Game Thread #29: at Phoenix

by LatinD on Dec 25, 2008 1:51 AM CST Comment 128 comments

Apparently we have to face the Suns in important dates: start of the season, Christmas. It seems that the league liked what they saw at the first-round series in last season's playoffs, and hopes against hope that we'll provide that level of entertainment on national TV once more. I for one wish to disappoint them and have this game finish by the third quarter with a blowout.

Most likely another pipe dream. The Suns won't roll over, and this will be a hard-fought battle between veteran teams that know each other and don't like each other.

Meanwhile, Steve Nash loves lying on basketball and smiling creepily.

Game Time: 1:30 Spurs Time, 5:30 Argentina
4:30 am Perth, 8:30 pm CET
TV: ABC

Officials: TBA
TBA
TBA

18-10

Frodo

Aragorn

Gandalf

Sam

Gollum

16-11

Sauron

Random troll

Saruman

Nazgûl

Random uruk-hai

images via espn.com


11-5	Home	9-5
7-5	Road	7-6
96.8	Offense	103.3
93.4	Defense	102.9
46.4	FG%	50.0
40.0	3-pt%	40.2
75.4	FT%	75.1
40.9	Rebounds	40.0
12.5	TO's	16.3
8-2	Last 10	5-5
W 3	Streak	W 1


	PG
	SG
	C
	PF
	SF
	Bench
	Coach
	Intangibles
	Mojo
	Winner

Breakdown

Point Guard - I want to pick Tony, I really do. I don't like everything about Nash, and even this season when he hasn't been his usual amazing self, Captain Canada has still been as clutch as anyone in this league and is still the PG journalists use when they need a standard of greatness as his position. Despite how much I dislike the Suns, it's a joy to watch Nash play when he's on. I'll give them a slight edge here.
Off Guard - Jason Richardson, like any semi-good shooting guard that plays with Steve Nash in a team that averages over 100 points per game, has flourished playing for the Suns since he was traded from Charlotte. He's averaging a shitload of points in Phoenix, but... he's not Manu. And we have Manu - Manu hobbling on one leg, but Manu still.
Center - The Big Joke is actually playing well lately - so I expect Pop to start the Hack-a-Snaq in the first quarter. But there's no player in this league today that I would pick over Duncan, and there hasn't been for years now. Also, Shaq would never hit that triple. Spurs' edge.
Power Forward - I had the perfect nickname for our dear Amare "I'm a huge asshat" Stoudamire: Grima (AKA Wormtongue). But then I had to admit to myself that Amare is just a bit more dangerous to us than Grima - especially considering he likes to drop man-type 30-15 games on us. If Matt helps us with some of his deadly sharpshooting, we can at least try to offset some of the inevitable P&Ring. Expect Kurt to see some minutes guarding Amare.
Small Forward - Meh. The SF is a much maligned position, but it all depends on which Finley we mee today: good Finley that can knock down his shots, play a modicum of defense and avoid dribbling on his own food, or bad Finley, who fails and looks bad while he does it. Seriously, no one cares about this matchup.
Bench - So basically it's Barbosa, who has regressed a lot this season, againt Hill and Mason. No contest once more, and I keep waiting for a team that matches the Spurs' current depth. The Lakers? The Celtics?
Coach - I think Porter is finally at an age where his savvy could induce Pop to sign him once again and put him as The JV's backup. Remember Terry? I bet Pop does.
Intangibles - Hill-less and Manu-less, and with Matt still playing as the first big out of the bench, we lost the inaugural match of the season by 5 points. Now, still getting into the groove of things and with a full roster, I imagine our Spurs will forget about the lackluster RS and try to win this one with heart.
Mojo - I like to think that my birthday cleared our karma for the rest of the month. Also, Shaq plays for the Suns: that's like having Zorro slash a cosmic "kick me" sign into your shirt. Not that Zorro has that kind of power. The analogy kind of escaped me.
Winners - Spurs, and Christmas.

