The Coach Cost Us the Series: Here's Why

[pjjrfan]

You're a Spurs fan and probably a nice person, so I like you.

That said, what you said is completely stupid.

Tiago Splitter, Game #4 Stats:
22 Min, 5/9, 10 pts, 9 rb, 1 to

Bonner and Blair Combined, Game #4 Stats:
22 Min, 3/8, 6 pts, 3 rb, 1 to

Bonner and Blair Comined, Game #3 Stats:
32 Min, 4/8, 9 pts, 6 rb, 0 to

Bonner and Blair Combined, Game #2 Stats:
33 Min, 2/7, 5 pts, 9 rb, 1 to

So... in the past three games, Splitter's one game, 22 minute performance was more productive than BOTH Bonner and Blair's work COMBINED. It doesn't get any clearer than that. It is pathetic.

Bonner and Blair is a castrophe in the making, and but I think if Tony has a dominant game especially in game one, we are still in this series. And I still have hopes that they can win 3 in a row. The first 3 games were all close, this game was a nightmare. Maybe Splitter can help in game 5, one thing for sure Bonner is playing scared, and Blair is just too short and doesn't use his biggest strength, his width and power like he was last year. This season he has turned into a finesse player, avoids any kind of contact and makes stupid plays in the paint. And if I'm stupid Im in good company, POp.

[J_Paco]

What up, Blue-Lightning. I'm pretty sure you're the same BL from 2Ksports, right?

Anyway, I agree with your assessment of Pop. But, people also forget that Popovich never introduced a true backup for R.J. and played an undersized, one-dimensional gunner in Neal big minutes. Anderson never had an opportunity to contribute either, though his lack of conditioning and early season injuries had a lot to do with that.

Also, why were Novak and Quinn kept on the team all season? The team could have used those spots for better developmental talent (Curtis Jerrells) or more size upfront. Popovich ed this team over with his over dependence on the three ball. How ironic that this same idiot claims he wants it abolished when it is the only skill Neal, Bonner, Novak and Quinn possess.

[Blue-Lightning]

Good call, Paco... you caught me.

Go Spurs and go 2K Sports =)

[TE]

Nice write up

[cheguevara]

If Pop had any sense left in him he'd quit after game 5/6 loss.

He won't quit.

[Trill Clinton]

Pop's style of coaching is soooooo early 2000's. He's holding the team back by being so damn stubborn.

Is it RC Buford that is handling all of the personnel decisions? If so, he also has lost a grasp at what he was once a master at.

[SenorSpur]

This coach cost us the season a long time ago. I knew, like many others, this team was in trouble when we became to dependent on the 3. All those 3's that fall in the regular season don't usually transition well into the playoffs against the better teams. I know its a broken record but Pop should of developed Splitter, being that he was our only other 7 footer besides Duncan. Combined I think they could of made a formidable interior defense which we lack now.

Agreed.

The team was truly in trouble when Pop and RC elected to trot out probably the smallest frontline rotation in the Western Conference -thinking they even had a chance of playoff succss. Many of us spent time wondering how this frontline, and this team, would match up against the Fakers, who sport the biggest frontline in the NBA. As it turns out, the Spurs wilted under the weight of the probably next biggest frontline inthe conference - the Grizzlies.

An aging Duncan, an undersized Blair, an undersized and aged McDyess and a red-headed, one dimensional, stretch-4 in Bonner. And we wonder why the Spurs could no longer play adequate defense?

[hater]

Pop will pay for his huge mistake of not acclimating Splitter during the season and then bringing him out as panic move in game 4. Betting the teams chances on Bonner. It will all be written in his biography as one of his most stupid mistakes as coach.

[Horse]

We need to keep the same starters Tiago does'nt seem to have chemistry with them, so bring him off the bench let him play with Manu and a little when Tim comes back off the bench. Having one of the true big guy in at all times. The managing of minutes has made me nuts in this situation you tell Tony he's playing the whole game and whoever else needs to. What the is he saving them for, now there is no tommorow he better take his head outta his ass. I think he's lost the team time for him to step down. even phil lost la for a while had to leave and come back. It just happens.

[Strike]

We need to keep the same starters Tiago does'nt seem to have chemistry with them, so bring him off the bench let him play with Manu and a little when Tim comes back off the bench. Having one of the true big guy in at all times. The managing of minutes has made me nuts in this situation you tell Tony he's playing the whole game and whoever else needs to. What the is he saving them for, now there is no tommorow he better take his head outta his ass. I think he's lost the team time for him to step down. even phil lost la for a while had to leave and come back. It just happens.

Maybe that has something to do with Pop NEVER PLAYING HIM!!! Maybe I'm grasping at straws here, but integrating Splitter into the rotation early in the season and allowing him to play with Duncan or McDyess for more than a few minutes in the season would have allowed Splitter to have some form of on the court chemistry!

[redskinfan]

also what was up with the team resigning Danny Green? If he was not good enough to keep earlier this season why resign him? mind boggling moves by Don Nelson errr Pop!

[J Mack]

look around the NBA at all the new/young head coaches and what they are achieving. please pop give it up after this year. i still would feel this way even if some how , miraculously they won it all this year.