Spurs just used their 3rd string players to win against a 7th seed playoff team

[sexinthatsx]

Because of all the Bruce Bowen comparisons in the offseason, I've been watching Danny, and I have to say that his defense hasn't been very good either. He's been the worst defender in the starting five this year by far, though Parker's defense has just fallen off the edge of the world in the last month. There are bench rotation guys who are better defenders than he is this year as well.

Danny Green's defense hasn't been the worst, but it definitely has been spotty. But you can't compare Bowen to Danny Green, their defense is totally different. Bruce Bowen is one of the best at man on man defense, while Danny Green has more of an emphasis on help defense and transition defense. There are numerous times where Bowen looked helpless on defense during opposing fast breaks because he simply isn't quick enough.

[Obstructed_View]

Danny Green's defense hasn't been the worst, but it definitely has been spotty. But you can't compare Bowen to Danny Green, their defense is totally different. Bruce Bowen is one of the best at man on man defense, while Danny Green has more of an emphasis on help defense and transition defense. There are numerous times where Bowen looked helpless on defense during opposing fast breaks because he simply isn't quick enough.

Danny Green is almost a savant on fast break defense. He's made the perfect play too many times for it to be coincidence. But calling his defense spotty is accurate. It's an accurate description of his play in general. He makes the odd play on either end of the floor that's so big because the Spurs so desperately need a contribution from him.

I scratch my head at people who could have actually watched BB play who say things like he wasn't quick, though. He chased the best players in the league around every game.

[Chinook]

Green led the league and DRPM among all two-guards, and his other defensive metrics are also great. There's absolutely no justification in saying Green was a poor or even an average defender this season.

[BillMc]

Green led the league and DRPM among all two-guards, and his other defensive metrics are also great. There's absolutely no justification in saying Green was a poor or even an average defender this season.

Agreed. People are letting his struggles on offense taint their view of Danny's D. He was HUGE against Curry in the win against the Dubs. We'll need him to have a realistic chance.

[SAGirl]

I think what can be said for Danny is that when he's having a good game defensively, he's our best defender by far. His best defensive games make him stand out as an all nba defensive team talent.

He is just not that consistent with that effort. It's probably a drag and he has his famous lapses. I don't know if just his head is not in the game bc he's slumping and that affects concentration. It seems more like a focus/concentration issue. He's also guarding the best players and in the regular season you are not going to play mistake free games all season, so maybe we are just a little but more demanding when it comes to him than others.

When you compare his metrics with others though you realize that it's a long season, a lot of games and as many lapses as he's had, others are worse over the length of that season.

The postseason though is shorter, their is rest in between and it is meticulously game-planned. That's where I want to see Danny earn his $.

[sexinthatsx]

Danny Green is almost a savant on fast break defense. He's made the perfect play too many times for it to be coincidence. But calling his defense spotty is accurate. It's an accurate description of his play in general. He makes the odd play on either end of the floor that's so big because the Spurs so desperately need a contribution from him.

I scratch my head at people who could have actually watched BB play who say things like he wasn't quick, though. He chased the best players in the league around every game.

Bruce Bowen was never a quick athlete. What made him stand out in his defense was his lateral movements. Basically, Bowen's IQ on defense allowed him to take advantage of his lateral moves to cut opponents off and make them shoot at the most unconventional spots in the most unconventional methods.

[Obstructed_View]

Bruce Bowen was never a quick athlete. What made him stand out in his defense was his lateral movements. Basically, Bowen's IQ on defense allowed him to take advantage of his lateral moves to cut opponents off and make them shoot at the most unconventional spots in the most unconventional methods.

I guess I'm going to need you to define "quick" because Bowen couldn't have guarded Chris Paul one on one if he weren't what I would call quick. He had amazing feet. It was his best asset, in my estimation.

[T Park]

You're simply too stupid to even generate a rational argument, as usual. But whatever.

Brilliant rebuttal as always. So well thought out.

[Obstructed_View]

Agreed. People are letting his struggles on offense taint their view of Danny's D. He was HUGE against Curry in the win against the Dubs. We'll need him to have a realistic chance.

His defense was amazing, as was everyone on the entire team. The Spurs will need him on both ends to have a realistic chance. Doesn't change the fact that he was inconsistent, especially the second half of the season. The Spurs' defense was an absolute juggernaut for much of the year, and if they can get that back they'll be in every game.

[Obstructed_View]

Brilliant rebuttal as always. So well thought out.

Bring no substance to the argument, don't expect any in return.

[Kawhitstorm]

Green led the league and DRPM among all two-guards, and his other defensive metrics are also great. There's absolutely no justification in saying Green was a poor or even an average defender this season.

Tony Allen/Danny are prone to brain farts in critical situations.

[sexinthatsx]

I guess I'm going to need you to define "quick" because Bowen couldn't have guarded Chris Paul one on one if he weren't what I would call quick. He had amazing feet. It was his best asset, in my estimation.

Exactly what I meant, I thought Bowen always kept up with defenders because he was able to cut players off from driving down the lane in the way they were most effective.

[maverick1948]

I think Pop uses the bench in the Grizzlies series. He will even rest Duncan in game 4 if we are up 3 - 0. Maybe even Manu. LMA or Kawhi. The bench is so good that he can do that.