Slump or exposed?

[PDXSpursFan]

What've changed is the fact is that other teams are playing better now (Lakers, Heat, Bulls, etc).

[wontstartdumbthreads]

What've changed is the fact is that other teams are playing better now (Lakers, Heat, Bulls, etc).

All three of those teams have had key players return from injuries are are all just now getting into top form.

[20beastie45]

This statement is based upon what I've seen from the Spurs in games versus contenders. It's obvious to me that the Spurs have been exposed. It should be noted that only the good teams have been able to do this. However, the instructional book on how to defend them has been provided by the Fakers. Take away the 3-pt shot, force their shooters to put the ball on the floor, and pack the lane. Do all those things and they become mere mortals.

The Spurs hit the court practically every night with inferior talent, as compared to the rest of the contenders. However, the Spurs usually have the edge in superior chemistry, coaching and execution. That said, their execution, passing and shooting must be flawless, as their margin for error is slim. It seems when they miss assignements, fail to box out, challenge shots throw out poor effort,

The reason I say the Spurs have been exposed is because of the top six teams in the NBA, you rarely see any of them get blown out. Over the past week, the Spurs have been blown out by 30 points - twice!

+1 Exposed!!! Agree with almost everything!

[duncan228]

Spurs won’t fret about big losses in March
Jeff McDonald

Not long after his championship-contending team had suffered the worst beating of its season, the coach found himself face-to-face with the media charged with dissecting the carnage.

The coach began by praising the team that had administered the whipping, practically thanking his opponent for it.

“The quickest way I’ve found in this league to change habits and collectively grow are through adversity,” Miami’s Erik Spoelstra said March 4, when the Spurs steamrolled his Heat 125-95 at the AT&T Center. “These type of events, as long as they don’t break you, can fast-track what you’re trying to do.”

They are words the Spurs would be wise to heed today, following their own epic smackdown.

Keep reading...

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursna...sses-in-march/

[Old School 44]

Somewhere between slump and exposed.
Manu's lost his mojo. Don't know what it is exactly, the desire/passion still seem to be there, but his game is missing something right now. Hopefully, he can get it back before the playoffs. I wouldn't be surprised if Pop pulls a late season, "Manu to the bench" move to jumpstart the team.

[BillMc]

While the Spurs certainly have the issues many of you mentioned, I suspect that it is mostly a mental and effort thing. They've got the #1 seed locked up, everyone knows it, now they're just waiting for the regular season to end, so they are having trouble getting up for these remaining games. Its not too different than when the Lakers were bored with the first 2/3rds of the season.

The Spurs will turn it on when the playoffs arrive. That's not to say we don't have major issues that might prevent us from winning the le - we do. But, we have not been "exposed" in my opinion.

[101A]

Didn't choose either one . This team has a comfortable lead in the standings and a deep bench . The biggest hurdle they faced after the allstart break was keeping up their top pace and finding the motivation in maintaining it.

Spurs starters are letting this team down with Manu taking lead because they are expecting their bench to come in and take over. The way Manu's playing, it seems he's only wants to step up in the second half - against good teams it's too late. Bynum called it and we saw it today. They are quitting waiting for the next easy team to play against.

This. Kind of.

IMO the Spurs are simply reaping the reward of their ridiculously fast, and sustained start. Their objective, as it has been for 3 seasons running is to: ENTER THE PLAYOFFS HEALTHY! This season they get to do that AND waltz into it with the best record in the league.

Just look at the schedule. As long as the Spurs take care of business, they have #1 LOCKED up; and by taking care of business, I mean, beating teams they "ought to beat". Let the other elites make their statements; and win by a ton. 1 pt or 30 pts is still just one "L".

Everyone seemed to assume the Spurs would keep their foot on the throttle, and completely rest once they had the top seed mathematically locked; I think they are coasting now they have they practically locked.

Won't know 'til the playoffs; but if you'd have told me in October the Spurs would enter the playoffs healthy, with the number 1 seed, but having "slumped" the last third of the season; pretty sure I would have been ecstatic about that.

If the Spurs are simply exposed, and busted their collective ass and overachieved, giving us all that great feeling we shared much of the past decade, of cheering a dominant, dynasty-level team - well props to them.

I won't bash this team, or be disappointed in them; they are either contenders or pretenders, but either way, they have left it all on the court.

Until proven otherwise in the playoffs, or by squandering the top seed, I'm believing they are neither slumping nor exposed; they are simply preparing.

[cheguevara]

Tim Duncan or McDyess should always be on the floor at all times in the playoffs. If not, I will urinate all over Pop.

this is pretty much.

TD and Dice will be playing 35-40 minutes each game. Will take a big toll as playoffs advance

[Leonard Curse]

alot of great points here,

i put myself in manu's shoes with the situation and now it makes sense

[Sisk]

ST, getting it's pessimism on.