Harvey: The main Spurs are increasing

[Whisky Dog]

It appears the way Pop is thinking is he needs Bonner and Finley out on the floor together with Parker and Duncan for stretches to no only open things up for Duncan but to also cause defenses to have to rotate hard on defense to keep with the shooters. In the 1sr quarter last night that didn't go so well but when Bonner and Finley started hitting 3s later it worked pretty well. The only problem is defense can be shaky with that lineup. Now the lineup of Hill, Manu, Mason, McD, and Blair is intriguing because it completely shut down the Hornets last night while also gashing them inside and out to build the big double digit lead. I think Pop might be able to subs ute Jefferson in that lineup for Mason and get a great result as well. It's like they have 2 main lineups - the 1st one will spread you out and make you commit to either Duncan or 3 pt shooters while also trying to keep Parker out of the lane and the 2nd one will lock you down and make you deal with a lot of length and ability to attack the lane and get to the rim.

[Whisky Dog]

Did yall hear one of the commentators talk about the debate of starting TD or Blair? If Duncan's vertical doesn't improve, that might actually be valid. TD is still the man, and he should close games. But we might need that early burst. This is awesome. I haven't been this excited in the beginning of a season since we got Derrick Anderson. Maybe getting Jax and speedy.

He was joking based off how good Blair looked and the crowd's reaction to him. Pop would be insane to do something stupid like that.

[Obstructed_View]

Did yall hear one of the commentators talk about the debate of starting TD or Blair? If Duncan's vertical doesn't improve, that might actually be valid. TD is still the man, and he should close games. But we might need that early burst. This is awesome. I haven't been this excited in the beginning of a season since we got Derrick Anderson. Maybe getting Jax and speedy.

That was a joke referring to him being a fan favorite. Nobody in their right mind would even consider that valid other than hysterical Spurs fans.

[Dex]

2nd unit came out and literally shut down the Hornets. The game was still tight until that bench hit the floor; it was a blowout for the rest of the way.

Encouraging signs for Spurs fans: tu

[Mr. Body]

Richard Jefferson didn't score too much last night but it was great to see a player other than Manu and Tony taking the ball to the rim. That's awesome. We really needed someone who could do that.

1. Jefferson might be a better passer than I thought. He had some sweet looks.

2. He's an instant threat off the dribble.

3. His chemistry with Duncan already looks good, after playing together a few years back.

[anakha]

If last night is any indication. the current second unit is very capable of shredding other second units on both ends of the floor.

[NFGIII]

what was so impressive to me was that you had starters in already...then you come in with Manu...then a few minutes later McD....then Mason and Hill and Blair...and when they get tired....TP comes back in, then Duncan, then Jefferson. it was like a revolving door of really good players. we were going at them in waves and there was nothing the hornets could do about it. i'm excited because while we've seen good players here before but we haven't seen this many good players here at the same time. it's fun to watch and as a fan it's amazing that after all these years, it's something completely NEW. i know it's only one game, and they can't all play as well as they did but wow...i'm very excited.

Me too. I haven't seen this type of bench in a while. It is so deep that with the continuing improvement likely to happen Pop will be able to limit the minutes of TD, Manu and others and at the same time give the younger players more time on the floor.

A strong and deep bench, and a healthy Tim and Manu, will be the key ingredients for a successful season. This team is already light years ahead of the one that we last saw losing to Dallas in the playoffs.

. key words - light years.

Night and day.

I'll be interested to see what happens about 12 games in. When McDyess gets into shape, learns the system a little more and a little more and looks better and better, does Pop start him? If Bonner is doing well, does he disrupt things? If Mason plays well off the bench does he supplant Finley or does Pop try not to mess with things? Its a catch 22. Said player coming off the bench is doing great, do you give him a starting spot? Or do you keep things the same?

I was wondering the same thing, too. Pop is in a very nice position. If this continues what does he do? The old saying comes to mind "if it ain't broke don't fix it" but Pop has also shuffled the rotation depending on who the opponent is. This is going to be interesting to see how this plays out.

If last night is any indication. the current second unit is very capable of shredding other second units on both ends of the floor.

Right on. Our second unit out scores the Hornet's second unit 30-0 in the first half? Damn that is an unbelievable stat. Fun times are back!

But one thing that I can't answer just yet is - Are we this good or are the Hornets that bad? I had no idea that the Spurs would come out and start the season this smoking hot. I thought that they would struggle somewhat due to all the newcomers. Looks like they are in mid season form with much improvement to come.