Game Thoughts: Spurs @ Cavs Feb. 13

[CavsRules]

Cavs Fan here -- Wanna say good game, and Manu was lights out. Anyway, Congrats on the win and good luck the rest of the season. My favorite Western Team is the Spurs, so I'm rooting for them to win the le again(Unless Cleveland finds a way to get back).

[greens]

Yeah, I'd say games 1, 2 and 7 of the Finals in 2005 were probably his best games as a balla - the ultimate pressure situation, a great defensive team keyed on stopping him, and he came through with genius.

I also think...last years playoff Game 6 vs Suns was another amazing Manu performance...he really dominated that game...And that was also a pressure game because of all the controversy over the suspensions...


However, this game definitely rates high up there...the shooting percentage is just crazy! And Manu also got the assists, steals, rebounds...And the type of shots he was making...just awesome to watch. His three pointers were coming from all over the place. Coach Brown put double teams on Manu, and he was still able to either pass the ball and get the assist or somehow get it back...

Thus far, I'd say my favorite Manu games for this year have been against the Cavs, Dallas, Utah...that's 46pts, 37pts, 37pts...Especially the Dallas game was really intense filled with Jason Terry cheap shots...

[SenorSpur]

Great summary as always.

A couple of things stand out for me.

Vaughn's performance still makes me wonder why Pop insists on starting him.

As for Stoudamire, while he has struggled since moving to the bench, I think it's way too early to deem his signing "questionable." Perhaps Pop should insert him back into the the starting lineup until Parker returns. Vaughn is not effective against the opposition's starters.

[ForeignFan]

What happened yesterday was an unbelievable, amazing, extraordinary, never seen before, godlike performance !

I mean, Spurs shot 87% FT ...

[J.T.]

Got damn Ginobili couldn't have just hit one more three pointer to set a new career high? Worthless.

[WalterBenitez]

Nice recap, even pointing out what others players did to help to win, Manu ... just amazing.

[hsxvvd]

Anybody know where I can see the fouth quarter? Is it possible to put it on youtube or something.

41 points and Manu's awesome night, I need to see it.

[Bruno]

Thanks for the recap.

The fourth quarter was amazing. Manu's performance was unreal, I don't see how it's possible to have that kind of game and to respect physics' laws at the same time.

Spurs RRT has been a success this year with an awesome Manu. 6-3 without Parker and Barry is quite impressive.

[roycrikside]

I still think Manu's best overall game this year was the Dallas game because it meant so much more. We hadn't beat the Mavs in forever and Tim was out and they beat the out of him with cheap fouls all game and he still pulled it through for us, when really not too many other guys played well that day.

As for the best game of his career, it has to be Game 6 vs the Suns last year, right?

[roycrikside]

The funny thing is even Sequ gives Manu credit when he plays well..but for some reason Rascal and Ducks will try to bring Manu down any chance they get. It's like Manu must have slept with their Mom's and they are just angry that Manu isn't their real fathers!

LaMarcus Bryant is the worst of them all. He just flat out hates Manu. I think he's racist or something.

[travis2]

Two plays stand out in my mind from last night. First play was in the 2nd (? or maybe 3rd?) quarter...Manu dribbling above the key, guarded by (I think) Hughes, with Ilgauskas providing support. Manu takes a hard step left then crosses over hard right...sending Hughes to the floor and throwing a body block into Ilgauskas...and Manu waltzes down the lane for a layup.

Second one was during his "Flame ON" imitation in the 4th quarter. Manu had already made a 3...followed by LeBron hitting a 3 immediately afterward...Manu has the ball above the 3-pt line...gets a HARD double team, hands right in his face...and from my vantage point it looked like he threw up a PRAYER of a 3-pt shot...nothing but net.

[SouthernFried]

I don't think Manu has ever dominated a game like this before.

Remember...he scored those points, while also running Point Guard for the team. 1 turnover for the whole game running point. Had no problem at all breaking any pressure bringing the ball up the court. Made it look so easy that it's almost forgotten. He controlled the Spurs offense 100%, was the floor general, the main scorer, assist man...and got some monster rebounds and a monster block on LJ towards the end of the game.

