Grades: Spurs @ Jazz - Apr. 9

[EVAY]

I agree with sitting the big three. But I was surprised that you were so hard on some of the guys and not all.

Let's face it, the big three are the guys that make these guys look so good. So when the big three are not around, why should it surprise anyone that they don't look so great without the enabling presence of 3 all stars?

Bonner playing really good defense for 3 1/2 quarters and making some big-tiem shots at the end of periods would have been unthinkable a couple of years ago. Now, he is criticized for ONLY doing what would have been impossible a couple of years ago.

The decision to sit the big three was Pop's. It was probably a good decision. Given that, he alone is responsible for the loss, and doesn't deserve a better grade than the players he decided to put in without their safety nets. He had to know there was a good chance to lose this game, and I think he did. So I think he thought it was all right. So, let him have the fruits of his decision making...a grade no better than the team he put on the floor.

If we win against the Lakers and Memphis because of this decision, THAT'S when Pop's grade should reflect the good decision to take all of his all-stars out in order to prep for those games.

[elbamba]

Two things that stood out to me last night. The first was that our guards and small forwards "smalls", shot way too much. I understand that shooters need to shoot, but Tiago should have taken 16 shots tonight instead of the 8 he got.

Second, the foul shooting says everything you need to know about the second half. Those touch fouls that Harris got were crap. Its hard to stay in a game when the home team takes 23 more free throws than you. Part of that was the guards taking too many jump shots but the other part was not getting rewarded when we took the ball to the whole. Spurs had too many points in the paint to shoot 10 free throws.

[lefty]

Did Pop stay on the floor at halftime to coach some players ?

[DMC]

The game was lost at the FT line. We just didn't get there enough for whatever reason.

[DMC]

Two things that stood out to me last night. The first was that our guards and small forwards "smalls", shot way too much. I understand that shooters need to shoot, but Tiago should have taken 16 shots tonight instead of the 8 he got.

Second, the foul shooting says everything you need to know about the second half. Those touch fouls that Harris got were crap. Its hard to stay in a game when the home team takes 23 more free throws than you. Part of that was the guards taking too many jump shots but the other part was not getting rewarded when we took the ball to the whole. Spurs had too many points in the paint to shoot 10 free throws.

I thought about this too, and though I am not a conspiracy person, I had to wonder if there wasn't some angst against the Spurs for sitting their stars intentionally.

Also, I think role players (everyone on the floor for the Spurs) play better at home, and they are more aggressive at home than on the road. The aggression last night was spotty and forced at times. At home, it comes in the flow of the game. Refs detect that and watch for contact. They probably also got some feedback from the previous game and were trying to balance it out. It seems they do that, like when one admits to a coach he missed a call, then you will see him ignore a call the other way and it balances out. Piss poor management if you ask me, but that how it goes.

[ohmwrecker]

Buckets totally RJ'd that game.

[Dex]

Buckets totally RJ'd that game.

Not quite. At least Buckets showed some balls and tried to make a difference...he just couldn't get a shot to go. And he was still aggressive on defense.

Jefferson would have done his usual "blend into the background" business and camped on the three-point line, and would've been a weeping vagina on defense as per usual.

[DPG21920]

I thought this was Bonners best game of the season and even after this unbelievable performance you give him a C?

No class.

[Mugen]

Is Tiago okay? He played 26 mins which is obviously way too many for somebody as injury prone and unconditioned as him...

Still, he looked pretty good scoring in the post, passing out of it and being the defensive anchor. It's a shame that nobody else stepped up to help Tiago grind out the victory.

How many more s does Tiago have to take on Bonner & Pop before he can get the mins. he deserves?

[Blake]

Referees: D-

[silverblk mystix]

Would have loved for us to steal this one in Utah but the loss isn't a big deal. Better to be ready for Wednesday game against the Lakers. I've seen enough of this Jazz team and would love to play them in the 1st round.

