Game Thoughts: Spurs @ Mavs - Nov. 15

[SenorSpur]

To my mind, Finley should be replaced by Udoka in the starting line up. Udoka doesn't yet know the system, but now is the time to give him minutes to learn it. Finley just looks lousy on both ends.

Against the Mavs, the Spurs need more scoring. In the playoffs, I'd rather see Darius Washington than Vaughn. Washington needs more minutes so that he can be up to par in post season.

Finally, I wonder if the Spurs would consider offering the Cavs (who are now without a completely unproductive Larry Hughes) Barry and a 2nd round pick in a sign and trade for Sideshow Bob at the MLE for the remainder of the season. Varejao could defend Nowitski and provide rebounding, energy, high screens and defense. With Udoka in the fold, we could get along without Barry and would add a piece that could be invaluable in the Spring. Another player to consider is Trevor Ariza. Ariza is not playing in Orlando and has the length, vertical hops and athleticism to agitate Nowitski or slow down Jason Terry. Ariza also has an expiring deal so if it doesn't work out it doesn't cause long term problems. I'd be willing to give up a late first round pick for Ariza. He's as good as anyone we would draft at 28 anyway.

Everybody knows that Finley is a one-trick pony. If his shot is falling, he has virtually no value on the court and should be benched. Pop tends to stick with him far too long in games like this.

I agree with the suggestion of giving minutes to Udoka. If nothing else he could help slow down the Mavs potent offensive weapons. Barry showed up big, but of course he's a revolving turnstile on defense.

Ah Trevor Ariza. His possible acquisition has been mentioned in a couple of other threads. I know the Spurs have considered him before, but I think a potential trade is a long shot. They seem content on mainitaining Barry's expiring contract for now. Though I believe he would be an intriguing acquisition.

[callo1]

Holy , this thread is still going on?

It was a regular season game get over it. I honestly don't care if we win a single game against Dallas in the regular season. The playoffs are what matters.

Let the Mav fans have another regular season championship celebration like they had last year. BTW, how was that parade last year, and the year before Mav fan?

[stretch]

Let the Mav fans have another regular season championship celebration like they had last year. BTW, how was that parade last year, and the year before Mav fan?

It was quite good. We had hot dogs, cheetoes, and ice cream.

[elec99]

This comes a little late but will post anyway.

I always wondered what cards Pop was gonna pull out against the mavs during the playoffs, but thanks to Golden State we won't have to until this Playoffs 2008, assuming we meet. But Pop won't reveal any secrets, if any, during the regular season. He'll drop 1-3 against a team during the season if he has to, not that this loss was intentional. Meaning, he'll try out different plays, and study the opponent at a risk of losing the game.

Despite what others think, I did see promise of Oberto against Nowitzki, and it wasn't the first time. I saw it last season too, but again, didn't get a chance in the playoffs to use it. Oberto, if he can get the step, is faster, and can get the easy layup plus it makes Dirk work on D and possibly pick up fouls.

And don't blame the Mavs trolls. We'd do the same thing to them if they had 4 trophies!

[SenorSpur]

Holy , this thread is still going on?

It was a regular season game get over it. I honestly don't care if we win a single game against Dallas in the regular season. The playoffs are what matters.

Let the Mav fans have another regular season championship celebration like they had last year. BTW, how was that parade last year, and the year before Mav fan?

Don't give me that about this is simply a matter of the Spurs not caring enough to win these games. This doesn't have have anything to do with a regular season championship. It's about expressing a real concern on a formidable opponent, who presents matchups problems that the Spurs and their coaching staff haven't solved for the past 2 years.

Anyone who can't see the matchup deficiencies the Spurs have versus the Mavs is blind. During the 2006 regular season, the Mavs presented simliar trouble for ths Spurs. Many on this forum simply "poo-pooed" them away saying "it'll be different when the playoffs start". Then what happened? The playoffs started and the Spurs had trouble stopping Bonzi Wells. And of course after squeaking by the Queens in a hard-fought series, the Spurs ultimately found themselves down in a 3-1 hole versus their in-state rival.

