Recap: Suns Torch Spurs, 116-104

by Tim C. on Dec 16, 2009 3:17 AM CST in Game Previews & Recaps Comment 67 comments

Oh, to have such sweet relief.

If there's one thing I hate about living in Phoenix... it's the drunken, self-important idiots who ruin the term "Suns fan" for the folks with even one ounce of knowledge about basketball. They all seem to have tickets to the games, for some reason. Maybe I shouldn't blame them - I mean, losing to one team over and over and over again when it counts has to be a tough psychological blow, and you can't expect anyone without any basketball knowledge to actually understand why it happens. Tonight, I threw myself into the fire in the hopes of seeing a Spurs win that would shut the stupid ones up again for another week or so. Hmmmm, how'd that work out?

Another visual aid for Lauri's sake.

Anyway, on to the game itself.

First Quarter

The first quarter actually wasn't too bad, but it still was uglier than it should have been. I expected the Suns to come out hot, and they did, just as expected. Our guys didn't do such a bad job of weathering the storm, but they were missing easy shots, and RJ in particular looked like he completely lost the ability to shoot(he was even missing everything in the pregame warmups). RJ also got himself in foul trouble, causing him to get yanked in favor of smallball(without Finley, there really is nobody on the bench with the size and skills to play SF - this is something that needs to be addressed next season). Being down 11 after the first period was something I could live with, knowing that the Spurs had played pretty poorly, and wouldn't keep doing so. (right?)

Second Quarter

In the second, some bad trends started to emerge. By my count, the Suns had not missed a single three-point attempt in the first half, though the box score seems to tell me otherwise. Also, Nash could not miss fadeaways that are perfectly contested. When 3 after 3, and fadeaway after fadeaway, kept going in, the feeling started to creep in. Maybe this just isn't the Spurs night. Don't get me wrong, there were plenty of defensive lapses to be mad about, most glaringly that we didn't have any answer the Nash-Dragic combo. For all the good things that Blair and Cubits were doing, they were both getting torched on defense. And Manu clearly missed some rotations, from my vantage point(Sorry, bella, he can't be perfect every game). And so it was that the Suns scored 39 points in a quarter against us. The only reason the Spurs scored 35 in the period is because Roger Mason started hitting. Oh, and because Tim Duncan is amazing.

Third Quarter

This quarter was weird. For the first 6 minutes, it looked like the Spurs were staring at the edge of the abyss, about to go over. They got down by 20 points a couple of times, and then something happened. They were actually communicating on defense. They got stops, which enabled them to get something going on offense as well. That 20-point deficit was cut to 5 in what seemed like the blink of an eye, led by Cubits, Manu, Roger Mason, and that Tim Duncan guy again - he might be worth keeping, IMO. Bonner hit his only 2 shots during that rally, if memory serves.

Fourth Quarter

The fourth quarter started out much the same way that the 3rd quarter ended. The Spurs cut the deficit to 3, but were having trouble getting anything going on offense this time. But a few minutes in, something changed... Pop went to super-smallball, with DeJuan Blair as the tallest player on the floor. Mind you, Amare was also in the game at that time. And the results were, uhhh....

Yeah, it wasn't pretty. The Suns immediately went to Amare, and some and-1's ensued. Then, Pop puts Bonner in the game, and the Suns react logically by putting Dragic back out there and working an inside-out game, knowing that we've been a step late closing out the entire game. It went from bad to worse quickly, and with about two minutes left, Pop threw in the towel. And by "towel", I mean that the moment I saw Malik Hairston on the floor, I knew the game was over.

Anyway, I would do individual performance ratings, but it's easier to say who did not suck. So, here goes.

Your Spurs Stars

1. Tim Duncan - Really, it's hard to believe that "experts" were saying Timmy was done during the offseason. Not only isn't Timmy done, he's better than ever. 34 points, 14 boards, 3 blocks and only one turnover. His best performance of the season, and that's saying a lot.