Keys To The Game

Suckitude - Ask me again tomorrow. This is a real test.
Softness - Despite the presence of godly Al Jefferson in the Timberwolves roster, letting the lowly Wolves get to within 3 after leading the entire game strikes me as softish. I'll let the people who actually watched the game answer this one, however.
Hill - He would be friggin' Legolas. If those aren't elfin arms, I don't know what they are.

Some other reading

So it seems that D'Antoni ball is good for something after all - inspiring bloggers. There's a lot of them, and 10 minutes of googling produced the following results:

Bright Side of the Sun (Another SB Nation blog, and pretty damn good - even though it doesn't seem to be as active as PTR.)
SunsDinasty (...Suns' Dinasty? Now that's a riot.)
Phoenix Suns blog at NBA Weblog
Sons of Steve Nash
Black Jesus Disciples (Another quality blog worth checking.)
Phxsuns.net's forum

Other things of possible interest

48 Minutes of Hell is a great Spurs blog that I'm sure most of you are familiar with. Timothy Varner wrote a very interesting article regarding Mutombo the other day, and I think you'll find it interesting. I disagree, but he has some compelling reasons not to sign good ol' Dikembe. (Apparently he's narrowed down his decision to Boston and San Antonio. Wonder what that says about people's opinion on our chances this year.)
SiMA linked to a nice article on the Spurs at AZCentral.com. Check it out, and discuss it afterwards in his thread.
For post-game quotes and a video recap of last game against the Timberwolves, check out Spurs.com.
This is a sweet interview Slam online did to our boy Potential Cubits Hill. It'll be a cold day in hell when I call him "Sugar Hill", but still, it's definitely a treat and comes with some nice pictures of him that I plan to steal when you all forget this article existed.
In other news, it seems Gino is okay after that scare in the last game. Thank the Almighty FSM for that. Or the IPU.
Not Spurs-related, but lately I'm seeing Thundercats everywhere.

Now let's forget about important stuff and just focus on these two sweet moment that will be forever etched in our minds:

NOnononoNONOTYOUTIMMYwaitwaitWAITYEEEEESTIMMYILOVEYOUGOATGOAT

Callatimeoutnowplease-waitwaitMANUNONOWAITYEEEEEEESMANUYOUGENIOUS.

Aaaand that's a merry Christmas for you all.

Game feeds

Check this game thead at gametime for specific links to good quality feeds. If you arrive late in the game, there game feed links are usually among the first 30 posts of the thread.

ATDHE.net
PPNBA
MyP2P

Recap: SiMA will be doing the recap, so look forward to that. If anyone wants to do one for the past games, check these guidelines. There're a lot of missing recaps, so don't be shy.

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Read More: spurs, suns, christmas, lord of the rings

Comments

It’s 2 PM in Argentina, I’m full of asado and ice-cream, and about to leave, but I managed to write the preview last night before nodding off.

I’ll be missing the entire game, because I’ll be traveling at gametime, so good luck, and have fun. If everything else goes wrong, just pray for a Christmas miracle! :)

Oh, and if you don’t mind some mockery from rivals, check out this amazing preview from the guys at Bright Side of the Sun. It gets the Otstanding seal of approval.

I’ll be trying to write the next preview from a cybercafe. We’ll see what comes out of that.

by LatinD on Dec 25, 2008 10:17 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

By the way, LatinD, thanks for the Christmas day preview. Absolutely above-and-beyond the call of duty and you are a truly otstanding member of this community. Special kudos for the reminders of all those wonderful times we beat the Suns. Fond memories.

The Nash picture makes me think that Playboy set up this shot for a WNBA player they wanted to pose, but couldn’t get one to do it, so they used Nash instead. Disturbing, on many levels.

"Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored." – Aldous Huxley

by spurchief on Dec 25, 2008 4:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No prob, spurchief. I think Nash’s face is more given to sarcasm than joy, so when they asked him to just look happy, it turned out he looked like a stalker.

