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Which is why teams like LA and OKC with big front courts are going to be really tough. They'll pack the paint against Manu and Tony (which LA does) that we MUST make the three or open shots.
Also, the whole "spurs rely too much on the 3 pt shot" argument doesn't hold up -- ALL the Spurs teams in the past have relied on 3 pt shooting, but because they break down defenses by driving to the hoop, which teams then have to double up on to defend, which opens up 3 pt shooters. Having good 3 pt shooters is what makes this strategy so unguardable, but it starts with having players like Duncan, Parker, Manu and Hill who can get to the hoop first.
Which is why teams like LA and OKC with big front courts are going to be really tough. They'll pack the paint against Manu and Tony (which LA does) that we MUST make the three or open shots.
not really. Very good defensive teams do not necessarily need to shoot well to win games. They win games with defense. Teams such as Miami, Boston, LA and maybe Chicago. Spurs, Mavs are not one of those teams.
Not too mention we haven't been getting rebounds when we shoot clankers especially against the Lakers.
These people act like they never seen the Spurs win and lose in the playoffs before...
it is a bit confusing. Spurs have been known to win playoff games and series by looking like on O and suffocating on D. I'd have though spursfans would know this by heart.
granted from 05 on Spurs did try to win with offense. We got lucky in 05 because Manu was playing like MJ and our D was still decent. the next 5 attempts at winning with offense have failed miserably.
I do agree this year is a bit different. Best offensive team in Spurs history and Pop has thrown away his old playbook. Hopefully we get a miracle.
I still have faith that the Spurs can pull games out with defense. I think it will only come down to a couple of those games in a given series, where the ball can bounce in either direction. The Spurs still have vets that know how to hustle and grab the important rebound or make a perfect pass, etc. As long as the game is close, I like the chances against any squad (see Dice tip-in against the Lakers).
Outside of Parker thats the core of the team. Three players that the team is highly depending on.
Ginobili has noticabely changed his game this year. He doesnt attack the basket with abandon too much as in years past. He is shooting more 3's than ever and has taken more of a role this year as leader. He looks to get the team in an offensive flow for most of the game rather than attack and try and draw fouls. I believe he is saving that for the playoffs. He understands the Spurs have the talent for the younger guys to draw fouls and get FT points. I really see Manu performing amazing in the playoffs this year. Hes going to really shine and lead the Spurs to victories.
God I remember those excutiating 10-14 minute droughts usually in the 3rd quarter. We'd flush away the big lead, but like you said we always had good team defense and of course Bruce Bowen to make critical stops.
We haven't stopped anyone this season on defense like past seasons, and Tim although still effective isn't unstoppable like he was (which is when he got doubled a lot). The threes MUST GO IN.
That's one thing most people don't remember...Bruce and Rasho/Nazr/Oberto were good on defense but were huge liabilities on offense. So yes we could get stops with two bigs and a wing defender, but good luck getting them to shoot even 40% for the game.
Would it really be a big upset if the Spurs lost in the 2nd round? They will face a team who is not that far off from them.
LMAO getting older. I guess a core of TP, Hill, Neal, Blair, Splitter, Anderson, Bonner is older than Finley, Thomas, Vaughn, Oberto, Barry, Horry.
And allowing 103 PPG? We're not the Melo Nuggets or the Suns.
I only agreed on relying on the 3 too much.
even those spurs fans don't want to admit it, the team that is built to upset the spurs is actually the grizzlies. the spurs will most likely be facing them in the first round. grizzlies have shut down the spurs' top scorers with tony allen and battier and we all know the spurs will revert to shooting many 3's if parker and ginobili can't score. even though grizzlies don't have gay, this didn't have gay in any of the games against the spurs all season. grizzlies are a young team with no pressure and excellent perimeter defense to shut down parker and ginobili.
Definitely. The Spurs would be decent favorites over the Thunder or heavy favorites over the Nuggets.
I'd consider the Spurs losing to any team other than the Lakers (or maybe Celtics and Bulls) an upset.
Maybe. I am not saying it wouldn't be an "upset", but it's not Golden State over the Mavs type upset. The Spurs are a very good team, but they aren't that far ahead of the top 4 teams in the West (and not LA at all).
We definitely need to enjoy the ride, as anything can happen. Maybe it's blind faith, but I like our chances. I feel like the extra rest we'll have going into the playoffs will be good and Manu, Tim, TP, Dice, RJ, and the rest will play with an urgency and a poise that will be hard to beat. Their character will shine on through...you better know it.
Relying on the 3 too much? Maybe. But the Spurs have proven at times they can win when they dont shoot that well from 3 or shoot too much from the 3-pt line at all. IIRC in the Atlanta game this past week they were only 1-8 from the 3-pt line, and still won the game....
they don't play enough defense. Pop has elected to go small, and by the time he changes his mindset it'll be too late. they're better than Memphis and OKC and it'd be an upset if they lose to either one, but not a HUGE upset. people who have watched this team closely this year should know that this team can be exposed because of their overreliance on offense and if they go on a massive cold stretch, where guys like Bonner, Neal, RJ, & Hill are shooting really bad, the defense isn't their to neutralize it.
key word: Atlanta. and they were w/o Josh Smith.
I think a big part of the "3 point shooting" issue is who takes them.
I swear sometimes it looks like the Spurs are running their offense through Bonner.
Sure, he's great when he's hitting, but if he misses 2 or 3 in a row. Take a break, pass the ball.
Manu, until recently has been shooting poorly. Even his shot selection was questionable, BUT he gets somewhat of a pass, because he's a top 3 player on the team who can do other things, drive/pass and draw fouls.
As a fan, and probably even as a teammate, it's a lot easier to accept a top player on the team shooting and missing vs. a lesser player doing the same thing, regardless of how open they are.
Great take.
Can and usually do
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