2. George Hill - Cubits led us back from the abyss in the 3rd quarter. He made smart play after smart play, and even though he got lost on a couple of screens, he was really frustrating the Suns on defense. His team-best +/- score(+15) was well deserved. 7 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals for the long-armed one. Foul trouble limited him.

3. Manu Ginobili - Manu shot poorly in this game, I'll give you that. But he was still making plays all over the place. 7 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds. If he and RJ could score consistently, we'd have a hell of an offense.

Roger Mason deserves to be mentioned here, as his shooting kept us in the game in the first half, and he was a key part of the one big rally the Spurs made at the end of the 3rd quarter.

DeJuan Blair also did not suck, especially on offense, but other than the 2 steals, his defense was absolutely terrible. He still helped more than he hurt us, though.

0 recs | Comment 67 comments | Share

Story-email Email Printer Print

Read More: San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns

Comments

Suns

The Suns were on fire seems like they made EVERYTHING for about 40 of 48 minutes. Even though our defense could have been better, it’s hard to beat any team that shoots as well as the suns did. I loved our little comeback at the end of the 3rd, start of the fourth. They looked stunned like, “how can we be playing so well and now we are only up one?” ha ha… I don’t mind the loss so much just for the sake that we gave them a little scare and showed them the only way they can beat is is when they shoot that well + Manu and Parker were for the most part ineffective tonight.

by finn ball on Dec 16, 2009 3:30 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Great recap! You captured the anxiety, short lived joy and eventual frustration those of us lived through while watching this game. Phfft!

by TD21 on Dec 16, 2009 3:37 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

i would’ve given 3rd place to romaju personally…

free george hill!

by sleep research facility on Dec 16, 2009 4:07 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Amen to that. When Manu checked in and passed to Channing Frye I got a bad feeling. I don’t mind his turnovers when he tries to do something ridiculous, but when he’s lazy on routine passes it always seems to signal a bad night. He recovered to do some Manu things (assists, offensive boards and drawing fouls) but he looked lost a few times on defense. Roger also had some defensive lapses (who didn’t?) but he made shots which matters a lot against the Suns.

by doggydogworld on Dec 16, 2009 10:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You’re right. It was 2am when I wrote this, so I forgot some of the other things that Manu did(airballing a shot without being touched, for example).

The Spurs - now playing like sh*t again!

by Tim C. on Dec 16, 2009 1:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I hate Brook Lopez.

"Yes, it's important that I have good numbers, and I'm well-respected as a player. But I think it's more important that I'm respected as a man." - Some Tall Guy Who Wore #50

by theonlyromeo on Dec 16, 2009 4:09 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I remain optimistic.

By the way, great recap, Tim. Don’t worry, watch the next Spurs-Suns game there again and I’m pretty sure Timmy and Co. will make you forget tonight’s debacle.

The Roleplayer's Realm

by silverandblack_davis on Dec 16, 2009 5:05 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

We were actually down one at some point. I remember because I was excited and thought we had a chance.

I’m such a moron.

Mason was our second star, no doubt about it. He and Tim kept us in the game, and if Pop hadn’t decided to experiment we might’ve even won it.

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

by LatinD on Dec 16, 2009 6:37 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Thoughts from having watched the game live…

#1. DeJuan Blair is good. The 6 foot 10 inch Amare Stoudemire could not guard our little engine of desctruction. He was all over the place , keeping balls alive and also had at least one good defensive play.

#2.Tim Duncan was like a Mercedes Benz engine. Purring along beautifully at maximum efficiency.

#3. WHERE THE HELL would we have been without Masons hot-hand? Mase was showing no hesitaion at all.

What killed us….

#1. Goran Dragics threes, some of whom were uncontested.

#2. However, NONE of Channing Fryes three Treys were even CONTESTED. And those really hurt us as well.

#3. San Antonio either could not, or would not start playing rip your heart out defense until the third quarter.

Miscellaneous: While Manu Ginobili had a few nice plays and was being guarded well for most of the game, the player I saw out there looked far too tentative on drives to the hoop…. Richard Jefferson sucks….Richard Jefferson sucks.

...Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is forty five.

by alamobro on Dec 16, 2009 8:33 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

agree with everything except that RJ sucks. RJ was left out of the loop for most of the first half. He stood there waiting for the ball when TP would either take the shot himself or pass it to Timmy. He is a main scoring option – when he is given the ball, like last game, he will score. When he is not involved from the beginning with the offense he is worthless. He was brought here to score and the needs to be given the ball more. He is used to shooting the ball 15-20 times a game and last night he had 7 shots. Pop needs to play to his strength and not force him into a roll that he is/can not fullfill.

"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 Dec 16, 2009 8:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

At least half of the shots RJ did take were very makeable. ( He missed most of them…..) I guess what I SHOULD have said was Richard Jefferson sucked in the game last night…

...Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is forty five.

by alamobro on Dec 16, 2009 8:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I’m just saying I don’t think RJ is getting a good shot (pun intended) at being the optimal scorer that he can be – why would the Spurs bring in someone who scores 20+ pts a game and takes 15-20 shots a game and force them cut their shots in half and expect them to be the same caliber player.

"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 Dec 16, 2009 8:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

RJ was left out of the loop for most of the first half. He stood there waiting for the ball when TP would either take the shot himself or pass it to Timmy

this is what i dont like about RJ, he’s playing to his weakness, he is not a three point shooter. Go get the fucking ball, post up, demand the ball, make your self available, be aggressive. If you wait for Tony to pass you the ball, you are going to wait all day. Tony is a scoring PG, is who he is, and he is trying to change to get RJ more involve, fuck that tony you got 3 rings, be yourself. Manu, Timmy, G-hill, Barry, Jax, all of them could play along side you, why cant RJ.

by spursfan87 on Dec 16, 2009 9:30 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If RJ went and got the ball who would be causing more traffic – i.e. the isolation play for Tim or clogging the lane for Tony. Yeah, Tony has 3 rings but it was not his effort alone and last time I looked Tony and the Spurs got bounced out in the 1st round last year so they paid high $$$ to bring RJ in to score. That is what he does and in order to do that he needs the ball.

"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 Dec 16, 2009 9:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

RJ will not get the ball if he keeps hidind behind the 3 point line. We are basically paying 14M for a spot up shooter.

by spursfan87 on Dec 16, 2009 10:08 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think the best fit for RJ is to come off the bench with manu, and give a guy like Hairston a chance to play.

by spursfan87 on Dec 16, 2009 10:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree he should be taking less 3’s but do you think he is just running around out there and not following Pop’s plan??? Do you think Pop would just let someone run around out and “hide” behind the 3 point line if he did not want him too? Pop and Tony both need to integrate him into the scoring offense. If it takes him being on the 2nd team to do so, so be it.

"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 Dec 16, 2009 10:28 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think RJ tried to take the ball aggressively to the hoop but got frustrated with the offensive fouls called on him. He just needs to be in control which could be tough considering you get the ball every once so often. He’s probably been instructed to take it inside which is why he’s forcing it with the few opportunities he’s got.

by 21td on Dec 16, 2009 10:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I’s surprised that you guys came up with such a different opinion of Blair’s play last night, so here’s why people should believe you and xman over me.

The Spurs - now playing like sh*t again!

by Tim C. on Dec 16, 2009 1:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Parker’s inability to stay with Nash was really frustrating and worse Dragic also burned him. The ball was mostly in his hands and his inability to spread the ball and make plays also hurt which could be a reason why RJ is sometimes lost on offense and sometimes even Manu.

by 21td on Dec 16, 2009 9:01 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

i would agree with that. He comes down the floor and either looks for a pick and drives to the basket/jump shot or to pass it inside to Tim. that is about it most of the time…..

