BBALL BREAKDOWN: How OKC beat the SPURS in 6

[look_at_g_shred]

In regards to keeping OKC under 100, you're right that's great and what the Spurs would love to do heading into the series. It's the same thing with both GS games in SA where Spurs held GS under 95 points and still managed to lose a game, and the one game they won GS shot the poorest they had all season and the Spurs barely won.

I think the offense was the elephant in the room for this team all season. They were great against most of the league, but when it came to the elite (especially on the road) the Spurs struggled a lot of the time putting the ball into the basket. The one other game they won vs OKC after Game 1 they were in absolute god mode from downtown in Game 3 (8/13 from downtown at one point) and hung on to win by 4.

I think even if the Spurs played GS, they'd still struggle to score because this team just isn't good enough on offense against the other elite teams. It was always going to be something that would haunt on the Spurs. As well as the inability to keep teams off the FT line in these playoffs.

Spurs just needed a 3rd consistent scorer and that series is over in 5

[kobyz]

No - OKC proving the point about attacking the rim and FTA/Rebounding wins in this league. KL and LMA too afraid to do either.

So you agree that spurs are pathetic(afraid)... Spurs let okc to do too much damage than what they should and small ball warriors winning the boards against them proving my point big time, spurs soft and pathetic...

[aal04]

I brought this up earlier this year

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/show...02#post8474802

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Spurs just needed a 3rd consistent scorer and that series is over in 5

That's a pretty big thing to need. Considering they didn't have anything close to that.

[MaNu4Tres]

That's a pretty big thing to need. Considering they didn't have anything close to that.

They don't need a 3rd scorer, they just need a competent play-maker off bench and a diver in a big who can roll in PNRs, finish well/ suck in weak-side perimeter D -- which opens up open shots for the spot up shooters. Having the diver in the motion offense would open everything back up.

[TD 21]

They don't need a 3rd scorer, they just need a competent play-maker off bench and a diver in a big who can roll in PNRs, finish well/ suck in weak-side perimeter D -- which opens up open shots for the spot up shooters. Having the diver in the motion offense would open everything back up.

They also need a true stretch four (28 threes from rotation bigs, 43 total from all bigs) and Bertans, at least next season, isn't the answer. Even if he were capable of being it, we all know how Pop treats non Parker/Ginobili foreigners in their first season in the NBA.

Lastly, they need a point guard that, in addition to being able to make plays, can defend the dynamic/physically imposing types. With the offensive responsibility Leonard now has, he can't be expected to full time guard Durant/Westbrook, for example and when he's not, the alternative, on Westbrook, can't be Parker/Mills.

[MaNu4Tres]

They also need a true stretch four (28 threes from rotation bigs, 43 total from all bigs) and Bertans, at least next season, isn't the answer. Even if he were capable of being it, we all know how Pop treats non Parker/Ginobili foreigners in their first season in the NBA.

Lastly, they need a point guard that, in addition to being able to make plays, can defend the dynamic/physically imposing types. With the offensive responsibility Leonard now has, he can't be expected to full time guard Durant/Westbrook, for example and when he's not, the alternative, on Westbrook, can't be Parker/Mills.

Regards to stretch 4, I love the versatility Marvin Williams could bring at that spot. He has the girth and strength to hold his own inside -- Harkless as well.

Lance Thomas is a stretch four option for cheap if SA has to utilize most of cap to fill other holes -- would be solid end of bench pick up for depth -- he had a very good year in NY.

Trade Diaw/ Mills for Teague. Try to trade down and get Celtcs 31 & 35 for 29th( good chance Bos tries to consolidate picks) or Milwaukee for their 36th and 38th + next yrs 2nd. Target two of Onauku, Payton II, Diallo, Levert, Brogdan, or Maker. Sign Plumlee for 4-6 mil per, Williams or Harkless for 8-10 mil per, Lance Thomas or Jason Thompson on the cheap.

Players I'd be shopping for picks if Spurs can't package any with Diaw: Mills, Anderson.

[TD 21]

Regards to stretch 4, I love the versatility Marvin Williams could bring at that spot. He has the girth and strength to hold his own inside -- Harkless as well.

Lance Thomas is a stretch four option for cheap if SA has to utilize most of cap to fill other holes -- would be solid end of bench pick up for depth -- he had a very good year in NY.

