Spurs @ Jazz: The Red Rant
by Fred Silva on Dec 8, 2009 2:42 PM CST
in Game Previews & Recaps
148 comments
9 wins, 9 losses. Given our upgraded roster, if you would have told me during the preseason that the Spurs would be 9 and 9 after 18 games, I would have gone all-in on you without a second thought. It all seemed so perfect. The best supporting cast that Tim has ever had is what everyone was claiming. Well, boys and girls, we are 9 and 9. In the standings, we are surrounded by The Heat (they have one player,) The Rockets (they have 0 players,) The Thunder (half the team cannot legally drink a beer,) The Bucks (sucked before they lost all their players to injury,) The Kings (The FREAKING KINGS!) and the worst franchise in the league (The Clippers.) Our record is as useless as the ninth chick to come forward regarding Tiger Woods. (Who gives a crap? We got the hint when number four came forward. Nobody even cares, number nine. You aren't that popular. No one even knows who you are. You suck.) More after the jump.
I feel like Matt Kennedy Gould in the season finale of Joe Schmo. "WHAT IS GOING ONNNN?!?"
Tony, Manu, RJ, Tim and Bonner on the floor with 10 seconds left down by one in an extremely hostile arena. Bonner catches the ball four feet inside the half court line. "PASS! PASS!" He puts his head down and begins to drive. "WHAT THE EFF ARE YOU DOING? WHAT IS HE DOING?" His head is down, he is moving like a pregnant penguin towards the bucket, 7, 6, 5.... "Tony, Manu, RJ, Tim, someone steal the ball from him! WHAT THE EFF IS HE DOING?" He pulls up and takes a shot with 5 seconds remaining that rims out with no Spur under the basket for the offensive rebound. "AAGHHHH!" I don't even know if that shot has a name. It was kind of a hook shot, kind of a runner, it was off-balance at a horrible angle with Boozer contesting in perfect position. Game over. -254.
That, my friends, is exactly why McDyess should be closing out games for the Spurs. If McDyess were in for Bonner, he would have caught the ball and calmly waited for Tony or Manu to get open. I guarantee he would not have panicked as Bonner did. Ten seconds is a ton of time. There was absolutely no reason to panic with a full ten seconds on the clock. If it gets to five, then by all means, get a shot off. But at ten, you wait for your play-makers. You do not put your head down, avoid contact, and take a miserable shot.
Now, some may argue that Bonner was having a career night. He was making everything and he deserved to be in there at crunch time. No, he did not. And we all saw why. Crunch time is a completely different animal than the first half, when it's fine if Bonner pulls a Bonner. In crunch time, every possession matters. It's all about execution. How many of you can seriously say that you would prefer Bonner in that situation over McDyess? McDyess would have executed, where as Bonner panicked and took an awful shot. If you want to stretch the defense with a three point shooter, then why not go small for the final play? Sub in Finley, when healthy, or Mason in this situation. We have all seen them hit the big shot consistently and it would have forced Sloan to make a last second substitution, throwing off whatever he drew up in that final timeout.
The Spurs are rattled, I am rattled, we are rattled. But, all is not lost. Let's see if I can dream up a silver lining. Our last 6 losses have been by an average of 5.3 points and all to playoff worthy teams. (I am counting the Thunder as playoff worthy because I think they will only get better as the season progresses. ) In other words, the Spurs were very capable of winning each of these games against very good teams. Costly turnovers, offensive rebounds, and boneheaded [read: redheaded] plays resulted in these six losses. But these are all things that the Spurs can improve upon. Take care of the ball, block out, and give Bonner a position that he is capable of handling. (I am thinking water boy.)
The thing to keep in mind is that the Spurs essentially turned over their roster during the off-season. Finley and Mason have been given a lesser roll. Hill is now the backup point guard. RJ, McDyess, Blair and Theo are all brand new to the system. Basically, the Spurs are trying to build team chemistry from scratch. The Spurs have not retooled in such a dramatic fashion since we landed Tim Duncan. We all need to be patient. (I'm talking to myself more than I am to you.) The Spurs are a few good bounces away from riding a 15-3 record right now. At the least, they should have won 3 of their last 6 losses, putting them at 12-6.