While benching the big 3 certainly made things harder for everyone else basketball wise, I thought it had a negative effect on the rest of the team's mentality. Only Blair and Leonard played with their usual energy and intensity - everyone else flopped.

Tiago Splitter - Really disappointed in Splitter tonight. I think his leadership is non-existent both verbally and symbolically. First, he got destroyed by the refs and all he does is smirk, tilt his head to the right, and walk away. What he should be doing is snapping and getting T-ed up to send a message. Second, he was clearly shoved by Al Jefferson on a few rebounding opporun ies but instead of retaliating he just takes it. Third, and this is subjective, but I hate when players give up before the horn sounds. Green was still pressuring the ball but Tiago decided it was time to sulk and go for a causal stroll. Additionally I think this should have been a statement game from him with Duncan out. IIRC, Blair has always played well when the big 3/ or Duncan sits. I have no doubts about Splitters talents or skill level. And I still think he needs to play 25+ minutes per game.. but he is no leader. Luckily, we don't need him to on this team.

Matt Bonner - Shot the ball well in the first 3 quarters, but struggled in the 4th. I thought most of them were good looks so he needs to stay confident and keep shooting. Something to keep an eye on for the rest of the month: April 2012 (5 games): 35% from 3s. April 2011 (13 games including playoffs): 33% from 3s. April 2010 (14 games including playoffs): 35% from 3s.

Green - Really needs to work on his drives. Looks way too soft and out of control.

Jackson - Struggled on offense but that was mainly because he had an off shooting night. It wasn't a result of chucking, bad shots, selfishness or trolling etc and that's important to note. He was also one of the only guys trying to execute the offense and move the ball as the game was coming to a close. His animated and enthusiastic reaction to some of the bogus fouls were awesome to watch as well.

Diaw - Did he play tonight? I tried looking for him but he was no where to be found.

Devin Harris - Lol.. hitting 3 3s against us again. And this time, 2 in crunch time. Standard.. I guess.

Hayward - Did some nice things tonight and looks like a completely different player from last year. His ballhandling and passing isn't as bad as I thought and he has some athleticism. But like with every wing from the weak draft of 2010, I wonder if James Anderson would be more productive he traded places with Hayward.

Pop - I liked his decision to bench the big 3. Normally I prefer to play rather than baby. But 8 games in 11 days is just dumb, especially with the playoffs around the corner. I thought he should have played Blair more because Bonner was taking a beating from Milsap and Favors. Leonard should have saw more minutes as well (unless he was trying to semi-rest him too). On the fence about this one, but Pop could have called a timeout around 2:10 because we took and missed 4 3pointer leading up to that moment. But I can see the value in letting the lineup play it out.

Despite all the negatives, we had a great shot to win the game. In fact, I think the Jazz got kind of lucky with Harris hitting 2 clutch 3s, Milsap being completely unchecked on that offensive rebound/put back (who was supposed to cover him I dont remember?), and the referees being whistle happy in favor of the Jazz.

[silverblk mystix]

I saw this too...but then I rewinded it to make sure...and if you watch the tape...Pop is at the sideline and the Spurs players are still getting after it...but you can see Pop waving his hands and telling the players...to stop ...to just back off...and this is when Tiago starts walking to the dressing room...

[Mugen]

Tiago Splitter - Really disappointed in Splitter tonight. I think his leadership is non-existent both verbally and symbolically. First, he got destroyed by the refs and all he does is smirk, tilt his head to the right, and walk away. What he should be doing is snapping and getting T-ed up to send a message. Second, he was clearly shoved by Al Jefferson on a few rebounding opporun ies but instead of retaliating he just takes it. Third, and this is subjective, but I hate when players give up before the horn sounds. Green was still pressuring the ball but Tiago decided it was time to sulk and go for a causal stroll. Additionally I think this should have been a statement game from him with Duncan out. IIRC, Blair has always played well when the big 3/ or Duncan sits. I have no doubts about Splitters talents or skill level. And I still think he needs to play 25+ minutes per game.. but he is no leader. Luckily, we don't need him to on this team.

@ calling out a 2nd year player for not being a leader on a team with the Big 3/Pop/Jack. It's hard to be considered a leader when Pop relegates you to 4th/5th big status, tbh.

And you really think Tiago should be getting technicals and shoving Al Jefferson around? You really think that would help his case of getting more playing time with Pop? He was one of the few guys battling for defensive boards and you complain about him not being aggressive enough. Like him getting a T or jawing at the officials is really gonna help him get more calls

Tiago was the best player on the team last night BY FAR and you were still dissappointed him. Solid take.

[JR3]

I'm glad a traded down my tickets last night. I did get a bunch of autographs last night though, and I also go some one on one with RC. Good times.

[SenorSpur]

Great writeup, as always.

This star-less Spurs team that took the court in Utah was overmatched talent-wise, but they STILL could have and should have won this game. I don't believe in moral victories, but other than getting some rest for the Big Three, I hope there is something good that can come out of this.

That said, the ball movement in this game was less than stellar. Early on, it seemed there were too many guys trying to "do their own thing".

I don't agree with the grade for Gary Neal. If he were being graded as a SG, then it would be sufficient. He created offense for himself, hit some key outside shots, but he missed several shots in the paint area. I guess his floater needs some work. However as a backup PG, he was awful - yet again. He was slow to get the team into their sets, he became a bit shot-happy, while he ignored open shooters on the perimeter. In fact, there were times where either Bonner, Leonard or Jackson were clearly open and waiting for the ball on the perimeter, while Neal either ignored them or didn't see them. Sean Elliott mentioned this several times. Neal was the sole source of stagnant ball movement, but he sure didn't help much.

As for Bonner, I don't always advocate him getting more shots - especially on the road - but he probably should've gotten more looks than he did. Of course, when he did get open looks in the 4th quarter of a crucial road game, in a playoff-like atmosphere, he choked them away as usual.

As for Jackson, this was probably his worse game as a Spurs.

Something else that stuck out for me was how the Spurs were overwhelmed by the superior athleticism of the Utah frontline. The Jazz recorded 13 blocks and protected the rim very well. Their physicality caused Spurs players to seemingly wilt under force and become both unaggressive and noncommital when driving to the rim. It seems every Spurs player was either looking to pass, once they penetrated the paint or take an awkward-looking shot.

The Jazz literally pushed the Spurs bigs around the court, fouled them hard and got repeated second-chance looks by physically beating them to rebounds. It seemed that the Spurs gave up challenging them because they couldn't match their physicality. Watching the way the Spurs were manhandled, brought up thoughts of that failed playoff series versus the Grizzlies.

Therefore, it's still apparent that, even after the recent acquisitions, the Spurs STILL do not have the necessary size and athleticism needed to challenge the bigger frontlines of the West. Even with Duncan, they are still way too undersized and very vulnerable along the frontline against certain teams. Looking down the road at possible playoff matchups, that should still be a concern.

[T Park]

Gary Neal an A?

Good god....

[T Park]

I thought this was Bonners best game of the season and even after this unbelievable performance you give him a C?

No class.

God opposing. Viewpoints really bother you don't they.


Settle the down.

[timtonymanurich]

My synopsis after having BEEN at the Jazz vs. Spurs game last night:

Spurs 2nd and 3rd stringers put up a decent fight. We SHOULD HAVE won the game, but we lost a 10-pt. lead due to a few untimely missed shots and Tiago Splitter broadcasting where each shot was going just to make it easier to get blocked by which ever Jazz big man happened to be defending him.

Captain Jack was a disdainful 2-13 from the field. There were a few drives to the hoop that Stephen has that he was fouled pretty obvious on, and the stripes swallowed the whistle on. S-JAX did his typical stare-the-official-down for NOT making the painfully obvious call, all three no-calls resulted in Jazz transition buckets.