This was more a Magic Johnson type of game than a Michael Jordonesque one.

Showtime

[AFBlue]

My comments...

- Not sure I can say much more about Manu than has already been said....that was amazing. Two shots stood out the most....a stepback fadeaway 20ft baseline jumper and a straight-away deep 3pt jumper (26ft+) that both took place as the clock was about to expire.

- Ime continues to impress. His shot has been somewhat streaky, but if he can continue to play his hardnosed defense, he'll be an asset to this team.

- Agree with SenorSpur on Stoudamire, I think it's too early to make a determination on his signing. He's in a slump and forcing the action a bit, but I think he'll ultimately be a plus for this squad.

- Lastly, Lebron James is unbelievable. Of course, last night clearly belonged to Manu. But James is damn near unstoppable when going to the hole and has greatly improved his jumpshot. I'm gonna love him as a Spur....2010 Master Plan baby!
-

[romsho]

[QUOTE]I know I've brought this up a lot but I still don't like the extended minutes for Duncan and Ginobili. Playing Ginobili 41 minutes and playing Duncan 39 minutes is just playing with fire. Perhaps Pop is thinking that with Parker coming back, the minutes will drop soon enough and that Duncan and Ginobili can rest over the All-Star break. Whatever the case may be, overplaying the stars has never been a part of the Spurs recipe for championships.[/QUOTE=TimVP]

Believe

You mentioned early in this road trip that you thought Pop was coaching desperate, playing Tim and Manu so many minutes. You were right, and the desperation is not just from missing or non-productive personnel, but a function of what is happening in the West. Although Pop never worries about playoff seedings, this year has become about just getting in the top eight. None of the nine best teams in the West have room to blink right now. It's really unbelievable. The All-Star break is good, but what would be nice is a few more blowout wins to save some minutes.

[Manu-of-steel]

Wow, manu!!!!! That performance was really beyond words to describe. Also, TD quietly put on a solid performance. I'm really happy with how this road trip has ended. Regarding manu's 41 minutes and duncan's 39 min, i think pop knows that manu can rest during the all-star. And this is another very important game for them. I'll sleep tonight with a smile on my lips.

[1Parker1]

I'm more worried about Duncan and Ginobili not having enough left in the tank during the postseason. Even though there's no back to backs...this playoffs especially the road is very tough in the Western Conference. It's going to be mentally and physically draining starting with the first round I think, no matter if they play the 8th seed or the 3rd seed. Playing them this many minutes right now may hurt them in the long haul.

I know Pop doesn't have much of a choice, especially with Parker/Barry out. If he doesn't play Duncan/Manu this many minutes, they could easy have been under .500 this RRT....and dropped to 7th seed.

[urunobili]

Manu Ginobili scored 46 points as the Spurs completed their nine-game road trip by defeating Cleveland. Ginobili posted per-game averages of 24.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 6.2 assists over that span to become the first player in NBA history to average at least 24 points, six rebounds and six assists during a road trip of at least nine games.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=280213005

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/elias?date=20080213

[polandprzem]

I just want to add something about the played minutes of TD and MG - probably Pop is testing them if they can go with intense on tough roadtrip and see how can it be translated into the playoffs where the game is much more intense then that.
We are all assuming the minutes will drop when TP come back... The question is if Pop will give him big minutes from the get go.


I might accually downlad this game

[SAGambler]

You know, I almost quit hateing on the way Vaughn played. I really thought maybe he was going to contribute after all.....and then he went out last night and proved once and for all why he doesn't belong.

As for Manu...What can you say?...Just WOW....one of a game. Gotta be up there in his top 2 or 3 ever. Sure LBJ was close in scoring. But he also took 11 more shots to get there. 15 for 20 and 8 for 11 3ptrs is just unbelieveable. A big to Manu.