Things are not as bad as our record indicates and the schedule should seriously help the Spurs out in the near future. The rest of December serves us the Kings, Bobcats, Clippers, Suns, Warriors, Clippers, Blazers, Bucks, Knicks, Wolves, and Heat. I mean, cupcakes, right? Only three of the next eleven teams should pose a challenge, and if the Spurs can find themselves and get some momentum, it is not improbable to think that they may run the table. I mean, we own the Suns, the Blazers greatly rely on mid-range jumpers, and the Heat only have one player. I just talked myself into it. That's right, 11-0 is my prediction for the rest of the month. How's that for a silver lining?
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-254, huh? You must not be an CS guy. We’d have gone with -256. Much cleaner number.
11-0 sounds good to me too.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Dec 8, 2009 3:09 PM CST reply actions
Layoff the Bonner bashing
Nope, I have to strongly disagree with you about McDyess being in the game instead of Bonner. First the final play wasn’t drawn up for Bonner, and Bonner didn’t catch the ball with 10 seconds left. He took a pass from Tim since no one else was open. Given that his 17 points in the 4th quarter were what got us back in the game, I’ll take his shot over anyone not named Tim or Tony—nobody else was making shots. You mention stretching the defense for a three pointer and going small. No can do—Finley is out with an ankle injury so you can’t play him, and Mason hasn’t been making too many shots since he returned from his injury. Matt isn’t the reason we lost this game—Tony’s 5 turnovers and Hill, Mason and Ginobili going for 4 for 18 are the reason.
Fine, Bonner caught the ball with 9 seconds. That is still plenty of time to find Tim or Tony. And the point is that that is exactly what a seasoned veteran like McDyess would have done in that situation. Do you think McDyess would have immediately put the ball on the floor and taken a bad shot without looking for a guard? Of course not.
And right as you posted, I attempted to prevent most of what you said. I’m not trying to blame him for the loss, just point out that the red rocket is a first 3 quarters kind of guy, not a last 4 minutes of a close game, proven clutch player.
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
I watched the game and I’d disagree with that. Bonner got the inbounds pass because nobody else could get open. But he didn’t have to take that shot. There was still time to get it to somebody else. 8-9 seconds, I think the play started with 9.6 seconds on the clock, is a LONG time.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Dec 8, 2009 4:19 PM CST up reply actions
Yup, I’m not blaming Bonner for receiving the pass from Duncan. Clearly it was a broken play. I’m blaming him for panicking and not looking for a guard.
Alright, just watched it again to get the clock correct. RJ inbounds the ball to Tim with 9.3 seconds left. Bonner receives the pass with 8.3 seconds. The ball is out of his hands at 7.9 seconds. He fakes left and crosses to the right as Manu streaks to get the ball on the left side. (Again, I’m watching this right now.) Bonner’s head is down and he never sees Manu. He releases his shot with 4.8 left on the clock. Clearly, if he is taking that bad of a shot with 4.8 seconds remaining, there were other options.
Now, how can anyone argue that he made a good play or should not be blamed for that?
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
Just to play Devil’s Advocate, Bonner isn’t exactly used to being on the floor in clutch situations. Some of the blame has to go on Pop.
The Spurs - now playing like sh*t again!
I agree completely. That’s why I began with, “That, my friends, is exactly why McDyess should be closing out games for the Spurs.”
Bonner should not be out there during crunch time because he cannot be trusted. All he should be doing in that situation is catching and shooting or passing the ball. If he is 4 feet inside half court. He should pass. Maybe take one dribble to make the pass easier. But he should NOT be driving 40 feet to a spot 6 feet to the right of the basket.
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
Like I said , blame it on Pop and I’m with you. No point blaming Bonner because, he is not used to such play making. We all agree that Bonner is bad play maker, so, what is the point in saying what he should have done at that point and whom he should have deferred to. To begin with, he had no business being there.
Very true. I’m not bashing Bonner for taking the last shot. But he is a professional and should know his strengths. His biggest faux pas wasn’t taking the shot, it was dribbling with his head down, totally unaware of his surroundings. If he had kept his head up when he went around the screen at the top of the key, then he might have been able to find someone else open.
However, it never should have gotten to that point. It was a busted inbounds play from the get go, which is totally unacceptable. EVERYONE gets to share the blame. Reminds me of the Nuggets in last year’s playoffs against the Lakers.
Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way. - Jane Austen
Okay. I will bring out my trump card then.
Bonner should be on the floor! Because, he is supposed to know the Spurs system, defensively and offensively. The fact that he manages to do neither very effectively is, not his problem, just a fact. But Pop plays the odds and left in a guy with a hot hand who supposedly knows the sytem on offense which is, drop the ball to manu or tim and scamper back to 3 pt territory.
