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Five.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/8...o-defend- le
Spurs look ready to defend le
by Charley Rosen
Game Time: Spurs 109, Jazz 80
The focus here is on the defending champs, who had one major question on the line prior to their merciless lambasting of the Jazz.
In fact, whether or not the Spurs won and secured the third seed was not nearly as important as how well they played. Would their performance demonstrate that they were ready for the money season?
The answer, of course, was a resounding YES!!
Indeed, the Spurs looked like they simply flicked a switch and were back to their old dominating selves.
On offense, they moved the ball smartly and shot a phenomenal 72 percent during the first half to put the game away. What else went right?
An unusual low screen/roll produced a dunk for Tim Duncan.
Michael Finley was running like a rookie, easily speeding his way to the ring on several occasions.
Their fast break was in full gear. Even TD ran himself into a layup. More incredibly, Kurt Thomas did the same.
In the first half, the Spurs controlled their defensive glass, limiting the Jazz to only two offensive rebounds.
The offense continued to impress even with the second unit on the floor. The subs tallied 26 points in the first half.
Even against Utah's renowned physical defense, Tony Parker was able to get to the basket at will — especially in half-court situations.
Brent Barry marked his return by nailing his initial 3-pointer. He wound up shooting 3-3 and scoring 8 points in only 9 minutes.
Led by Parker's 24 points, six of the Spurs scored in double-digits.
On defense, the Spurs' alert rotations led directly to seven of Utah's game-total of 14 turnovers.
TD simply took Carlos Boozer out of the game with his patented long-armed defense. Boozer was only 3-8 for 8 points.
Did the Spurs show any signs of vulnerability? Just a few.
Matt Harpring abused Ime Udoka in the low post.
Before he suffered a TKO by Mehmet Okur, Fabricio Oberto was useless on defense.
Matt Bonner was overwhelmed by Okur in the pivot.
San Antonio's baseline rotations were not quite as sharp when TD took a seat.
For sure, the Spurs played with great intensity and their habitual unselfishness throughout. Yet there was one noteworthy aspect of the game that demonstrated how much Pop wanted the win: TD usually gets his initial blow at or around the 9-minute mark of the first period, but tonight Duncan's first rotation lasted for 11:48.
Their all-out effort was proof positive that the Spurs are ready and willing. It's still to be determined whether or not they are able.
Five.
We're healthy.
We want to repeat.
I think it will be the toughest road we will have faced.
Suns, Mavs, Lakers, Celtics or Pistons.
But, the experience, especially together, and the confidence and poise that comes with having won championships should give us a good chance at repeating.
We do need to shoot the ball better, especially Timmy. That looks to me like the key.
One game he decides to look at thatMatt Harpring abused Ime Udoka in the low post
I'll take Udoka on defense every night of the week.
lets get it on....
Go Spurs Go mother ers....
5. Believe. GO SPURS GO!!!
Rosen was probably shoveling dirt on SA's grave last week...
I hate that guy.
I know lots of people don't like him, that's why I put his name in the thread le. People can avoid him altogether if they want to.
Rosen can still kiss my azz.
I can only assume that Charlie is attempting a jinx. In that spirit, I hope that Mr. Rosen's career continues for many many years to come.
Charley Horse is still writing? Too bad.
Glad to see he thought Okur, he of the 2-8 shooting night and a game-worst +/- of -29, was abusing the Spurs D.
And this is why Charley Rosen was a CBA coach and has his mouth placed right over Tex Winter's nether regions.
I LOVED that match-up. Both guys were being so ridiculously physical.One game he decides to look at that
I'll take Udoka on defense every night of the week.
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