Game Thoughts: Spurs vs. Hawks Feb. 25

[rAm]

are the Spurs under the radar right now?

[Holt's Cat]

are the Spurs under the radar right now?

I think so. The Lakers are penciled in for the next 100 championships. KG and the Cs dominate the East Coast media. The Suns and Shaq dominate the national media, win or lose. Kidd is back in Dallas. The upstarts from New Orleans are the feel good story of the year. Houston always seems to receive more coverage than is warranted. And right there in the middle is Silver & Black steel in the hour of chaos.

Pay no attention to that 800 lbs gorilla in the middle of the room.

[rAm]

I think so. The Lakers are penciled in for the next 100 championships. KG and the Cs dominate the East Coast media. The Suns and Shaq dominate the national media, win or lose. Kidd is back in Dallas. The upstarts from New Orleans are the feel good story of the year. Houston always seems to receive more coverage than is warranted. And right there in the middle is Silver & Black steel in the hour of chaos.

Pay no attention to that 800 lbs gorilla in the middle of the room.

gorillas with huge balls

[Obstructed_View]

+/- for Jacque are usually +, while Damon is usually -. Does Damon really add more than Jacque?

If he can hit his shots, he absolutely does. I thought Vaughn dramatically improved his jumper this season, and he hits them with such regularity I don't really worry about it anymore. He still doesn't have three point range, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I'd rather a guy hit 90 percent of two pointers than 30 percent of threes.

[timvp]

Thomas should have no problem playing with Duncan in key matchups. They should be able to play significant minutes together.

Lakers - Bynum, Gasol
Rockets - Yao, Scola
Jazz - Boozer, Okur
Detroit - Wallace, McDyess
Celtics - Garnett, Perkins

I agree with the Lakers, Rockets and the Celtics. However, which of Duncan and Thomas do you trust going out on the perimeter and putting a hand up on Okur and Wallace?

[roycrikside]

After the first 12 minutes of action, the only thing the Spurs accomplished was forcing Dr. James Naismith to roll over in his grave. Trailing 16-5 at the end of the first quarter, the Spurs had hit just 1-of-17 shot attempts and were apparently flustered by the youth and athleticism of the Atlanta Hawks.

Thankfully, the Spurs regrouped and dominated the rest of the game. In the final three quarters, San Antonio outscored Atlanta 84-58. Once you erase the first quarter from your memory, the rest of the game played out as a typical Spurs blowout win.

If the Hawks can add some savvy veterans to their mix, they aren’t far away from being a top five team in the Eastern Conference. Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Al Horford and Marvin Williams are four stud youngsters. Mike Bibby was a decent veteran addition but the Hawks need a couple more players who know how to win before they are any sort of legit contender.

Overall, I thought the Spurs played well after the disaster of a first quarter. For the rest of the game they shot better than 52% from the floor and got a lot of easy looks. Defensively, the team was really good all night – allowing the Hawks to shot just 33.3% from the floor. With six consecutive victories, the Spurs are now first in the Southwest Division and a half game behind the Los Angeles Lakers for the Western Conference lead.

-Tim Duncan struggled early on as the Hawks used a physical double-team to disrupt his offensive flow. Duncan found it difficult to get many clean looks at the basket but he kept his effort high and eventually figured it out. He finished with 23 points, ten rebounds, three blocks and two steals, while hitting 5-of-9 shots from the floor and 13-of-16 free throw attempts. Duncan had five turnovers in the first half but adjusted and had only one turnover in the second half. It wasn’t an attractive outing by Duncan but he ended up having a reasonably effective game.

-Manu Ginobili’s stats weren’t as gaudy as we’ve come to expect but he played pretty well. In 36 minutes, Ginobili had 13 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals, while shooting 4-for-13 from the field. Ginobili’s main problem on the night was making two-pointers, as he was 3-for-6 on threes but only 1-for-7 on twos. I liked his effort defensively and he had a couple of timely plays on offense.

-Tony Parker’s game is starting to come around. After missing more than three weeks with an injury, Parker was obviously rusty in the last couple of games. Tonight, Parker again started off rusty but eventually found somewhat of a rhythm. In the third quarter, he had a stretch where he hit 6-of-7 shots from the field and was consistently able to get to the rim. However, outside of that spurt, Parker was just 1-for-9 from the court. The main culprit was his outside jumper as Parker missed all five of his jumpers. For the game, Parker had 15 points, nine assists, four rebounds and two blocks. Those two blocks alone tell me his ankle is feeling pretty good.

-Bruce Bowen spent the whole night harassing Joe Johnson and did a good job of doing so. Johnson missed 7-of-12 shots and had six turnovers. In 34 minutes, Bowen had five points, two rebounds and two steals. It wasn’t a great performance by Bowen but he was one of the main reasons why the Hawks struggled to score all game long.

