Relax and enjoy the right perspective before the Game 5 victory

[TheGreatYacht]

[TheGreatYacht]

Like I said before, its not that we lost, its how we lost.

Wasn't the media and the talking heads saying the same thing after Game 2? Spurs just took the best punch the Heat have to offer. Now it's time for the Spurs to deliver the counter.

Yes, because then I woud knos that both teams were evenly matched. We've been blownout twice when the Heat really bring it.

Buzzer beaters are heartbreaking and difficult to recover from. Just ask Golden State and Indiana. Remember the .4 Derek Fisher shot?

I agree with Robdiaz. It's not that we lost, it's how we lost. The Big 3 haven't shown up. If not for a Parker show in game 1 and the miracle threes of game 3, the Spurs would have been swept already. This is the freaking finals, get your together Spurs. Otherwise, it's a backdoor sweep again.

A Spurs team that had 58 wins during the regular season, that is much better than Memphis and the Pacers, that is known for having one of the deepest teams in the NBA, should have been swept by the Heat? GTFO of here. I hate annoying fans like you that expected the Spurs to sweep a power house like the Heat that had a 66 regular season record and 27 game winning streak. Get real.

[Slippy]

The emotional change from posters game to game sure is extreme. Agree, the spurs have done great to get here and series is going as expected.

Game 5 for me is a must win for the Spurs though. There's no coming back from down 3 games , playing away for this spurs team. They have disaplyed a resiliency through-out the play-offs and the game is at home with 2 days of rest . Still feel good about winning.

[td4mvp21]

I won't relax, that's impossible

But I said before the series that I'll watch every game in full even if they're getting blown out, and I'll stick to that. This is Duncan's last Finals.

[rascal]

Most fans over react to the last game. A couple of games back go see what this board was like. most thought the Spurs were a lock to get number 5 some even said the Spurs would sweep the rest of the way. Now it is Spurs are done.

[SpurYank]

Hey GrandeDavid! My feelings exactly. The cards are stacked against the Heat for Sunday's game. Here is their thinking: We are going home for the last 2 games. We just beat the out of them. They are demoralized. Oh, we are so good. We have LEBRON.

They are ripe for an ass-kicking. With Pop on our side, I believe it will happen.

[BillMc]

Who is with me on this? Seriously, I find it borderline hilarious how at the onset of any playoff series, particularly this Finals series, we are all brimming with confidence and predicting Spurs in six or seven. Yet to arrive at Game 6 or 7, what would have to happen? As all of us predicted, the Spurs would drop one game at home. Naturally, it's Game 4 they'd have to drop because Miami would never go out and lay down. Yet some fans and media talking heads panic and want to dissect what's wrong with a Spurs team that a few days prior handed defending champion and improved Miami it's most humiliating playoff defeat ever.

Right, the Spurs need to minimize turnovers, get back on the glass and have key veterans step up. I see all of those things happening on Sunday. But let's not over analyze this. It's a basketball game and the Spurs are loaded with pride, pedigree and past performance. Who really knows which player will do what, but based on this team's historical and recent history, a strong bounce back game is assured. I don't care how hard Miami plays, the Spurs will shine.

Who in their right mind would've guaranteed a Spurs Game 4 win, the game that would force Miami to play its absolute best ball? Did anyone actually think Lebron went Shawn Bradley in Space Jam before this series? He's a pretty decent player and that's a pretty darn good Heat squad, folks.

So here we are, a series knotted at 2-2, with Parker having time to rest and Ginobili time to stew and get psyched for what now becomes the critical game for San Antonio, which undoubtedly will bring out the best in this team and its amazing fans. Most of us knew the Spurs wouldn't sweep or win in five. But based on franchise, Big Three and series history, we can all rest confidently that the Spurs will bounce back ferociously in Game 5 and head to Miami up 3-2.

Spurs fans, there will come a time when we will miss so much the between games tension of a Finals series. So don't waste this weekend ripping players, calling out Pop and doubting this team's resolve. These are the days to celebrate the greatest sports franchise in America and have faith that Sunday will bring forth an amazing performance...and win!

Now, am I guaranteeing the Spurs will win one of the two in Miami? No way, but I wouldn't be surprised if they did win either of those games. What I will borderline guarantee is that the Spurs win Game 5 and Ginobili bounces back.

Everyone, please relax and enjoy these precious moments. This series is playing out exactly as well as we realistically could've asked. Two months ago none of us saw any scenario where the Spurs would have a chance against a juggernaut-looking Miami, yet here we are. And amid the pre-series bravado, most of us had the Spurs needing to steal one of the first two in Miami because the Heat would certainly grab one win in San Antonio.

We should be so proud of the Spurs and their fighting, compe ive spirit, and for sitting locked at 2-2 against the defending champs. I still believe the Spurs can win this series and I guarantee the Spurs win on Sunday and Ginobili will be a key reason why.