I kinda doubt even Pop could have known Bonner would pull that. Bonner for sure didn’t play it out like that in his mind in the time out. Lol. If you watch it, its almost comical. It is like he changed to Super Red Rocket and goes like a rocket with his head down impervious to anything else changing around him and just took (his running typical hook-tear drop) the shot. Really, I can’t blame anyone in this. Only thing is learn, if yer Pop. Question is, will Bonner learn from this?
But next time, Pop leaves Bonner in there, well, we will analyze those circumstances.
NO .........KEEP ON BASHING HIM!!!!
Seriously if you look at our team …..Boner is not supposed to be our clutch guy. NOT ….AT….ALL!!! While i do applaud him for making a lot of good shots through out the game I also realize he is not suppose to be the clutch player during a final running play. WHAT THE FUCK WAS HE THINKING! Seriously. If this is pop’s way of trying to “feel” out his team then I feel we are in for a very disappointing season (as if it isn’t already)……..McDyess should have been in there
"There are two things in life that should never go together.....those two things are cheese and herpes..." - Santa Claus
by Cello the great on Dec 8, 2009 5:28 PM CST up reply actions
I did not want it to be a clean number. I wanted it to be as ugly and random as his shot.
Also, just to prevent some comments that I feel coming, I realize you can never blame a single player for a loss. Tony missed a big shot just before Bonner’s that may have won the game. I did not mean to pin the loss solely on Bonner, I just meant to point out that Bonner should not be trusted in crunch time, regardless of how well he played up to that point. Especially when we have proven clutch veterans on the bench.
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
Doggydogworld posted an interesting alternate view.
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
Did you actually watch the game? Are you kidding me, Finely was injured. And if you read the post game comments, Bonner was not supposed to take the shot, but he forced to because Manu or Tim couldnt get free. Blame it on Pop, I’m with you. Don’t blame bonner for forcing the shot. I’m sorry, I dont agree with what you have written there.
My bad on Finley. I knew he was out, just threw him in there by mistake. But it’s not exactly a critical point to the article. And of course Pop is not going to call out Bonner. But the fact remains, Bonner caught the ball and immediately put the ball on the floor. He did not give anyone a chance to get open. Watch it again. Catch, dribble, dribble, dribble, bad shot.
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
God I hope that 11-0 is right. It would be so sweet for the Spurs to get a win here next week. I need a good road win right now, and for it to happen in my presence would be even sweeter.
The Spurs - now playing like sh*t again!
I’m meeting Alamobro & Tim in Phoenix and taking 3 of my friends to the game as well. Should be fun! I hope we continue the undefeated steak when I attend games ;)
jolly, undefeated steak is one of best candidates to the lexicon in awhile….
hopefully your friends are all spurs fans…either way, this is good mojo for that game
I would like some tasty paint with my undefeated steak, please. Mmm-MMM! That’s good eatin’.
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
Not for long.
Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way. - Jane Austen
Yes, I am. My team sucks, but our mascot is better.
Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way. - Jane Austen
Holy crap, undefeated steak, I guess goes to show just how hungry I am this afternoon. To make things worse, I forgot my wallet. Time to break out the ramen noodles.
Wow you bovine people are Ka-Razy! Taking a buffalo for a run like that.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
by olf on Dec 9, 2009 4:39 PM CST up reply actions
Yes, they’re all Spurs fans, thank goodness. That slip up can be attributed to the fact that I’m extremely hungry and stuck with eating ramen noodles.
Hopefully one of my friends can annoy some more Phoenix fans by yelling at Manu every time he makes a good play and then say things like “Manu, you suck, I wish you were on my team!” all while wearing a Ginobili jersey ;)
I like the recap and rant. I have to agree with you about having either Finley, Mason or McDyess in instead of Bonner. All of them are clutch and would spread the floor just like Bonner would do. I also like the idea of forcing Utah to put Boozer on Duncan.
Live and learn, I hope. 11-0, I like and look forward to you being right.
Wow, just watched the end again and after the buzzer sounds Utah releases streamers. Um, this is the 18th-ish game of the regular season, guys. Streamers, really? I always thought it was embarrassing when the Spurs released those in the first round of the playoffs. Act like you’ve been there before, man.
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
Only the ones they win.
But I think it is nice that the Spurs are different so guys like Fred don’t have to be embarrassed.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
No one in LA goes to watch the games anyway. They are just there to be seen. The Lakers should release streamers win or lose, no one would know the difference.
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
Like I said, I’m glad you’re happy with vanilla. Besides if Pops wanted you to get streamers they would have issued you some.
But we play round Hollywood and the no-nonsense marine corps approach isn’t as big out here.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
by olf on Dec 9, 2009 7:32 PM CST up reply actions
You’re right. LA needs streamers. Otherwise the crowd would not know if they had won or lost the game as they exited the arena.
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
We can’t hope to live up to all the Spurs’ awesomeness. But we do our best.
Like tonight we held Utah to 6 points in the 4th qtr tonight including a 27-2 run. Never as awesome as the Spurs but we’re trying our best. Now where did I put the rest of that champagne?
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
Braggart.
"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 10, 2009 12:16 AM CST up reply actions
Hey Fred’s giving me shit so I thought I’d fling a little back at him.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
Admit it Olf, you are jealous. You’ve had to root for miserable humans all these years, with the lone exception of AC Green. I would be hanging out at Spurs blogs too, if I were a Lakers fan. I liken it to taking a shower. You’re over there, trying to talk yourself into Ron Artest. Trying to think that maybe Kardashian isn’t bat shit crazy. Doing your best to avoid anything that mentions eagles or Colorado. I feel bad for you, man. Wash that crap off in the glow of the Spurs’ character.
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
Uh yeah, you’re right I’m pretty broken up about how things are going. But it is a long season and I know there are still plenty of ups & downs to come.
My initial point was I am glad you’re happy with the way the Spurs do things. And obviously not every team can live up to your standards. So it is good you’re . . . well whatever you are, I’m sure it is good.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
Admirable restraint, olf. Well played.
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
I think he knows he’s not going to win this if I start with the character attacks. Which is definitely why I went there. But I agree, I was expecting him to pull out the big guns.
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
Just one question:
with the lone exception of AC Green.Really? That’s it?
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
I have Magic and Fish too.
Maybe Coop and Kareem.
And Luke Walton. Love that kid.
"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 10, 2009 8:05 PM CST up reply actions
Magic made Tiger Woods look like a saint. He’s still my favorite player, I admit. But still. Fish would be okay except that he is a cheater. As saintly as he is supposed to be, he should have taken his .3 second shot back and publicly admitted that it should not have counted. And Kareem was an ass. Walton sucks as a human too. He hangs out with Sasha for heaven’s sake. How sweet could he be? I’ll add coop to the list, however, so we are up to two honorable Lakers.
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
Vlade Divac has character. Sure, he popularized flopping, but he’s a character guy.
by silverandblack_davis on Dec 11, 2009 1:19 AM CST up reply actions
This feels like we need a rap battle to settle it. Where’s Tony?
The Spurs - now playing like sh*t again!
Nah, I concede. Fred’s alright. He’s a little too stats happy for me but that’s OK. I prefer to draw the chart to fit my preconceived notions & then pick the data.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
No, dancing’s what it’s all about now.
Throw it DOWN, young dawg, throw it DOWN.
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
In that Bonner could’ve waited a few seconds and tried to pass the ball. But as I said elsewhere, he brought us back into the game by himself.
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I agree with most of everything regarding Bonner. Hypothetically, if that was a player we wanted taking the shot, it is advantageous to take a quick shot to either get a rebound and second attempt or possibly even a foul and another chance. 10 seconds is a lot of time and even getting back 5 seconds for a chance at a 3 to tie the game. It’s a long shot but you have a chance as long as the clock isn’t at zero. Perhaps, Bonner was thinking that, but failed to realize, passing is more time efficient then dribbling and didn’t look up to see Duncan wasn’t in a position to get a rebound.
Fred, it’s a lot easier to criticize the play after the fact, but during the game, in the heat of the moment, with a guy not used to handling the rock…that’s the best we could have hoped for as fans. The shot while not the prettiest, just rimmed out.
Bonner should have been included in the final play, he was hot, he not only kept the Spurs in the game, but he brought them back. At least keep him as a decoy. I’ll say this…that was one of the worse executed plays I’ve seen the Spurs run in a looooong time at the end of the game.
Oh, and to refresh your memory, no one was open during that final drive…
One final item, I would have put someone else other than RJ on that corner, maybe even Mason.
Great analysis
I’m wondering Where’s the hate for RJ???