-Fabricio Oberto got the start but played only the first six minutes of the game. He spent the rest of the game watching from the bench. The main reason was because the Hawks play a small lineup. Another valid reason was because Oberto didn’t play well while on the court. In his six minutes, Oberto had two rebounds and a turnover. With Kurt Thomas on board and Robert Horry playing better, Oberto will have to earn his minutes from now on.

-Michael Finley was decent in his 26 minutes off the bench but I felt that he was hesitating a bit too much. When the Spurs were struggling to score, Finley passed up a couple shots he usually shoots. Overall though, Finley didn’t play too bad. He finished with nine points and three rebounds on 4-for-11 shooting. To allow Pop to keep Ginobili in the starting lineup, Finley will need to be a consistent double-digit scorer off the bench.

-Robert Horry continues to look less stiff as the season progresses. He’s moving more freely now and doesn’t look like he’s 67-years-old playing on two prosthetics. In 21 minutes, Horry had three points, five rebounds and a blocked shot. He missed 3-of-4 shots from the floor, with his lone make coming on his lone three-point attempt. Horry is another player who can’t slump too much or else Thomas will gobble up his minutes.

-Ime Udoka is starting to fit into his role rather nicely. Defensively, Udoka is physical and is perhaps the team's best in-your-face defender. Offensively, he’s been streaky. Tonight was a good streak as he hit all four of his field goal attempts to finish ten points and three rebounds. If Brent Barry decides to come back to the Spurs, it’ll be interesting to see who will become the fourth swingman going into the playoffs.

-Damon Stoudamire didn’t shoot the ball well and didn’t play too well overall … but I still like him as the backup point guard more than I like Jacque Vaughn. Even when Stoudamire is shooting poorly, he still runs the offense effectively and he’s still a player who the opponent is forced to account for on the court. Against the Hawks, Stoudamire had three points on 1-for-5 shooting with one rebound, one assist and one steal.

-Kurt Thomas got his first minutes as a Spur and he was actually really good. He provides a tough, physical presence who isn’t afraid to lay the lumber. He has good timing on the boards and his jumper is money out to about 18 feet. He’s not going to take your breath away with his athleticism but he’s just a solid, smart player. The only thing I question about him is whether he’s quick enough to play with Duncan for long stretches. Tonight we didn’t get the answer to that because Thomas usually was in the game when Duncan rested. At worst, Thomas will better help hold the fort while Duncan is one the sidelines. Monday in his Spurs debut, Thomas finished with four points, nine rebounds and two blocks in 13 minutes. I’ll take that kind of production every night from him.

-Jacque Vaughn has to be the only third string point guard who is part of his team’s rotation at the moment. In seven minutes, he had one rebound and one assist. While Vaughn is a good insurance policy, I’d rather Pop give his minutes to Stoudamire for now to get Stoudamire more acclimated with his teammates. Vaughn knows all he’s going to know.

-Matt Bonner got into the game late and knocked down a couple shots. In two minuets, Bonner had four points and two assists. Now that he’s relegated to Tom Copa/Jack Haley/Gerard King/Mengke Bateer status, hopefully Bonner continues to work hard in case he’s needed at some point for whatever reason.

-I liked how Pop didn’t panic during the five-point first quarter. The Spurs couldn’t buy a shot but there wasn’t much Pop could have done. Yelling at the team wouldn’t have helped. Instead, Pop weathered the storm and kicked back while he waited for someone to hit a shot.

Again, I’m not thrilled with Ginobili leading the team in minutes. However, that should hopefully chance soon as Parker is able to pick up more and more of the offensive slack. Right now, the Spurs are too dependent on Ginobili to sit him for too long.

While the Spurs don’t play again until Thursday against the Dallas Mavericks, the Spurs will soon learn of Brent Barry’s decision. Barry has told teams he will decide on Tuesday where he’s going to sign. If the Spurs can woo him back for a second stint with the team, it’d be yet another victory.

Barry could sign wherever he likes since the Spurs are the one who traded him away but hopefully he realizes he’d become a hero if he were to return. He’s already a fan favorite but if he were to come back, he’d attain legendary status in San Antonio.

Back to the game against the Hawks, the bottomline is it was another solid W to add to the win column. The Spurs sucked to start the game but played well in the final three stanzas. After the Barry decision on Tuesday, the Spurs have what should be an interesting showdown against Jason Kidd and the new-look Mavs on Thursday in the AT&T Center.

