2-3 Times I saw Mr. Leonard disrupt dribbles that while they didn't lead to a steal, it disrupted the flow of Memphis' offense wile the dribbler had to recover the ball and everybody was a couple of steps out of position in the set they were running. Even when he doesn't steal the ball, getting a hand on it is a big deal.
Props to Bonner, tbh. He had his role severely limited in the regular season and he accepted it and has responded admirably. Very professional. Very Spurslike.
There are others in this league who would've melted down in his shoes on other teams.
It really makes me happy that he is finally contributing when the team needs it most.
Another big game from him might make the difference in this series.
I actually don't mind bringing back Bonner. Especially if he keeps his play up. But I'd only bring him back if he took a pay cut. Somewhere between 850K-1M, and that he be the 5th big used in certain matchups. Bigs rotation would be: TD, Splitter, Diaw, Baynes. Then use Blair's old spot for probably another rookie or free agent big. Or a backup SF.
Bonner's effort and decision making on defense were abysmal against Golden state. He was so bad in that series that he even screwed up the spacing on offense. At one point he was standing right next to Timmy, who pushed him away and told him where to go. Bonner looked like a different person against Memphis. He played aggressive defense and went after rebounds. Thanks to Memphis for just pretending he wasn't there most of the game. Bonner could have scored 30 in this game if the Spurs had fed him the ball. I've never seen a three point shooter so left alone. Ever.
I didn't get to see the game. But from what I read, it looks like Pop told Splitter and Diaw to just focus on post defense this game (and series?). I like that advice, since it gives them something to focus in on and get really good at.
And Bonner, Green and Leonard going off + Parker also going off = Spurs win for sure. I hope this means Parker is getting hot at the right time.
Actually, the Grizzlies defense was just abysmal. Manu and Parker got into the lane for layups, and there were still at least two guys wide open on the perimeter. Any time the Spurs went around the top, two people chased them. It was pretty pathetic. They stayed at home on Duncan and Splitter for the most part when they were near the basket, and just got chewed up by everyone else. Splitter, Diaw, and Duncan were very good on defense, but they didn't really have to put up many shots. Duncan's jumper was off; I don't think he took a single shot inside.
Bonner with the A+!!! Never thought I'd see that in a WCF game.
Bonner playing his ass off for that largely non-guaranteed salary next year
Are we so used to praising Duncan that we don't even see it when Pop pulls him out of TWO games in the second half and sits him on the bench during the closing minutes? There is a reason. Crummy passing leading to crucial TOs.
Against the Grizzleys, Pop pulled him after the second or third bad pass, the last one simply a lazy pass that led to a steal and layup. Pop met him at the sideline and you could read his lips: "Are you ting me?" Pop was pissed at Tim and kept him on the bench because when he was on the floor we were losing our lead.
Last edited by wildbill2u; 05-20-2013 at 02:20 PM. Reason: didn't finish it
I'm glad you brought this up. It's not been made clear exactly what is wrong with Kawhi's knee. The mere fact that the subject keeps coming up is concerning, to say the least.
Only thing is, this has been an ongoing issue for Kawhi for months. ESPN didn't even know about it until before yesterday's game, and they reported it as though it were new.
Obviously you don't have the first idea what tendonitis is. It won't go away until you have months to rest it, but at the same time it isn't a structural problem, it is only a pain management problem, and any kind of rest helps. If they absolutley need to they could give him a cortisol shot, but they probably won't need to, there is only about 4-12 games left in the season most likely.
I know what tendinitis and I certainly know that it's chronic. My point was that we've not heard anything official or unoffical beyond that or whether there was something else at play here. However, I thank you for educating the populace.
I'm usually not one to complain (nor am i complaining here, just inquiring), but we haven't seen the typical "game thoughts" segments that usually followed the quick grades. That, along with "random thoughts" and other timvp rants are the bread and butter of the spurs forum. From what i understand, he's been super busy with work lately, but any shot of the return of 'game thougts' at least for the WCF or if we get there, the finals?
I would agree that the chance is very high that hes released. But with Bonner I never assume anything is 100%. That dude is like Pop's security blanket, and even despite hardly playing much of this season, hes right in the mix during the playoffs.
so true
Tiago Splitter B-I'd expect myself to rip a center who totals one point, no rebounds and four fouls in 19 minutes. But I'm simply not that upset with Splitter. His post defense was extremely sturdy and his help defense was timely. Those two characteristics negated a lot of his shortcomings. The Spurs will need Splitter to provide scoring and rebounding as the series progresses. However, what's most needed is physicality and a presence on D -- and the Brazilian provided that in Game 1.
Tiago was decent but that's a high grade for a guy that was scared as on offense and cost us 3-4 layups. Sure his defence was alright and he battled hard but a B- is a pretty good score for what his output was. You can sugarcoat it however you like but 0 rebounds in 19mins is a joke.
I think this needs to be said also...
TIMVP D-
For saying that Spurs can't hang with Memphis and he can't see a reason why they shouldn't be overwhelming favorits. One of the more idiotic threads this forum has seen... Which is saying something.
ruh roh
Is there anything else you can say but days off between games?
yah watching Tiago on offense was fustrating to put it mildly. Passed up shots that were in his comfort zone, while allowing chasing defenses to catch up. His decision making or mindset seems to be always leaning towards the pass.
Maybe his confience has taken a hit since the injury and lack of touches . What ever it is, nows not the time to play timid.
Watching basketball makes him sleepy. Leave him alone.
Goood there will be this 3 day break
As I said a week ago... Joke of a thread that was
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