Game #50: San Antonio Spurs @ Los Angeles Lakers
by CapHill on Feb 8, 2010 12:00 AM CST
in Game Previews
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PrintCan we get a repeat of this moment? The last meeting with the Lakers was one of the best games of the season for our Spurs. Unfortunately, tonight we have to go into the Staples Center, where the Lakers are 24-4 this year. And we haven't exactly been lights out on the road this season. Let's hope that the Spurs end their stay in the Land of the Fruits and Nuts with a 2-0 record.
This is make or break time for the Rodeo Road Trip and for the season as a whole. So far, we are 2-1 on the RRT, but I think most PtRers would agree that we let one slip away from us in Portland. This probably is an oversimplification on my part, but the next two games against the Lakers and the Nuggets (the top 2 teams in the West) will provide us with the answer to that all-consuming question:
Are the Spurs actual championship contenders this year, or not?
Not that any of you crazy people need anything to get psyched for this game, but for those that need a little something extra, here are tonight's musical selections:
I expect to see EVERYONE in the game thread!
 San Antonio Spurs @ Los Angeles Lakers Where: Staples Center - Los Angeles, CA When: February 8, 2010; 9:30 PM Spurs time Watch: TNT
How They Stack Up
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Matchups
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 Tony Parker Tony |
Point Guard Tony got a double-double against the Clips and seems to shooting better. Fisher is still old. However, he can still distribute the ball and hit the open shots. Tony needs to use his speed to fly by Fisher. Also, Tony needs to dominate Fisher. Advantage: Spurs |
 Derek Fisher Still 0.4 |
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 George Hill Georgie |
Shooting Guard I love how Cubits has been playing lately. He's upped his game since his insertion into the starting lineup. The Parker/Hill backcourt seems to be working. However, this is Kobe we're talking about. No matter how much George has improved, he's not going to totally contain Bryant. IUPUI just needs to play as well as he can. NOTE: Kobe is listed as "questionable" with his ankle until the All-Star break. I expect him to play, since Bryant is actually a cyborg, but the Lakers still have enough talent if he doesn't. Advantage: Lakers |
 Kobe Bryant Still a Terminator |
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 Richard Jefferson RJ |
Small Forward Artest stepped up his offense against the Blazers to make up for Kobe's absence. Artest is bringing his usual stellar defense this season and has fit in well with the Lakers - bad news for the rest of the West. If Kobe doesn't play, the Spurs need to force Ron-Ron into bad shots. I have no ideas about Jefferson. Advantage: Lakers |
 Ron Artest Still Crazy |
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 Tim Duncan Timmeh |
Power Forward Gasol is a solid player, but his numbers are down this year. He's not the clear No. 2 option that he has been in years past. Against most teams, Pau would get the white box, but tonight he is facing a future HOFer. Duncan is having the better season. Tim has been a rock for the Spurs this year, brining consistency night-in and night-out. As always, it should be a good matchup. Advantage: Spurs |
 Pau Gasol Still Big Brother |
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 Antonio McDyess Dice |
Center Bynum is really an enigma, with no consistency in his 5th season. He left the Portland game early with a hip injury and didn't return. McDyess has played much better since his re-insertion into the starting 5. He has grabbed 10 boards in the last two games, plus his sweet jumper has returned. Maybe there is truth to the general consensus that SAM gets better as the season goes along. Advantage: Tied |
 Andrew Bynum Still Mentally Soft |
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 Manu Ginobili Mano |
Bench & Role Players The Lakers' bench usually has one major advantage: Odom. His versatility is unmatched. If Kobe can't play tonight, Lamar will probably start, weakening the Lakers' less-than-stellar bench. Manu is better than Brown and Farmar combined, and DeJuan should destroy their pine-riding posts. Advantage: Spurs |
 Lamar Odom Still Married |
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 Gregg Popovich Pop |
CoachMuch like Kobe, I dislike PJax, but he's a hell of a coach. Jackson has had his own share of injuries and a new piece to integrate, and so far, has done a better job. Advantage: Lakers |
 Phil Jackson Still a Jacka** |
| images via yahoo.com | ||
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Other Factors
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Intangibles |
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The Lakers are at home. And at this point in the season, they are better than the Spurs. This might change if Bryant can't play. Advantage: Lakers |
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Mojo |
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I will be watching the game - BAD! I will also be breaking in a new Spurs T-shirt - this might be bad or good. Advantage: Lakers |
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Winner: |
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| I hate to say this, but the Lakers should win. Please prove me wrong. |
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Keys To The Game
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Strength of ScheduleBoth teams have had a day of rest and will have at least one day off before their next tilt. Both teams are coming off wins, after disappointing losses. The Lakers head to Utah on Wednesday, while the Spurs are in Denver on Thursday. Last Time They MetThe last game between these two teams resulted in a 105-85 win for the Spurs on January 12th. Our euphoria on PtR soared to new heights. Tony and Timmeh dominated, which needs to happen again if we want to win again. |
Some Other ReadingLakersSilver Screen and Roll - The SBNation blog for the Lakers. Good writing, with major participation. Spurs48 Minutes of Hell: The best TrueHoop team blog is now even better. A must read.
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Where to Tune In
TVThis game will be aired nationwide in the US on TNT. If you have cable or satellite, you'll have to look up your individual channel. And of course, there's always League Pass for the haves. For the have nots, read on. OnlineAs always, NBA League Pass is recommended for those who are willing to pony up the cash. Most Spurs games will be broadcast there, which is especially helpful for those of us who aren't in the San Antonio area. Please don't post links to illegal game feeds in the game thread. Links to illegal feeds are not permitted on SBNation, but you can probably find them out there on the internets if you're resourceful and desperate. In fact, nobody can stop you from googling "atdhe". You can also shoot an email to poundingtherock@yahoo.com for more assistance. NBA League Pass audio is still free this year, so check it out. RadioIf you're in the San Antonio area and aren't near a TV, tune in to WOAI (1200 AM). |
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Comments
Nice preview Cap, just wanted to know what a RQC is?
