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Tiago Splitter will not be mishandled.
With a 3-0 advantage heading into Game 4, the Spurs were looking to put the Jazz out of their misery. Despite a late collapse, San Antonio was able to hold on for an 87-81 victory to complete the sweep.
The Spurs were able to capture the lead at the end of the first quarter thanks to a Stephen Jackson three-pointer and a Gary Neal layup. By halftime, the good guys were ahead 50-42. In the third quarter, the Spurs made a run to go up by 13 points. However, the Jazz answered with a run to cut their deficit to three points with 3:17 remaining in the period.
Over the next nine and a half minutes, San Antonio went on a 20-2 run. With things seemingly in hand, Pop had the Big 3 on the sidelines. But, to Utah's credit, they came charging back one final time. Al Jefferson hit a layup to get within four points with less than a minute to go. Still down by four, the Jazz got the ball back with 27 seconds remaining, however Jackson caused a turnover that led to a Manu Ginobili series-clinching layup.
While it was somewhat disappointing that the Jazz almost pulled off a miracle comeback, I find it hard to complain when the bottomline is a four-game annihilation of the Jazz. The Spurs advance to play the winner of the Clippers and Grizzlies series, which currently has L.A. up 3-1.
After a scorching end to the regular season, the Spurs carried over that momentum into the playoffs. Job well done and now it's time to rest up before moving on to a much more difficult opponent in the second round.
Tim Duncan C-
Out of the gates, it appeared as if Tim Duncan was going to single-handedly lead the Spurs out of the first round. He had nine points on 4-for-4 shooting in the opening six and a half minutes, while also holding Al Jefferson without a point or a rebound. Unfortunately, Duncan's evening then took a speeding detour south. The rest of the way, he missed his final six field goal attempts and Jefferson exploded for his best game of the series. Offensively, Duncan missed a couple shots he usually makes and then became hesitant and unsure of what he wanted. Defensively, he was giving Jefferson too much space to operate, wasn't contesting his shots well and wasn't much of a help on the boards. To Duncan's credit, his team-defense remained very solid throughout and he was able to successfully clog the paint on a number of occasions. I'm not exactly sure why his night soured but it looked as if he started mentally coasting a bit and then had trouble re-energizing when it became needed. Going forward, the Spurs obviously need the Duncan we saw for most of the first 3.25 games of this series.
Manu Ginobili B
Manu Ginobili appeared headed toward another low scoring affair ... and then he caught fire at the end of the third quarter. After missing his first nine three-point attempts of the series, Ginobili finally hit one from deep. Just 42 seconds later, he hit another three-pointer. Those shots sparked a 10-0 Ginobili-only run and the Argentine superstar finally looked comfortable shooting the ball in this series. The rest of his offense on this night was adequate. While he didn't have his usual assist numbers, Ginobili's playmaking was good -- as was his aggression going to the hoop. Defensively, he was above average. Ginobili was very effective individually and offered a lot of quality help.
Tony Parker C-
In the first three games, Tony Parker played at an impossibly high level. In Game 4, he came back down to earth. Offensively, I didn't have much of a problem with his shot selection -- he just wasn't hitting his typical looks. Perhaps he was a tad too aggressive; then again, Parker's forcefulness was previously an asset in the series. Playmaking-wise, Parker had his moments and did a good job of limiting his turnovers, but overall this was definitely below his recent standards in that area. Defensively, I really liked what he did against Devin Harris. Parker kept a hand in his face on all his jumpers and didn't give him any straight-line angles to the rim.
Danny Green B
On offense, Danny Green authored a few well-timed passes but those were overshadowed by his three-point misses and his turnovers late. Defensively, though, Green was a stud. He's the man mostly responsible for Utah's shooting guards going a combined 0-for-15 this game. On top of that, Green was far and away the best guard on the Spurs at dropping down and helping out on the boards. Without his relentless effort on the glass, the Spurs would have given up another handful of offensive rebounds.
Kawhi Leonard B-
Kawhi Leonard followed Green's lead tonight. Offensively, it was a night to quickly forget. He wasn't taking bad shots but the Jazz's athleticism and length bothered Leonard on nearly every attempt. On top of that, his passes were a beat late. Defensively, though, I thought he was really, really good. He started out defending Paul Millsap and a quick glance at Millsap's line will give you a great idea of how well Leonard did. Leonard wasn't afraid to bang his body around when it was needed. When switched off onto small players on the perimeter, he moved his feet extremely well.
Boris Diaw B-
After going 9-for-11 from the field in the first two games, Boris Diaw was shutout from the floor for the second consecutive outing. Not only was he hesitating, Diaw wasn't moving to open spots as well as he usually does. To keep his spot in the starting lineup, he can't make it a habit to be a liability on the offensive end. Yes, his passing is wonderful but he's not helping the starting five unless he's a threat to score. Defensively, he was good. He had to defend Derrick Favors early on and did an admirable job. Diaw later took on Millsap and was able to continue his domination of that matchup. Rebounding-wise, he wasn't anything special but Diaw was stout enough.
