6-7 With Utah up next

[101A]

That's what the situation was in 1999.

A team with an aging superstar - trying to make new pieces (not the least of which a free-agent wing starter) fit into their system.

...and they lost.

That Utah game was the low point - Pop was nearly gone, etc. Then the Spurs travelled TO Houston got a big win, and, well: You ALL know the cliches.

History may repeat itself; it may not. Either way, since that LOW point in '99 we have ALL gotten to enjoy an entire decade of contention, great basketball and FOUR championships.

If this current version of the team (an expensive and desperate attempt to extend an incredible run) doesn't pan out? So be it. It's been a great time - a true golden age; and I tip my hat to the entire Spurs organization for the memories, and to people like Kori and TIMVP for enhancing the effect.

Tonite's game, though in December; feels like a pivotal one - the Utah game in '99 was the low point; here's hoping in '09 its the beginning of another great run.

[ElNono]

That's what the situation was in 1999.

A team with an aging superstar - trying to make new pieces (not the least of which a free-agent wing starter) fit into their system.

...and they lost.

That Utah game was the low point - Pop was nearly gone, etc. Then the Spurs travelled TO Houston got a big win, and, well: You ALL know the cliches.

History may repeat itself; it may not. Either way, since that LOW point in '99 we have ALL gotten to enjoy an entire decade of contention, great basketball and FOUR championships.

If this current version of the team (an expensive and desperate attempt to extend an incredible run) doesn't pan out? So be it. It's been a great time - a true golden age; and I tip my hat to the entire Spurs organization for the memories, and to people like Kori and TIMVP for enhancing the effect.

Tonite's game, though in December; feels like a pivotal one - the Utah game in '99 was the low point; here's hoping in '09 its the beginning of another great run.

Good post. I actually can already see the Buck Harvey article tomorrow if we win, including the usual Harvey cliché to end it:

Now? just like back then...

[silverblackfan]

Amen to that. I am also waiting for the team to turn the corner on one of these quality teams and start climbing back in to the upper ranks. I think that is the most frustrating thing as a fan is to know this is one of the most talented teams ever and still not seeing them perform as expected.
It will happen. I know this because the team is composed, top to bottom, of quality players and coaching staff. It will happen as long as everyone is healthy. , given the depth, even a few injuries will not be critical as long as everyone is clicking.
I think this New Year is going to be a great one. The team should be humming by then.

[urunobili]

Utah kicked our butts twice already... the Spurs will play with a vengeance...

[spurspokesman]

Utah kicked our butts twice already... the Spurs will play with a vengeance...

Hope so. We are yet to beat a real team exc dallas. Hopefully we can get the ball rolling.

[Mel_13]

That's what the situation was in 1999.

A team with an aging superstar - trying to make new pieces (not the least of which a free-agent wing starter) fit into their system.

...and they lost.

That Utah game was the low point - Pop was nearly gone, etc. Then the Spurs travelled TO Houston got a big win, and, well: You ALL know the cliches.

History may repeat itself; it may not. Either way, since that LOW point in '99 we have ALL gotten to enjoy an entire decade of contention, great basketball and FOUR championships.

If this current version of the team (an expensive and desperate attempt to extend an incredible run) doesn't pan out? So be it. It's been a great time - a true golden age; and I tip my hat to the entire Spurs organization for the memories, and to people like Kori and TIMVP for enhancing the effect.

Tonite's game, though in December; feels like a pivotal one - the Utah game in '99 was the low point; here's hoping in '09 its the beginning of another great run.

Great post.

There are also some parallels to last year. The team had early injuries to Manu and Tony and were below .500 until a short winning streak put them at 9-6. After getting to 9-6, there were two bad losses in Houston and at home against Detroit that took them to 9-8. Like the Denver game on Saturday, the Spurs had a double digit lead against Detroit and played dismally down the stretch and lost.