Devin Harris, can't take anything away from a guy who 'Gary Neals' - Gary Neal (Meaning he pulls up for a random 3 that the defense cannot react soon enough to defend) 2x; BOTH threes at the waning 2 minutes left in the game were the momentum killers for the Spurs and the momentum boosters for the Jazz players/fans. Rightly so. Buckets in transition; ESPECIALLY transition 3's are CRITICAL. They are the shots that if you take them and MISS them you're a frrriggin idiot, but if you MAKE them you're a MAD GENIOUS (Interesting how often those two traits coincide...)

All in all, the refs missed calls on BOTH sides as to be expected in Utah, and We missed/had shots blocked that turned into scoring opportunities for the Jazz. Spurs SHOULD have won the game, but the Jazz caught a few lucky breaks and had the shots fall that they needed.

I don't know what's MORE embarrassing for the Jazz however, the FACT that the Spurs 2nd and 3rd stringers nearly (and SHOULD HAVE) beat the Jazz starters, OR that the Jazz fans were cheering and celebrating their hollow victory over the Spurs as if they JUST won the FINALS.

You decide.

I had some friends gimme crap about the Spurs loss last night, and the ONLY thing I could think to say was, "Well, I'll tell you how it feels to be in the playoffs already..."

ALWAYS shuts them up.

[T Park]

The Tiago homers get testy when you criticize their player too.

Getting COM pruportions....

[Obstructed_View]

The Tiago homers get testy when you criticize their player too.

Getting COM pruportions....

God opposing. Viewpoints really bother you don't they.


Settle the down

[Mugen]

What makes you think I'm a Tiago homer?

[DesignatedT]

Defensively Mills>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Neal

[Vic Petro]

Very generous grade for Tiago imo...

[ohmwrecker]

Not quite. At least Buckets showed some balls and tried to make a difference...he just couldn't get a shot to go. And he was still aggressive on defense.

Jefferson would have done his usual "blend into the background" business and camped on the three-point line, and would've been a weeping vagina on defense as per usual.

Obviously, ultimately, I would rather have a Steamy Jackson over an Breacher Jefferson, but a turd is a turd no matter how you lay it.

[skin]

so Bonner @ C- > Splitter @ A

Tiago Splitter - Really disappointed in Splitter tonight. I think his leadership is non-existent both verbally and symbolically. First, he got destroyed by the refs and all he does is smirk, tilt his head to the right, and walk away. What he should be doing is snapping and getting T-ed up to send a message. Second, he was clearly shoved by Al Jefferson on a few rebounding opporun ies but instead of retaliating he just takes it. Third, and this is subjective, but I hate when players give up before the horn sounds. Green was still pressuring the ball but Tiago decided it was time to sulk and go for a causal stroll. Additionally I think this should have been a statement game from him with Duncan out. IIRC, Blair has always played well when the big 3/ or Duncan sits. I have no doubts about Splitters talents or skill level. And I still think he needs to play 25+ minutes per game.. but he is no leader. Luckily, we don't need him to on this team.

Tiago has never been a leader and IMO he'll never be one however luckily Spurs don't need him as leader at least atm.

I slightly disagree about the statement game from him. He didn't play bad at all. If you check the grades again you'll see he got the best grade among our players although I thought timvp was quite generous as far as grade for Tiago. Don't you forget he only played 26 minutes and in the 4th quarter his teammates failed to pass the ball to him many times especially in the last minutes of the game. So it is obvious he doesn't get respect from refs as well as some of his teammates.

IMO we're facing a different problem. timvp pointed out long ago in one of these countless "Free Tiago" threads. Tiago doesn't start over Blair cause Pop sees the first one as 4 and Splitter as 5. But when Tim sits out for the night and Tiago isn't a starter, what sort of message is Pop sending to Splitter? I don't trust you.

If it is true, FO should address this issue trading Splitter in the offseason to someone chosen by Pop, cause Splitter still has good trading value.