"I've got Tim (Duncan) and you don't. That's the difference." -Gregg Popovich
Random Quarter Collapse.
"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 Feb 8, 2010 12:47 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
+ 1
"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 Feb 8, 2010 11:17 AM CST up reply actions
Philippines 11:30 PM
Please tell me it’s 11 AM. I know I could’ve just counted hours, but I’m too lazy, dammit.
Also, Tony needs to dominate Fisher.
Finally. Even a broken clock is right four times a season.
I have no ideas about Jefferson.
I have one: RJ sucks.
Oh and question, have we ever had the Staples B2B?
"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
Damn you’re smart.
"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
are you Hubie Brown?
LOL!!!
-Dejuan Blair
by SpursfanSteve on Feb 8, 2010 12:29 PM CST up reply actions
Nice preview
I’m hoping for a good game. But, seriously, Dyess tied with Drew? I don’t see that, but I’m not gonna argue as a guest in your house. I just hope Drew sees this and proves you wrong ;-)
"That's a giant sig " - Ben R.
On pure talent, no, but McDyess, if he’s on can offer a lot of what the Spurs need to beat the Lakers. And If Drew is banged up, it’ll definitely make him less likely to hustle – which he can fall into at times (focusing mostly on his offense).
Why the Spurs will win?
1) Jefferson will be benched by Pop
2) The bench will DE-stroy the Lakers (similar to last game) once they come out. Unless the starters play 48 minutes, which they obviously can not (and they say we are old), anytime they our out the Lakers will be raped (and I mean this: Ginobili, De-Beast, Finley, Bonner, Mason vs. Shrek (Farmar), Mbenga, Brown, Walton, Sasha- Are you fucking kidding me? No competition.
3) I personally hate the Lakers and this will ruin my studying if the Spurs lose. The Saints made me happy yesterday, and the Spurs WILL continue my happy streak. Should be an intangible.
Not sure what you are smoking, but RJ won’t be benched. He played decent against the Lakers last time and is one of the only players who has size to stay with some of the longer/bigger Lakers.
It's just a wish
because no one who shoots 20% should be starting; I think it’s time for everyone who hasn’t faced the music to realize that Jefferson SUCKS; he’s not only bad, he’s actually ruining the team’s chances for success, if he wouldn’t of shot freakin’ 20% against Portland, imagine what would of happened; even against the Clippers, he can’t hit shit; and the fact that this man is 6’7, and he’s barely averaging 3 rebounds is just pathetic
but I’m not smoking, just being unrealistic
And Mbenga and Powell don't play without major injuries to the rest
Neither will Sasha, unless Kobe sits. Back last game Phil was still expirimenting with the bench as a unit, which was a pretty catastrophic failure. Now that he runs 1 or 2 bench players with the starters at a time, they play more effectively. The Spurs’ bench still has the advantage, but it’s not as much lopsided as it once was.
"That's a giant sig " - Ben R.
by Saurav A. Das on Feb 8, 2010 2:54 AM CST up reply actions
I think the game in Denver is the true measuring stick. We’re 0-2 vs them and they have twice smoked the Lakers plus have the best league record vs teams over .500.
Having said that, going 2-0 vs the Lakers would feel incredible and show that only Denver is our real concern. Plus, let’s allow the RRT to pad our record and truly turn this season around.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
I expect to see EVERYONE in the game thread!
Perth, AUS 11:30 AM
so you’ll tell my boss that i won’t be at work?
free george hill!
by sleep research facility on Feb 8, 2010 4:47 AM CST reply actions
Ooh, another Aussie
Melb here. Erg, only way I can watch is skipping school, and I can’t because I’ve got some VCE crap to do.
"That's a giant sig " - Ben R.
by Saurav A. Das on Feb 8, 2010 5:01 AM CST up reply actions
I’ll be there with Manuwar. A Lakers fan will be with us. I have faith.
Bone breaking? -340
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
Heres an idea. How about calling some plays for RJ??
( Cause you and I know damn well he cant be traded. Better to make use of 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.
screw calling plays for RJ, he has proven that he is only any good on a team where he gets to ball hog (i.e. the Nets, the Bucks)
the best thing we can do for ourselves is start Finley instead so at least he can get open looks early and respark his 3-shot, while RJ’s ass can sit on the bench and ponder of how much of a fuckup he is, maybe Pop can give him some fundamental basketball books for him to read in the process
If Kobe is playing…
Keys to this game make Kobe work on offense and defense. Ghill should stay up on Kobe and force him to put the ball on the floor. He should challenge Kobe’s dribble at all times. After Kobe realizes how much work it is to score off the dribble he is going to try and post Ghill, that’s when we send a double IMMEDIATELY.
On offense Ghill should not play the spot up shooter game. Run Kobe off a few screens before shooting, make sure Kobe actually plays defense and is not resting on the defense end of the floor.
Like CapHill said. NO 2nd Chance points.
Spurs should send everyone to the glass even TP.
NO BONNER. The primary reason the Spurs beat the Lakers last time. Bonner didn’t play. :)
Everyone read this following line carefully:
IF BONNER GETS INTO THIS GAME, THE SPURS WILL LOSE!!!
This will be a professional NBA basketball game. All YMCA players (Bonner) should not be playing.
I keep reading “Gill” when you write Ghill. As if George could breathe underwater.
To serve man.
Gustatus similis pullus.
Yeah dude. Stay up would put you to bed at something between 6:30-7am, unless you feel like pulling an all-nighter.
by Manu ex Machina on Feb 8, 2010 2:24 PM CST up reply actions
I think Laker Boy was annoyed by my constant iterations last night of “Hope you lose!”
I’m pretty sure I can make the game thread tonight. I’ll do my damnedest.
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
I’m hoping we can get a Trifecta tonight. It’s been awhile since we’ve had that mojo going.
Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way. - Jane Austen
I feel warm and safe now.
"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 9:04 PM CST up reply actions
And you think the female gender wants to claim you?
Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way. - Jane Austen
Well, someone has to fix stuff around the house. And parallel park.
To serve man.
Gustatus similis pullus.
I’m certain I can parallel park better than you.
Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way. - Jane Austen
Not so fast, lady. I will take you DOWN in this:
Don't compare RJ to Sean unless he's coming up clutch while playing with a failing kidney.
Kobe and Bynum are out
spurs will win.
YOU CAN PUT IT ON THE BOARD YES!
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
I’d sure like to see how these Spurs handle the next two games. Beating LA would be nice, and we certainly should if Kobe is out, but the Denver game is a much bigger measuring stick at this point. They are beating teams without their best player and are looking better than the Lakers at this point.
I’m going to have to move my TV and plug it in so I can watch this game.
The GhosTown Starting Line up TD,Dice,RJ,Ghill,TP
Since Pop started using the GhosTown starting lineup we are 4-2.
One loss was due to TP’s injury and the other loss was due to Pop’s brain damage (Benching TP in 4th vs Portland.)
Anyways, I am starting to feel good that we can compete as long as we stick to the script.
6th man = Manu
7th man = Blair
8th man = Ian/Theo or Mase/Finley (This sub depends who on the floor is screwing up.)
9th man = Bogans/Bonner (These guys should only play unless it is halftime or we are in the 4th with a huge huge lead)
This year Pau hasn’t done as much offensively as last year, but his defense is much better than TD’s. Right now, I’d rather have Gasol. Sorry for the blasphemy.
Man, you Spur people. . .
Lakers road-trip:
They hit the road to play eight games in 12 nights, traveling from one chilly outpost to the next on a 7,200-mile trek. And the Lakers finally took a day off Sunday after playing five games in the previous seven nights.
Spurs road-trip:
Eight games but includes spending a long 4-day weekend in L A and almost a week off half way through for the all-star break.
Which of these things is not like the others? 15 NBA Championships, most wins in NBA history, current NBA champions, lost by 20 to the F'ing Spurs.
let me just add. . .
Your whole team should just retire already and go on an f’ing cruise!
(I’m feeling the need to talk some sh.. about tonight’s game but I gotta say I’m not feeling a Laker win much.)
Which of these things is not like the others? 15 NBA Championships, most wins in NBA history, current NBA champions, lost by 20 to the F'ing Spurs.
Lakers are only favored by 4 – odds makers must be believing this one will be close. Spurs do like to bring their A Game against the Nemisis but so does Kobe. Mongoose, get your claws ready to take the Mamba’s lunch again……
"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 Feb 8, 2010 12:09 PM CST up reply actions
Man I can’t believe we’re favored especially if Kobe & Bynum don’t play. If Kobe does play he sure ain’t gonna be 100%.
Which of these things is not like the others? 15 NBA Championships, most wins in NBA history, current NBA champions, lost by 20 to the F'ing Spurs.
At some point, the Lakers need to force Kobe to sit. Playing through injuries in the regular season may be okay, but at this rate, his body is going to be shredded for the playoffs. And the playoffs are what’s important in the grand scheme of things.
Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way. - Jane Austen
This is by design. The Lakers don’t want to show any chinks in their armor, plus they are trying to lock up home court from the Nuggets, Cavs or Magic.
To beat the Nuggets they will need home court.
i disagree we'll need homecourt
we beat them last year on their homecourt twice. Your really gonna judge how much of a chance we have against them by 2 regular season games??? Come on Spurs fans, ya’ll know about titles and postseason and how different they are than regular season. NEVER doubt the heart of a champion, which this Lakers team has, not to mention they’ve kept most of the players from that champioship team last year. I’m not tryin to diss anybody but Im just pissed that people can already count us out, sayin the Nuggets are the big favorites in the West just cuz they won 2 regular season games. Ya’ll know that team is not disciplined and will fall apart in the playoffs again.
I understand what you’re saying, but the thing is regular season games matter. Remember in the early 00’s when the Lakers were beating the Spurs regularly in the playoffs? I’m sure you do, they always won the season series, just as the Spurs did when they started handling the Lakers.
If the Thuggets beat the Lakers 4 times this season, I will pick them to beat y’all in the playoffs. Just like I don’t like the Spurs chances of beating Utah if we see them in the post season.
This isn’t last year. Nuggs are better; having CB for training-camp plus the addition of Lawson and the experience of last season’s playoff run has solidified them. Lakers are now the old team (in some key places) and no longer have Ariza. Remember, without Ariza you guys don’t win the title last season.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
Artest is better than ARiza
He’s fit in like a glove for us and is a better shooter. Its not knock on ARiza but Artest is a better player right now.
Better in the post, yeah, but against the Nuggets and teams that can drive and shoot. You need perimeter defenders. Artest can’t stop people from driving anymore, people are blowing right past him.
No they havent
most of our breakdowns are because Bynum and Gasol are giving good help defense. And Artest has been great defensively for us. He had plantir faciitis during a 2 week span which covered through our 2 meetings with the Cavs, which is why Lebron score easily. Ariza cant guard any of those physical small forwards and you know it. I’m not sayin Artest can completely lock them up, but he can do a hell of alot better on them than Ariza can. Ariza is a very overrated 1-on-1 defender. Artest is much better. Please watch more of our games before you make a judgement.
No way
I’d rather have Ariza. No threat of drama. Better outside shooter. Not a ball hog. Fits in on an offense where other players make the shots. More athletic. Better and more versatile defender in space. You could put Ariza on Manu or Tony, plus RJ. Artest can’t hang with the first two.
Ariza was a perfect fit for LA and compliment to Kobe. If Artest is shooting those 3s in the WCF and Finals last year, Orlando is the reigning champ.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
better outside shooter???
Have you looked at ARiza’s numbers this year??? He’s shooting AWFUL from 3 and Artest has been on fire for us. And we need Artest to cover the physical SFs which Ariza has NO CHANCE to cover. And he’s done a solid job on them when he was healthy ( he had plantir faciitis during the second game vs the Cavs). And he’s fit in perfectly with our offense. He hasnt chucked up stupid shots all year or any of that BS. If anything, Kobe’s been the one busting up the offense mostly. Please watch our games before making judgements because your making yourself look really foolish right now.