"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 Dec 16, 2009 9:13 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sometimes a team just can’t miss and you can’t keep up. This reminded me of those playoff games where we’d get blown away by a team and then win the series in 5 games. What I want to know is, where is Tony Parker?

by Big50 on Dec 16, 2009 9:17 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

see above comments
and
I think RJ coming in and making more money than TP is messing with Tony

"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 Dec 16, 2009 9:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ever wondered why most unknown guards had a breakout game against the Spurs is because Parker is really soft on defense. He’s always relied on Spurs defense. When was the last time he took a charge? His playmaking skills hasn’t improved either, he’s got good shooters and finishers and still he’s taking all the shots. I hope he improves, I very much would love to go to another riverwalk parade and see Duncan hoist another championship ahead of Shaq and Kobe.

by 21td on Dec 16, 2009 9:39 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

that would be great but the way the team is playing now there is about as great a chance as Tiger’s wife moving back in and living happily ever after…….

"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 Dec 16, 2009 9:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I gotta disagree about Blair’s D.

Let me give a background of what I saw happening until then. Nash and Amare would p&r with Amare setting the pick on FrenchieMcWunderButt. Nash is curling with Timmy cutting off his straight trip to the hoop. Now Tony is supposed to immediately shadow Nash on the side cutting off that drop pass to Amare, but Frenchie acts like Amare is kneeing him in the balls every time with the pick and is flailing behind while Nash drops the ball and Amare just takes off somewhere around the free throw line and lands at the hoop. Seriously, Tony just couldn’t cover that one frigging pass. That lolcat pic up there sums up my feelings today morning perfectly. Ugh

Now back to Blair and Cubits. Amare has to work one on one against Blair. To his credit, he made shots, but I think Blair gave him enough trouble, and if Blair had pushed him away from basket a more inches, Amare prob wouldn’t have made some of them. But Blair is learning. And he scored on Amare on the other side. Nash and Amare wasn’t able to connect so much with Cubits on Nash.

In first half, did you guys notice how many times Nash has open lanes to the basket after a p&r with nobody within miles!!? What is wrong with our defense.

by LionZion on Dec 16, 2009 9:41 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I have forgotten grammar. But after yesterday’s game, I lost my ‘happy’ feeling for today.

by LionZion on Dec 16, 2009 9:44 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah, agree with it all, Blair did just fine considering what was happening. Cubits did a much better job on d than tony. Tony is so quick on offense why is he sucking so bad on defense? My guess as to what is wrong with the defense, not enough interior D. Team are getting easy shots in the paint, and Im not blaming Tim – he needs more help down there – maybe like more Blair instead of Dyess/Bonner. I know Bonner/Dyess spread the floor on offense but if Blair is playing then we can bang down there with Tim and Blair in the paint and screw speading the floor. Drive with the PG, SF and mid-range with the SG. PF and C are in the paint. What the hell is wrong with oldskool? That is what LA is doing and they killing people. (i know we don’t have Pau but we have to work with what we have) stop this outside bullshit and get in there and get it done in the paint with high % buckets, and 1s and FTs.

"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 Dec 16, 2009 9:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm going to use this one

FrenchieMcWunderButt

Other than that, does anyone think that Jefferson was simply too much for this team? I was scared to death when SA got him, and I was waiting for him to integrate, but there have been two dozen games now and most of the reports I’m reading are that he doesn’t fit in.

Don’t feel too bad, we’ve got a $14M role player, too (although, he is statistically superior to Jefferson this year).

Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Dec 16, 2009 11:08 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

RJ hasn’t been doing well for us—not consistently, at least. He better get his act together and consistently, or else…or else…or else… Please, RJ, get your shit in order…

"Yes, it's important that I have good numbers, and I'm well-respected as a player. But I think it's more important that I'm respected as a man." - Some Tall Guy Who Wore #50

by theonlyromeo on Dec 16, 2009 7:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Honestly, I think he just didn’t have his shot. They weren’t even falling in pregame warmups. Given RJ’s previous 3 performances, I’m willing to let last night slide. But if he disappears for several games, I’ll be pissed.

