If the Spurs were going to lose . . .

[timvp]

. . . that's the way to lose. The turnaround time for Game 4 is rather quick. Fatigue now doesn't have to be a concern. Motivation should also not be a concern. Pop and the coaching staff should have the team's full attention.

Playoff losses are always tough to swallow but this one had no mystery. The Mavs were clogging the land and single-teaming Duncan. If that happens and Duncan can't score against single coverage and the three-point shooters aren't going to make shots, then the Spurs are going to get blown out. Thankfully, the Spurs can usually beat that style of defense. If they can't then they were going to trip up somewhere along the line anyways. There was no secret strategy the Mavs used or anything that should cause too much worry. It's a matter of execution and personnel playing up to their abilities on that end.

Defensively it was a little bit more worrisome, mostly because Finley can't defend his own got damn shadow and Bonner gets soft if he's not producing on the other end. But more energy, more focus and a better defensive effort out of Duncan will give the Spurs a shot. It looked like what I dreaded happened ... the Spurs didn't account for the fact that the Mavs were going to play with about 1000 times as much energy as they did in Game 2. The Spurs came out like they were going to go up against the same Mavs team they saw in San Antonio. Hopefully they now realize the difference and adjust accordingly.

All in all, this series still is pretty much going as expected. I gave the Spurs a 35-40% shot to win it when it began and I still give them that shot. They're no doubt the underdogs because they have to play closer to perfect than the Mavs but it's entirely possible.

Regroup, watch film, listen to Pop rant, fill the cup with determination and try to regain homecourt advantage on Saturday.

Believe.



P.S.

[edited due to complaints]

[ducks]

yeah atleast all the shooters were cold tonight
I think they will be hot next game

[4001 STEREO SPUR]

Motivation should also not be a concern. Pop and the coaching staff should have the team's full attention.

They certainly should be motivated now!!

[TDMVPDPOY]

so what happens if they dont win game 4?

hoping for a turn around in game 5?

[rold50]

Believe

[ElNono]

Tell you what, they better not come out with a bubu on Saturday. No excuses. The next game is a must-win.

[timvp]

Yeah man, all you gave was a transcript.

Whatever. I wasn't at the game, and I don't say stuff like that to opposing fans at sporting events, so I've got no real interest here. But, like I said, I expect better out of the people who run this board (and some of the other top posters here). Also, it's incredibly hypocritical, because I've heard the same caliber stuff (and worse) every single time I've been to SA for a game.

I don't hear Spurs fans calling every opponents fans a phobic slur. Even little kids. Spurs fans are at least a little bit more creative.

that's okay, because the Spurs--sorry, the Spurs fans personally--have four championships?

Good point.

Four rings.

[DPG21920]

Timvp: How do you explain the way the game went? Meaning, do you put it on Pop not having the guys ready? Is it Tim and Tony's fault for not being focused and bringing the energy...?

[Findog]

Timvp: How do you explain the way the game meant? Meaning, do you put it on Pop not having the guys ready? Is it Tim and Tony's fault for not being focused and bringing the energy...?

Personally, it just seems like the Spurs couldn't hit water from a boat. At one point they were 1/14 from 3-pt. At the half they were 13/43 from the floor. That's just not going to happen again. The Mavs energy and execution was much better, as evidenced by them dominating the boards, but I don't expect the Spurs to shoot that badly again.

[spursfan1000]

I expect the Spurs to ajust well for game 4 as they did from 1-2. I think that they will win game 4 in a close game.

[ManuTP9]

Game 4 well be ready

[Rogue]

by far in this series, smokey has been playing beyond good. I think the spurs will survive longer if Pop put out Bowen in the starting lineup, otherwise even smokey himself will be a big trouble for the spurs in game 4&5, or even in game 6 if necessary.

[leemajors]

I really like the area though (cool bars, nice living/shopping and restaurants), too bad there are a lot of d-bags. But the young ladies and Dallacudas are lovely to look at.

the quarter bar was really cool last time i was up there. nice beer selection.

[DPG21920]

There is really nothing left to say about the game though. Like I said many times, with all the talent these teams have in the NBA, many times energy and focus is the difference in winning and losing.

Can't wait to see the 5000000000000 articles analyzing this game

[ElNono]

There is really nothing left to say about the game though. Like I said many times, with all the talent these teams have in the NBA, many times energy and focus is the difference in winning and losing.

Can't wait to see the 5000000000000 articles analyzing this game

Actually, I can't wait to read the gazillion articles propping the Mavs new and improved defense, when we really had open looks and we couldn't knock down anything. That said, I'm glad next game is in 40 something hours.

[timvp]

Alright let me go check out this town.

[Findog]

Alright let me go check out this town.

Stay away from the West End (lame) and Deep Ellum (unsafe). For bars and nightlife, there is Lee Harvey's, The Quinn, the Lakewood Landing, the bars in Exposition Park near the Cotton Bowl (Meridian Room, New Amsterdam Bar).

I don't know what you like to eat, but there's plenty of good places depending on what you're looking for.

[dallaskd]

timvp, what did you think about the acc and everything tonight? how does it compare to at&t

[DPG21920]

Woah, I leave for 3 mins and there is a ton of edits.

[timvp]

I moved the extra curricular topics to this thread:

http://spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123989

Both fanbases played hard.

[leemajors]

Stay away from the West End (lame) and Deep Ellum (unsafe). For bars and nightlife, there is Lee Harvey's, The Quinn, the Lakewood Landing, the bars in Exposition Park near the Cotton Bowl (Meridian Room, New Amsterdam Bar).

I don't know what you like to eat, but there's plenty of good places depending on what you're looking for.

is greenville still ok? he could always pig out at snuffer's on cheese fries

[timvp]

Stay away from the West End (lame) and Deep Ellum (unsafe). For bars and nightlife, there is Lee Harvey's, The Quinn, the Lakewood Landing, the bars in Exposition Park near the Cotton Bowl (Meridian Room, New Amsterdam Bar).

I don't know what you like to eat, but there's plenty of good places depending on what you're looking for.

Thanks for suggestions.

timvp, what did you think about the acc and everything tonight? how does it compare to at&t

AAC = pretty damn cool. Like Staples but not as mall-ish. More later if I remember

[DPG21920]

ACC is a great place. They do a fantastic job.

Greenville is cool. There are a lot of nice places. Timvp, check out Glorias, good food and the ritas will make you forget the beat down

[ploto]

timvp, what did you think about the acc and everything tonight? how does it compare to at&t

Air Canada Center? Just kiddin'

The American Airlines Center is really nice- better than the AT&T. I have always had good experiences there and fans were never awful to me, and I cheer really loud and get all excited. Actually, the only person I remember ever being ugly to me was a woman and her BF looked at her like she was an idiot. I was there for the OT game 4 in 2006 and when it was over, the guys by me shook my hand, said good game, and see you at Game 6.

[Findog]

is greenville still ok? he could always pig out at snuffer's on cheese fries

If he goes to Greenville, then I would recommend the Libertine and not much else.