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Good article!
Go Popovich Go!
Buck Harvey: The coach of the series: The un-Zen
Web Posted: 05/20/2008 12:15 AM CDT
San Antonio Express-News
NEW ORLEANS — This one goes to Gregg Popovich.
This one goes to the guy who complained about the refs for the first time last week. Who hacked every poor foul shooter who came within reach the last month. And who made the New Orleans media wonder if there is such a thing as a smart question.
This one goes to someone who doesn’t believe in mathematical silliness (really, only 13.2 percent of teams have ever won Game 7 on the road?). This one goes to the coach of the series who continues to eliminate coaches of the year. This one goes to Phil Jackson’s spiritual opposite.
This one?
He beat the Hornets because they played at his pace, because he got the ball in the right places — and because he switched defenses as no one does.
Popovich got some help. Tony Parker continued his pattern, which is throwing in the so-big shot at the end of a so-so night. Robert Horry and Michael Finley played as if it might have been their last game, which it could have been. And Fab Oberto might have had the best 4-point game in history.
Kurt Thomas said he’s never seen anything like it. From the outside, he always thought Popovich was good. But Monday, after watching the full Pop, Thomas said: “I just appreciate playing for a coach like this.”
Popovich would say the feeling is mutual. When visiting coaches sit in to observe the Spurs, they are impressed with the depth of defensive detail. If Tim Duncan moves three feet, that means Bruce Bowen moves to the baseline, and that means something else.
But where the visitors are stunned — as if they are watching something for the first time — is how smoothly the players move. A signal or a one-word instruction is given, and then the Spurs adjust in concert.
The Spurs needed all of this Monday because of Chris Paul. He runs the league’s most efficient offense, according to statistics, and he seemingly goes where he wishes. In the previous three games here, in all third quarters, Paul and the Hornets burst through.
Popovich adjusted as the series went along. Bowen moved to Peja Stojakovic and Parker slid to Paul, for example. But Monday was something else.
Popovich began with one defense the first eight minutes. Then Popovich began switching, usually every three to four minutes, forcing New Orleans to react to the Spurs instead of the other way around.
Horry says Phil Jackson never did this. Horry remembers asking for double-teams when he was defending Duncan, and Jackson would shake him off.
Did you win then?
“ no,” said Horry.
Maybe other coaches wouldn’t have gambled Monday with Horry, either. But Popovich always has a place for a smart player.
As Horry switched, with Thomas and Duncan and the others in unison, the Hornets shot just over 40 percent.
The Spurs shot worse, but they are accustomed to the championship grind. They reacted by rebounding as they haven’t this postseason.
But the lead would shrink, and with about four minutes left Duncan picked up his fifth foul. He looked over at Popovich, and Duncan said he would be fine, and Popovich made another good decision. He believed him.
They would win as they always have in this era, with toughness and defense and Manu Ginobili making the final free throws. And afterward Popovich said what he also says.
Byron Scott “was obviously great.” Popovich once said the same of Mike D’Antoni after eliminating him in his own coach-of-the-year season.
Now Popovich has a day to get ready for a familiar coach who once made fun of Popovich and his staff of non-players. “The Simulator Crew” is what Jackson called them then.
Popovich has changed a lot since those days. He’s gotten more confident, and he’s won championships, and he has a chance at another.
Because of this one.
Good article!
Go Popovich Go!
go popazit go!
That was funny. But that shows how strong he is, only a true man would get up and keep giving orders to his team after that.
Phil Jackson wouldn't even bend (no balls = no pain).
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