Season Over: Call me Ishmael
by LatinD on May 10, 2010 1:03 AM CDT
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That's it, guys. As much as it hurts, the season is now over for the Spurs, for the fans - for PTR.
No amount of rhetoric was able to make Nash miss, no direct connection to the FSM or mojo-approved picture could lock down the Suns' role players. It was a roller-coaster of a season, with downs and then lowers and rock-bottoms, followed by a wonderful Manu-inspired dream month and a first round revenge. In the end, though, we were too hurt, too cold, too tired to compete for four quarters against a team that had more weapons and better chemistry. The better team won.
It's time to grieve (Hipuks tells me there are five stages), time to accept, think of the future and look for the positives, because there are many. There will be other championships, other tests, many victories. We know this.
And remember, people, as DrumsInTheDeep says: every year we deny Cuban makes us stronger.
After The End
Get ready for dozens or hundreds of articles saying how over we are. I'm sure they'll manage to convince some of you, too. They'll ignore how well the Big Three scored against the Suns, one with a broken nose, the other with a thousand ailments. They are still that good, they'll be so next season. As long as they suit up, we'll be relevant. Believe, because they won't.
I don't know what the 2011 Spurs will be like - I do know that Hill will continue to improve, because he's that kind of player. I can only try to imagine what a year of experience will do for Blair, but I'm sure our throats will go raw yelling his name next season. Richard Jefferson will follow the pattern of so many other Spurs signings, and his second year within the system will be exponentially better. And yes, Tiago might be coming.
I can't make any promises about the team, and I know I don't need to. Come October you will all be here, hopeful and ready to get your hears broken once more if Lady Luck dictates it. You know Tim, you know Manu, you know Tony. It will be fun.
I Heart You, Morans
I'm going to get personal now. This was a special year for me: thanks to this blog in general and Wayne in particular, I was able to visit the States and watch my Spurs live. I was there, with the guys I watched on TV or through low quality Chinese feeds for so many years. I even got to meet Manu, and I managed not to make a complete fool of myself. Regardless of my current disappointment, it was a good year.
It was only possible through the magic (magic? what word could I possibly use?) of this blog. I know, I know, this is nothing but another site - one of thousands we all check every week, and probably one of dozens we participate in. And yet I can't help but feel that the sense of community we've achieved is special. I like coming here, and it's only in part because of the Spurs. Mostly, it's about the people.
It's about Wayne and his big heart, about Lauri's intelligence. You can tell Davis is a wonderful guy just by trading a few e-mails, and I hope I get to meet him someday. Tim is as knowledgeable as he is tireless, and he kept this site running through the grueling season along with the wonderful CapHill. jolly is unrelenting in his bonhomie, BlaseE is precise and insightful. Fred's fire can put off the unwary, but he's grown on me, FARS style (+28.4, man).
And it's definitely not just about the losers that get to write here. It's about everyone, those who have the time to write and those that simply join us in the game threads and type the name of their favorite in all-caps, usually adding the "dog" appendix. It's about those who have been with us long enough to get all those silly in-jokes that we seem to love so much. I've said it many, many times, but for me watching the Spurs has long since become a synonym of joining those game threads. For someone living 10.000 kms away from the Spurs, being able to share his fandom is priceless. It's huge.
Hipuks alternatively pisses me off and makes me laugh like no one else, but this site wouldn't be half as cool without him. Queness is just awesome. Manuwar has an avatar that shows his happy face while he's taking a crap. Beat that. theonlyromeo makes me laugh, tlo insists on disappearing. bellasa is incredible, and could fucking break you in half with the strength of her words. SiMA makes me wince and smile, usually at the same time, but you won't find a nicer turtle-loving, man-cave-owning, hot-tub-teasing, hand-to-hand badass anywhere in the USA. bones and sleep research facility are two guys that always have something worthwhile to read, and Chilai also belongs to that group. SinCitySpur is able to balance hunting trolls with being funny and yelling "beaches". I miss tomasito. Janieannie, p2cat... so glad I got to meet them. swgeek, please keep writing because you're outstanding. Or otstanding (you're welcome, jolly).
There are too many people to mention, so forgive me if I forgot you. dfj's polls, trango's incredible chops, c deck's all-around game. Hirschof should be talked into redesigning the site, because I don't know how he does it. TDz, LasEspuelas, rick2g, DTM, Artis, Kordor, Kai, AFA, TD, sf87, SpurredOn's and many other new guys that bring fresh blood and fresh minds to this place. alamobro, Rand and Cedar's brilliance. Everyone that takes the time to join, and share. This is a site we all make, together, and it's that much better for it.
