Game 2 Adjustments: Spurs vs. Suns

[timvp]

Offensively
-Get everyone involved. The Big Three all played well in Game 1 but their slice of the offensive pie was too large. Add Finley to the equation and the team’s four main scorers accounted for 103 of the team’s 117 points. The other players need to get into the action. This is the same team that Fabricio Oberto had his career game against. Bruce Bowen got open looks last season. Brent Barry always seems to find ways to get open against Phoenix. The Spurs can’t win this series if the Big Three have to do all of the heavy lifting.

-Attack even more. I know the Spurs had an ungodly amount of points in the paint but they have to stay in attack mode. Tony Parker needs to go all the way to the basket and not settle for the tear drop. Manu Ginobili can’t stop driving if his outside shot is falling. Tim Duncan needs to concentrate on running the court to get the best post position possible. Against the Suns, the Spurs should either be shooting at the basket or three-pointers. Their defense is improved but still not anywhere close to being considered great.

-Run. For all the scoring the Spurs did in the second half and the overtimes, it was almost exclusively in the half court setting. Getting up and down the court is how the Spurs can get going from three-point land and really cause havoc for the Suns. If both teams walk it up, Steve Nash is such a killer in the pick-and-rolls that I’d say the Suns have the advantage in a half court game these days.

Defensively
-Variation. When Nash is in the pick-and-roll, there’s no real way to shut it down. The only thing you can do is throw different looks at it to keep Nash off balance. Trap the pick-and-rolls sometimes. Send weakside help sometimes. If the Spurs have the lead, they can even get away with going under the pick to force Nash to look for his own shot. Switch up the defenders on both Nash and Amare Stoudemire. Nash is the best when he sees the same defense repeatedly. At that point, he’ll find a way to score 60%+ of the time.

-Force jumpers. If you can keep the Suns off the three-point line and not allow them to dunk the ball, you can live with anything else. Nash and Stoudemire are great jump shooters but a contested midrange jumper is a successful stand against this offense. When defending against players like Grant Hill and Boris Diaw, sag in to allow jumpers until they prove they can connect. If the Suns beat you with jumpers, they beat you. Usually the Spurs want to funnel teams to the basket but against the Suns I think you want to funnel them away from the basket.

-Contain Leandro Barbosa. I truly believe he’s the Suns x-factor right now in this series. This is especially true if Parker spends a lot of time on Nash. Barbosa is a player who can get rolling and put up 25 points before you realize what has happened. Nash and Stoudemire will get their points. The Spurs can’t let Barbosa get going as he’s their third most explosive scorer at this point.

Coaching
-Play Brent Barry in place of both Ime Udoka and Jacque Vaughn. I’m pretty sure Pop will give Udoka and Vaughn looks at the beginning of the game but I’d rather Pop just cut his losses now. Neither Udoka nor Vaughn has the required offensive skillset in this series. Barry and Ginobili sharing backup point guard duties will work well enough. Barry, Ginobili, Bowen and Finley can share the swingman minutes.

-Don’t be overconfident with Hack-a-Shaq. It worked in Game 1 but I don’t think Pop should go back to that gimmick in Game 2. Teams that employ Hack-a-Shaq almost always lose. Game 1 was the exception to the rule – and that was mostly due to Mike D’Antoni panicking and removing O’Neal from the game. If the Suns are scoring too easily and the Spurs offense can’t keep up, then Hack-a-Shaq might be worthwhile. But Pop shouldn’t just use it because it worked before.

-Don’t overplay the Big Three. I know they got a lot of rest but I think the physical and mental toll of Game 1 will still carry over to Game 2. Duncan and Parker shouldn’t play more than 40 minutes. Ginobili shouldn’t play more than 35 minutes. As long as the game is relatively close, Pop needs to use that time to let the Big Three rest.

Outlook
I truly believe this is the game in the series that will determine which team will advance. If the Spurs win, they can head to Phoenix with all the confidence in the world to get a split. If the Suns win, they'll be extremely confident and rightfully think it took repeated miracles to stop them from taking both in San Antonio.