Last year, that 9-8 team had to travel to play a 14-6 Denver team that had already beaten the Spurs in San Antonio. This year they travel to play an 11-8 Utah team that has already beaten the Spurs twice. Last year, the Spurs won that game in Denver 108-91 and began a stretch that saw them win 30 of the next 39 games. This year....

[ElNono]

Great post.

There are also some parallels to last year. The team had early injuries to Manu and Tony and were below .500 until a short winning streak put them at 9-6. After getting to 9-6, there were two bad losses in Houston and at home against Detroit that took them to 9-8. Like the Denver game on Saturday, the Spurs had a double digit lead against Detroit and played dismally down the stretch and lost.

Last year, that 9-8 team had to travel to play a 14-6 Denver team that had already beaten the Spurs in San Antonio. This year they travel to play an 11-8 Utah team that has already beaten the Spurs twice. Last year, the Spurs won that game in Denver 108-91 and began a stretch that saw them win 30 of the next 39 games. This year....

I don't care what the similarities are... I most certainly hope this team is nothing like last year's team. Let's stick to comparing to 1999...

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

I don't care what the similarities are... I most certainly hope this team is nothing like last year's team. Let's stick to comparing to 1999...

I would have to agree with this. I like the '99 comparison a lot better.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

101A, I was just having a similar conversation with someone about the Spurs' season last week. I think the Spurs have the talent to be very good. I think they just have to get people healthy and playing together confidently.

[Doctor J]

More about that 1999 situation is found here.

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/show...999+spurs+utah

[VBM]

I'll only entertain the 99 comparison if TP starts speaking with a thick Louisiana drawl and starts yelling out "5-0!" a bunch...

[duhoh]

That's what the situation was in 1999.

A team with an aging superstar - trying to make new pieces (not the least of which a free-agent wing starter) fit into their system.

...and they lost.

That Utah game was the low point - Pop was nearly gone, etc. Then the Spurs travelled TO Houston got a big win, and, well: You ALL know the cliches.

History may repeat itself; it may not. Either way, since that LOW point in '99 we have ALL gotten to enjoy an entire decade of contention, great basketball and FOUR championships.

If this current version of the team (an expensive and desperate attempt to extend an incredible run) doesn't pan out? So be it. It's been a great time - a true golden age; and I tip my hat to the entire Spurs organization for the memories, and to people like Kori and TIMVP for enhancing the effect.

Tonite's game, though in December; feels like a pivotal one - the Utah game in '99 was the low point; here's hoping in '09 its the beginning of another great run.

agreed. would be absolutely thrilled, if our boys bring another LoB, but if not, it's all good. we really are blessed to see this fantastic run

[Blackjack]

I would have to agree with this. I like the '99 comparison a lot better.

Agree with the sentiment, but I can't say I see the stronger parallel being with '99.

Call me crazy, but I fully expect this team to have 50+ wins by the end of the season. I'm not questioning if this team is going to be good, or even really good, I'm questioning whether they've got what it takes to beat the best of the best; greatness is in question.

If age and injuries weren't part of the equation, I'd have a different outlook; they obviously are, however..

Tim and Manu, in my eyes, are the key guys who put the Spurs over the top.

Recent history suggests they won't be able to sustain a Championship-level long enough to accomplish the team's ultimate goal..

Make a move and/or prove me wrong, Spurs..

Nothing would make me happier.

[SamoanTD]

I think were gonna grind these guys out

[rascal]

Great post.

There are also some parallels to last year. The team had early injuries to Manu and Tony and were below .500 until a short winning streak put them at 9-6. After getting to 9-6, there were two bad losses in Houston and at home against Detroit that took them to 9-8. Like the Denver game on Saturday, the Spurs had a double digit lead against Detroit and played dismally down the stretch and lost.

Last year, that 9-8 team had to travel to play a 14-6 Denver team that had already beaten the Spurs in San Antonio. This year they travel to play an 11-8 Utah team that has already beaten the Spurs twice. Last year, the Spurs won that game in Denver 108-91 and began a stretch that saw them win 30 of the next 39 games. This year....

Why are you comparing this team to last years? That team was not good and out in the first round.