So thanks, guys, and stay around.
Coda
Losing makes me emotional, I guess, eh? Still, I stick to what I wrote, corny as it may be. Losing is 10 times better when you can somatize with friends in this 21st century version of the good ol' sports bar.
I'll let you go back to your grieving, folks, but first read a quote Davis picked and I liked.
Win as if you were used to it, lose as if you enjoyed it for a change.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
See you next season, Spurs.
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It was Fun broklahomas, it really was.
Not to get so ahead, but
I think All those guys on the bench should go they just wont suffice, Bonner/Bogans/mason and whoever else, they all need to go im sorry to be a dick about it but they arent good enough to win anything meaninful, we’re only about 7 deep
I also think RJ should stay, he actually played hard, and some good defense too
I wonder what will the team look like next season ?
Oh well, until then
Lakers in 5. Take that PHX
Suns Fans check their closets for Manu Ginobili Bro.
You obviously haven’t learned your lesson. We LIKE being the team nobody thinks is going to win. How many ‘experts’ said the Suns wouldn’t be able to handle the Spurs?
I never said our future was dim.
Suns Fans check their closets for Manu Ginobili Bro.
by SpursNumberUno on May 10, 2010 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions
Excues me brosinski, I never said Your team was incapable, but I doubt the same guys who were potent against our team will destroy L.A.
You dont matchup with them and their bench is nothing like ours or Portland bro.
I dont mean to be a doucher about it brah
Suns Fans check their closets for Manu Ginobili Bro.
by SpursNumberUno on May 10, 2010 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions
actually the Lakers bench is not all that great either…..they have Odom that is about it and they are really weak in the PG position. It will be interesting to see how Jackson plays the Suns
"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 May 10, 2010 8:27 PM CDT up reply actions
even though Bonner was the only role player who showed up the last two games? I say keep him.
Rim Rockin' Red Rocket -silverandblack_davis
by SpursfanSteve on May 10, 2010 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions
He can be replaced, how hard is it to find shooters ?
He;s just a 6’10 Guard
I like his hustle, I love matty b, but we need better role players man
Maybe you like 1 dimensional players on the team.
We need a nice beefy frontcourt that’s mobile, and some solid back up guys on the wings
Suns Fans check their closets for Manu Ginobili Bro.
by SpursNumberUno on May 10, 2010 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions
We need two dimensional players. Some that can defend first and foremost, and then shoot. I miss the good old days of going 4-5 minutes without making a basket yet still be in the game. You knew it was only a matter of time until someone got hot and we’d be up on a team….kind of like the Suns did with the Spurs, never out of a game no matter how bad you shoot to start the game.
Shooters are easy. Shooters with a BBIQ and the ability to at least hustle on D are not. If we are going to replace him, we need to find someone who is as accurrate, as efficient, and more athletic.
name 1 role player in the league that fits that.
Rim Rockin' Red Rocket -silverandblack_davis
by SpursfanSteve on May 10, 2010 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Good points, but easier said than done. Just how exactly do we convince someone, like phx with Frye or Houston with Battier, to take Bonner in a trade considering he’s as poor a player and as stupid an individual as you claim (my emphasis)?!
And then, when and if it were to happen, how long are you willing to be patient with the newbie as he learns what some have called “the most difficult system in the league?”
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on May 10, 2010 2:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Why not hold on to Bonner for as little as possible and play him 10 minutes a game?
It’s not like it’s going to kill you to have him hanging around.
Although i suppose it’s like putting the carving knives out of the kids reach.
If he isn’t on the roster Pop can’t hurt himself by playing him for 30 minutes.
"When you go in for a job interview, I think a good thing to ask is if they ever press charges."
I actually agree with you. Kondor and I have been leading the “Get Off Bonner’s Ass” charge around here lately. I was speaking rhetorically and responding to steve above.
I don’t see him as being that bad. I think he fills a role and largely does it well. And for what we’re paying him, there’s no reason to discard him. But if we can get just the right wing shooter/defender? I’d part with him.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on May 10, 2010 6:53 PM CDT up reply actions
he plays smart and he is really not that bad – we have bigger problems than trying to replace Bonner with an upgrade
’sides that kind of move is always a gamble – Bonner knows the system
"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 May 10, 2010 8:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Screw all of that.
