48MoH: San Antonio Spurs 100, Los Angeles Lakers 81: Gregg Popovich and the Spurs’ si

[Blackjack]

San Antonio Spurs 100, Los Angeles Lakers 81: Gregg Popovich and the Spurs’ silent ascent
by Timothy Varner

The San Antonio Spurs and Gregg Popovich didn’t provide the Los Angeles Lakers a full-on beating, but their 100-81 victory was impressive. And it looked like it hurt, if only a little.

The Spurs’ usual late season surge has come fashionably late this season, but here it is, roughly a month behind schedule. And I suspect the other party-goers are taking notice, whispering amongst themselves and circling the punch bowl.

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[silverblk mystix]

nice read...

this season has been an interesting one...

go spurs go

[Blackjack]

First off, great win yesterday. It seems we've had to ask ourselves, "Is this this best win of the season?" pretty frequently lately and it's been a nice change.

For the first time this year, I saw a Championship performance. I've seen some very impressive outings lately but none that had all the ingredients of yesterday; the Spurs as a collective brought forth the effort, intensity, toughness, composure and execution that's been paramount to past championship success. From Matt Bonner and Keith Bogans putting a real positive imprint on the game, to the stellar play of both Manu and Tim, it was the recipe and blueprint for future success at the highest of levels.

Now, to something Tim had to say.

But Popovich’s insistence on playing a ‘centerpiece’ wing defender (Keith Bogans, who, in honesty, previously didn’t deserve the minutes) is finally starting to take shape as a smart move, especially when that wing defender is the more impressive three-headed monster of Bogans-Jefferson-Hairston.

I've always been on board with the 'centerpiece' role but his selection for it left me less than enthused. Having said that, he's got no other choice, and Bogans must come through. Hairston may have outplayed him for the position to start the season and be the better defender out on the floor, but he just hasn't been given the reps and had the time to find his way and confidence to play on both ends significant minutes. How Pop is using him now is exactly how he should: situational and a defensive closer.

The positive for THC and Malik is that he's gained Pop's trust and respect on the defensive end, as he went with him to close a big game on the road against Kobe.

It's progress and bodes well for the future . . .

[the crimson blur]

Man, its great to have a fantastic coach.