Stephen Jackson A-
The first round was very kind to Stephen Jackson. He knocked down two more three-pointers and finished the series against Utah 8-for-15 (53.3%) from long range. Jackson was also able to make a few plays off the dribble to aid with the playmaking. However, where the Texas native really shined was on defense. First of all, he led the team in rebounding -- and that was no accident. He put on his hardhat and went out there and rebounded with every fiber of his being. Jackson pressured the basketball when defending on the perimeter, threw his weight around in the paint and was usually the first player to offer timely help defense. Oh, and his steal-causing swipe at the end of the game was the most important play of the night.
Tiago Splitter B+
Statistically, Tiago Splitter has had much better performances. He didn't shoot well from the field, he didn't rebound and he didn't block any shots. But regardless of what those stats say, Splitter was a huge key to this win. The compe iveness and fight he gave the team were invaluable. Despite getting his shot blocked at the rim a few times, Splitter kept going back for more. He eventually scored some momentous buckets and also added some well-earned trips to the free throw line. On defense, Splitter was extremely active as he scratched and clawed for every inch. In my mind, tonight was the night that Splitter proved once and for all that he's a player who is more than capable of thriving in the postseason.
Matt Bonner B
Matt Bonner is yet another Spurs player who fought his hardest on the defensive end of the court. The Jazz's bigmen are all more powerful than he is but Bonner never relented and ended up with one his better defensive performances of the season. His rotation were swift, he actually challenged a few shots and even pulled down some boards. Offensively, things weren't nearly as eventful for Bonner but he did make one three-pointer while also getting fouled on another three-point attempt.
Gary Neal B-
Gary Neal gave the Spurs quality minutes behind Parker. Offensively, in addition to utilizing his sweet stroke, he was very good about taking the ball all the way to the basket when the opportunities arose. Neal had a fantastic long pass to Splitter for a dunk but otherwise his passing wasn't a strength, to put it gently. Defensively, he was doing good work against Jamaal Tinsley but he had no hope of staying with Harris. Also, Neal earned a trip to the bench after failing to box out or crash the boards one too many times.
DeJuan Blair B
Pop decided to use 11 players in the firs half and DeJuan Blair was the beneficiary of that decision. And considering the scenario, I thought he did better than would have fairly been expected. He ran the pick-and-roll much better than he did earlier in the series. Blair's physicality made him a presence on the offensive glass and his all-around enthusiasm for the game was a welcomed addition. When it comes to a role as an energizing fifth bigman, Blair is proving to be quite capable.
Pop B+
Obviously, the coaching decision that stood out was sitting the Big 3 in the fourth quarter at the eight and a half minute mark. At the time, the Spurs were up by 18 points. While I'm a big fan of resting the Big 3, that's even too conservative in my book. Luckily, Pop was able to defrost Duncan, Ginobili and Parker in time before the Jazz came all the way back to avoid a catastrophic ending. Other than that, I really can't complain. The Spurs finished off a sweep without anyone playing more than 28 minutes. You can't ask for much more than that.
Tiago Splitter will not be mishandled.
Thanks for the write up.
-Agreed on Blair. I thought he played with much more purpose compared to the previous 2 games.
-I'm not sure if Bonner is trying to flop or if he really is that easy throw around but I cringe every time I see him fly from one side of the court to another.
-Ginobili coming alive offensively was great to see. Most of the fans seemed content to watch a passive, sloppy, and uninspired Ginobili. Sure that might work on the lowly Jazz but there is no question that Manu needs to find his rhythm moving forward. But Ginobili played well in the last two so that's a relief.
-I think Parker, Duncan, Jackson, Ginobili (specifically the last two games) and Splitter (since returning from his injury) are in a great place right now. Parker, Duncan, Jackson were consistent contributors to the sweep while Ginobili and Splitter appear to be warming up.
Thanks for the grades, I get to read this before going to work.
I am a bit disturbed by all the posters here thinking that the Clips or Grizz will be a cakewalk. It is eerily similar to last year right before playing the Grizz.
I think the Spurs can beat either team-but it will be the first time the Spurs are to be tested this season. It won't be easy and it isn't a sure thing.
I can't blame Pop in the 4th
At the start of the 4th the bench gave us the biggest lead of the game. We were up by 21. They deserved to play. When they left the court our lead was bigger than when they started to play in the 3th
Starters came back when our lead was 14-16 around 6 minutes left....... 3 minutes later we only were up by 4
Pop played the starters when he had to do it.2 minutes later than most of the games but we were playing better with our bench so not reason to change. That's where we are strong. Our bench is really good.
The starters did the most part in the choke job tbh.
If we take a look to the +/- stats it said all.
I must be remembering things wrong, because I seem to recall everyone knowing damn good and well that the Spurs' big weakness was a team with size on the front line, and any residual confidence or anger at the Grizzlies tanking to get the Spurs dissolved when Manu got hurt.
Lol @ the thought of its the first time theyd be tested....