We need a remodelign really if we want to maximize Big Timmeh’s twighlight years. i dont care about all of that “he knows the system blah blah blah”
how many more years do we need to go into the season with the same types of players who only specialize in certain things ?
Im not trying to throw these guys under the bus (bonner, bogans, Mason) but how many more years do we have to go where we can really rely on our bench anymore
The league has passed us up, maybe you guys want to stay stuck in the old ways of doing things, but what made the Spurs the Spurs was the ability to adapt.
I look at all of the other teams in the league and I really wish we had players comparable to other teams
Im not saying we need just these super-sub role players
But guys who can do more than just Shoot a three
Or can just play overrated D and not make a single layup(bogans)
Come on bro’s get with the program
Suns Fans check their closets for Manu Ginobili Bro.
by SpursNumberUno on May 11, 2010 12:58 AM CDT up reply actions
A fitting piece centering on why it is a pleasure to post on this site. The people.
The Spurs = Not your granddaddies 7th seed !
When I’m in a pissy mood Alina will randomly mention your name despite you having nothing to due with the current situation.
Me: “Fuck, I have a cavity! This is going to cost me so fucking much, goddamn it!”
Alina: “Oh, did Daveed write anything today?”
Me: “Huh? I dunno, probably. What does that have to do with my cavity?”
Alina: “He’s so funny, remember his cuban accent?”
Me: “Hah, yeah. He’s awesome.”
Works every fucking time.
"It's Manuway or the Highway" - tlo
hysterical! at least I thought it was.
by cojones2thewall on May 11, 2010 12:14 AM CDT up reply actions
Your stages of grief link are all wrong. I wrote a post explaining them better.
Good writeup to end the season. It is time to drink, reflect, and then drink some more.
I did a lot of soul searching. I didn't find anything.
I have been doing the drinking and watching the game threads and for mojo reasons, not posting. /Sigh.
Nothing worked.
Anyways, I hope these Suns give a good account vs. the Fakers.
Great post losing does suck.
wish i could get a plug for my post giving you all the things after this spurs season.
http://www.poundingtherock.com/2010/5/10/1465333/now-what
YAY! Self Promotion
Lovin' Every Minute of it!
Well the good news is Spurs are high on Temple and Hairston. Both bring stuff the Spurs could use.
And they are also bringing into camp Alonzo Gee, Curtis Jerrells and Marcus Williams (a favorite on the interwebs). Not all will make it, but surely there’ll be some combination of these ahtletic/cheap contract guys making the team.
That is something definitely that will look different than years past. Hopefully Splitter is a Spur too. The possibilities for the team look bright with what they have and could have even with a limited amount of money to spend, being over the cap.
We, like Manu, may all be a little balder at the end of this season (after ripping our hair out), but who’s going to say that this season wasn’t worth watching? At the very least, we had our revenge against the Mavs.
"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on Blair
by Manu ex Machina on May 10, 2010 1:37 AM CDT reply actions
I purchased 50 games on DVD via Pontel of this season.
Been so busy I only watched about 10-15 full games (the ones they won)
Want to buy them to watch again??
Did the same for the 07/08 season and we know how that one went.
Those are going cheap too.
Hmm, that’s interesting, but I think I’ll pass on that.
"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on Blair
by Manu ex Machina on May 10, 2010 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Assuming we are able to sign Splitter over the summer, how much should we expect from him? Personally I am pretty excited to have another legit big man alongside Duncan.
Reasonable expectations. Mistakes for a guy who is new to the NBA, but potential to be a guy who could put in a solid 8 points and maybe 5-6 rpg by end of the season (not the season average, but better numbers down the stretch) if he can fit into the system easily.
He’s supposedly comparable to Varejao. Considering Anderson was a second-team defender this season and is a tremendous energy guy, I’d be happy with that.
Asked before the game how Parker has looked, Popovich said, "He’s still cute. "
Tiago actually has post moves, though. If his defense is comparable to Varejao, he’s a dream come true.
Free Tiago Splitter!
That’d be nice. He shot nearly 80% from the free-throw line, so it might take some getting used to as far as a big man who can shoot free throws.
