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But Pop ..............
-When it came down the Warriors, Rockets or Lakers, I really didn't have a preference. Each team has their areas of strengths where they could theoretically exploit the Spurs. However, the bigger reason why I didn't have a preference was because this first round series will be mostly about the Spurs. If they are healthy and can find some of their early-season rhythm, they should advance. But if they keep playing like they've played over the last few weeks, they'll be at the fishing pond quickly -- and that's true regardless of if they landed the Warriors, Rockets or Lakers.
-The Spurs caught an unlucky break when Kobe's Achilles tendon exploded. He's a damn good player, historically speaking, but he has been the anchor dragging down this year's Lakers team. He played no defense. On offense, he dominated the action with an arrogant iron fist. With that many great players around him, it was like he refused to even consider sharing the spotlight. He either wanted to score or tally the assist; no other outcome was acceptable. With him gone, the Lakers are a totally different team. Are they better without Kobe? They very well could be. It's too soon to state definitively either way ... but I wouldn't doubt that at all.
-Tony Parker's health will be the No. 1 key. No. 2 won't be anywhere in the vicinity. If he can shred the Lakers, the Spurs should roll. But if he's the gimpy imposter we've witnessed since his return from his latest absence, the Spurs are probably toast.
-No Boris Diaw in this series is huge. He's either the second or third best post defender on this team. DeJuan Blair and Matt Bonner have no shot against the Lakers frontline. Tim Duncan and Tiago Splitter will need to play big minutes -- which means staying out of foul trouble.
-Will the winner of Game 1 win the series? Yeah, that's a safe bet. The Spurs are in desperate need of confidence. A Game 1 win will supply that. A loss and it could set off an ugly implosion.
-Metta World Peace will be a deceptively huge key in this series. He defends Kawhi Leonard extremely well. He also tends to hit a lot of threes against the Spurs. If both of those things are happening, that won't bode well for San Antonio.
-Gary Neal's late season reemergence is promising. There's going to come a time in this series against the Lakers where the Spurs will be desperate for points. If Neal can step up and fill in where Parker, Ginobili and Leonard can't (injury, injury, World Peace, respectively), the Spurs could sink or swim depending on Neal's production. (That's frightening to consider.)
-Expect a lot of Hack-a-Howard. And since the Spurs aren't in any kind of rhythm right now, I completely endorse it. , I wouldn't mind seeing a ton of it in Game 1 if things start looking iffy.
-I really don't know what to expect right now. The logical part of my brain has seen how bad the Spurs have played recently and thinks the Spurs are in for an early exit. But, on the other hemisphere, I think the Spurs may be able to flip a switch and the Lakers will be hurt due to their lack of sans-Kobe experience. I'm confused.
-As we head into the playoffs, I'd be thrilled if the Spurs can make it to the WCF with enough healthy bodies to give it a good run. Anything more than that would be gravy. Unfortunately, less than that wouldn't be surprising at all. Advance to the WCF with a puncher's chance -- please, oh, please /prayingdog.jpg
-The NBA Playoffs are here. Let's try to enjoy this
But Pop ..............
I hope we can get to that WCF you speak of, with a punchers chance! That would be all I ask for.
If Bonner's balls don't shrivel on the 3 point line, he could actually be useful. Have him in their for offense, and just have him hack-a-howard on defense. It completely masks his defensive/rebounding deficiency while highlighting his strengths.
However, Bonner's recent playoff issues can't be ignored
I can already envision widespread media outrage after the Spurs win a game using heavy Hack-a-Dwight in the 2nd half, tbh..
BONNER, if he is even a key in these playoffs we are done. I won't even speak on him now and the playoffs.
I hope you and Pop can exercise some Laker demons after this series, timvp
I have confidence in Parker and Duncan. If Ginobili shows up it will be a sweep no doubt. If we feel that we can't beat LA then we don't deserve to win a championship. Lets put these ers out of their misery.
if we get past the lakers in 4-5 we are going to the wcf no matter what. we need the expend the least possible amount of energy against the fakers.
Play T Mac. His size will be needed. I'd say Baynes but it won't happen. Always have either Duncan or Splitter out there.
YEP, Kobe is out and Nash is banged up! If you can't beat that team without one of the best ever out there then so be it! But you should be able to.
A semi-competent McGrady would help against Jamison tbh. I know Pop's gonna trot Matty out there and we all know how that'll go.
Agree about Boris & Metta. He is a huge loss against the Lakers. Hopefully we see a lot of TP/Manu/Kawhi/Tiago/TD lineups. 2 out of our 3 perimeter guys should theoretically have a matchup advantage in their favor in that scenario.
As overrated as Kirby has been this season, they're not a better team without him over the course of a 7 game series IMO.
a lot of questions and I am looking forward to a great series ... when will dates for the games be announced?
Kirby to me is still scary as in a series! Just the fact he is not out there can make you breath easier! He would go all out to win a series, calls and chucking away! Plus you know how he can get late with some clutch lucky shots! Diaw being out hurts, but Kobe being out hurts alot worse! I say Spurs in 5 but I could be wrong.
Both play no D and take away high percentage shots from DH/Gasol
RT @JMcDonald_SAEN
To me, the game 5 days ago is a blueprint. Duncan is good enough. If Parker is anywhere north of terrible, Spurs win
sums up the series tbh
kinda woried about the banging tims body is gonna go through this series...its sucks we didn't get and integrate baynes earlier in the season, he would have come in handy...
Well they might not be in there playing (one for sure), so what do you want me to do? Kobe still is their best clutch guy, do not let things fool you he is a nightmare at times late in games! He takes shots away, but he carried them when Gasol was out and Howard banged up! He willed them to a few wins here or there. Gasol and Howard series it will be, period.
Don't count on Gasol scoring just 2pts over Splitter every game.
We gotta guard that 3 point line. No need to send 4-5 guys into the paint whenever the Lakers penetrate.
matty should only be out there when we're in the penalty so he can hack a howard
Good lord I see believe under your name, but no Nash and Kobe and you say thats bad and now this here, just say we are going to lose already for GODS SAKES because that is what it sounds like you are saying here.Like I said, just say we are going to lose already for GODS SAKES and keep it moving.
You know who else would have helped a lot against LA:
In fact, i think the Lakers would have been the only good matchup for Jack in the playoffs tbh.
No, we will beat them.
Spurs in 6. But with Kobe would be easier...
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