Trade Diaw/ Mills for Teague. Try to trade down and get Celtcs 31 & 35 for 29th( good chance Bos tries to consolidate picks) or Milwaukee for their 36th and 38th + next yrs 2nd. Target two of Onauku, Payton II, Diallo, Levert, Brogdan, or Maker. Sign Plumlee for 4-6 mil per, Williams or Harkless for 8-10 mil per, Lance Thomas or Jason Thompson on the cheap.

Players I'd be shopping for picks if Spurs can't package any with Diaw: Mills, Anderson.

Lowe said on a recent podcast that Williams could get something like 2/$30M.

Harkless is RFA, can only get by as a four in certain match-ups and isn't a floor spacer.

Thomas is intriguing, but just started to shoot 3's this season, is low volume and is probably mostly a corners shooter.

I'm thinking more along the lines of Teletovic.

Like I've said, I don't think the Hawks do that. I don't see why the Celtics, with 8 picks and tons of young players already on the roster, would package 2 in the same range to move up 2 spots. Maybe the Bucks would do it, but they're already out a future 1st thanks to the Vasquez trade.

Thompson doesn't check a single box. For fifth/six big, I'd rather a specialist, like Robinson, who at least provides elite athleticism/rebounding.

[MaNu4Tres]

Lowe said on a recent podcast that Williams could get something like 2/$30M.

Harkless is RFA, can only get by as a four in certain match-ups and isn't a floor spacer.

Thomas is intriguing, but just started to shoot 3's this season, is low volume and is probably mostly a corners shooter.

I'm thinking more along the lines of Teletovic.

Like I've said, I don't think the Hawks do that. I don't see why the Celtics, with 8 picks and tons of young players already on the roster, would package 2 in the same range to move up 2 spots. Maybe the Bucks would do it, but they're already out a future 1st thanks to the Vasquez trade.

Thompson doesn't check a single box. For fifth/six big, I'd rather a specialist, like Robinson, who at least provides elite athleticism/rebounding.

I've mentioned Teletovic about 8 times since last week in other threads. Spurs will definitely make a run at him IMO.

Only thing is, if Spurs sign both him and Plumlee, they'll have little assets to fill in the other roles that are more expensive.

They need to package Diaw/ Mills for a quality rotational player whether its a diver ( Splitter again?) or a stretch 4 ( Ilysova?) or a point guard ( Teague?) in order to be able to fill in the other holes with the 15 mil they shld have in space if TD/ Manu retire and West opts out.

There's so many ways this summer can go, but IMO they need four roles filled -- a PnR diver & rim protector/ rebounder who can play 20-24 mpg, an upgrade at backup PG( a real play-maker), a versatile proven wing who can defend 3-4 positions, and a stretch four is another need but I'd rank the previous three as more important since Kawhi may see more minutes at the 4 next yr.

As for Thompson, I think he can be had for the money Spurs will have available for the 5th big spot after SA utilizes most assets to fill in the relevant roles. Robinson won't get the minimum -- his price should be higher ( 3-5 mil) and SA won't be able to afford that unless they whiff big time in free agency and Robinson would then be the 3rd big in rotation.

[spurtech09]

aw man that's such an easy question.....The refs.....(Ding Ding Ding Ding)....What do I win?

[pjjrfan]

Poor bench play and Adams killing us on the board. Even Tim being a no show in the first 5 games, we shoot better we win going away but guys couldn't hit open shots and the Thunder did.

[SD126]

aw man that's such an easy question.....The refs.....(Ding Ding Ding Ding)....What do I win?

A lifetime supply of sour grapes for using that as your answer.

[TD 21]

I've mentioned Teletovic about 8 times since last week in other threads. Spurs will definitely make a run at him IMO.

Only thing is, if Spurs sign both him and Plumlee, they'll have little assets to fill in the other roles that are more expensive.

They need to package Diaw/ Mills for a quality rotational player whether its a diver ( Splitter again?) or a stretch 4 ( Ilysova?) or a point guard ( Teague?) in order to be able to fill in the other holes with the 15 mil they shld have in space if TD/ Manu retire and West opts out.