And they certainly are fond memories. Even in a missed opportunity like last year’s playoffs, there’s an unforgettable moment for all of us.

by LatinD on Dec 25, 2008 9:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Merry Christmas, Spurs fans!

Thanks, LatinD, for the props! Our “preview” isn’t nearly as thorough and basketball-y as the work you’ve done here, but we went in a little more seasonal direction.

I hope all you PRTers have a wonderful Christmas Day (with the exception of a 2 and half hour stretch starting at 2:30PM EST).

Happy Holidays, everyone!

by Mike Lisboa on Dec 25, 2008 10:40 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Thanks, Mike

You’re quite the poet. Merry Christmas to you as well.

by 4Him on Dec 25, 2008 12:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

ABC game, which means shitty commentating.

www.sportzchat.com

by Linix129 on Dec 25, 2008 12:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

won’t be commenting today. my dog got in a fight with another dog and they’re both bloodied up, and i got a nip or something on my hand, so i’m headed to the emergency room to get a tetanus or rabies shot, whichever you need. good luck spurs though!

What the Bowen giveth Horry taketh away. --LatinD (2008 Playoffs Round 2, Game 1)

the Spurs do not defeat you so much as they grind you into tiny shards of psychological wreckage.
-the Denver Post

by Hamer_SpursFan on Dec 25, 2008 1:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

it’s the rabies shot, unless the dogs’ teeth were made of rusted metal.
Good luck with everything man.

by Hipuks on Dec 25, 2008 1:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Good luck with that, Hamer.

by LatinD on Dec 25, 2008 9:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

n00b post

I live in Phoenix, which means I really need this win before going back to work tomorrow. If we don’t get it, though…..maybe I should never post again?

I wish we had Ian for this one. =[

by Tim C. on Dec 25, 2008 1:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

You’re welcome here anytime after what happened tonight.

I'm comfortable winning -- Emmanuel Ginobili

by pollackj on Dec 25, 2008 7:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

+1

How you reside permanently around these people astounds me. Kudos to you, riki. You seriously need to invest in jerseys for each of our starters, then just alternate days wearing them all year. Wait…. that’s just something I’d do, cause I’m an ass like that. Keep wearing what you are, but keep coming back to PtR too.

by SgtinManusArmy on Dec 25, 2008 7:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Phoenix fans are incredibly ignorant. At one point tonight, Ginobili reached in on Amare, who responded by flopping onto the floor. Nothin’ wrong with that, it was selling an actual foul, but the Suns fans started booing like Manu punched him in the face. This is the fan base that acts like it is a federal crime to flop, as they skewer Tony and Manu on a daily basis for that same thing.

I'm comfortable winning -- Emmanuel Ginobili

by pollackj on Dec 25, 2008 7:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It’s like you’re baiting me to ruin my own recap by posting thoughts that will soon be bullet points within the very recap.

by SgtinManusArmy on Dec 25, 2008 7:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

rikiddo, from now on your mere presence merits a white dot in the “mojo” column.

by LatinD on Dec 25, 2008 9:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Probably won’t be posting much, except mayhaps for the second half fish. I really hope this isn’t like all the early games, where Duncan freaking sucks. He probably likes to go to sleep late.

by Hipuks on Dec 25, 2008 1:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Game Link

http://www.justin.tv/silvadanny

I'm comfortable winning -- Emmanuel Ginobili

by pollackj on Dec 25, 2008 1:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Hey, you know it’s on national tv right? Just telling you in case you didn’t. ABC channel.

by Hipuks on Dec 25, 2008 1:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

9-0 Suns run to start the game. Fucking wonderful.

by Hipuks on Dec 25, 2008 1:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

We need Hack-a-Shaq

by kichcha on Dec 25, 2008 1:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I have never seen so many missed jump shots

by One4theThumb on Dec 25, 2008 1:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I have, I’ve seen some Spurs games this year.

