Game Preview #1: New Orleans Hornets at San Antonio Spurs - The Quest Begins
by Tim C. on Oct 28, 2009 2:43 PM CDT
in Game Previews
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Oh yes, he did.
I'm so hyped up for the season that I started writing this in August... and then re-wrote the whole thing this week in Argentine. But then I was reminded that this is a family-friendly blog sometimes, and Wayne made me rewrite it again. Anyway... It's been a hell of a long offseason, but now it's time for some full-tilt "boring" Spurs basketball. But these aren't the Spurs you remember. This team is stacked, and it's time to see just how good they are.
The story of the season is obviously the quest for the franchise's 5th NBA Championship. Some of the moves that were made in the offseason were obviously big headline grabbing changes. But, we're not going to concentrate on the newbies today. I'll start things off by mentioning that there's a legendary big man trying to solidify his place among the players of his generation.
That's right, Matt Bonner wants himself another ring.
cosplay?
Yes, Mattie now has something better to occupy his time than finding the best sandwich around. As long as he can make it rain, he gets to do whatever he wants in his down time.
We're changing things up a bit this year. If you weren't around for the preseason games, we're separating the game previews from the game threads, which will be posted closer to game time. We'll have a QuickCap after each game, and any brave soul who feels up to it can take on the responsibility of a more comprehensive recap.
Get Pumped
Preview
Disclaimer: The positional matchups below are based on who is the primary option, not who starts.
 New Orleans Hornets @ San Antonio Spurs Where: AT&T Center - San Antonio, TX When: October 28, 2009, 7:00 PM Spurs time Watch: ESPN & KENS 5
Details/Stats
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Matchups
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 Tony Parker The Leader |
Point Guard Last year, Tony proved that he is one of the league's best point guards. There are really only two names that will consistently come before Parker when lists of those top point guards are made. Fortunately for New Orleans, they have the player widely considered to be the top point guard in the league - Chris Paul. But he's still a punk.Advantage: Hornets |
 Chris Paul The Franchise |
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 Manu Ginobili The Catalyst |
Shooting Guard Curiously, rookie Marcus Thornton made his way into the NOOCH's starting lineup during preseason. Given that the other options are Devin Brown and Morris Peterson, that's not incredibly surprising. He shot extremely well from 3-point range during preseason, and rebounds well for 6'4", but let's get real: this is the biggest mismatch on the floor tonight. NBA.com says Peterson will get the start, but Thornton is the biggest threat. Not that it matters - Manu's back, and he'll devour the NOOCHies the moment he enters the game.
Advantage: Spurs |
 Marcus Thornton The Rookie |
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 Richard Jefferson The New Guy |
Small Forward Julian Wright also became a starter for the NOOCH during preseason. Perhaps Peja just sucks that much now, or maybe they just want him coming off the bench like Manu. The hell if I know what Byron Scott is thinking. Anyway, RJ wins this matchup no matter who he faces off against. Throw in Finley off the bench, and this is almost as much of a mismatch as SG.Advantage: Spurs |
 Peja Stojakovic The Choke Artist |
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 Antonio McDyess The Veteran |
Power Forward Look, I know David West was an all-star. But that was BS - if ever there was an overrated PF in this league, it's West. McDyess will be effective against him, but Bonner is probably starting. Dice off the bench is just as effective a mid-range shooter as West, so after Matty leaves the game this matchup is pretty well tied. This goes without even mentioning what The Beast is going to do if he gets on the court tonight.Advantage: Hornets |
 David West The Shooter |
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 Tim Duncan The Foundation |
Center The Hornets upgraded at center when they traded Tyson Chandler for Okafor. But it came with a price: Chandler was one of the most effective players in the league at guarding Duncan. However, Okafor will be a major upgrade for the NOOCH on the offensive end most nights, since he is capable of more than just throwing down alleyoops. Timmeh is still good enough defensively to neutralize him, and will make Emeka look silly when he gets the ball down low.Advantage: Spurs |
 Emeka Okafor The Sidekick |
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 Roger Mason The Shooter |
