Playoff game thread #1 -- vs. Phoenix
by sungo on Apr 19, 2008 9:28 AM CDT
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i'm looking forward...
... to seeing amare’s distorted, frustrated face again this year. yay!!
spurs 96
suns 92
gospursgo. hook 'em. metal rules. ganja rules.
hahahaha, i found that guy on digg. he looks like a cross between devin townsend and my uncle erin.
gospursgo. hook 'em. metal rules. ganja rules.
by metalandganja on Apr 19, 2008 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions
the suns blog
always fun to take a look at the other side. my personal favorites so far are 1) darth vader as the spurs logo in the series breakdown on their front page and 2) some commenter absolutely convinced that stern is out against the suns and will make sure the spurs win. i had to wipe a tear after that one—the idea that stern wants the spurs to beat the suns is completely r-tarded.
that’s right. r-tarded
gospursgo. hook 'em. metal rules. ganja rules.
May Stuart and Steve A burn for eternity...
4-time World Champion SPURS- 97
posers & hosers- 92
Playoff season is different for me, I don’t do anything but watch and study and soak in; so no computer stuff until its other. You guys have fun and Go Spurs Go….
By the way, anybody gonna be in phx or nearby next weekend? I’ll be there and it’d be cool to get together and watch the game (and protect each other from getting shived).
holy shit here we go I’m nervous as hell and there’s not a beer or a shot of whiskey in the house
If you try and take a cat apart to see how it works, the first thing you have on your hands is a non-working cat.
you have… windex?
gospursgo. hook 'em. metal rules. ganja rules.
by metalandganja on Apr 19, 2008 2:09 PM CDT up reply actions
music
i would like to see one playoffs where they don’t pick the shittiest music imaginable. although i suppose that crap was better than the pussycat dolls last year
Gotta start getting buckets soon…
"To be a great champion you must believe you are the best. If you're not, pretend you are." - Muhammad Ali
finish around the hoop
it starts with finishing at the rim, which has been a pain for us since they got shaq, sadly. we’re lucky to come out this flat and still be within 5. phoenix will be bringing it with fire early. let’s see if they can maintain.
Like I said earlier, Bad Tony decided to show up
"To be a great champion you must believe you are the best. If you're not, pretend you are." - Muhammad Ali
well if you believe in lame stuff like this like i do, the spurs have sucked ass in the first game of the first series of every year they have won. um minus ‘99 i think
can we try barry or somethin?
If you try and take a cat apart to see how it works, the first thing you have on your hands is a non-working cat.
Unlike previous games...
We’re slumping in the 2nd quarter not the 2nd half. Halftime will be a good time to regroup and come out focused.
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed.
tim 7-9. rest of team 7-28. the turn-overs evened out and the rebounds got closer. rest of team 7-28, that’s where we’re at right now.
i started drinking out of my lucky cup too – we picked up some off the lead since then too. just drinking water…for now. the lucky cup for this year’s play-offs is the big plastic cup from the ATT center. the soda cup with the 4 trophies on it. the beer cup wasnt nearly as cool…...
the
then again were doin that cause no one else is doin shit
If you try and take a cat apart to see how it works, the first thing you have on your hands is a non-working cat.
what the fuck
is with Van gundy talking about Manu flopping! When Nash has been flopping the entire game.
by adam8065 on Apr 19, 2008 4:05 PM CDT reply actions
lots of flopping by lots of people in this game. time for the spurs to get tougher. play thru all of the BS and get it done. get good shots, get stops.
the pick and roll is working for us everytime, particularly when shaq is out there. if frenchy keeps getting to the rim like this, the rest of our guys will get looks.
when will they learn to not interview pop?
If you try and take a cat apart to see how it works, the first thing you have on your hands is a non-working cat.
Great rebound by Tony..and way to take it to the basket
by adam8065 on Apr 19, 2008 4:22 PM CDT reply actions
why the hell can’t Chip teach Tony how to shoot frr throws.
by adam8065 on Apr 19, 2008 4:23 PM CDT reply actions
unfucking believable…we miss a free throw and we let shaq score make a free throw too!
by adam8065 on Apr 19, 2008 4:25 PM CDT reply actions
we’re too good for this
If you try and take a cat apart to see how it works, the first thing you have on your hands is a non-working cat.
not sasyin we’re cheating it just seems like I’ve seen this 30 times and not once has it ever worked
If you try and take a cat apart to see how it works, the first thing you have on your hands is a non-working cat.