Oh my God this was an excellent recap. I swear, I think this is the best recap TimVP has ever done. Surely there isn't another writer in the country writing recaps any better than what LJ is doing right now. Compared to his current recapping prowess, LJ's recaps just flat out sucked last playoffs.

[timvp]

Oh my God this was an excellent recap. I swear, I think this is the best recap TimVP has ever done. Surely there isn't another writer in the country writing recaps any better than what LJ is doing right now. Compared to his current recapping prowess, LJ's recaps just flat out sucked last playoffs.

Thanks for the compliment.

[FromWayDowntown]

I could see that Pop might choose to separate Duncan and Thomas for the most part, if only to keep a good rebounder on the floor at all times. That becomes less of an issue in the playoffs, when Duncan's minutes will increase, but it makes some sense to me to keep the Spurs' rebounding prowess fairly consistent throughout the game, rather than exposing them to spells of games without a great rebounder on the floor. It would be one thing if there was another pretty good rebounder on that bench (a Malik Rose type from the Twin Towers era) but I'm not sure that the Spurs have that guy right now.

[Holt's Cat]

I agree with the Lakers, Rockets and the Celtics. However, which of Duncan and Thomas do you trust going out on the perimeter and putting a hand up on Okur and Wallace?

Horry, I suppose.

[Holt's Cat]

I could see that Pop might choose to separate Duncan and Thomas for the most part, if only to keep a good rebounder on the floor at all times. That becomes less of an issue in the playoffs, when Duncan's minutes will increase, but it makes some sense to me to keep the Spurs' rebounding prowess fairly consistent throughout the game, rather than exposing them to spells of games without a great rebounder on the floor. It would be one thing if there was another pretty good rebounder on that bench (a Malik Rose type from the Twin Towers era) but I'm not sure that the Spurs have that guy right now.

Exactly. Spurs can always have one rebounding big anchoring the defense.

[timvp]

Horry, I suppose.

Exactly. I just can't imagine Duncan or Thomas standing out at the perimeter guarding three-point shooters. That's an Horry specialty because Horry began his career as a small forward. Even Oberto is pretty good at it.

Maybe Duncan can step out and trust Thomas to hold down the fort inside. Maybe Thomas we compensate for his lack of quickness with extra energy. I guess we'll find out.

[roycrikside]

I agree with the Lakers, Rockets and the Celtics. However, which of Duncan and Thomas do you trust going out on the perimeter and putting a hand up on Okur and Wallace?

For Sheed, Timmy has to guard him, no question. Thomas can't do it. Maybe Fab or Horry can try, but Thomas can't. For Okur, anybody can guard him, he's not going to blow by or post up or anything. If they play big, we should probably play small and put Finley on Okur.

Duncan can check Boozer, Manu on AK (another guy who doesn't post often), Bruce on Williams, Tony on the shooting guard (Korver?), and Fin on Okur. Yeah, we'd have some match-up problems there, but they would have more.

[td4mvp21]

Exactly. I just can't imagine Duncan or Thomas standing out at the perimeter guarding three-point shooters. That's an Horry specialty because Horry began his career as a small forward. Even Oberto is pretty good at it.

Maybe Duncan can step out and trust Thomas to hold down the fort inside. Maybe Thomas we compensate for his lack of quickness with extra energy. I guess we'll find out.

I was going to say, I think Duncan is hesitant to do that because Oberto isn't a force inside. Thomas is a much better rebounder so I would think Duncan would feel more comfortable going out to contest. Or maybe the other way around?

[timvp]

For Okur, anybody can guard him, he's not going to blow by

Tell that to Matt Bonner. Bonner let Okur blow by him twice. In the same game.

[Obstructed_View]

I agree with the Lakers, Rockets and the Celtics. However, which of Duncan and Thomas do you trust going out on the perimeter and putting a hand up on Okur and Wallace?

You wouldn't. Duncan's smart enough to be able to do it, but you'd put Oberto or Horry in for that kind of matchup. Anything you can do to encourage Rasheed to stand outside the three point line is an advantage IMO.

[FromWayDowntown]

Consider me one of those not sold on Stoudamire...I think he's playing fine enough but I've seen that dude choke a lot.

I agree with this, too.

Damon is historically not a great percentage shooter and having watched him closely for a few games, I can see why. Last night wasn't a great example, because the Spurs played the game like a game against a bad team sandwiched between huge divisional games. But even in the context of last night's game, I think there were some times that Damon forced his shot when things weren't going for him and missed badly. I don't mind him shooting the ball, but I would like to see a bit more discretion from a guy who's hovered around 40% for his career.

[baseline bum]

And finally..if Thomas is on the opposing team, I don't actively root for him to get the last second shot under pressure like I did with Finley either...

Huh? So did you cheer when Finley hit the game-winner at the buzzer in Sean Elliott's face in 2000? How about when he hit the game-winner in game 1 of the 03 WCF?

[Southwest Texas Fan]

I could see that Pop might choose to separate Duncan and Thomas for the most part, if only to keep a good rebounder on the floor at all times. That becomes less of an issue in the playoffs, when Duncan's minutes will increase, but it makes some sense to me to keep the Spurs' rebounding prowess fairly consistent throughout the game, rather than exposing them to spells of games without a great rebounder on the floor. It would be one thing if there was another pretty good rebounder on that bench (a Malik Rose type from the Twin Towers era) but I'm not sure that the Spurs have that guy right now.

I wonder how Ime's rebounding numbers will be like in the playoffs?

[picnroll]

I agree with the Lakers, Rockets and the Celtics. However, which of Duncan and Thomas do you trust going out on the perimeter and putting a hand up on Okur and Wallace?

Okur isn' t exceptionally mobile or great putting the ball on the floor. Either Duncan or Thomas can cover him on the perimeter. Wallace is more mobile but he doesn't put the ball on the floor. He usually camps out outside or posts up doen't require a real mobile player. Guys like Bosh, Stoudemirre, Dirk it wouldn't work so well.

[Obstructed_View]

Huh? So did you cheer when Finley hit the game-winner at the buzzer in Sean Elliott's face in 2000? How about when he hit the game-winner in game 1 of the 03 WCF?

I was puzzling on that one as well. For his flaws, Fin has always seemed pretty clutch.

[whottt]

Huh? So did you cheer when Finley hit the game-winner at the buzzer in Sean Elliott's face in 2000? How about when he hit the game-winner in game 1 of the 03 WCF?

Oh Finley will always hit those...it's the must make shots he'll miss. See Game 07 VS Dallas in 06.


That's what is bad about him...he's just good enough to be on the floor to let you down when it matters most.

I've said it since the day he signed...and he's not proven me wrong yet.


And don't bring up any series he had against scrub teams...even Chris Webber avdvanced once or twice.

[baseline bum]

Oh Finley will always hit those...it's the must make shots he'll miss. See Game 07 VS Dallas in 06.

Like the huge three he hit to give the Spurs a two-point lead with 15 seconds in Game 4 of the '06 series vs Dallas? The one that would have evened the series had Bavetta not gift-wrapped the game-tying free throws to Dirk with that bull foul on Bowen.

What about when he trapped Nowitzki in the corner at the end of game 6 to make his potential game-tying shot almost impossible?

That's what is bad about him...he's just good enough to be on the floor to let you down when it matters most.

I've said it since the day he signed...and he's not proven me wrong yet.


And don't bring up any series he had against scrub teams...even Chris Webber avdvanced once or twice.

OK, I'll bring up the 06 series against Dallas, when he was clearly the best role player on the team. Were you even watching that series?

[whottt]

Like the huge three he hit to give the Spurs a two-point lead with 15 seconds in Game 4 of the '06 series vs Dallas? The one that would have evened the series had Bavetta not gift-wrapped the game-tying free throws to Dirk with that bull foul on Bowen.

Wasn't the decisive game...

OK, I'll bring up the 06 series against Dallas, when he was clearly the best role player on the team. Were you even watching that series?

Yeah, in fact he played well in the game 7 I referenced...until the end of it, and then he couldn't hit a shot.


That's what he does....just good enough, to be on the court to let you down when it matters most.


You will lose this battle because I am right...watch and see.


Same way I knew Finley was going to choke in the finals last year(and he did).



I've watched a lot of basketball...Finley is the guy I never want shooting the last shot for my team and always want shooting it for the other team...it's a subconcious thing and I trust my instincts here more than anything else.

[1Parker1]

I agree with this, too.

Damon is historically not a great percentage shooter and having watched him closely for a few games, I can see why. Last night wasn't a great example, because the Spurs played the game like a game against a bad team sandwiched between huge divisional games. But even in the context of last night's game, I think there were some times that Damon forced his shot when things weren't going for him and missed badly. I don't mind him shooting the ball, but I would like to see a bit more discretion from a guy who's hovered around 40% for his career.

Yea, but would you rather have Vaughn out there? I know he plays good defense and knows the Spurs system best. However, whenever he's in the game I find myself yelling at his constant overdribbling. Moreover, teams just beg him to shoot, lay off him and make an outside shot, which isn't exactly a high % shot.

[baseline bum]

Yeah, in fact he played well in the game 7 I referenced...until the end of it, and then he couldn't hit a shot.

Like the three he hit with 1:45 left in the 4th quarter in game 7 to draw the Spurs to within 1 at 101-100?