Spurs Sluggish D - Real or Rust?

[Cry Havoc]

Rust, and passive defense. A lot of teams are settling for long jumpers against us, and the D is slagging off to go for the boards + transition. The only problem is that they've been hitting some tough shots, so our games have been close.

[703 Spurz]

Don't forget the returning champion factor. I couldn't watch the game last night (Pacers opener, Halloween, etc.), but Portland definitely gave 100% effort for 48 minutes. It's early in the season, and teams are going to give the Spurs their best shot.

Also, Memphis and Portland need every win they can possibly get if they are going to make the playoffs. Neither team can look at the schedule and just mark these with an "L," which some teams will be doing later.

Even if the defense was ty, which it hasn't been, we're still 2-0. Things can and will get better

[nkdlunch]

their D is good enough for the first week of the season. still best in the league

[Taco]

back 2 back

[ehz33satx]

Come back in 30 games and ask this question then, if it still pertains. It's only 2 games into the season. Trust the Spurs to only get better.

[nfg3]

Early and their D will improve over time. No big deal now. If this continues into the allstar break or later then it would be a concern. Even last year we were struggling around the break but then came together and ripped through the league. Pop will manage the PT of his vets and give the younger players more time to show their stuff. Spurs need to incorporate the younger/newer ones so as to give the vets that extra time to rest and as an added insurance policy, too. Its a long season and traditionally Pop always treats it as a marathon.

[bdictjames]

Come back in 30 games and ask this question then, if it still pertains. It's only 2 games into the season. Trust the Spurs to only get better.

Then you'll say it's only 32 games into the season.

I say give it till February, then people here will get mad on it.

[ehz33satx]

Then you'll say it's only 32 games into the season.

I say give it till February, then people here will get mad on it.

Like I said, it's only 2 games into the season. You seem to be a pessimist.

[ehz33satx]

Anyways, what does it matter what I say? I don't play the game, i just watch and enjoy. No worries.

[bdictjames]

Like I said, it's only 2 games into the season. You seem to be a pessimist.

I was being optimistic that time.

When is the first time we get to play a championship-contending team (i.e. Mavs, Phoenix, Denver, Detroit).

Maybe Spurs just lack that fire to blow out opponents early in the season.

[FromWayDowntown]

There are some on this forum who won't be satisfied unless the Spurs win 65 games and run away with the division. Pop has shown that his philosophy is to build through the season; you don't build through the season by playing your best basketball (or anything really that close to it) in October and November.

[sa_butta]

All that really matters is finding a way to win, how you did it wont matter come playoff time. Spurs will only get better as the season progresses.

[AFBlue]

I didn't pose this just to rile people up. I posted it because I really don't know whether the defensive concerns were/are legitimate.

Personally, I think it's most likely a combination of both. I don't think Elson/Bonner up front are very good defensively and don't have much ability to improve based on lack of BBIQ and athleticism respectively. I also question whether the age is a factor on the wings....because it was clear to me that the younger, faster, and more athletic individuals slashed into the lane and created space rather easily.

Obviously you can point to the fact that it's only two games and that it's early in the season...but I just happen to think there is legitimate concern.

And I also don't buy the fact that it doesn't matter because the Spurs are 2-0, because the Spurs are supposed to be markedly better than both teams they've faced both offensively and defensively. Realistically, those two games shouldn't have been as close as they were....and the defense was to blame.

[ploto]

The Spurs played two really crappy teams and gave up not only a lot of points- but high FG%. The perimeter defenders are old and without Horry, the big men suck defensively except for Tim.