Oh it works, I’ve seen it work. Pop wouldnt do it if it didnt work. Notice how he bricked 3 straight free throws?
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed.
WHOOOOOOO!!
If you try and take a cat apart to see how it works, the first thing you have on your hands is a non-working cat.
are you fucking kiding me? that was fucking foul!!!!
by adam8065 on Apr 19, 2008 4:42 PM CDT reply actions
I would love for Mark Jackson to become the Knicks next coach..he is 10 times worse than Isiah!
I can’t believe that no call
by adam8065 on Apr 19, 2008 4:43 PM CDT reply actions
how the fuck does Mark Jackson talk about acting on that play?
by adam8065 on Apr 19, 2008 4:44 PM CDT reply actions
great defense!!! we don’t need a 3 pointer yet drive straight to the basket
by adam8065 on Apr 19, 2008 4:46 PM CDT reply actions
FINDOOOOOOOOOOOOOGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you try and take a cat apart to see how it works, the first thing you have on your hands is a non-working cat.
Heyyyy
You stole my FinnnnnnnnnnnnDogggggggggggggggg!!!!!
I’d been saving it.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Apr 19, 2008 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions
that was lucky..we really were fortunate right there!
by adam8065 on Apr 19, 2008 4:50 PM CDT reply actions
err
err… 6th
If you try and take a cat apart to see how it works, the first thing you have on your hands is a non-working cat.
keep attacking the rim, and keep doing pick and rolls if Shaq is in the game.
by adam8065 on Apr 19, 2008 4:54 PM CDT reply actions
why isn’t Tony driving? Stop shooting that jumper please!
by adam8065 on Apr 19, 2008 4:56 PM CDT reply actions
put Manu on Nash he is taller, and put parker on Bell
by adam8065 on Apr 19, 2008 4:59 PM CDT reply actions
The basketball Gods don’t want us to lose this game
by adam8065 on Apr 19, 2008 5:06 PM CDT reply actions
Boris travelled on that play..thank goodness that didn’t go in
by adam8065 on Apr 19, 2008 5:10 PM CDT reply actions
2nd OT!!
No amare, and shaq with 5 fouls! POUND THE ROCK!!! WE GOT THIS.
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed.
without Amare..and with fatso with 5 fouls we better not lose this game.
by adam8065 on Apr 19, 2008 5:10 PM CDT reply actions
take the ball out of Nash’s hand and the SUns are done.
by adam8065 on Apr 19, 2008 5:16 PM CDT reply actions
fuck!!!! They only have one player out there which is Nash who can creat from himself!
by adam8065 on Apr 19, 2008 5:17 PM CDT reply actions
also box out!!! Nash is loooking the shoot the ball everytime down!!!
by adam8065 on Apr 19, 2008 5:19 PM CDT reply actions
thank goodness the next game isn’t till Tuesday..we are going to need the rest
by adam8065 on Apr 19, 2008 5:22 PM CDT reply actions
the players or us?
If you try and take a cat apart to see how it works, the first thing you have on your hands is a non-working cat.
GREAT GAME EVERYONE!
This has been an experience. Glad we were all here to witness it.
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed.
I’m just so happy! Boy, I’d love to have some Spurs fans close by – I need to hug, high-five, something. This has to be one of the if not THE best games I’ve seen in my entire life.
I still can’t believe it. I thank God (the pagan gods for my agnostic friends) for the Spurs, PTR, everyone! Love ya all.
And Matthew Powell had to work...
He’s gonna be so pissed he missed this game.
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed.
I love Duncan. I love him. I praise Gino everyday, but Duncan is also my favorite. What he did today… I have no words to describe it. I simply can’t express how thankful I am that he plays for the Spurs. I’ll remember that 3ptr he took for the rest of my life. Thank you, Duncan, thank you very much.