Bench & Role Players Roger is back, and will again be among the top snipers in the league if all goes according to plan. George Hill, Michael Finley, Matt Bonner, and Dejuan Blair give us one of the most insanely good benches in the league. For the Hornets, Posey is a guy who is quietly effective at both ends of the floor. Mo Peterson, Julian Wright, Darius Songaila, and the dangerous rookie tandem of Darren Collison and Marcus Thornton are enough to keep the Spurs bench busy and focused.Advantage: Spurs |
 James Posey The Defender |
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 Gregg Popovich Bearded Sage |
Coach Bryon is a great X's and O's guy, and has an incredible ability to get the most out of his point guards. But that's about it, and the players usually start to hate him at some point. Pop always keeps things in balance, and knows how to make sure that the team's collective psyche is in the right place.Advantage: Spurs |
 Byron Scott Player-Hated |
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Other Factors
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Intangibles |
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| The crowd is going to be going CRAZY for this season to start. That, and the Spurs are still the smartest team in the league. Advantage: Spurs | ||||||
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Mojo |
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| One has to think that trading Rasual Butler away for a PEZ dispenser was a downer for the Hornets. And this new-look Spurs team is going to come out energized. Advantage: Spurs | ||||||
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Winner |
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| It's time to hit the ground running, and I get the feeling the Spurs want this one pretty bad. Spurs by 12. | ||||||
Keys To The Game
- Moving Without the Ball - The Hornets historically try to beat us by packing the paint and forcing us to shoot jumpers. The Spurs' tendency to play in slow, methodical offensive sets, with some guys just standing still on offense, plays right into their hands. We need to have lots of movement away from the ball - let's confuse the hell out of them. The additions of Jefferson and McDyess are extremely helpful to us in this regard.
- Be The Aggressor - The first point ties into this somewhat as well, but the Spurs need to attack the paint relentlessly tonight. I want the Hornets to have the infamous deer-in-the-headlights look by the middle of the first quarter. Also, CP3 is a player who allows himself to be affected by the unquantifiable perception of "momentum". The more relentless the attack, the less hope Paul will feel he has.
- Bench Play - This was briefly mentioned above: the Hornets' bench is actually pretty strong. We can't let them have any hope, though. A steady dose of George Hill, Dejuan Blair and long-range shooting from the likes of Bonner and Finley will help put this game away.
Last Time They Met
The Spurs last played the Hornets in the final game of the 2008-09 regular season, winning in overtime after being down 7 in the final minute. How on earth did our guys manage to send it to OT, you ask?
Some Other Reading
Hornets
At The Hive - The Hornets SBN blog, with a lot of good information. It was pretty depressing over there during the summer, but I think they're pretty hyped up for the season now.
Hornets 24/7 - This is the TrueHoop network blog for the Hornets. It's a good read - one of the better THN blogs not related to the Spurs.
Spurs
48 Minutes of Hell: Speaking of THN blogs, we're extremely lucky that the best one is dedicated to the Spurs. Tim and Graydon always do an excellent job of breaking down everything that's happening in the Spurs' organization.
Project Spurs: Good independent blog with lots of good content. Spurs fans are lucky to have so many good blogs out there.
Spurs on Twitter
manuginobili I watched the 1st 2 HEB commercials... u guys r gonna love 'em. Fun stuff. Airing soon. I'll post them as soon as I can.
spurs Breaking news from Spurs practice. Pop is now beardless. That is all. http://twitpic.com/n31xb
DeJuan45 i am excited about the start of the season!! feel like a kid on Christmas eve, i can't sleep!!
Some Other Viewing
From the Express-News:
Other things of possible interest
- The Mavs lost.
- The Cavs lost.
- Bank Robbery - Ur doin it wrong.
- Time Machine
Where to Tune In
TV
This game will be aired nationwide on ESPN, and in the San Antonio area it will also be on KENS 5.
Online
No League Pass for this game, but it should also be on ESPN 360, if your ISP provides access to it.
Please don't post links to illegal game feeds in the game thread. Links to illegal feeds are not permitted on SBNation, but you can probably find them out there on the internets if you're resourceful and desperate. In fact, nobody can stop you from googling "atdhe". You can also shoot an email to dmenendez@gmail.com for more assistance.
Spurs League Pass audio is still free this year, so check it out.
Radio
If you're in the San Antonio area and aren't near a TV, tune in to WOAI (1200 AM).