He has done nothing this season. He is a terrible fit for the system. He’s looking worse game by game.
RJ plays great with Manu because he gives him open shots and usually passes that put him in a position to score. With Tony and Duncan, he’s not even second fiddle and has to settle to force something with 2-3 seconds left in the shot clock after all the dribbling and failed attempts at a pick-n-roll.
When Tony plays, there’s hardly any semblance to an offense, it’s nothing but pick-n-roll. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind it, it’s effective, but that’s when you have spot up shooters. When you have slashers like RJ, Manu & Hill, you have to run an offense and create opportunities for them.
Manu & RJ should be part of the bench. Put Mason or Finley in with the first team, who are good spot up shooters and benefit from the drive and kick that Tony provides.
Maybe, but it’s not like RJ is a great defender. He gives up too much space to the jump shooters when he closes out (so he essentially doesn’t run them off the line) and he’s not even close to a shut down defender. He’s an above average rebounder, however.
Manu should start. The future of this team depends on Duncan, Manu, TP, Antonio and RJ learning how to play together. I think Manu’s impact will be greater starting rather than coming of the bench.
Manu is the best playmaker, he has the vision and he shares the ball, basically he is our closest thing to a point guard.
And maybe Manu is getting hurt a lot because he’s not loose enough when he comes into the game.
And most important, starting Manu has worked before, why not this time.
Out third quarter sucked the other night, though.
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I thought that the fact that somebody starts or not had more influence on the third quarter rather than 24 minutes of later, especially when this sixth man play starter’ s minutes
I mean that the starters usually start in the 3rd quarter, too, in Pop’s team.
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Take that at around 7.2, when Manu is open at the wing, and Bonner is dribbling with his head down. Obviously no one is open at that point. No one is leaving their man to help out on Bonner.
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
Since you clearly have the capability, show us the pick at exactly 6.9 seconds, XMAN130.
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
Oh, you know what we need? A snapshot second by second. I think it would be very instructive to how a play breaks down.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Dec 8, 2009 4:59 PM CST up reply actions
xamn, that’s a good screen shot of the play. But this is AFTER Matt started to drive. Had he stayed where he was, Manu certainly Could Have come and received the ball by brushing his man off Matt.
Lots of could have, would have there undoubtedly.
What we see here, I believe, is a complete break down. Matt driving and nobody else knowing what to do because it isn’t a play. I mean, what is Tim doing, trying to run pick and roll with Matt?
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Dec 8, 2009 4:58 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah, Manu streaks free at the left wing and is open to receive a pass from 6.9 to 6.4. If Bonner just held the ball as he should have, Manu receives the pass with 6.3ish on the clock.
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
By the way, we’re all assuming that he could have handed off the ball to Manu, while I don’t doubt that, the play for all we know could have been drawn up for Tony & Timmy, thus Bonner dribbling in that direction, but you’d have to ask Pop on that. Let me get those screenshots….
Changing the subject… you still coming out here next week? We need to set that meeting up pretty soon here.
The Spurs - now playing like sh*t again!
If you could, an every second screen shot from about 7.0 till 6.3 will tell the story that I am going for.
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
Um, that’s two screen shots, right?
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Dec 8, 2009 5:05 PM CST up reply actions
Really, one shot at 6.8ish will show that Manu is open on the left and Bonner is already beginning to drive to the right.
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
Thanks. Just follow Manu; he is open from the start. If Bonner had just held the ball he sees Manu and then we have Manu with the rock, game on the line. For me, that’s preferable.
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
Also, check out Bonner’s tunnel vision. He never gives anyone a chance to get open, or himself the opportunity to see them get open. He puts the ball on the floor, puts his head down, and drives in like a pregnant penguin.
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
Oh, no doubt Fred. I would prefer Manu make a decision with the ball at the end of the game 99% of the time. I did follow Manu and he was open for literally a fraction of a second, unfortunately that’s when Bonner looked the other way and started his dribble towards the basket.
Tony didn’t do squat either, he just stood there at the corner.
Screen shots are a nice trick, btw. I’m going to have to start using them in future posts.
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
Yeah, it’s pretty nice. I record the games, remember.
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yeah, who knows what could have happened. But that’s what you expect from a quality veteran team. That they find a way to execute a play, don’t panic, and get a good shot. As a team.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Dec 8, 2009 5:05 PM CST up reply actions
“Veteran” being the key word. Who would you say is the least veteran out of this bunch? Tony, Manu, RJ, Bonner, Tim, McDyess.
