Team Defense

[SA Gunslinger]

The real problem is about matching up one on one with the bigs of Phoenix and lakers. If lets loose during the game, an early double team in the post could possibly be the solution . We have good perimeter defender with the likes of Bowen, Ginobili and Udoka - so we can gamble on this one. Besides that (and a lot of hail marys), i can't hardly think of anything to solve the problem.

A zone defense against Phoenix would surely make a target practice out of us and a simple man-to-man defense can easily be broken by a dominant center such shaq and Gasol.

Shaq is a problem. But I am confident Horry and Oberto can handle Gasol.

[genomefreak13]

as compared to Elson and Oberto- shaq and Gasol is dominant

[genomefreak13]

Shaq is a problem. But I am confident Horry and Oberto can handle Gasol.

Sure hope so. Despite Shaq's inconsistent play this season, His weight and size still pose a big problem for the spurs. He can still out rebound the rest of our big man - which may lead to a transition basket by the suns.

[SA Gunslinger]

as compared to Elson and Oberto- shaq and Gasol is dominant

Actually, no. Tim Duncan is the only dominant low post player left in the league. Doc Rivers was doubling him in the all-star game. I think that speaks volumes about what TD is about.

[genomefreak13]

Actually, no. Tim Duncan is the only dominant low post player left in the league. Doc Rivers was doubling him in the all-star game. I think that speaks volumes about what TD is about.

How about Howard (orlando)? He's been dunking over a lot of people lately. Can't he be consider as dominant? I think his team is up in the standings in the east right now.

[itzsoweezee]

it all depends on whether horry is able to put in quality big time minutes in the playoffs. he's the one guy that the spurs need to be playing really well against the lakers.

[hsxvvd]

I think for some, this is one of those threads we bump come playoffs to prove our point.

[Slippy]

I think for some, this is one of those threads we bump come playoffs to prove our point.

GEEZ you're really going out on a limb here.

For the life of me i still can't work out how you equate discussing match-ups and team defense to losing faith in the spurs. You're on the wrong track mate. As soon as you compared Oberto to Drob you hit that detour.

This is a forum to discuss anything related to the Spurs, that includes concerns we all may share.. If that means giving credit to opposing players and being humble enough to admit they could pose a problem , then fair enough. iv'e seen Pop and the players do it. Doesn't mean they think any less of their own. You 're letting your emotions get the better of you.


In case you missed it. The topic starter does state he still likes our chances of winning the championship.

[hsxvvd]

I've never compared Oberto to Robinson, simply stated that Oberto will be able to provide 8 points, 7 rebounds and play intelligently in the playoffs.

My problem is not just with this thread, but all those that have started since all these recent trades, that seem to forget who won it last year and with what team. I simply don't think these recent trades are much to be concerned about. Honestly, the Suns were not far away from beating us last year, Dallas? We never got to find out. Those playoff match-ups with the Mavs & Suns were scary. But neither move has made them any better. In fact, I feel better about playing them now than last year.

Suns + Shaq. Honestly, I thought trading away Kurt Thomas was going to hurt the Spurs more, because they never should have played him against us, they are better running against us. Shaq will only do now, what Kurt Thomas did, and that's slow them down. This will play to our strength.

Mavs + Kidd, Harris was the difference that got them past us in 06, Terry & Harris were a headache & No Diop = No defence on Duncan and all sorts of problems for the Mavs.

As for Gasol & the Lakers. Well the Lakers had a long way to go before they were ever going to be a problem for the Spurs. Gasol isn't really that much of a concern to me, and the whole Bynum & Gasol thing is terribly overrated. The problem the Lakers will still have is that Nash, Paul, Parker, Williams, Davis & now Kidd are all going to abuse them. Also, despite all his shortfalls, Kwame was the best defender the Lakers had on Duncan.

[Slippy]

I've never compared Oberto to Robinson, simply stated that Oberto will be able to provide 8 points, 7 rebounds and play intelligently in the playoffs.

When you repond that Oberto is already on the team for the center spot that DROb used to play then you are comparing.

You do realise the guy that supposed to play DROb's role is Elson right? He matches up to the bigs mentioned in this thread. A gimpy DROb in 03 took on these type of bigs and played his role to a tee. Plus he's allowed Duncan to stay out of foul trouble. I dont mean just with stats but smarts, toughness and leadership. I just wish we could get the first two aspects from Elson, then matching up to the lakers and suns wouldn't be as much of a concern.

I have no doubt Oberto will bring it for the play-offs, he just doesn't match-up well to the likes of Shaq and Bynum. For me, that's stating the obvious. Where he doesn't match-up , he makes up for it with intelligence and hustle.

[hsxvvd]

Illgauskas/Gooden/Varajao are also big, and cause match up problems, but we managed.

I see what your saying, I'm just not scared of it being a bigger problem for us than anything we haven't faced and beaten in the past.

Okur/Boozer
Camby/Nene

Wallace/Wallace/McDyess in 05

In 06 it was Harris, Terry and Stack that killed us, not Dampier or Diop.

A lot of the match up problems and weaknesses are covered by having Oberto or Elson teamed with Duncan.

Let's not forget also, that Tony and Manu are much improved from 03 and it more than compensates for not having 03 Robinson.

[Slippy]

Illgauskas/Gooden/Varajao

Okur/Boozer
Camby/Nene

Wallace/Wallace/McDyess in 05

In 06 it was Harris, Terry and Stack that killed us, not Dampier or Diop.

Offensively none of these stack up to the front-courts the spurs could face in the play-offs.

Lakers Bynum, Gasol and Odom.

Suns Shaq and Stoudamire. You could thrown in Diow who's versatility could be a problem.

Elson and Oberto will have to pick up the slack . Avoiding foul trouble on Tim is the main priority.

[Slippy]

Forgot to mention, how much of a factor Horry is will play a big part in supporting Tim.

[wildchild]

Oberto and Horry are savvy defenders. They usually win more battles than they lose. And Udoda plays well in the front court. The problem I see here is that none of these players can guard Shaq.

Every position is manned two to three deep except for the five position. Spurs need another big and it's getting close to the deadline. Hopefully they don't give up guys with rings.

Don't worry about Shaq. Really he isn't a big problem for us. When Spurs play smalls Shaq/Amare can't guard 3's of Mike, Ime, Brent, Rob.
It's not as serious as all that.
Don't worry about Oberto and Horry. They show the best after april.
Believe, guys. Believe!