Game Blog: Spurs @ Suns: March 27th 9:00 CT

[roycrikside]

Spurs played better defense than it seemed, even in the first half. Suns only 14 assists on 41 made field goals. That's a lot of contested isos.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Who gives a . The defense in the 4th quarter was gold and that's all that matters because defense wins championships. We pulled that ALL THE TIME in years like 2003, even in the playoffs, where our offense got stagnant late but we grinded out ball games for wins consistently anyway because of our defense.

Well said. This was exactly that kind of game - we were lazy on D for three Qs then turned it up when it mattered and stopped them scoring. That is exactly how we won a lot of games during our heyday.

[timtonymanu]

Pretty underwhelming game overall. The crowd wasn't as intense as they usually are when the Spurs visit. Only Manu got booed if I recall.

[ElNono]

We win!

[roycrikside]

I don't know about that. He still has flashes of him coming back into form but he's still not right. I noticed he's never getting to the FT line anymore (I don't know how much of it is from the refs not calling anything or if it's because Manu's just chucking up shots and not driving anymore.)

Drove plenty last game. Didn't get any calls. I think he'll have to play a few more games before refs remember, "Oh yeah, this guy's pretty good, we should give him some calls."

[SpursRock20]

I don't know about that. He still has flashes of him coming back into form but he's still not right. I noticed he's never getting to the FT line anymore (I don't know how much of it is from the refs not calling anything or if it's because Manu's just chucking up shots and not driving anymore.)

I think he is just being a bit too passive. It is not showing in his assist totals but I can definitely tell he is trying to set up others first. You are right, he still is not quite there, but I think he is progressing well. I also think he is building a bit of chemistry with Diaw.

[DesignatedT]

Manus shot is looking a lot better. Mainly because he's finally getting his legs back. It's very nice to see. As for getting to the line, He will be his fearless self once the games start to matter.

[roycrikside]

Well said. This was exactly that kind of game - we were lazy on D for three Qs then turned it up when it mattered and stopped them scoring. That is exactly how we won a lot of games during our heyday.

I didn't say the shotclock thing to criticize the team. I was just explaining why they finished 0-of-9. They were playing clockball and missed some threes.

[crc21209]

Pretty underwhelming game overall. The crowd wasn't as intense as they usually are when the Spurs visit. Only Manu got booed if I recall.

I think that's also because their team isnt what they use to be as well....

[jjktkk]

per jeff mcdonald:

@jeffMcdonald No Jackson tonight after he allegedly threw chair at Coach Pop's face following last night's team meeting. Details to come soon

CBF with the troll goods. Got me hook, line, and sinker.

[Solid D]

One clue. Jeff's twitter handle is JMcDonald_SAEN.

[jjktkk]

One clue. Jeff's twitter handle is JMcDonald_SAEN.

I know, pathetic. I follow him and still fell for it.

[timtonymanu]

I know, pathetic. I follow him and still fell for it.

It's okay. I fell for it too

Got to remember how much Jack respects Pop.

[ace3g]

Jared Dudley ‏ @JaredDudley619

Close

Man I hate losing to the Spurs..they had a great game plan and it worked.. Have to put this loss behind us and get ready for the clippers

[T Park]

Is there a player who has fit into the spurs more seamlessly than Boris Diaw? Wow....

[ducks]

matt booner misses badly a open three with 35 seconds left in game
but he did get 4 o rebounds tonight

[ducks]

Is there a player who has fit into the spurs more seamlessly than Boris Diaw? Wow....

parker set diaw up nicely late in game and made diaw shot it
he made it

[Robz4000]

No, actually, you said "we are done" with about 3 min to go in the third quarter. I picked you up on it at the time. You do it every game whenever we have a stretch of poor play.

At the time the Spurs were stalled offensively and couldn't play any D worth a damn. They had scored 2 points while the Suns had scored 12 or 14. I also posted that about 5 mins into the half. I also only ever recall posting something like that maybe 3 or 4 other games, and I'm also not one of the only ones to do it. Call it GNSF, but I tend to get passionate during the game and get pessimistic at times when the Spurs execute poorly.

Also, by the fourth quarter Brown was not hot. He was hot in the first and second quarters, did very little in the second half. That's the kind of thing I'm referring to when I say read the pulse of the game.

Brown was a good part of that run, where he scored 5 straight off of the same screens Green had been falling for all game. He cooled off after I posted and the Spurs began to settle into their rhythm. The Spurs didn't start playing good D until the 4th. Yes by the time the 4th was winding down the Suns had cooled off, but there have been times this season where either the Spurs or the Suns' opponents have taken their foot of the gas and there has been a run. Best just to play a full 48 mins than stop a bit beforehand.

[ace3g]

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

It was a great game! I was happy to see that there were quite a bit of Spurs fans in US Airways arena last night. There was like 12 of us in my section alone.

[TampaDude]

I gotta say it now...WE STAAAAAAAAAACKED!!!!!

GO SPURS GO!!!!!