I want to be objective, but...

[Obstructed_View]

"forget seattle put a whopping on the spurs in san antonio"

BS. In 2nd game @SBC, the first quarter was essentially even, Spurs blew them out in the 3rd qtr, still outscored them in the 4th, but, gotta love the Spurs' consistency, totally collapsed in the 2nd quarter, O and D, losing the game in that one qtr. No way the Sonics whopped the Spurs.

I agree. The Spurs played the first half trying to outscore the Sonics. It worked in the first quarter and then they couldn't get anything to drop in the second. The second half they clamped down on defense and nearly won a game they were out of. That game was a big lesson, and they won't be remotely intimidated by the Sonics.

[GSH]

One really great statement... one not quite so good. First the good one:

Teams that can and do get hot from the three point line are capable of beating any team in the league on any given night.

That is dead-on. I don't think Ray Allen can light it up from the arc through a whole 7-game series. At least I hope he can't.

In their two wins against the Spurs, the Sonics shot .462 and .409 from the 3-point line. Ray Allen was 4-4 and 5-9. In their two losses to the Spurs, they shot .308 and .273. Ray Allen didn't play in the first, and he was 0-3 in the second. The Sonics need the 3 ball against the Spurs. For the points, obviously, but also to spread the defense. I think it is a big key for them.


Now the not so good one:

...the nice thing is that the Spurs are statistically one of the best three point defensive teams in the league

Actually, the Spurs are 25th in the league, when it comes to opponent's 3-point percentage. (Seriously... you can look it up.) That is probably the one stat on the Spurs sheet - other than free throws that have already been discussed - that isn't right up there with the best.

That doesn't match well with the Sonics or the Suns, who both tend to torch it from the 3-point line. The Spurs can adjust. But it won't be a cakewalk series - especially if the 3's start dropping.

[CosmicCowboy]

One really great statement... one not quite so good. First the good one:


That is dead-on. I don't think Ray Allen can light it up from the arc through a whole 7-game series. At least I hope he can't.

In their two wins against the Spurs, the Sonics shot .462 and .409 from the 3-point line. Ray Allen was 4-4 and 5-9. In their two losses to the Spurs, they shot .308 and .273. Ray Allen didn't play in the first, and he was 0-3 in the second. The Sonics need the 3 ball against the Spurs. For the points, obviously, but also to spread the defense. I think it is a big key for them.


Now the not so good one:


Actually, the Spurs are 25th in the league, when it comes to opponent's 3-point percentage. (Seriously... you can look it up.) That is probably the one stat on the Spurs sheet - other than free throws that have already been discussed - that isn't right up there with the best.

That doesn't match well with the Sonics or the Suns, who both tend to torch it from the 3-point line. The Spurs can adjust. But it won't be a cakewalk series - especially if the 3's start dropping.

You are correct that Spurs ARE 25th in opponent three point percentage on shots taken but they are first in the league in least three point shots ALLOWED @ 10.7...Sonics averaged 22.2 attempts per game this year over all and averaged 15 per game against the Spurs...still not great if they are all falling obviously but not as bad as the hit percentage makes it seem...

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Nice post, 101.

My sentiments are pretty much the same. The Spurs only lose this series with a letdown.

The Sonics are a easier matchup than what Phoenix is going to face in round two. Conceeding that 1 seed probably wasn't the worst thing in the world.

[1Parker1]

Well, I don't think the Sonics will be as easy to beat as everyone thinks. If we close the lane with our two 7 footers, Sonics have more than enough players who can make jumpshots.

Although, I have to say, I would much rather face the Sonics in the 2nd Round, then have to face the winner of the Dallas/Houston series.

[spurster]

The Ray Ray and Rashard combo will be the key. If the Spurs can shut one of them down, this series goes to the Spurs.

[GSH]

You are correct that Spurs ARE 25th in opponent three point percentage on shots taken but they are first in the league in least three point shots ALLOWED @ 10.7...Sonics averaged 22.2 attempts per game this year over all and averaged 15 per game against the Spurs...still not great if they are all falling obviously but not as bad as the hit percentage makes it seem...

You're right, Cosmic. And it's a good point. The Sonics even set a record one game by jacking up more 3-point attempts than 2-point attempts. If they aren't shooting 3's, they can't hit 3's.

Personally, what I would like to see is Ray-Ray put up 25 shots, and score 25 points. He can get his points, as long as they force him to put up enough bad shots, and shoot a low percentage. Unfortunately, there are nights when Ray Allen can make no-look shots from the parking lot.

[101A]

Bump.

Analysis, get your analysis here.