Great Adjustments by Pop in Game 5

[freetiago]

The last time Pop started Manu in Game 5 with the series tied 2-2 and Ray Allen on the opposing team? 2005.

no it was actually the last time Manu started
2012 vs OKC
minus the Ray Allen part which is a non-issue tbh

[therealtruth]

I've actually liked what I've seen out of Neal defensively. He's been competing.

[phxspurfan]

I noticed the switches too. Although gimmicky, it seemed to work the few times they did it early.

[Spurs7794]

no it was actually the last time Manu started
2012 vs OKC
minus the Ray Allen part which is a non-issue tbh

Yeah way to disprove his quote by deciding which parts of his quotes are the issue.

[Brunodf]

Congrats Pop for doing, after 2 losses, what u should've been doing since game 1: Playing more Diaw and less Neal.

[Darkwaters]

Wow, we're one game away from number 5. One ing game. Incredible.

[moisaenz]

I've actually liked what I've seen out of Neal defensively. He's been competing.

Neal can guard Allen because allen is a scrub now and the heat do not run that many screens for him.

[TampaDude]

Looks like Pop has "solved" the Heat. I wonder what Spo will pull out of his ass in Game 6.

Not that it matters. Spurs got this . Spurs in 6.

[polandprzem]

Looks like the spurs got an answer for a Miami small lineup and big lineup. Plus they do have another guy to guard LeBron.

The thing is if the spurs can keep their pace and composure along with being sharp and not turning the ball over that much?
Also can wade pull 3 great games in a row?


It's absolutely amazing that spurs can win with Miami playing smallball

But quick passing and not letting them set for traps doing good stuff



Now IMO it's 50-50. Depends if the spurs can pound that rock for another 48 minutes

[T Park]

Congrats Pop for doing, after 2 losses, what u should've been doing since game 1: Playing more Diaw and less Neal.

assclown

[TrainOfThought5]

I don't think outscoring the Heat will work in Miami. I think the defense is going to have to be much better. It worked this game because it was at home.

We can replicate the defense.

its the turnovers that worry me to death. we need to return to that Low turnover game 1 offense. if that means more isos so be it. if that means more post ups for Timmy, thats even better.

[ducks]

heat d was forcused on tp and when manu was starting he was guarded by miller
he can kill miller not cole

[MannyIsGod]

Magic Johnson shockingly gave some good comments during halftime. In the past, Manu was good enough to lift the 2nd unit. He could be the best player out there and excel. In this series - and maybe going forward - he's not that Manu. But put him in a lineup with talent and he's still capable of playing a huge role. When those passes are going to Tim in the post instead of Tiago good things happen.

The isolation were a thing of beauty. Tony Parker absolutely abused Cole. It was just nasty. I enjoyed watching that quite a bit.

The Spurs really do need to cut down on TOs though. And its hard to see them shooting 60% again on the road so limiting Miami's possessions by finding a way to rebound better with the smaller lineup and cutting TOs is absolutely critical.

[DPG21920]

TP bullied Cole like everyone expects Bron to do to all defenders. He looked comfortable and natural doing it to. Boss status IMVHO.

[MannyIsGod]

I LOLed that after Tony absued Cole for like 4 straight possesions in the 1q, Spo still put him in on Parker as the 1h was ending. TP just abused him one last time.

[Capt Bringdown]

Euro trash lineup for the win

[ducks]

I wish game 7 was friday or saturday if there was a game 7
one day rest between them gives them less time to prepare and rest

[DMC]

No Pop should have played TMac instead.

[timtonymanu]

@ some posters saying Norris Cole could stop TP because of the March game.

[crc21209]

So now on ESPN's postgame coverage Magic and the other guys are saying Spo should go big and start Haslem and give Birdman minutes. Really? So first going small for them was a great move and now analysts are saying they should go big?

[MannyIsGod]

Would love for them to go back to being big. Plays right into the Spurs hands, IMO.

[ducks]

duncan would own first quarter letting tp rest and saving him for second half

[DMC]

ANALysts. People who are expert assholes.

JVG tonight lamenting over Miami, wanting them to cut into the lead. I can understand wanting a compe ive game but his agenda quickly became clear.

Also, I didn't want to hear another "Heat just got away with...". I think I heard that about 20 times tonight.

[ducks]

yeah headline spurs stun heat
really? did the heat reallly think spurs would roll over?

[SouthernFried]

Magic Johnson shockingly gave some good comments during halftime. In the past, Manu was good enough to lift the 2nd unit. He could be the best player out there and excel. In this series - and maybe going forward - he's not that Manu. But put him in a lineup with talent and he's still capable of playing a huge role. When those passes are going to Tim in the post instead of Tiago good things happen.

This. I was actually "Wow, that was pretty good Magic." Not used to such insight from him. And I think he's correct...the biggest reason Manu went off tonight, was he didn't have to carry the 2nd team.