Europe: Was there a worst season than this one for Lakerfan, tbh?

[Killakobe81]

How does $200 million sound next season, with half of that going to small market teams? Juicy.

Sucks for them, good for the small market teams ... are you getting a cut? No. And i aint paying the bill either. They can raise tix Price at Staples ...still doesnt affect me since I relocated from socal years ago ...

I will probably not attend another game at Staples until Kobe, horry or Fish get their jersey retired and I doubt the last two will ...

[ElNono]

They killed the triangle because Slava Medvedenko was getting PT and Kobe was chucking his team out of the game because he decided he'd rather lose than see Shaq win another finals MVP.

While those two are true, you can't underestimate how tough they were defensively. They went on to take perhaps the most dominant Spurs team to 7 games the next Finals. Kobe chucked, but don't discount the Pistons D having something to do with it.

Unless Rasheed Wallace went absolutely crazy, I don't see how the 04 Pistons beat this Heat team. The Heat's weakness on defense is inside and the Pistons were a perimeter oriented offensive team Miami would have given fits to with their perimeter D. In addition to that, look at Lebron's history against those Pistons teams. The 06 Pistons were taken to 7 games by Lebron and his supporting cast that year and damn near lost in six (not to mention they lost the next series because Wade destroyed them). A year later Lebron actually did beat the Pistons with his supporting cast.

To be fair, Larry Brown ejected himself after '05 and the Pistons were never the same. Larry is lil bag, but the difference between him and Flp Sundrs was major.

Regardless of whether or not the 04 Pistons were a fluke (I think they were since winning a championship without a top 10 player on your team rarely ever happens), the Heat would simply be a terrible matchup for them. Prince has been an overrated defender most of his entire career because of the 04 finals and he'd get shat on by Lebron and Wade like he did every other team he went up against them.

What would make a huge difference to me is that neither Lebron or Wade could get to the rim... The Big Ben/Sheed duo basically shut down the paint, and Big Ben especially blocked the out of everybody. They were physical as too. While Lebron is a monster physically, and guys like Battier are used to the rough play, I can't think guys like Bosh, Wade, Chalmers, Cole, etc survive it. There's also the fact that their offense was pure execution. It was basically Sheed on the post, or multi-screens for a Rip handoff. They didn't run much PnR, which is the Heat forte defensively.

Like I said, I don't know if they beat them, but they're certainly one of those teams that could tie em up.

[The Reckoning]

How will the


approach this offseason?

[ohmwrecker]

It's not nice to make fun of the re s.

[Killakobe81]

Not necessarily. Despite the overuse of the "championship or bust" mentality, there can be special seasons that hold a place in a fan's heart even if their team doesn't win the championship. This is shaping up to be one of those kind of seasons. However, the Spurs' getting swept or imploding like the Dallas Mavericks did in '06 would definitely sour that feeling.

But if the Spurs lose a compe ive 6 game series, I don't think many Spurs fans will be "crushed." They'll likely look back on this season, even 10 years down the road, as one of the more memorable and exciting playoff runs the Spurs have ever had.

Except for the OT games I wouldnt call this playoff run memorable ...at least from a NBA fan perspective. I think seeing Duncan climb in the hot tub time machine will be the most memorable thing about this season if they dont rang. Manu has a game winner and Parker climbed the PG ladder ... but duncan had a Kareem in 1985 type season when just a few years back BR was disgusted that Timmy made the ASG and others also had shoveled dirt on him, even if Parker wins a another MVP this will be Duncan's moment like the nerdy clean version of Ray Lewis ...and yes I would have to reconsider Duncan's place over Kobe.

[TacoMeatJackson]

yeah they embarrassed. Snitch got that Achilles tore up like I tear up pussy.

[midnightpulp]

Except for the OT games I wouldnt call this playoff run memorable ...at least from a NBA fan perspective. I think seeing Duncan climb in the hot tub time machine will be the most memorable thing about this season if they dont rang. Manu has a game winner and Parker climbed the PG ladder ... but duncan had a Kareem in 1985 type season when just a few years back BR was disgusted that Timmy made the ASG and others also had shoveled dirt on him, even if Parker wins a another MVP this will be Duncan's moment like the nerdy clean version of Ray Lewis ...and yes I would have to reconsider Duncan's place over Kobe.

For Spurs fans, it definitely is.

This was the Lakers/Thunder's conference to lose, and no one (except Hollinger) expected the Spurs to make much noise in the post-season.

Indeed, it would've been sweeter to knock off a healthy Thunder enroute, but this Memphis team was no pushover. Prior to the series, the Spurs were supposed to be no match for Memphis' frontline that was, as one fan said, "going to eat Tim Duncan alive," and their lockdown perimeter defense that was going to put a stranglehold on Tony Parker. I even believed it myself to some extent. Memphis looked scary good coming into the series.