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
The way that play went down, I’d say the only one I liked what they did was RJ.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Dec 8, 2009 5:08 PM CST up reply actions
Bad Times
It sure is frustrating being a die hard spurs fan right now. I remember being excited at the beginning of the season when some analysts predicted that the Spurs would win the west and grab their 5th title in 11 years. Right now I’m pretty sure that the Lakers could beat us without Kobe in the lineup. The Spurs seem completely incapable of beating any team that has slightly more athleticism. Years past we could counter that with precise execution, now everyone looks lost out there. There are many problems that need to be figured out sooner than later, my big ones are:
1. WTF is up with RJ? Our star signing, our ray of hope for the new season has been less effective than many rookies in the league. Pop needs to figure out a way to get him going again. Maybe even bring him off the bench and let him lead the offense for the second team. Whatever it is, they need him to earn his paycheck.
2. TURNOVERS! – Enough said about em in this blog over the past couple days
3. McD. When the Spurs first signed him, I was thrilled that we would have a low post defender that could help keep Timmy fresher, force people driving into the lane to change shots, and hit a few open buckets. He has hardly delivered on many of his promises. I dont really know why Ratliff has not gotten much time, the little minutes I have seen him out there this season he was a monster shot blocker. Right now I would be happy to let Mahinmi give it a shot and test that length of his.
4. Execution down the stretch. Also spoken about in detail in an earlier post. I remember during the 07 season that the Spurs won almost every close game, it became almost habit. Ginobili needs to look at plays from a few years ago where he would drive to the basket late in the game and either get a bucket or freethrows, which brings me to my next point…
5. Ginobili. I really hate being hard on my fav player, but he really has been the suck lately. His stats will show that he is the best closer in the game, yet he has hardly shown that kind of poise lately. Maybe Pop should try starting him again to give him more minutes to get going better and earlier.
6. Mason. He’s lost his touch and doesn’t deserve the minutes he’s getting this season.
On the plus side, I give props to Matt, Blair, and Hill. If they could only execute their game with any degree of consistency, it would truly be a second string to brag about.
Fernando
Welcome, Nando. (You an Argie?)
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Well, I imagine many Spurs fans (such as me) would’ve thought you picked your nickname after Nando de Colo, if you hadn’t then written down your real name. Which yes, is a giveaway. :)
It’s all good, anyway. Always glad to see a countryman in here. Especially one that has great English and doesn’t type in ALL-CAPS.
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You mean like TURNOVERS!. Ha. That’s what gave it away.
Welcome Nando. An excellent post with excellent points. Pay no attention to me harassing LatinD.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Dec 8, 2009 8:29 PM CST up reply actions
There are serious ( but not uncorrectable) problems with this roster. This particular squad is MUCH different than any previous incarnation of the Spurs from the last dozen or so years.
I might actually write a piece outlining how, if I could first find a used car that is worth the shit…
...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.
I guess it could be worse . We could be Portland, those guys are dropping like flies. They have lost Nicholas Batum, Travis Outlaw, Oden ( for the season and possibly for-ever) and now Rudy Fernandez needs foot surgery. Fuck , I wonder what Basketball god they managed to really piss off….
...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.
Fernandez had back surgery I think.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Dec 8, 2009 5:47 PM CST up reply actions
The one Chemistry God when they signed Andre Miller.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Dec 8, 2009 5:47 PM CST up reply actions
BTW, you forgot McMillan’s surgery earlier this week and (owner) Paul Allen’s Lymphoma.
The Spurs - now playing like sh*t again!
Ok, that organize needs to switch cities ( maybe continents ) and logos in an attempt to excercise whatever heinous curse it is that has befallen them…
...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.
After all that has been said about the Xs and Os of the final play, no one (save for one) mentioned how ridiculously funny (for a semi-recap of a tough loss) this post is. I was too amused I kinda forgot that we actually lost the game on (not “because of”) a failed play where Bonner took the shot. That is, until I headed to the comments section.
"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
At the risk of stating the obvious, we also need to give Jerry Sloan and the Jazz some dap here. It wouldn’t surprised me one bit to learn that Sloan told his guys in the huddle to “DENY! DENY! DENY!” everyone but Matt Bonner on that last play. And why not? Tim, Tony and Manu have all hit game-winning shots for us. Matt Bonner? We already know the answer to that. Close out on the Big 3 and make Matt Bonner win the game; that’s just smart coaching there.
