I Really Should Stop Reverse Jinxing A Team I Supposedly "Root For" and want to "Do Well"

by Aaronstampler on Oct 30, 2009 2:09 AM CDT Comment 38 comments

Game 2: Bulls 92, Spurs 85 T-1st in Division, T-6th in Conference

grumblestupidgoddamnsegababaretardemonkeyschedulemakerIhatethisriggedleaguebunchaoldslowfartsgrumble

(Just random thoughts, don't expect a coherent narrative).

Not upset, nope, nope, nope. I'm too old, too mature, too much of a "professional media person" to get grouchy at something as relatively unimportant as Game 2 of the second most unimportant regular season in professional sports after hockey.

To me this was simply a scheduled loss, nothing more. Too many things were stacked against us.

Old veteran team + Nobody is in shape yet + Too many new guys who don't know how to play together + Young, hungry, energetic opponent + Their home opener = Very predictable loss.

Not really mad at anybody. Manu had no jump after the first quarter, and McDyess and Finley were toast as well.

I would've expected a bit more energy from the younger guys like Bonner and Mason, but it's hardly surprising for them to struggle more on the road than at home.

A bit disappointed with Hill. You think he'd come with a lot more energy and really show his stuff in a game like this.

Ordinarily I'd be livid with Tony (he was awful), but he's not in shape yet either. This is two straight teams we've played where their top priority was to deny his penetration and when the three's aren't going, it looks pretty ugly. The team is going to have to come up with a "Plan C" and I'm thinking that'll be pick-and-rolls with Manu/RJ to Tim/DeJuan.

Bottom line is I'm not so sure we lose this game if it was a SEGABABA in February. Sure, the fatigue would still be an issue, but at least by then the guys will be in shape and used to playing with one another. Right now everyone is feeling each other out and it's awkward, especially when it's not working.

Right now RJ has no idea how to fit into the offense and he's struggling. We don't seem to have any idea how to use him and either the coaches aren't asking what he likes or he's not offering. We've got to start getting him a couple of easy buckets before he starts jacking threes. He's pressing.

For the second straight game the defense stunk in the second half. It was cute in the first game because we had such a big lead and the offense was coming easy, but today it was a let down. Chicago literally could not miss a shot in that 3rd quarter and their guards were getting to the basket way too easily, even against Hill.

Like I said in my season preview, I'm highly skeptical that this team will be the defensive juggernaut that Pop fantasizes about. The personnel just doesn't dictate it. The offense will have to carry them, and I'm confident it will, once the guys get some rhythm and chemistry. They'll need about 15-20 games together for it to click.

One thing I'd like to take back from my Game 1 recap: Now that I had some time to think about it, I don't like Pop's idea to play Manu the last seven minutes of each quarter. The idea should be play at least two of the "Big Four" at all times. Under the current set up, in the beginning of the 2nd and 4th quarters we'll play either just RJ, or none of them at all, and that's just stupid.

I'd take Jefferson out at the 6:00 mark, wait until there was 5:00 or 4:30 left in the first quarter to check Manu in, play him the first three minutes of the second quarter (along with RJ), and then eventually Tim and Tony would check back in and all four of them would play together the final four or five minutes of the half.

Figure it out, Pop.

Speaking of Pop, in SEGABABAS he really has no excuse for not activating Hairston and Mahinmi and benching Finley and either McDyess or Ratliff. Use the youngsters man, that's what they're here for.

Anyway, one piece of good news that doesn't have much to do with the game: I think this Tim Donaghy controversy is going to be excellent for us. Every year people accuse the NBA of being totally rigged in favor of the stars, the Spurs win it all.

In 2002 the league got ripped mercilessly because of the Lakers-Kings series so the next year we got a fair whistle against LA and won it all in 2003.

In 2006 everyone thought the Finals between Dallas and Miami (ugh) was a sham that favored D-Wade, so in 2007 the boring milquetoast Spurs got all the breaks over the more "TV-friendly" teams.

Now after this scandal Stern is going to bend over backwards to make sure the league doesn't favor the Lakers or Cavs and again the innocent, old-school team-first Spurs will benefit.

Not my craziest theorgy, right?

Whatever.

3 Stars:

3. Matt Bonner: Somehow, in this mess, he was +11. We clown on the guy, but he seems to do quite well for himself in +/-, doesn't he?

2. DeJuan Blair: At least, unlike most rooks, he doesn't take shots he can't make. Should've played more.

1. Tim Duncan: So much for that brace limiting him. He was really, really, super neato awesome tonight. Too bad nobody felt like playing with him.

