The Spurs' Improved Defense
by Fred Silva on Apr 26, 2010 5:11 PM CDT
in Analysis
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PrintIs it just me, or are the Spurs playing their best defense of the season? Their rotations are strong, they are playing more physical than I can remember, and their double-teams are immaculate. Who is responsible for this havoc-wreaking defense? What adjustments have resulted in the sudden emergence of this, dare I say, championship-level defense?
In my opinion, the credit should go to Antonio McDyess and George Hill. It seems that Antonio McDyess has pulled a Robert Horry on us. He coasted through the regular season prompting many of us to question whether he was too old, too slow, or too unmotivated to be the big man that this Spurs team desperately needed. He was missing his jumper, his defense seemed extremely exploitable, and his help rotations were a step slow. Well, apparently he just needed the post season lights to shine on him to snap him out of cruise control. I read on ESPN a month or two into the season that Dice was one of those guys that turned it on in the post season. I had hoped that this was the case, but it was just hope. Now it's reality and the Spurs defense it benefiting greatly from McDyess' improved play.
Now, take a look at the chart I just put together. I created this to illustrate what I feel is responsible for the Spurs' improved defense. Simply stated, McDyess and Hill are playing more minutes, resulting in our weaker defenders getting benched. Now, I do not want this to turn into a Red Rant, but I did want to point out that the Spurs are playing their best defense of the season because Dice and Blair are getting more minutes at Bonner's expense. Even the biggest Matt Bonner fan on the planet has to admit that his defense is poor. He tries as hard as anyone on the floor, but he was simply not blessed with the talents necessary to play shut-down defense. Pop has apparently noticed this, I have no idea what took so long, but the minutes and our team defense is reflecting it.
Clearly, George Hill was coming off of injury, and that is why he only played 18 minutes in Game 1. But even so, when we give George Hill minutes, our team is much better. I wrote before Game 4 that George Hill was our Difference Maker and if he could give us 15+ points a game, we would win the series. Well, he exploded for 29 points and in a game that saw our Big 3 struggle mightily, Hill's play overcame it all and secured the win for us.
The bonus is that when Hill plays 45 minutes, it means that we do not have any left over for Roger Mason Jr. or Keith Bogans. Now, I know I will not get any hate from Mason supporters, because I don't think they exist. However, some of you may still be under the impression that Bogans is a good defender. I would argue that he is a situational defender. Bogans can be effective against the bigger, slower forwards in the league. Think Camelo Anthony / Lebron James type. Bogans is strong and has a low center of gravity, which is perfect for bodying up Melo and James. The problem with Bogans is that he is slow. He can get away with being slow when guarding bigger players because their first steps are not lightning quick, but he gets into trouble with the smaller, quicker guys, like a Jason Terry. This series is a horrible match-up for Bogans so the fewer minutes we play him the better.
Just to be clear, I am in no way attempting to downplay Tim, Manu, RJ, or Tony's defense. Tony does what he can, RJ has actually played very respectable defense, Manu is like a tornado on the defensive end, and Tim is the steady anchor of our team. But these guys have been performing well all season. I'm attempting to point out that the emergence of McDyess and the increase to Hill's minutes have pushed the Spurs' defense from respectable, to dangerous. As Spurs fans, we all know how important defense is to a championship level team. Defense can be a fixed value, offense is often variable. If our defense remains at the level we have witnessed over the past few games, this team could go all the way.
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I think Bonner, like Bogans, can be an effective (not great) defender against certain 4s in the league. We just needed Dyess’ physicality to defend Dirk this series.
I also think that Bonner, when making his shots, can make up for average defense with floor spacing.
But now he has 2 things against him:
- He’s not making shots
- The best player of the opponents is at Bonners position.
"Kuj die Spurs nu nooit keer gerust laten?!" // "Can't you for once leave those Spurs alone?!" - Sarah (Bakkie009's girlfriend)
"Nink!!" // "No I can't!!" - Bakkie009
I’m usually a Bonner supporter but he has disappeared again in the playoffs. If he can’t make the 3s he shouldn’t get any minutes.
But he’s playing decent defense against Dirk and allows Dice/Duncan to take some rest during games.
In Manu, we trust.
by day_late_friend on Apr 27, 2010 12:18 AM CDT up reply actions
Dice is playing superb defense and Blair is leading the playoffs in rebound rate about something like 6 or 7%. I just don’t think this series is for Bonner or Bogans.
I just think a 5-minute appearance would be fine. Blair sucked earlier this series but was able to rebound later on.
In Manu, we trust.
by day_late_friend on Apr 27, 2010 7:33 PM CDT up reply actions
clever….very clever.
Rim Rockin' Red Rocket -silverandblack_davis
by SpursfanSteve on Apr 27, 2010 7:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Right on point
I think you hit it on the head with McDyess and Hill. There was a 7-minute stretch in the third when Nowitzki could barely get a shot off. McDyess was throttling him all night. Hell, Dirk didn’t even take his sixth FG till 10 minutes left in the fourth. And Hill. Incredible game. We talk about the big threes and the clutch jumpers, but he shut down JKidd on the other end all night.
Anyway, here are my more formal thoughts on an incredible game and the Spurs chances going forward.
Enjoy.
Robbie
Working link
http://wp.me/pLvMp-rW Sorry.
by Robbie Hilson on Apr 26, 2010 5:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Nice recap on your site, Robbie.
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. ~ CMoney
I am happy. I am proud. ~ Manu Ginobili
Nicer words have never been spoken.
I’m going to go have a cry now…
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. ~ CMoney
I am happy. I am proud. ~ Manu Ginobili
Eww, sorry about that. I can write. Reading? Different story.
by Robbie Hilson on Apr 27, 2010 11:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Good stuff, Rob.
Thanks for the sig.
Seeding is for suckers, peaking at the right time is what counts. - Robbie Hilson
o;—-)
Love the sig, JRW. Thanks for reading.
by Robbie Hilson on Apr 26, 2010 11:47 PM CDT up reply actions
You betcha. I’ve been on the lookout for a new sig to take me through the playoffs; now I’ve finally met my perfect match. And to think I was about to shell out for eHarmony.
Whew. Dodged a bullet there.
Seeding is for suckers, peaking at the right time is what counts. - Robbie Hilson
o;—-)
eHarmony is bad news… Not that I’d know. Seriously.
No really.
Hope the Spurs can pull out game 6.
by Robbie Hilson on Apr 27, 2010 11:04 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree with most of your post, Fred, but I would also include RJ in why the defense has improved. Those three have operated as a triangle, with Dice holding down the paint, and Hill/RJ flying from side to side on the perimeter. Our scrambling defense has been much better, because Hill and RJ have the ability to guard multiple positions. When forced to switch, these guys’ flexibility allow the Spurs to still maintain their man defense, without having to worry as much about bad matchups and trying to switch back. And boy, has Dice been physical both with Dirk and on the boards. He’s been throwing the Mavs around like rag dolls, and it has been a beautiful sight.
RJ is definitely important to our team defense, I just thought he’d been playing well all season. I thought the difference between our team defense in the playoffs and in the regular season was Dice’s improvement and Hill’s dramatic increase in minutes. But definitely credit RJ for bringing it on the defensive end.
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
"I mean, Dartmouth really sucks and Cornell only beat us by 18. Temple will beat the hell out of Cornell. Promise." -- Me
True, RJ has played decent defense most of the year. But there’s been something special when he and George have played major minutes together. I don’t recall seeing two wings with their defensive abilities acting in such concert and with such synchronicity. Even when we had Bruce, there wasn’t another player of the roster close to approximating his defensive versatility. It’s just such a thing of beauty.
Both RJ and Hill improve every game in the playoffs so far. They both were pretty awful in game 1, and they played great in the game 4. Also Dice has been just amazing. He had the perfect game 4 in my opinion, doing everything he was asked to do. The funniest thing to me is how all those “experts” keep saying that Dallas is a deeper team. Evidently, they don’t bother to watch games, just repeat a common wisdom phrases, whether they make sense or not.
I am here to state the obvious.
We’ll have to agree to disagree. :) I just think that when scrambling, Hill/RJ are faster from sideline to sideline than Bruce/Manu.
I don’t think I would disagree with Hill and RJ being faster, but as defenders, I’d take Manu and Bowen any day of the week. Twice on Sundays. Their ability to defend one-on-one is amazing. Fighting over screens, taking charges, contesting shots, getting steals, pushing the offensive player from their comfort spots are all things Bowen and Manu do (did) on a consistent basis.
While RJ has been bringing it lately, he doesn’t do it enough to be considered a good defender. He is a good shot blocker at his position, however, especially in the paint. Hill still needs to improve his defense while trying to get around picks and get better and using his length to play off of smaller/quicker offensive players so he doesn’t get beat to the basket. I think the way the Spurs have been scrambling and rotating allows Hill and RJ to be very effective defenders.
Wait… some RJ-loving from Fred? That’s nice to hear. +50
Just cause we're crippled, don't mean we gotta take the crumbs.
by silverandblack_davis on Apr 26, 2010 8:27 PM CDT up reply actions
With Dice it’s nothing new. Only question was if he was too old to ‘turn it on’ this postseason. Thankfully he is showing his grit and savvy. Cap’s point about RJ not being a sieve is important too.
What I will disagree with is the assertion that Blair is a better defender than Hoagie. I really don’t think so at this point. At least not by a clear margin. Now who has a positive effect on the Spurs possessions is a different matter. But on defense I would almost say Blair is a weaker one than Matty right now, but we benefit more on the rebounding side with Blair while BonBon’s only upside of O is currently in suck.
Dice, Hill and RJ are really going after it at this point. It’s great to watch.
by LionZion on Apr 26, 2010 6:07 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
+1
Blair still has ways to go on defense, but he has shown some improvements. Once he learns to use his body to push out defenders, he’ll be in a better position. He does have a knack for getting steals and has quick hands, which helps him. He also shows he can get off the ground and get some blocks as well, especially from the weak side.
Dice and Hill are playing great defense but the whole team has discovered an additional gear on defense altogether. Timmy chasing three point shooters, Tony double teaming and all the rotations have been great. Dice and Hill are clamping down but even when Bonner is in there they are playing great team defense.
"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG
You killed me with “Now, I know I will not get any hate from Mason supporters, because I don’t think they exist”
Good post.
i AM the biggest Bonner fan on the planet...in fact, the universe.
i mean, i’m such a big Bonner fan, that if he was really an alien from a planet with giant, red headed, awkward looking humanoids, i’d still be a bigger fan of his than his entire race. And i refuse to admit his defense is poor. So there.
Rim Rockin' Red Rocket -silverandblack_davis
really dude? Have you seen him try to guard people?
Rim Rockin' Red Rocket -silverandblack_davis
by SpursfanSteve on Apr 26, 2010 9:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah man. He hustles. He makes good rotations. Even though he cant jump, he’s 6’10. Thats only 2 inches shorter than Duncan, who also cant jump. I’m just sayin.
Rim Rockin' Red Rocket -silverandblack_davis
by SpursfanSteve on Apr 26, 2010 9:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Bonner doesnt have long arms though. Or a tattoo of a wizard.
Rim Rockin' Red Rocket -silverandblack_davis
by SpursfanSteve on Apr 26, 2010 9:16 PM CDT up reply actions
fair enough. his arms are kind of velociraptor ish. Can we at least agree that if he had any sort of athletic ability he would probably be one of the top 5 players of all time?
Rim Rockin' Red Rocket -silverandblack_davis
by SpursfanSteve on Apr 26, 2010 9:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh yeah, of course. Have you seen his floater? How many 6’10 guys can hit a running floater hook? It’s unreal.
Rim Rockin' Red Rocket -silverandblack_davis
by SpursfanSteve on Apr 26, 2010 9:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Everytime i see it, i hear Mark Jackson’s voice in my head, and it says
“Mamma, someone get that man a sandwich” It’s odd, really.
Rim Rockin' Red Rocket -silverandblack_davis
by SpursfanSteve on Apr 26, 2010 9:23 PM CDT up reply actions
I’ll never be as good as the original, but i’m cheaper and i dont smell like fish.
Rim Rockin' Red Rocket -silverandblack_davis
by SpursfanSteve on Apr 26, 2010 11:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Maybe we should trade him back to the Raptors where he belongs, haha.
"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on Blair
by Manu ex Machina on Apr 26, 2010 11:45 PM CDT up reply actions
im pretty sure lebron james isnt slow or has a slow first step, the rest of the post is good stuff though
I agree, bad example. You would think a guy his size would be slow, but he’s all muscle, unfortunately. I think Bogans would be able to guard Butler pretty well, but we don’t really need to test it.
"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on Blair
by Manu ex Machina on Apr 26, 2010 11:47 PM CDT up reply actions
He did in the final game, actually. Sean Elliot actually made a comment about the Spurs maybe finding something to use in the series. I haven’t seen Butler try to post anybody up, so maybe that’s why we haven’t seen much of Bogans defending Butler in the post.
Bogans could be critical in defending Artest if it comes to that. Phoenix and Portland both have some guys he could matchup with too.
Lebron isn’t slow, but his body is big enough that Bogans, with his lack of speed, can still stay in front of him. Basically, since Lebron takes up so much space, it is easier for a guy like Bogans to make contact and stay in front, as opposed to a smaller, quicker guy like Terry. I meant it more in that way than Lebron is slow. It’s easier for a guy that lacks speed to stay in front of Lebron because Lebron is so damn big.
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
"I mean, Dartmouth really sucks and Cornell only beat us by 18. Temple will beat the hell out of Cornell. Promise." -- Me
I love watching the intensity and effort Manu and Tony have been giving to deny Dirk the ball. Their whole offense runs through him, and its sad when he can’t get the ball on the post with Tony on him or on top of the key with Manu living in his jersey.
By the way, did you know Manu is leading the league in playoff steals per game at 3.0. Second, is Kidd and J. Nelson tied at 2.5, both playing more minutes. No wonder RJ wants to play with Manu….
I love that Dirk has taken so few shots. Their offense really stagnates when the ball is out of his hands, it’s true.
And those are great points about Manu’s steals per minutes, and RJ’s being on the court with him. Good call.
Seeding is for suckers, peaking at the right time is what counts. - Robbie Hilson
o;—-)
Some more numbers:
Regular Season = R, Playoffs = P
Game against Dallas, Dalals Points in the Paint, Dallas Fast Break Points….Spurs wins in Bold
R1, 32, 9
R2, 46, 18
R3, 50, 12
R4, 34, 19
Ravg, 40.5, 14.5
P1, 34, 11
P2, 30, 18
P3, 38, 14
P4, 32, 12
Pavg, 33.5, 13.8
Points in the Paint (Regular Season): Spurs D, 40.7, vs Mavs O, 37.7
Fastbreak Points (Regular Season): Spurs D, 14.7, vs Mavs O, 15.9
Pop has apparently noticed this, I have no idea what took so long, but the minutes and our team defense is reflecting it.
That’s because he plays decent D/has improved toward the latter half and his ability to space the floor is still valuable, especially against the zone. Obviously that depends on his hitting shots though.
He’s still had a better post season than his previous ones.
Oh and Bogans was actually in when they were doing well. Limited minutes is always key and the other players on the court also matters, but yes, he’s a good defender in context. So in a way he’s on both the good side and bad side which balances out to average.
Limited minutes
There’s a perfectly good term that’s already been coined to deal with just this kind of circumstance. I (and Tim C) would be honored if you’d try it out next time.
Seeding is for suckers, peaking at the right time is what counts. - Robbie Hilson
o;—-)
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