Game Thoughts: Spurs vs. Mavs Feb. 28

[peacemaker885]

Did anybody notice how on one particular fastbreak Manu and Fab(?) were running towards the basket. Dirk was about to bolt forward when Tony came from behind and blocked Dirk's path preventing him from runni
ng and possibly trying to protect the basket. Amazing how these guys try to defend and watch out for each other.

[SenorSpur]

It strikes me that Tim has an awful lot of responsibility on the defensive end. Obviously, he's the last line of defense in the paint. When a team like the Mavs goes small, it pains me to see him have to come out and guard a big forward like Bass. He needs help.

[Obstructed_View]

The Spurs go small against Dallas because Pop doesn't believe he has anybody that can guard Dirk consistently well, and he doesn't want Duncan getting into foul trouble by doing it. Plus, Dirk can take him out to the free-throw line extended and away from the basket. Surrounding Duncan with four wings against Dallas leads to best results, offensively at least.

I'm not sure what the Spurs' record is against Dallas since beginning that strategy, but I'm quite sure it's less than .500. Duncan's going to have to learn to cover Dirk at some point, and Pop's going to have to give him a chance to do it, at least at the end of the game.

[td4mvp21]

I'm not sure what the Spurs' record is against Dallas since beginning that strategy, but I'm quite sure it's less than .500. Duncan's going to have to learn to cover Dirk at some point, and Pop's going to have to give him a chance to do it, at least at the end of the game.

[Slippy]

Does anyone else notice this little bit about Manu? Start of 4th, Manu starts drawing fouls. Last night he got 3 in probably under a minute. If they would have kept sending the ball back to him, Dallas would have been in the penalty way earlier than they were.

?

yah i did, was thinking the same. Gotta give Josh Howard some credit for playing some top notch denial defense on Manu who had just made Devon george look slow with 2 quick fouls. Still, Spurs should of found ways to free up Manu and get him the ball. Even Howard struggled once Manu did get it. The grabbing of Manu foul running around screen was a good example of that.