Quick Grades: Spurs at Knicks - Jan. 4

[objective]

I'd give Neal a B, because he was actually making plays on offense beyond vomiting up shots (which he does). Mason would have never made a drive and aerial dish for a Bonner dunk (!) or pushed the ball hard off a rebound on an unready Knicks team which led to a dish to RJ that resulted in free throws.

I would also say that the whole "Spurs couldn't have won this game no matter what" mantra is something I can't agree with.

Repeatedly going under on screens with Felton and Amare was keeping them from winning. I can't blame it on Parker because Hill was doing the same thing, so it was a Pop issue. Felton has been one of the worst PnR points for feeding the roller, NYK had to change their offense early in the season because of what an abomination he was. He can't do it like Nash, and it's led to a ton of Amare at the high post or taking 20 footers all game long. Felton wasn't going to get Amare dunk after dunk had the Spurs gone over.

The one time I remember them actually fighting over the screen was in the 4th and resulted in a Felton miss but a blown defensive rebound. That plus the switching on Chandler's slips.

[anonoftheinternets]

Bring back the game thoughts!

[TampaDude]

The bottom line is the Spurs turned the ball over way too many times and their D was basically nonexistent, and they got blasted. They were lucky to not lose by 25.

[jjktkk]

The only alarming thing to me is that offenses similar to the Spurs(Orlando,New York,etc...), have given San Antonio trouble this year. Their perimeter d definitely needs to pick up.

[Phenomanul]

Udoka should get an F for bricking two FTs at the end of the game.

[Blake]

Udoka should get an F for bricking two FTs at the end of the game.

He got a pink slip.

[benefactor]

No TV and no internet last night as I was in the middle of moving. Looks like I picked a good game to miss.

[Manu-of-steel]

http://www.sanantoniodispatch.com/sa...urs-at-knicks/

Recently, San Antonio appeared to be making large strides on the defensive end. On Tuesday, the Knicks crushed that thought. In an amazing display of energy, passing and marsksmanship, New York was unstoppable on their way to a 128-115 victory. The Spurs, no matter what they tried, couldn't stop the Knicks. With Amare Stoudemire in the middle and an endless stream of shooters surrounding him, this game brought back bad memories of last season's sweep.

Tim Duncan C+ Good effort and intensity but Knicks took advantage of his immobility.

Manu Ginobili D Lacked energy, got out-hustled and made things too difficult on O.

Tony Parker B- Fought hard on offense but ran out of gas. D strategy exposed.

Richard Jefferson C Unsure on defense. Repeatedly allowed lanes. O was a positive.

DeJuan Blair A- One of few Spurs who came to play. No prayer to slow down Amare.

George Hill C- Sloppy on both ends. Wasn't aggressive enough offensively.

Gary Neal D Totally out of control on offense. A liability on the defensive end.

Antonio McDyess B Outside of his turnovers, he was doing good work in all phases.

Matt Bonner C Couldn't hang on the defensive end. Wasn't helping enough offensively.

It would be better for Gary Neal not to try the step back three-pointer at this time. He's a shooter, yes. But from what i have observed, non of his step back went in in the game against the knicks.

[Agloco]

No TV and no internet last night as I was in the middle of moving. Looks like I picked a good game to miss.

Yeah. It had the same feel as the Orlando game except the Spurs offense was keeping them close until the final 6 minutes or so. They just looked out of sync on the defensive end.