Game Blog: Spurs @ Thunder - Game 3

[MannyIsGod]

Spurs are a long way from losing this. If they can somehow manage to keep the TOs in check they'll get back in the game.

That really is the biggest issue. Giving a team like the Thunder 10 more shots is just too many.

[Libri]

This ain't the Clips so it's going to be difficult to get back in. But it's possible as long as the offense gets back to the pick-and-roll sets and the ballmovement. Duncan in the low block is not the answer.

Bonner can't play in the second half. He doesn't have a huge role but it's impossible for the Spurs to gain traction when he plays so scared.

Defensively, gotta get back on defense and force them to run plays. No fouls and no transition buckets.

I know Spurs fans are overconfident to the nth degree right now but this would become a damn dangerous series even with one loss.


P.S.

Splitter, if you can't do anything against Derek Fisher defending you, that could be a fatal NBA flaw. If teams figure out they can just switch anyone off on him, that would be pretty damn detrimental going forward.




P.P.S.

Parker more aggressive. Ginobili less careless. Duncan set more screens.

[EVAY]

Spurs will lose this one, and it's ok... going undefeated until the 3rd game of the WCF is quite a feat... hopefully they'll get a sense of urgency and come out strong for Game 4...

Agreed.

Clearly, the Thunder have decided to throw everyone at Parker and say "Someone else has to beat us". So far, we have been unable to find that someone. Tim can't. I wish he would stop proving that he can't. Only a combination of Manu, Tony and Duncan and Jackson at the same time can get this thing back, imo.

Our offense is entirely stagnant without Tony controlling the motion.

[Whisky Dog]

We know Bonner isn't a playoff performer so his suck is not surprising.

In this 2nd half the Spurs need Green, Leonard, Manu, and Splitter to step up. They need to use Duncan correctly and stop pretending it's 2003. So much room for improvement it's not even funny. That was the worst quarter of basketball simply because they made so many mistakes. The thunder will keep playing hard, but they aren't a precision assassin club like the Spurs are. If the Spurs get back to precision offense and taking care of the little things the thunder will wilt down the stretch.

I figured the Spurs would be down at half or early 3rd after being up at end of 1st, but I didn't think 13 pts. They have to make that run early in the 3rd to get the pressure on. The thunder plus pressure of a Spurs precision attack coming at them will equal quick perimeter shots, lost composure, turnovers, bad defensive rotations, and fouls.

Spurs, you took the half off. Get back to what you do and play with instinct and confidence.

[Chachachango]

, Spurs better win tonight. I missed church for this horrible start.

[wut]

Going to Duncan was clear desperation. Knew the game was a disaster the moment I saw Bonner put the ball on the floor for a move towards the basket. Pathetic.

Agreed, Parker is getting owned by OKC's defense and we're relying on Duncan's ISO and Bonner faking a 3 and driving.

I'll admit it like someone earlier did, I'm a Bonner apologist during the regular season, he helps space the floor, he hits 3s, he rebounds well; but come playoffs he is worthless. Bonner is afraid to take a shot, when he does he has no confidence and worst of all he always looks lost on defense.

Spurs REALLY need to play Blair, to mix things up.

[MannyIsGod]

What? That's exactly what I'm telling you.

That its stupid to mail in a game? I would mostly agree but that doesn't mean Pop doesn't want to do it. He's done it in the past and he'll do it again. Its one of his favorite moves right behind the annual soft card.

[icango]

now yall want blair to play...wow how this site has change. is it just cause we are down and playing like . i do want blair to play cause he will give us more toughness in the paint

[Knoxxx]

Hopefully we don't see Bonner any more. He is only good for wide open 3s which are few and far between.

Reffing is questionable but we expected that in OKC.

Ball movement has to improve, last Manu turnover there were couple wide open guys if he would have swung it around. However, having Parker stand on the corner 3 point line seems asinine to me.

So we saw some JA which was definitely a surprise. With Splitter and Bonner stinking it up, maybe time for some burn for Blair. He seems to have kept a good at ude, why not.

Maybe Mills v Fisher too.

Duncan isos are just bad right now against Ibaka and a fired up Perkins, since he has no lift.

[100%duncan]

That its stupid to mail in a game? I would mostly agree but that doesn't mean Pop doesn't want to do it. He's done it in the past and he'll do it again. Its one of his favorite moves right behind the annual soft card.

LJ basically said that he hoped Pop doesn't purposely lose this game. You find any meaning in that?

[Crookshanks]

It's hard to understand how the Spurs could play so beautifully in game 2, and then do a 180 in this game. Game 2 was awesome, but tonight the Spurs look like the Bobcats.

[Keepin' it real]

looks like i picked the wrong night to quit drinking

[MannyIsGod]

Green has to do SOMETHING. ANYTHING. But you can't just pull and RJ and become transparent out there.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

wtf is this ticky tack ref calling?

The turnovers and offensive rebounding are becoming a trend sadly....

Yes they are




spurs getting fatigued???

[Uriel]

Pop throws in the towel midway through the 3rd probably

I could tell he wasn't serious about winning this game when he didnt call a timeout on a thunder run in the 2nd, kept Neal in, had Manu defend Durant, and ran 4down on consecutive plays.

Old man wants his loss

[MannyIsGod]

now yall want blair to play...wow how this site has change. is it just cause we are down and playing like . i do want blair to play cause he will give us more toughness in the paint

Bonner sitting does not equal blair playing. I don't want Blair out there.

[Uriel]

Raise your hand if you thought James Anderson would see the floor this series. You win a prize

Me. In garbage time.

Where's my prize?

[$pursDynasty]

now yall want blair to play...wow how this site has change. is it just cause we are down and playing like . i do want blair to play cause he will give us more toughness in the paint

Tiago and Bonners defense has led to a change of heart at SpursTalk

[CGD]

Is it me, or does Lebron look like a major creeper in those State Farm commercials about high school drop outs?

[Knoxxx]

The turnovers and offensive rebounding are becoming a trend sadly....

Yeah I almost forgot, grab the F__KING BALL STRONG DAMITT!!!!!!

[BackHome]

Man we are only down by 13 at half why are people freaking out? Didn't you listen to Pop's speach?

[MannyIsGod]

LJ basically said that he hoped Pop doesn't purposely lose this game. You find any meaning in that?

Yeah that he thinks part of Pop wants to lose the game. You know, the exact thing I said.

[Chachachango]

.

[ploto]

As the series progresses, will the Spurs Big 3 look more and more tired?

[Keepin' it real]

If Timmeh runs out of gas with this every-other-day schedule, the Spurs are doomed.