146 comments
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Comments
I can’t wait for this game to start, I really missed basketball this year. It will be interesting to see which of our old guys will sit for which of these games. Seeing as how we start off with a back to back I would guess that duncan plays tonight and manu plays tomorrow night, whether guys like antonio or theo get a night off remains to be seen, but the slightly shortened roster means that our young guys can get some national TV attention early, maybe even start that dejuan Blair ROY talk Blake Griffin’s Out!
by RamblingSpur on Oct 28, 2009 3:45 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
In the darkest depths of Mordor
I met a girl so fair
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Oct 28, 2009 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions
At the Black Gates, the doors were shut
So she summoned DeJuan Blair.
Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10
The Beast arrived just in time
by helping the Champions shoulder the share
"It's the ten-thousandth and one hammer blow that makes the team"
by Joe deLarios on Oct 28, 2009 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Across middle earth the tidings flew,
The all seeing Eye shed a tear of despair.
by LionZion on Oct 28, 2009 5:29 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
On the pg match-up, if TP & Cubits play hard & pressure CP3 then odds are for us.
Okafor didn’t play the entire pre-season so it would surely cause havoc on NOH’s cohesiveness.
There are no sacred cows for DSL except for holy cow Blair.
Okafor actually played superbly though they lost so I rest my case
There are no sacred cows for DSL except for holy cow Blair.
by 'DSilverlining on Nov 22, 2009 9:17 PM CST up reply actions
Oh my god I can’t wait blah blah blah. Can this shit just start already so we can start complaining about the team.
If you haven't lived with a squirrel, you haven't lived. - Bob Ross
You don't have to wait...
…you already know what you’ll be complaining about: Finley’s playing too much, Blair’s not playing enough, Roger Mason is dribbling too much, why won’t Tony pass to Manu, etc.
"Worst sight of the night: SA blogger brings cookies to Ginobili in Spurs locker room. Yes, really." --Howard Beck, NYT
by tomasito on Oct 28, 2009 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
The prodigal son returns with a vengeance.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Oct 28, 2009 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions
Now that I'm back...
…can I have a cookie?
"Worst sight of the night: SA blogger brings cookies to Ginobili in Spurs locker room. Yes, really." --Howard Beck, NYT
I'm going!
I got some good lower level seats for tonight and I’m pumped!!!! I hope the usually lame lower-level crowd brings their A-game, I know I will!!!
Do me a favor and slap anyone down there not wearing black/silver/white. I can’t stand looking down there to see pink and green designer shirts fill those seats…
"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich
by Aaron "Hirschof" Preine on Oct 28, 2009 6:53 AM CDT up reply actions
Werd… some of those people drive me nuts. Fucking cheer for your team!
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney
I know it’s freakin crazy down there – i remember a playoff game a few years ago when those ba$tard$ wouldn’t get off their a$$es to cheer on the team in the final 2 minutes!
"It's the ten-thousandth and one hammer blow that makes the team"
by Joe deLarios on Oct 28, 2009 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions
finally!
and thanks to getting a cold in the last 24 hours, i’ll be taking a sick day and will be able to watch live. w00t.
free george hill!
by sleep research facility on Oct 28, 2009 6:34 AM CDT reply actions
My boss won’t be at work ‘til the afternoon, so I’m thinking of going half-day, too. This is all your fault, srf.
by silverandblack_davis on Oct 28, 2009 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions
Nice pregame preview!
Hope we win the game…
http://myspurslink.blogspot.com
Robby posts all his stuff here. -- ATS
Man that Time Machine link really made me miss Horry. But I am incredibly pumped for this game tonight!
He looked like he’d gained a LOT of weight. Perhaps he and Shaq have been going out to dinner together in the offseason.
"Worst sight of the night: SA blogger brings cookies to Ginobili in Spurs locker room. Yes, really." --Howard Beck, NYT
A friend of mine told me Kobe hooked up with Hakeem Olajuwon during the offseason to teach him some post moves. That is some scary shit.
by silverandblack_davis on Oct 28, 2009 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions
what’s kobe got to teach Hakeem? =]
When the tooth fairy's own tooth falls out, it is taken during the night by Princess Peanut.
by the little o on Oct 28, 2009 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions
IT IS FINALLY HERE!!!
Can’t wait to see them on the floor! This is going to be a fun, fun year.
GO SPURS GO!
I just realized: I'm not ready for the season to start
How can I enjoy tonight when my friend’s AWOL?
SiMA. SiMA!! SiiiMAAAAA!!!!
SiiiiiiiiiiiiiiMMMMMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!
Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10
Great preview, Tim – It’s amazing how much these have improved. I still have my old Photoshop template somewhere… sniff. Those were the days, when the Spurs only had 3 bigs, Pop being shaved wasn’t news, and WVATS was ATS.
We need to win tonight. Just because.
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Dunkin' Cheerleaders
I remember when you started doing these. Wow, those were some interesting times. Shaq was still in Miami. Wayne still rocked the Pop avatar, SiMA would post from time to time …
::sniff, sniff::
Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10
Seriously. December 1st at the earliest. Maybe Thanksgiving.
I miss that guy, too. Simba was just so great… I mean Suma… Damn, what was his name again?
:: crying in the corner… missing my boo ::
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney
The punk e-mailed me a couple of days ago. He’s a bit busy, and think he’s too good for us, but he’s excited about the Spurs. He’ll be back.
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Dunkin' Cheerleaders
I’m in love with your LOTR ’chop, Tim. +10.
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Dunkin' Cheerleaders
What's this?
There’s no Texas time listed for the game…I assume that’s moderately important. Other than that good preview…should be a good game and good start to a great season!
Not sure but...
Looks like the starting lineup is Parker, Mason, Jefferson, Duncan, Bonner.
"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich
by Aaron "Hirschof" Preine on Oct 28, 2009 10:21 AM CDT reply actions
They list Finley there, not Mason.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Oct 28, 2009 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions
I’m betting on Finley.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Oct 28, 2009 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions
That is a good start of the year starting line up.
Starters vs Bench would be an awesome game:
PG: Parker vs Hill
SG: Finley vs Manu
SF: Jefferson vs Hairston
PF: Duncan vs Blair
C: Bonner vs Dice
6th: Mason vs Bogans
That is why we are the deepest team in the league. Ratliff, Mahinmi, and Haislip all have potential as game changers in limited minutes too.
Wait a minute . . . you can’t have a 6th man on the starter’s team.
I'm comfortable winning -- Emmanuel Ginobili
You can when your team is this deep. C’mon, man. You, of all people, should know the value of thinking outside the box.
How are you? What are your return plans?
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Oct 28, 2009 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions
whoops
"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich
by Aaron "Hirschof" Preine on Oct 28, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions
No tone intended by my comment. Just being terse. It’s my way sometimes.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Oct 28, 2009 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions
You? No way. I thought I had that market cornered.
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney
I miss the Nurse Jackie quote in your sig.
Did the show disappoint, or did you tire of pretending to be as cranky as your reputation leads some to believe?
Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10
If only you added the smilies I keep telling you about…
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Dunkin' Cheerleaders
On the 7th day, God rested… and then said, "Wait, we need basketball’. Today, we celebrate that day.
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed.
FML
With each passing minute, it is looking like I will probably miss the game tonight. DAMN YOU HOME DEPOT! I’ll be lurking though, so watch what you say, mind your P’s and Q’s, cross your T’s, dot your I’s.
“Best Coast (Pacific)”, me likey, you show them Tim!
GO SPURS GO!!!
It is what it is.
We are who we are.
Dude, this is bad news. Who’s gonna step in and give us the IGTB that we need to know that it’s on?
Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10
I’m with JRW… we totally need your game time ritual. Make it happen, Sin!
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney
bellasa is going to the game, but if she can do it via mobile, that would be awesome.
by silverandblack_davis on Oct 28, 2009 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Tim, I just realized I haven’t said anything about great this post is. From the chopping to the image selection to the fake out before the jump, it’s top shelf the whole way.
Thanks for bringing it for the season opener. The hard work shows.
Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10
I know you appreciated the “Argentine” link. Although it was mostly for my own amusement. :)
9.20.21.24.34
ACLs are like crutches. They’re only for the weaklings who can’t get along without them. -jollyrogerwilco
I laughed at that for about half a minute. Great image and perfect execution. I clicked on the link thinking, “Did he really translate this post into ARGENTINIAN? I wonder if it was the whole post or just a part.”
So I was completely surprised when I saw it. Again, I love that image and the text takes it over the top.
Kudos.
Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10
You know how bad ass it is. I didn’t know it was a chop. I just thought, “wow, check out Bonner in the wig”.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Oct 28, 2009 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Great post, Tim, way to open up the season with an ass kicking game preview. The Argentine link was awesome. I want to scream that at random people while bar hopping sometime. “cosplay?” hehe, that Bonner pic was great. And GOB! “and now, the magician, gob bluth!” haha, I’ve seen that show so many times. Great stuff.
