Ludden: Seasonal slumping by Duncan

[Extra Stout]

On Duncan himself, I don't think he has played great for a sustained period of time for a long time. I used to love watching him play because he was exciting and almost flat unstoppable. Then, he got too far into that drawing fouls thing and now he's out of that but perhaps playing too unselfishly and with not enough authority.

I agree with a lot of this. He shows flashes now, but doesn't take over games the way he used to. I think it's a combination of:
-- Being unselfish and letting guys like Tony build confidence in the clutch so they can be counted on in the playoffs
-- Just having trouble finding a rhythm with fewer minutes and deferring more to teammates
-- Not being 25 anymore, and having to pick his spots sometimes
-- The post- le malaise when the part of the season you really care about seems so far off in the future and there's a grind left to get there

If he ever gets back to his old self, I think it will be evident to everyone.

I think he'll find a rhythm, and unless it coincides with big injuries to other guys, I think it will spur a long winning streak and a surge where Dallas gets small in the rearview mirror.

[polandprzem]

Karl malone was always young

[Amuseddaysleeper]

I agree with a lot of this. He shows flashes now, but doesn't take over games the way he used to. I think it's a combination of:
-- Being unselfish and letting guys like Tony build confidence in the clutch so they can be counted on in the playoffs
-- Just having trouble finding a rhythm with fewer minutes and deferring more to teammates
-- Not being 25 anymore, and having to pick his spots sometimes
-- The post- le malaise when the part of the season you really care about seems so far off in the future and there's a grind left to get there


I think he'll find a rhythm, and unless it coincides with big injuries to other guys, I think it will spur a long winning streak and a surge where Dallas gets small in the rearview mirror.

i agree 100% there is a much bigger difference between the TD of today and the TD of 2003 and prior than people realize

[easjer]

Sorry, kris, I never played basketball. So I truly don't know. I did run a little track (slowly) and ducked when playing catch with my father (much to his sportsman's chagrin).

But I can't hate on someone who uses the word attenuated in a post. I'm still in awe of that.

[Extra Stout]

Sorry, kris, I never played basketball. So I truly don't know. I did run a little track (slowly) and ducked when playing catch with my father (much to his sportsman's chagrin).

But I can't hate on someone who uses the word attenuated in a post. I'm still in awe of that.

kris seems like one of those guys for whom when he posts, school is in session, and you just take notes. A sage, is he. Rare, they are.

[easjer]

Well, I reserve judgement on that, but do admire anyone who can take heated arguments so calmly.

And again. Attenuated. A fine word, that.

[Extra Stout]

Well, I reserve judgement on that, but do admire anyone who can take heated arguments so calmly.

And again. Attenuated. A fine word, that.

It is a bona fide 75-cent word. He's seventh in the league in assists with that word.

[SequSpur]

I don't enjoy watching the Spurs play back to backs. It's like they don't even show up.

Rack up their usual losses and at the end of the day, they will be in the West Finals.

What would've happened if Game 7 was in Detroit?

That may happen this year. I think it is a product of Pop's plan to rest people which opens the door to piss poor play on back to backs. Is it truly a night off? or is a game against a ty East team just as important as a roadie against the Suns or Mavs?

Also, Duncan's personal hygiene is lacking as well.