You seem quite defensive. I’m guessing being 0-2 vs both Denver and Cleveland has you tightly wound. I can tell you than I see plenty of Lakers games since I live on the west coast and have League Pass. I see things different than you but not because I don’t watch. Perhaps the difference of opinion is somewhat due to me now earing purple & gold colored glasses.
I agree that the regular season is no guaranteed predictor for post-season results. But the Nuggets are better than last season, even with injuries, and LA does not look quite as good. And now Denver has the experience they did not have and the confidence that they can beat LA, something that was missing last May. Will it matter come playoff time? I don’t know, but they’re certainly better equipped to beat LA than last time when they were even-Steven with you last year, 2-2 and going to the 4th quarter of game 5 tied on the road.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
i agree im a little defensive
Sorry about that lol. I agree with all of what you said too. We havent looked very good so far this year and those teams have looked better. I’m just skeptical they can beat us in a playoff series when things are different thats all.
For what it’s worth, des (can I call you des?), I think that playoff Lakers are another thing entirely, and I share your skepticism that the Nuggets, the Cavs, and any other contenders could beat you in the post-season.
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
That’s why I think home court will come into play big time in the playoffs, especially in the West. The Lakers are still the best team, but others have closed the gap. The Lakers, Nuggies and JazzHands all have crazy good home records.
Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way. - Jane Austen
yeah, i agree homcourt is pretty big
but I still think we can win on the road cuz we proved it last year and we have most of the same players from last year’s team. But those other teams have improved so it will be tough.
We’re a bit defensive in Spursland as well. We too are 0-2 vs Denver. To say nothing of the ugliness against Utah and giveaways to Portland. As a fan, I’d love to face either in the playoffs when we’re (hopefully) playing better. But I know the reg season results will give both those teams confidence against us that they’ve haven’t had since last century.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
agree
even though regular season wins dont mean a whole lost as far as postseason chances, they do give teams confidence which is why I’m a little worried. But I’m still sure the Lakers are confident in themselves when they are all healthy and clicking. We’ll see. :)
Ariza didnt even help us very much till the playoffs
He hit a hot streak and now he’s showing his true colors in Houston.
He showed up when you needed him. Without his shooting and defense, you don’t beat Orlando. Which is why it takes a team and you have to be cautious about breaking up a title winning team. Upgrades on paper don’t always translate into matchups.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
of course he did and i'm not sayin he's a scrub
But Artest has done the same thing as far as showing up when we’ve needed him thus far in the season. He played great against Orlando also. Whether he’ll do it in the playoffs is yet to be seen but I’m confident he will because he’s a mentally though player and Isnt rattled by the moment.
To tip my bias, I didn’t like the Artest move (for LA) when it happened. Thus I liked it as a Spurs fan. Not only do I genuinely like Ariza better than Artest at this point and going forward, I saw it as them hedging for a Lakers-Cavs Finals and wanting a better matchup with LeBron. But they swept the Cavs last season and Ariza is better (IMO) for their Western Conference matchups. It smelled of arrogance and counting series wins before they happen. You have to reach the Finals first and I think letting Ariza leave for Artest make getting there less likely.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
thats your opinion and i respect it
but alot of people and not just Laker fans strongly disagree. He has been our most consistent player this year and he’s been as great as we expected. If we had Ariza this year, I dont think our record would be any better than it is now. He’s not a good 3 pt shooter and he’s proving it this year in Houston. He hit a hot streak in the playoffs last year and it was great for him but it was just that, a HOT STREAK. He’s showing his true colors now. Artest is the better player right now and I stand by that. Now as far as down the road, then thats where it gets shaky, as Ariza is much younger. But we’re looking to win RIGHT NOW, tryin to get as many titles during the Kobe era as we can. We’ll look to the future when the future gets here.
So are you! ;-)
Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way. - Jane Austen
pot, kettle, etc. :-P
Don't compare RJ to Sean unless he's coming up clutch while playing with a failing kidney.
well, come on dude
the Super Bowl was friggin yesterday!
“We’ll look to the future when the future gets here.”
Umm… so based on what you’re saying, then you’ll not be winning RIGHT THEN, because you’ll be looking to the future, in the future?
Lakers fan-speak is baffling.
lol i dunno what the hell you just said but
to clarify, all i meant was that we’ll worry about the future (say 3-4 years down the line) when that time comes. Right now, we’re worrying about getting the players who are at their best RIGHT NOW and not players who are young and based more on potential. Sorry if that was a little confusing but you coulda done without the Lakers fans insult.
Yep, the Nuggets are a dumb team. But they have more talent than the Lakers.
The Lakers have a higher BBIQ but that is not going to save them this time.
The Nuggets upgraded (Afflalo and Lawson) and it showed during those two reg season games. Last year D.Jones was self check so Kobe didn’t have to guard anyone, and he used his energy on the offense, this time he has to play defense because Afflalo is a much better shooter.
The Lakers are not the same team, they are slower without Ariza, that should be obvious at this point. Without that speed on the perimeter, it makes the Nuggets upgrades look even better.
It’s all about matching up, and the Lakers can’t match up with Billups and JRSmith, Brown can’t guard them. Last year Ariza could.
I think Melo’s effect and Kobe’s effect will be a wash as well as the front courts.
Are you kiddingme??
Why are you guys sayin Artest is the problem?? Its not. He’s been arguably our most consistent player this year!! IF anything, its been Kobe being banged up and Pau not playing up to par. YOu guys need to actually watch more of our games before you make a judgement on us. Yes, the Nuggets are better. But are they good enough to beat us in a playoffs series? And by the way, they were more talented than us last year too. Talent isnt everything.
I watched all the Laker games. And I know exactly how you guys win.
Pound the offensive glass.
Pound the offensive glass.
Pound the offensive glass.
Without 2nd chance points the Laker’s offense is pretty ordinary.
Last year the Nuggets were AS talented as the Lakers, this year they are MORE talented.
Artest can’t guard Melo at all. He will try and he will watch most of the game from the sideline in foul trouble.
At least Ariza could do something to try and guard Melo, Melo couldn’t out quick em so he would take him to the post.