by Hipuks on Dec 25, 2008 2:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

At least KT’s offensive rebounds are giving them second chances.

by 4Him on Dec 25, 2008 2:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Alright, down 7. Starting to make some shots. I realize I’m posting on Christmas day and start wondering where did it all go wrong.

by Hipuks on Dec 25, 2008 2:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Down 9 at the end of the first, and I’m dealing with an existential crisis.

by Hipuks on Dec 25, 2008 2:08 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

4 point game, and I check the yellow pages for therapists.

by Hipuks on Dec 25, 2008 2:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Right back in it. What’s going on, Hipuks?

by 4Him on Dec 25, 2008 2:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Not much, following the up and downs of the game.

by Hipuks on Dec 25, 2008 2:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

We’re making Shaq look like he’s ten years younger right now…

by 4Him on Dec 25, 2008 2:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Anybody knows the reason

the players are waring the stars?

by LasEspuelas on Dec 25, 2008 2:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Its a snowflake. A lame patch to signify today is Christmas.

by r21x on Dec 25, 2008 2:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I see.... its a weak snowflake...

by LasEspuelas on Dec 25, 2008 2:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

They open a 10 point lead, we cut it down to 4, and I think it all started in my childhood.

by Hipuks on Dec 25, 2008 2:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I love that stat – the Spurs have the least turnovers per game (12.5) in the NBA.

by 4Him on Dec 25, 2008 2:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

was that Duncan shooting a three?

by LasEspuelas on Dec 25, 2008 2:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Terrible last possession.

by 4Him on Dec 25, 2008 2:43 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

We play some shit basketball whenever we’re on National TV. 39 points in a half? what the hell is that.

by r21x on Dec 25, 2008 2:46 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Carassius auratus “Goldfish”. This fish has a lot of common with the Suns, how so you ask? Well, the Suns were a team that fanlites ( fans of highlights) liked, the team people who didn’t know the finer points of the game liked, the team people just looked at and say, oh, they play pretty.
Well, the Goldfish is an aquarium standard, pretty much anyone has at least one in their lives, and most people go, oh look, what a pretty fish. Except those who know, know it’s a terrible fish.
They’re cold water, so you won’t be able to keep most fish with it. They’re shitting machines and messy eaters. They grow to a big size and need large aquariums. How large? About 50 gallons for ONE fish. And you can’t keep plants with them because they will eat them. So while most people love Goldfish, fishkeepers know that just like the Suns, not everything that shines is gold.

by Hipuks on Dec 25, 2008 2:46 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Hipuks you have been taking your fish pics game to another level. I like the comparison between the Suns and Goldfish. I’ll never look at them the same again.

I'm comfortable winning -- Emmanuel Ginobili

by pollackj on Dec 25, 2008 2:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Great analogy

I am happy. I am proud. - Manu Ginobili

by bellasa on Dec 25, 2008 5:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I can see your reflection in this pic.

I. Can. See. You.

< end creepy bit>

I am calm, filling myself with patience - Manu Ginobili

by jollyrogerwilco on Dec 26, 2008 3:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Bad news: we’re shooting 33%
Good news: only down by six at the half

by 4Him on Dec 25, 2008 2:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

That’s the magical thing about playing the Suns, you never give up hope.

by Hipuks on Dec 25, 2008 2:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I watch a self-serving puff piece on Garnett, and think that maybe he has more issues than I do.

by Hipuks on Dec 25, 2008 2:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I was not inspired, so I checked my pulse and it turns out I’m ok. That was a close one.

I'm comfortable winning -- Emmanuel Ginobili

by pollackj on Dec 25, 2008 2:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I was actually uninspired, like if I had started the day saying Carpe Diem! After watching that piece I would’ve say, oh fuck it, what’s the point.

by Hipuks on Dec 25, 2008 3:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

back from the ER

i turned on the tv and saw garnett walking on the beach with full warmups self narrating. i turned off the tv.