I see this game going one of two ways. Either the Spurs come out flat and a repeat of Game 2 against the Mavs takes place where the Suns simply roll to a victory. Or the Spurs can come out like they did against the Lakers in Game 2 of the 2003 playoffs and just use their emotional high to extend their Game 1 roll.

As fun of a spectacle Game 1 was to watch, I gained a lot of respect for these Suns. They can still very realistically beat the Spurs. They have amazing offensive weapons and they are built to specifically beat San Antonio. In fact, they beat the Spurs about three or four times in Game 1 ... they just couldn't finish the game off. I think the Spurs can win this series but it will require a Game 2 victory.

Believe.

[DAF86]

On offense i agree that we need to run a little bit more and involve more people, something similar to what we did against Utah in the last regular season game, (where Finley was attacking the rim like in his all-star days)

And in defense if Bowen isn't making his shots and Pop needs to sit him i would put Manu on Nash so Tony could stay with Barbosa. And I think that bringing a third guy to help in the PnR between Nash and Amare is the best way to stop it. (specially when Amare gets the ball)

I'd also like to see more Barry

[Spurs Dynasty 21]

winner takes all this game


no way Spurs get win PHX heading there 1-1, no way PHX comes back down 2-0

[TDMVPDPOY]

we win this game, suns can forget about the next 2 games at home....cause spurs are going to sweep them

[to21]

I usually skim over long posts.....except the ones timvp writes.

Our boys moved the ball very well against the Jazz. We saw it a few times in Game 1, I think if we see this again......we should be fine.

[SAGambler]

-Don’t overplay the Big Three. I know they got a lot of rest but I think the physical and mental toll of Game 1 will still carry over to Game 2.

Then you really have to wonder about the mental toll that game took on the Suns. They had the Spurs where they wanted them......And then let it all slip away. I would say mentally the Spurs are in a much better frame of mind than any of the Suns can be. No way the Suns took a "moral" victory out of that. The stupid remarks of the Fat Man show that..

[polandprzem]

Good job LJ

(damn I wanted to write - blow job LJ - but I didn't)


Umm, yup pretty much it is over when Steven is in pick and roll and that's why spurs should try to put Bowen more often on him. Tony was risking too much when he got under screens, when Nash is hot he will make those shots. And he will make the shots when Amare will eat up bothe defenders of the screenrolls.

It won't be easy to to set for a 3 poiters so it makes sens to cut down Udoka, but still I think he can be usefull against the Suns for some periods of time like cool of a hot player (diaw,Giricek,Hill). Other then that it will be extreamly difficult for him to score as Suns rather like to stay with their guy (not doubling) or setting for a zone D, well D'Antoni knows this kind of play very well. If the Suns will shut down our jumshots and won't allowe Tim to go full force we are lost.

Mental aspect as timvp said - the Suns thinks that the first contest was a fluke game for the spurs all in all they owned the spurs last two games. Shaq when losing his confidence can easily be fed up with everything. The spurs job is to let that to happen and bury them. Many times the energy from the 1st game is going to the second but not necesseary as the spurs can drop thinking :Ohh well we were down and we won last time so no worries.
The spurs must get of the stargate quick and set up for jumpshots and Tony penetrating at will.
And no stagnant 4-down shieyt this time.

As for barry as a PG runner. Umm I dont know if Barry can play more then 10 minutes right now.
I would consider giving jaque a chance, maybe it will be one of those games when he explodes - worth trying.

Snaq a Shaq - I think that tactic was used only to see Mike's reaction and get into his head. I don't think Pop will go with that as one of the strategies into this series.

We need agression, we need motion, we need Kurt pulling Shaq's shirt.

[DarrinS]

-Run. For all the scoring the Spurs did in the second half and the overtimes, it was almost exclusively in the half court setting. Getting up and down the court is how the Spurs can get going from three-point land and really cause havoc for the Suns. If both teams walk it up, Steve Nash is such a killer in the pick-and-rolls that I’d say the Suns have the advantage in a half court game these days.

