PtR Quick Cap: Spurs Demoralize the Celtics, 94-73
by CapHill on Mar 28, 2010 10:49 PM CDT
in Game Previews
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PrintThis win can be summed up with one word: Manu. That's all you need to know. I'm in great danger of hyperbole while describing the Argentine's play, but realistically, can one overstate how Gino has played since the All-Star break? As RJ himself said (thanks to Lauri for the transcription):
I knew he was great, but you don’t fully understand how amazing he is day in and day out until you really play with him...
Once again, the man with no swagger took over the game, scoring 28 points, with 7 assists, a buzzer beating 3-pointer and 1 MASSIVE block on KG himself (Do yourself a favor and check out the FanShot of this on the front page). RJ also played great, adding a double-double to the domination with 16 points and 11 boards. Life is good right now for the inhabitants of Spursdom.
George added 15 points (although his shooting wasn't great), but he is showing the ability to play a lot of minutes. Timmeh looked better with his shot. Yes, he only had 8 points, but that was on 4-8 shooting. Plus, he only logged 27 minutes, which is great for a FIGABABA. Blair grabbed more than his share of boards, with 11, and made up for his rookie mistakes with non-stop effort. Heck, everyone got into the game.
The ball movement on offense was spectacular tonight, with exquisite passing by Manu (expected) and RJ (not as expected). The Spurs' had 21 assists on 34 made buckets (over 60%) and corralled 14 offensive rebounds.
However, the stat of the night came on the defensive side of the ball. After a back-and-forth first half, San Antonio decided to play Spurs' defense in the second half, allowing the Celtics to score only 30 points in the last two quarters. It was the Celtics' worst home loss of the season - so bad, that the home fans were vigorously booing the men in green. The Spurs out-hustled the Celtics, coming up with the loose balls and rebounds, while maintaining the defensive effort we all know and love (and thought was gone forever). It was so beautiful, I almost cried tears of joy.
So the Spurs continued their good play of late, especially reassuring considering the schedule. It might be a little later than we fans are used to, but the Spurs playoff machine seems to be up and running. It should be a fun end of the season, constantly watching the jockeying in the Western Conference playoff standings.
And last, but definitely not least, to quote Fred:
We definitely took the battle of the Gingers.
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That pic looks exactly like the game 1 winning shot against Phoenix a couple years ago, just with a bigger bald spot. I’m thinking a Western Conference Player of the Month award is in order.
Spurs Basketball. Improving [other] NBA teams since 2010! - swgeek
Also, I loved the physicality tonight. This is the first time I’ve seen a 2009-10 Spurs opponent acting intimidated, and I love it. And the defensive rotations were downright sexy. This game has revived my hopes for the season.
Spurs Basketball. Improving [other] NBA teams since 2010! - swgeek
the defensive rotations were downright sexy
agreed
"I've got Tim (Duncan) and you don't. That's the difference." -Gregg Popovich
Me too!
"You may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas." -Davy Crockett
"Give me an army of West Point graduates, and I'll win a battle. Give me a handful of Texas Aggies, and I'll win a war." -Gen. George S. Patton
by spursfan4ever on Mar 29, 2010 12:19 AM CDT up reply actions
Wow, Tim. Nice call.
The uni is different an Bell’s hand isn’t as close, but everything else is the same, as you said.
Alfajores cause mojo! - janieannie
Agh.
It hurts to look at this picture jr dub. It was right after this very play…that Manu was no longer the same for the rest of that series, that playoffs, that year and the following year. Up until now.
Crappy teams fear us !
Defense won this game, no question. If we had gone scoreless in the 4th, we still would’ve won by 4.
GO SPURS GO!
"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on Blair
by Manu ex Machina on Mar 28, 2010 11:02 PM CDT reply actions
That is fucking amazing. Shades of championship Spurs D.
"You may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas." -Davy Crockett
"Give me an army of West Point graduates, and I'll win a battle. Give me a handful of Texas Aggies, and I'll win a war." -Gen. George S. Patton
by spursfan4ever on Mar 29, 2010 12:20 AM CDT up reply actions
I just (kinda) saw the game and it was definitely a good one. The Spurs played GREAT on both ends of the floor. Also this was the first time (that I’ve noticed) that the Spurs had a good third quarter. In fact it was more than good, it was our best quarter of the game. If the Spurs can continue this stellar play then who knows…
"I've got Tim (Duncan) and you don't. That's the difference." -Gregg Popovich
Last year this team couldn’t score this much without the big-3 combining for at least 65 of it. They really are all around better. What a great win. I missed most of it as ESPN went out in my area but who cares; this was a solid win by a team that wanted to end this five game marathon with a victory. That’s also two consecutive wins in Boston.