Currently the only good thread on the board. So far, my expectation for the series has gone as I thought, in that I thought (after the Spurs won Game 1) that these teams would trade blows. As it stands, I have the Spurs winning the next two games. I also believe that the winner of Game 5 takes the whole thing.

I totally agree that, while this wasn't the kind of loss we would have preferred for the Spurs, it's important to remember that we've seen flashes of Miami in top gear and the Spurs have still found a way to sit at 2-2 with arguably the mostly pivotal game in the series played in their own gym. This is a team that has been here before, neck and neck with a great team in a winner take all series. The Spurs did not come this far after what happened last year only to flame out two wins from the le. They may lose this series, but if they do, it will be in a dogfight.

They know how much rides on Game 5. The fans know it. It's the biggest game that city has seen since Game 7 in 2005. Enjoy the ride while it lasts, and believe.

Here here guys! Well said! Finally something positive. It's 2-2 in the Finals, can't get better than that! You have to love these moments as a Spurs and sports fan.

We win this series in 6!

[Darius Bieber]

Wasn't the media and the talking heads saying the same thing after Game 2? Spurs just took the best punch the Heat have to offer. Now it's time for the Spurs to deliver the counter.Buzzer beaters are heartbreaking and difficult to recover from. Just ask Golden State and Indiana. Remember the .4 Derek Fisher shot?A Spurs team that had 58 wins during the regular season, that is much better than Memphis and the Pacers, that is known for having one of the deepest teams in the NBA, should have been swept by the Heat? GTFO of here. I hate annoying fans like you that expected the Spurs to sweep a power house like the Heat that had a 66 regular season record and 27 game winning streak. Get real.

I am being real. Ginobili can't even dribble up the court anymore. Duncan's shot attempts have gone down every game so far. Parker's hamstring is limiting him. Meanwhile, Miami's Big Three just turned on their power button. They're hitting shots. They're getting to the rim and making lay-ups. They're running the floor and causing turnovers. They can't be stopped. I never thought Spurs were gonna sweep the Heat. I did, however, believe they could play better than their pitiful attempts in Games 2 and 4. Even numbers must really hate the Spurs, both in Championship years and in Championship games.

[barbacoataco]

Never thought it would be easy. Spurs will have to play great, and at least 2 of the big 3 need to show up. Miami is a great team but they took 7 games to close out pacers. If spurs can make it to game 7 anything can happen.

[EVAY]

Here is my biggest concern - the look on Tim's face and his body language in that game. He looked bad. He looked defeated. He looked like he thought it was over and he couldn't do anything about it.

Somebody needs to really pump him up before Game 5 and get him mad or get him confident or get him something that gives him some belief.

Cuz right now he doesn't look like he has any.

[TheGreatYacht]

Here is my biggest concern - the look on Tim's face and his body language in that game. He looked bad. He looked defeated. He looked like he thought it was over and he couldn't do anything about it.

Somebody needs to really pump him up before Game 5 and get him mad or get him confident or get him something that gives him some belief.

Cuz right now he doesn't look like he has any.

LMAO man those jumpers that Timmy takes. Tim Duncan NEEDS to work in the post. He needs to abuse those midgets.

Granted that the Heat are fronting and doubling Tim Duncan without the ball just like they did with Roy Hibbert and David West but still. Duncan needs to tell Pop and the whole team that he is willing to turn back the clock and be the man. Timmy is our franchise player and the main reason why the Spurs have 4 championships. Why not try to do it for two more games?

Parker kept his word and got him to the NBA finals. The time is NOW for TD to take over and lead us to the promise land. Tim needs to demand the ball. His teammates need to pass the ball around to get the ball into the hands of Tim Duncan. When a team is fronting the big guy, the best way to counter that is through ball movement.

Time for Tim Duncan to do this:

Somebody needs to get him ahold of this. Kareem was able to win NBA finals MVP at an old age. Why not Timmy?

[barbacoataco]

Somebody needs to get him ahold of this. Kareem was able to win NBA finals MVP at an old age. Why not Timmy?

Kareem had the sky hook which continued to be effective in his later years.

[cd021]

Yes, because then I woud knos that both teams were evenly matched. We've been blownout twice when the Heat really bring it.

We were leading with less than 4 minutes in the 3rd quarter of game 2, with Duncan, Parker & Manu no showing. They played (Miami) great for 10 minutes and coasted to a win.

Are net points in wins are better in their wins

+4
-19
+36
-16

Spurs plus +40 in wins
Miami + 35 in wins

Its fair to suggest that we've outplayed them for the vast majority of the series, despite the lackluster play our best players and our starting Center.

[rmt]

Spurs are extremely fortunate to be 2-2 in the series. Manu hasn't shown up, Parker is limited and Duncan can't get the ball in the post. We need to look at this position that the Spurs are in as half-full. The role players (with the exception of Splitter) have performed beyond expectations. They're not afraid of the big stage or bright lights. Don't give up - fight until the last second - anything can happen - Lebron could twist an ankle. Even if they lose the series, they've gone beyond my expectations.

C'mon, Spurs, get game 5. Put pressure on MIA - maybe they'll choke.

[spurs10]

Great thread!! I'm with you all the way...except for the relaxing part!! I will enjoy every bit of this historical run. If anyone thinks we've played our best game they are wrong. Tim is pissed off, Tony is pissed off, and Manu is really pissed off! Sunday will be an epic game with the Spurs prevailing!!!

[SpurSpurSpurs]

Who is with me on this? Seriously, I find it borderline hilarious how at the onset of any playoff series, particularly this Finals series, we are all brimming with confidence and predicting Spurs in six or seven. Yet to arrive at Game 6 or 7, what would have to happen? As all of us predicted, the Spurs would drop one game at home. Naturally, it's Game 4 they'd have to drop because Miami would never go out and lay down. Yet some fans and media talking heads panic and want to dissect what's wrong with a Spurs team that a few days prior handed defending champion and improved Miami it's most humiliating playoff defeat ever.

Right, the Spurs need to minimize turnovers, get back on the glass and have key veterans step up. I see all of those things happening on Sunday. But let's not over analyze this. It's a basketball game and the Spurs are loaded with pride, pedigree and past performance. Who really knows which player will do what, but based on this team's historical and recent history, a strong bounce back game is assured. I don't care how hard Miami plays, the Spurs will shine.

Who in their right mind would've guaranteed a Spurs Game 4 win, the game that would force Miami to play its absolute best ball? Did anyone actually think Lebron went Shawn Bradley in Space Jam before this series? He's a pretty decent player and that's a pretty darn good Heat squad, folks.

So here we are, a series knotted at 2-2, with Parker having time to rest and Ginobili time to stew and get psyched for what now becomes the critical game for San Antonio, which undoubtedly will bring out the best in this team and its amazing fans. Most of us knew the Spurs wouldn't sweep or win in five. But based on franchise, Big Three and series history, we can all rest confidently that the Spurs will bounce back ferociously in Game 5 and head to Miami up 3-2.

Spurs fans, there will come a time when we will miss so much the between games tension of a Finals series. So don't waste this weekend ripping players, calling out Pop and doubting this team's resolve. These are the days to celebrate the greatest sports franchise in America and have faith that Sunday will bring forth an amazing performance...and win!

Now, am I guaranteeing the Spurs will win one of the two in Miami? No way, but I wouldn't be surprised if they did win either of those games. What I will borderline guarantee is that the Spurs win Game 5 and Ginobili bounces back.

Everyone, please relax and enjoy these precious moments. This series is playing out exactly as well as we realistically could've asked. Two months ago none of us saw any scenario where the Spurs would have a chance against a juggernaut-looking Miami, yet here we are. And amid the pre-series bravado, most of us had the Spurs needing to steal one of the first two in Miami because the Heat would certainly grab one win in San Antonio.

We should be so proud of the Spurs and their fighting, compe ive spirit, and for sitting locked at 2-2 against the defending champs. I still believe the Spurs can win this series and I guarantee the Spurs win on Sunday and Ginobili will be a key reason why.

I was like in a Yoga class. This should be a sticky.

[DMC]

Who is with me on this? Seriously, I find it borderline hilarious how at the onset of any playoff series, particularly this Finals series, we are all brimming with confidence and predicting Spurs in six or seven. Yet to arrive at Game 6 or 7, what would have to happen? As all of us predicted, the Spurs would drop one game at home. Naturally, it's Game 4 they'd have to drop because Miami would never go out and lay down. Yet some fans and media talking heads panic and want to dissect what's wrong with a Spurs team that a few days prior handed defending champion and improved Miami it's most humiliating playoff defeat ever.

Right, the Spurs need to minimize turnovers, get back on the glass and have key veterans step up. I see all of those things happening on Sunday. But let's not over analyze this. It's a basketball game and the Spurs are loaded with pride, pedigree and past performance. Who really knows which player will do what, but based on this team's historical and recent history, a strong bounce back game is assured. I don't care how hard Miami plays, the Spurs will shine.

Who in their right mind would've guaranteed a Spurs Game 4 win, the game that would force Miami to play its absolute best ball? Did anyone actually think Lebron went Shawn Bradley in Space Jam before this series? He's a pretty decent player and that's a pretty darn good Heat squad, folks.

So here we are, a series knotted at 2-2, with Parker having time to rest and Ginobili time to stew and get psyched for what now becomes the critical game for San Antonio, which undoubtedly will bring out the best in this team and its amazing fans. Most of us knew the Spurs wouldn't sweep or win in five. But based on franchise, Big Three and series history, we can all rest confidently that the Spurs will bounce back ferociously in Game 5 and head to Miami up 3-2.