When the tooth fairy's own tooth falls out, it is taken during the night by Princess Peanut.
My laptop adapter just fried up. Out of game threads today and until the new one ships out any time in the next twelve days.
by LionZion on Oct 28, 2009 5:32 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
I’m not affiliated with this place at all, but (if you don’t mind buying a 2nd one) I know they ship fast, next day oftentimes, and you could be back in the saddle, game thread wise.
Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10
Damn, LZ. Get that chit up to speed as soon as you can!
by silverandblack_davis on Oct 28, 2009 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Heeeey, losers! Why so many comments? Don’t you have jobs to keep you busy? Bums, all of ya.
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
No kidding. I’m stoked. I just hope I don’t mess things while recording.
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
Guys, this is the day you want to e-mail me at the addy listed in the preview. Get to it, if you haven’t.
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
And don’t bother to e-mail me until you’ve signed up.
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
53 horrible minutes to go.
Do you know how slow time goes when you are sitting in your jammies sweating in a fever waiting for the season to start? No, um, me neither.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Oct 28, 2009 6:08 PM CDT reply actions
Damn, the World Series starts, too. I need a Yankees loss and a big Spurs win to complete my day.
by silverandblack_davis on Oct 28, 2009 6:09 PM CDT reply actions
And Independiente, my team, is going to first its first game in their new stadium. What a night.
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I sent an email question to you through the “group”. Help me please.
by silverandblack_davis on Oct 28, 2009 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Nothing in drafts. I’m at work, so if someone wants to put one up quickly(game’s in less than 30 minutes)….
9.20.21.24.34
ACLs are like crutches. They’re only for the weaklings who can’t get along without them. -jollyrogerwilco
How odd. I checked too and there was nothing, only a part 2 skeleton… Shucks.
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Dunkin' Cheerleaders
it was under ‘game threads’.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Oct 28, 2009 6:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Lauri is a master at stealth drafting.
by silverandblack_davis on Oct 28, 2009 6:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Dayum, Tim. Now I don’t ever want to do one of these, because I could never compete. Absolutely BRILLIAN!
My people call it "sarcasm." - Lauri
ESPN is already starting the 2010 free agent mania. Good coverage guys.
JA Adande looks about as cool as me.
I love Avery, but he absolutely, positively has to lose the stash.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Oct 28, 2009 6:26 PM CDT reply actions
The Raptors are kicking the Cavs’ asses.
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Dunkin' Cheerleaders
11-6?
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Oct 28, 2009 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Not sure what the score is, but they’re running all over them. :)
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Not sure the Cavs can recover from that deficit.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Oct 28, 2009 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions
I’m sure. They’re still on the wrong end of a beatdown right now. 17-6.
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It’s up. Lauri had it schedule for 7:00.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Oct 28, 2009 6:33 PM CDT reply actions
Wow. Bargnani just blew a dunk badly.
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Blair looking pretty Fair!
I’ve watched Blair for 2 years in a number of his games in college. Last night, there was a couple of impressive points. One I think was his first shot, he got a rebound with his back turned to the basket, did a nice 180 and made the shot. I don’t remember seeing that move in college from him. Late in the game NO was double teaming him low in the post, which he comfortably passed out quickly. His offensive skills don’t really require a double team as much as someone keeping him from the basket.
Seems like when people talk about Blair, they mention that he’s short for a big guy. You might mention that he’s probably the strongest man in the NBA now, with the exception of D Howard. Also, for the stats crowd, he led the nation in steals for a big man his freshman year. Maybe Blair doesn’t have Air Superiority, but I think he might have Ground Superiority!
He’s definitely got ground game. His legend is growing for sure.
As to the point you make about his strength, I watched some highlights from the preseason games, just looking for #45 to see what he was doing on plays that weren’t featuring him snagging a rebound or scoring. And there was a offensive play when a shot went up and he didn’t have very good position with his defender, and he just put his forearm up on the back of his man and leaned … and his guy just got moved out of his way. And it’s not like he was a smaller dude, or that he’d been taken by surprise — he had seen the shot go up as well as DeBeast.
No, the guy was in the process of trying to block Blair out and just has his position changed for him.
Anyway, the shot went in and Blair just turned back up the court, but that impressed me quite a bit. As you say, FairMan, he has some serious strong going on.
Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10
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