The Spurs - now playing like sh*t again!

by Tim C. on Dec 16, 2009 7:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And before those three preformances…? What I’m saying is that I expect A LOT MORE from our second highest paid player, who (I believe) started in all our games, and didn’t really lack playing time.

"Yes, it's important that I have good numbers, and I'm well-respected as a player. But I think it's more important that I'm respected as a man." - Some Tall Guy Who Wore #50

by theonlyromeo on Dec 16, 2009 7:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Let’s see if he comes out and kicks ass tonight. That’ll tell us a lot.

The Spurs - now playing like sh*t again!

by Tim C. on Dec 16, 2009 7:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hopefully he doesnt miss any uncontested shots about 8 ft from the hoop.

...Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is forty five.

by alamobro on Dec 16, 2009 7:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He shouldn’t have to take those. Anthony Morrow and Corey Maggette are “guarding” him tonight.

The Spurs - now playing like sh*t again!

by Tim C. on Dec 16, 2009 7:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I’d love for him to be our leading scorer every game. I want him to make a believer out of me. But last night, Louis Amundson and Jared Dudley outplayed him. Those two combined earn six times less than he does. And they have 12 fouls to waste.

"Yes, it's important that I have good numbers, and I'm well-respected as a player. But I think it's more important that I'm respected as a man." - Some Tall Guy Who Wore #50

by theonlyromeo on Dec 16, 2009 7:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The infuriating thing about it is that hes missing the easiest shit. I understand this is a new team for him, but last night he missed a dunk , an uncontested 8 footer and other stuff that I subconsciously struck from my memory…

...Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is forty five.

by alamobro on Dec 16, 2009 7:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It’s like he’s been used to playing in the PRO (or Rookie) difficulty setting and suddenly changed to HOF (Superstar).

"Yes, it's important that I have good numbers, and I'm well-respected as a player. But I think it's more important that I'm respected as a man." - Some Tall Guy Who Wore #50

by theonlyromeo on Dec 16, 2009 7:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

ha +1

by spursfan87 on Dec 17, 2009 9:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The fact that he is missing free throws points to his struggles being mental. Pop needs to feed him the ball and he needs to go overboard doing it even if it means loosing a couple of more games.

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

by LasEspuelas on Dec 16, 2009 8:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, exactly. He needs to be a primary scorer – maybe Timmy first and then RJ – this is the role he is used to and the role that he was paid to fill but it’s not going to happen if they do not feed him the ball.

"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 Dec 17, 2009 2:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It’s a combination – RJ needs to be more aggressive and the Spurs need to feed him the ball more. However, Timmeh is the primary scorer.

Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way. - Jane Austen

by CapHill on Dec 17, 2009 8:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ratliff being with the team I thought was to help Duncan with the interior but as it turned out he’s just another substitue. They should utilize him for his toughness and intimidation which I think the Spurs need right now. Give hard fouls, get physical to let teams know they’re not getting that basket easily. What’s happening is that even this Dragic guy isn’t intimidated to go inside the paint.

by 21td on Dec 16, 2009 10:00 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Tim, as we discussed, I blame you for the loss! J/K. Tony Parker’s play was horrible. Even the passes he got to open players were not accurate. He seemed to play two man ball with Timmy, and while that was effective and our best weapon last season (no RJ, no Manu, surrounded by shooters), we cannot afford to play like that this year.

Tony needs to run the offense and let his points come to him. RJ has proven he’s an effective player when he is involved, something that rarely happens when TP is on the floor unless plays are called for him. The Spurs offense is a thing of beauty when we have all that motion and screens. Mismatches and open looks are created on just about every possesion.

I’ve always defended Parker’s play, but this season that has been a little (or a lot) more difficult to do. While there have been games where he has a high number of assists, that’s not the norm. He’s not a pass first PG or a creator by choice, he’s a great scorer in a point guard’s body. I don’t know what I should attribute his high number of turnovers this season, but its pretty frustrating to see the Spurs give away possesions and points time after time.