100% agree. I was surprised that we played so much half court offense in game 1, but I suspect it had a lot to do with the Big Fatcus getting in early foul trouble and riding pine, so Tim could just abuse whoever was there "guarding" him.


Tony penetrating and dishing is what is called for in game #2. I want Finley and Bowen getting good looks from the 3, early in the game.


Brent Barry should run the point behind TP. I don't want to see anyone named Vaughn or Damon on the court.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

I agree with everything you said, LJ, except that I think Ime can play a role. Sure, he didn't fit in game one and Pop wisely sat him, but he just played a poor game. When he's on, he can be great at both ends and spark the team just like Barry, and he can match up on Bell, Hill or Giricek, who are all threats for them if they get going. I see Ime and Brent alternating depending on who gets it going earliest, and maybe what sort of damage the Suns' swingmen are doing.

[Shang Tsung]

How can someone lose to these guys?

[Admidave50]

I think Ime is worth taking a look in the first half.

I believe that we can still steal one game in Phoenix if we lose tonight but don't count on it!

Spurs will escape with the victory!

GO SPURS GO

[1Parker1]

I'm interested most in seeing what Pop does defensively with Nash. Is he going to stick Parker on him to start the game and end with Bowen on him and Parker on Barbosa or is Pop going to put Bowen on someone like Grant Hill or Raja Bell and keep Parker on Nash. I think it's best to mix up the defense on Nash. If Pop sticks him on Nash from begining to end, I think Nash is going to adjust. Parker did a pretty decent job defending Nash too.

I agree with the sentament that who wins Game 2 tonight, will most likely end up winning the series. If the Suns win, I don't know if the Spurs can come back from it because the Suns were built to beat the Spurs. If the Spurs win, I'm not sure I see the Suns being able to win 4 of the next 5 against the Spurs.

Hopefully the Spurs don't come out flat. Then again, I don't want them to come out blazing too, that usually means a meltdown in the 2nd half. I think Shaq is going to be able to contain Duncan for the most part this game and the refs are probably going to call less fouls on him. Duncan needs to go beyond this and continue competiing. Spurs are going to need someone other than the usual suspects to come through offensively. Hopefully, Bowen can find his 3 point range and not settle for odd runners in the lane.

[wildchild]

Contain Leandro Barbosa. I truly believe he’s the Suns x-factor right now in this series. This is especially true if Parker spends a lot of time on Nash. Barbosa is a player who can get rolling and put up 25 points before you realize what has happened. Nash and Stoudemire will get their points. The Spurs can’t let Barbosa get going as he’s their third most explosive scorer at this point.

I say contain Barbosa and Diaw. Maybe Diaw was weak at crunch time but his offense could hurt the Spurs again.

-Play Brent Barry in place of both Ime Udoka and Jacque Vaughn. I’m pretty sure Pop will give Udoka and Vaughn looks at the beginning of the game but I’d rather Pop just cut his losses now. Neither Udoka nor Vaughn has the required offensive skillset in this series. Barry and Ginobili sharing backup point guard duties will work well enough. Barry, Ginobili, Bowen and Finley can share the swingman minutes.

Couldn't agree more.

Believe.

[hsxvvd]

I personally will not be making any adjustments.

Same socks, jocks and seat for me.

Nothing changes while we keep winning.

Believe...

[MI21]

Nice post, timvp.

The most interesting part to me is how they defend Nash. I would really like to see whoever is defending him force him right a little bit more. His jumpshot is not as good going right, and he isn't really a threat around the rim because he seems to have abandoned a lot of those tricky underhand scoop shots. I think you can cover the little split bounce pass from the Pick N Roll a lot better if you force him right, because you can semi overplay it. Also, for sake, stop defending him behind the hoop. The Spurs always do this and frustrates the out of me. He isn't a threat there except on the pass, so let him run around. The Spurs team defense and rotation is good enough to cover the havoc this causes without following him when he has the ball. Annoying, and it leads to so many little interior passes to Amare, it drives me crazy.

Also, when Bowen is on him I feel he should play a little bit more ball denial. Phoenix turns to when he can't get the ball, and Nash seems to get very frustrated with Bowen's handsiness (for lack of better word) when he is all up on him. I've noticed that Bell and Barbosa will try jack up stupid shots when they are denied the pass to Nash.

Nash is really there engine as we all know, and I don't think there is much point trying to plan to much for Amare. He is a Spur killer and always has been. Unless D-Rob decides he wants to play, Amare is going to get his 25+. As always, the best bet is to just hope he gets in foul trouble, drive at him, and try and draw some charges. I thought Thomas did a good job on him, far better than Oberto who Amare just abuses.

I think these teams pretty much know each other by now, and adjustments are going to be minor ones, but could be very important. I agree with more Barry. This Suns team still isn't that great defensively, and Barry helps the ball movement of the Spurs which leads to players getting into seems and the lane and there defense will become a mess. The Suns still don't have great rotations. I could keep going but I can't be bothered Everyone knows what these teams are about, I'm just thankful to be able to sit back and watch, despite it being bad for the heart.

Go Spurs! I'm calling it now also, Timmy will come close to a triple double with Points/Rebs/Assists

[T Park]

i would put Manu on Nash

Why the would you do that?!?

[TampaDude]

winner takes all this game


no way Spurs get win PHX heading there 1-1, no way PHX comes back down 2-0

+1 Game 2 tonight is HUGE...the winner of tonight's game will probably win the series and ultimately the West.

[rAm]

I want to see Ime in the first half before we write him off. We need to get him involved now if he is going to help us later in the playoffs.

Vaughn on the other hand, I would like to see replaced with Barry.

[ambchang]

winner takes all this game


no way Spurs get win PHX heading there 1-1, no way PHX comes back down 2-0

Why can't the Spurs go to PHX 1-1 and win the series? It's not like they haven't won in Phoenix in the playoffs before.

It would make it tougher, but not mission impossible.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Great post timvp, I appreciate you posting this

[easjer]

I agree that this is must-win for the Spurs. I actually expect Suns to come out very aggressively, with something to prove. Spurs can't let that get to them or be overwhelmed early on. They just need to plug away and get better as they go (but, erm, without taking quite so much time as last time, thanks).

I don't think Pheonix will be utterly demoralized by a loss - there would be a lot of 'Well, they just did what they were supposed to do, protected home court, and we played very well and think we can win at home and tie this up.' That said - make a statement, Spurs. It will be harder for them to focus and confidence will ebb away about their ability to win 4-in-5, if only you win this game.

Play it VERY well, DOMINATE them, and that might impact their confidence level. Another miracles needed performance by the Spurs, even if it results in a win, will send them home thinking they have what it takes to tie it up at home. A resounding defeat because the Spurs played the way they can - good, solid basketball for 48 minutes - will shake them up.

Get it done. Must win - show us what you showed us in Utah, Spurs. Your playoff life is as much on the line now as it was nearly a week ago. I know they can do it.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

I still don't get how this is a MUST WIN for SA. I mean, going up 2-0 would be fantastic, but it's not like the concept of SA stealing one game in Phoenix is impossible. I could see it being a must win game if SA was down 0-1 on their home floor or something.


Plus even if SA goes up 2-0, we've seen several instances where they let the series come back tied for game 5....such as 2003 and 2004 against the Lakers, and 2006 against the Kings.

So if it's a must win so we don't fall into a 1-3 hole like we did against Dallas back in '06, then okay.

I think it'd be a huge win for the Spurs tonight, but I refuse to believe if the series is tied, that they can't get one in Phoenix.

[remingtonbo2001]

How do you come up with this stuff at 6:28 AM?

That's far too early. When do you sleep?

[hater]

yeah it's not a must win for SA. it's a must win for Phoenix though.

I am afraid Spurs will play half asleep and with help from the refs due to Suns crying, fall in a big whole. this time they probably won't get back.

but they will win at least one in Phoenix though.

[Budkin]

No way this is a must win game... there's no reason we can't win in Phoenix if we need to. I think we need to look at things from the other perspective. The Spurs played like for much of the game and the Suns couldn't finish. You'll see the Spurs get better and better as the series goes on. Like I said, the Suns blew their chance.