And Parker… oh boy. I diss him just as much as the next PTRer, but I always thought he was one of the great NBA players, one of the difference-makers. He played like crap for a couple of quarters this game, but he’s still a winner, and we owe 20% of this game to him, too. I love you, Frencie boy.
Findog, what can I say? I was one of the doubters. Now you’re making me look dumb, and Pop’s coming off as a genius. And he is a genius. We already owe a playoff game to you – and him, for sticking with you beyond what was reasonable for the common fan. I hope this is the first of many.
And Gino… Dammit, Gino. You couldn’t buy a 3 tonight, and your first half was also crappy. But you were there when we needed you, like you always are. My manlove for you is scary.
I’ll say it again: Nash is scary good. bones said it, that 3 ptr was incredible. I hate the Suns, but I’m still at awe of this guy. That I even mention him here should give you an idea of how much I hated playing against him tonight. But he lost, and we’ll beat him and the other whiners 3 more times in the next 6. And after that, we’ll see – but I think every other team in the league has to be a little bit scared right now.
I really can’t say enough good things about the Spurs tonight. Again, what a day to be a Spurs fan. I’m high on excitement, and will probably die a couple of years early because of this game. And I don’t care. Go Spurs, dammit!
Bittersweet for me...
What. The. Fuck. Holy crap, I can’t even express…. Manu. Toaster oven. French fries. Burnt sienna. Loss of rational thought. Hopefully, my blood pressure will even out to normal before Tuesday’s game, I can’t even think straight right now.
Not trying to be a killjoy here, and some of you are going to say that it didn’t matter in the end anyway. Some of you may already have said it; I haven’t looked because I can’t keep my hands steady right now long enough to scroll up.
BUT…..
Allowing shaq to still be in the game with 5 fouls for so long is unforgiveable. Allowing amare to still be in the game with 5 fouls for so long is unforgiveable. I said it before the game. I said it during the game. I’m still saying it. This is an E-A-S-Y opponent if we will recognize what works. Getting their bigs in foul trouble early, and taking them out of the game. Feeding Timmy, Tony driving, Manu driving…. we wouldn’t have to work half as hard in the final quarter (not to mention ridiculous OTs), if we would only concentrate on playing chess, seeing moves and plays and strategies 5 minutes from now; instead of checkers. I have never been so confused by and angry at Pop. From the third quarter on, I was screaming at the TV- “GO AT SHAQARE!!!” We tried somewhat, but didn’t attempt often enough to create the contact, and we had to fight them as a result all game. Both of these two idiots usually have at least 6 fouls by halftime, there’s no reason they should still be on the floor in the 4th.
Like I said, I’m happy, don’t get me wrong. It was a good win psychologically, and we gritted it out. Thanks for the highlights, Timmy and Findog, but next game let’s play smarter and let our opponent beat themselves early so that we’re not relying on a Tim Duncan or falling away Findog 3 to save us. What a day to be a SPURS fan is right, but this is going to be a problem throughout the rest of the series if we don’t address it in the locker room. We can’t rely on TD for 40 nightly, he’ll get cold at least one game and we need more from the roles earlier too.
GO SPURS GO
Really though Phoenix played about as well as they can play. Shaq will get in foul trouble most of this series, as will Amare. The Spurs brought their C game collectively. I think game 2, they will play better. The ball movement was awful in the 1st half and the group refused to block out for some reason in the first half. The proper adjustments will be made and the Spurs will better ready Tuesday night.
"To be a great champion you must believe you are the best. If you're not, pretend you are." - Muhammad Ali
Couldn’t agree more with Den’s points here too. There’s frustration at how it could have been better played, but overall, we’re in GREAT shape. We played like ass for the first half. Collectively yes, a C is a good grade. The first quarter TOs were ridiculous. The utter and complete lack of any quality play from the bench in the 1st half was terrible. Not going hard enough at their bigs in the 2nd half was stupid. But phx DID play a great game. They played their style, played it pretty effectively, and exploited us. They had big plays, shot well, and defended well. For us to play so sub-average against their great showing was VERY encouraging, and I think if we can keep focused and not be distracted by phx’s crowd, we’ll own this easier than people are predicting. We’ll see…
Oh yeah, and if Pop is reading….
