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I'm curious for specifics of what happened. I noticed Bonner fouled Bosh posting up about ten feet from the basket. What was the mistake other than the foul?
Yesterday I posted about Pop's tendency to pull players out of games because of defensive mistake. And it indeed happened again. I really reiterate that I'm not speaking for a particular player. I hope that there will be fewer & fewer instances like that, as every player plays defense well & Pop will not be irritated so much.Matt Bonner played less than a minute. Why? After entering the game in the first half to an ovation from the crowd, Bonner was out of position on the very first possession and Pop yanked him out immediately. It was an alarmingly boneheaded play by Bonner. How are you going to come into the game and screw up within five seconds? If Bonner wants to regain his spot in the rotation or at least save himself from a permanent spot in the doghouse, he’s going to have to raise his basketball IQ to the point that it’s larger than his jersey number.
Overall, I trust in Pop's system & his coaching.
Last edited by team-work; 02-12-2008 at 11:37 AM.
I'm curious for specifics of what happened. I noticed Bonner fouled Bosh posting up about ten feet from the basket. What was the mistake other than the foul?
I don't think Bonner was pulled for that reason. I think he was pulled because of what he did wrong on the side out-of-bounds play that was set up during the time-out. The play appeared to be called for Tim in the lane. Toronto had been collapsing and doubling the entry to Tim, so Bonner was supposed to lift...not bring his man to the middle. Matt set a screen for Vaughn but he set it real low, into the middle, and Bosh was right there to steal the entry to Tim. Pop stomped, fumed and pulled Matt.
I will just add to timvp's game thoughts that the combination of Stoudamire and Horry was really exploited by Toronto in the 2nd half. Calderon easily broke free from Damon on high and side screen/rolls and Robert just can't move his feet well any more. It's pretty sad when old-age shows but it happens to everyone eventually. When Vaughn was in there on Calderon, at least Jacque wasn't soft and he tried to play over or through the screens. Damon was soft and tentative. Delfino exploited Robert a bit on switches also. The screen/roll strategy really helped Toronto get back in the game.
For you Rasho bashers, he really wasn't bad...in fact, he helped Toronto in the 4th quarter. He scored some timely baskets, he screened very well, and his post defense on Tim allowed Toronto to change it's defensive strategy by not doubling on Tim. Rasho played Tim straight-up, with no help for the last 8 minutes of the game. He only lost Tim once, on a shot from the top when Rasho tried to help on Oberto's cut to the basket..
Offensively, the Spurs moved the ball well and shot well except in the 3rd period. The assists were balanced among several players including several nice assists from Oberto and Horry. Vaughn was very solid at both ends. I cannot say the same for Damon but he needs to become a true Spur first. He's caught between what used to be and what he needs to be.
Solid D, it's always nice to have your thoughts.
And it was great to have you in the game blog last night.
I haven't seen you around very much lately, it's good to have you back.
I think I was taking a bite of pizza when that happened. Thanks for clarifying.
"Pretty good team" isn't exactly high praise. Plus they'll be out in the first round of the playoffs.
Nice attempt at a
But everyone saw the 2005 playoffs. Not to mention the rest of the games this season that Parker has been out.
Exactly. I don't think Bonner was supposed to be anywhere near that action. Him coming over to set a flair screen for Vaughn was classic. Although Pop didn't see the humor . . .
The bad thing is it was a play called directly out of a timeout. Bonner went into the game and messed it up literally within five seconds of being on the court. It was bad timing, to say the least, because Bonner could have gotten good first half run for the first time in a long time.
I'm not sure if Bonner was "in" the huddle...even if he was in the huddle...if you know what I mean and I think you do.
I think the second. Baby steps...
They are really trying to find a SF- one who can deal with Pierce and Lebron- but then again, who isn't.
I still remember a game where Nazr did that, as well. Pop got so mad!!!
I would counter that Tony's role was not as big then. Manu used to have the ball in his hands more then than he does now. He used to be given the opportunity to do what he did last night more often a couple of years ago. He can do it- but will he actually be in a position to do it?
Cool. Aren't we a lot older than the Raptors? Ok thanks.
It was impressive because the Spurs executed properly and played good defense. It's not because the Raptors are some great team. They are decent, though.I did find it interesting that a win over Toronto could be considered the most impressive win of any season for the Spurs. I guess the Raptors have come a long way in a year and a half.
Yes you are.I am not saying this to fan the fire but with Tony in the game, I do not think there is much opportunity to see this Ginobili.
Ginobili played 39 minutes therefore Lamarcus declares this victory a loss.
As always, thanks for the thoughts, timvp.
It was a good win. Manu played out of his mind and expended a lot of energy. I hope he will still have some left in the tank for Cleveland. Since Bowen and Udoka didn't get any challenge in this game defensively, they should be ready for Lebron.
I fully expect a victory tomorrow night. And given that we have played this trip without Parker, I am proud of the effort that we have given.
Manu, Manu, Manu, how can so many hate on you? Sweet, vintage Manu game, although of the rare variety when he kills the other team almost exclusively with the J and not the drive. Same for Tim - very solid, a force on D, killing people in the post on O despite being hacked on continually as usual. And he used his left 2 or 3 times! That always makes me happy.
Fab was as good as Fran and Rob were bad. As regards Rob, this is what we saw in January - he looked a step slow out there, especially on D. He gave up 4 buckets on late rotations, and shouldn't have been playing the 4th Q. But we can't expect him to play well every game, and that's only 1 bad game out of the last 4, so the overall trend is good.
Not much from the point guards tonight, or Bowen/Udoka for reasons noted.
Loved the ball movement at times, hated the Manu-MM-Fin-Fran-Rob lineup Pop trotted out twice.
Overall, a good win, and this team is GROWING.
Bring on the Cavs.
PS Calderon made a new fan tonight - that guy can ball! Why the did they trade for TJ Ford? One of those guys has to move, or they have to play on the court at the same time, because they're both too good to only play 24 minutes each.
Also, Rasho played a very good 4th quarter defensively, and hit a baseline jumper and cutting layup. The Slo Girls will be happy tonight!, I wouldn't mind him back here to throw at Shaq...
Last edited by RuffnReadyOzStyle; 02-13-2008 at 07:28 AM.
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