow 40% from three, both deplorable marks that won't cut it against elite or near elite teams in the playoffs.

This team needs to start blowing some teams out or at least get blown out themselves. Every game can't be some nip-and-tuck game, where they pull away late. That requires too many minutes from too many key players.

If the Timberwolves game isn't essentially over by halftime in favor of the Spurs, then no matter the outcome, it'll be a loss. That's how this team has to start measuring themselves. It shouldn't take 30-35 minutes and 20-25 points from Ginobili to beat that team, yet that's probably exactly what it'll take.



I didn't say he can't be, but he shouldn't be. And even if he is, I don't care. He needs to be the guy carrying this team more often than not. Especially in situations like this. Second game of a back to back, playing a team, clearly Duncan and Ginobili didn't have it.

Ginobili is 33 and also has a lot of mileage on his legs. What's your point? I don't find fatigue is the issue with Parker, it's more so he's the type who's energy and all around game suffers when he's not a major part of the offense. Right now, he's almost relegated to being a spot up shooter because it's all Ginobili, all the time.

Fresh or not, this was a very winnable game. No excuses. That type of loser at ude will have this team as a 3 seed by the end of the season instead of a 1 seed, which is clearly there for the taking.


Harlem, it's clear this coach isn't serious about being a defensive team again. He proved it again tonight. He'd rather rely on three-point shooting than defense. That's why he's the biggest impediment to this team winning a championship this season. That type of philosophy will have this team eliminated at the hands of the Lakers, if they even get to them.

This post is in great, except for last paragraph.

[chazley]

That's why I keep saying Pop is the biggest impediment to this team winning the championship this season.

And then you go and say this.

[Man In Black]

McDyess, Splitter and Jefferson, are the Spurs best bets against Griffin. Bonner has no chance to cause him any trouble. Splitter's length combined with his mobility has a shot to cause some problems. But going with size and defense in tough match-ups is never the answer with this coach. The opposite is.

The fact that Splitter barely played should tell us all we need to know about how Pop views him. He doesn't view him as the guy who you put on the mobile, face-up four types, he views him strictly as Duncan's (part time) backup. That's it. He'll eventually play more, but if anyone thinks there's going to come a point this season where he's starting and playing 25-30 mpg, then they're flat out either not paying attention or in denial. It isn't happening. At this point, let's just hope he's in the playoff rotation because even that isn't assured.

That's why I keep saying Pop is the biggest impediment to this team winning the championship this season.

You say that, yet when Pop traded to get Nazr in January for the 05 run, he got a defensive big with less physical ability that Splitter and played him all the way to the le. It's early December. Splitter had to miss camp, he played all year with his previous ACB team and then the entire World Championship run to elimination. Perhaps he's letting Splitter get his legs underneath him for his longest season EVER? A NBA season is much, much longer than the ACB and Euroleague plus they get breaks in between.

I don't think Pop views him like you say he does. I just think that Pop isn't willing to reveal anything until he's good and ready to do when it's to the team's advantage. The Spurs are 15-3 and that last loss sucked but hey....did you notice that the Spurs are 15-3?

[jjktkk]

You say that, yet when Pop traded to get Nazr in January for the 05 run, he got a defensive big with less physical ability that Splitter and played him all the way to the le. It's early December. Splitter had to miss camp, he played all year with his previous ACB team and then the entire World Championship run to elimination. Perhaps he's letting Splitter get his legs underneath him for his longest season EVER? A NBA season is much, much longer than the ACB and Euroleague plus they get breaks in between.

I don't think Pop views him like you say he does. I just think that Pop isn't willing to reveal anything until he's good and ready to do when it's to the team's advantage. The Spurs are 15-3 and that last loss sucked but hey....did you notice that the Spurs are 15-3?

+1. It just seems that some folks are alittle impatient with Splitter's limited minutes so far. IMO, Splitter's mintues will continue to increase, to the point that Splitter will be a top reserve come playoff time. Maybe even start some games.

[smeagol]

Lol @ the consistent hating on Blair.

Lol@ monday morning paper baskeball commentators

[TD 21]

Why don't you try alittle patience with your glum predictions of Splitter. Only one month into the season, and your already decided that Pop will keep Splitter glued to the bench for the rest of the season and playoffs. Splitter's minutes should only go up as he gains more expierence. You also seem to be putting some high expectations on Splitter. If Splitter doesn't average at least 20 minutes a game, it will be deemed a failure? Splitter could very well average that. Splitter should be useful against the bigger teams, like the Lakers down the road, but do you really expect Splitter to dominate against the likes of Gasol, and Bynum? Although Splitter is not your typical rookie, he is still a rookie, and rookies typically are prone to having up and down performances thruout their rookie year.