There's so many ways this summer can go, but IMO they need four roles filled -- a PnR diver & rim protector/ rebounder who can play 20-24 mpg, an upgrade at backup PG( a real play-maker), a versatile proven wing who can defend 3-4 positions, and a stretch four is another need but I'd rank the previous three as more important since Kawhi may see more minutes at the 4 next yr.

As for Thompson, I think he can be had for the money Spurs will have available for the 5th big spot after SA utilizes most assets to fill in the relevant roles. Robinson won't get the minimum -- his price should be higher ( 3-5 mil) and SA won't be able to afford that unless they whiff big time in free agency and Robinson would then be the 3rd big in rotation.

Yeah, it's going to be difficult to attain the three necessary rotation pieces and damn near impossible unless one is checked off via trade.

To me, stretch four is clearly ahead of versatile, defensive wing. Sure, it would be nice to have another of those, but it's not essential.

I doubt Leonard plays much more at four. They clearly prefer to play with two bigs as much as possible and they don't have the wing depth to play much that way even if they wanted to.

It's not that I don't think Thompson can be had for cheap, it's that he doesn't check any specific box. He's a competent depth big, but he's not a roller, spacer, rebounder, rim protector or versatile defender.

Maybe Robinson fits in their price range, maybe not. If he does, he'd make more sense than Thompson, because at least he proves athleticism/rebounding.

[YGWHI]

There's so many ways this summer can go, but IMO they need four roles filled -- a PnR diver & rim protector/ rebounder who can play 20-24 mpg, an upgrade at backup PG( a real play-maker), a versatile proven wing who can defend 3-4 positions, and a stretch four is another need but I'd rank the previous three as more important since Kawhi may see more minutes at the 4 next yr.

Also, the PG or the wing, need to be a shooter. Spurs' lack of 3's shooters was an issue during the whole regular season and playoffs.

[MaNu4Tres]

Also, the PG or the wing, need to be a shooter. Spurs' lack of 3's shooters was an issue during the whole regular season and playoffs.

Without question, both have to be good shooters for the motion offense to be optimally effective. I didn't mention it because I thought that was obvious.

[Horse]

No - OKC proving the point about attacking the rim and FTA/Rebounding wins in this league. KL and LMA too afraid to do either.

LMA needs to attack and roll more but kawhi attacked plenty but couldn't get a call to save his life.

[MaNu4Tres]

To me, stretch four is clearly ahead of versatile, defensive wing. Sure, it would be nice to have another of those, but it's not essential.

I doubt Leonard plays much more at four. They clearly prefer to play with two bigs as much as possible and they don't have the wing depth to play much that way even if they wanted to.

It's not that I don't think Thompson can be had for cheap, it's that he doesn't check any specific box. He's a competent depth big, but he's not a roller, spacer, rebounder, rim protector or versatile defender.

Maybe Robinson fits in their price range, maybe not. If he does, he'd make more sense than Thompson, because at least he proves athleticism/rebounding.

I don't think a stretch four is ahead of versatile, defensive wing. Having another versatile, defensive wing will allow him or Leonard to essentially be the stretch four -- would allow Spurs to match up vs. GS more effectively and would allow SA to switch vs. the elite teams more effectively without having the Teletovics on an island when the smart teams utilize their man as the screener in PnRs. Spurs would be a lot more versatile with a versatile wing that can play both ends instead of a one dimensional Teletovic. IMO

[TD 21]

I don't think a stretch four is ahead of versatile, defensive wing. Having another versatile, defensive wing will allow him or Leonard to essentially be the stretch four -- would allow Spurs to match up vs. GS more effectively and would allow SA to switch vs. the elite teams more effectively without having the Teletovics on an island when the smart teams utilize their man as the screener in PnRs. Spurs would be a lot more versatile with a versatile wing that can play both ends instead of a one dimensional Teletovic. IMO

Teletovic is relatively mobile though.

It's not all about the Warriors. They have to be cognizant of the Thunder, Clippers and Cavaliers, too.

[tholdren]

LMA needs to attack and roll more but kawhi attacked plenty but couldn't get a call to save his life.

No one is getting jumper/turnaround/fadeaway calls. Its on leonard for being a kitty cat

[spurtech09]

A lifetime supply of sour grapes for using that as your answer.

aw sweet now I can make some wine.....Sour grapes are awesome....