Game 2 Quick Cap: Lost and Found

by Tim C. on Apr 21, 2009 12:15 AM CDT in Game Previews & Recaps Comment 42 comments

More photos » by Darren Abate - AP

Dirk thinks he's gangsta. Nice try, Cryptkeeper. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

Tonight, our Spurs found something that was missing a couple of days ago, and most of this season. What could it have been? Heart? Poise? Mojo? That package the UPS guy said he delivered last week with Manu's ankle boot? Nope.

Defense. Tough, gritty Spurs Defense. This is where we have the advantage over Dallas - we actually play defense. Occasionally.

And as long as the guys in silver in black continue to play Spurs Defense, they will have an excellent chance in this series. They closed out on shooters. Timmy was blocking shots. Bowen was in Barea's head, not to mention everyone else he matched up with.

Don't get me wrong, Spurs fans. Even if this excellent defense is there for every game from here on out, it's not going to be easy.

We aren't going to shoot 53% every game, and Tony especially isn't going to go 16-22 every game. Dallas isn't going to shoot 40% for the whole series either. And Dirk isn't going to be 3-14 every game - in fact, he's due for one of his typical badass scoring games. So, even when we play great defense, they still might beat us. We had a massive 44-26 rebounding edge tonight, and they still gave us a legit scare right before the half.

But this is why there's reason for hope: As well as the Spurs played, they could have done better in several key areas.

First, at a few different points during the game, the Spurs took their foot off the gas. The most noticeable of those moments was that stretch right before the half when the Mavs got 12 quick points on them(almost 15, if that ridiculous shot from Bass had counted). The guys looked disinterested at times, and Dallas responded quickly every time. That apathy didn't sit well with Pop, and he made good adjustments, as well as adamantly bitching out anyone who deserved it, even Bruce.

The second area the Spurs need to improve is linked somewhat to the first: turnovers. Every time they turned the ball over, it seemed like Dallas scored. Kidd and ~~The Nutcracker~~ Terry are masters of the fast break, and the Spurs are older and slower. It's difficult to keep a lead when you turn the ball over 13 times. No, tha's not terrible, but during the season the Spurs were the best team in the league at playing keep-away. I'd expect Pop to lay into some people(I'm looking at you, Gooden) for this during the upcoming off days.

The last thing the Spurs really should improve upon is the interior D when Duncan isn't out there. Yes, we were closing out on shooters, but then they got to the rim with simple ball fakes, and there were no white jerseys waiting for them. This one is pretty nitpicky, but I stand by it.

Anyway, we got a great win, and I think there's a lot of reason for optimism.

For the 3 stars tonight, I'm picking the guys who seemed to catalyze the whole team:

3. Tim Duncan - the mild-mannered islander only had 13 points and 11 boards, but his presence on the defensive end was suffocating. The 3 blocks don't even begin to tell the story. Every time the Mavs got any penetration, they weren't shooting when TD was there. Also, his 5 assists are nothing to laugh at.

2. Bruce Bowen - It's about time this guy looked like his old self. He made one mental lapse out there, and Pop took him to task for it, but he was absolutely in JJB's head. And Terry's. And Howard's.

1. Tony Parker - no explanation needed. If anyone still thinks this guy isn't as important to us as Timmy or Manu, get your head examined.

Game 3 awaits - let's go steal one in Dallas.

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ill be at game 3 with my brother!

What the Bowen giveth Horry taketh away. --LatinD (2008 Playoffs Round 2, Game 1)

the Spurs do not defeat you so much as they grind you into tiny shards of psychological wreckage.
-the Denver Post

by Hamer_SpursFan on Apr 21, 2009 12:35 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

It was even better live!

So I just got back from the game and I completely agree on everything you said.

I felt like I was watching the Spurs from a few years ago, well sans Manu. The ball movement and the defense definitely brought back fond memories.

I’m telling yall when I go to a game, they win!

by PacMan210 on Apr 21, 2009 12:36 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Hmph....

Son of a bitch… we look old and tired. Fire Pop!

Anyways… jumping the gun a little bit but one thought comes to mind.

I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve. – Isoroku Yamamoto

"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 Hirschof on Apr 21, 2009 12:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

ehh...

I meant the quote to sum up the team’s reaction to game 1.

"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 Hirschof on Apr 21, 2009 7:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thank you for clarifying.

Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed.

by CMoney on Apr 21, 2009 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Steal one in Dallas?

The second best road team in the West does not steal road wins, they earn them, quite regularly. If the guys can earn that victory in game three they can take the Mavs’ heart and hope by then taking game four.

Man it felt great to see Spurs defense! We will need it in Dallas.

by SpurredOn on Apr 21, 2009 1:31 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

My notes from the game...

… in a suite on the corner.

Thanks to Rikiddo for doing the quick cap. I was slated to do it and he jumped in and I’m thrilled. I just got him.
I can’t believe you nailed my 3 stars. I thought I was being smart or something putting Bruce second.

Anyway, my notes:

The Mavs started out cold and the only thing that really kept them in the first half were some questionable calls. Two on Dirk and the one on Terry that ended the half gave them 6 points that they really needed.

Romaju actually had two consecutive drives into the paint that resulted in baskets. One a feed to Drew and one a layup. My mind was boggled.

Drew again provided some nice second quarter points. He was killing Bass in the post too. I expect more from him this series. Provided, of course, that he isn’t seriously hurt. The post game press conference said he was spitting up blood. From falling on his back. Doesn’t sound really good.

Matt Bonner hit a couple 3’s in the first half and then the one late, but he just looked terrible out there. Again.

Jason Terry completely lost his composure on a couple of occasions and was just looking to foul guys. I didn’t think he deserved a flagrant though.

Mason hit a 3 in the second and then took a CRAZY long heat check 3.

“Fucking bullshit” is what I have down for the Mason foul on Terry at the end of the first half.

While I did think the Mavs got the benefit of a few calls in the first half, they didn’t get any in the second half. It was that whole aggression thing. We were aggressive, they weren’t.

Tim looked better to me tonight than in game 1. He just looked bouncier and more active. Tim’s passing is remarkable. His kick out to FinDog for 3 in the third was mystical. Tim was at about the free throw line in the paint and threw a no look pass over is should and hit FinDog right in the chest. Then he found him under the hoop for a dunk.

Bruce OWNED the defensive side of the court. Everything he did was remarkable. He hounded Barea (who can’t score on Bruce ever. Bruce just gave him space and hounded him from behind and JJ can’t shoot with that tall of a guy behind him). He fronted Dirk. He closed out masterfully on Howard at the 3 point line. He irritated Terry. He was just amazine.

Tony was BRILLIAN. Except for a couple possessions that lead to turnovers and one rushed jumper, he really was under control. He just shredded them. His one on two fast break where Kidd was back and Terry was trailing was phenomenal. I’m still not sure how he scored but he made it look easy. He also gave the ball up to Tim on the break. It’s like TP is all grown up.

I don’t know if they showed it on tv, but when the 6:00 time out in the 4th came around, Tony did the single thing I was most impressed with. You guys know that at every time out Pop stomps out onto the court and has a meeting with the coaches while the players sit on the bench. This time, however, Tony went straight to Pop and start speaking emphatically and spent about half the time out there. Then, he went to the bench and sat in Pop’s chair that faces the bench and started talking to them. I don’t know what he saw or was going on about, but it was clear that he was taking over leading the team.

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

by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Apr 21, 2009 2:13 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the rundown ATS, we missed you in the game thread and I think you’re a bastard cuz you went to game and I didn’t, but anyway. . .

On TV it didn’t seem that Bonner was as bad as you describe, other than his absurd tendency to miss two foot jumpers and get his own rebound, that is. He seemed to stay with Dirk much better than in game 1 and he even stuffed Bass in near the hoop.

Your last paragraph almost gave me chills. Being able to see stuff like that is why i LOVE going to games. Thanks again. On the other hand

I'm comfortable winning -- Emmanuel Ginobili

by pollackj on Apr 21, 2009 2:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You’re welcome. However

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

by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Apr 21, 2009 3:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for this, ATS. This was just amazine.

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

by LatinD on Apr 21, 2009 7:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Or maybe brillian.

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

by LatinD on Apr 21, 2009 7:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Definitely otstanding.

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

by LatinD on Apr 21, 2009 7:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow, somebody is being persnickety

by Big50 on Apr 21, 2009 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LD’s just getting some of his own back. He took a lot of heat for “otstanding” back in the day, and has been a champ about taking his medicine.