What the Bowen giveth Horry taketh away. --LatinD (2008 Playoffs Round 2, Game 1)

the Spurs do not defeat you so much as they grind you into tiny shards of psychological wreckage.
-the Denver Post

by Hamer_SpursFan on Dec 25, 2008 3:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Glad you’re okay, how are the dogs?

by Hipuks on Dec 25, 2008 3:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

“There would be no doubt that KG would be in the house for game 6.”

Shouldn’t he show up for every game of the Finals?

by 4Him on Dec 25, 2008 3:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

How did that end up this far down?

by 4Him on Dec 25, 2008 3:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The Suns enjoy a Shaq dunk, as it likely cost them millions of dollars.

by Hipuks on Dec 25, 2008 3:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Tied game, and I think the solution is to follow Drinky Crow’s example.

by Hipuks on Dec 25, 2008 3:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I was wondering why TD wasn’t going left on Shaq in the first half, but he’s taking advantage of that move now.

by 4Him on Dec 25, 2008 3:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Down three, Bonner also tried a TDesque long pass and failed, and I’m considering alternative medicine.

by Hipuks on Dec 25, 2008 3:22 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

That is crazy talk POP

by LasEspuelas on Dec 25, 2008 3:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

They’re talking about how in this one game, Pop let the team do the coaching, TD was drawing up plays, and the crystals on the copper pyramid are not working.

by Hipuks on Dec 25, 2008 3:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

BSotS is about as active as this thread on this fine Christmas day…

by 4Him on Dec 25, 2008 3:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

We do the Hack-a-Shaq, and I feel all warm inside.

by Hipuks on Dec 25, 2008 3:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

That’s quite different from how Shaq feels inside…

by 4Him on Dec 25, 2008 3:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, it does insult his huge ego. " Shaw doesn’t care about free throws, Shaq win championship anyway, Shaq hungry."

by Hipuks on Dec 25, 2008 3:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Did y’all catch what Manu’s favorite Christmas moment was?

by 4Him on Dec 25, 2008 3:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Being in the pool during Christmas, pretty cool. I remember the fireworks too, that was about the best part of Christmas in Argentina.

by Hipuks on Dec 25, 2008 3:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wooo – Manu taking it to them…

by 4Him on Dec 25, 2008 3:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

How about that – 85% of the dentists in Indiana went to G Hill’s university. No wonder Hill’s teeth look so good…

by 4Him on Dec 25, 2008 3:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

The announcers praise Hill, it’s a 2 point game, and I think traditional medicine will be better than crystals.

by Hipuks on Dec 25, 2008 3:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Tied game, Parker about to shoot freebies, Nash can’t defend a comatose patient, and I start hitting the Prozac.

by Hipuks on Dec 25, 2008 3:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

We need to get a victory for you tonight.

by 4Him on Dec 25, 2008 3:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Great teardrop by TP, but TD gets his 5th foul at the other end…

by 4Him on Dec 25, 2008 3:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

That one frustration foul against Studamire wasn’t so smart looking back…

by Hipuks on Dec 25, 2008 3:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

TP heating up…

by 4Him on Dec 25, 2008 3:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Up 1, 3 minutes to go, and I start self analyzing on a diary with a fish picture cover.

by Hipuks on Dec 25, 2008 3:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Ugh…don’t leave Richardson wide open at the 3-point line!

by 4Him on Dec 25, 2008 3:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Down to the wire again!!

by LasEspuelas on Dec 25, 2008 4:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Tied game, 27 seconds to go, we can’t catch a fucking break, and I’m worrying too much about the game to think about little crap like the direction of my life.

by Hipuks on Dec 25, 2008 4:06 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I don’t understand why we’ve gone 3 straight possessions with the GOAT touching the ball

I'm comfortable winning -- Emmanuel Ginobili

by pollackj on Dec 25, 2008 4:06 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Excellent defense Spurs!!!!