So to sweep this team, the same team that made a suspect trade (at the time) that shifted the balance of power in the Western Conference away from the Spurs to the Lakers and then handed the Spurs an embarrassing upset 3 years later, is a pretty big deal for Spurfan.

[Killakobe81]

For Spurs fans, it definitely is.

This was the Lakers/Thunder's conference to lose, and no one (except Hollinger) expected the Spurs to make much noise in the post-season.

Indeed, it would've been sweeter to knock off a healthy Thunder enroute, but this Memphis team was no pushover. Prior to the series, the Spurs were supposed to be no match for Memphis' frontline that was, as one fan said, "going to eat Tim Duncan alive," and their lockdown perimeter defense that was going to put a stranglehold on Tony Parker. I even believed it myself to some extent. Memphis looked scary good coming into the series.

So to sweep this team, the same team that made a suspect trade (at the time) that shifted the balance of power in the Western Conference away from the Spurs to the Lakers and then handed the Spurs an embarrassing upset 3 years later, is a pretty big deal for Spurfan.

Not disputing that Spurs ride has not been fun. Just saying if they don't win it all what will endure? For me I will remember Manu's shot and Duncan doing work even more than Parker regaining his MVP conversation form. Sure you got revenge on Memphis and swept the Lakers but none of that was memorable. Trust me if you guys beat the Kang THAT would be meorable maybe even more so that the Mavs in 2011 ...

[midnightpulp]

Not disputing that Spurs ride has not been fun. Just saying if they don't win it all what will endure? For me I will remember Manu's shot and Duncan doing work even more than Parker regaining his MVP conversation form. Sure you got revenge on Memphis and swept the Lakers but none of that was memorable. Trust me if you guys beat the Kang THAT would be meorable maybe even more so that the Mavs in 2011 ...

The fact this team stepped up, against all odds, and made one last push for their 5th championship.

[Killakobe81]

The fact this team stepped up, against all odds, and made one last push for their 5th championship.

You speaking purely as a Spur fan. Im speaking as ageneral NBA fan ...
Let me ask you this Mid. Since you like to throw stats around ...Duncan in his post game comments got me thinking about this ...they have not been that far away (Parker said the same he promised Tim a Finals trip) so how can you call this (please explain)... how is this against all odds? Consider teh following:

1. Spurs have a legit top 10 heck, top 5 arguably player (i only started watching in 1980) who is not in his prime but had one of the best "senior" seasons since KAJ.
2. Spurs have had the best record over the past 3 seasons
3. They have a all-time top 3 coach (in my years I go : 1. PJ 2. Riley 3. Popovich)
4. A player playing at an MVP level
5. Proven vets A la Fisher, Horry and Battier (though he plays dumb at times) Manu is proven at that role ...

SO my question is was this run more likely given the above or the loss to the Grizz?
Spurs may over achieved a bit record-wise the past 3 years but they also under-achieved in the playoffs a bit.

Not saying dont be excited, not saying dont be excited ...but I am not completely shocked ans would not say it has been memorable, impressive yes, but memorable? No. I predicted at least one WCF run out of Tim before he retired you were blessed with two PLUS A Finals run ... if he closes this out even if Parker does the heavy lifting the most memorable moments will come come from there seeing Timmy get 5. Otherwise this whole playoffs has not been very memorable not just for Spurs. Curry was hot for a few games, but it's been the James show and Spurs have quietly matched them in the West. Nothing memorable has happened especially with the injuries all over the playoff teams.

[Killakobe81]

And that is not a knock, Spurs have been doing work. Like a ninja quiet effective and deadly work. Just not memorable ...yet.
They beat James and it willbe teh biggest upset even bigger than 2011 Mavs tbh ...

[midnightpulp]

You speaking purely as a Spur fan. Im speaking as ageneral NBA fan ...
Let me ask you this Mid. Since you like to throw stats around ...Duncan in his post game got me thinking about this ...so what you to explain how is this against all odds?

1. Spurs have a legit top 10 heck, top 5 arguably player who is not in his prime but had one of the best "senior" seasons since KAJ.
2. Spurs have had the best record over the past 3 seasons
3. They have a all-time top 3 coach (in my years I go : 1. PJ 2. Riley 3.Popovich)
4. A player playing at an MVP level
5. Proven vets A la Fisher, Horry and Battier (though he plays dumb at times) Manu is proven at that role ...

SO my question is was this run more likely given the above or the loss to the Grizz?
Spurs may over achieved a bit record-wise but they also under-achieved in the playoffs a bit.

Not saying dont be excited, not saying dont be impressed ...but I am not completely shocked. I predicted at least one WCF run out of Tim before he rtired you were blessed with two PLUS A Finals run ... if he closes this out even if Parker does the heavy lifting the most memorable momenst will come there. Otherwise this whole playoffs has not been very memorable. Curry was hot for a few games, but it's been the James show and Spurs have quietly matched them in the West.