Look at the bigger picture. The game last week reminds us all that nothing has changed since the 2006 WCSF. It's a microcosm of what we can expect when the playoffs start. The Mavs present a serious matchup threat to the Spurs.

These teams know each other too well for their to be any magical secrets between them. Also, there isn't some mysterious "switch" the Spurs are going to push that will solve these matchup issues. My concern, is the Spurs haven't done enough to resolve these issues - especially their long-criticized age and lack of quickness at the wing positions.

[SenorSpur]

This comes a little late but will post anyway.

I always wondered what cards Pop was gonna pull out against the mavs during the playoffs, but thanks to Golden State we won't have to until this Playoffs 2008, assuming we meet. But Pop won't reveal any secrets, if any, during the regular season. He'll drop 1-3 against a team during the season if he has to, not that this loss was intentional. Meaning, he'll try out different plays, and study the opponent at a risk of losing the game.

Despite what others think, I did see promise of Oberto against Nowitzki, and it wasn't the first time. I saw it last season too, but again, didn't get a chance in the playoffs to use it. Oberto, if he can get the step, is faster, and can get the easy layup plus it makes Dirk work on D and possibly pick up fouls.

And don't blame the Mavs trolls. We'd do the same thing to them if they had 4 trophies!

Unlike GS, Pop doesn't have a lot of options. What is he going to do? Run 4 smalls out there who possess the quickness, shooting ability and athleticism of the Warriors? The Spurs don't have enough of those types of players. Recall that Pop resorted to small ball during the 2006 WCSF series. Sure they dug themselves out of a 3-1 hole to get back into the series and force a game 7. However, the question is can Pop produce a strategy that will be successful shutting down the horde of perimeter players the Mavs have? Can he create any matchup advantages of his own? I think the cupboard is limited.

[DubMcDub]

This comes a little late but will post anyway.

I always wondered what cards Pop was gonna pull out against the mavs during the playoffs, but thanks to Golden State we won't have to until this Playoffs 2008, assuming we meet. But Pop won't reveal any secrets, if any, during the regular season. He'll drop 1-3 against a team during the season if he has to, not that this loss was intentional. Meaning, he'll try out different plays, and study the opponent at a risk of losing the game.

Despite what others think, I did see promise of Oberto against Nowitzki, and it wasn't the first time. I saw it last season too, but again, didn't get a chance in the playoffs to use it. Oberto, if he can get the step, is faster, and can get the easy layup plus it makes Dirk work on D and possibly pick up fouls.

And don't blame the Mavs trolls. We'd do the same thing to them if they had 4 trophies!

The best writers in the world can't create comedy like this. Absolutely, undeniably classic.

[wildchild]

The best writers in the world can't create comedy like this. Absolutely, undeniably classic.

You'd better believe that. Could bet your ass! without a doubt.
Oberto in playoffs>>>>>Oberto in the regular season.

[smeagol]

So, how does it feel winning 67 games and going fishing in the first round?

[wildchild]

So, how does it feel winning 67 games and going fishing in the first round?

Well, in films, the bad guy usually loses (bad guys= Mav fans crybaby)

TransSequ: dans les films, les méchants perdent presque toujours.

[jack0fspeed]

It's early season, but here were my observations:

First, Josh Howard is officially unguardable this year. He's going to be the biggest difference when/if the Spurs and Mavs play for real.

Second, none of the changes made by either team (Elson, Udoka, Bass, Hassel, Eddie Jones, etc) are going to impact the respective matchup problems. Basically there's still no one that can guard Nowitzki, Duncan, Ginobili, and now ... Josh Howard.

Third Devin Harris outplayed Tony Parker in this game, but my money's on a push for that matchup in the playoffs.

Fourth, Duncan and Dirk phoned this one in. So I think we all know that in the playoffs they are going to touch the ball on just about every possession. That's going to be the biggest difference come playoff time.

Fifth, Stack looks like he's on the downhill side as do Bowen, Finley, and Horry (the last time I saw him). Jason Terry is an x-factor in that he shows up in the playoffs about 50% of the time. Probably one or more of the Spurs would step up and offset whatever Jet does.

Bottom line, the two teams are still pretty even. Still a 7 game series if the Mavs can get to them.