I really thought Duncan should have gone for 30 last night too. After getting Iggy in foul trouble, I don't understand why Tim wasn't just going to the hole. He may have had the best +/- on the team, but he really just had a so-so game. Threw up a few unadvised shots, and missed some point blank ones.

Ime looked good last night. I hope we can see games like this from him on a nightly basis.

And even though Damon isn't putting up points, he also isn't putting up a bunch of shots. And I think he is a much improved floor general over Vaughn.

Anyway, hope this end to the RT is the turning point for the Spurs we have all been waiting (and hoping) for.

Hurry back Tony and let's kick ass with our "old guys" the rest of the way to the playoffs.

[MoSpur]

I missed the game. I was at church. Praise the Lord though!

[Extra Stout]

I'm more worried about Duncan and Ginobili not having enough left in the tank during the postseason. Even though there's no back to backs...this playoffs especially the road is very tough in the Western Conference. It's going to be mentally and physically draining starting with the first round I think, no matter if they play the 8th seed or the 3rd seed. Playing them this many minutes right now may hurt them in the long haul.

I know Pop doesn't have much of a choice, especially with Parker/Barry out. If he doesn't play Duncan/Manu this many minutes, they could easy have been under .500 this RRT....and dropped to 7th seed.

Right now, 51 wins is the threshold to make the playoffs in the West. We could see the first 50-win lottery team in NBA history this year. Pop does not have the luxury of resting Duncan and Manu if it means the Spurs lose games.

[The Truth #6]

I really liked the small lineup Pop put out there to win the game. Ime plays strong for his size which allows us to also play Bruce at the same time. Obviously this game was all about Manu but I noticed Pop putting more trust into Ime.

A few times Lebron burned Ime right in front of Pop but Ime was basically playing good D and Pop seemed to be encouraging him to stay at it (as opposed to yelling at him and pulling him from the game immediately.)

If Pop isn't going to play Elson or Bonner at all I'd like to see him give Ime more minutes for these small ball lineups.

Also, on offense, Ime was playing within the offense and taking shots that were presented. I can't expect too much more from him. He seems to be playing his role and what was hoped of him.

[duncan228]

-Lost in all of Ginobili’s heroics was the fact that Tim Duncan actually played pretty darn well. The Cavs played really good defense on him but Duncan fought the whole game. He missed some shots he usually makes but overall he was very solid. For the game Duncan finished with 23 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and two blocks. He also led the Spurs in +/- at +21. When he was on the court, he drew a huge amount of focus from the Cavs and opened up lanes for his teammates. Duncan, like usual, was quietly effective.

That's Duncan.
Quiet, effective, deadly.
And quite happy to let his teammates get the glory.
All he cares about is the win.

From a Duncan fan, hats off to Manu. He was out of his mind and we don't take this win without him.

That's one of the biggest things we have going for us. Chemistry. Team players. Not one of them cares about their own stat line. It's a joy to watch. And it will take us where we need to go.

[SAGambler]

Right now, 51 wins is the threshold to make the playoffs in the West. We could see the first 50-win lottery team in NBA history this year. Pop does not have the luxury of resting Duncan and Manu if it means the Spurs lose games.

That's exactly what I and a few others have been saying. And accused of being bandwagoners for it.

This year the old "well, it's just a December/January game....look at our 4 rings" mantra doesn't cut it. You are absolutely correct. A 50 win season may not even get you in the playoffs.

Some of us have been trying to point out that EVERY game is crucial.
If you have to play Manu and Tim extended minutes, then that's what you have to do.

A rested Tim and Manu means little if you aren't invited to play.

[carina_gino20]

With the way Jacque Vaughn played tonight, it might be a good idea to get down on your knees and pray for Parker’s speedy recovery. Grab your rosary beads, light a menorah ... do whatever you gotta do to help Parker get healthy faster.

Count me in. Seeing Vaughn throw up impossible shots is just And hopefully, with TP back, Tim's and Manu's playing time will go down.

Got damn Ginobili couldn't have just hit one more three pointer to set a new career high? Worthless.

He did. His previous career-high was earlier in the season when he hit seven in Minny.