1. Prior to the season, no one expected Duncan to have the kind of resurgence he did. And all the while, we feared his age would catch up with him at some point. Other than a mid-season injury, it never did. And the fact he outplayed the best frontline in the league that featured the DPOY at 37 years old was indeed a memorable moment in his career, and for Spurfan overall.

2. And that best regular season record ended with a disappointing playoff run every time. So no one expected this year to be different. It's why you saw so many knee-jerk meltdowns from Spurfan. We just kind of expected something bad to happen. We thought the Lakers upset win over the Spurs near the end of the season was a sign of things to come. After getting swept by the rival Suns, 8 and the backdoor sweep, it was almost expected the next let down would be losing to the Kobe-less Lakers in the first round. That didn't happen, so now we thought Golden State would be the team to stick the knife in. After that, Memphis. So for a fanbase that has been cynical the past 5 years, the Spurs reaching the Finals is considered something of an over-achievement.

3. Coaching can only take you so far. Spurs lack the superstar talent compared to other top teams.

4. And a player who was never known for really "stepping up" in the playoffs. He did in the WCF. His best playoff series ever. Just for that reason, this season is already somewhat memorable.

5. Spurs actually don't have any bench players other than Manu who are "proven" vets. After him, it's Neal, Bonner, and Diaw, the first two of which make us cringe when they check in.


All things considered, this is a pretty memorable season for Spurs fans. But I understand how a general NBA fan wouldn't give a , since there's really no overall selling point to draw them in.

[dunkman]

Well, at least they made the playoffs.

[Killakobe81]

1. Prior to the season, no one expected Duncan to have the kind of resurgence he did. And all the while, we feared his age would catch up with him at some point. Other than a mid-season injury, it never did. And the fact he outplayed the best frontline in the league that featured the DPOY at 37 years old was indeed a memorable moment in his career, and for Spurfan overall.

2. And that best regular season record ended with a disappointing playoff run every time. So no one expected this year to be different. It's why you saw so many knee-jerk meltdowns from Spurfan. We just kind of expected something bad to happen. We thought the Lakers upset win over the Spurs near the end of the season was a sign of things to come. After getting swept by the rival Suns, 8 and the backdoor sweep, it was almost expected the next let down would be losing to the Kobe-less Lakers in the first round. That didn't happen, so now we thought Golden State would be the team to stick the knife in. After that, Memphis. So for a fanbase that has been cynical the past 5 years, the Spurs reaching the Finals is considered something of an over-achievement.

3. Coaching can only take you so far. Spurs lack the superstar talent compared to other top teams.

4. And a player who was never known for really "stepping up" in the playoffs. He did in the WCF. His best playoff series ever. Just for that reason, this season is already somewhat memorable.

5. Spurs actually don't have any bench players other than Manu who are "proven" vets. After him, it's Neal, Bonner, and Diaw, the first two of which make us cringe when they check in.


All things considered, this is a pretty memorable season for Spurs fans. But I understand how a general NBA fan wouldn't give a , since there's really no overall selling point to draw them in.

I know it's semantics but let me give you some examples:

1. Spurs in 2005 was more memorable that 2007 because the Finals opponent was the defending champs and I will REMEMBER Horry's shot to force OT vs. Detroit.
i can remember Rasheed leaving Horry and the look on his face when Horry splashed that "j" . 2007 was more impressive (results) they swept LEbron who may end up being the GOAT ...but I remember 2005 even though I am not a Spurs fan

2. Lakers in 2009 were a better team than 2010 and even though rox pushed us to 7 games 2010 had the MWP put back, Kobe slapping Gentry on the ass and the MWP big 3 vs. the celts and Fisher's lay-up in Boston ...memorable moments.

SO I am not saying Spur fans shouldnt enjoy this, the run is impressive just saying still waiting for a few more moments (outside of Manu's jumper) to really put a bow on this run ...and dont give me that aww shucks Spurs are just lucky to be here or it's a success either way ... you win or you lose these. There is no moral victories tbh ...Sure getting there against a tough West is impressive but the goal is to finish it. It will taste far less sweet if you dont win. When they show .4 every playoffs that is cool but I much prefer ... HOrry ...for the win ... YES!!!! Why? Because we finished it. (that and the Kobe pass to shaq to nail the Blazers are my favorite Laker playoff moments. Finals it's Magic's baby hook, Worthy's dive to save the inbounds play and Magic's first Finals MVP)

[Mugen]

not reading through these walls of text so I'm not sure if this is even the correct thread for the below.

But I'd take the following teams in a series over the '13 Heat tbh:

-'01 Lakers
-'04 Pistons
-'05 Spurs
-'07 Spurs
-'08 Celtics

LeBron is the best player out of all those teams except for maybe an 01 Shaq but I don't feel comfortable counting on a gimpy Wade and Bosh in a matchup against any of the above teams tbh.

[DMC]

Thanks Lakers for getting 7th seed. You almost guaranteed the Spurs a trip to the WCF. Had you missed the playoffs, the Spurs would have had a tougher road.