The other thing I’ve noticed about Parker’s play is that he’s not blowing by other guards like he used to. While he still one of the best guards on the break, his half-court offense and penetration have suffered a bit this season. Maybe other guards are quicker, maybe Parker lost a step, maybe all those bumps and bruises are taking a toll, whatever the case might be, Parker doesn’t seem to be scoring in the paint as he did in previous years.

Of all the players in the roster, is looks to me like Parker is the one that needs to sacrifice the most and adjust to his new cast to make the Spurs a better team.

by xman130 on Dec 16, 2009 10:02 AM CST via mobile reply actions 0 recs

I think Parker’s success has gotten way over his head that he thinks he’s indispensable. I don’t know if he’s working to improve his game because his play has always been the same. He doesn’t improved his defense, his jumpshot still inconsistent, his passing or not passing is as is and worse he’s still missing game changing freethrows. And his turnovers were because of some silly plays he’s forcing which showed that his feel for the game as a pointguard hasn’t improved either considering its the same system he’s played for years.

by 21td on Dec 16, 2009 10:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think Parker’s success has gotten way over his head that he thinks he’s indispensable.

I don’t get this vibe from him at all. And I think he has changed up his play a little — maybe not enough, but he’s working on it. The turnovers, though — yeah. Those have to stop. But for some reason everyone is turning it over more. There’s something systematic to this, and Pop and the rest of the coaching crew need to get to the bottom of it and get it worked out, ASAP.

I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.

by Lauri on Dec 16, 2009 2:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think RJ coming in and making mo $$$ is bothering him

"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 Dec 16, 2009 3:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree. The TO bug does not seem to care for salary, race, championship rings or looks. Maybe is one of those crazy training methods. Play with your hands soaked in baby oil for the first 25 games, immediate results —→ huge amount of turnovers, but when you get rid of the baby oil….

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

by LasEspuelas on Dec 16, 2009 5:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Honestly, I keep thinking of a boxer and his legs. I watch him play and all I can think is Tony’s got no legs.

Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney

by bellasa on Dec 16, 2009 6:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I wonder if much like Manu in the past, Tony has a lingering injury from this summer’s play. He just isn’t as explosive getting to the hole, and he doesn’t have that lift he used to have. As for the TOs, EVERYONE has butter fingers right now. It’s not just Tony.

Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way. - Jane Austen

by CapHill on Dec 16, 2009 8:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Tough loss, but I can’t get over how well Duncan has been playing. It’s amazing.

by Vic De Zen on Dec 16, 2009 10:05 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I was impressed with the Beast’s all around game. I though his defense was as good as anyone’s against amar’e and he’s really learning how to slip the screen and score diving to the basket. He missed a few makable buckets to start the fourth and that hurt us a little. But, given how well this undersized rookie played off the bench, I can forgive him those few missed shots.

I agree with everything above. Tony was terrible. We went on a run in the third when TP went out and Cubits came in.

RJ was terrible. I knew when he missed that reverse layup in the first quarter he was in for a rough night. I am not so down on him because he had been playing well lately and I think he just had a bad game – he air balled a 12 footer.

With the exception of one game against Houston, Antonio has been a bit of a let down. I know he’s not playing much, but when he is, he is not playing well. He missed three wide open 15 footers in the first quarter. That’s why we brought him over – to make that shot.

Antonio really needs to pick it up.

"If an arm was close, he would have broken a couple," Manu Ginobili on Dejuan's 19 rebounds.

by tiagocometh on Dec 16, 2009 10:34 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Great game guys! See you in February! :)

They say "don't swim with the sharks", but I'm faster than sharks so it's not a big deal...

by Eutychus on Dec 16, 2009 10:59 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I’ll give him this, at least he’s smart enough not to write “See you in May”

Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney

by bellasa on Dec 16, 2009 6:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, coz that’s the goal of every organization in the NBA—to play in February.