Pop needs to decide if he's going to spare Gary Neal's feelings or have Patty Mills on the floor to bring the ball up for the second unit. Teams are already gunning for his shaky ball handling. Utah got, what, six eight points off that alone in their run?
I love how, with two games only, the Daily Dime can only mention the Spurs and their sweep in ONE FREAKING PART OF IT.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime
Stay unbiased, ESPN!
Thanks for the grades. I agree with all, but think Neal deserves a C+ due to getting pressured and losing the ball to Carrell on consecutive possessions. That looked bad and I think we will see more of that in the second round.
Golly-Gee. I seem to remember the exact same things as you do, my friend. Whatta' co-ink-ee-dink.
Thanks again for the write-up, timvp.
All I have to say is... NEXT!!!
Andrew McNeil calls a sweep a "near collapse".
Okay...everybody step back from the ledge, now...
Great write-up, thanks!
Next.
What stood out for me was the trouble the starters had with handling the pressure of a close game at the end. There was some mighty sloppy ball-handling and bad shots at the end. Sure we were able to pull it out, but where was our poise and veteran experience against the young jazz?
I'm going to attribute this to the fact that we haven't really had any close games in the last quarter of the season or against Utah so the guys have gotten a little out of tune on pressurized situations. But they better get used to the pressure of closer games now that the playoffs are here. They should be fine once they get a few close ones under their belts.
Yeah Ginobili Parker and Duncan clearly don't know how to handle pressure
No one cares about the Spurs. Please accept that.
/1998 thread
And here I thought the jazz were going to just bend over and give up after Jefferson's candy ass comments after game 3, gosh darnet.
I think Ginobili deserves at least B+ (perhaps A-)...
It was great to see him rising to the occasion.
That is why we need him to win another le.
Yes, I think could somewhat agree with this, too. He was definitely the highlight in my book.
BTW, glad it wasn't Beno Udrih having problems with pressure or the world would be coming to an end. Since we are in favor of Gary Neal At Point Guard above and beyond all things, we don't have to be realistic about what happens when he has the ball in his hands and he's not shooting.
Thanks again for the grades. It was great to see Manu hit those threes.
With both LA teams playing in Staples, I wonder how much, if at all, will the scheduling be impacted if the Spurs meet the Clips and the Lakers meet OKC, especially considering OKC and Spurs will both have home court?
When I saw Millsap deliver solid blow to the back of Ginobili I was concerned for the potential damage, but as Manu got up I started to nod and mutter...
Oh you fool you just woke him up!!!
I'm looking at Manu's face and I see that fire, that ferocity... like ok... I remember, this is how it's gotta be. I can play this way.
And then he comes down and strokes a three.
The next possession he's involved throughout moving manUevering around, and I know he's gonna get the ball. He does and scores another three.
I'm cheering and pumping my fist yelling at my friend telling him how I told you!! Millsap just did us a favor and woke up Ginobili. He should let old sleeping dogs lie but it's too late now.
I hope this is a harbinger of things to come.
It's delightful for me to watch all the moments of this season activate heading towards the finish.
I'm reading a story here.
And it feels like I just got to the part where Manu regains his power.
Last edited by Yuixafun; 05-08-2012 at 09:15 AM.
Solid post. I'm on board with this. Heck, we've all been waiting years for this. A healthy Manu Ginobili in the playoffs.When I saw Millsap deliver solid blow to the back of Ginobili I was concerned for the potential damage, but as Manu got up I started to nod and mutter...
Oh you fool you just woke him up!!!
I'm looking at Manu's face and I see that fire, that ferocity... like ok... I remember, this is how it's gotta be. I can play this way.
And then he comes down and strokes a three.
The next possession he's involved throughout moving manUevering around, and I know he's gonna get the ball. He does and scores another three.
I'm cheering and pumping my fist yelling at my friend telling him how I told you!! Millsap just did us a favor and woke up Ginobili. He should let old sleeping dogs lie but it's too late now.
I hope this is a harbinger of things to come.
It's delightful for me to watch all the moments of this season activate heading towards the finish.
I'm ready a story here.
And it feels like I just got to the part where Manu regains his power.
Wow, I didn't even realize the Jazz did not hit one 3 pointer...0-13
They won't like him when he's angry ...When I saw Millsap deliver solid blow to the back of Ginobili I was concerned for the potential damage, but as Manu got up I started to nod and mutter...
Oh you fool you just woke him up!!!
I'm looking at Manu's face and I see that fire, that ferocity... like ok... I remember, this is how it's gotta be. I can play this way.
And then he comes down and strokes a three.
The next possession he's involved throughout moving manUevering around, and I know he's gonna get the ball. He does and scores another three.
I'm cheering and pumping my fist yelling at my friend telling him how I told you!! Millsap just did us a favor and woke up Ginobili. He should let old sleeping dogs lie but it's too late now.
I hope this is a harbinger of things to come.
It's delightful for me to watch all the moments of this season activate heading towards the finish.
I'm reading a story here.
And it feels like I just got to the part where Manu regains his power.
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