Asked before the game how Parker has looked, Popovich said, "He’s still cute. "
His Euro-league FT shooting this year was fluke-ish. He’s more like 65% most of the time. A true Spur. Why do you think we drafted him? Fortunately we have a great shooting coach who will work wonders, just like he’s done with Timmy, Mason, etc.
by doggydogworld on May 10, 2010 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Just some friendly advice. . .stay away from those Euro-league centers. They’re soft and you’ll never make The Finals with one of those – let alone win a championship.
Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it.
We’ll toughen him up a year or two at our Memphis farm team.
by doggydogworld on May 10, 2010 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
VERY well played.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on May 10, 2010 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions
what? i just got something caught in my eye ok?
free malik hairston!
perth wildcats - 2009/2010 nbl champions baby!
by sleep research facility on May 10, 2010 2:53 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Can’t really add anything much, you nailed all of the things I wanted to say and more, LD. And yes, we’ll meet someday. Remember that skiing trip in China with you, me and Sin? Yeah, we’re totally kicking ass there.
::tear::
Huh, cry? Who? Me? Nah, my eyes are just sweating from the heat. I think I need to go now. kthxbai
Just cause we're crippled, don't mean we gotta take the crumbs.
by silverandblack_davis on May 10, 2010 3:50 AM CDT reply actions
Excellent post LatinD. I have to than you guys who consistently manage the site, who post brillian articles and who never fail to make each thread fun. I am glad I am part of the PTR community. Let’s all get ready for next season. Things are going to get better.
In Manu, we trust.
by day_late_friend on May 10, 2010 4:12 AM CDT reply actions
Well done recap of the season, moment and mood. Every season belongs to itself; the expectations, the flow, the memories and the finish. This one had expectations unmet. It had a flow that was more bumpy than any Spurs season in recent memory. But it also had some memorable stretches, from players that will be around the next decade and more from those that have been around the past. The finish was a hard landing but I believe it will create quite the bounce for these competitors to make for a better 2010-11.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
I miss you guys too...
This year has been really tough for me, but it’s slowed down a little, just in time for… the offseason. Drat. See you guys this offseason, and I’ll be ready to go for next season.
I’ve saved this comment and will reference it repeatedly if you fail us again.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on May 10, 2010 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions
Now for X months of Tiago Splitter talk.
"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 May 10, 2010 6:43 AM CDT reply actions
At least we have zero months of “will Manu re-sign” talk.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on May 10, 2010 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
And we heart you too, you Argentinian devil.
"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 May 10, 2010 6:49 AM CDT reply actions
Excellent post, LD. Rec’d to Cuban.
Honestly, I suddenly do not feel as bad and as bummed anymore. I’ve had a night to sleep (just barely) on it, got up, watched the Ernie/Kenny/Chuck re-run on NBA-TV, saw them send the Spurs fishin’, then read this article. I’m not sure what my favorite part was, but there were 3: rattling off the member’s names, the part about PTR being a 21st Century sports bar, the quote at the end. We’ve still got a lot of great basketball to watch, together.
Take a deep breath, dust yourself off, and come back for more. The Spurs will come back, they always do.
And if you think you see some tear drops down my face please, please! don’t tell my mates
Lovin' Every Minute of it!
How come we’ve reached this fork in the road, and yet it cuts like a knife?
"What is this new devilry?" -Jeff Van Gundy
by DrumsInTheDeep on May 10, 2010 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions
Another good big man, and a better coaching job
The Spurs need another “good” big man to help Duncan handle the middle of the defense so he would not have to work so hard and run out of gas. Pop needs to do a better job motivating his players, and making better use of his bench. Jefferson will not get better ( a bad decision to sign him); some of other role players are stiffs on defense, and have to go. This is the reality; not the hopeful, naive expectations some of you have for next year.
nail, meet hammer
I’m a Suns fan, and you’ve captured the essence of the fan AND the game. You’ve bottled how most of the fans on BSotS feel (and I’ve been around a lot longer than my name belays), when our team loses.
THAT’S what matters most: that level beyond camaraderie, where one is able to put into words that others can’t, to illustrate such enthusiasm what others often call “just a game”.
To make it succinct: you’re great fans, and come with us to kick the crap out of the Fakers!
You make it really really hard to dislike you guys. If only you weren’t so…so….Canadian.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on May 10, 2010 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions
I’ll be rooting for the Suns. I always felt bad for Little Stevie, and Grant Hill seems like a good guy. Plus, Alvin Gentry was my camp counselor for a couple of summers at Spurs basketball camp and was a cool guy. It’s funny to think, all those guys (Pop, RC, Alvin) were Larry Brown’s gophers back in the day, and had to play kindergarten cop with little brats like me.
Great cap, LatinD.
Several hours later, It’s funny how solemn I am over the Spurs’ early elimination. I guess, three straight seasons of “not quite there yet” will do that to ya.
Still, I felt a whole lot worse, when it was the Shaq/Kobe Lakers that sent our Spurs home; how demoralizing was it seeing TD sitting on that bench with his head hanging and Pop trying to console him. Heck, losing to the Ponies in ’06 was almost as bad, until D-Wade and some exercise equipment made it go down a little easier.
Right now, I’m not nearly as upset as I SHOULD be because of how the Spurs played so erratically throughout much of the regular season and in many of these playoff games. While many of us can point to the injuries and Richard Jefferson, I believe the Spurs’ inability to find replacements for the the outside shooting of Romaju and “Zombie” Finley hurt this team much, MUCH more.
Tiago or not, I hope the Spurs successfully land themselves a role player(s) capable of hitting the “Jaren/Stephen Jackson” shots this team needed so badly.
...!!
What happened to Hipuks’s “Stages of Grief” post?
"What is this new devilry?" -Jeff Van Gundy
by DrumsInTheDeep on May 10, 2010 10:03 AM CDT reply actions
Never mind, it magically reappeared!
"What is this new devilry?" -Jeff Van Gundy
by DrumsInTheDeep on May 10, 2010 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions
Hey guys and gals,
Just wanted to drop by and say how much I enjoyed talking basketball with you all. SpurredOn, latinD, spurslady, and SiMA just to name a few. You’ve all been very kind with me over the span of this series…class act over here at PtR, I look forward to coming back next season for some more battles. Losing is tough, and you all have handled it with the grace and dignity befitting a championship team. In my opinion you should be very proud to have such great fans.
Thanks again,
Charles
Stomp the Lakers for us, will ya?
"What is this new devilry?" -Jeff Van Gundy
by DrumsInTheDeep on May 10, 2010 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions
Congrats to you too, you also were a class act. Good luck next round.
Heading over to BSofthesun now to thank and congratulate everyone.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on May 10, 2010 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions
Tip of the hat right back at you.
Enjoy the run. As I’m sure you know, you never know how far it will take you and you never know if/when you’ll get this far again. The West is deep with both young and veteran squads that make reaching the final two in this conference a very difficult path to advance.
Best of luck this next round and may the Suns’ annual 17 year itch be scratched.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
“Charles! No!… He got into my head!”
oh crap, the real season has started.
by the little o on May 10, 2010 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Isn't the NBA wonderful...
it’s the only place where you can make millions of dollars doing something really fun…and when you FAIL miserablly…you get to go to an island in the carribean for a month and sip pina coladas. So where does that leave the rest of us? Going back to work mumbling something about…“wait till next year…we’re going all the way”. So let those car window flags fly high, Spurs fans…as for me and my house, we will always be proud to wear the silver & black….and if you listen closely…off in the distance…you can hear it…it’s faint…but you can hear it……GO SPURS GO!!
by titansfan4ever on May 10, 2010 10:31 AM CDT reply actions
It was a fitting end to one of the strangest seasons in recent memory. This offseason should be entertaining. I hope we do not push the panic button. I feel like we do need to make some tweaks, but let’s not blow this thing up by trading Tony.
"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
by Fred Silva on May 10, 2010 10:45 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I don’t think the FO would let that happen….but, for some reason, it’s really hard for me to think about any of that stuff right now.
by titansfan4ever on May 10, 2010 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions
Is that really a possibility? Who’s (reliable) been discussing that??
Now Manu, on the other hand…. done. Trade him.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on May 10, 2010 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions
I’m not an insider, so I do not have access to the article, but ESPN was teasing their “rumor” section with something about Tony being on the trading block this summer.
"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
Fred, I couldn’t agree with you more.
I know, I know . . . you’re thrilled. :)
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
Ha. We root for the same team, so that gives you a +100 to start with on the FARS. Your undying love for Bonner gets you a -25. So you’re still sitting at a pretty +75 in my book.
"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 agree. That would be a huge mistake, IMO.
"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on Blair
by Manu ex Machina on May 10, 2010 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Good post Dahveed, although I get the impression you must be terminal the way you’re talking.
Yeah we’re pissed, but no worries. I keep thinking of this image of two people playing Battleship. One, a star quarterback on the football team-head cheerleader dating-prom king that just got into MIT on a full ride academic scholarship; and the other his 12-year old little sister. Only, the little sister just happened to win this one game of Battleship. It happens, it’s an anomaly, and it’s no big deal. We’ll come back stronger and more vigilant and actually make good moves/decisions next time.
Good luck this summer doing South Americany things.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on May 10, 2010 11:06 AM CDT reply actions
But what if she wins 4 straight? Or 6 out of 7 and only lost the 7th because one of her destroyers missed an easy dunk?
by doggydogworld on May 10, 2010 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions
I knew someone would go there. I meant “one game” as a series in my analogy. But fair enough…. even though, the longer you play the more likely (using logic) it is that she’ll eventually best you. And if she does 4 straight times? Well, maybe you have a friend named Matt Bonner looking over your shoulder and just giving you bad advice. Either way, it’s still an anomaly.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on May 10, 2010 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions
I already wrote my excuses post, but I could definitely deliver an addendum. Such a weird series. If I told you the Spurs would be within 4 points in the 4th quarter in both games at Phoenix, and would have double digit leads in both home games, you would say, we win three of those, right? Add in the “Guy Phoenix didn’t count on the entire year but had the game of his life against us” factor, and it just gets even stranger, (Dudley, Frye, Game 2, Dragic, Game 3.) And then a one-eyed Steve Nash can’t miss in the fourth quarter of Game 4? WHAT!?!? I’m telling you, I’ve never witnessed a more bizzarre series in my life.
"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’ve never witnessed a more bizzarre series in my life.
No doubt.
Not to mention-
We gave them a 32-point swing in Game 3.
We gave them a 15-point swing in Game 4.
(and that’s even without me going to the trouble to look at the swings we no doubt gave up in Games 1&2)
Unbelievable. Unbelievably disgusting.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on May 10, 2010 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions
If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if your team missed all those open shots that normally go in; that the other team would hit almost every open shot and half of the contested 3s; that our coach would make the mistake to not staying big with Dyce in both 4th quarters in PHX; that we would miss pressure-free and pressure-packed FTs to the point we were afraid to get fouled: this series showed it.
We were out-rebounded in two games by a smaller team. We outshot a shooting team in two games. We under-utilized Duncan on offense. Our greatest assest on offense was injured the final seven quarters. Our most clutch player struggled with a nasal injury the final seven games of the playoffs (can’t blame him). We won the first quarter the final three games, excpet by much less than we should’ve. This series had it all except it all went against us. These breaks better even out next post-season.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
We had a great run, and we have a great front office that tried its hardest in years to get Timmy another ring.
Next time, Pop should go for a forward who fits his mold and is a jack-of-all-trades player that just doesn’t involving high scoring on lottery teams, ala RJ. It was a valuable learning experience but now we got to get back to the drawing board and upgrade on athleticism and defense. If we do that, along with running set plays for our young players—didn’t it seem that when Blair was fed the ball in the post he played a ton better than plays that he only did pick-and-roll and garbage putbacks?—the team will enable itself greatly for the future if they focus on this.
Some role players that a free agents to consider next year:
Travis Outlaw
Raja Bell
Udonis Haslem
Dorrell Wright
Hakim Warrick?
Amir Johnson
Kyle Korver
Brendan Haywood? Maybe?
All are unrestricted Free Agents in 2010
I guess I’d take Haslem, Bell, and Korver. Haslem and Bell would be an upgrade defensively. Haslem can make the McDyess midranger to keep defenders honest. Bell and Korver should shoot 40%+ from three. Yeah, I want those guys.
"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
Agree with your choices 100%. Haslem scares me a little because of his age, but I would be comfortable subbing his name with Outlaw. Korver and Bell would be incredible in Black&Silver, and would be the pieces we need.
Think Utah would take Mason off our hands and not be tempted to resign Kyle?
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on May 10, 2010 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Thanks for the season wrapup, LD. For some strange reason, I’m at peace with the season. Yes, it was up and down, but in the end, I think the Spurs acquitted themselves well. Maybe it’s just because, despite the disappointment with the Suns series, the Spurs were far and away my best team this year.
I’m at peace with the season
With you on that Cap. Today was mostly spent taking the rebukes of all the other guys in the lab in good spirit. Oh well, I still feel good. We fought well.
Of course, now I have no sports to follow until basketball season starts again. At least we can spend an inordinate amount of time speculating on the offseason/draft. Maybe I’ll actually pay attention to the World Cup.
I just want to say thanks to you all as well, in the spirit of LD’s post. It’s a unique experience here on PTR, to bounce off of people who are diverse, kind, and funny as all get out.
I will always be a Spurs fan, my daughters’ children will wear silver and black—I’m in it for life.
Look forward to forecasting the coming season here with you in the dog days of summer
I just had a bad feeling when Nash came out looking like Rocky.
The Phoenix Suns deserve all the credit they played really well and can beat just about anyone playing like that.
It’s stings a little less having my support group here at PTR.
Thank you San Antonio...
I said as much on my post at BSoTS, that Phoenix would not be where it is today without the history of the San Antonio and Phoenix rivalry – or ownage if you prefer. San Antonio was Phoenix’s big brother – taking the Suns out to the court and beating them time and time again.
Years of practice, adaptation and effort finally led to the moment where the Suns were able to beat the Spurs.
As a lifelong Suns fan I hold this moment, and the Spurs with the greatest of respect. Without the years of loss and needing to learn how to play better ball – this moment wouldn’t exist.
With that, I tip my hat to all of San Antonio and the Spurs organization and thank them for the outstanding level of competition, and we’ll see you all around next season!
But we were trying to teach you to beat the Lakers, not us………
by doggydogworld on May 10, 2010 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions
There is that little concern of the gold and purple
Taking the moment for what it is – I hadn’t turned to look at the next opponent the Suns were going to contend with. Although, that all changed last night when both the Hawks and Jazz forgot they were in the playoffs and not the regular season.
The Lakers are going to be a bear to get through – for anybody that was in the Western Conference Finals. Think Barkley covered it best when he said we’d have to find a bit of that old Seven Seconds or Less mentality and truly run the Lakers off the court and force them into a smaller rotation. Otherwise if you play into their setup like Utah did – they’ll just beat you with size.
Hopefully the Spurs crowd will back the Suns and cheer us on. I’d have rooted the Spurs on had we lost.
Yeah thanks for nothing Spurs fans. Now we’re going to get beat-down by a team whose coach is named Alvin and whose point guard looks like a chipmunk – and don’t even get me started on that Dudley freak.
Already having flash-backs of them beating our awesome Kobe/Smush Parker/Kwame Brown teams in the playoffs twice. At the time the Suns fans acted like they were intergalactic mega champions or something.
Sure appreciate you setting us up with that mess.
Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it.
I’d have rooted the Spurs on had we lost.
Really? Coming from a suns fan? Surely you don’t think we’re all that stupid.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on May 11, 2010 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions
Remember, it’s about match-ups and health as much as anything. Utah did not, does not and will not anytime soon match-up well with LA. Denver would’ve won a game vs LA, at least two if Karl were around. That’s just how it goes. Look to the OKC series for a recipe on how to defeat LA, with the exception that PHX has 3-pt shooting and multiple scoring options that the Thunder did not. Plus, your coach doesn’t looked scared and most of your key players have been in the playoffs before.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
Dudley on BS Report
Talking about RJ,
“We basically left Richard Jefferson wide open. We were doubling off of him. Making him shoot jump shots. We could tell he really wasn’t into it so we thought that would help us.”
"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
As Chales Barkley once said, and I screamed every time RJ missed a wide open shot, “You’re open for a reason, stupid.”
"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
Nice. Thank you, Fred. Just when I thought I couldn’t possibly get any more pissed off about the series, I hear that an opponent played towards one of our starters because they felt he “really wasn’t that into it.”
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on May 10, 2010 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Did he also say they doubled off your favorite redhead?
by doggydogworld on May 10, 2010 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Thx Latin D! It’s been fun and I am glad that you have had such a great experience this year! Look forward to reading your blog over the summer.
"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’ve been really impressed by whole cool as a whole Spurs Nation has reacted to being swept by the suns.
Distinctly classy and a severe lack of the “we wuz robbed” sentiment.
Lots to look forward to over the summer.
As an aside does anyone think we’ll resign Ian?
"When you go in for a job interview, I think a good thing to ask is if they ever press charges."
I heard we tried to last week, but on the way upstairs to the offices to sign his new contract he promptly twisted both ankles.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on May 10, 2010 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions
I might come off as an ass for it, but when your team gets swept you can’t play the “we wuz robbed card.” If it goes seven, sure. If it goes six, maybe. Four and out? Nope.
Asked before the game how Parker has looked, Popovich said, "He’s still cute. "
You never heard a fan blame the refs/injuries/poor coaching/long travel delays etc etc etc etc? heh.
"When you go in for a job interview, I think a good thing to ask is if they ever press charges."
Only Suns fans. It would be nice to see those who have played that card in the past hear only that now instead of respect. But, better to be class than ass. Besides, we’ll be back on top next season and I have no doubt that some fan base will be blaming health, refs, Stern, etc for it.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
I thought that very thing- “it would serve phx correctly if we also attempted to steal their success or victory by claiming that it was only achieved because we were playing with injuries.” Kindof a retribution/reminder of their ever-present griping about ’05.
But that’s not us, and that’s not our level of class. We win with class, we lose with class. They beat us, pure and simple, and we have only ourselves to blame. And mostly RJ.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on May 10, 2010 8:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, at least the “we got screwed” group of Suns fans are being gracious now in victory.
::cough::
Free Tiago Splitter!
Oh my God.
"What is this new devilry?" -Jeff Van Gundy
by DrumsInTheDeep on May 10, 2010 10:43 PM CDT up reply actions
That pretty much speaks for itself, I don’t know why I momentarily deluded myself into thinking that it was nice how they were handling this first taste of success with class. Wow. It’s so hard to be honorable and quiet in these moments, but I take joy in knowing that basketball karma can be a cruel mistress.
We need to remember this article this summer, when the ‘flash in the pan’ has fizzled.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on May 10, 2010 10:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Did some looking, and going through this douche’s archives, there’s also this gem-
And Suns fans can take solace it this — even though the Suns lost to San Antonio in the four previous playoff meetings, at least they were never swept, embarassed and dismantled the way this Spurs team was by your Phoenix Suns.
Hey, Gambino: This may be hard to understand for a team mired in and comfortable with embarassment, but we weren’t embarassed by you. We were embarassed by ourselves. We were embarassed by our own failure to tap into the skills that are within our team, make the right decisions, and easily dismantle such an overhyped and simple team. The embarassment came not from getting swept in a series; it comes from losing to the phx suns. That should speak volumes to you about your place in basketball history.
And given the choice- sweep a team once in the playoffs in a weak year for them…. or…. soundly defeat a surging squad repeatedly over a decade in route to 3 NBA Championships, we’ll happily give you this year and take the later. You can even ask half of your staff, pieces taken from our franchise as the only hope of beating us, and I’m sure they’ll sadly agree.
Enjoy this moment in the light now, for your season is truly an Arctic sun. It will be enjoyable 5 or 6 game series vs. LA, but you’ll look back in three weeks from the beach at a lonely island locale and realize that it was only an emotional victory. And we’ll still be here, smiling, and polishing trophies.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on May 10, 2010 11:08 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
What a sad, sad man person.
"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 May 11, 2010 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions
The best site
i have enjoyed being on this site and i hope everybody is just as dedicated in the off season as you all were doing the season.
Thank you David and to the rest of the cast here for all of the GOL’s thru this season. Maybe I don’t have a life but I would rather think this is the first site I go to everyday,okay several times a day, to give me something to smile about. And to share in the love for the Spurs.
Was I disappointed last night…yep but I also felt we really fought there at the end and that was all you can ask for. Really the Suns, except for Amare, have always been one of the teams I have liked as a second favorite team. OKC is another one, love Durant, he is a class act and a baller from hell. But when you are a Spurs fan there is a loooong way between them and a second favorite team. Being out of the playoffs hurt but not so bad when you lose to the Suns, hard to explain. Now if this had been the flipping Mavs….well I know I don’t have to explain it to you all. Last summer was one long pissed off affair.
Hey Suns, go beat the crap out of the Lakers pretty please, wipe that smirk right off of Kobe’s face.
Timmy D .... enough said.
DA-vid thanks for being Emo.
oh my bhageezus LD this was great. You’re great. I almost shed a tear, too. I am with you, the big 3 will be FUN and Hill will get more consistent!! Luv ya mang!! 1 or 2 Mojitos & a cigaro are in the works till next time. :)
by cojones2thewall on May 11, 2010 12:13 AM CDT reply actions
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