"Yes, it's important that I have good numbers, and I'm well-respected as a player. But I think it's more important that I'm respected as a man." - Some Tall Guy Who Wore #50

by theonlyromeo on Dec 16, 2009 7:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Bogans

Didn’t get to watch the game as it was blacked out in Corpus for some reason. But in seasons past, it always seemed like Nash had a hard time against a bigger, heavier defender like Bruce. Did Pop use Bogans at all like that against Nash? Certainly it appeared that he had no problems against TP and Hill. Also, I would have thought that Pop would at least have tried Theo against Amare for a bit, if for no other reason, to see if it might be useful further down the road in the playoffs when the pace slows down.

by agutierrez on Dec 16, 2009 11:00 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Nash has problems against taller/longer players. It wasn’t until the third quarter when both Hill and Manu took turns guarding him that the Spurs were able to contain him somewhat.

by xman130 on Dec 16, 2009 12:17 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

Bogan’s started. After that I don’t remember seeing him. Also, as usual, Pop won’t show his cards. Sucks, but he does that.

by LionZion on Dec 16, 2009 1:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

hill got his 5th foul, bogans enters, and dragic makes a three pretty much uncontested….

by BlaseE on Dec 16, 2009 4:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Super-small ball in the 4th was not so ugly. The Suns immediately went to Amare, who scored, then the Spurs immediately went to Blair, who scored. After that Blair kept Amare from getting the ball and Amare kept Blair from making his layups. Stalemate.

Other than Stoudemire’s layup the Suns posessions during the 3+ minutes after Timmy sat down early in the 4th consisted of two turnovers, a contested Grant Hill airball, a contested Frye toe-on-the-line 3 2 and a wild play in which Jason Richardson missed twice then landed on a diving Blair as the ball went out of bounds. That’s respectable D. Meanwhile on offense the Spurs got good looks every time — a 7-footer by Bonner, 5 layups and a wide open corner 3 for Tony. Unfortunately all were misses except that first Blair layup. A little better shooting or less rookie treatment from the refs and it’s tied when Duncan comes back in at 7:22 instead of 95-90.

Nash also came in at 7:22. Suddenly the Suns, who had scored 6 points in almost 5 minutes up to that point, scored 8 on their next three posessions (Nash and-1, Nash to Stoudemire for a dunk and Nash to Dragic for a 3). That gave them a 10 point lead, which Nash protected by keeping the flow going until 0:00. Meanwhile Timmy was getting no help from his friends:

7:03 Duncan and-1
6:18 Hill charging
5:47 Parker missed layup
5:18 Duncan missed 6-foot jumper
4:46 Duncan layup
4:13 Parker missed 5 foot floater
4:11 Duncan putback
3:44 Mason charging
3:19 Mason bad pass
2:59 Duncan lost ball

At this point it’s 110-97 and Pop retires Timmy for the night.

by doggydogworld on Dec 16, 2009 3:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

and during that stretch there was a couple offensive calls that were pretty bad. I find it odd that everyone criticizes Manu when Steve Nash is clearly the King of Flop.

by JaySo on Dec 16, 2009 5:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks, doggy, for breaking it down. You’re right.

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

by LatinD on Dec 16, 2009 7:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And Manu clearly missed some rotations, from my vantage point(Sorry, bella, he can’t be perfect every game).

I did not watch most of the game, but I’m quite certain you’re wrong. You should probably make an appointment with your opthalmologist right away. ;)

Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney

by bellasa on Dec 16, 2009 6:14 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I love you so much, it’s almost irrational.

Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10

by jollyrogerwilco on Dec 17, 2009 10:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Manu looks like he has no desire to drive to the hoop. I understand he has had surgery on both ankles and his confidence is shaken, but its time to start playing instead of settling for jump shots and three pointers. His 39% shooting is evidence.

...Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is forty five.

by alamobro on Dec 16, 2009 7:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs