Reply With Quote
Coming home is going to be much easier... and if it weren't for the bail out calls we would have taken Game 3 and 4 against the Mavs last year.
To this point, the complexion of the series is fairly similar to where we stood after 2 games against Dallas in 2006. The Spurs eek out a gutsy Game 1 win with some good 4th quarter execution and some poor decision-making by the opponent. The opposing team coach makes a fundamental change to his starting lineup in Game 2. Duncan gets in foul trouble before the half of Game 2. The Spurs play a non-compe ive 2nd half of Game 2 and end up getting run out of the building. The series is tied.
One major difference for the Spurs might be the fact that they're coming home with a split, rather than going out on the road with a split. And to their credit, the Spurs actually did bounce back pretty well in Games 3 and 4, and really could have won either of them. Still, close isn't going to cut it this time around.
Coming home is going to be much easier... and if it weren't for the bail out calls we would have taken Game 3 and 4 against the Mavs last year.
Manu needs to show up.
yeah, if we had hca it woulda bene eerie, but considering the next 2 are in SA we'll be fine
We're in a better position than last year
5 games left, 3 @ATT, Spurs need to go back to PHX up 3-1. They absolutely must deny the Suns a split.
Superficially...yes. But, as others have pointed out, we're coming back home with a split.
What's most worrying is that we're 7 games into the post season on we still haven't gotten the big three on-track. Brrr.
This is what has me wondering whether this is the beginning of the end for the Spurs. Before last year, I'd have confidence that this team would be fine with 1-1 start to a series against a powerhouse team. But this is so deja vu it's not even funny.
Spurs squeak out a win in Game 1 that could have gone either way. Last year, if Stackhouse hits that three, the Mavs could have won it. This year if Nash doesn't get hurt, the Suns could have won it.
After the game, there was talk of a lineup change. In both years Spurs fans celebrated and laughed at the other team saying that it was a desperation move and how it'd never work.
Then in Game 2, the Spurs got their azz blown away with the lineup change paying immediate dividends.
Last year, Pop probably overreacted to the Game 2 loss and the Spurs never recovered. Could that happen this year?
I'm not sure but it seems like I've seen this movie before.
This has no other Spurs fans concerned?
Interesting.
Come on in the first half how many easy shots did the Spurs miss like a million. They came out in the 2nd half and played lackluster from the start. Nobody thought we were winning both in Phoenix. If i told you before the series we will win a close game 1 and lose big in game 2 you would not have taken that.
Answering a thread like this is akin to bandwagon jumping to the Church of Manu. I hope to you're wrong here.
The Suns don't play defense. The Mavs played more defense than the Suns do.
Guys, stop living in 2006.
I am now. Mostly because Pop never makes in-series adjustments because for some reason sticking with something that doesn't work makes a ton of sense. The Spurs can beat Phoenix, there's no doubt about it. The adjustments I would make for Game 3 would be put Parker back on Nash and put Bowen on Marion. Spurs need to quit chasing Nash around the court with two or three players. That's bull . As for getting Parker going? Tell him to drive; we are at home and the refs won't swallow their whistles nearly as much when Parker drives. I'm not really sure how to negate Marion's defense (for some reason it worked?!?!?). Thomas didn't contain Duncan. Nothing to worry about there. Spurs need to get Thomas away from the basket, so I would run plays to get him out of position, that way Parker can drive and he should be able to get past Stoudemire and Marion. Mainly, the role players need to hit their damn shots. The Suns played horrible defense on everyone but Parker. We missed so many open shots and were often playing one on one anyways. Horry was right; there needs to be better ball movement. However, shooters must hit their shots. Ginobili needs to get it together and play like a star. If he doesn't step up soon, there may need to be some changes in the offseason. It's unacceptable not to get past the second round because of your shooting guards when our frontcourt is so weak. Ironically enough, Horry, Duncan, and Oberto have played better than we all thought.
The Suns play better D than they did in 2005 but it is not even close to the level of D we play and over the course of the series that should bear itself out.
We are playing a man short... lets hope that all 5 show up at the ATT.
I really don't want to remember last year at all...
I'd say it's more reminiscent of 2005. Spurs in 5.
Ostensibly the movie is a rerun but I am not that rattled yet because I don't t hink the lineup change was what caused us to lose. That and the fact that we're coming home for 3 and 4. Last year I was much more freaked out. Although to add to the coincidences and play devil's advocate: we are playing a team that is used to getting beat by us and has the confidence to finally beat us.
If they come out as flat and clearly unmotivated and content to split as they did for Game 2 I'll be concerned. I thought it was a big lack of effort that hurt them most.
If they come out and play hard and lose, I will be concerned.
I am concerned that Manu's head seems to be permanently lodged in his ass. I am concerned that a championship calibur team appeared content instead of ruthless. I am concerned about the turnovers and free throw shooting.
I am not concerned about last year. It's over. The Mavs were a team designed to beat the Spurs and they did it, and it still required 3 extra games and a stupid foul leading to overtime to make it happen. We are a nightmare matchup for the Suns. I don't think there is more than superficial resemblance to last year.
No. This year we've got James White and Jackie Butler to motivate the guys off the bench.
d
Good post.
Why is everyone trying to compare different years and different scenarios...just sit back and watch what happens.
Too much time on our hands. Nothing to do until Saturday but overanalyze and fret since we have this long layoff after a loss. Nothing interesting on TV (my favorite show just aired it's season - series? - finale and I'm depressed). What else to do but speculate, trade our players, argue over whether or not to start Manu or play Bonner and whether or not Horry is too old or should play more, etc.
I hate long times between games.
Besides, last year we didn't have Jackie Butler to come off the bench to give us 10 and 10 a game.
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)
Posting Permissions