1.) STOP ALLOWING FRENCHIE TO GO UNDER SCREENS!!! Nash will continue to shred him when TP does; he’s the best in the league at coming off the pick and roll, don’t make it easier for him.
2.) Go at their bigs early, and hard. We have 18 fouls to their 12, and are infinately smarter at using them than they are. Cut off the head (or the ass, in amare’s case), and the snake will die. This is the same team, without Marion!, that we own every year except for shaq. Play smart and patient, and he’ll be gone by the 3rd. Same for amare. His offense is better, but he’s still no smarter and more careless with the ball. Use this and draw charges, draw contact, pump fake, etc.
3.) Get your perimeter guys in the gym. Now. And after that. And first thing in the morning. Require Chip to be there, and don’t let them go home until they hit 250 3s each. I’m looking at you Findog, Bones, Manu, Bruce and Fatality. We MUST have the threat of the outside shot, and no one is terrified of us out there anymore.
4.) Next time Fab or KT leaves his man to double (or just stand in awe of) the hoser coming off a pick, slap them. Publicly. Hard. And make them run laps. In the arena, during a game. This absolutely, definately, unbelievably cannot happen again. Amare lives off of this, and when this is taken away, he’s an average player at best. Give him the top-of-the-key jumper all day if you remove his soaring undefended dunks.
5.) Force TP and Manu to drive to the hole. Constantly. See #2 above.
Great win though, and I can’t wait to be in arizona next weekend- people are going to be crazy bitterangry. GOOOOO SPPPURRRSSSS GOOOOOOO!!!
by SgtinManusArmy on Apr 19, 2008 6:34 PM CDT up reply actions
I have to say I’m really impressed with Van Gundy as a color guy. As bad a Marc Jackson is, Van Gundy really makes up for it with his knowledge. Little things like pointing out how Finley needed to rotate off Grant Hill on D. Or when he described why the Suns drew up that play to Diaw to try to win it at the end of regulation…how they beat the Mavs a few years ago on that play. His NBA knowledge is top notch.
Sgtin, you’re 100% right. I think. But tonight the Spurs can do no wrong to me.
What can I say… I’m a fan at heart. I’ll leave the nitty-gritty this-wasn’t-so-great details to people like Michael or Matthew, or sports analysts, people who can keep a rational mind in the face of such a tremendous sports moment. Unforgettable games like this… are a gift, really.
God, I love basket. And the Spurs.
Take a look.
Click here and take a look at the top right corner…
oh so nice…
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed.
Amazing
Cmoney, that is really beautiful. thank you for that.
by Kid_Dynamite on Apr 19, 2008 6:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes, Yes, A Thousand Times Yes
I can’t even… I … I just can’t even begin to express how happy this makes me. Can I just say that Timmy’s 3 was some of the most miraculous shit I have ever seen. I just don’t even know what to say. I love the Spurs, I love all you guys, I am so full of love right now.
Ditto that, Dynamite. I’m loving all right now, even Mark Cub…...nope, my bad. Not everyone, just you guys.
Said it earlier, but you guys let me know. I have to be in phx next weekend and need backup. If anyone’s over there, let me know and we’ll hook up somewhere for beers and the game.
I am trying to get tickets to Game 4, hopefully I can make it out there and join you. The wifey is trying to talk me out of it and is absolutely scared chitless! We went to Game 1 last year and she thought they were going to kill us, literally and figuratively! There was this old lady behind us, must have been about 85 and all game long she was cursing the…........guess who….....refs. It was hilarious, her husband or whatever he was, was asleep, must have been too late for him (it was around 1:00 p.m. so I can understand how tired he must have been). I was loving it, that arena was so quiet after they lost you could hear a pin drop.
Oh yeah, WTF Arizona, why are you the only state that doesn’t believe in Daylight savings time??? Are people over there that stupid and lazay? Sheesh! Come on man, get with the program!
"Well if I am truly crazy, don't you know I like my life that way"
Yeah, I think it would definately be in our best interest to all 4 of us shadow each other, like water buffaloes facing lion attack. We’re trying to get tix too, but will be out there to antagonize regardless of game attendance so let me know what you end up doing and we’ll set it up.