Artest can’t do anything with Melo, he can’t guard him off the dribble, in the post, nothing. So Artest is not going to matter.
WTF??
during the first meeting with Melo, he had a subpar game by his standards. Look up the numbers. And last year in the WCFs Ariza didnt do SHIT against him and it forced Kobe to work his ass off and guard him. Go back and rewatch the video. Stop tryin to hate cuz thats all your doing.
What are you talking about?
Artest was in foul trouble against Melo in the 1st meeting and the Nuggets beat the fire out of the Lakers.
Melo did exactly what I said. He abused Artest.
Last year he abused Ariza too, but he did it in the post. The difference is he is going to abuse Artest EVERYWHERE.
And Kobe won’t be able to help because Afflalo is a much better player than D.Jones so Kobe will have to deal with Afflalo.
he was in foul trouble not because of Artest
all he did was get past him on the fast break and the rest of our guys did not get back on defense. When they guarded one on one, Artest held his own. Your seriously underrating Artest’s defense. And Kobe wont get to help out?? Okay then, we’ll just have somone else guard this so called star called Afflalo.
and no we dont win JUST because of offensive rebounds
This year, our offense has taken a hit because Pau and Bynum have been below their par. Our DEFENSE has been whats winning us games. Look up the numbers and you’ll see we’re a much improved defensive team from last year. Mainly cuz of Artest’s presense.
also, our guards besides Kobe
have not been shooting the deep ball as good as last year which has hurt the offense alot. Artest has been by far our best 3 point shooter. He’s been our most consistent player all season. So enough with this BS that he’s been the problem because its been anything but.
As an opponent, I’d happily take Artest shotting those 3s throughout a playoff series. Over a seven game series it will work against LA more than in their favor.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
He is shooting 40% from 3pt this year… Playoffs or not, I wouldn’t “happily” let someone with that percentage shoot on me.
"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 2:29 PM CST up reply actions
No hatin’, just sayin’. Anything that takes shots away from Kobe and Gasol, to say nothing of Bynum in the post, works for me. Artest thinking he’s the star on offense is a very good way to disrupt the triangle and piss of Kobe.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
but he hasnt done that at all this year lol
WHy do you keep bringin that up?? He didnt even do that last year until Yao went out in the playoffs and he was forced to be the first option. He’s the 4th option on this team and he understands that. If anything, Kobe has been the guy hogging the ball alot and making the offense stagnant.
I didn’t say he was doing it, I said I’d happily take him doing it over a 7 game series. I’d rather Artest be the guy with the most or second most shots at the end of each game over a series. Much better he than the other Laker options.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
oh okay haha
Well of course lol. I would too haha!
D, its been a good debate, but I sense you are suffering from a little homerism, if you think Artest can deal with Melo.
I stay objective when I talk for or against a player.
Artest is going to fold when he matches up against Melo, just like he folded against Kobe, last year.
Your team has the best record for now, but I think know that will change by the time the playoff starts.
I know matchups when I see em, and there are two teams the Lakers don’t matchup with. Nuggets and Cavs.
Records 0-2 and 0-2, so one of us is not being realistic here about how well the Lakers played against the Nuggets.
i never said Artest matches up perfect with Melo
Can you name me a defender who does?? I’m simply saying that Artest has a better chance against him than Ariza and if you disagree then thats your opinion. And I have to say, its hard to judge our meetings against the Nuggets when we were on a second of back to back against them the first time, with no Pau and the second time, Kobe was banged up and the Nuggets got insanely hot which wont happen again. Should be interesting in the playoffs no doubt. But I think people are writing us off way too early which isnt surprising. People love to hate the Lakers and say they’re done and all this stuff. We’re just like the Yankees and Patriots/Cowboys.
The regular season shows how they matchup, and right now the Nuggets KNOW they have the more favorable matchups so if they play just as hard as the Lakers, they know they can beat them with or without their best player.
I put no credence on the back to back argument, when two rivals compete. The Lakers knew they had the Nuggets on their schedule, and vice versa.
Back to back is an excuse not the reason.
i still dont buy that their frontcourt
can matchup with ours through a 7 game series. We’ll continue to pound them which we did last year. They still have no answer for that. But they can counter with Lawson who’s a huge problem. But I still think that our height and length and also Odom who they cant guard, will be the difference in a playoff series. You may disagree but I stand by my opinion, only because we’ve already seen it happen and I see nothing that makes me believe it cant happen again. Great debate though dude. Cant wait for the postseason!
Can you name me a defender who does?
Exactly. When it comes to 1-on-1 match-ups, offense and defense, in today’s league… its just so incredibly unbalanced.
There will be games where one guy will do a great job against <enter elite player’s name> but on consistent basis? Very rare. Hell, even the tier (whatever the hell you want to call it) below the elite are going nuts these days. It takes great mental and physical effort between teammates to shut down these types of players.
That being said, I’d still take a healthy Lakers team over a healthy Nuggets team. Too strong of a mix of experience, talent, and basketball IQ.
"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 3:01 PM CST up reply actions
I’d still take a healthy Lakers team over a healthy Nuggets team
I wish I could frame this. Oh dam, I just did. :)
We just saw the Nuggets beat Lakers at home without Melo.
This would not have happened last year. It happened this year, because the Nuggets upgraded and the Lakers didn’t.
Kobe scored 33pts and the Nuggets still won.
So what is going to be different? Other than Melo fouling out Artest.
The Lakers gave up 126 pts, most of them on the perimeter to a team with no Melo, and they did that mainly because Artest is no Ariza defending on the perimeter.
I wish I could frame this. Oh dam, I just did. :)
Ok… goody for you. And you accomplished…?
We’re talking a playoff series. You know, something Denver seems to screw up. So Denver beat a Lakers team twice; Once without Pau and one without Melo and a beat-up Lakers team. Neither team has a complete experience of the other.
Playoff series are much different. All you have to do is look at SA-CLE in 06-07 (just one example). And I’m just not that impressed with a team that has lost to LAC, SAC, PHI, and DET.
You think shit will just stay the same?? Game plans change, teams/players adjust, and outcomes may change. Thinking Melo is just going to foul out Artest every time based on the first game of the season is weak.
If LAL is still beat up by April, then I think any good team who plays physical (like DEN) can beat them in a series… but a healthy (talented, smart, and experienced) LAL team? I’m not saying it can’t happen, because future absolutes (take note) are idiotic, but its very tough.
By the way… I’m still waiting on you to get back to me on the last Lakers game…
"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 6:11 PM CST up reply actions
Dam Dude you are relentless about that Artest deal. I went and answered you.
A healthy Nuggets will not lose to a healthy Lakers unless the Lakers have home and some home cooking refs.
They don’t matchup, what don’t you understand about that. I don’t care how smart PJ is, his backcourt can’t stop Melo, Billups, Smith.
However, the Nuggets can nuetralize the Lakers front court or mitigate any scoring edge they have.
Trying to use the SA-CLE series to nullify reg season results is not the same. We matched up very well with CLE we loss those games because our coach is known for giving away games.
They don’t matchup, what don’t you understand about that.
Game plans change, teams/players adjust, and outcomes may change.
That goes for matchups as well.
We matched up very well with CLE we loss those games because our coach is known for giving away games.
Right….. I’m sure thats the reason and not your insane frustration with Pop speaking. James ate the Spurs alive in that regular season (first through points and second through all-around). Everyone was talking about how they couldn’t matchup against him. So the Spurs adjusted…
All I’m saying is that it isn’t absolute (like your rants) and not to toss the Lakers aside (as much as I want to see them lose). I’m not doubting Denver can do it (or even win the whole thing). I just still favor LAL in a seven game series.
And all your little rants and moans can’t change that. DEN proving they can do it, will.
"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 7:25 PM CST up reply actions
Lol. Come on now GT!! You are disappointing me with such short sightedness.
Even if the Lakers fielded players with one hand tied behind their backs, how do you expect a PJ coached team to lose to a ‘Pudgy’ coached team. On which planet will that happen. Now if Chauncey did a player/coach thing, then yeah, they have a good chance with Melo doing his think. But with Pudgy at the helm, eh, Denver will shoot itself in the foot and PJ will make snide remarks and enjoy it.
Why did Zen Master Phil get the white box over Pop? He’s supposed to have the best team in all of basektball yet his squad has struggled against the top teams just as Pop’s team has. And that’s with Kobe bailing the Lakers out at the buzzer on a few occasions. Pop’s guys have missed those shots but it certainly isn’t coaching related.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
In my mind, it comes down to the fact that PJax has integrated Artest into the Lakers better than Pop has integrated RJ into the Spurs, and the Lakers have dealt with just as many injuries as the Spurs. It’s a slight advantage.
Just remember that not all white boxes are the same. Timmeh’s advantage over Pau is less than Artest’s advantage over RJ, which is less than Kobe’s advantage over Hill or Tony’s advantage over Fisher. It’s all relative. Lakers’ fans don’t think Dice should be tied with Bynum, but based on the last few games, I disagreed. The only constant in my mind is that Timmeh ALWAYS gets a white box.
Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way. - Jane Austen
Understood and complete agreement about Timmeh. As for fitting in Artest, I think what’s been asked of him is less than what’s been asked of RJ. Jefferson needs to be a solid third scorer in a new system without the pass first PG he had in Jersey. Artest is asked to defend and not be a blackhole on offense that he often was in Houston. Plus, when all else fails just throw it to Kobe.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
The PJ vs Pop thingy as far as Artest goes : I think PJ gets far more help in managing/integrating Crazy Pills courtesy Kobe and Fisher. The leadership style on that team is kind of the polar opposite of our understated, everyone-is-an-adult-and-knows-his-business theme Timmeh and company employs. Each has its drawbacks and advantages.
If RJ was on the Lake show, Kobe would chew him out and spit him out every quarter until RJ decides which life is easier for him, hard working or Peanuts, all the while PJ takes pot shots at him through the media. I think a guy like RJ might actually play well in such a system.
While in ours where you are supposed to not need further motivation at this lvl, Pop’s private tough love ain’t working so far.
I like the white dot to PJ this season so far. Whatever his tactics, you can’t argue with the results. And I know that is sorta counter intuitive to usual Spurs methods, but the management is taking risks for a change, and I think the fans have a right to expect better results than what it is currently.
I think a guy like RJ might actually play well in such a system.
Nice try but you guys go ahead and keep him. Because as Spurs general manager R.C. Buford said Jefferson brings youth and health along with his high scoring. Jefferson hasn’t missed a game the past two seasons and joins a team that has been the oldest in the NBA for several years.
“His age helps us transition our team into a new era,” Buford said.
Please enjoy your transition. :)
Which of these things is not like the others? 15 NBA Championships, most wins in NBA history, current NBA champions, lost by 20 to the F'ing Spurs.
by olf on Feb 8, 2010 5:05 PM CST up reply actions
smartass.
Don't compare RJ to Sean unless he's coming up clutch while playing with a failing kidney.
I know. And I’m not drunk. But I am high on paint fumes. Been painting the dining room & master bedroom today.
But now I’m off to restock the liquor cabinet for tonight. Either great happiness or sorrow appears to be on the horizon.
Which of these things is not like the others? 15 NBA Championships, most wins in NBA history, current NBA champions, lost by 20 to the F'ing Spurs.
by olf on Feb 8, 2010 5:14 PM CST up reply actions
Well, it’s a proven fact(in my mind, anyway) that when the opponent’s best player(s) are out, the Spurs don’t give their best effort, which leads them to defeat. So, I’d bank on the “happiness” part of the equation if I were you.
Don't compare RJ to Sean unless he's coming up clutch while playing with a failing kidney.
Hey, I know you’re trying to out reverse-mojo me but it won’t work. We are champions at “don’t give . . . best effort, which leads . . .to defeat”.
Besides, no way Lamar is going to remember to keep Blair off the glass.
Which of these things is not like the others? 15 NBA Championships, most wins in NBA history, current NBA champions, lost by 20 to the F'ing Spurs.
by olf on Feb 8, 2010 5:38 PM CST up reply actions
I was going to go with the other member of the “ass” family, but I guess I’ll be nice.
Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way. - Jane Austen
Hey Cranky! er, I mean how nice to hear from you, as always.
Which of these things is not like the others? 15 NBA Championships, most wins in NBA history, current NBA champions, lost by 20 to the F'ing Spurs.
by olf on Feb 8, 2010 5:40 PM CST up reply actions
So, are you going join us for the game thread?
Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way. - Jane Austen
Oh hells no. (no offense)
I figure it as lose / lose:
- If the Spurs are losing nobody wants a snarky Laker fan around making snide comments. (There is a Cavs fan that posts in Laker blog game threads. He’s nice enough but when the Lakers are losing it annoys me – ironic huh?)
- If the Spurs are winning I’ll be in no mood to be around a bunch of insufferable Spurs fans. Or should I say being around a bunch of Spurs fans will be insufferable.
That’s why I very rarely post here after a Spurs loss.
Which of these things is not like the others? 15 NBA Championships, most wins in NBA history, current NBA champions, lost by 20 to the F'ing Spurs.
by olf on Feb 8, 2010 7:19 PM CST up reply actions
Ummm the Lakers have 39 wins and we have 29 wins.
They are in 1st and we are next to last :)
I think Phil gets the nodded.
And Pop has Timmeh. Kobe is not > Timmeh to the tune of 10 wins.
Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way. - Jane Austen
I like it when things get chippy. It shows mutual respect in a roundabout way. But to visitors and PtR regulars alike, I issue this plea:
Please try to refrain from ad hominem attacks in the heat of the moment. I’ll give you an example:
“Are you nucking futs? Only a jobless MORAN, which you surely must be, would want Artest over Ariza, and I don’t care what your fancy-schmancy stats say!”
That, my friends, is an ad hominem attack. It is also a logical fallacy. You ain’t proving anything but your own prejudices with that sort of statement. Here’s one way it can be fixed:
“The jury’s still out on whether the Lakers got the better end of the Artest/Ariza deal. But hell, I’d take Ariza any day over Crazy Pills. I know Ariza isn’t having a great year, but I flat-out don’t like Artest.”
That’s what an annoying therapist might call using an “I statement” rather than a “you statement.” It’s what I call owning your own opinion. And as wussed-out as you may think it sounds, it does keep the personal attacks from escalating. And that keeps Cap Hill and ATS from having to pull out the nerf guns.
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
See, you guys beat me to it. Well done, and thank you for being cool about it.
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
Thank you.
And I really like “I’d take Ariza any day over Crazy Pills.” Crazy Pills? You made me laugh at work.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
Lauri your calm demeanor is just upsetting me and I don’t like it. I think calm demeanor are foolish and have no place in blogging!
Are you fighting with Laker boy again?
Don't compare RJ to Sean unless he's coming up clutch while playing with a failing kidney.
Is it okay if I steal you from Laker Boy?
by silverandblack_davis on Feb 8, 2010 8:34 PM CST up reply actions
Hmm, how to put this . . .
We’re not exactly exclusive. It’s more of what you kids call the FWB situation.
So yeah, sure, go for it!
Only you know I’m really old, right?
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
I’m not eeeeeven going to say what I was about to say. But it involved furries and sploshing.
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
Mountain Time Zone rocks!
Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way. - Jane Austen
Just saw this on SS&R:
http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=4898040
Don't compare RJ to Sean unless he's coming up clutch while playing with a failing kidney.
re: the preview
The Lakers always play hard
Would that that were true. Have you seen some of our games this seaon?! :(
We’ve been far too quick to scrap the triangle and revert to the isolation offense this year – it can be sourced to our guards overdribbling, taking contested pull-up jumpers, and for the most part not making the extra passes to give good looks to Gasol/Bynum – Farmar, I’m looking at you.
With your injuries, and this being a home game, I’d ordinarily like our chances somewhat, even though the Spurs are always a tough out. Bynum will almost certainly be out and Kobe is 50/50 (I personally would like to see him rest, but he is a cyborg), so that will deplete what is already a thin bench for us, so this one’s a toss-up, in my mind.
So both sides are uneasy. Awesome. :-)
"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 6:12 PM CST up reply actions
Compared to some of the craptacular games we’ve played this year, I would say the Lakers always play hard (granted, I haven’t seen all of their games). But it basically sounds like both sides are gearing up for the inevitable stomach punch, it’s just a question of who’s getting punched. If Kobe doesn’t play, we’re definitely losing – that’s the way thiings work this year.
Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way. - Jane Austen
When did the Lakers start getting reasonable fans? Did I miss something? Is it snowing down under as I type? (and I don’t mean Australia).
I think the proper plural is “fungi”.
Which of these things is not like the others? 15 NBA Championships, most wins in NBA history, current NBA champions, lost by 20 to the F'ing Spurs.
by olf on Feb 8, 2010 7:54 PM CST up reply actions
I personally would like to see him rest, but he is a cyborg
Someone on that coaching staff would have to tie him to the basket’s post. Of course, he’d still find a way to put up 20…
"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 7:56 PM CST up reply actions
Long-term I think we should be OK, but we definitely haven’t had the light go on — hell, it took us until game 5 on the WCF last year.
I haven’t been following the Spurs that closely, though your record is obviously not where we all expected it to be – what are the big issues that have been plaguing San Antonio this year? Beyond age and wear and tear?
1. The big offseason acquisition of Richard Jefferson just doesn’t seem to be reaping results.
2. Our starter who guards the opponent’s 3, isn’t playing defense consistently.
3. The front court mate of Duncan and Dice isn’t rebounding and isn’t passing. Plus he turns the ball over.
4. Our second highest paid player is missing too many shots.
"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
Unforced turnovers and Jefferson not getting back on defense. Correct the former and we’d have 5-6 more wins. Correct that latter too and we’d have a couple more. And that’s with the injuries, off shooting nights from everyone not named Duncan and missed rotations on defense.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
I’m trying to think who needs to have a MONSTER!BREAK-OUT GAME to help the Spurs tonight. I mean, someone other than Manu, Tony and Timmy because they damn well better show up.
Hmm… Dice? BLAAAAAIIR? Cubits? Princess Peanutery Buttery?
I think it needs to be Dice AND BLAAAAAIIIRR to the tune of a combined 37 points and 22 lol-bounds.
...!!
He might actually get 20+ seconds on sportscenter if he does.
"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 7:54 PM CST up reply actions
Nah, I doubt it the late sportscenter is produced in ESPN’s new west coast studios. Directly across the street from Staples Center. I’m just sayin’.
Which of these things is not like the others? 15 NBA Championships, most wins in NBA history, current NBA champions, lost by 20 to the F'ing Spurs.
by olf on Feb 8, 2010 7:56 PM CST up reply actions
So… a slight mention as usual?
"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 7:58 PM CST up reply actions
I just think they will continue to be focused on L A more than others.
Which of these things is not like the others? 15 NBA Championships, most wins in NBA history, current NBA champions, lost by 20 to the F'ing Spurs.
by olf on Feb 8, 2010 8:01 PM CST up reply actions
Cool. Brent Barry shooting the breeze with Ernie and Chuck before the games. Brent thinks the Spurs’ troubles boil down to having 7 new players and a very complex set of schemes to learn.
Chuck just said that Bynum can’t play well with Gasol. He also said the problem with the Spurs is Father Time. “There’s only so many jumps in those knees.”
Barry says Kobe has to start sitting down more often. (He’s Pop’s kid all the way, isn’t he?)
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
Barry says Kobe has to start sitting down more often.
No kidding.
"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 7:53 PM CST up reply actions
On a side note, I think the last coupla SA Express articles I read talked about Pop talking about leadership on the court. I thought that was curious. After our loss to Portland or maybe the team before that(I can’t remember who), some of us here did mention about nobody on the Spurs taking charge in late game execution. Especially the main guys. In my mind, especially Timmeh. Time to lead. With decisive play.
I am subscribed to tech section of Google news compilation and I get at least 10 articles daily about why the iPad will suck. Unless google is deliberately promoting anti-Apple articles, I don’t get why ppl are complaining so much about a device thats not even out yet. It’s just weird when every tech ‘expert’ thinks its gonna fail. Like espn crew and Spurs. /end_rant
Where’s Romes? I want to know what kind of mojo almost 200 comments in a Preview means.
Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way. - Jane Austen
here. just read up on the comments. you guys are commenting like crazy.
"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
Oh and 200 comments might mean that RJ could, at one point in this game or another, probably could explode for 10 points and 3 rebounds—season highs.
"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
You know dude, at this point, I basically imagine you, everytime you have to watch RJ touch the ball, with that center vein in your forehead kind of popping out while you nearly bite the filter of your cigarette in half.
Hilariously maladjusted. But for all the right reasons.
You are a Russian spy.
"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
Man, I guess I’m the only one watching the Nooch@Orlando game. 70-55 nooch almost at the half.
Plus the hornets are wearing weird unis. Yellow stripes on sides, dark blue front, green back, and “NOLA” on the front.
Which of these things is not like the others? 15 NBA Championships, most wins in NBA history, current NBA champions, lost by 20 to the F'ing Spurs.
Those are U-G-L-Y!
Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way. - Jane Austen
At first I thought it was some obscure college’s unis.
Which of these things is not like the others? 15 NBA Championships, most wins in NBA history, current NBA champions, lost by 20 to the F'ing Spurs.
by olf on Feb 8, 2010 8:22 PM CST up reply actions
Found this article. Apparently, they are Mardi Gras uniforms. The colors make more sense, but they’re still fugly. I’m not sure that a King Cake is the right inspiration for an NBA uniform.
Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way. - Jane Austen
At least there’s an explanation.
Which of these things is not like the others? 15 NBA Championships, most wins in NBA history, current NBA champions, lost by 20 to the F'ing Spurs.
by olf on Feb 8, 2010 8:34 PM CST up reply actions
Thank FSM, we don’t have fiesta uniforms.
"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 8:34 PM CST up reply actions
I don’t know if I should be disturbed by the unis or the way Julian Wright is holding Collison.
by silverandblack_davis on Feb 8, 2010 8:37 PM CST up reply actions
Its like, the camera pans the front and the player is coming up court and my body reacts to Laker colors. Heightened senses, racing heart, primeval instincts fighting to the surface and then the player passes and its…green. Eh what? My system is confused.
A shame.
Just when the Saints bring respectability back to Louisiana pro-sports, the Hornets fugly unis take it all away.
...!!
Jeebus. NOOCH are CP3-less and Orlando gives up 70? In the first half?
Hid-e-ous.
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
Orlando is just checked out (obviously I guess). Every team is ready for the all-star break. I would not be surprised if one of the teams didn’t show up in the 2nd TNT game tonight.
Which of these things is not like the others? 15 NBA Championships, most wins in NBA history, current NBA champions, lost by 20 to the F'ing Spurs.
by olf on Feb 8, 2010 8:39 PM CST up reply actions
Looks like Wayne’s got the game thread up, if we’d like to relocate.
Hilariously maladjusted. But for all the right reasons.
Maybe you’d like to link to it, hack.
by silverandblack_davis on Feb 8, 2010 8:38 PM CST up reply actions
Psht, I’m not boss type around here. Click your own goddamn links.
Hilariously maladjusted. But for all the right reasons.
Wayne screwed up the title again. Somebody needs to give that man some meds.
Here: GAME THREAD
by silverandblack_davis on Feb 8, 2010 8:42 PM CST up reply actions
yes, ma’am
"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 8:38 PM CST up reply actions
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Ball Don't Lie - NBA - Yahoo! Sport
- Video: Boston works in a half-court football snap after winning the tip
- Judging the choices for the Eastern Conference All-Star team reserves
- Judging the choices for the Western Conference All-Star team reserves
- Jeremy Lin draws inspiration from Tim Tebow
- Stephen Jackson is already tired of Milwaukee
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