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Tim looked better … that’s the most important thing now…. We should also have in mind we played a diminished hornets team… they thought it was a win before playing the game…. That will never happen during play offs.
It's a tenuous line to walk, because for the unproven players it gives them a sense of en lement which they have not earned.
For these individuals, they at the least should go all out, even as the big 3 show lack of interest at times. The hitch is that if you don't see your star players setting the example then maybe somewhere in the back of your mind you don't feel you need to as well.
That's dangerous thinking, but hopefully they find it in themselves to play hard regardless. I believe at least in Bonner's case he has pushed through that barrier. Mason and Hill are still on the wrong side.
The Spurs Core have in the past shown they are capable of going into another gear.
But you can't be content with past success.
I stated earlier in another thread, that if you go into a game with the idea that you will start slow and then turn it up when it 'matters'... and the other team comes into the fray with their entire will and focus to obliterate you, the game will be decided before you have a chance to turn it on, unless your skill is far superior to that of your opponent.
As a fan I would love to Spurs to go all out every game, but that is selfish.
The reality I hope is that the Spurs are 'weakening' themselves, with these odd line ups etc..
I am reminded of the book 'Musashi' about a self taught samurai who would end up being the greatest swordsman in Japan.
During his journey, he encounters a monk that informs him that "You're too strong, much too strong. Your strength is your problem. You must learn to control it, to become weaker."
Maybe with the way things panned out last year Pop has this in mind.
Tim looked better … that’s the most important thing now…. We should also have in mind we played a diminished hornets team… they thought it was a win before playing the game…. That will never happen during play offs.
Pop is gonna mix it up and play everyone until the end of the regular season so just deal with it. But if he doesn't revert the majority of minutes back to our starters during the playoffs then we are probably gonna have some problems.
I wasn't worried about this game cause it was obvious that the hornets want nothing to do with the Lakers in the first round. They are doing whatever it takes to steer clear of that 8th seed spot. They came in with a "must win" at ude and they got it done. So I give them credit. We on the other hand missed a ton of 3 pointers and maybe took too many anyways.
I am encouraged by the team chemistry though and to me its more on Pop as to why we aren't keeping leads or extending leads. He is trying to play EVERYONE til the end of the regular season apparently. If he doesn't get away from that come playoff time I think we are in serious trouble. If we have a lead and Parker is still fresh then keep his ass out there and keep putting the pressure on, same thing with Manu and so forth. If he keeps up this 25man rotation we are done in the playoffs.
To be fair, Pop still isn't sure what he has as far as in game situations due to the rash of injuries the Spurs have sustained.
He has been forced to experiment longer than usual, but a shortening in the rotation is imminent.
I think we have a better team this yr...but with the new players and the rookies I still think there still learning the pops system.....the spurs will be ok though.....im not worried
The same, we should not be so negative as some of you are suddenly. Where is your faith in the team? Be positive, everything will be just allright. Go Spurs GO!!!
Pop's coaching in the reg. season and the playoffs are totally different. That's why I haven't said anything about it. It'll be different all together come playoff time.
I think Spurs will be fine, especially when the rotations tighten.
I think Gooden will get starter minutes without starting in the playoffs, and that will help on both ends of the court. He's offensive minded in the post, which we haven't had to pair with Timmy in quite some time. Bonner is a liability if his 3ball isn't falling.
I think the backcourt tightens to a three-man rotation of Parker, Ginobilli and Mason.
I think Bowen gets more time ahead of Udoka, and maybe even starts a game or few.
So the rotations goes like this:
Duncan
Bonner
Finley/Bowen
Parker
Mason
Subs:
Gooden
Thomas
Ginobilli
I never judge this team during the regular season..never..I don't care if we lose by 20 to OKC, I don't give a ..
Hill has to be the back up point guard. And he must get all of those minutes.
Otherwise, I agree with you.
I like Gooden or Thomas to close the game with Duncan unless we are playing a team that is going small. Obviously Manu, Tim and Tony close games. And then that leaves Bruce, Mason or Finley to be the sg/sf and that would depend upon match-up and/or who's having a good night that particular night.
This. Exactly what i feel when I see pop tinkering, he expects to win in the worst way possible. So that he will know what options he really has in pressure situations.
The Spurs for certain have the capacity to play much better.
This is somewhat similar to Phil Jackson not calling a timeout when his team is in trouble, but extrapolated.
Pop took Phil's beard and his Zen and making them his own.
I feel the same as I did a couple of months back: the Lakers are gonna kick our ass in the WCF's.
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