I'm comfortable winning -- Emmanuel Ginobili

by pollackj on Dec 25, 2008 4:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Shit!

I'm comfortable winning -- Emmanuel Ginobili

by pollackj on Dec 25, 2008 4:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

zzzz

by LasEspuelas on Dec 25, 2008 4:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

4.3 to go, down two, and I found religion and I’m asking the FSM for a three.

by Hipuks on Dec 25, 2008 4:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I’m converting to whatever religion you are

I'm comfortable winning -- Emmanuel Ginobili

by pollackj on Dec 25, 2008 4:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Mason wins the game! Mason wins the game!

by Hipuks on Dec 25, 2008 4:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

The FSM exists, Mace is the freaking man, we won the game, and all is right with the world.

by Hipuks on Dec 25, 2008 4:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I knew you would feel better…

by LasEspuelas on Dec 25, 2008 4:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It’s a Christmas miracle!!

I'm comfortable winning -- Emmanuel Ginobili

by pollackj on Dec 25, 2008 4:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Got Manu?

by Big Nuts on Dec 25, 2008 4:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Told ya, didn’t I?

by LatinD on Dec 25, 2008 9:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That. was. the. shit.

Mace FTW!

by Tim C. on Dec 25, 2008 4:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

That was so fucking bad ass!! What a great xmas fucking present.

by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Dec 25, 2008 4:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

roger that

by bones on Dec 25, 2008 5:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

A buzzer beater three by Mason…Merry Fucking Christmas indeed.

by Hipuks on Dec 25, 2008 4:14 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Merry fucking Christmas Phoenix!

Merry Christmas fellow PTRers!

by Krukow on Dec 25, 2008 4:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

ROGERRRRRRRRRRR

www.sportzchat.com

by Linix129 on Dec 25, 2008 4:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

MASONDOG!

by r21x on Dec 25, 2008 4:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I’m suprised there’s not more excitement on here! I’m in California and I’m sure all you could hear me screaming from where ever you are in the world when Mason hit that shot! I love Mason!

by speedostuffer on Dec 25, 2008 4:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I was laughing hysterically and pointing at my neighbors. lol I’m surprised they didn’t call the cops and report me.

by Tim C. on Dec 25, 2008 4:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Same here.

I may have caused an earthquake in the Bay Area with all my foot and fist pounding.

by Jason Roberts on Dec 25, 2008 4:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I lost my voice after celebrating the three.

by Hipuks on Dec 25, 2008 4:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Me too. DAMN what a shot!

"You may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas." -Davy Crockett
"Give me an army of West Point graduates, and I'll win a battle. Give me a handful of Texas Aggies, and I'll win a war." -Gen. George S. Patton
"Martellus see ball, Martellus catch ball." -Cowboys' Aggie TE M. Bennett (11-16-08)

by spursfan4ever on Dec 25, 2008 5:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That was

FANTASTIC! Even though we weren’t shooting well early on, the Suns left our shooters wide open far too often. Therefore, it was quite fitting that Mason’s three was the game winner (esp. b/c the Suns had a great inbounds play at the other end on the previous play).

by 4Him on Dec 25, 2008 4:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Could get to the computer during the game, but got to watch all of it. That was a gritty win by a team that clearly was not playing their best.

BTW, was it me or did the officiating suck? Not that it favored one team or the other particularly, but that it was highly inconsistent. Touch fouls got called occasionally and muggings would get ignored. The last two minutes were at least consistent because neither team got a call. I’m a lifelong NBA fan – it, the NFL and a little soccer (MLS mostly) are the only sports I follow, but the officiating is one day going to drive me away from this sport.

"Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored." – Aldous Huxley

by spurchief on Dec 25, 2008 4:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I think you’re right about today’s officiating.

by 4Him on Dec 25, 2008 4:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t complain often about officials. Tonight they had some real bad calls. Tony probably wouldn’t have picked up that T at the end if they stayed consistent with their calls.

by r21x on Dec 25, 2008 4:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

BTW in case it wasn’t blatantly obvious yet Parker > Nash

27/8 for TP

13/8 for Steve Nash

by r21x on Dec 25, 2008 4:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

My day has been made.

www.sportzchat.com

by Linix129 on Dec 25, 2008 4:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Have a good day guys.

www.sportzchat.com

by Linix129 on Dec 25, 2008 4:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

One additional thing I found interesting looking at the box score, just now.

The big gripe (ok, one of them) against Phoenix during the D’Pornstache years was not developing / using a bench. This game, by Porter, saw 1 Sun (Amare) at 42 minutes, 4 Suns log over 35 minutes, 1 with 20, 1 with 16 and 1 with a token 4 minutes. So, basically an 8 man rotation again.

Same ol’ Suns.

"Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored." – Aldous Huxley

by spurchief on Dec 25, 2008 4:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Lopez played 8 and Amundson 4. So that was basically a 7-man rotation.

They signed Dee Brown to be a backup point guard so that Dragic pick isn’t looking so hot right now.

by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Dec 25, 2008 4:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Holy hell that was a game. Being there was pretty freaking cool, but I missed you guys. It would have been fun to post with……..both of you. Working on the recap now so I should have it up by tomorrow. Hope each of your holidays has been good and you’re blessed.

PS- I’m now officially onboard the Roger Mason bandwagon. Thanks for saving me a seat. My availability was made possible by completely abandoning the Tony Parker bandwagon today. More to share on these two subjects in the recap.

by SgtinManusArmy on Dec 25, 2008 7:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I think you cushioned my fall jumping off the TP bandwagon, it happened at the very end of the 4th quarter.

P.S. My mom got me a gift from the Cracker Barrel today. It was not my best gift of the year.

I'm comfortable winning -- Emmanuel Ginobili

by pollackj on Dec 25, 2008 7:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, it’s likely. I was down there after the middle of the first. I’ll expound more later, but he’s as close as dead to me as he’s ever been.

You’re a cruel, cruel man. I actually thought about sending you a John Deere chip platter from Cracker Barrel for the holidays too. Seriously. Just didn’t have your contact info. But now? No chip platter for you.

by SgtinManusArmy on Dec 25, 2008 7:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

SiMA

did you wear your bowen jersey, and if you did, how many people directly insulted you? and how long did you laugh at them all when Masondog hit the game winner?

What the Bowen giveth Horry taketh away. --LatinD (2008 Playoffs Round 2, Game 1)

the Spurs do not defeat you so much as they grind you into tiny shards of psychological wreckage.
-the Denver Post

by Hamer_SpursFan on Dec 25, 2008 7:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh yeah, buddy. Phx and denver are the only two places that I wear nothing but the Bowen jersey to games. Other arenas, the choices are endless. But in those two locations….. only Bruce will do.

No one was really verbally insulting. But they’re all emotionally insulting, with their glares and sneers and scowls. Like any fan base that whines and complains constantly and makes excuses for every imperfection, you wouldn’t expect them to have the balls to directly confront someone. Especially someone as loud and ostentatious as I tend to be when we’re rolling.

And I actually didn’t laugh. That’s always your first impulse, yes. But I find that it’s far more disturbing and psychologically damaging to simply act as though it’s no big deal. As a result, I yawn repeatedly throughout close games like this. I shrug off victories and triumphs constantly because I feel that it’s more destructive to other fan bases to see fans that aren’t so insecure and incomplete. I went apeshit when the shot went down of course, but then promptly back into ‘reserved and quietly composed’ mode. You could see in the faces of all the families around me that that was far more painful.

But now that I’m home, I’m laughing my ass off.

