Bibby compares Heat's defense to 1999 Spurs

[TDomination]

Overall I think Miami is as good as Spurs were but they are very different teams so you can't compare their defensive game.

This.

And the rules are different too, back then you could be more physical on the perimeters which allowed Mario Elie to be such an effective hard nosed defender.

Now you can't touch anyone on the perimeter without it being a foul. Luckily we got Bowen later on who was quick with his feet and was able to do wonders on the perimeter on defense.

[cd98]

I actually think Miami defense is more like the Jordan-Era (first three les) Bulls defense Pippen/Jordan/Grant to a smaller extent). Not a great shotblocking tandem like Spurs 1999. Miami has two great defenders in Wade and Lebron that generate turnovers and steals, with respectable rotations from the other players.

And BTW, no way Sean E. was better defender than Lebron. Not even close. Lebron, like it or not, is a total package player as far as NBA skills go. We'll see if he has the intangibles, i.e. heart and passion to win.

[johnnymoore]

Eff Bibby.

But HEAT D is suffocating.

[Sean Cagney]

The '03,'04, and '05 Spurs were all better than '99 AND this year's Miami team. The '99 team didn't have Bruce Bowen - don't underestimate how good he was on the perimeter.

Don't let the .4 shot re-write history for you. In 2004, the Spurs limited their opponents to just 84.3 PPG. (And that wasn't a lockout season.) That was an incredible defensive team, regardless of losing the series to the Lakers. Had the Finals matchup that year been between the Pistons and Spurs, it would have been the epic defensive battle of all time.

For that matter, the Pistons who won the Championship that year ('04) were a better defensive team than Miami is this year. That's not to take away from Miami - it's just fact.

Right, I remember the Pistons and SA having flat out suffocating DEFENSE in 04 and setting that record! Those D's were the best or one of the best I had seen.


GOOD LORD I miss the SPURS D.

[cd98]

The real problem with Detroit of 2004/2005 was that it was all defense and little to no offense.

[DMC]

"or whether you're big time, like Mike Bibby"

[mingus]

I don't know if there will ever be a better defensive team than the 99 Spurs. They basically had 2 Dwight Howards in the paint defensively to put it in today's terms.

[tmtcsc]

The '03,'04, and '05 Spurs were all better than '99 AND this year's Miami team. The '99 team didn't have Bruce Bowen - don't underestimate how good he was on the perimeter.

No way, no how is that a true statement. When the 1999 team needed a stop, it got it. A younger David Robinson with Tim Duncan made the lane practically impenetrable.

Not only was the 1999 team the best defensive team the Spurs ever had, that was most likely one of the best defenses in league history.

When Sean hit the memorial day miracle against Portland, some people forget that there was still about 7 to 9 seconds left. Still, it felt like a done deal. We were not going to allow Portland to score. Ok, so Williams got off a shot but everything was tough.

[tmtcsc]

Not even close. Lebron, like it or not, is a total package player as far as NBA skills go. We'll see if he has the intangibles, i.e. heart and passion to win.

That mouth piece chewing grunt makes me ill. I am so glad we SWEPT that sorry excuse for a team leader right out of the finals. Nothing but a quitter and immature poor sport.

He had every right to leave Cleveland but they way he did it is unforgivable. I hope he never gets a ring. And yet, I hate the Mavericks. Too bad the Mavericks didn't get him. He'd be a perfect fit to run with Jason Terry. bags.

[GSH]

No way, no how is that a true statement. When the 1999 team needed a stop, it got. A younger David Robinson with Tim Duncan made the lane practically impenetrable.

Not only was the 1999 team the best defensive team the Spurs ever had, that was most likely one of the best defenses in league history.

If we don't agree now, we never will - no matter what the other one says. The '99 team played great defense, I won't argue that. There are a couple of reasons I think the later teams were better overall, defensively: It was the lockout season, and after 50 games none of the offenses around the league were stellar. The '99 team limited opponents to 84.7 PPG, while the '04 team (full season) held their opponents to 84.3 PPG. And Bruce Bowen had the ability to shut down the best player on the opposing team, most nights. I still remember Ray Allen going nuts on everyone - except the Spurs. I agree that the '99 team was better in the paint, but I think those later teams were better overall defensively.

Arguing about it is pointless. Either way, all of those Spurs teams had the ability to shut the other team down defensively, when the game was on the line. It felt like they could hold an opponent scoreless for the last 4-5 minutes of a game, almost at will. Tonight's game is a good example that this Heat squad isn't up to that level.

[tmtcsc]

If we don't agree now, we never will - no matter what the other one says. Arguing about it is pointless. Either way, all of those Spurs teams had the ability to shut the other team down defensively, when the game was on the line. It felt like they could hold an opponent scoreless for the last 4-5 minutes of a game, almost at will. Tonight's game is a good example that this Heat squad isn't up to that level.

Fair enough.

[Sean Cagney]

NOT EVEN CLOSE! Spurs of 99 would have won that game easily.

[Axe Murderer]

NOT EVEN CLOSE! Spurs of 99 would have won that game easily.

This.

Another thing people aren't realizing is that the Heat are actually leaving a ton of guys open for three but the Mavs have just been missing the shots or the guy getting double teamed just can't see them. I have a feeling this will be exposed big time in Dallas since the Mavs will be comfortable on their home floor

Jason Kidd and Stevenson have gotten a ton of WIDE open looks. No way the 99 Spurs have this many breakdowns

[41times]

Miami's playoff run so far this year

Philly 86.6 ppg

Boston 91.0 ppg

Chicago 87.2 ppg

Dallas 88.7 ppg

I am not sure if it is their quickness or athleticism or what but they just don't give up many easy shots.

[cantthinkofanything]

Miami's playoff run so far this year

Philly 86.6 ppg

Boston 91.0 ppg

Chicago 87.2 ppg

Dallas 88.7 ppg

I am not sure if it is their quickness or athleticism or what but they just don't give up many easy shots.

That's a little misleading. They really haven't played anyone.

[galvatron3000]

One thing about the 99 Spurs, they beat a offensively stacked Portland team, that team was a defensive beast inside and out with emphasis inside. Jaren Jackson, Sean Elliott, Mario Elie, David Robinson, Tim Duncan, is nothing to laugh at but neither is Robinson, Duncan, Stephen Jackson, Bruce Bowen, Manu, or throw in Horry on '05. Nothing to sneeze at either way.