Playoffs Game Blog: Grizzlies @ Spurs - Game 2 - April 20

[timtonymanu]

It just feels good to win a playoff game again. We haven't seen a Spurs playoff win since Game 6 of the Mavs series last year.

[spurs10]

Big win !!!!

[duncan228]

San Antonio Spurs 93, Memphis Grizzlies 87: Don’t sweat the technique
by Andrew A. McNeill
48 Minutes of

AT&T CENTER — San Antonio needed this one. Boy they sure needed it. The Spurs are still a uva good basketball team, no matter how far they make it in this year’s playoffs, but going down 2-0 at home to these Memphis Grizzlies does not kick-off a championship run.

Luckily, after 48 minutes of game action on Wednesday night, the return of Manu Ginobili to San Antonio’s lineup was enough to help the Spurs even the series with the Memphis Grizzlies in a 93-87 win, and keep a playoff run alive.

Ginobili brings the edge to this Spurs team that no other player does. It should be enough that Manu is arguably the best player on the roster, and yet he brings the ruthlessness like no other. DeJuan Blair has hustle and motor, and Neal oozes a quiet fearlessness, but no one brings the edge to the Spurs like Manu.

“Everyone knows what kind of compe or Manu is,” Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich said after the game. “Just to have him on the floor is a plus for the psyche of the whole team, without a doubt.

“And, on top of that, he played pretty well.”

Keep reading...

http://www.48minutesof .com/san-a...-the-technique

[GhosTown]

Tiago will not play ... end of story

No it won't be the end of story, will be the end of the Spurs if he doesn't play in Memphis. Pop is one stubborn, stupid MF.

Bonner got 3pts 4 reb in 20 mins.

Blair did those stats with half as much time without getting 5 fouls.

This is shameful, what Pop is doing to TD, TP and Manu playing a 3rd stringer during the playoffs and screwing them out of another opportunity at a le. Just a crying shame. SMH

[GhosTown]

The Grizz aren't that good. This wouldn't be a series right now if someone besides Bonner and Blair were seeing heavy front lines for us.

Memphis points in the paint so far this series is damn ridiculous.

Yeah we know, how come our dumbass coach can't see it.

[timtonymanu]

Any photos from the game?

[duncan228]

Any photos from the game?

Couple of links, and there's some Duncan shots in the Duncan Forum.

Spurs.com's gallery:

http://www.nba.com/spurs/photos/110420_1

Yahoo's gallery:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/games/20...JYEBPCPBCQvLYF

[timtonymanu]

Couple of links, and there's some Duncan shots in the Duncan Forum.

Spurs.com's gallery:

http://www.nba.com/spurs/photos/110420_1

Yahoo's gallery:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/games/20...JYEBPCPBCQvLYF

Thanks!

[Bruno]

After the loss in game 1, I was expecting a statement win in game 2. Instead of that, it was a last minute victory. That's still a win but Spurs will need to play better in Memphis.

Winning this series quickly is very important to Spurs if they want to have a good chance against Thunder in the second round. Right now, it doesn't take that path and the bigger picture looks bleak.

[Obstructed_View]

After the loss in game 1, I was expecting a statement win in game 2. Instead of that, it was a last minute victory. That's still a win but Spurs will need to play better in Memphis.

Winning this series quickly is very important to Spurs if they want to have a good chance against Thunder in the second round. Right now, it doesn't take that path and the bigger picture looks bleak.

I couldn't figure out how the Spurs could play so well and not run away with it. I'm re-watching the game now. People aren't going to like my reason.

[Fireball]

No it won't be the end of story, will be the end of the Spurs if he doesn't play in Memphis. Pop is one stubborn, stupid MF.

Bonner got 3pts 4 reb in 20 mins.

Blair did those stats with half as much time without getting 5 fouls.

This is shameful, what Pop is doing to TD, TP and Manu playing a 3rd stringer during the playoffs and screwing them out of another opportunity at a le. Just a crying shame. SMH

I'm with you regarding all these points. I am "Pro-Tiago" and want him to be the big who comes into the game when Timmy rests. The turd towers could indeed lead to our end in Memphis, but that will not change Pops mind.

[Obstructed_View]

I couldn't figure out how the Spurs could play so well and not run away with it. I'm re-watching the game now. People aren't going to like my reason.

2 reasons:

1. Dice stinks on defense. Seriously. Better hope he wakes the up soon, because he's awful.

2. Bonner and Dice need to be shooting the ball when they're on the floor. Get those guys some shots early and watch Parker and Manu carve the Grizzlies up.

I don't think this game was as close as the score simply because of some unlucky calls and Manu's adjustment to his brace. They also just were too crazy in the first half and didn't take care of the ball.

[spurs50_]

did anyone notice desean butler sitting behind the bench? can't wait to see him play.....

[Obstructed_View]

No it won't be the end of story, will be the end of the Spurs if he doesn't play in Memphis. Pop is one stubborn, stupid MF.

Bonner got 3pts 4 reb in 20 mins.

Blair did those stats with half as much time without getting 5 fouls.

This is shameful, what Pop is doing to TD, TP and Manu playing a 3rd stringer during the playoffs and screwing them out of another opportunity at a le. Just a crying shame. SMH

It's the opposite problem, though. Bonner and Dice and Blair are not putting any pressure on Gasol, Randolph or Arthur on the offensive end, yet all three Grizzlies bigs finished game 2 with 5 fouls. What a missed opportunity.

At least Bonner has a chance to score if they'll pass him the ball.

[ace3g]

ShaneBattier Shane Battier
by JMcDonald_SAEN
Just watched the maddenly infuriating tape of last nights game. too many self-inflicted mistakes to overcome. #punchingyourselfintheface

[DieHardSpursFan1537]

Glad to see a win here, but they're going to have to play extra intense at Memphis. It won't be easy.

[GhosTown]

It's the opposite problem, though. Bonner and Dice and Blair are not putting any pressure on Gasol, Randolph or Arthur on the offensive end, yet all three Grizzlies bigs finished game 2 with 5 fouls. What a missed opportunity.

At least Bonner has a chance to score if they'll pass him the ball.

They freeze him out because he is not shooting well and the Grizz is closing out on him fast. He is waste out there. If Pop insists on playing Bonner, only do it with TD and don't ever allow Bonner and Blair on the floor at the same time. That is a terrible terrible mistake. Not once during these playoffs have that combo worked. Bonner is not Horry and he never will be. POP!

[Obstructed_View]

They freeze him out because he is not shooting well and the Grizz is closing out on him fast. He is waste out there. If Pop insists on playing Bonner, only do it with TD and don't ever allow Bonner and Blair on the floor at the same time. That is a terrible terrible mistake. Not once during these playoffs have that combo worked. Bonner is not Horry and he never will be. POP!

Yet another person who needn't even bothered watching game two to have an opinion on it.

7 shot attempts in 44 minutes and he's shooting 43 percent. Since he hasn't had anyone within a mile of him on any of his shot attempts I'm not sure how they're closing out on him fast. Maybe they're freezing him out because he keeps fouling at the end of their lockdown stops.