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Holy crap! Welcome back!
It's been ages.
Long time, no hear, playas.
I am still every bit as much a Spurs fan as ever, but you know that sometimes life has a funny way of consuming you --
(closing on the first little house, getting married, fiancee recently got diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, we're both in a bunch of other weddings this summer, etc. So I apologize for not posting in, like, months.
When things are hectic, it's nice to escape for a couple hours and enjoy your favorite team, especially when it's a team that "does it the right way," like the Spurs.
Some dumb broad I work with here said this morning, "I just can't get into this series." I responded flatly, "How can you not enjoy an overtime thriller?" She goes, "I just can't get excited about these teams." I go, "Oh yeah, you're Lakers aren't in it." Mind you, I live in friggin' Connecticut.
Anyway, last night seemed like the big payoff after four blowouts. It was like the Spurs landed a right hook in Games 1 & 2 and then the Pistons fired back with a left jab of their own in Games 3 & 4. Last night was big... to say the least.
Historically, the Spurs do not respond well when getting punched in the mouth, so to speak. I am reminded of Hakeem beating David, the Lakers sweeping the Spurs, the Lakers coming back on San Antonio last playoffs.
I was, admittedly, nervous before Game 5. But something I kept telling myself, was "All we need is one in Detroit and this can be it."
Also, this is not just Robinson and a bunch of okay players or Duncan surrounded by mediocrity.
This is a team.
I will admit that although I still think the Spurs could've been more agressive in putting established talent around Duncan in the past, the current and future state of the Spurs looks great.
It helps that Shaq and Kobe divorced, but, hey, that's their own d@mn fault.
The Spurs addressed needs. They got that viable backup PG with Udirih. They made up for the mistake that is Rasho by making an in-season trade of the popular veteran Rose for the starting center Mohammed. (Knicks fans I talk to still are sore about that deal, even with the first rounders NY gets from us.)
To be honest, Brent Barry has not contributed statistically much more than Hedo Turkoglu, but you have to understand that Barry's leadership is huge. He has fostered relationships with all the Spurs on and off the court. He is the type of motivator and "team guy" that Danny Ferry was.
And then we have the young guns. How far Ginobili and Parker have come.
Manu is the second ebst player on the Spurs. Some, by their "MVP" chants, would argue that he is the most important Spur.
Parker is doing just fine these playoffs. He still has room to grow, too.
Both of them were huge in the first two games, but faltered after Detroit refused to let them get to the rack without getting killed.
Last night, I as pleased to see both Spurs guards tweak their games to still have an impact without the scoring drives. Manu was brilliant on the boards and I thought Parker's on-the-ball defense was about as good as you can ask for against Billups and then Hamilton... two premiere scorers.
And then there is Bruce Bowen. I've never liked Bruce Bowen's game, even though from time to time he has proven me wrong. Well, Bowen gets a permananent pass from me from here on in. The 34-year-old has been outstanding. On defense and on offense! The timely threes have kept the Spurs in games during rough stretches. He has gotten into Rip Hamilton's head and his man-to-man late against Billups was just brilliant )kudos to Pop, too.)
Big Shot Bobby. Here's a guy that looked like he was on his last legs after failing to beat the Spurs a few years ago and coming up sluggish in last year's playoffs. Well, Robert Horry ain't done yet. Not much more to say here except that Horry certainly earned his next ring with his third le team. I think I busted a blood vessel after he made that last one. Unbelievable.
Duncan owes his teammates a debt of gra ude. I counted about four different ways Duncan could be held responsible for the Spurs losing last night, and I hate to say, probably the series. But his teammates bailed him aout time and again. By the way, aside from the inexcusable free throw misses, the follied putback and the careless turnover on the block, Duncan still had a huge game. Look at that box score! But you still expect him to step on the Pistons' throat in those big spots, and Duncan did not. Quite frankly, the past 3 games have not been Duncan's best and the Spurs are a game away from a le. It will be interesting to see who gets the Finals MVP, as ridiculous as it is to suggest that the Spurs are still not Team Duncan.
Now I expect Duncan to slam the door shut in Game 6.
Our best player does not have to do it alone anymore.
And that's why the Spurs will be champions for the third time in 6 years, with no slowing down in sight.
Bravo!
Holy crap! Welcome back!
It's been ages.
Nice Post Glad To See You Back Among The Living!
I'm sorry to hear about your wife/fiancee (not sure which it is at this point)...
In the name of the Father...and the son...and the...
HOLY GHOST!
Good to have ya back, man!
Congrats on the marriage and sorry to hear about your fiancee's health.
Manu != "mediocrity", eh?
Parker > Whitney ?Parker is doing just fine these playoffs. He still has room to grow, too.
You're progressing.And then there is Bruce Bowen. I've never liked Bruce Bowen's game, even though from time to time he has proven me wrong. Well, Bowen gets a permananent pass from me from here on in. The 34-year-old has been outstanding. On defense and on offense! The timely threes have kept the Spurs in games during rough stretches. He has gotten into Rip Hamilton's head and his man-to-man late against Billups was just brilliant )kudos to Pop, too.)
Agreed.Now I expect Duncan to slam the door shut in Game 6.
That's been the concept for some time now.Our best player does not have to do it alone anymore.
Yep. Good Times™ for Spurs fans.And that's why the Spurs will be champions for the third time in 6 years, with no slowing down in sight.
Bravo!
Thanks, y'all.
What up, travis2. It's life, man. Ya gotta do the best with the cards you are dealt. Things will be fine.
So what did I miss here since the All-Star Break?
I think the Spurs win in 6.
Duncan will not leave things to chance and I expect Manu and Parker to get to the rack again (and get some f'n calls).
I'd like to see Barry break out with 3-4 bombs.
Who gets Finals MVP? Does it come down to Game 6?
Remember Rasho?
Barry had a hand in the game with his stint as a backup point last night (along with Manu).
Marcus, patience is a virtue that I never used to have, but like to think I am acquiring.
It has certainly paid off with our team here.
Nice to see you are still representing here.
I am going to try to dust off the ol' game and bring it back to the old school.
Hey, three les ain't bad since we started arguing online back in circa '96.
Not bad at all.
Good Times, indeed.
Indeed. More talent on the way next season (ie Scola) and even more out there that might be here some day (Sanikidze, Javtokas & Karaulov) plus a pick this year.
Spurs should also be able to keep key role players this offseason (Horry, DBrown & perhaps GRobinson).
The Spurs lost, what, 3 times at home this season. They will at least split with Detroit, who ave lost 10 striaght in SA. I am convinced it's over after last night. You don't win after losing like that if you are Detroit.
This is not a newsflash, but the Spurs two weaknesses are free throws and turnovers.
They do everything else exceptionally well, which most times makes up for those warts.
Any suggestions on how the team can shore up those weaknesses for next season other than practicing free throws and Tony and Beno's maturation?
Personnel change? That would be hard to justify after a le.
And as far as the turnovers go, the Spurs gamble on offense, whcih I think helps more than it hurts... most of the time. You're not going to try and harness Ginobili's creativity with passes, nah'mean?
I don't see Bowen and Duncan turning into Mark price at the stripe overnight; it would help if our starting guards shot in the 80s, though.
Do we just live with the weaknesses?
Question.
Can Rasho be moved?
(this is probably a rhetorical question)
That is life, Ghost...you got my prayers, mang...Thanks, y'all.
What up, travis2. It's life, man. Ya gotta do the best with the cards you are dealt. Things will be fine.
So what did I miss here since the All-Star Break?
I think the Spurs win in 6.
Duncan will not leave things to chance and I expect Manu and Parker to get to the rack again (and get some f'n calls).
I'd like to see Barry break out with 3-4 bombs.
Who gets Finals MVP? Does it come down to Game 6?
Remember Rasho?
I had 6 as my choice...I just got the order wrong.
Right now I'd say the MVP is up in the air. It's Tim's to lose, but I think he can lose it. Whoever of {Tim, Manu, Rob} who performs best Tuesday night gets it, I think. Unless they want to go for shared MVP...
To be honest, Brent Barry has not contributed statistically much more than Hedo Turkoglu, but you have to understand that Barry's leadership is huge. He has fostered relationships with all the Spurs on and off the court. He is the type of motivator and "team guy" that Danny Ferry was. - GW
But is he worth it at the 4 times the cost?
And wasnt Parker the only Spurs to score 20 in game 3?
Hey GW, what do think will be detroits reaction when they see that Danny Crawford's crew will call game 6?
Dude, Spurs ing HARMONY is on when Ghost and Marcus agree on the future of the team. Holy !!!!
Is Brent Barry worth it? . Yes.
He and Manu did better as pg subs than Beno has.
How do you deal with those weaknesses? You continue to work on them, and accept that no one/no team is perfect. Those things can be whittled down more. The core team is there for awhile longer - so let's train them up and let them become more in tune with each other. That will help eliminate some of the TO's.
Sure, though I think one has to be happy with some frontcourt depth. Rasho is the best backup center in the NBA. More depth allows for more rest for TD, Nazr and Horry throughout the season as well as ensures that you at least have someone in case of injury which has not been a rare concern for the Spurs frontline over the last couple of season.
Ownership needs to step up and pay to keep the talent.
great post. welcome back GW.
Prayers to your wifey to be.
Ask Isiah if he'd pay that much money for somebody who would help him win a le...
I think the officiating has been equally good/bad.
The Spurs got calls at home and the Pistons got calls in Detroit.
Overall, you can't complain.
I think it's funny when Al Michaels is commentating a slo-mo replay in which both Wallaces hack the out of Manu and he's like, "An outstanding defensive play."
Clearly, their iden ies have been stolen.
Barry helped bring up the ball against the press. I didn't see him have any turnovers. Udrih didn't play a minute cuz of Barry.
That right there is enuf. Turnovers lost the previous 2 games...
Well, I remember Barry playing the 2, 1 and the 3 at times with Seattle.
He's got a good handle and a big frame.
Sometimes, when Beno gets bounced by a defender, he chokes up the ball.
Good to see your back Ghost.
My prayers to you and your fiance.
Good to see life is good for you, hope everything keeps going well!!
Thanks, T Park.
How's things in SA?
What jersey are you rockin' these days - Ginobili?
Will you be at the game tonight?
I am jealous.
Party Up.
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