Now, sit Timmy @NJN and keep Manu under 25 minutes.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
It’s a good time to be a Spurs fan.
What am I saying? It’s always a good time to be a Spurs fan.
But it’s exceptionally rewarding right about now.
Alfajores cause mojo! - janieannie
And I’m enjoying watching TMWNS romp through the Eastern league now that he’s healthy and dialed in.
Alfajores cause mojo! - janieannie
Do I really want to know what a “TMWNS romp” is? Proly not but I’ll ask anyways.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
I suppose now would be the time to commission transgojobot, or someone else, to do a conversion of a particularly iconic image of Eastwood as The Man With No Name and insert Manu into it for use as The Man With No Swagger, a la the old Obi Wan Ginobili pic.
Any takers?
Alfajores cause mojo! - janieannie
Something like this, y’mean?
Mmmm …not iconic enough.
...!!
by transgojobot on Mar 29, 2010 1:57 AM CDT up reply actions
Cool. Can I use this for the preview?
by silverandblack_davis on Mar 29, 2010 2:26 AM CDT up reply actions
I think I got something in mind.
...!!
by transgojobot on Mar 29, 2010 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions
No worry about hyperbole when describing Manu. I think RJ’s comments are spot on, as people who don’t watch the Spurs (because they heard they were “boring”) or get their tail kicked by SA over the years can’t truly appreciate Manu. His play makes teammates better and wins games but he doesn’t mug for the camera like LbJ, Kobe or KG so the under-informed fan has no idea how great he still is.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Mar 28, 2010 11:06 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Fuck yes. I saw the second half of the 3rd quarter and all of the 4th. This is definately one of the most satisfying vitcories of the season for me.
Possible future poll idea: Best win of the season?
(List them below… if you can, include the dates, scores and reasons why, please!)
I think a new poll is in order, dfj. The featured poll is currently older than Michael Finley, and still includes FinDog, in fact.
The Thunder game should be considered.
by silverandblack_davis on Mar 28, 2010 11:12 PM CDT up reply actions
In no particular order and off the top of my head:
3/28: @BOS – tail kicking on the road against a title contender at the end of a murders’ row of games. Without Tony.
3/26 CLE – defeating best team in the league when our squad is exhausted and in desperate need of a win. Without Tony.
3/22 @OKC – SEGABABA after a heartbreaking road loss, team fought from behind and beat a younger playoff positioning rival. Without Tony.
11/11 DAL – Playoff revenge over our rival. Did it without Tony and Timmy. And RJ actually scored 29.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
the recurring theme in those games: without Tony
If you liked it then you should have put a 5th ring on it. Oh oh oh.
He should come off the bench when he is back in uniform.
"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 Mar 29, 2010 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions
You’re designing a situation that’ll end up with Eva storming into Pop’s office breathing fire and slapping interns.
Alfajores cause mojo! - janieannie
GOL.
Out of curiosity, do you think it would be more beneficial to the team if Parker came off the bench or started once he returns from injury?
Coming off the bench is likely for the first few games anyways… but I mean through all of the last few games (if he makes its by then) and playoffs.
He has missed considerable time, his play would benefit from a slight reduction in minutes (plantar fasciitis), and Hill is playing wonderfully. It would be terrible to see the rhythm and chemistry that has developed muddied during the final stretch.
And, on selfish level, it would be great to see Parker come in for Ginobili and have Hill slide to the two spot. Then finish the quarter with Manu coming in for Hill and Blair for 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 Mar 29, 2010 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions
I meant for the first quarter (in the last part).
"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 Mar 29, 2010 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions
This is a question that would (if any basketball quandary could) keep me awake at night.
In a perfect world, Tony would come off the bench, since the first unit is currently clicking and we could use some help with the second unit as it’s currently constituted.
But, I don’t think Tony’s ego would allow him to accept it for anything beyond a few games while he gets his groove back.
This a shame for the same team that has a player the quality of Manu who has no issue being used however Pop deems necessary.
::sigh::
Alfajores cause mojo! - janieannie
Anyone who thinks Tonys ego woudnt let him come off the bench for the rest of the playoffs isnt giving him enough credit. You bet your ass that if Pop asked him to come off the bench he would do it and do a damn good job too.
Crappy teams fear us !
I agree. It’s also worth noting that this squad started to play as a team when Tony was starting and Manu was coming off the bench with RJ and Blair. No reason that can’t happen again once Tony has played a few games.
Ultimately they’ll all be on the floor at the end when we need a score to win.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
Spurred, I would actually love to see what the team would look like with Tony coming off the pine for an extended amount of time.( If it works well, of course )
Crappy teams fear us !
I think you’ll get your wish, at least for a few games. If it goes okay, I bet Pop opens the playoffs this way.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
I just don’t see him being cool with it for an extended period of time.
Alfajores cause mojo! - janieannie
I hope you are wrong.
But then again , he might not have a choice if Pop thinks it will interfere with the team….
Crappy teams fear us !
Great, short recap, C-Hill. Tell me next time when you will cry and I will cry with you – provided that Manu plays another beautiful game, of course.
by silverandblack_davis on Mar 28, 2010 11:15 PM CDT reply actions
I could go on and on about how well Manu has played lately, but I have to save some words for the next few weeks. And Manu will definitely let us know when we can have a group happiness cry.
Keep me informed of this, please ;)
"You may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas." -Davy Crockett
"Give me an army of West Point graduates, and I'll win a battle. Give me a handful of Texas Aggies, and I'll win a war." -Gen. George S. Patton
by spursfan4ever on Mar 29, 2010 12:22 AM CDT up reply actions
Sorry I missed the game thread. I think the game changed when Manu blocked KG. I think Boston was shocked to see some smaller guy punk their “stud” in their house.
This is what we need from RJ. I’d be in favor of him picking two quick fouls every game. Blair and Hill played really well and Timmeh was a stud on the boards and defensive end.
Love this win.
by Big50 on Mar 28, 2010 11:17 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
The Spurs brought it tonight and the Celts just didn’t.
Of course, Kendrick Perkins’ absence likely factored a lot into this win because w/o him on the floor the Spurs were getting into the paint at will. Plus, that guy seems to bring up the nastiness and the energy-level of the Cs whenever they choose to take a night off.
Secondly, Rajon Rondo was nowhere to be found tonight. Pop choosing to have Manu play several feet off of him was a solid move. Cs fans over on CelticsBlog seemed to have come to the same conclusion. Apparently, this defensive strategy has worked before against Rondo.
BLAAAAAAIR played 21:21 minutes! lol
Oh, and Bruce Bowen made Ray Allen disappear tonight w/o even suiting up and stepping onto the floor.
...!!
Apparently, this defensive strategy has worked before against Rondo.
Wow, who knew that defending a player by not defending him would actually work.
"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on Blair
by Manu ex Machina on Mar 28, 2010 11:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Great quote from Paul Pierce:
The team that you saw, San Antonio, the way they played is usually the way we play and we just got an old fashioned butt whooping.
Perhaps you are not familiar with how highly the Celtics (especially Pierce) regard themselves so you do not recognize what high praise it is. They still don’t think they got enough “respect” as champs in 2008.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
That’s how I got banned from Celticsblog. After the Lakers snapped their 22 game win streak “best start in NBA history” on Christmas 2008, they went on to lose something like 3 of their next 4. And Celticsblog was filled with comments complaining about the officials not giving the Celts enough respect as champs and all, etc.
So posted that maybe they would respect them more if they stopped complaining and just played the game. That didn’t go over so well.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
I think it’s more of the fact that you’re a Laker fan and have the championship ring as your avatar. Easy pickings :)
by silverandblack_davis on Mar 29, 2010 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions
Nah, we weren’t champs then so the ring didn’t exist yet and I don’t think I even had a picture.
Celticsblog and the L A Times blog had one of those things joint previews where each blog “interviews” the other. So a bunch of Laker fans went over and I swear they banned just about all of them. If you said anything that wasn’t completely negative about the Lakers they banned you. But it is their world and the can do what they want. That’s why I figured I would never last around here.
Btw see what you started by posting that Pop quote? Dude, you’re killing me! :)
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
Celticblog is notorious for having itchy fingers on the ban-trigger.
One of the reasons I’ve never been over there.
Alfajores cause mojo! - janieannie
One funny note that someone on the Lakers blog pointed out is that their site’s headline reads “CelticsBlog – A Boston Celtics Blog: 17 Banners and Counting” and when you count the people at the bottom of the blog who can ban you there are actually 17. Even the Celtics moderators found it funny.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
I know, man. I just hijacked this post. Sorry about that, C-Hill!
by silverandblack_davis on Mar 29, 2010 8:01 PM CDT up reply actions
I’m probably the one person who doesn’t care if my post gets hijacked, especially for a juicy argument. Besides, I was going blame jrw and olf, not you. :)
Also, I went over there yesterday and it was pretty okay. But the welcome remarks one of the members had fpr me was “we don’t bite… except if you’re a Laker fan”. So yes, they are quite the Laker haters.
by silverandblack_davis on Mar 29, 2010 8:04 PM CDT up reply actions
I loved earlier in the year reports were that Rondo & Perkins were tired of getting lectures from Boston’s big 3 geezers because Rondo & Perkins felt they were carrying the team. Sounds like a load of Umbuntu or whatever Doc Rivers was shoveling a couple of years back. (No offense meant to the “Umbuntu” tradition. Only offense intended was to Rivers & the Celts.)
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
Got this from CelticsBlog. I don’t know when and if Pop really did say this:
“There are no world champions in the NBA, so anybody that has a flag up that says ‘World Champions’ it’s not correct; it’s not appropriate. The World Champions I believe is the Spanish team right now. USA is the Olympic Champion. The Lakers are the NBA Champions. It doesn’t make sense for an NBA team to call themselves ‘World Champions’.” -Gregg Popovich
Not trying to rile you up by any means, olf :)
by silverandblack_davis on Mar 28, 2010 11:33 PM CDT up reply actions
mmm.
I think the term " World Champion" is used by the NBA to denote that the victor of the NBA finals is the best team on earth. And I believe that to be true. I think the NBA champion would definitely beat any world champion or olympic champion ( yes, even team USA ) in a series.
Crappy teams fear us !
If NBA wants their champions to be called “World Champions”, they should rename themselves into WBA. It doesn’t matter, who is playing better. The World Champion is the winner of the World Championship.
Next season doesn't exist. Only today exists. So say we all.
I do remember Pop saying something about the NBA champions v. World Champions a while back – don’t believe it was this exact quote, but I know he’s of that opinion.
Pop said that?
Not only that, but a few years ago, I vaguely remember that Manu Crossed the words “World Champion” from a banner or sign somewhere in San Antonio after the Spurs had won it all.
Its very understandable that Manu would have something to say about that , since Argentina had won the world championship at around that time ( might even had been prior to that same season )
Crappy teams fear us !
The story I always heard was that after the team won the 1st championship with Manu, Pop wrote “World Champions” on the board in the locker room. Manu came in and crossed out World Champions and wrote NBA Champions. I heard that the Spurs actually remade their 1st banner to say NBA Champs. (I could easily be mistaken.)
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
“The World Champions I believe is the Spanish team right now.”
No offense but not even the Spanish team believes that. Plus, Pop thought Richard Jefferson was going to be a good acquisition. So he is not exactly infallible, is he?
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
World Champions is a title conferred by FIBA, not a declaration that they’d beat any other team in the world.
Savvy?
Alfajores cause mojo! - janieannie
That would be one hell of an exhibition game. The World Champions versus the NBA champions. Sadly, we all know that will never happen.
Crappy teams fear us !
You , who the hell knows why its never happened. It sounds like a fantastic idea.
Crappy teams fear us !
there was the mcdonalds championship back in the mid-90s, for winners of various national competitions (i remember the perth wildcats taking on houston). they should revive that.
free malik hairston!
perth wildcats - 2009/2010 nbl champions baby!
by sleep research facility on Mar 29, 2010 12:08 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
OK, I’ve tried to be nice but. . .The Lakers have been winning world championships since before the Spurs or Manu Ginobili frickin’ existed. Manu and the Spurs can call themselves whatever they want. But I doubt the Lakers (or the Celtics or Pistons) are going to change their tradition because Manu doesn’t like it.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
I don’t remember Manu crossing out “World Champions” off any Laker or Celtic banners, or calling for them to change their precious traditions because of his own personal whim. He made his case before the team he was on, and a change was made on that team alone.
Time to unbunch the undergarments, olf. You’re seriously overreacting.
Alfajores cause mojo! - janieannie
I am OK with the Spurs calling themselves what they want and the Lakers calling themselves what they want. And I am even OK with people liking and not liking it. But if I am overreacting, I apologize.
Besides, back in the day, when the Lakers moved to L A they were repeatedly beaten by the Celtics in The Finals. And when they did finally beat them I guarantee that if the Celtic banners said “World Champions” the Lakers would say nothing less. That I think is probably the way it got started. . .besides. . .there’s more but . . .
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
OK, I’ve tried to be nice but. . .
your niceness evidently is no match for your arrogance. How your beloved Lakers could be winning world championships without ever competing in a world championship? The Lakers were winning NBA Finals, and should be properly called NBA champions. This is just logical, it has nothing to do with niceness or Manu’s opinions. Of course, the Lakers and other teams can call themselves World Champions, Masters of the Galaxy, or BBallers of the Universe, if they want.
Next season doesn't exist. Only today exists. So say we all.
I like Solar System Supremuses. If I had a team that won any tournament, I’d put that bunner in a gym. Hopefully, Martians won’t object. I heard those guys can jump really high.
Next season doesn't exist. Only today exists. So say we all.
your niceness evidently is no match for your arrogance.
Well thank you. How nice of you to notice.
Look, I am fine with the Spurs calling themselves what they want and the Lakers calling themselves what they want. And I am OK with people liking or not liking it – including Pop. I was responding to his quote that was posted above. He’s entitled to his opinion but he’s talking out of his .. But I don’t want to hijack a post about the Spurs v Celtics game any further than it already has been. If someone wants to put up a separate fanpost or something I will be happy to discuss it further.
And I wish no ill will to the peoples of the world.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
I understand what you’re saying: you hate furriners. The rest of the world is just a place for you to wipe your shoes. Got it.
I think we’re completely clear now.
Alfajores cause mojo! - janieannie
Dude, if you’re just giving me shit I can take it no problem.
You do realize that the NBA is a professional league trying to make money & sell tickets, etc, right? I bet they would have cheerleaders dance teams do the jalapeño eating contests at halftime if they thought it would help. But if the Spurs ever win another championship I promise to refer to them as the:
North American NBA Champions excluding Mexico, most of Canada, the Caribbean, Central America and Greenland (did you know Greenland was part of the North American continent? I had forgotten.)
And next time you take the little Wilcos to the circus make sure you tell them how arrogant it is that the ringmaster calls it “the greatest show on earth”. I mean how does he know? And please don’t ask me about the Easter Bunny. I’d hate to spoil anybody’s Easter.
PS. When you are done with me please have Pop contact the Yankees and Pirates (was it?) and tell them how arrogant they are for playing in the World Series. I am sure they would love to hear from him.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
Damn, olf, made me GOL and agree with you all in the same post!
I feel dizzy……………
"You may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas." -Davy Crockett
"Give me an army of West Point graduates, and I'll win a battle. Give me a handful of Texas Aggies, and I'll win a war." -Gen. George S. Patton
by spursfan4ever on Mar 29, 2010 2:42 AM CDT up reply actions
If anyone paid attention to baseball anymore, I’d debate with you about that, but instead I’ll simply say that MLB goes completely over the top, by having claimed that it’s final two teams are playing, not for mere sporting dominance, but are instead competing for nothing less than the Championship of the World. How can you ask for the least sense of proportion when a sport’s governing body believes that the winner of its league holds sway over the entire planet? You can’t.
As far as the rest is concerned — yes, I’m just giving you a hard time. And no, it doesn’t seem that you “can take it no problem.”
And that’s ok.
=]
Alfajores cause mojo! - janieannie
OK so get MLB to change the World Series and the Celtics to change their banners and then come talk to me about the Lakers banners.
PS. Didn’t we beat this topic TO DEATH over the summer? Obviously not.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
olf, you are my favorite Laker fan but this makes me wonder if you would feel this way if the Lakers weren’t the current NBA Champs.
Just my opinion….. I think we as Americans need to be careful of the way we present ourselves to the rest of the world. To many we already come across as arrogant, fat and lazy. We seem to not care about anything or anyone other than ourselves. Not true for most, no more than any other country. But perception is what most will believe.
I feel it is the NBA Finals therefore the NBA Champs. I could be wrong but this wasn’t an issue before the Lakers won last year. Kobe has never been known to be the classiest player around, in fact is known for his arrogance and entitlement, why I don’t like him. Being one of the best players currently playing is not enough for him, he can’t just let his play speak for him. I don’t get it, maybe he wasn’t breast fed or something. Something is lacking in the man’s soul.
And leave the Easter Bunny alone please, it’s his time of year to shine. Kobe probably tells his kids HE is the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and, damn him, Santa too!!
Timmy D .... enough said.
I like you too Ms Smith but please leave Kobe and breastfeeding out of this. It started as a marketing ploy when there were 8 teams crisscrossing the northeast and mid-west in buses and driving through towns with megaphones trying to get people to buy tickets. (Wouldn’t you rather buy tickets to see the “world champs” play?) Now it has become a tradition. The controversy goes way back for years too.
However, I do see how those outside the US could perceive it as arrogant. But as I understand it FIBA started as an amateur organization when the Olympics started including basketball. And I thought of it as more focused on “national teams”.
The NBA is an entertainment BUSINESS. They’re just trying to sell tickets, merchandise and broadcast rights. Even Pop coaches for money. But I am shocked to hear that Pop doesn’t like the way other teams do things. That is so unlike him. :)
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
Oh come on, what was it about Kobe and breastfeeding that you didn’t like?
I’ll be honest here, it’s Kobe’s total lack of humility that does it for me. If any other team was saying World champs, I probably wouldn’t bite.
What I would love is to sit in on a conversation where Kobe explains the Big Balls dance to his two little girls. Cause there were other parents that had to after his show that game.
But I’ll tell you what, I work with two Lakers fans ( which is absolutely un-Texan) We have agreed to not rib each other about our teams but to join together in our immense dislike of the Mavs and the Celtics. Care to join us?
Timmy D .... enough said.
Hahaha…its full blown Olf bashing day today and I am late to the party :D
Lakers – Masters of the Galaxy
PJ – Yoda
Kobe – GOAT across the universe and the anti-universe etc.
We will believe what we want coz LA is the only place on Earth other than Boston when they can claim whatever they want.
Yada yada yada :P
(btw for non-regulars, am just kidding. when Olf occasionally lapses into his Laker arrogance, it only behooves us to remind him about the rest of the world)
not even the Spanish team believes that.
Just ask Pau Gasol about it. I heard his rift with Kobe started when Kobe called himself a world champion.
Next season doesn't exist. Only today exists. So say we all.
Yeah, just ask Kobe how Shaq’s ass tastes.
"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on Blair
by Manu ex Machina on Mar 29, 2010 12:33 AM CDT up reply actions
i think the US is the only country where the champion of a domestic competition is denoted “world champion”. imagine if an english soccer (sorry, football) team dubbed themselves world champion for taking out the premiership or FA cup?
free malik hairston!
perth wildcats - 2009/2010 nbl champions baby!
by sleep research facility on Mar 28, 2010 11:57 PM CDT up reply actions
apples to oranges.
A different country probably fields a better soccer team than the US. But not a better basketball team ( yet, anyway )
Crappy teams fear us !
thats not the point. one day that won’t be true, and then what? as a non-american, this strikes me as incredibly arrogant.
free malik hairston!
perth wildcats - 2009/2010 nbl champions baby!
by sleep research facility on Mar 29, 2010 12:04 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Welcome to the arrogant USAian sports persona, srf. Nice to meet ya.
=]
Alfajores cause mojo! - janieannie
haha i was very close to saying “typical arrogant american thinking” but thats unfair stereotyping.
Ok typing this on my mobile is annoying, and i should actually do some work today.
free malik hairston!
perth wildcats - 2009/2010 nbl champions baby!
by sleep research facility on Mar 29, 2010 12:14 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
It is self evident in most cases. You cannot tell me with a straight face that there is another league with top-to-bottom talent equal to the NBA.
The NBA fields the majority of the best talent from not only the U.S., but also internationally. Hence, if you’ve conquered this league, you’ve legitimately faced (and most likely defeated) the most talented squads out there.
"You may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas." -Davy Crockett
"Give me an army of West Point graduates, and I'll win a battle. Give me a handful of Texas Aggies, and I'll win a war." -Gen. George S. Patton
by spursfan4ever on Mar 29, 2010 3:02 AM CDT up reply actions
Just listened to the audio of Pop’s pregame interview on Celtics.com – he was did say this. If you go to the page, scroll down to Celtics.com Audio Archive and you can play it (not able to link to it, though).
Article from the Boston Herald with transcript of the entire portion of the interview about the World Champion issue: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view/20100329gregg_popovich_sees_world_differently/
Man, y’all argue about the craziest stuff!
shakes arrogant American Texan head
NFL Super Bowl winners can call themselves “World Champions” because they’re in the best (and only) football league in the world.
The same applies to the NBA because the talent level, from top to bottom, is better than any other roundball league in the world. It’s not arrogance to say that, either—it is an American game, after all.
Manu can take offense to the World Champion moniker all he wants, but given the fact that the Argentine gold medal was won while the U.S. team that featured Allen Iverson as PG, rookies Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James, and a relatively unknown Carlos Boozer “anchoring” the defense alongside Tim Duncan, I would still contend that the NBA stars would’ve reigned supreme over any top talent the rest of the world could muster.
"You may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas." -Davy Crockett
"Give me an army of West Point graduates, and I'll win a battle. Give me a handful of Texas Aggies, and I'll win a war." -Gen. George S. Patton
by spursfan4ever on Mar 29, 2010 12:32 AM CDT up reply actions
Y’all keep missing the point. World champions is not necessarily the best team in the world, it is the team that won the world championship. You cannot become a world champion without playing in the world championship. Say, tomorrow Bill Gates will buy the best players on the planet and make his own Glorious Gates team. That team would not even play anybody, they’ll just know that they are the best team ever. Should they call themselves the world champions? May be the world champions then the winner of an all-star game or American national team? Those teams may be better, at least on paper, than NBA champs.
Manu can take offense to the World Champion moniker all he wants, but given the fact that the Argentine gold medal was won while the U.S. team that featured Allen Iverson as PG, rookies Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James, and a relatively unknown Carlos Boozer "anchoring" the defense alongside Tim Duncan, I would still contend that the NBA stars would’ve reigned supreme …Your logic is amazing. How about the fact that the Spurs won their last Finals against the same LeBron, who was a rookie for the Finals, and a bunch of role players who weren’t really that good? Should these facts somehow imply that the Spurs were not deserving NBA Champions in 2007? Dallas seemed to be better team that year, just somehow lost to the Warriors.
Next season doesn't exist. Only today exists. So say we all.
Apples to oranges. LeBron was a 4th year player in ‘07, and had just led a coup against a feared Pistons team. How many seasons had Duncan been in the league when he was a “rookie for the Finals”? Still has yet to lose one, if I’m not terribly mistaken.
I’ll take it a step further. In no way can a World Champion playing in a single elimination tournament (yes, I’m disregarding “pool play”—it’s essentially a mini-regular season) compare to the NBA’s series format. You’d be hard pressed to tell me that many (if any) international teams could hang with the NBA squads for a 7 game series.
In short, though, just because there’s a tourney called the “World Championship” does not mean that the team that wins it is, in fact, the World Champion. Also, given the fact that many of the best NBA teams feature international players, it’s no stretch to contend that the NBA houses the world’s premier talent, and as such, it’s league champion is indeed a “World Champion,” in the truest sense of the term.
"You may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas." -Davy Crockett
"Give me an army of West Point graduates, and I'll win a battle. Give me a handful of Texas Aggies, and I'll win a war." -Gen. George S. Patton
by spursfan4ever on Mar 29, 2010 1:44 AM CDT up reply actions
just because there’s a tourney called the "World Championship" does not mean that the team that wins it is, in fact, the World Champion.
How else should we call such a team? NBA Champions may be?
it’s league champion is indeed a "World Champion," in the truest sense of the term.I am afraid that I don’t understand what is the truest sense of the term “World Champion”. To me this denotes the team and players who won the World Championship.
Next season doesn't exist. Only today exists. So say we all.
Why won’t NBA call themselves “World Basketball Association” if they want their champions be called “world champions”. If you play in a national league, you become a national league champion, isn’t it logical?
Next season doesn't exist. Only today exists. So say we all.
Simple, the NBA was obviously around before any of the international basketball leagues, therefore there was no need to call it “world basketball association.”
Logical is: Best Basketball team in the best league in the world=World Champion.
It’s like the NASCAR Nationwide Series Champion comparing himself to the Sprint Cup Champion. Both won their titles fair and square, but one against superior competition.
(bad analogy, I know, but it’s late lol)
"You may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas." -Davy Crockett
"Give me an army of West Point graduates, and I'll win a battle. Give me a handful of Texas Aggies, and I'll win a war." -Gen. George S. Patton
by spursfan4ever on Mar 29, 2010 2:22 AM CDT up reply actions
Logical is: Best Basketball team in the best league in the world=World Champion.
the nba champion is not the best team in the world. the US basketball team is. and i’d wager money on a few other national teams being able to beat the nba champion in any given year these days. you might not agree (as you did above), but lets not forget that spain nearly beat the US team at the last olympics. and the US team is certainly better than any nba team.
so thats just faulty logic in my opinion.
and you can’t use nascar as an example, cos as you’ve said:
Apples to oranges.
as i pointed out earlier, its interesting that the US is the only country to do this, and that they feel that they’re correct in doing so. its probably something to do with national psyche, its citizens perception of their country. to take an australian sport as an example, the aussie rules champion doesn’t proclaim itself “world afl champion” despite the fact that any other national team (if such things even exist) couldn’t beat a local club from the suburbs here. hell, they probably couldn’t beat a team formed by rounding up people propping up a bar in a melbourne/perth/adelaide pub.
free malik hairston!
perth wildcats - 2009/2010 nbl champions baby!
by sleep research facility on Mar 29, 2010 3:55 AM CDT up reply actions
its probably something to do with national psyche
It likely is a holdover from insane marketing tactics that were attempted at the dawn of the league in order to get somebody, anybody (please!) to pay attention to the fledgling sport.
In a small way, the rest of the world might see the malapropism as proof that the league that made it all possible was able to grow and thrive to the point that everyone can benefit as they have.
Quite simply, if basketball had failed in the US, it’s possible that it never would have made it anywhere else.
Fair enough?
Alfajores cause mojo! - janieannie
Why is it that the team USA is "certainly better than any NBA team? Because they have more talent ? Why is it that Spain ( talented, but sporting MUCH less talent than Team USA ) was able to take an NBA allstar team down to the wire ?
If you answered " because in addition to being talented , they have had time to convalesce into something far greater than a collection of talent that was slapped together " , I say BINGO.
Crappy teams fear us !
are you saying…during next Olympics…the medal winning team could be called world champions and not as Olympics champions/nba champions. To me, it sounds inappropriate
+1.
Best Basketball team in the best league in the world=World ChampionBy this logic, the Cleveland Cavalliers can now raise the banner saying that they are World Champions. One can definitely make the assumption that they would beat any other team on the planet in a series. The title of the world champions is then the equivalent of the 1st place in the power rankings.
Next season doesn't exist. Only today exists. So say we all.
by Kondor on Mar 29, 2010 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions 5 recs
best talent doesnt mean they are the best team. it simply means, they are best individual players. its 2 different things
I agree Heman. The best talent does not necessarily make the best team. Otherwise , team USA would have mopped the floor with Spain instead of gutting out a win in the final minutes.
While the NBA has the most talent , I believe they also have the best teams.
Team USA plays together like what, a few practice games and then a few tournament games out of the year ? While teams like Spain have played together many times a year for many years. ( Lets also not discount the fact that many of these International teams are not exactly lacking in talent. Spain was sporting a frontcourt featuring the Gasol brothers for christs sake )
It takes time to gel and become a cohesive unit. THEN you have a real team. And I am betting that last seasons Lakers, or whoever wins the title this year, would mop the floor with Spain or whatever other basketball team on earth. Not cause they had the most talent, but because they have a ton of talent AND have become cohesive over many games/seasons. Hell, I bet the San Antonio Spurs would beat Spain, Argentina, EVEN TEAM USA, in a series.
You also have to remember that the rules are different. If the NBA champ were to play the world champ, how would they decide what rules the game will be played by ?
Crappy teams fear us !
Manu’s block was the Block of the Day on NBA.com – Sure wish I could have been there to photograph this game. But, got a new camera yesterday with twice the zoom as the other one. I’ll take it for a spin on Wednesday against the Rockets.
Really? Funny thing is it looks like they didn’t credit Manu with that block according to the stats. But we all saw the video. Manu sent that shit back.
by LORDinfamous on Mar 29, 2010 12:25 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Yeah, I’ve checked box scores from several sources, and he is not credited with a block, nor is Garnett listed with a “block against”.
Guess the stat guy thought the block Manu did was just impossible, so it had to be some other stat not yet imagined.
by LORDinfamous on Mar 29, 2010 12:45 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Do the NBA stat people review games to check if stats are accurate? I do remember a game when LeBron thought he got a triple double but was later revised to be one assist shy of getting it.
by silverandblack_davis on Mar 29, 2010 12:51 AM CDT up reply actions
You’re right. If I remember correctly they took an assist away from him. So that means they could go back and add the block. Will it get done though?
by LORDinfamous on Mar 29, 2010 12:59 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
At the same time, it really doesn’t matter. That block was a statement. And the whole team played SPURS defense tonight.
by LORDinfamous on Mar 29, 2010 1:01 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
oh so looking forward to watching this on league pass tonight. i know we’re sposed to hate the lakers, or dallas, the most, but i’ve detested this boston team since the kg/shuttleworth trades.
free malik hairston!
perth wildcats - 2009/2010 nbl champions baby!
by sleep research facility on Mar 28, 2010 11:49 PM CDT reply actions
I wouldn’t argue with that.
by LORDinfamous on Mar 29, 2010 12:48 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I think it’s to early to tell because there still some games to play and anything can happen but if MANU keeps playing like that, TIM gets rest, RICHARD keeps improving, TONY comes back in a semi-playoff form and if GEORGE improves a little bit more for the playoff and also the role players step up like ANTONIO, MATT, DEJUAN, KEITH and ROGER or maybe one of them gets on a shooting streak we could make a deep run into the playoffs because they have showed us some defense and that elusive and important chemistry and it’ll be better if we have home-court advantage in the first round
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