Now you might say that the shoe’s on the other foot. Yet

You’re better off trying to intimidate the sea.
- LatinD

by jollyrogerwilco on Apr 21, 2009 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sort of an in-joke…

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

by LatinD on Apr 21, 2009 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bowen definitely hit Terry on the elbow on that shot at the end of the first half. I don’t think he meant even to reach in, he just had his arms extended a little, and Terry happened to raise up to shoot such that his elbow hit Bowen’s hand. Not a lot of contact, but definitely a foul. The refs got it wrong by assessing it to Mason.

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

by tomasito on Apr 21, 2009 7:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It seemed to me that Mason also bumped into him. I dont know what happened first. He should have gotten six Fts.

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

by LasEspuelas on Apr 21, 2009 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think the ref meant to call it on Mason because he did the hand showing motion to indicate lower body contact.

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

by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Apr 21, 2009 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Huh. That is a weak call, then.

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

by tomasito on Apr 21, 2009 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Really appreciate your “live at the storm” recaps. It’s a different perspective and allows comparison to what was seen on TV, such as your last paragraph. That kind of focus from Tony, on putting the Mavs away and choking the life out of them coming from a player is what the playoffs are all about and what was missing in game 1 (along with rebounding).

I don’t agree with you on Bonner. We have to judge him against what he is: a role player who stretches the floor and is meant to use up some minutes and fouls on Dirk. He was awful on Saturday but he’s not that bad, just as he’s not as great as his game at Boston earlier this season. If he can make Dirk work, use his height to keep Dirk form shooting over the top and wear him down so that Bowen’s minutes can be shared amongst many Mavs and KT gets him when he’s tired, that works. Bonner certainly seemed more aggessive going after rebounds as did the whole team, proving that game 1 was more about focus and execution than ability.

by SpurredOn on Apr 21, 2009 2:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with your disagreement. Sort of. Yeah, you do have to judge Bonner for what he is and you describe him perfectly. In addition, Dirk is a really bad matchup for him. That said, Kurt and Drew, I think, are better matchups on both ends of the floor for us. Bonner was terrible on offense whenever he wasn’t spotting up for 3. He had several attempts to maneuver in the paint and they were all awful. He was one of the key reasons we had problems with their zone for a while. He also did an ok job of crowding Dirk and making him drive, which I assume is the plan, but I think he was letting him drive too easily.

Bonner did do a decent job on the boards though.

The “live” notes thing is kind of fun. I just jot down notes at the time outs of what I’m seeing. It was fun to do that, post these comments, then go back through the game thread and see other people’s take on the action.

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

by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Apr 21, 2009 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I counter, sir, and agree with your follow up.

You’re correct, Bonner was one of the reasons we struggled with the zone. That little flip shot in the paint is like 50/50 for him at a point on the floor where it should be 90/10 or at least a foul drawn for a tall guy. The zone of Dallas helps give us offensive rebounds and it is imperative that the big guys score off them. For that, KT and Drew are superior to Bonner. I also like knowing that even though KT doesn’t have the foot speed to keep up with Dirk, he physically wears on him and sets brain rattling screens on the other end.

by SpurredOn on Apr 22, 2009 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Provided, of course, that he isn’t seriously hurt. The post game press conference said he was spitting up blood. From falling on his back. Doesn’t sound really good.

eek, I didn’t know that. I hope he’s OK, whether he’s in playing shape or not.

Please get better for real this time, Manu.

by Tim C. on Apr 21, 2009 2:25 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

But mostly if he’s in playing shape.

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

by LatinD on Apr 21, 2009 7:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

downloading this game is going to be a lot less painful than downloading game 1.

free george hill!

by sleep research facility on Apr 21, 2009 6:50 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I think last night’s defensive game plan was simply “stick Bruce on whoever looks to start heating up.” It certainly worked. Really, Bruce still doesn’t get enough credit. We’ll have to wait and see on Nowitzki. This is the guy who chokes in the playoffs every year. It’s certainly feasible that he doesn’t have a blow up game. More likely he has one game in Dallas where he scores 30 points after going to the line 22 times.

by Neuwaldegg on Apr 21, 2009 8:26 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

unfortunately i see this coming as well. The refs have been pretty quiet on their whistles (both teams being around 18 FTs each per game), so I can’t wait until the shit refs (bavetta, not much of a fan of Violet either…..Crawford) to make sure its a foulfest

What the Bowen giveth Horry taketh away. --LatinD (2008 Playoffs Round 2, Game 1)

the Spurs do not defeat you so much as they grind you into tiny shards of psychological wreckage.
-the Denver Post

by Hamer_SpursFan on Apr 21, 2009 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bruuuuuuuuuuce!

He does get the proper recognition time to time… but, yeah, not enough.

It also bothers me that I’m usually the only person in the arena with a Bowen jersey.

"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 Hirschof on Apr 21, 2009 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bruce=The Cooler

by p2cat on Apr 21, 2009 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

+1

Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney

by bellasa on Apr 21, 2009 7:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Also, I think we’ve seen the last of JJ Barea. Aside from giving Bruce spot duty on him, Pop adjusted on offense when he was out there with heavy dose of pick and roll. (instead of Parker’s AI impression from game 1). Once JJB got smacked by a couple of Thomas and Duncan picks he completely fell apart on D; the highlight being crossed over by Mason one-on-one for a wide open layup!

Dampier also became quickly useless once the Refs decided to call him for chest-bumping Parker every time he went into the lane.

by Neuwaldegg on Apr 21, 2009 8:34 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Right on

Great catch. The screens were exactly what the doctor ordered. My question: Why didn’t we do that in game 1? It’s not like we haven’t seen him before. It is not like we haven’t played him before and seen him go off. The Mavs are mug artist for sure.

by Clintons Cigar on Apr 21, 2009 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

My only guess is that JJ got in Tony’s head and it became a personal battle to him. Hopefully that’s the last time we see Parker do that. Although it does remind me of the time that

You’re better off trying to intimidate the sea.
- LatinD

by jollyrogerwilco on Apr 21, 2009 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Twitter Group for Fans

Can you help me get the word out about a new Twitter Group for Spurs fans?

http://twitter.com/SA_SpursFans

It basically allows Spurs fans to see what each other are saying without having to all follow each other, and without having to use any special web programs or desktop clients. Just start a message with “@SA_SpursFans” and it’ll be posted to the group and everyone can see it. There are several of these for hockey teams, etc, but I want to start one for Spurs fans. Helps connect us all, and fans can even use it from their phones at games, etc. I follow the @PredFans hockey group and it is awesome.

Thanks!

Blog- http://paulnich.blogspot.com
Hockey Pics- http://flickr.com/photos/paulnich/collections/72157600076075216/
Hockey Vids- http://vimeo.com/pwnicholson/videos/tag:nhl

by pwnicholson on Apr 21, 2009 8:53 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Make this a fanpost, you’ll get some more attention.

by Big50 on Apr 21, 2009 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just did

good idea, thanks.

Blog- http://paulnich.blogspot.com
Hockey Pics- http://flickr.com/photos/paulnich/collections/72157600076075216/
Hockey Vids- http://vimeo.com/pwnicholson/videos/tag:nhl

by pwnicholson on Apr 21, 2009 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's more like it

As everyone has said, I really enjoyed the defensive performance. I was glad to see Tony man up and take over offensively. I think that Tony is the opposite of somebody like Kobe. If Kobe starts off scoring it hurts his team. In Parker’s situation we need him to start off and stay aggressive, the rest of the team will eventually catch up.

Let me ask a question. Why, when Thomas or Bowen or Gooden have gotten Dirk to pick up his dribble, 17 feet from the basket, why are we doubling him? I saw this happen two or three times at least. If he picks up the dribble we should NOT be doubling him.

by Big50 on Apr 21, 2009 9:18 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Great recap, rikiddo! Cautiously optimistic. I approve.

by Lauri on Apr 21, 2009 9:53 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Caption

The caption on Dirk’s pic was: goddammit, i chipped a fingernail.

by agutierrez on Apr 21, 2009 10:42 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Heh. Indeed.

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

by LatinD on Apr 21, 2009 7:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tony Parker is key

I will be the first to admit that I have not always been a Tony Parker fan, I can hear your jeers through my speakers. Truth is the last two years I have had my eyes opened. As Tony goes, so does the team and thankfully Tony doesn’t have too many off nights. In fact, lately he is carrying the load when Tim or Manu have an off night.
At this point I don’t see how we win without him. He does occasionally still make me scream at my TV when he dribbles the ball for 20 seconds and shoots a 20 footer, but I will endure that from time to time because he has turned into a clutch player.

http://spurshomecourt.wordpress.com

by spurshomecourt on Apr 22, 2009 10:44 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs