Will the Spurs wakeup?

[Nikos]

As timvp states, "Manu this is not the WNBA....."

That being said, what is up with him these last two games? Is Artest and his bad Game 3 Turnover all it takes to take him completely off his game? Last years playoffs he was a beast, now he has been just the opposite these playoffs. Why?

It's not like he was taking his man one on one last year over and over. he has had excellent games before without having to use the pick and roll over and over...Artest is good at chasing men off screens...but come on....Rip Hamilton was able to scorch him in 2004 by using screens....why can't Manu make a few open shots once in a while to get him in the flow? It's like even when he is open now he doesn't want to shoot it much. Instead he telegraphs his shot fakes and makes a poor pass.

He has had plenty games where he just scores in the flow of the game, and now he isn't even doing that. It isn't only Artest that is locking him up, it is his own mental games with himself (I hope).

As bad as Manu has been the team hasn't guarded Wells at all. I could totally see Wells being neutralized against another team, yet because he has the size advantage he has the power to even post Tim Duncan consistently, and OWN the team on the boards. WTF is that? Ok one or two games fine, but not the ENTIRE series completely own the Spurs underneath.

This Kings team is tough, and in reality a solid 4 seed. They are probably weaker than the Mavs, Spurs (technically), and the Clippers (well very close). But it is disgusting to see the team lose the way they did in Game 4, and just as bad to see Manu lose his confidence for possibly the rest of the series.

Duncan was great in Game 3, Parker has been solid on average (but not great since Game 1). The bench has been fine offensively, actually as good as they need to be in that regard.

Can this team win even with a passive Manu? Shouldn't Duncan, Parker, and the defensive system be enough to squeek this series out whether Manu wakes up or not? Why can't the Spurs overcome Bonzi Wells and co.?

Right now I am pretty nervous and pissed off at Manu mostly. Manu is better than this, and last playoffs proved it. Can't he find a way to contribute off the ball and make some defensive plays? Even if Artest does have his number. I thought he was better that this.

This is sort of looking like Seattle 2005, but the main difference is that Manu is probably not going to kick ass in Game 5. Can the Spurs overcome it? Can Manu come to the rescue? Can Tim Duncan freaking dominate regardless of what his teamattes do (like he can)? Can Tony find a way to make his mark? Right now I have confidence that the bench will be efficient and solid on offense, but it's up to the BIG THREE to SET the example. The role players should follow THEIR lead.

Can they do it? Right now I am nervous and unsure about this team. No inspiring wins all season -- it's like they forgot how they played their best basketball -- and now Manu (of all Spurs) is playing with extreme tentativeness. Can the Spurs get themselves out of this mess. This Sacto team is tougher than Denver05, Phoenix03, and Seattle05 most likely. Can they muster up two wins?

[big3bigD]

It is no coincidence that Manu's only good game was the 32 point performance in Game 2 when Artest was suspended. Artest has routinely shut down players much better than Manu Ginobili. Manu is just being owned by a much better player on both ends of the floor. You can't hold that against him. It's out of his control. I don't count him out by any means though. The Pistons shut him down early in that series last year, and he worked through it to have some good games and really helped your team win that series.

Wells is playing out fo his mind right now, but the Spurs will figure out a way to shut him down starting with Game 5. Miller and Bibby will still get theirs, but I think that the Spurs will focus more on shutting down Wells and Ron-Ron.

The Kings have put up an extremely solid effort thus far, but the Spurs are champs for a reason. They will win the next two games and face the Mavs in Round 2.

[ALVAREZ6]

I hope they wakeup.


I don't know what I'll do if they lose, I've been waiting all year for this.

[cwalk989]

I was really hoping to see the spurs and pistons in the finals, but I honestly can't say that the spurs will make it. If they get out of the first round and that a big IF, I don't think they can take Dallas, especially with Dallas getting all that rest. But if they do make it. Pistons in 5.

[KingsFanWithoutName]

Nikos-

Good to see a realist on this board.
Great thread, and its lacking replies, coincidence?

[Texas_Ranger]

I hope they wakeup.


I don't know what I'll do if they lose, I've been waiting all year for this.

Head up man

They are not going to lose. You yust need to belive that they are going to win.

!!!YUST BELIVE IN WIN!!!

[ducks]

http://spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/cheer.gif

[lilmads]

I hope they wakeup.


I don't know what I'll do if they lose, I've been waiting all year for this.

Me too... They better win...

[timvp]

Nice post Nikos.

Manu stopped himself in Game 4. He had a lot of chances to do anything. I've seen Spurs fans blame it on everything from Ron Artest, to Tony Parker not passing, to Manu needing to shave. The real issue is Manu needs to come out ready to play.

In Game 1 he was an animal. Manu came out and set the tone for the win. There were no excuses ... just results.

I expect Manu to wake up this game.

Believe.

[ALVAREZ6]

I've seen Spurs fans blame it on everything from Ron Artest, to Tony Parker not passing, to Manu needing to shave.

Spurs fans can get rid of that excuse tonight, I heard Manu shaved.





Just get the win.

Believe.

[td4mvp21]

I expect to see determined Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili. These two guys will be our high scorers.

[Athenea]

Naming a thread "Will the Spurs wakeup?" only to beat the crap out of Manu is at least misleading.
And BTW Manu is not responsible for the lack of focus, rebounding, fire, DEFENSE coming from the rest of the team.
I guess it's easier to jump from X's bandwagon than Spurs'.
Next will be asking for a trade involving Manu.
Lame u weren't this condemnatory about TP after consecutive non significant performances POff after POff.

[RON ARTEST]

I was really hoping to see the spurs and pistons in the finals, but I honestly can't say that the spurs will make it. If they get out of the first round and that a big IF, I don't think they can take Dallas, especially with Dallas getting all that rest. But if they do make it. Pistons in 5.

yeah if they play detroit in the finals i dont see how they can beat them 4 out of 7 times. with the way the spurs have been rebounding i cant imagine what Ben Wallace will do to them.

[Vingianx]

Kings are WNBA champs.... the Monarchs in disguise

[nkdlunch]

yeah if they play detroit in the finals i dont see how they can beat them 4 out of 7 times. with the way the spurs have been rebounding i cant imagine what Ben Wallace will do to them.

Ben Wallace is being owned by Milwakee as you speak

[RON ARTEST]

Ben Wallace is being owned by Milwakee as you speak

that has nothing to do with finals.

[Athenea]

Bump!

[Vinnie_Johnson]

Ben Wallace is being owned by Milwakee as you speak

He has been in early foul trouble the last two games.
Owned STFU your stupid.