Spurs Beat Lakers: Cup Half Full and Cup Half Empty
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Jan 12, 2010 10:53 PM CST
in Game Previews
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PrintNot only did the Spurs get a win over a team above .500, they beat the best team in the league 105-85. Of course, they beat that team with only half of their best two players.
Am I happy? Yes. Am I happy? No.
There are a lot of ways to slice this game up. If we had hit a decent number of our free throws, say going 8-11 instead of 4-11, we would have had 4 more points. If they had missed a normal amount of their free throws, say going 11-16 instead of 15-16 (Artest and Odom combined to go 12-12 and are both barely over 60% shooters), they would have scored 4 less points. That would make it a 28 point game. It means we would have been up 20 at the end of 3. It means they never would have gotten closer to 14. It means the fourth quarter never would have been played by starters.
How...ever. It didn't happen that way. Instead, we had to grind one out against a Lakers team without Kobe and Gasol. Big whoop. Bynum played just over 42 mintues and Odom played almost 40. Kobester logged 32:18 through 3 quarters, but didn't even take a shot in the 4th. Just a strange game all the way around. Hipuks sums it up here for us:
On the good side, we shot 57.3% against the best defense in the league. On the bad side, um, screw it. There is no bad side on this one. We played a pretty solid game. The margin is somewhat misleading since we hit a couple late 3's, but we didn't lose a quarter for the whole game. Our worst quarter was tying 22-22 in the third.
On top of that, HoopData shows us playing a really solid defensive game. It's only one game. But, it is a nice win. Time to leave it behind us and hit the road. See you guys tomorrow for the Thunder game.
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It was a great win.
I’m tired of hearing excuses though. From what I’ve read, Pau and Bynum don’t mix too well. Not offensively at least. Bynum kinda gets shoved out of the way, while Pau goes to work. So if Pau was there, Bynum would NOT have had the game that he had tonight. This might have gone for better, or for worse. Who knows.
And Kobe logged in a good 32 minutes while only taking 10 shots. Crazy Pills logged in only 40 more seconds than Kobe did, so I don’t even want to hear about that.
We’ll play them again in February, and I hope they’re healthy so that there are no “if’s”, “and’s”, or “but’s”.
Man, I loved Thrill Hill’s game tonight! He summed up our Big Four. RJ was a close second, but his defense on Kobe was amazing. Probably the best single effort by anyone in the league. Don’t tell me it was because of his bad back, because I’ll tell you his bad back was because of that D.
by Manu ex Machina on Jan 12, 2010 11:08 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
his bad back was because of that D
+1
"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 Jan 12, 2010 11:45 PM CST up reply actions
Haha I think
I’m hoping the part about the back is a joke
Hill had the play of the game, maybe the year – damn that was sweet!
Rolled up the Black Mamba like a wild-eyed mongoose on adrenichrome – all over dat man!
"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 Joe deLarios on Jan 13, 2010 8:15 AM CST up reply actions
Which do you like? Just mongoose?
Or do you prefer the whole thing: Wild-Eyed Mongoose on Adrenochrome — in which case we could go with WEMA. Which sounds a lot like FEMA, which makes me think of Katrina.
On second third thought, maybe we’d just better stick with mongoose after all.
CapHill, whatcha think?
Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10
Mongoose works for me.
Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way. - Jane Austen
I have some updating to do. It’s weird that our best player has the least amount of nicknames.
Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way. - Jane Austen
Why so few nicks for TD?
He supersedes almost all attempts to find a suitable cognomen for him because in order to stick, the nickname must be (at least in some circumstances) better than his name. And in this case, since he is Tim Ducan, his name is inextricably entwined with power forward excellence.
That’s hard to top. And far too much for most nicknames to measure up to.
Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10
“Tim Ducan”?
Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way. - Jane Austen
I had forgotten that, but it’s not good enough to add to the dictionary.
Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way. - Jane Austen
That would be more an entry for a “lexicon”, if such a thing existed.
The Spurs - now playing like sh*t again!
Yes. A win’s a win. (“No question about it.” —Sean Elliott).
But I grimaced, when Kobe was shown heading back to the locker room. I want the Spurs, even w/o the services of the Fin of the Dead and The Red Rocket, to beat a FULL STRENGTH Lakers squad.
Nevertheless, I hope this Spurs team carries their chemistry set to the home of the OKC Thunderclusters tomorrow night; why do I feel like this Lakers game was the “trap game”?
"...and programmed to save the day!"
I think the Thunder game is the trap game. The Lakers game was the bait game.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Jan 12, 2010 11:14 PM CST up reply actions
Yo ATS, I’m gonna send you a FFFFFFUUUUU poster so you can add it to this. Is that cool?
"Under the tutelage....of Randy Tutelage"
Ha, yep, I was. I’m done now. It sucks.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Jan 13, 2010 12:02 AM CST up reply actions
Congratulations Spur lovers. Good game.
Didn’t turn out quite at all like I had hoped it would, but that’s the way it goes some times. Now I have to prepare myself for the Mavs to take a crack at us Wednesday night.
Now where did I put that bottle of rum?
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
Even if Kobe’s out, I want the Lakers to beat the goddam Mavs by 30.
"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 Jan 12, 2010 11:46 PM CST up reply actions
No way, even though it would help us in the standings, I can’t cheer for the Lakers. Of course I can’t cheer for the Mavs either. So I hope they both lose.
Hot damn, Tim Duncan is still the man.
25 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 blocks, 2 steals.
by silverandblack_davis on Jan 12, 2010 11:55 PM CST reply actions
This is the time to trade him, before everyone realizes how truly old and washed up he is.
"Under the tutelage....of Randy Tutelage"
Can you just imagine what we could get for Tim and Manu? It’s just mind boggling.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Jan 13, 2010 12:03 AM CST up reply actions
"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 Jan 13, 2010 12:30 AM CST up reply actions
I wasn’t really serious, but I’ve always wanted to see what Manu can do as the superstar of a team.
"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 Jan 13, 2010 1:10 AM CST up reply actions
I think he could have put up some superstar numbers
Given the green light to take 18-20 shots a game.
Imagine if he had the role of Trevor Ariza on the Rockets. He’d be appreciated for the All-Star that he is.
But he has my appreciation, because it’s not just about the stats, it’s about the skills.
And I only say “could have” because I haven’t watched too many Spurs games, so I don’t know if he’s 100% back to where he was a few years ago.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on Jan 13, 2010 1:32 AM CST up reply actions
Mind bottling
Like when you thoughts are trapped in a bottle
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on Jan 13, 2010 1:18 AM CST up reply actions
You can only beat what you are given.
You won’t see me here saying, “Well, you only beat ‘us’ because Kobe was injured”.
And you know why? Manu Ginobili, 2008 Playoffs. That’s why.
You can only beat what you are given.
Good win. Enjoy it.
(By the way, if you’re the type to look up one’s comment history, my comment before this one on SSR is facetious, as Celtics fans loved to use that line all throughout 2008-09, so I feel obliged to use “We’re still the champs!” until its final expiration date).
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
ugh self consciousness is a bitch
and so are smart asses, so as a preemptive, yes, I know that “final expiration date” is redundant. There.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on Jan 13, 2010 12:05 AM CST up reply actions
Would have loved to play a full Lakers squad though.
"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 Jan 13, 2010 12:07 AM CST up reply actions
Heh, don’t worry about it. We only make fun of others’ errors out of love, not out of spite. Just ask olf. :)
The Spurs - now playing like sh*t again!
Dear GK,
Marry me.
Signed,
An Editor
P.S. You’ll have to forsake the Lakers, though. Hope that’s not a dealbreaker.
(Insert picture of Liz Lemon here)
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
by Lauri on Jan 13, 2010 4:04 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
But I’ve never asked Laker Boy to marry me!
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
is this the first marriage proposal on PTR?
"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 Joe deLarios on Jan 13, 2010 8:18 AM CST up reply actions
and I suppose the answer is FFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUU………………?
"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 Joe deLarios on Jan 13, 2010 12:58 PM CST up reply actions
You had me up until "An Editor"
I can’t have anyone correcting my typos and poor grammatical structure.
But I’m flattered, thanks.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on Jan 13, 2010 11:36 AM CST up reply actions
But you’re self-correcting! Hence the proposal. Plus, I don’t take my work home with me.
But no, it never would have worked anyway. A fleeting lapse of judgment on my part . . .
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
We'll always have the Riverwalk ...
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on Jan 13, 2010 3:45 PM CST up reply actions
Gils is the best SS&R has to offer. Good to see you around, man.
Bone breaking? -340
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
Wait, what? Look I love Gils – he’s great but I don’t want to marry the guy. My wife would totally kill me.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
You’re deliberately misunderstanding me. David just called Gils “the best SS&R has to offer” — you can’t tell me that doesn’t hurt.
C’mon and admit it, olf. You’ll feel better once you do.
Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10
olf is not a SS&R guy. He’s 100% PTR material. Just check the number of comments he has in each.
Bone breaking? -340
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
Look, I like Gils and a number of the people over at SS&R. But my contributions there mainly consist of mumbling comments like:
“Man I hate the f’ing {. . .}.”
{. . .} = insert name of team that thinks they are the Lakers’ rivals, but in reality ain’t even close, or ‘Celtics’.
PS. How do you mumble in text?
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
It’s great that we get the literate kind of olf.
And like this: < mumble >Man, I hate the f’ing…< /mumble >
Bone breaking? -340
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
I can see your formatting, so I’m pretty sure that’s not the best way to communicate your mumbles.
Perhaps there’s something to help you here.
Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10
Glad for the Win BUT...
I am a little disappointed with TD’s defense. For the second game in a row, TD’s man has lit him up for 20 plus points. TD let Bynum get too comfortable on the block.
Basically, on the defensive end TD is not handling himself against other team’ s bigs.
He is hardly contesting their shots. Is he even jumping at all?
Is GHill using HGH or steriods. That joker is country strong. If he can stay consistent, he will be considered for the all NBA defensive team. Tonite he look Bowenest. I loved it.
The one time I saw Timmy get off his feet trying to stop Bynum’s shot, Bynum went around him for a dunk. Not good.
The Spurs - now playing like sh*t again!
I wondered if Timmeh either didn’t want to get in foul trouble, or was spending all his energy on offense, where he was awesome, and not playing that hard on defense.
"Under the tutelage....of Randy Tutelage"
Yeah, I could see that he did look like he was pacing himself in the 3rd Qtr, and that’s where I thought it would have been good to rest TD, bring in IAN or Blair instead of leaving him out there with Small Ball.
Plus Artest was bullying our little guys. Damm, I wished Artest could have gotten a little taste of Blair. Run a few P&R sets with Blair and get that lead back into double digits.
Blair alligator armed one shot, and he got the hook. Quick.
I think we need to double Bynum to see if he can pass out of a double team. I was impressed with his improvement on offense.
Yes I would like the Spurs to unleash Mahinmi
I need a center who can give me some stats in fantasy ball.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on Jan 13, 2010 1:11 AM CST up reply actions
He did pick up a quick first foul
So I’m sure that contributed
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on Jan 13, 2010 1:12 AM CST up reply actions
I don’t think Duncan jumps until the post-season.
When the tooth fairy's own tooth falls out, it is taken during the night by Princess Peanut.
by the little o on Jan 13, 2010 12:12 AM CST up reply actions
Kinda feel sorry for Ian too. He goes out and gets 15/9 and he is rewarded with the bench.
Pop is hardcore with the mins.
Guess he should have pull that one more rebound and got the double double.
He was trying to put Ian in for the final 3 minutes or so, but there was never a stoppage. Tomorrow night, I expect Ian to get some burn. He’s earned the chance to prove himself against better competition.
The Spurs - now playing like sh*t again!
I agree. And after 40 minutes tonight, let’s give TD a longer rest on the bench.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
I agree. And after 40 minutes tonight, let’s give TD a longer rest on the bench.
It’ll be interesting to see if Pop starts TD, plays him for five minutes and then shuts him down for the rest of the night. The complete OPPOSITE of the Raptors game. I’d like to see Yawn, Blair and Haislip get some major burn Wednesday night.
"...and programmed to save the day!"
by transgojobot on Jan 13, 2010 12:54 AM CST up reply actions
In light of the poor record vs OKC last season an the one game this year, Pop may as well throw out some different looks.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
I’m really interested in seeing if they can find a way to beat that team. If the Spurs win tomorrow, it will be the most impressive back-to-back performances they’ve had this year.
The Spurs - now playing like sh*t again!
I’ll second that. The losses to KC are maddening. It’s not about getting throttled. It’s often a comedy of errors and/or some awful scoring dry spells then falling just short. Now, OKC has to enjoy seeing the black and silver.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
Their length and athletic ability was a nightmare for the Spurs’ offense last year and in the one game earlier this year, but the Spurs are really finding ways to get it done lately on that end. I’m hoping they find a way to exploit the OKC defense, but it will NOT be easy. That team is playing really good ball of late.
The Spurs - now playing like sh*t again!
Let’s put Yawn on Durantula to shut that kid down.
by silverandblack_davis on Jan 13, 2010 12:50 AM CST up reply actions
I’m afraid that Lauri’s Stalkee would eat Yawn alive, and then ask for seconds if Pop put Mr. Glass on Our Favorite Longhorn.
Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10
Whew! Almost too many nicks in that comment. Except that there’s no such thing as “too many nicks”.
Thanks to CapHill’s lovely nicknames page, we can all use as many and as often as we like.
Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10
thanks for nicks link jrw…it’s new to me, i’ve been away for awhile.. busy with the kids.
awesome job caphill!
by FreshmakerDTM on Jan 13, 2010 8:27 AM CST up reply actions
No bad side. Sure, Lakers without Gasol can’t win a title. Just like the Spurs without Manu. But I recall the Lakers winning a close game in SA late last season where Manu was out injured and TD was playing on bad knees. No one made the Lakers apologize for winning. Matter of fact, the story was how old the Spurs were. So, I guess age is also catching up with Kobe. Which would be good news for the Spurs come late May.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
I read somewhere that Kobe has the most miles on his body of any player his age in the NBA…forgot where I read the article.
...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 far he has to. I know he has more games played minutes logged than Timmy and he’s two years younger than Timmy.
"I will five all over this blog." - JRW
I think Bill Simmons showed that stat a few months ago. A mileage tracker of NBA players. Kobe, KG and TD were at the top. Ant though Kobe plays a less physically brutal position, he’s run up the odometer the last few years with the two FInals trips and Olympics. And he likes to be the hero. I can see this all working in the Spurs’ favor come May.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
Artest is a big mismatch, He post up RJ and was able to get to the rim very easily, even though he miss a lot of easy ones, I worried about that match up because we don’t have somebody strong enough to handle Artest in the post.
You are so right. But RJ has to do a better job of fronting him. He can’t play behind Artest like that in the future. GHILL had the right idea. Front him. Dont play from behind.
You do realize there’s also a downside to fronting your man, right?
by silverandblack_davis on Jan 13, 2010 12:51 AM CST up reply actions
I’m more and more inclined to believe we need another guy that has the size and speed to play SF. Bogans trying to guard Ron was a disaster, and RJ was better, but not by enough.
The Spurs - now playing like sh*t again!
Haislip doesn’t play good D. I just don’t see it, he’s not ready. I like that he’s shooting 100% on 3’s this year, though.
The Spurs - now playing like sh*t again!
I know, but the guy IMO has the perfect body to matchup with artest. He’s mobile, has the size and he looks pretty strong too, I dont think that posting up Haislip is easy. He needs a chance, C’mon Pop, you need to watch his youtube videos haha.
He also has the necessary tats to at least make Ron-Ron think twice about posting him up.
by silverandblack_davis on Jan 13, 2010 1:14 AM CST up reply actions
Although Haislip come to mind and he may be used that way, I think I read somewhere that he’s more used to guarding face-up bigs as most bigs in the Euro League plays this way. We have a lot of square pegs, althoug this may also mean we have more versatility. Take Hairston for example, I wouldn’t be surprised if he was tasked to guard post-up wings as I also read (yes somewhere) that he used to play PF in his younger days.
Clue: His last name rhymes with “Yay!”
"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 Jan 13, 2010 12:43 AM CST up reply actions
I wonder if Pop invites that. Go to Artest, keep Kobe and Bynum/Gasol out of rhythm and let Artest be the ball hog. It will create the occasional easy bucket but if it stunts the offense and perhaps creates frustration with the other players, it’s a good game-long strategy.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
I love this idea, Spurred.
If I was Pop, I’d pray for the Lakers to go to Artest over and over. His fg% is atrocious and his post-ups spell death to ball movement.
Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10
Another reason I was happy when they got Artest and lost Ariza. Ariza is a quicker defender, better 3-point shooter and the ball doesn’t die in his possession. He complimented Kobe better. Artest is good right until he’s not, if that makes sense. And as you stated, he can spell death to ball movement.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
Well, to be completely honest, he actually misspels death to ball movement. But let’s not get into semantics.
Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10
Nor into spelling.
"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 Jan 13, 2010 1:57 AM CST up reply actions
As much trouble as Artest provides, he didn’t utilize it much. It’s better if the ball is in Artests hands the most. He’s not as good a passer as Odom or Gasol or Kobe. The more the ball is in his hands, the more stale the offense is.
Artest missed nine of 12 shots, many on wild drives to the hoop. Lamar Odom took only six shots, making two, drawing a postgame rebuke from Jackson. Artest had 13 points; Odom had 10.
What could Artest be doing better these days? “Almost everything,” Jackson said.
A typical sequence for Artest came in the final seconds of the third quarter. Andrew Bynum was pleading for the ball in the post, extending his arm out and yelling to Artest, but Artest ignored the call and drove in on his own, hitting the front of the rim on an off-balance layup attempt. End of quarter, Lakers down, 75-63.
I think that there were a number of people here in PtR who mentioned, right after the Artest/Ariza trade was announced, that this type of behavior is what they expected out of Artest, and why they thought the trade hurt LA more than helped them.
I’m not excited about cheering against teams as much as I like rooting for the Spurs — but this kind of thing just makes me smile.
Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10
Yeah, I got your smile right here!
No wait, scratch that. Congratulations on your fine win.
(I promised myself to try and stay gracious in defeat.)
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
Thanks for the nice gift. Much appreciated.
Now I’ve got to take the rest of the afternoon to decide which expression of dismay I like better: the guy in black on the left with his head down and his hands clasped behind his head, or the guy on the right who is looking up to the heavens with his hands to either side of his face.
Here’s an funny aside: I just now noticed, for the first time, Horry’s package handling in that shot. Previously, I’d only ever notice the frozen follow-through and the crowd reaction.
Weird.
Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10
You really like that photo, huh?
by silverandblack_davis on Jan 13, 2010 5:52 PM CST up reply actions
Look, you central time zone people are missing a key factor. You start the damn game at 5:30 pacific time. And that is no where near enough time for Ron to get a good beer Hennessy buzz going.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
by olf on Jan 13, 2010 3:48 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I wouldnt say the Lakers are off the hook either when it comes to mismatches. There isnt anyone on that team that can stay in front of Parker for 48 minutes. No big on that team can stop Duncan. And when Manu is Manu ,no one on the planet can stop him.
...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.
They do have the length to bother TP’s shots around the rim. And they have a plethora of bigs to tire down Duncan, unless Dice and Blair can be enough of a threat offensively and our shooters are hitting well outside to keep the defense honest.
But we do have the better bench, so that should count for something. I just don’t know how big it’d be come playoff time.
by silverandblack_davis on Jan 13, 2010 12:57 AM CST up reply actions
I think pretty big. The inability to score when TD and/or Parker were on the bench broke the big leads the Spurs had vs LA in the ‘08 WCF, plus left Parker out of gas in last season’s playoffs. The Lakers had one of the better benches, certainly in quickness, the past two seasons. Taking away that advantage has meaning.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
Wow how long has it been since i’ve been here? o.0 Obviously a good win, with or without Kobe and Gasol, it counts as a W in the standings. Tim was great, Tony was aggressive George played hard all game and Manu was his usual self. The thing that concerns me in this game tho is that Jefferson is still unsure of his positioning on the floor as well as his defensive rotations. During one play, Timmy had to motion to him to move back about two feet. Another time Manu had to tell him to switch which side of the floor he was on. And on one play Keith Bogans (who has been a Spur for less time) had to PULL him off the wrong player while on defense. I know the season has a long way to go but you should know by now, especially since he was the main acquisition this summer. Good win. Good to be back.
"I've got Tim (Duncan) and you don't. That's the difference." -Gregg Popovich
Congratulations from a Cavs fan
You know, there was a time when the Spurs were my biggest NBA antagonists. I rooted against them furiously every time they were on TV, except maybe when they were playing the Mavs.
I never thought I’d one day be cheering them on in a game against the Lakers. What a difference a year makes.
Go Cavs!
…at least post good stats for my fantasy team.
"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 Jan 13, 2010 1:06 AM CST up reply actions
After watching that 15 times… I finally figured out what made Bryant fall like that.
Magnetic fields
"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich
by Aaron "Hirschof" Preine on Jan 13, 2010 1:07 AM CST up reply actions
I lie…
I have no clue what made Kobe fall…
(Possibly Hill’s awesomeness?)
"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich
by Aaron "Hirschof" Preine on Jan 13, 2010 1:08 AM CST up reply actions
Magnetic fields
Makes way more sense.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on Jan 13, 2010 1:13 AM CST up reply actions
After poking the ball.
"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 Jan 13, 2010 1:14 AM CST up reply actions
If by after, you mean at the same time
Yes, after poking the ball
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on Jan 13, 2010 1:15 AM CST up reply actions
Yes, after poking the ball
That’s all I’m reading. Lalalalalalalala
"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 Jan 13, 2010 1:16 AM CST up reply actions
Watch only Hill's right foot
It will make more sense then. Or not.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on Jan 13, 2010 1:17 AM CST up reply actions
He learned it from Bruce.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Jan 13, 2010 7:57 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
George’s flyiiiiiing… he’s soaring.
And Kobe, the ref was right in front of the play. He’s not buying that flop.
by silverandblack_davis on Jan 13, 2010 1:16 AM CST up reply actions
No flop sir
I’m not even claiming it’s necessarily a foul, but Hill’s right foot is directly behind Kobe’s left foot, Kobe goes backward in an attempt to retrieve the ball Hill has poked, and Kobe trips over Hill’s shin basically. He just loses his balance, no flop.
As above, ignore the arm motions involved, just look at the two players’ legs and feet.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on Jan 13, 2010 1:24 AM CST up reply actions
I’m in complete amazement. I’ve flipped on this clip 3 or 4 times already, but I finally must say that my eyes agree with Gils.
Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10
Shhhh…
"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 Jan 13, 2010 1:58 AM CST up reply actions
Thanks
Still, it’s almost incidental and not a foul I would want called the other way, it wasn’t like Hill planned it that way … or was it? dunnh dunn DUHHHHH!!!!!!
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on Jan 13, 2010 2:53 AM CST up reply actions
What I was thinking. I think it’s inadvertent ::giggles::.
Okay, it was purely intentional. Almost Bowen-esque.
by silverandblack_davis on Jan 13, 2010 3:00 AM CST up reply actions
It wasn’t intended to trip him, it was intended to twart Kobe’s move and funnel him to the sideline. When face guarding someone, footwork and stance is important. It just happened that Hill’s ball poke paid off.
C’mon Davis don’t tell me you’re unfamiliar with moves like this. Here it’s called “gulang”. Or maybe you do that’s why you called it Bowen-esque.
You’re right, man. Gulang is a must to survive in basketball.
by silverandblack_davis on Jan 13, 2010 5:53 PM CST up reply actions
it’s funny how Kobe reverted to a fetal position after falling.
If you liked it then you should have put a 5th ring on it. Oh oh oh.
IMO
It’s like take kobe and lebron out of the cavs and L.A. lineup and one will end up like the grizzlies and the other the nets.and even if kb had another 16 we’ll still win,or if he had 20 we’ll be in ot…but the thing is his presence on d and offense that changes things,but everyone’s playing great so with kb we should have won by 4-12…in short we should still have won that game.esp converting the ft’s.
Did you see the little smirk after the dunk? GHill wanted to say something but Pop would have killed him.
I loved it.
GHill and Manu are 2 Spurs that will get up in your grill.
I still think Ghill should have pimp slapped Terry the other night just for general purposes.
we did beat LA when they were hobbeld up for sure and that does temper my joy a little – but i gotta say that the spurs played smart and hard all night and they played well enough to beat the lakers at full strength. does that mean they would have won the game with LA at full strength? no, but the whole thing was a great performance and that’s all you can really expect/hope for as a fan.
george was awesome on kobe – but you know it wont always be that way – and we know all about kobe being injured a bit and all that. still george got his feet immersed in the assignment and had some success. that cant be bad.
yikes of the game was tim’s D on bynum. i’m sure that he can guard bynum, but he was making basic mistakes like not sealing his side on a double team and letting himself get put in a box down low. simple things like that are typically his strength. some of this was pointed out above, so i wont dwell on it – and you know tim will be ready for it next time.
on a semi-related note, sports are a funy thing. a roller coaster ride. just saturday my football team was ousted from the NFL playoffs and my alma mater got drilled in hoops. i was feeling pretty down about the whole thing. just three days later both my alma mater and the spurs delivered their biggest victories of the year on the same night. as we say around here: otstanding.
so what is up with Palmer? the Jets D made him look bad. I didn’t watch the Bengals much this year but followed Benson’s stats all season. I think he owes your O line some dinners because they are perfect for him. I think they said my other Texas Ex Bengal, Quan Cosby, set the rookie total punt return yards record too.
I didn’t get to see most of this game. I saw the last part of the 1st half and the 3rd quarter. I was glad to see that we did not collapse in the 4th quarter. That being said, I’m glad that we handled this team. I don’t care if they are at full strength or not. A win against a team is a win regardless of who’s playing. They will be telling themselves (as will a large portion of their fans) that they weren’t at full strength. The Spurs KNOW they won.
What a good birthday present!
by Big50 on Jan 13, 2010 9:03 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
I may have to post more if that means the spurs win by 20. Tony looked horrible the first part of the game but later really went off. There were some segments where there were sloppy turnovers. I remember Rage had two in a row at one point and it gave me the urge to throw something threw my tv.
However, I think the spurs are better than sometimes you guys give them credit. They are having a good season and I think will be right there in the playoffs. Don’t be overcritical on the team you love.
Kinda hard for us when they average over 57 wins per season over a decade along with multiple titles…
We’re spoiled and expect a ridiculously constant high-level of play…
There were some segments where there were sloppy turnovers.
Both teams were making some really stupid turnovers.
"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich
by Aaron "Hirschof" Preine on Jan 13, 2010 9:45 AM CST up reply actions
Congratulations again on a good win Spurs fans.
Not that it matters much but while the statement below is accurate I think you meant to say something different?:
Kobester logged 32:18 through 3 quarters, but didn’t even take a shot in the 4th.
Maybe “didn’t take a shot in the 3rd (or in the 2nd half)”? Like I said not that it matters much.
Also, what did you make of the game getting back to 6 points or whatever in the 4th? And what was the reason for Blair’s 7 minutes? Saving him for tonight? Or his effectiveness?
(Sorry if that was addressed above – when I see Eagle, CO in comments my scroll wheel starts flying.)
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
Concerning Blair
From 48MoH:
With Coach Pop’s tendency to favor vets, and Blair’s propensity to get into foul trouble, I thought his minutes would be limited in this game. Seven minutes was more limited than I expected, though.
At 7-foot, 280 pounds, Andrew Bynum is simply too big for Blair to guard, even with Blair’s knack for playing bigger than he looks. And DeJuan’s inexperience at guarding more perimeter-oriented bigs like Odom and Ron Artest meant he could easily end up in foul trouble early in the game.
With those things going against him, Coach Pop probably felt more comfortable going with a veteran front court and resting Blair for tonight’s game against the youthful and energetic Oklahoma City Thunder. Given the final result, it’s hard to argue.
Thought this was a good explanation.
"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich
by Aaron "Hirschof" Preine on Jan 13, 2010 11:25 AM CST up reply actions
wow that was close
"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG
by LasEspuelas on Jan 13, 2010 11:26 AM CST up reply actions
Sorry H,
I don’t buy it.
We should have seen Blair in that stretch where Ron Ron was abusing our little guys. The Lakers got back into the game during that period by going to the free throw line. So if Blair is foul prone it wouldn’t have matter since that is where Artest ended up anyway.
I can’t find any sense in allowing Artest to Bully us when he could have just put Blair in and shut that crap down.
Ron Artest Stat line on 1/12/2010
FG: 3-12
3 PT: 1-2
FT: 6-6
AST: 1
TO: 3
PF: 3
Shut what down? The free throws? If anything, Blair would have drawn more fouls.
"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich
by Aaron "Hirschof" Preine on Jan 13, 2010 3:24 PM CST up reply actions
Especially with that post-up/falling backwards crap that Artest does. Blair is not a good post defender (yet) and, in case you haven’t noticed, he picks up fouls real quick.
"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich
by Aaron "Hirschof" Preine on Jan 13, 2010 3:27 PM CST up reply actions
although some of those fouls are “we won’t give you benefit of the doubt” rookie foul calls….
"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich
by Aaron "Hirschof" Preine on Jan 13, 2010 3:30 PM CST up reply actions
GhosTown, sorry but I’m with Hirschof here. You can’t argue that Artest was “abusing our little guys” when he went 3-12. Unless he was picking apart our defense with excellent passes that led to points; which he wasn’t b/c he only had one assist.
Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10
There was a stretch when Artest posted up 3 times. He score 6 points in a row and cut the lead to 6 points.
I tend not to focus on what Artest did prior to that moment, I focus on what adjustments we made to address Artest’s mini run.
So what did we do after the first time they went to that match up?
To me it looked like we didn’t do anything until we noticed the lead was down to 6pts.
I don’t know about you guys but that is not smart to me.
Artest just turns and bullies his way to the goal. If we had Blair in there he would not have done that. Maybe he uses the fade away J, but that is a low percentage shot too. But more importantly is Phil would not have seen that as a favorable matchup and went to another player.
Allowing Artest to post up a smaller man one on one in the paint with no help 3 times. This is what Pop did.
Going to Artest in the post with a small man on him 3 times. This is what Phil did.
Which one is smart basketball? Which one ended up cutting our lead to 6 points?
Artest was only a part of the big lead getting sliced down.
He was struggling most of the game with the defense that was on him.
By the way… where are the 3 straight Artrest shots that got it to six?!? Tell me.
Only time Artest scored six in a row was at the start of the third and his last point got it to 65 – 49. And one of those layups was a nice assist from Bynum. (Artest went to the line three times (courtesy of RJ, Manu, and Dice)
You want to know who got it to six? Farmar, Brown, Walton, and Bynum (over Duncan).
"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich
by Aaron "Hirschof" Preine on Jan 13, 2010 4:03 PM CST up reply actions
correction
Poor wording.
“He went to line 6 times (off three fouls).”
"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich
by Aaron "Hirschof" Preine on Jan 13, 2010 4:05 PM CST up reply actions
Not sure which part of the 4th qtr. But I know they started when Manu was called for the foul on Artest when he blocked his shot. And Sean Elliot kept saying that was a clean block. And it was a clean block.
I plan on watching it again on League Pass but I have to got practice when I get back I will tell you where exactly in the 4th and time on the clock when the Laker run started.
I gave you a play-by-play link… tells you everything you need.
"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich
by Aaron "Hirschof" Preine on Jan 13, 2010 4:13 PM CST up reply actions
and Artest’s last points were about 3:30 left in the 3rd….
"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich
by Aaron "Hirschof" Preine on Jan 13, 2010 4:15 PM CST up reply actions
I was wrong about the score it should have read cut six points off the lead, it wasn’t six it was 12pt lead.
My bad I wasn’t focusing on the score I was focusing on the coaching decision that let Artest have his way with us.
But here are the 3 scores I was talking about.
3QTR:
9:48 Ron Artest makes layup 45-57
9:00 Ron Artest makes driving layup (Andrew Bynum assists) 47-59
8:02 Ron Artest makes free throw 1 of 2 48-65
8:02 Ron Artest makes free throw 2 of 2 49-65
I was wrong about the score it should have read cut six points off the lead, it wasn’t six it was 12pt lead.
Which was 16 by his last score there. And that little series was the only time Artest was consistent throughout the whole game (3-12 overall, 3 TO, and -6 overall).
“Having his way” is a little much.
"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich
by Aaron "Hirschof" Preine on Feb 8, 2010 6:57 PM CST up reply actions
I dont know why you would “save” Blair. He is young and eager to play, I dont think he needs to be saved. I think Pop did not want to blow this game and putting Blair in the game (we like it or not) is a gamble. Some days it is great, but some days not so.
"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG
by LasEspuelas on Jan 13, 2010 11:26 AM CST up reply actions
I’m still dissapointed with the fact that we tend to relax when we have a big lead, like in the third quarter last night.
It hurt us in the Dallas game and could’ve hurt us tonight if the Lakes had any offense.
Like Wayne noted, if we hit our average number of FT’s and they do the same, then the lead wouldn’t have ever made it below 14.
I know, I know, it’s an “if”.
Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10
Another thing. Artest’s post game is not that polished so I don’t see how he would have gotten Blair to foul him.
I havent seen much of Artest lately but when he was in Indiana he had a knack for effectively posting up while looking ridiculous at it. His wrap around from the pivot is deceptively effective and it would have probably drawn three fouls on DeBeast
"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG
Well said RJ
“We know (the Lakers) will be a much different team, a much better team when the playoffs start. So will we,’’ Jefferson said.
The Spurs should enjoy this win. They earned it. Despite Pop trying to give it away by benching Blair. :)
Anyways, I remember when Manu was hurt 2 years ago.
The Lakers didn’t care. So when we beat an injured Laker Team we shouldn’t care either.
When you look back in the books it doesn’t say the Spurs lost because Manu is hurt. It just says Lakers win.
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