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Comments

Optimism quelled. Mission accomplished, and whatnot. For what it’s worth our collective high after the NOOCH game is probably what brought us down.

9.20.21.24.34
ACLs are like crutches. They’re only for the weaklings who can’t get along without them. -jollyrogerwilco

by Tim C. on Oct 30, 2009 2:26 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Blah…I couldn’t understand still, why Finley and Bonner started.

by dfjmed on Oct 30, 2009 2:31 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Right on, Stampizzle. We didn’t get the “Big 4th” so that we can bench the Big 3 all at once and leave RJ alone out there with the non-shot creators. The lineups Pop played were just terrible, but it’s early season “experimentation” so I’m still in a good mood.

The Roleplayer's Realm

by silverandblack_davis on Oct 30, 2009 2:33 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

With some of the lineups he tries, it sometimes seems like he’s un-scientifically going through every possible combination until he’s tried them all.

If this IS what he’s doing, I can’t wait for the Duncan/McDyess/Ratliff/Blair/Yawn lineup. The way Duncan was bringing the ball up the court last night. We’d have to use him as the PG.

Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10

by jollyrogerwilco on Oct 30, 2009 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can’t wait for the Duncan/McDyess/Ratliff/Blair/~~Yawn~~ lineup

WWTD?

by Lauri on Oct 30, 2009 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

why did you scratch out Ian?

We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.

by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Oct 30, 2009 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

’Cause of the option.

But I suppose they might play him if they want to make him trade bait. But for that to work, he would have to, you know, be really good.

WWTD?

by Lauri on Oct 30, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

RJ was forcing it, I remember at least one three where just jacked it up. I remember thinking, I wonder would Pop would do if it was a rookie doing that. Anyway, like you say, it’s early and it’s gonna take the team some games to get its shit together. I just hope we see better defense, even if we’re not dominating in that area.

If you haven't lived with a squirrel, you haven't lived. - Bob Ross

by Hipuks on Oct 30, 2009 4:42 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

He also forced it in that turnaround jumper from the top of the key. It just looked good because it went in.

I’m not sold on RJ. It’s early, but his role in this team can’t be to jack up threes when he’s covered.

Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders

by LatinD on Oct 30, 2009 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Actually, I don’t think anyone’s got that role. Unless there’s only 1 sec letf on the 24 second clock.

Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10

by jollyrogerwilco on Oct 31, 2009 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Spurs got zilch out of their back-court last night. And I couldn’t help but think how would Malik Hairston have been out there? I think he may have been able to match the Chicago youngsters’ energy, for good or ill.

But I think this early back-to-back against the pogo-ing frontcourt of the Bulls could be a good thing. Pop has plenty of tape to go over with the team; highlighting all the missed defensive assignments, sluggish defensive rebounding and etcetera etcetera.

"...and programmed to save the day!"

by transgojobot on Oct 30, 2009 7:09 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

This is two straight teams we’ve played where their top priority was to deny his penetration and when the three’s aren’t going, it looks pretty ugly. The team is going to have to come up with a “Plan C” and I’m thinking that’ll be pick-and-rolls with Manu/RJ to Tim/DeJuan.

I agree completely with this. The coaching staff needs to get creative because nights like this are going to happen. They need to develop one more way in which the Spurs can score when the opposing team takes us out of the paint.

"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG

by LasEspuelas on Oct 30, 2009 7:28 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Totally. This not playing in the paint crap has got to go. The entire dynasty has been built on having a strong inside presence……….and it needs to return in order for the Spurs to get the 5th

"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"

http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html

by Artis Gilmore on Oct 30, 2009 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Preach it!

Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10

by jollyrogerwilco on Oct 30, 2009 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is “theorgy” in the official lexicon yet?

by doggydogworld on Oct 30, 2009 7:51 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Good recap, I totally agree about RJ. I think he needs to get a couple of dunks/layups early in the game so he can get comfortable. At this point he’s so uncomfortable on offense it’s effecting his defense.

Other than that, it’s clear that this team is not in mid-season form. I hope this isn’t a sign that the Spurs are going to struggle with athletic teams yet again.

by Big50 on Oct 30, 2009 9:30 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Only in a loss could Matt Bonner be considered one of the three stars. This was a very disappointing game. No one really played heavy minutes in the Hornets game so there goes that excuse. I wanted to see more Blair and more Hill late in the game. Whehn he finally got back in late, he was starting to make things happen. We were getting killed on the boards and Blair could’ve helped in that area. And WTH happened to RJ? 7ppg is not going to cut it.

Project Spurs
http://twitter/com/mdeleon
http://projectspurs.com/

by Michael De Leon on Oct 30, 2009 9:34 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Why oh Why!!

Did Finley and Bonner start!? And Blair getting no PT in the first half! Come on pop his double double against N’awleans was no joke, kid can play!

Go Spurs Go!!!!!!!

by mikesatx on Oct 30, 2009 9:45 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The Lineup

Isn’t it a bit of a contradiction for Pop to say that his goal for the year is for the Spurs to get back into the top two or three in key defensive categories and then start Fin and Bonner, our worst defenders? And, yes, who starts, if not quite as important as who finishes, is pretty damn close.

by agutierrez on Oct 30, 2009 10:03 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Duncan/Bonner combo was +6. All other big combos were minus except Blair/Bonner at +5 in the final two garbage minutes. 10 minutes worth of Tim and four guards was also minus. So if you don’t start Bonner, who do you start alongside Tim?

by doggydogworld on Oct 30, 2009 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think you answered you own question with the plus/minus examples.

BLAIRR!!

When the tooth fairy's own tooth falls out, it is taken during the night by Princess Peanut.

by the little o on Oct 30, 2009 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Guys, there are three VERY new and shiny cogs to the machine. Everyone is out of shape as well. The bulls are a playoff team. This was a cross-country segababa. Manu said it would take a couple of months to sort things out.

Lets relax

The boogie man checks his closet for DeJuan Blair before he goes to sleep !

by alamobro on Oct 30, 2009 10:42 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for calming the peeps out, yo.

Dr. JRW prescribes a day full of deep breaths for the whole PtR crew. Just be sure to exhale and avoid hyperventilation.

Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10

by jollyrogerwilco on Oct 30, 2009 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

RJ clanked a 3 off the glass in the 2nd quarter

probably one of the worst misses I’ve seen

by JayKim41 on Oct 30, 2009 11:35 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Worse than Manu’s airball?

9.20.21.24.34
ACLs are like crutches. They’re only for the weaklings who can’t get along without them. -jollyrogerwilco

by Tim C. on Oct 30, 2009 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fuck you.

Woops my tourette’s just kinda slipped out. ~~Sorry.~~ Scusi.

Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney

by bellasa on Oct 30, 2009 6:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

For the record, that shot scared me more than anything else I saw on the court last night.

9.20.21.24.34
ACLs are like crutches. They’re only for the weaklings who can’t get along without them. -jollyrogerwilco

by Tim C. on Oct 30, 2009 7:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Me too, Tim. Even on his makes his shot seems different. I can’t explain it but there is less fluidity to it.

Just call me The Profit

by Manuwar on Oct 30, 2009 10:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Time, fellas.

Give it time.

Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10

by jollyrogerwilco on Oct 31, 2009 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry, Tim that was rude of me. About 15 minutes after I wrote that, I felt remorse. This is the first chance I’ve had to get back on a computer.

Much love, Riki!

Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney

by bellasa on Oct 31, 2009 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow, your reputation for being cranky just took a big hit.

If you haven't lived with a squirrel, you haven't lived. - Bob Ross

by Hipuks on Oct 31, 2009 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think we need to “run n gun” a little, maybe play tony and hill together.

by spursfan87 on Oct 30, 2009 12:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Parker and Hill can play together, but the more they do, the more likely Mason is to play point during the game.

by BlaseE on Oct 30, 2009 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m starting to think it wouldn’t be crazy to start cubits at SG, then have Manu replace him after the first 6 minutes. Then Hill and Parker can alternate PG minutes the rest of the game.

9.20.21.24.34
ACLs are like crutches. They’re only for the weaklings who can’t get along without them. -jollyrogerwilco

by Tim C. on Oct 30, 2009 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not a bad idea. Let’s email Pop to NEVER do that, and then it has a chance of happening.

Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10

by jollyrogerwilco on Oct 30, 2009 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stampler, I am grateful for your only moderately dispirited tone. I glimpse blue sky beyond the storm clouds.

WWTD?

by Lauri on Oct 30, 2009 12:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

RJ needs to step it up….2nd game out of the gate and he still has been bleh. I know i know ….he was not the only one messing up last night…..and why the hell is pop starting Bonner?!?!

i live to drive cars.......oh and get gas sometimes

by Cello the great on Oct 30, 2009 4:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs