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Game Preview #78: San Antonio Spurs @ Phoenix Suns

  Xd9s49_medium
Somebody needs to go all SuperNova for this one.

I kinda said I got some more comics for the preview, but I'm feeling the heat to take this game veeery seriously.  I don't know why, but I want to beat the Suns so bad.

Just five more games left, fellas. Jump in for a SEGABABA-affected, bare-bones preview.

Star-divide

Some pump-you-up music to put you in the proper state of mind.

 

 

Ptr_ambigram_white_on_black_medium
San Antonio Spurs @ Phoenix Suns 
Where: US Airways Center - Phoenix, AZ 
When: April 7, 2010, 9:30 PM Spurs time
Watch:  ESPN (National TV? FFFFUUUUUU); My35 HD

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How They Stack Up
 
28-11 Home 29-9
20-18 Road 21-18
101.1
Offense 110.4
95.9 Defense 105.8
47.3 FG% 49.2
36.3 3-pt% 41.1
74.6 FT% 77.2
42.6 Rebounds 43.0
12.9 TOs 14.2
7-3 Last 10 9-1
Won 4
Streak Lost 1
2nd, Southwest Position 2nd, Pacific

 
Country/Time Zone Game Time
Argentina 11:30 PM
West Coast
7:30 PM
Philippines 10:30 AM
Central Europe 3:30 AM
Palestine/Egypt 4:30 AM
East Coast 10:30 PM
The Land Time Forgot 8:30 PM
Perth, AUS 10:30 AM
Tokyo, JP 12:30 PM
Sydney, AUS 12:30 PM

Spurs
(48-29)
Matchups

Suns
(50-27)

Garrett Temple
Shirley

Point Guard

You know what? I don't give a shizzo if Tony might be starting or getting the bulk of minutes at PG. A man named Garrett Temple earned his keep last game and deserves some air time. That being said, Steve Nash is still the heart and soul of 7SOL basketball and a future hall of famer.

Advantage: Suns


Steve Nash
Floppy

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Manu Ginobili
Sunny Disposition

Shooting Guard

And I quote the man himself - "I’m feeling really confident right now." That's all we need to know, right?

Advantage: Spurs


Jason Richardson
Misses Breakaway Dunks

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Richard Jefferson
Rich-J

Small Forward

Took him awhile, but RJ's finally gotten in the flow of things. I say 'bout time, you $14-million Peanut.

Grant Hill, oldness and injuries aside, is still a solid player with good BBIQ. If RJ can take advantage of his ath-u-leticism, he can easily take over this matchup.

Advantage: Spurs


Grant Hill
The Original G-Hill

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Tim Duncan
Stoudenightmare

Power Forward

It's a SEGABABA and we can only hope that Timmeh's 22 minutes against the Kings didn't tire him out much. Robin Lopez is out so there will be one less big man to contend with.

Amare's on a pretty hot streak and just won Western Conference Player of the Month honors for March. His defense, however, is still the same old friend the Spurs know and love.

Advantage: Tied


Amar'e Stoudemire
Horace Grant Glasses

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Antonio McDyess
Solid Snake

Center

Dice played another good game against the Kings, contrary to the letdown I predicted. Let's hope he brings the same contribution against a Suns team that will probably play smaller and faster with Sideshow Mel out.

Advantage: Spurs


Jarron Collins
Another Twin from Stanford

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Tony Parker
BAM Newbie

Bench & Role Players

Alvin Gentry has done a good job integrating a solid bench to finally ease the burden on the Suns' starters. Picture this - against the loss to Milwaukee, only two players played at least 30 minutes and one of those came off the bench (Jared Dudley). It also wasn't a blowout by any means. The hot shooting troika of Dudley, Goran Dragic and Leandro Barbosa might give our slower players fits, so the Tony-powered BAM should really step it up.

Advantage: Suns


Leandro Barbosa
Brazilian Blur

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Gregg Popovich
CIA Agent

Coach

Time to show the Suns who still rules the West, Pop.

Advantage: Spurs


Alvin Gentry
Better Than Mike D
  images via yahoo.com  

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Other Factors

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Intangibles

Both teams are on amazing surges, but the Suns haven't played this late season version of the Spurs before.

Advantage: Spurs

Mojo

::tumbleweedcrickets::

Advantage: None

Winner

The high-scoring Suns are always a threat to run away with this one, considering it's also their home court. But the Spurs are sending out statement wins across the league and don't expect that to change one bit.

Spurs

Keys To The Game

  • Defense - The Suns bring the league's most efficient offense to the table - we have to slow them down.  In years past, this wouldn't be a problem, but we've been pretty inconsistent on D this season. It has gotten much, much better of late, and this should be a good test to measure how we'll defend run-and-gun teams like Phoenix in the playoffs.
  • Attack The Paint - Robin Lopez' presence has been a major factor for the Suns' improved play, but now that he's injured and Channing Frye is a softie, the interior might be the Suns' weakest spot right now.
  • Bench - Before, the Spurs' bench was vastly superior, but now things are different. Their guards need to be contained.
  • George Hill - He's not here. But I miss him. Just wanted to get that off my chest.

Last Time They Met

The last duel was mostly remembered for the fortuitous missed dunk by Jason Richardson, allowing the Spurs to escape with a 113-110 victory on February 28. Amare torched us for 41 points, but we managed to hold everyone else in check. It also helped that six Spurs reached double figures.

Strength of Schedule

After this SEGABABA, we enter into the third game of a FOGAFINI versus the no-pushover Memphis Grizzlies, and then round out the hellacious schedule with a visit to CapHill and SiMa's crib.

The Suns schedule isn't any easier, as they are still scheduled to square off against 3 more Western Conference playoff teams, starting with the Thunder on a day's rest after this one.

Some Other Reading

Suns

Bright Side of the Sun - These guys are our SBN siblings for Phoenix, and they do a phenomenal job. 

Valley of the Suns - Here's the TrueHoop blog dedicated to the Suns.  These other teams' THN blogs seem to be getting better over time, which is a very encouraging sign.  Worth the read.

Spurs

48 Minutes of Hell:  Speaking of THN blogs, Tim, Graydon, Jessie and Andrew are still the best. 
Project Spurs: Good Bloguin blog with lots of good content.  Be sure to check out their podcasts and live chats.

Where to Tune In

TV 

This game will be on ESPN, but for those who don't have access, you might want to read on below...

Online

As always, NBA league pass is recommended for those who are willing to pony up the cash.  Almost every Spurs game will be broadcast there, which is especially helpful for those of us who aren't in the San Antonio area.  You know, when we're not at the games.

Please don't post links to illegal game feeds in the game thread. Links to illegal feeds are not permitted on SBNation, but you can probably find them out there on the internets if you're resourceful and desperate.  In fact, nobody can stop you from googling "atdhe". You can also shoot an email to poundingtherockmail@yahoo.com for more assistance.

Spurs League Pass audio is still free this year, so check it out.

Radio

If you're in the San Antonio area and aren't near a TV, tune in to WOAI (1200 AM).

Poll
Punctuation time! Where do you think the apostrophe in the word "Amare" should be placed?
A'mare
46 votes
Am'are
6 votes
Ama're
16 votes
Amar'e
61 votes
Amare'
28 votes
A'm'a'r'e'
159 votes

316 votes | Poll has closed

Comment 153 comments  |  0 recs  | 

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Comments

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A pipe ruptured in my house. As in right now at 4am. The smell of the fish I was complaining about before is like smelling flowers compared to this. Hopefully the pathogens I contracted while cleaning up the mess will kill me fast so I don’t have to remember seeing things I rather not had seen.

Go Spurs and all of that.

I did a lot of soul searching. I didn't find anything.

by Hipuks on Apr 7, 2010 6:52 AM CDT reply actions  

Alert Mike Rowe because you definitely don’t want to flatline until after the game…or maybe not at all.

I did not return empty handed. I came back with two huge handfulls.

by JonnyJam on Apr 7, 2010 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions  

Huge games tonight.

UTH @ HOU – They played late last night so you never know. Considering their schedule, I think they are on track for the second seed.

DEN @ OKC – We need the Thunder to win this to pull us within a game of Denver.

MEM @ DAL – Ditto for Memphis.

and our game, of course. May Nash fall apart and ’A’m’’a’’r’e’’’ miss all of his dunks.

Who would you rather have in the second round of the playoffs; Utah or LA?

"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 7, 2010 7:52 AM CDT reply actions  

LA

"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"

http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html

by Joe deLarios on Apr 7, 2010 8:08 AM CDT up reply actions  

I’m not sure who I’d rather see out of those two teams. I think we can beat both, but Utah has had our number this year…of course that was before the good playing started.

by Big50 on Apr 7, 2010 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions  

Blazers are also active against the Clippers. Lakers are the only West playoff team not playing tonight. They play the Nuggets tomorrow though.

If OKC and the Spurs win, we will both be at 49-29. We’ll also put the Suns and Nuggets to 50-28, only 1 game ahead of us.

Whichever one looks shittier in the first round….about LA or Utah.

by BlaseE on Apr 7, 2010 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions  

Thursday-Friday-Saturday

Lakers @ Nuggets

Jazz @ Hornets
Suns @ Thunder
Grizzlies @ Spurs
Mavs @ Blazers

Spurs @ Nuggets
Mavs @ Kings

Please, FSM, let us (and the Mavs) be at 51-29…..

by BlaseE on Apr 7, 2010 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions  

Right, so were Memphis “fans” today and Lakers faa… fa… aa -ack-thhh… faa… faa-uck it.

…we would like LA to beat Denver tomorrow.

I’m thinking that if Utah wins the second seed, we should root for the fourth (at worst, fifth). I would prefer to see the Suns or Thunder go up against Utah in the first round.

"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 7, 2010 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

yeah, big win for Utah yesterday

by BlaseE on Apr 7, 2010 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions  

I would love to see Utah go through a few more of those in the first round.

"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 7, 2010 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions  

the long game part… not so much the motivational win 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 Apr 7, 2010 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions  

especially at home

by BlaseE on Apr 7, 2010 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions  

If Denver loses tonight we can root for them to beat LA tomorrow. Keep the Laker struggles going. So long as we’re one back when we go to Denver that’s all that matters.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Apr 7, 2010 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

I, too, am more afraid of Utah. We just don’t have an answer for Boozer.

"What is this new devilry?" -Jeff Van Gundy

by DrumsInTheDeep on Apr 7, 2010 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions  

Dice is playing much better on both ends compared to those early Utah games.

by BlaseE on Apr 7, 2010 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions  

We also really need Hill and Parker at 100% for a Utah series.

"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 7, 2010 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions  

and no more fucking Kirilenko layup/dunk drills.

"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 7, 2010 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions  

I hope with all of my heart for this to be true, but I just don’t know if the old man can hold it together over a punishing 6 or 7 game series (let alone we we play them in a later round). Of course, there’s always a chance that Boozer will crumble under pressure. He’s done it before.

"What is this new devilry?" -Jeff Van Gundy

by DrumsInTheDeep on Apr 7, 2010 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions  

I think he will be fine. He is on track to finishing the season playing 78 out of 82 games. There are no back-to-backs in the playoffs and the travel isn’t as crazy.

and supposedly, like Tim, he reserves himself for the post-season.

"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 7, 2010 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions  

Completely agree. I also think we could try the Spurs classic of singling Boozer out and letting him score 30+ but going complete double team lockdown on whoever has the ball other than him.

by BlaseE on Apr 7, 2010 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions  

That could work—as long as Boozer AND D-Will don’t light us up in the same game.

"What is this new devilry?" -Jeff Van Gundy

by DrumsInTheDeep on Apr 7, 2010 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions  

yeah….its no easy task but I don’t think it’s impossible

by BlaseE on Apr 7, 2010 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions  

I dont fear these guys all that much. Their defense is suspect, and the Spurs have the backcourt weapons to really hurt them.

Crappy teams fear us !

by alamobro on Apr 7, 2010 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions  

The issue with Utah is that Sloan has them playing really disciplined ball. It’s the only way they can win. It’s not like they have the talent of LA and can go outside of their game plan and have some success. They have to play Jazz ball or they have no chance.

So when we go up against them, we need to beat them, b/c chances are that they won’t be beating themselves — unless Boozer just collapses under the pressure.

Alfajores cause mojo! - janieannie

by J.R. Wilco on Apr 7, 2010 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions  

The guys name just screams “collapses under pressure”, no?

by Big50 on Apr 7, 2010 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions  

Playoff Boozer requires little answer. We’ll be fine.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Apr 7, 2010 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

2nd round? Utah.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Apr 7, 2010 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions  

I don’t know. We’re gonna win the championship anyway.

You shall have no other Manu before me.

by day_late_friend on Apr 7, 2010 8:37 PM CDT up reply actions  

Lakers in the 1st
Utah in the 2nd
Mavs in the WF
Cavs in the Finals

Next season doesn't exist. Only today exists. So say we all.

by Kondor on Apr 8, 2010 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions  

That would have been nice.

5 in 10
o;—-)

by J.R. Wilco on Apr 16, 2010 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions  

It’d be really badass if we could overtake the Mavs for first in the Southwest, also. The Spurs can do this.

by Ed (dfjmed) on Apr 7, 2010 8:41 AM CDT reply actions  

I’m hoping not to see a high-scoring game. We need to tighten up our defense to prevent them from scoring 130 on us.

If you liked it then you should have put a 5th ring on it. Oh oh oh.

by TDzilla! on Apr 7, 2010 9:03 AM CDT reply actions  

We seem to always slow down the run-n-gun team while elevating our own pace. It’s worked nicely and with young guns like Temple and Blair and the ath-uh-lete Richard Jefferson, I think we should be fine,

Also, Spurs have only lost one game TV game whenever I watch them and I am most definitely watching tonight after that win over the Lakers I watched. The mojo may be dead to ya’ll but I’m staying off the game threads and watching Spurs on TV if only for my own personal mojo.

Evey- "Are you a crazy person?"
V- "I'm quite sure they'll say so."
V for Vendetta, blowing your mind away since 2005.

by KA1Z3R on Apr 7, 2010 9:28 AM CDT reply actions  

why is pop the “CIA agent”?

by k lazy on Apr 7, 2010 9:38 AM CDT reply actions  

We could tell you, but then we’d have to kill you.

by Big50 on Apr 7, 2010 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

via Wikipedia
Popovich, whose father was of Serbian descent, was born in East Chicago, Indiana and graduated in 1970 from the United States Air Force Academy. He played basketball for four seasons at the Academy, and in his senior year was the team captain and the leading scorer. He graduated with his bachelors degree in Soviet Studies, and he underwent Air Force intelligence gathering and processing training. He even considered a career with the Central Intelligence Agency.

And so we like to joke about how he always has inside connections to intel that other teams/coaches don’t, etc.

Alfajores cause mojo! - janieannie

by J.R. Wilco on Apr 7, 2010 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

Shhhhhhhhh.

:: checking the name ‘jollyrogerwilco’ on the list ::
:: firing up the Caprice for a little ‘visit’ ::

"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA

by SgtinManusArmy on Apr 7, 2010 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions  

this information will get me killed. Damn it, I asked too much!!!

by k lazy on Apr 7, 2010 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions  

You did. You really did.

by Big50 on Apr 7, 2010 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions  

Are there any pictures of Pop’s playing days?

I did a lot of soul searching. I didn't find anything.

by Hipuks on Apr 7, 2010 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions  

I think they’ve been destroyed. And now, so will you for asking.

"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA

by SgtinManusArmy on Apr 7, 2010 7:37 PM CDT up reply actions  

I had a good run. Better to burn out than to bald away.

I did a lot of soul searching. I didn't find anything.

by Hipuks on Apr 7, 2010 7:38 PM CDT up reply actions  

Hi there! Can I get your address for our… ummmm… annual summer party list?

K, thanks!

Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney

by bellasa on Apr 7, 2010 8:48 PM CDT up reply actions  

Word peeps. I will be at the game, send me positive energy so I dont get beat up by an angry spur-hating mob I have more for the team.

Crappy teams fear us !

by alamobro on Apr 7, 2010 10:34 AM CDT reply actions  

May the force be strong with you.

by Big50 on Apr 7, 2010 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions  

Just show them a pic of Manu. They’ll melt on sight. Or cry. Either way you’ll be able to escape.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Apr 7, 2010 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions  

Davis, is that an original illustration? Nice work if it is, nice find otherwise!

by janieannie on Apr 7, 2010 10:38 AM CDT reply actions  

Yep, I made it but I think it’s really lame :P But thanks anyway, janie :)

Just cause we're crippled, don't mean we gotta take the crumbs.

by silverandblack_davis on Apr 7, 2010 7:17 PM CDT up reply actions  

It’s so NOT lame – I really like it. I couldn’t even begin to create an image like that.

by CapHill on Apr 7, 2010 7:33 PM CDT up reply actions  

First off, I know we’re going with tradition at this point, but it’s hilarious (and enormously cruel) to even list the word “mojo” in a preview with the suns. So much has been done, so much has happened that I literally think nothing that phoenix does in the next decade could ever mentally erase all the pimp-slapping we’ve given them.

So, there’s that.