Spurs fans, there will come a time when we will miss so much the between games tension of a Finals series. So don't waste this weekend ripping players, calling out Pop and doubting this team's resolve. These are the days to celebrate the greatest sports franchise in America and have faith that Sunday will bring forth an amazing performance...and win!

Now, am I guaranteeing the Spurs will win one of the two in Miami? No way, but I wouldn't be surprised if they did win either of those games. What I will borderline guarantee is that the Spurs win Game 5 and Ginobili bounces back.

Everyone, please relax and enjoy these precious moments. This series is playing out exactly as well as we realistically could've asked. Two months ago none of us saw any scenario where the Spurs would have a chance against a juggernaut-looking Miami, yet here we are. And amid the pre-series bravado, most of us had the Spurs needing to steal one of the first two in Miami because the Heat would certainly grab one win in San Antonio.

We should be so proud of the Spurs and their fighting, compe ive spirit, and for sitting locked at 2-2 against the defending champs. I still believe the Spurs can win this series and I guarantee the Spurs win on Sunday and Ginobili will be a key reason why.

The only point you made I take issue with is the part about Manu stewing. Manu never suffered from a lack of wanting to win. If anything, he's suffered from a lack of a stop or slow down switch. Him stewing is a bad thing, because unlike how we would like for it to happen, it's likely going to mean one of two things: 1. Manu forces things too much 2. Manu forces things too much.

If Manu thinks he's hurting the team, he'll become too passive (I think he's there now as far as attacking the rim) but he does best when he's got confidence, not anger. Tim plays well with anger as does Tony, but Manu plays better with confidence, meaning he's done well already and he's in a groove. The other two can turn it on and have governors for it, Manu's governor is broken and stuck and full bore.

[spurs10]

The only point you made I take issue with is the part about Manu stewing. Manu never suffered from a lack of wanting to win. If anything, he's suffered from a lack of a stop or slow down switch. Him stewing is a bad thing, because unlike how we would like for it to happen, it's likely going to mean one of two things: 1. Manu forces things too much 2. Manu forces things too much.

If Manu thinks he's hurting the team, he'll become too passive (I think he's there now as far as attacking the rim) but he does best when he's got confidence, not anger. Tim plays well with anger as does Tony, but Manu plays better with confidence, meaning he's done well already and he's in a groove. The other two can turn it on and have governors for it, Manu's governor is broken and stuck and full bore.

I understand you being worried about him forcing things too much. He needs to take it to them to build confidence. I can only hope he doesn't play passively because of fear of 'hurting the team.' Four shots will not do it.

[DMC]

I understand you being worried about him forcing things too much. He needs to take it to them to build confidence. I can only hope he doesn't play passively because of fear of 'hurting the team.' Four shots will not do it.

By "forcing things" I don't mean being aggressive. I mean overcompensating for a perceived deficiency. If he's missing shots, he will try to pass more and not shoot. If he's turning the ball over, he'll stop passing. We need him to be Manu, good or bad just go out and attack relentlessly and make them make plays on you.

[therealtruth]

The whole team didn't play aggressive enough. They've got to play more aggressive the next game. Rack up some fouls if needed. That's exactly what the Heat did and they got away with alot of things.

[ElNono]

By "forcing things" I don't mean being aggressive. I mean overcompensating for a perceived deficiency. If he's missing shots, he will try to pass more and not shoot. If he's turning the ball over, he'll stop passing. We need him to be Manu, good or bad just go out and attack relentlessly and make them make plays on you.

Pop needs to grab him and tell him you're taking 10+ shots tonight, and we're gonna run some stuff off the ball to get you one-on-one and I want you to go to the rack. If you make or miss, we'll live with it.

Completely agree with your assessment. I think that slump got in his head, and he's not going to get out of it until he gets two or three shots to go in, or gets some sort of flow going.

[TampaDude]

Remember, folks, unlike the last 4 times, we are the underdogs in these Finals. If we win, it will be a huge upset.

[Horse]

We need more like this. We win game 5 Go Spurs!!!

[Capt Bringdown]

Spurfan must do as they are told. The internet bosses have spoken.

[GrandeDavid]

Hey GrandeDavid! My feelings exactly. The cards are stacked against the Heat for Sunday's game. Here is their thinking: We are going home for the last 2 games. We just beat the out of them. They are demoralized. Oh, we are so good. We have LEBRON.

They are ripe for an ass-kicking. With Pop on our side, I believe it will happen.

If you see a non-ESPN highlight breakdown of the game, you'll see th Spurs blew infinite easy potential plays on offense and missed rotations on defense. Expect that to get cleaned up Sunday. Not saying the Spurs win by 30+ again, but I am expecting a double digit win.