"...and programmed to save the day!"
Just a question from the feminine side of PTR: How many years of coaching experience is represented in this thread. I’ll start the answer: I have zero years – just a score keeper.
Three. In Argentina’s bloody soccer wars we were often recruited as children to coach teams, being kept awake with candy and holding clip boards almost our own size. The use of children coaches stopped after the return to democracy, but the nightmares of x’s and o’s will never stop for some of us.
"Under the tutelage....of Randy Tutelage"
While I was saving that for another post, I’ll answer here. I have about 5 yrs of coaching from smaller kids to adults. As far as playing, a lot more than that!
I have 500 hours of NBA 2K10 experience as GM/Player/Coach of the Spurs. I could include my NBA Live days in the discussion, but that would be too much, I suppose.
"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 9, 2009 12:49 AM CST up reply actions
Heyyyy . . . speaking of NBA 2K10 . . . when was our last simulation?
OMG. This whole streak of suck has been Mike’s fault.
Dunh dunh dunnnnnnnh!
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
I once wrote a FanPost about Popovich.
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
Big Picture
I don’t want to put a whole lot of effort into trying to break down a single play in the 18th game of the regular season, but the bottom line is, if we want to win it all, our close out unit at the end of the games needs to be Parker-Manu-RJ-Dunan-McDyess. Manu has proven it doesn’t matter who starts, it’s who finishes, and I think looking at the big picture, this is the most talented line up we can put out on the floor and the one that we need to learn how to play together to close out teams like the Lakers in the playoffs. Bonner is clearly not the guy to handle the 4th qtr. closer role in a playoff series against an opponent like that, I mean, who is he gonna guard, Bynum, Gasol? Either one would lead to disastrous results. I’ve raised my opinion of Bonner significantly over last season and the start of this one, he can be a useful player to provide some shooting during the course of the game, just as Mason can provide some shooting and Blair is gonna provide some boards and Hill some great on the ball D, but seriously, it’s not a knock on those guys, they’re great bench players, but they’re just that, great bench players, and trying to turn them into starters/closers is not an appropriate way to utilize them. If Pop is serious about using this season to get us ready for the playoffs, he needs to be playing our Top 5 together over the course of the last 4 or 5 minutes of every game so that they can figure each other out and develop the chemistry they need.
GO SPURS GO!
5 IN '10!
I hear he’s pretty tight with Tim Kness.
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
JRW is going to LOVE this thread.
Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way. - Jane Austen
Wayne has him locked in a trunk somewhere.
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
His car doesn’t have a trunk. But, I noticed some weird noises coming from the back in Vegas. I just thought it was a bad CV joint, but now…
The Spurs - now playing like sh*t again!
I do have a large box in the back. I’ll look for JRW in it tomorrow.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Dec 9, 2009 2:57 PM CST up reply actions
He said, “tomorrow” but it turned out to be nearly half a week before he got around to finally checking it, and letting me out. Still, I suppose I should be grateful for being released at all – no matter how long it took.
Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10
by jollyrogerwilco on Dec 13, 2009 11:20 PM CST up reply actions
the Lakers? Ha bro’ we don’t even have the strength to beat the second tier teams like Jazz, Thunder, Mavs – don’t get me wrong I HATE the Lakers, hate them as much as any Spurs fan can but I also know there is no way in the hell that this team can stack up against them with the current situation. RJ has to become a prominent scorer and we need (Maybe more Blair) another big, talented PF/C in the paint to even think of contending with the top tier teams. Other than that and we are going to have a long, struggling season.
"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 9, 2009 1:54 PM CST up reply actions
Oh man, misspelling Duncan on a Spurs blog, credibility- destroyed.
I was just using the Lakers as an example of a team with a strong front court that Bonner clearly can’t match up with. And yes, that is the goal we should be looking at, I mean, wasn’t that the whole point of trading for RJ and making all those moves in the off season. The point is, we can’t just sit back and say, well Bonner knows the system better so we’ll play him more, we need to be getting more time to McDyess, or maybe Blair, or some one, so that they can gain the familiarity with the system because Bonner is clearly not the long term answer for achieving our season goals.
GO SPURS GO!
5 IN '10!
I did not mention Tim Knees and said nothing about Bonner being the PF/C that we need – in fact, I agree he is not. Blair might be but we need another young, athletic big who has a brain for Pop’s plans
"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 9, 2009 2:39 PM CST up reply actions
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