Second, no way Grant Hill and his monkey kidney even stand a prayer tonight. Manu always comes to Arizona hungry for dreams, and it is a land in which there are plenty.

"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA

by SgtinManusArmy on Apr 7, 2010 10:40 AM CDT reply actions   1 recs

Does that make him The Dreamcatcher? Or more of a Freddy Krueger character (I know which one the Suns fans would choose)…

"What is this new devilry?" -Jeff Van Gundy

by DrumsInTheDeep on Apr 7, 2010 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions  

I like Dreamruiner, or Dreameater.

Or just plain ol’ Mr. Dreamy.

Ahhhhhh.

"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA

by SgtinManusArmy on Apr 7, 2010 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions  

Excuse me… did someone say dreamy?

Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney

by bellasa on Apr 7, 2010 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions  

why did they do all the text in purple and gold?

by BlaseE on Apr 12, 2010 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions  

Default colors for NBA related covers on ESPN THE MAGAZINE.

5 in 10
o;—-)

by J.R. Wilco on Apr 16, 2010 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions  

monkey kidney … ::snicker::

Alfajores cause mojo! - janieannie

by J.R. Wilco on Apr 7, 2010 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions  

So true, yet still so fun for us. And it’s another late game. Yay!

by CapHill on Apr 7, 2010 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions  

How is it up there today?

"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA

by SgtinManusArmy on Apr 7, 2010 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions  

Just stopped snowing. Roads are wet, but not bad. I heard Monument is awful – fun for you!

by CapHill on Apr 7, 2010 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions  

Yeah, woke up to 10" this morning (TWSS), but it’s supposed to clear up in a couple hours. Figures. Only happens like this on days I’m supposed to come up to your neighborhood.

"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA

by SgtinManusArmy on Apr 7, 2010 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions  

Are you allowed to TWSS to your own self before you even post? That seems unfair since the rest of us haven’t had the chance. That being said, I did laugh a little bit at that.

by Big50 on Apr 7, 2010 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions  

Let’s keep the Suns and their fanbase Psychologically Devastated™ for a while longer, shall we?

Spurs Basketball. Improving [other] NBA teams since 2010! - swgeek

by Tim C. on Apr 7, 2010 11:07 AM CDT reply actions  

Good Job Davis!! Thanks

by jalberto on Apr 7, 2010 11:41 AM CDT reply actions  

Thanks, jal. Doesn’t quite measure up to the master though :)

Just cause we're crippled, don't mean we gotta take the crumbs.

by silverandblack_davis on Apr 7, 2010 7:19 PM CDT up reply actions  

A few thoughts I wanted to toss out:

  • Leandro Barbosa didn’t play in the last meeting between these two clubs; his speed has always created problems. I know Pop and the coaching staff will make a note of the speed/irritation of the Dragic/Barbosa second unit attack. Just hope BAM doesn’t fall asleep at the wheel.
  • I don’t care how soft Channing Frye is. He damn well better not be left wide-open for any three-ball attempts. Pop should bench and rip into any Spur who doesn’t closeout on him or any of the Suns’ 3-pt shooters (re: Dragic, Nash, etc.). Nash, now that I think about it, is a difficult close-out because of his transition-pullup threes. HATE those.
  • Let A’m’a’r’e’ have a huge night. No. I’m not kidding. The guy’s dialed in, but our Spurs have had good success when STAT’s going for FITTY and no one else on the Suns are able to contribute in any decisive way.

I’ll catch-up with you all in the second-half thread tonight.

...!!

by transgojobot on Apr 7, 2010 12:03 PM CDT reply actions  

I think if they play like they did against the Magic, they’ll be alright. While they switched way too many screens for my liking, it did help contain the outside shooters in that game. One thing I’ve noticed from the Spurs, their transition defense has improved quite a bit, that should help in this game.

by xman130 on Apr 7, 2010 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions  

I actually think we’ve done a good job using Barbosa’s speed against himself. We contain him so well that when he gets a lane he goes 100mph, only to be out of control and turn the ball over or miss a layup.

I agree about Frye. Matter of fact we need to defend them as we did in the ’05 WCF: stick to all 3 pt shooters and make Nash be a scorer. He and Amare may combine for 60 but the rest of the bunch gets held to 40 or less with no 3s to get the crowd going. It leaves them flustered and makes Nash carry even more of the weight which means he plays even less defense.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Apr 7, 2010 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions  

S&B – I’d give the bench to the Spurs. We’ll have Tony, Blair and Bonner. And those Suns starters played light minutes at Milwaukee because they never played in the 4th… cause they were down 20+ points. That one was a blowout from mid-2nd quarter and got some late polish to make it appear competitive.. Gentry pulled a Pop in that game.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Apr 7, 2010 12:35 PM CDT reply actions  

Good point and thanks for clarifying about that Bucks game. I still think the Suns bench has improved since the D’Antoni days, and Tony’s still at his turnover-prone worst, so at best I should’ve probably called it even. I hope BAM proves me wrong.

Just cause we're crippled, don't mean we gotta take the crumbs.

by silverandblack_davis on Apr 7, 2010 7:21 PM CDT up reply actions  

A lesson from the last few games is that we should never double team anyone. That makes it a helluva lot harder for teams that rely on the three ball. A contested three is still the hardest shot in basketball, unless you’re Dwight Howard, then it’s the free throw.

by agutierrez on Apr 7, 2010 12:58 PM CDT reply actions  

HA!

"What is this new devilry?" -Jeff Van Gundy

by DrumsInTheDeep on Apr 7, 2010 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions  

Howard still shoots FTs better than Mr Irrelephant, which is just sad.

by CapHill on Apr 7, 2010 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions  

Ginobili, Spurs close on 3-year extension

"He was just a young skinny guy who looked like a winner. We didn’t know he was going to be as good as he is."
—Popovich on Manu Ginobili

by spursfan87 on Apr 7, 2010 1:32 PM CDT reply actions  

Fantastic. Give the man what he needs and put an end to this free agent talk. Let us all gear up for playoff’s. I love Peter Holt for he is a good man.

by Heman on Apr 7, 2010 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

FUCK. YES.

"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 7, 2010 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions  

The weeks just keep getting better than the previous.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Apr 7, 2010 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions  

Best. News. Ever.

Spurs Basketball. Improving [other] NBA teams since 2010! - swgeek

by Tim C. on Apr 7, 2010 2:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

Cuban says "We can kill anybody"

He also takes a shot at us, saying the spurs are only good “when Manu scores 40”

by One4theThumb on Apr 7, 2010 1:47 PM CDT reply actions  

He is right, in that none of the Western Conference teams are scared of each other. But if Marion is out for any amount of time, Dallas becomes Allas, once again.

by CapHill on Apr 7, 2010 2:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

I think there are some teams that fear some teams….

by BlaseE on Apr 7, 2010 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions  

Cuban is afraid of the Spurs. But of course he wouldn’t admit that.

You shall have no other Manu before me.

by day_late_friend on Apr 7, 2010 8:44 PM CDT up reply actions  

3 years 40 mil?

500k less than tony makes next year, RJ still gets 2mil more. Gross.

by One4theThumb on Apr 7, 2010 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions  

he’ll make less than that next year and more in the later years of the contract probably

by BlaseE on Apr 7, 2010 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yeah, just averaging out for comparison. Good deal for him. Glad he’s getting taken care of

by One4theThumb on Apr 7, 2010 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

Destroying Dallas in the playoffs would be just as satisfying as beating Los Angeles.

Crappy teams fear us !

by alamobro on Apr 7, 2010 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions  

To me… it would be more satisfying than beating LA.

"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 7, 2010 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions  

to me it would mean that Spurs had a great season. I want GHill to punch Terry in his face.

by Heman on Apr 7, 2010 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions  

Make the world a better place, punch Jason Terry in the face.

by xman130 on Apr 7, 2010 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions  

how sweet. Utpoia

by Heman on Apr 7, 2010 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions  

That has the makings of a great song!

Just cause we're crippled, don't mean we gotta take the crumbs.

by silverandblack_davis on Apr 7, 2010 7:22 PM CDT up reply actions  

As lovely a couplet as I’ve ever heard.

Basically voted most normal person on PtR.

by Queness on Apr 7, 2010 8:25 PM CDT up reply actions  

MIght he start with himself?

Seriously, I enjoy that he’s writing checks his players won’t be able to cash. Keep on talking lil mark. You can yell even louder at the refs from your seats when your team wallks off the floor in a few weeks, dismissed and dejected yet again, in round one.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Apr 7, 2010 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions  

Muhammed Mason ?

Crappy teams fear us !

by alamobro on Apr 7, 2010 2:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

What do you have against Buddha Mason?

by Big50 on Apr 7, 2010 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions  

JV!?!?!

"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 7, 2010 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

I predict a hip check, bloody nose and a bunch of suspensions for tonight. Spurs by 15.

"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG

by LasEspuelas on Apr 7, 2010 2:37 PM CDT reply actions  

And I raise you a Timmeh threepointer.

"The Most Interesting Man in the World" wishes he were Manu Ginobili. - janieannie

by Bakkie009 on Apr 7, 2010 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

I’ll see your three-pointer and I’ll raise you a game winning shot by the man, the leged, The Manu =D

by xman130 on Apr 7, 2010 4:28 PM CDT up reply actions  

I thought we were winning by 15?

"What is this new devilry?" -Jeff Van Gundy

by DrumsInTheDeep on Apr 7, 2010 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions  

I think you underestimate the power of Manu’s game winning shots!

by Big50 on Apr 7, 2010 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions  

Maybe we will be down by two midway through the third when Manu hits a three pointer. We never look back after it.

"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG

by LasEspuelas on Apr 7, 2010 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions  

Are we getting close to messing with the now defunct mojo?

"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG

by LasEspuelas on Apr 7, 2010 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions  

“You just don’t turn it on in the playoffs,” Pierce said. “You’ve got to start building some momentum right now.”
This is why I’d love to be an 8-seed. Less than I’d want the Spurs to be a 2-5 seed though, but you know what I mean.

"The Most Interesting Man in the World" wishes he were Manu Ginobili. - janieannie

by Bakkie009 on Apr 7, 2010 2:38 PM CDT reply actions  

Amare should not have an apostrophe at all. Apostrophes are for possession and missing letters. What letter is missing?

by Spurlady on Apr 7, 2010 2:45 PM CDT reply actions  

True Dat.

"The Most Interesting Man in the World" wishes he were Manu Ginobili. - janieannie

by Bakkie009 on Apr 7, 2010 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yes, “True Dat,” the 27th letter of the alphabet.

"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on Blair

by Manu ex Machina on Apr 7, 2010 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions  

Correctly so.

"The Most Interesting Man in the World" wishes he were Manu Ginobili. - janieannie

by Bakkie009 on Apr 7, 2010 5:00 PM CDT up reply actions  

Amare with apostrophe is to be read as Amar"ae"

by Heman on Apr 7, 2010 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions  

He’s missing “D”.

I did a lot of soul searching. I didn't find anything.

by Hipuks on Apr 7, 2010 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

+1,000,000

Just cause we're crippled, don't mean we gotta take the crumbs.

by silverandblack_davis on Apr 7, 2010 7:24 PM CDT up reply actions  

“Possessive” = wants to be “the man”
“Missing” = Defense

So yes, I think the apostrophe/s fit.

Just cause we're crippled, don't mean we gotta take the crumbs.

by silverandblack_davis on Apr 7, 2010 7:25 PM CDT up reply actions  

Well, we always knew he was missing “D.”

"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 7, 2010 2:57 PM CDT reply actions  

reply fail…

"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 7, 2010 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions  

FFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU.
Great minds and all that bs.

I did a lot of soul searching. I didn't find anything.

by Hipuks on Apr 7, 2010 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions  

big game. its gonna be really tough to run up and down with those guys in a segababa situation.

by bones on Apr 7, 2010 4:15 PM CDT reply actions  

I don’t think the back to back is going to be much of an issue this time around…Manu is on Fiya and Tim is turning up his offense as well

"Fried chicken gives me the shits......." - Gandhi

by Cello the great on Apr 7, 2010 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions  

I won’t be around for the game thread, once again a 3:30am game.
Sad, since I love the Spurs-Suns game. (Playoffs 2008 R1G1 is the most watched video on my computer.)

"The Most Interesting Man in the World" wishes he were Manu Ginobili. - janieannie

by Bakkie009 on Apr 7, 2010 5:01 PM CDT reply actions  

Can’t wait for this shit tonite! So freakin excited!

i say spurs by 68

"There are two things in life that should never go together.....those two things are cheese and herpes..." - Santa Claus

by Cello the great on Apr 7, 2010 6:13 PM CDT reply actions  

Isn’t it stuff like this that killed the mojo?

"I've got Tim (Duncan) and you don't. That's the difference." -Gregg Popovich

by bj1der on Apr 7, 2010 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

We obeyed the mojo’s every whim and we sucked during the first part of the season. When we didn’t give a fuck and declared the mojo dead, we have had success. Either the mojo is a masochist, the mojo is dead and can’t retaliate against us, or there wasn’t any mojo to begin with and we were just part of a massive delusion.

I did a lot of soul searching. I didn't find anything.

by Hipuks on Apr 7, 2010 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions  

Do we actually exist, or is this just something that’s not happening. We just aren’t here. But then why can we communicate? Maybe we are all in the mind of one person? Maybe God, maybe someone else…

"The Most Interesting Man in the World" wishes he were Manu Ginobili. - janieannie

by Bakkie009 on Apr 7, 2010 7:08 PM CDT up reply actions  

FFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUU

I did a lot of soul searching. I didn't find anything.

by Hipuks on Apr 7, 2010 7:16 PM CDT up reply actions  

No spoilers but you should watch Moon with Sam Rockwell….

by BlaseE on Apr 12, 2010 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions  

Before the game and at halftime is fine. Otherwise, it’s still a no-no, but not because of the mojo. That’s just basic American sports superstition. Plus, the MOJO IS DEAD.

by CapHill on Apr 7, 2010 7:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

I like you Cap.
:)

I did a lot of soul searching. I didn't find anything.

by Hipuks on Apr 7, 2010 7:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

And for some unknown reason, I actually like you too. Of course, we’d probably hate each other in real life. Aren’t the interwebs grate!

by CapHill on Apr 7, 2010 7:49 PM CDT up reply actions  

Lol. Can’t let the grate go eh.

by LionZion on Apr 7, 2010 7:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

SPURS BY 97

"Fried chicken gives me the shits......." - Gandhi

by Cello the great on Apr 7, 2010 6:53 PM CDT reply actions  

Off to bed, good luck!

"The Most Interesting Man in the World" wishes he were Manu Ginobili. - janieannie

by Bakkie009 on Apr 7, 2010 7:08 PM CDT reply actions  

Tolliver just dropped 14 points in the first quarter.

"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG

by LasEspuelas on Apr 7, 2010 7:35 PM CDT reply actions  

The Spurs have been doing so well without me in the game thread (3 of 3), so I’ll again sit this one out and watch this alone.

Davis, RPN 9?

"Yes, it's important that I have good numbers, and I'm well-respected as a player. But I think it's more important that I'm respected as a man." - Some Tall Guy Who Wore #50

by theonlyromeo on Apr 7, 2010 7:52 PM CDT reply actions  

I checked BTV and ESPNStar, and they’re both not carrying this game. So hopefully RPN 9 steps up.

Just cause we're crippled, don't mean we gotta take the crumbs.

by silverandblack_davis on Apr 7, 2010 7:59 PM CDT up reply actions  

this game should be on Philippine national TV!

If you liked it then you should have put a 5th ring on it. Oh oh oh.

by TDzilla! on Apr 7, 2010 8:30 PM CDT up reply actions  

Hi all. Almost 200 comments and is still 40 minutes until game time. I sense a 2qtr thread.

Going for the first even year championship!

by Sh!fty on Apr 7, 2010 8:22 PM CDT reply actions  

Nellie will finally get his win to over take Lenny Wilkens as the winningest coach.

If you liked it then you should have put a 5th ring on it. Oh oh oh.

by TDzilla! on Apr 7, 2010 8:30 PM CDT reply actions  

Spurs by 7. :)

You shall have no other Manu before me.

by day_late_friend on Apr 7, 2010 8:36 PM CDT reply actions  

Damn, Houston is giving it to Utah. 92-70 nearing the end of the 3rd.

Also, looks like OKC’s going to be in another down-the-wire classic but this time against the Nuggs.

Just cause we're crippled, don't mean we gotta take the crumbs.

by silverandblack_davis on Apr 7, 2010 8:49 PM CDT reply actions  

Game time?

Going for the first even year championship!

by Sh!fty on Apr 7, 2010 9:02 PM CDT reply actions  

in 30 minutes, yeah

"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 7, 2010 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions  

Oh, I got 7pm (9 spurstime) in my mind.

Going for the first even year championship!

by Sh!fty on Apr 7, 2010 9:07 PM CDT up reply actions  

Game Thread is up.

Just cause we're crippled, don't mean we gotta take the crumbs.

by silverandblack_davis on Apr 7, 2010 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

Ha! I thought I was already in it. Thanks Davis!

Going for the first even year championship!

by Sh!fty on Apr 7, 2010 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions  

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