Schoening: Big Three Getting Help

[duncan228]

Big Three Getting Help
by Bill Schoening

Prior to each game I try to spend some time with opposing coaches, players, and broadcasters to get their thoughts on the game at hand. When I ask players about the keys to a win over the Spurs, the answer is almost always the same...contain the Spurs "Big Three" of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili.

Clearly the focus of the defense is to somehow limit the top three scorers for San Antonio. That's why the performance of "role" players becomes critical to the Spurs' success this season. Roger Mason Jr's game winning three pointer at Phoenix on Christmas Day is the Spurs' shining moment so far this season.

Matt Bonner's numbers have droppped a bit in the past week, but he is still ranked in the top five in three-point field goal percentage in the NBA (as is Mason). Kurt Thomas and Michael Finley came up with clutch defense to help preserve the double overtime home win Saturday against Memphis.

Bruce Bowen is assuming the role of "cooler" as he is called upon to come off the bench and cool off the Rudy Gays and Brandon Roys of this world.

Yes, opposing teams are justified to pay special attention to Tim, Tony and Manu, but it's the supporting cast that make it that much tougher to earn a win against the Spurs.

[xtremesteven33]

they still need some minor pieces to be considered the best. IMO

[DROB4EVER]

they still need some minor pieces to be considered the best. IMO

Agreed!

[Thomas82]

they still need some minor pieces to be considered the best. IMO

I think they need one more big man and one more shooter, they'll be set then.

[Illusionarist]

I think they need one more big man and one more shooter, they'll be set then.

yeap. Itotally agree. One big man like Perkins i think would do. Grab some rebounds and help Tim

[Kent_in_Atlanta]

I think they need one more big man and one more shooter, they'll be set then.

One more shooter????

2 of the top 5 3-point shooters in the league, plus Finley, Ginobili, Parker from mid-range, and Bowen from the corners... that's not enough?

As for a big man... sure, it would be great to have Marcus Camby at Center, but whether it's Tim and Bonner (for a quicker lineup) or Tim and Thomas... I feel pretty good about this team down low.