Anybody else? There’s got to be one good sports bar in the phx metro.
by SgtinManusArmy on Apr 20, 2008 12:55 AM CDT up reply actions
i made mentally notes when it happened, but i was so involved in the game i totally forgot. now i’m at work, though, and reliving one of the best games i’ve ever seen.
anyone notice how pop listened to reason and played JV a meager 3 minutes and minnie mouse not at all?
anyone notice barry running point with gino at the 2 for a couple minutes?
anyone notice pop subbing in bowen when parker fouled out?
it was glorious. the team played hard and pop finally stuck with a lineup that could put the spurs in a position to win.
you ain't a beauty but hey you're all right.
Security Sucked
The security outside the ATT center was horrible. Two gang members were hassling people outside as they were going to the parking lot after the game. I am no crime detective, but if the Suns are playing the Spurs and two hooligans show up wearing Kings jerseys (also the name of a well known nation wide gang) you might want to keep a close eye on them. There were no cops anywhere in site. Message to the ATT center, either you pick up the security or I handled it myself next time. You understand?
Now, on to the game. The Spurs have no true floor general. Lucky for us, we have a guy like Manu who can turn into the super freak at times, but during the game it would be nice to have guys that recognized mismatches, got the ball to Duncan instead of taking fall away jumpers, (JV, Finley, Parker, Manu…etc). It kills me to watch Mr Potato Head driving around shooting pull up jumpers, JV heaving fall aways. Grrrrr!
Also, playing a little D would be appreciated. The Spurs just couldn’t get their feet off the ground most of the game.
But, they stopped them when they needed to near the end.
The Suns made some strange moves during the game that opened the door for the Spurs. Nash, as great as he is, started forcing things, chucking threes, fall away jumpers. Shaq with the goal tending call. Missing free throws. Really dumb fouls, standing in the restricted zone trying to draw a charge, throwing people to the ground. Not fouling the Spurs when we needed a three to tie, twice! This team is not championship material at all.
Timmeh’s three was one of the great moments I have ever witnessed in Spurs history. An old man near me was celebrating and slipped down the steps. Everyone was just looking at each other like DAMN!
Manu took over in the final OT and was just flowing. When Amir fouled out, that was it. Manu is the Ric Flair of the NBA, when you think you have him beat, he just rolls you up one two three. He may make insane turnovers, miss every three point shot, but he is as cold blooded as it gets.
I’m reading the recap and Shaq is talking about how the floppers prevailed today. He has 2 of the biggest floppers in the league on his team. Hell, he flops too, so what the hell is he talking about? He has no beef with the refs, they sucked on both sides today.
"To be a great champion you must believe you are the best. If you're not, pretend you are." - Muhammad Ali
Yeah, that blows me away…. shaq, griping about flopping and officiating. Stunning. Considering that the officials let him stay in the game an extra 10+ minutes with his 5th, he doesn’t have much to complain about. The Big Prick is never changing, he fits perfectly into D’oh’s system of ‘Blame first.’ Everytime I watch the canadian hoser jump under someone with his feet moving to get a charge call, I throw up a little in my mouth. Shaq needs consult the game film instead of hurrying back to In&Out in phoenix; the calls were bad, no doubt, but at least they didn’t decide the game and weren’t AT ALL just one-sided.
I actually had a buddy even call me (a houston fan at that) in the first half and tell me that watching phx, he can’t possibly see how people see the SPURS as the floppers and whiners. Thank you mark jackson and van doofus for perpetuating the myth, I guess. All that definately will make it more rewarding and satisfying rolling through them again.
by SgtinManusArmy on Apr 19, 2008 8:12 PM CDT up reply actions
props to pop too
we should all give pop the props for stealing a couple of points at the end of the first half and with the hack-a-shaq in the 4th qtr. his strategy worked both times this time. and even if it doesnt work again this series, pop has made mikey and coaching staff work extra to make sure they are prepared for someting else.
pop was great today all around. good line ups that worked, showing patience during a comeback that took up until the very end and switching up defenses and looks all day. he was as good as everyone else.
i saw no complaints from anyone about the zebras. sure there were a ton of tough calls, but they weren’t at all one-sided and the whistle for shit on one end of the floor was consistent whistle for the same shit on the other.
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