I’m really sick, I’ll be the first to tell you.

by SgtinManusArmy on Dec 25, 2008 8:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I hate you for being there in person.

couldn’t afford tix, even after xmas gifts

Still, I bet you just loved our stereotypical Phoenix weather. Oh, wait….

by Tim C. on Dec 25, 2008 9:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Was it the golf tee triangle thing? I’ve gotten that gift several times.

Catch the Spurs Spirit! It's a Fast-breakin' Fiesta!

by tomasito on Dec 29, 2008 8:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

SWEET!!!!!!!! just now able to get online, and that was one heck of a play!! i was ready to watch a crap play following our crap defense on the suns’ inbounds play, but then Mace Windu goes and gives us all a Christmas Miracle!! too bad i was watching the game all by myself in a house full of non-basketball fans. what’s worse is that everyone was watching WALL-E followed by Mamma Mia on the 52" HD tv, while i was confined to the side room with an old 19" tv – high class Spurs-watching. i’m just glad we got the win to cancel out any ill will i was feeling for the said tv injustice.

Merry Christmas everyone!! looking forward to your recap, SiMA.

by znimrod on Dec 25, 2008 8:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I'm sad and happy

Sad because I missed what seems like another epic win by our Spurs, happy because we won said epic game. (Only 6 TOs? Really?)

I can only look forward to SiMA’s recap, which should help me at least share your enjoyment after Roger’s great 3. All in all, this was another great day to be a Spurs fan.

(BTW, I’m totally disappointed that no one commented on how accurate my Lord of the Rings analogy was. Spent days on that!) ((Not really, it took me a few minutes. But still. I had to look up ‘uruk-hai’’s spelling!))

by LatinD on Dec 25, 2008 9:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

dude, I’m just now getting around to reading this … and my appreciation of your LotR references is only surpassed by my affection for one Mace Windu’s shooting prowess

that means I liked it quite a bit

I am calm, filling myself with patience - Manu Ginobili

by jollyrogerwilco on Dec 26, 2008 3:34 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

There’s NO freaking way that Nash is Sauron. Snaq MUST be the Sauron in that analogy. He is the epitome of all things evil about the NBA. Yes,he can be funny at times and we owe him for the best nickname Timmeh ever got. But other than that, he’s the embodiment of pure evil.

I’m OK with Nash as Saruman.

Grant Hill should be Wormtongue. Too weak to be a real threat.

"Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored." – Aldous Huxley

by spurchief on Dec 26, 2008 3:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, I was going with threat levels to the Spurs, not evilness. But yeah, Hill as Grima could’ve worked.

Thanks for the input. :)

by LatinD on Dec 26, 2008 9:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Fricken awesome!!!!!

What a game.

Can’t wait to read all the recaps and the comments above.

by werdnawee on Dec 25, 2008 10:22 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Oh BTW, LatinD,

The "Lord of the Rings’ names for the players was just awesome!!!

by werdnawee on Dec 25, 2008 10:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I just finished watching Lord of the Rings 3, and let me tell you your analogy was beyond accurate.

"It's a basic truth of the human condition that everybody lies. The only variable is about what."

by Chilai on Dec 25, 2008 11:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

there is a sweet shot of one of the local fans burying his head into his hands a the mason shot went thru. i caught it on my 3rd or 4th replay, so its not super obvious. however, it was super cool.

by bones on Dec 26, 2008 8:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Just watched the downloaded replay.

Totally awesome and will be looking out for that Suns fan.

The Suns last play was impressive but OURS was so much better.

If you catch the replay, Mace at the top, circles around and crosses TP.
Keeps going and sets up in the corner after a Manu screen. (after Manu goes around TD in the key)
Meanwhile, TP receives, does his thing, finds the open Mace and SWISH!!!!

Beautiful to watch!!!! again, and again and again
(just ask my wife. She lost interest after I showed her the reply twice)

TD almost kills Mace with the strangle-hold though after he hit the shot.

by werdnawee on Dec 27, 2008 2:02 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs