U-G-L-Y ugly: Spurs Crush Mavs
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Apr 26, 2010 8:49 AM CDT
in Game Previews
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PrintEasily the grittiest, toughest game the Spurs have played all year. Not a single player in the Big 3 had a good, much less great, offensive game. This game was won with a combination of the role players and team tenacity. If you can't believe in this team now, well, I can't help you.
In a game the Mavericks absolutlely had to have, the Spurs just smacked them down 92-89. With a 3-1 series lead, the Spurs have the Mavericks on the ropes and the Mavs will be lucky to find anything good from this loss.
The Off 3
In the series previews, somebody commented that the Big 3 would have to score 25 points each per game for us to win. Welllllllllllll...Let me run some stats passed you.
- 26.5%: 9-34 from the field, I'm not sure whether to highlight Tim's 1-9 or Manu's 4-16.
- 8 TO: Of the team's 12. Tony led the effort here with 5.
- 0 Blocked shots: But they were blocked 4 times.
- 1-7 3PT: All Manu
- -3 in +/-: Manu was a team worst -12. The oddity of this is that Matt Bonner with a -1 in 8+ minutes was the only other Spur in the negatives. It's not like Manu was out there by himself when the Mavs went on a run. It's not like he was the only one on the bench when the Spurs went on a run. Truly an anomaly.
George Hill
You know, you have to hate the internet sometimes. As in, sometimes if you are Kelly Dwyer. Do you remember this nugget from Februay 1st? George Hill continues to be overrated. I remember it because I also agree that George is overrated. Primarily because I rate him as the greatest player of all-time. He was merely sensational tonight.
George was the best player on the court. I don't really think this is up for debate. He shot great. He created his own shot. He played fantastic defense. About the only thing he didn't do was create for others. Still, George's game-high 29 points on 11-16 shooting and 5-6 from 3-point (he hit 5 of the Spurs 6 3's) were beyond huge. Massive even.
George was deadly on the corner 3. Every time he shot it, I knew it was going in. He even hit one just after a loose ball foul. George had other parts of his offensive game going as well. There were times during the third quarter where Pop seemed to be calling high-screen and roll plays specifically for George to attack Kidd. He hit floaters. He hit pull-ups. He was in control. He also logged an amazing 44:37. Manu played just under 34 minutes and Tony just over 27. George was so valuable on the court that he was stealing their minutes.
Rage, Beast, and Sam
The Spurs also got great contributions from three other guys.
Rage continues his solid play. His 15 points on 6-9 shooting was big. He's really starting to play off the other guys. He had a nice backdoor cut late in the game where Tim fed him for a dunk. However, one play really stood out for me. In fact, I'd call it the play of the game.
Late in the second quarter, the Mavs were ROLLING. Things were getting really, really ugly. The kind of ugly where you turn off the game and go clip your toe nails. The Mavs were up 15, on 23-4 run, and were out on a fast break again. Jason Terry attacked George Hill and RJ came from behind and swatted the shot (the play-by-play has George with the block, so I might be mistaken). Tony picked it up and the Spurs raced out on the break and Rage ended it with a dunk.
Rage then blocked a layup by Haywood and ran down court and got a layup.
Back to back plays that sparked a mini-run to end the quarter. Sure, we were still down 11, but it brought the team and the crowd back to life.
The young whippersnapper DeJuan had his first impact in the playoffs. With 3:13 left in the third quarter, DeJuan came in for Tim with the game tied at 57. DeJuan would leave the game with 7 points and 7 rebounds in just under 12 minutes. He also picked up a flagrant foul (I didn't think it was that bad of a foul), got Dirk to swing an elbow at him that landed Dirk a technical, played really good defense, and wreaked havoc of the offensive boards.
San Antonio McDyess had a HUGE game for somebody who only scored 10 points. 5-9 shooting and 8 rebounds is solid. But the bulk of 35 minutes were played forcing the ball out of Dirk's hands. SAM realy worked his tail off on the defensive end.
It's Called A Team
However, it was team defense. For the third quarter, and the first part of the fourth quarter (the Mavs scored 12 points in the first 7 minutes of it), the Spurs ground them up defensively. Calling their rotations crisp would be an understatement. They attacked them defensively. I really can't describe it. It was one awesome display of team defense.
We're up 3-1, but I'm not relaxed. We still need to go out and play another great game. Maybe even 2. However, if I am the Mavs, I don't know what I can take solace in. They lost game 3 without the Spurs making a 3-pointer. The lost game 4 when the Spurs big 3 laid an egg offensively. Tim and Manu combined to shoot 5-24. I don't see that happening again. They can't either.
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Yes. Hill definitely took some of Tony’s minutes. In the fourth Tony slagged away from Terry and allowed him to shoot an uncontested 3 pointer that went in. Tony went directly to the bench and he was seen on camera explaining something to someone on the sidelines.
"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG
Caught that too. Playoff Pop. No one is excused from mistakes on defense, regardless of game circumstance or score. I think it was RJ who came in for him.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
Yeah, RJ, from what I remember
"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on Blair
by Manu ex Machina on Apr 26, 2010 4:07 PM CDT up reply actions
It’s uncanny!
"What is this new devilry?" -Jeff Van Gundy
by DrumsInTheDeep on Apr 26, 2010 9:03 AM CDT reply actions 3 recs
hq!
"We'll see how our character is," guard Tony Parker said. "We don't have time to be sad. Nobody cares. It's just us. We're the only ones who can help each other."
by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Apr 26, 2010 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions
Now I get to send my mom a Polaroid that says “Baby’s First Green Box!”
"What is this new devilry?" -Jeff Van Gundy
by DrumsInTheDeep on Apr 26, 2010 9:52 PM CDT up reply actions
The D is looking like Spurs defense.
"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
I was really ticked in the second quarter that we were spending so much time trapping Dirk and allowing Marion to get shots at the basket and Kidd to shoot an open 3. I felt the same in the 4th when Terry was left open. Yet for the two 30 point quarters that Dallas had, only the 4th really came about due to their shooting well and the urgency of trying to comeback. The second really was more about awful Spurs offense feeding a long Mavs scoring run.
To see that at the end of the game Dallas only had 89 points on 42% shooting and their usual seven made 3s but 14 turnovers (that were genuinely forced) says that Pop’s plan worked. Without our awful offense in that 2nd Q we’d have held them to less. And if I was Dirk, I’d have no idea how Pop plans to play me next game. He really has no idea if double teams or traps are coming, when they’ll come or from where, if they come at all. And other than Marion at the rim or stand still 3s from Kidd and Terry, there’s no one else he can trust to score.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
In the fourth we we also playing soft defense. They purposely stopped being aggressive for fear of fouling and and ones. I dont understand that strategy. Duncan allowed Haywood (or was it Dampier?) to dunk the ball when it would be a better idea to defend and if need be give the hard foul. Maybe they were avoiding more flagrant fouls.
"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG
by LasEspuelas on Apr 26, 2010 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions
The flagrant fouls had to have an effect. But when you have the lead I can understand being somewhat more cautious. You don’t want to gamble for steals or have touch fouls as that would make a comeback easier and happen more quickly. I also give some credit to the Mavs for making some shots in the 4th, even if Terry’s always come from us foolishly leaving him open.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
Blazer fan here....
Wow, great game last night! I love playoff basketball! I wish the Blazers had George Hill on their team! Beat Dallas (I can’t stand Dallas….)!!!!!
Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company.
I'll trade you Bayless for Hill straight up...
You can’t have Batum though… I’m pretty sure that the Spurs really wanted Batum and were upset when they didn’t get him in the draft. Batum has said that Pops told him that one day he would be a Spur.
Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company.
What’s wrong with Bayless? Doesn’t fit the team? Doesn’t play D?
He killed us in SA on Dec. 23rd when Roy was out.
Let's see.... where to start....
can’t hit a jumper to save his life, ball hog, not a point guard, turn-over proned, commits unneccessary fouls (mostly offensive)….I could go on…. Actually, I should let up on him, because he’s had a couple of good games in the POR-PHX series. There are some teams that have a hard time guarding him and Phoenix is one of them. Whoever wins this POR-PHX series plays whichever team wins SAN-DAL series!!! For some reason, Phoenix fans DO NOT like San Antonio as I have just recently discovered….
Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company.
Damn, I thought Bayless was doing pretty good, but I guess that just shows a little I know about the Blazers.
I guess he was one of those players that we would turn into a star in reg season games. I know he torched us in one of our match ups.
"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on Blair
by Manu ex Machina on Apr 26, 2010 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions
For some reason, Phoenix fans DO NOT like San Antonio as I have just recently discovered….
2003: Spurs win 4 -2
2005: Spurs win 4 – 1
2007: Spurs win 4 – 2
2008: Spurs win 4 – 1
The Suns last series victory against us was in 2000 (when Duncan was hurt). Then add the 1990s history and that sums it all up. Probably doesn’t help that Barkley loves Manu.
"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 Apr 26, 2010 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions
Oh...
everything makes sense then…. Wouldn’t it be funny if Phoenix gets past Portland and San Antonio gets past Dallas? That would be an interesting series…..
Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company.
Biggest understatement since LatinD’s “I strongly dislike Eduardo Najara.”
"What is this new devilry?" -Jeff Van Gundy
by DrumsInTheDeep on Apr 26, 2010 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions
I think Blair got the flagrant because the refs didn’t want the game to get out of hand. It was a rough foul but not a flagrant.
Context mattered, of course, but I’d say he got the flagrant because he got Kidd’s face on the follow through.
Seeding is for suckers, peaking at the right time is what counts. - Robbie Hilson
o;—-)
Plus he lowered his arms after the initial contact and hit Kidd in the face. I think it could have gone both ways on a normal intensity game. In any case he did the right thing and made sure there was going to be no basket. I love how yesterdays we answer back their aggressiveness blow by blow.
"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG
I thought the refs were understandably trying to keep the game in check. Kidd ran into Blair and like 95% of the league that runs into the Spurs defensive tackle, he fell backward. Then Blair went for the ball to prevent a continuation shot. Didn’t agree with the call, but the game was getting chippy.
Asked before the game how Parker has looked, Popovich said, "He’s still cute. "
After George Hill started to flex his wings sometime in the second quarter, I commented to the effect that I couldn’t want to read your recap, Wayne. You did not disappoint. And it’s just a little tasty gravy to me whenever I see Dwyer’s sneering dismissal of Hill brought up again for public inspection. Mmm mmm mmm! Where the biscuits at?
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
It’s OK, Laurie… you should want to read his recap.
Did you see how I channeled my inner JRW there… that felt weird.
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. ~ CMoney
I am happy. I am proud. ~ Manu Ginobili
What? Because of the sarcasm? Am I missing something else? What?
Seeding is for suckers, peaking at the right time is what counts. - Robbie Hilson
o;—-)
Barkely said after game 1, “the Spurs have to play a perfect game in order to beat the Mavs.” It’s looking like Dirk has to have a perfect game for the Mavs to beat us.
Game 3: 4th team ever to win a playoff game without a single 3PM.
Game 4: The off nights by our stars.
Especially for game 3 and somewhat for game 4, the final scores are a little closer because the Spurs were practically letting the Mavs have easy baskets to avoid fouling and a three point play.
I think Sir Charles would amend that to say that the Spurs would have to play a perfect game in order to beat the Mavs IF DALLAS CONTINUES TO PLAY THE WAY THE DID IN GAME 1.
As a team, the Mavs’ haven’t. And San Antonio has stepped it up, playing D and taking care of the ball better, a different role player (or in Game 4, multiple role players) making his presence felt each night. It’s Spurs basketball again, baby! :)
The games have all been exciting, and memorable thus far… whichever way this thing goes, I think it’s gonna be the most memorable first-round series for me yet.
by TeamDefense on Apr 26, 2010 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions
The Mavs didn’t play great in game 1. They played as well as they will against a team (Spurs) that defends them well. They got outshot that game and gave up more points in the paint. They won because the Spurs committed some unforced turnovers that they’ve since cleaned up and because they had a +20 FTA advantage. Without the former the Spurs likely eak that game out. Without the latter they also win. And that was with Dirk playing a near-perfect game and the Spurs getting nothing from Hill or RJ. The Mavs were truly lucky to get that win.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
What I’m trying to say is that maybe Barkley wanted to say that if Dirk continued to have the same insane game (luck) he had in Game 1, AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, he continued to get 20+ from Butler, 15+ from the center tandem, 10+ pts. and 10+ assists from Kidd, that the Spurs would have to play ‘a perfect game.’ But maybe it’s pointless to try to defend his hyperbole… :P
I agree with you that the Spurs have played better since Game 1, particularly in terms of taking care of the ball, team defense, and points from players not named Duncan, Parker or Ginobili.
What I’m concerned about is that an argument that Dallas was lucky to have taken Game 1 and the Spurs could have eked that game out had a few things gone our way could be turned around by Mavs fans to say that the Spurs were lucky in Game 3 (no 3-point makes) and Game 4 (The Big Three drought) and that Dallas could have stolen one of them had a few bounces or calls or missed threes had gone their way.
I just don’t want to go there, I’d rather believe that our play has improved since Game 1, and the Mavs play has gone in the opposite direction.
I should’ve said fortunate instead of lucky. And the Spurs were fortunate to win with the Big-3 playing so poorly. But they also earned that fortune without any help from the refs. As poorly as their 2nd Q play pushed the Mavs into the lead, their splendid effort and execution brought them back into the lead. That kind of stuff usually evens out in a series. You can say each team has one fortunate win but if you swap them out you still get 3-1 Spurs.
As for Barkley, I just thought his statement was foolish and so very 2008. He must not have noticed that we no longer have Finley playing 30 minutes per night. Or JV playing PG if Tony is in foul trouble. Or Oberto guarding Dirk. The Spurs don’t need the Big-3 to be great to hopefully win the series. Like all teams they need their best players to play well, but they also have a supporting cast that can carry their own at various times in a series. Dirk is the only half-court threat the Mavs have. Even with him playing flawless he has to find another 55-65 points from a roster that the Spurs are in much better shape to defend than two years ago or last season.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
I don’t usually find these “mic-ed up” videos that interesting and indeed Carlisle’s segment is entirely bland, but i like at :50 sec the encouragement pop gives Blair: “Just play, just play. Be Dejuan Blair. You’ll be great” and the bleeping of pop’s expletive when Manu got hacked by Najara at 1:45 in the video
hmm video embedding didn’t work… here’s a link
http://www.nba.com/video/channels/playoffs/2010/04/25/20100425_wired_sas.nba/
by RamblingSpur on Apr 26, 2010 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
cool, very interesting! His encouragement to Hill (around 0:40) was cute too — ‘Georgie, you keep making shots though, you’re gonna have to keep playing. That’s your… “penalty.” You gotta keep playing. No rest for the weary. Good job…. good job.’
I have to wonder now if Pop’s mellowed a bit in his approach to young players. I wonder if he said stuff like that to TP and Manu early in their careers.
Then again, his barking ‘Stay there’ to the bench after he realized that his getting up angrily in reaction to Najera mugging Ginobili could lead to his players getting into a fracas was classic Pop. Does anyone know if he owns dogs? Cause I could imagine him taking the same tone with a disobedient puppy. :P (Fortunately, the Spurs are more disciplined and listen to their coach.)
by TeamDefense on Apr 26, 2010 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions
From Johnny Ludden (I didn’t want to post three-straight Fanshots, so here you go):
But the more time Popovich spent around Hill, the more he found to like. He has since called Hill "my favorite player of all-time," and there are reasons for that, too: When Popovich barks, Hill looks his coach in the eyes and listens. From players to coaches to management, the opinion is unanimous: We trust this kid.
"What is this new devilry?" -Jeff Van Gundy
by DrumsInTheDeep on Apr 26, 2010 10:19 AM CDT reply actions
I’ll fanshot it for you. If you post more than two things in an hour you’ll get a warning from SBN, and if you post to many things in a 24 hour period they’ll ban you. It happened to me, just a FYI.
Good thing I didn’t, then. I was just trying not to be obnoxious—didn’t know it was actually a rule!
"What is this new devilry?" -Jeff Van Gundy
by DrumsInTheDeep on Apr 26, 2010 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions
Hah, really? I didn’t know that.
Just cause we're crippled, don't mean we gotta take the crumbs.
by silverandblack_davis on Apr 26, 2010 8:14 PM CDT up reply actions
I remember when nobody used the FanShots and you were the one flooding it, then everyone else followed your lead. Guess you earned immunity.
Just cause we're crippled, don't mean we gotta take the crumbs.
by silverandblack_davis on Apr 26, 2010 9:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Late in the second quarter, the Mavs were ROLLING. Things were getting really, really ugly. The kind of ugly where you turn off the game and go clip your toe nails.
Sooo true. Great recap, Wayne.
"We'll see how our character is," guard Tony Parker said. "We don't have time to be sad. Nobody cares. It's just us. We're the only ones who can help each other."
by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Apr 26, 2010 10:20 AM CDT reply actions
Nice recap ATS. This was a crazy game. I don’t ever remember a playoff game (and very few regular season games) where our team played this way. Having TD, Parker and Manu have sub-par games and winning does not bode well for the rest of the West.
Wayne, whatever files you are using for this preview, I’m not sure if it is a new thing or not, but it is beautiful. Youtube is blocked in my hood, so these really add some great context.
Thanks for the recap.
wow, i knew cedar park was a really uptight subburb, but i had no idea they could censor your internet. Have you thought about moving somewhere more relaxed, like Austin proper, or maybe China?
by RamblingSpur on Apr 26, 2010 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions
Ha, yes, things get a little heavier here in Wilco if you go south of the law, but I was speaking of my workplace hood. Where I earn fat stacks of pennies.
You guys up in Cedar Park call it Wilco?
Seeding is for suckers, peaking at the right time is what counts. - Robbie Hilson
o;—-)
By you guys you mean me and my oak tree out back, then yes. I have no friends. And I talk to my tree.
The Spurs have not really been a team to overcome double digit leads, especially in the second half of playoff games unless we’re playing the Suns. I can only easily recall the nearly complete comeback vs Dallas in ’06 game 7, and the clinching at Dallas in ’03 WCF. To do this on a day where the Big-3 did not lead the comeback or have huge games just speaks to the team Pop and Co. have built.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
Last night, you heard an albatross roar.
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
by Lauri on Apr 26, 2010 12:23 PM CDT reply actions 2 recs
Okay, why is he called "Albatross"?
Does anyone here think that if George had been 100% in Game One, then the Spurs would have today off? As in a sweep of the Mavs…
While complacency costs, perseverance pays
it’s possible, his rotations on and off dirk on defense have been so amazing the that last three games
If he had been 100% and Bogans and Mason played lower minutes in that game, it could have been the difference. A lot of the actual fouls on the Spurs were due to late rotations so having a healthy Hill could definitely have flipped the game.
Hill can go out and prove it tomorrow. That is an amazing feat to lose game 1 and then win 4 in a row against a 55 win team.
Thanks
As you can tell, I’m not yet a power user of this site…unlike my days at Spurs Report. The dictionary is most helpful, I wish more sites had those…KSK in particular
While complacency costs, perseverance pays
welcome to ptr. be sure not to use the subject field unless absolutely necessary. a little pet peeve of the admins here.
"We'll see how our character is," guard Tony Parker said. "We don't have time to be sad. Nobody cares. It's just us. We're the only ones who can help each other."
by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Apr 26, 2010 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Clarification
You can use the subject without catching grief if you actually use it as a subject and not as your entire comment.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Apr 26, 2010 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Right, sorry. That’s what I meant.
"We'll see how our character is," guard Tony Parker said. "We don't have time to be sad. Nobody cares. It's just us. We're the only ones who can help each other."
by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Apr 26, 2010 4:43 PM CDT up reply actions
I was expecting this reply from you.
By the way, it’s amazing how brainwashed I’ve become to the PtR style. Going back though previous threads in researching The Lexicon, I was amazed at how often I previously used the subject line for subjects that now I simply avoid or put inside the first sentence of my comment.
I also used to be a fanatic about the use of bold over italics and have pretty much seen that shift to a more LatinD-approved standard.
GOOMB.
Seeding is for suckers, peaking at the right time is what counts. - Robbie Hilson
o;—-)
Whatever!
They’re NOT just helpful suggestions.
But then again, iconoclasts have a very concrete way of dealing with their environments such that their surroundings begin to change to match their vision. LatinD’s hatred of the overuse of bold text is an excellent example of this.
We are all witnesses … of the shift from the subject field.
Seeding is for suckers, peaking at the right time is what counts. - Robbie Hilson
o;—-)
It’s actually because the peeps over at Mavsmoneyball use it. It reminds us of them and their douchy ways.
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. ~ CMoney
I am happy. I am proud. ~ Manu Ginobili
It’s actually because long threads with lots of bold sentences look like shit.
I smell death... everywhere.
Yeah, whereas some sites use that as the “twittered” version of the message and the lower box is only for optional additional content, we use it more as an optional title bar for a lower box with the content.
Is this because PTR is like the New Yorker of blog communities? or are we more like the New York Enquirer? I haven’t figured it out.
PtR is more like a poorly thought out MAD comic book.
"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 Apr 26, 2010 6:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Actually, its probably the best ever.
"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 Apr 26, 2010 6:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Top-notch recap.
It was certainly one of the strangest Spurs games I’ve watched in The Big Three era. Though one of the things I find enjoyable about the NBA in general and the Spurs in particular is that different role players shine at different times — depending on matchups and other factors — it’s truly special when so-called role players get to demonstrate why they’re professional athletes and take control over the game from the stars.
And remember, these are also the guys that were on the floor against Dallas in the last regular season game this year, and played well enough to force the Mavs to keep their starters in to win the game. So it’s clear that that Pop’s tactic paid dividends, as many of you had expected. Why were we all so surprised now? :)
Yes, I Was Wrong
On April 16 I posted here on the PTR the following:
The Spurs best shot to win this series would involve the big 3 averaging a collective 80 ppg and getting some combination of 20+ from the bench. I don’t know if they can do that 4 times in this series.
I hope I’m wrong. Man do I hope I’m wrong!
I didn’t have any reason to believe that RJ would do something he hadn’t done all season and that’s to show up and play consistent basketball. I’m glad he’s making a positive impact on this series. I also was unsure about G. Hill and his effectiveness coming back from the ankle.
Unfortunately I was not wrong about Bogans, Mason, and to a lesser degree Bonner and if when the Spurs advance it would be nice to get some production from those guys.
In the image of RJ blocking the shot and getting the dunk, check out his end-to-end speed. In particular, watch him get bumped by Barea to the baseline, then bump Barea off the play at half court, and watch his position in relation to Caron Butler.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Apr 26, 2010 4:15 PM CDT reply actions
It’s a funny thing. When Rage tries, he can really ball
"We'll see how our character is," guard Tony Parker said. "We don't have time to be sad. Nobody cares. It's just us. We're the only ones who can help each other."
by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Apr 26, 2010 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions
I was looking at just that and thinking how perfectly that play set up for A PtR Moment. He flies past Timmeh and TP and even coasts before receiving the ball b/c he was already in position for the break. And this was all after he was the first one back into the Spur’s end to stop Dallas’ break. Which was on top of whatever he’d been doing in our offensive play just before that.
Impressive.
Seeding is for suckers, peaking at the right time is what counts. - Robbie Hilson
o;—-)
I don’t typically post often, so I got a lot to say:
With the exception of the 2nd quarter, this felt it vindicated why I was so hyped up about this season to begin with. George obviously played amazingly, but I was actually more impressed with RJ and McDyess. The crazy thing is I’ve seen him play better, but RJ did everything I hoped he would do. 15 points is great, I will take that any night, but his energy and defense in tandem with his offensive spacing was fabulous. McDyess looked like Robinson out there sometimes. Even though he only had 10 points, several of those jumpers were huge and gave the rest of the offense some breathing room.
Obviously, Duncan didnt have a good game. Its tough playing against Haywood and Dampier down low. Duncan relies on his strength a lot, and if his outside turn-arounds and jumpers arent falling, he falls into turning it over and making bad decisions that led to our collapse in the 2nd quarter. I am sure that Pop saw how hard Duncan was having to work down low to get the team some points that coach laid into his role-players, and they responded. On the road though, thats gonna be tough for young guys like Hill and Blair to get going, so to close this out we’re gonna need solid play from our big 3.
Another thing I noticed is how one-dimensional the Mavs are on offense, especially when you play someone with good hands on defense on Nowitzki. Nowitzki doesn’t get into a triple threat position…ever. It may have been just that game, but he never gets into a triple threat and protects the ball. He always has his legs open like he’s going to take his shot, which works for him a lot because people slack off on him, so he can quickly go into his jumping motion squared up. But if the defenseman starts haggling the ball, he can’t protect it and makes hasty decisions. I know hes a great player, but as long as he can’t protect the ball, players like RJ and McDyess can move their feet fast enough and have quick enough hands that Nowitzki can’t get into the flow of things. It was probably doubly worse for him by the fact that the game was on the road. I’d like to see how he handles the same pressure at home.
Jason Terry was amazing. I don’t know the stats, but it looked like he made every three, and each of them was a dagger. I know pop likes to throw fake double-teams, but I feel like we cannot leave Terry open at all. The guy could easily go for 30+ if Dallas gives him more looks.
Finally, the flagrant fouls were…interesting. I’m having a difficult time not coming to the conclusion that Najera should be suspended. Not that I think it matters in the series, but a player who comes into the game and almost instantly takes down a star player on the other team (and that was vicious across the neck…I mean he latched onto his neck and threw him) is difficult to ignore. I’ve typically held that its tough to call on a player for going after another player, and while I do think that is unlikely in this situation given that its Najera we are talking about and not Bill Lambeer, this comes damn close as ive ever seen. And that flagrant foul totally added to the other 2 being called flagrants when they wouldn’t have been called so in another game. Both of those plays were made on the ball. Sure once Blair got up in the air against a driving Kidd you knew there was going to be a foul, but I have always taken a flagrant foul to be a very hard foul and/or not going for the ball. Blair jumped up into Kidd’s path, but he clearly went after the ball. RJ went up into the air after Nowitzki, but didnt come down with his hand until he saw the ball, and did not go after his head.
It just seemed like The Mavs have too many weapons and all of them need feeding. Marion can’t do shit unless its a dunk, Butler only could make baskets when he was the only one taking them, and Nowitzki needs the ball to be effective; same with Barea and Kidd. Theres just too many mouths to feed and not enough role-players.
by Aaron Can on Apr 26, 2010 7:05 PM CDT reply actions 3 recs
Great points, Aaron. Might want to put up a FanPost, too, instead of a long post in the comments. Just a suggestion :)
Just cause we're crippled, don't mean we gotta take the crumbs.
by silverandblack_davis on Apr 26, 2010 8:19 PM CDT up reply actions
good idea
Are fanposts commonly commented on and read? I typically just click on a general recap linked from the yahoo sports Spurs page, so I assume most people do the same. I do feel bad about taking up so much space, I’ll try to keep it low next time
Nooooooo, don’t feel bad. Seriously, post where you want and however you want. But we do generally pay attention to the fanposts here. Also, when they’re good, we frontpage ’em.
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
Yep, what she said. And post more often! It’s always fun to have more peeps around.
Just cause we're crippled, don't mean we gotta take the crumbs.
by silverandblack_davis on Apr 26, 2010 9:45 PM CDT up reply actions
If you put up amazing stuff like what swgeek and LatinD normally do, they will come. But I think on the average, PtRers pore through every little thing posted in the site. In fact, too much that it has spawned the Lexicon. (shameless plug for jrw)
Just cause we're crippled, don't mean we gotta take the crumbs.
by silverandblack_davis on Apr 26, 2010 9:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Hear, hear.
Also, I think we’ve taken to calling each other PtRockers. I know I’ve been seeing it more and more often around here lately.
Seeding is for suckers, peaking at the right time is what counts. - Robbie Hilson
o;—-)
I can’t bring myself to use PtRockers. It makes me feel like a hideous faux-retro compact sedan with crappy safety ratings.
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
Weeell… the BlazersEdge people do call themselves BEdgers (sounds and feels like Badgers to me).
Just cause we're crippled, don't mean we gotta take the crumbs.
by silverandblack_davis on Apr 28, 2010 8:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Aaron, allow me to join those who have offered their kudos on this nice post. Good insight is always appreciated around here.
And don’t worry about keeping it short. The invitation to create a FanPost was a compliment designed to increase the amount of focus on your ideas.
When someone has something to say, and says it well, we think it deserves as much attention as possible. Welcome to PtR and I hope to see you more often.
Seeding is for suckers, peaking at the right time is what counts. - Robbie Hilson
o;—-)
Otstanding recap, bossman. No one’s ever gonna call you out now after this one :)
Just cause we're crippled, don't mean we gotta take the crumbs.
by silverandblack_davis on Apr 26, 2010 8:21 PM CDT reply actions
wow
my page ridiculously slows down when those vids are on the screen
It doesn’t necessarily slow me down, but if I’m scrolling, I’ll get “stuck” on one.
Before everyone tells me to try another browser, I use the latest version of Firefox. :p
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
It’s probably more network connection related as the images are about 7Mb each.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Apr 27, 2010 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions
Maybe it would be wise to place a snapshot of them that acts as a link to the animation for the sake of the slow connection readership.
"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG
by LasEspuelas on Apr 27, 2010 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions
Damn, 7MB each? That’s crazy. I know why I just didn’t think they’d be that big. I’m spoiled by my connection at work and home so I don’t noticed it as much. I think LasEspuelas is on track though. A snapshot with an option to click and view the .gif would be perfect. Other than a YouTube linked video, would there be another way of displaying an .flv on the site?
Maybe I should just go with 1 in a story.
Anyway, I’ll cut down on them and we can look into alternatives.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Apr 27, 2010 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions
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