Why do you feel the need to be an apologist? Open your eyes. It's clear as day that they don't view Splitter as Duncan's sidekick, but rather his part time backup. If they viewed him as his sidekick, we'd have seen them play alongside each other at least semi-regularly. Instead, they go out of their way to keep them apart.

I'm not putting high expectations on Splitter or expecting him to dominate Gasol or Bynum. Once again, you've failed to comprehend what I said. All I'm saying is, Splitter has to be the third big come playoff time because he has a much better chance at adequately defending Gasol than Blair or Bonner. He can also help take some of the pressure off of Duncan to be basically the sole rim protector.

This post is in great, except for last paragraph.

I know . . . I love my work.

You say that, yet when Pop traded to get Nazr in January for the 05 run, he got a defensive big with less physical ability that Splitter and played him all the way to the le. It's early December. Splitter had to miss camp, he played all year with his previous ACB team and then the entire World Championship run to elimination. Perhaps he's letting Splitter get his legs underneath him for his longest season EVER? A NBA season is much, much longer than the ACB and Euroleague plus they get breaks in between.

I don't think Pop views him like you say he does. I just think that Pop isn't willing to reveal anything until he's good and ready to do when it's to the team's advantage. The Spurs are 15-3 and that last loss sucked but hey....did you notice that the Spurs are 15-3?

Things were different then. January of '05 was before May of '06, when Pop suffered head trauma. Also, the Spurs didn't have the same caliber of options in the front court that they do now. Now, there's four other rotation caliber bigs.

I don't think Pop views him that way, either, I know he does. All you have to do is listen to him speak, but even more importantly, pay attention to his actions. At what point, so far, has his reaction to the Spurs struggling with certain bigs been, "let's go bigger and more defensive"? It's been the exact opposite every time. He wouldn't even play Splitter on Nowitzki and outside of Gasol, I can't think of a more logical match-up for him.

I don't care if they were 18-0, there's some troubling signs. Most notably, the mentality of this coach.

+1. It just seems that some folks are alittle impatient with Splitter's limited minutes so far. IMO, Splitter's mintues will continue to increase, to the point that Splitter will be a top reserve come playoff time. Maybe even start some games.

When? The time to get him acclimated and comfortable is now. Not if/when this team runs into the Lakers in the playoffs. It's not rocket science, but at the same time, you want players to have chemistry and familiarity with one another. It's been so long since Duncan's played with a big like Splitter, he's probably forgotten what it's like. You can't keep them apart all season, then expect them to all of a sudden fit seamlessly together in a playoff series against the Lakers, when they've played a whole five minutes together all season.

On top of that, this is the same coach who always talks about rookies needing to learn their opponents tendencies. How is Splitter supposed to do that if he isn't going to be given the chance?

[TJastal]

I think some of these popsuckers just fantasize that Splitter is going to magically morph into greatness in one or 2 games in the playoffs and go on to dominate.

Gotta love these delusional fools.

[ChumpDumper]

You think Splitter will dominate in the NBA?

[quentin_compson]

You think Splitter will dominate in the NBA?

I don't think a lot of people expect him to dominate, especially not this early on in his NBA career. But in my opinion, Splitter is potentially the best defensive big alongside Duncan the Spurs have had in a long time, probably even since D-Rob retired.
In the first couple of games, Splitter clearly was out of shape and Pop did the right thing in limiting his playing time. Right now, I'm not so sure anymore. Riding Dice too much in the RS will probably result in him being not fresh enough in the playoffs, while riding Bonner too much is a failure in any way you might wanna look at it. Splitter has to play a comparatively big role in order for the Spurs to have a shot in the playoffs, and the time he should start logging more minutes is now. Barring any physical condition we don't know about, there is no excuse for Pop in my mind to not play Tiago more.

[ChumpDumper]

Play him 48 a game. Nothing bad could possibly happen.

[quentin_compson]

Play him 48 a game. Nothing bad could possibly happen.

Sorry, but you're acting like an 8 year-old right now. I know you're much smarter than that.

[ChumpDumper]

Sorry, but you're acting like an 8 year-old right now. I know you're much smarter than that.

Why could he not play 48 minutes a game?

He's 25 years old for chrissakes.

[quentin_compson]

No one is saying he should play 48 a game, and I'm aware of his injury-history. How 'bout 20 a game instead of 12, for starters? Would you deem that too risky?

[ChumpDumper]

So you're saying there might be a limit on the minutes Splitter could reasonably play?

[angelbelow]

So you're saying there might be a limit on the minutes Splitter could reasonably play?

Why stop at 48 minutes, play him for the entire 2 hours, during commercial breaks, halftime, timeouts, just make him consistently run plays during those times.