Game 2 Seppuku: Bite the Bullet, Sam
by LatinD on May 6, 2010 10:43 AM CDT
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(Della Stock)
Okay. Basically, the Spurs are now in a bit of a hole.
Not a big, unsurmountable hole, mind you. The core of this team is as veteran as you can get: our Spurs have been there, have done that, done it again, and got the rings to prove it. They can certainly climb out of this hole; hell, I think they can bury the effing hole in defense and clutch plays and role players stepping up and the cheers of our home crowd... ...Okay, that analogy got away from me.
My point is, in both losses, the Spurs weren't outplayed - they stayed with the Suns though 3 and a half quarters, dropped their defensive intensity during key stretches, fell behind by 10 points and then managed a late mini-run that teased us into despair. You get the feeling that they are some adjustments away from finding the formula that will put these Suns to the ground - the potential for greatness is there. So far, of course, it's unrealized potential.
Some people say we're at the nadir of the season; those people would be right, if you consider numerical closeness to The End to be the only parameter. I like to think of this as an opportunity. Much like the games at Detroit in the 2005 Finals, these two losses can be the prelude to a historic comeback, the start of yet another exclamation mark in the one-sided Spurs-Suns would-be-rivalry.
So let's make history.
Winning is Better Than Losing
Let's get this out of the way: we all wish we were winning. Winning feels good. As if your every opinion and the often illogical belief in your team of choice's chances of winning were suddenly vindicated by reality. There's nothing simpler than being the fan of a winning team - all the bragging right and none of the gut-wrenching pain.
I'm a particularly bad loser. Every time we lose I feel physically ill, a surge of anger that makes me yell at my poor dog (who doesn't bother waking up) and gets stuck somewhere along my upper chest. This feeling is only exacerbated by the playoffs, too. A losing playoffs series is an emotional marathon that tests my faith in sports fandom in general - is it all worth it?
And then the emotional ebb stops, and the Spurs start to win, my spirit soars and I remember what it was all about. I always think that a true fan would be beyond doubts like that; nothing but the confidence to sneer at the scary moments and the wit the shoot down naysayers whose faith wavers.
Then I realize SiMA is like that and I wonder at the benefits of such a posture.
The Game
There are always fingers to point in a loss. I'll use my index to indicate the bench, or lack thereof. Where is Bonner's timely sharpshooting? Where's Blair's beyond-his-age savvy? Where are the bench triples, the hustle, the extras? Meanwhile, Dudley and Frye are as good as advertised, and abused Blair and Bonner at the hoop and beyond the arc, respectively.
I'll be the first to point out that bashing a player and the minutes given to him breeds negativity, and it tacitly implies that you consider yourself superior to the coaching staff in all things basketball. I ragged on Fred during the season when he bashed Bonner, and paid no mind to the exaggerations regarding his lack of aplomb for the playoffs. Surely that was last season, right, and this was a new season, and he was consistent through a stretch of games... Well, it's the playoffs now, and Matt Bonner refuses to prove his enemies wrong. His importance to the Spurs is not proportional to his skill level, and the thought of Tiago Splitter waiting on the wings offers no consolation.
Are there any options? Well, there's Blair, whose foul-prone wrecking-ball self did an acceptable job of guarding Apostrophe. And yet when he was on the court last night the Suns grabbed offensive rebound after offensive rebound ad nauseum. There's Yawn, but really there's not. And there's also the infamous small ball, so often vilified by the PTR faithful.
Why not, guys? If there's a team against which the height difference isn't significant enough, it's the Suns. It worked in spurts during game 1, and it has worked historically. Now, I was always proud of how the Spurs beat those 7SoL Suns teams at their own game. We ran with the best and triumphed. And nowadays we have Richard Jefferson and George Hill, speed demons of their own right. If you can't impose your own pace, why not embrace theirs and use your knack for defense to stiffle just one more play than them, two more?
Regardless of half-baked theories, we were never able to impose out defensive identity in the second half of the fourth quarter. Tim Duncan's three-pointer as the game wound down was a reminder of a grander day, but the home crowd was never worried. Timmy played a great game, all in all, and got us to a good start with hooks and short jumpers that found nothing but net. It took him 6 or 7 shots to finally miss one, but the Spurs hadn't managed to pull away while he had the hot hand. It wasn't his fault.
I will use my middle finger to point at Manu Ginobili. On a night when Rage played one of his best games in black, silver and white, Manu's shot was AWOL. Let's be honest: Manu hasn't been the same since the Teutonic Elbow. He battles, he hustles, he does smart things because he's Manu Ginobili, but something has been shaken. His jumpers clanked, and he was doubled, but he was still able to make a positive impact with his passes, good for 11 assists.
My ring finger will be aimed at the entire team. We are settling for jumpers, we aren't boxing out, we aren't staying on the shooters. The Nash/Apostrophe pick and roll is deadly, but that's no excuse to let them take open threes. They are used to that game - they would take triples even if double teamed by a pair of 10 feet tall octopuses. They have exactly one and a half players that like to bang inside, and we have an all-time defensive center. As well as RJ played, I remember him taking a long two while PTR exploded with "DRIVE!" requests - and then I remember him closing on a seemingly languid Nash and leaving Frye (Frye?) open for the dagger. We need to look for the whistles at home. [You may now TWSS this entire paragraph.]
My entire fist will be shaken at the referees, and Joey Crawford. That's behind us now, and good riddance.
Mojo Dictates My Life
I might miss part or the entirety of game 3: Santiago Feliú, a Cuban songwriter/singer that I like, is coming to Buenos Aires for the first time in almost a decade. I bought my tickets before I knew what the Spurs' schedule would be, and while I'm trying to change them I doubt I'll be able to. The thing is, if I miss the game and we win, should I join game 4's game thread?
Definitely not. That's mojo for you.
Eff You, Probability
I say we use the energy of the home crowd to win games 3 and 4, thanks to the return of our three point shooting, Blair's beastly putbacks and countless layups. I say we go back to Phoenix 2-2 and the perennial runner-ups feel the pressure of history. I say this goes to 7 games, and we continue our in crescendo development into the team to beat.
I say these Spurs will make history.
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hope your right…..
Go spurs go!
"Tim Duncan is my main bitch!" - Santa Claus
by Cello the great on May 6, 2010 10:50 AM CDT reply actions
I don’t think the 0-2 hole worth panicking over until the Suns beat the Spurs on San Antonio turf… All the Suns did was hold serve at home.. good teams should do that and the Suns are in fact a good team as much as it pains us to admit it.
Now it’s time for the Spurs to show they are just as good and I think they will.
Defending Big D: A Dallas Stars blog on SBN: easy to use, free to join.
StarsScene.com: A general sports opinion blog that's just easy and free.
@StarsScene: Offending fans of other teams one tweet at a time!
manu
The pick and rolls have looked so blah. Mostly because Manu is going side to side when getting a pick set. He needs to be coming towards the defenders that way when the bigs try and hedge he can split the trap with ease. Or if they don’t hedge, and just show, he will blow by them for a layup. It all starts with how Manu uses the pick. Do not move side to side, go forward.
"It's Manuway or the Highway" - tlo
The Suns have been very good containing Manu with the show on the pick and roll around the elbow to the 3pt line, instead of showing much higher where Manu has much more room to work with. They do that risking that Manu hits his jumpers, which he isn’t doing. And yeah, he hasn’t been doing well since his nasal fracture – missing jumpers, missing free throws, and most surprisingly, missing his LAYUPS. I feel like he’s missed a ton of them since he got his nose whacked. His passing has been as good as ever though, but we need him to be Super Manu again.
My dad made the best comment on Joey Crawford last night. He’s the Elmer Fudd of the NBA. Can we get some photoshop expertise on this?
your dad’s too kind. I have plenty of other choice adjectives and descriptors to describe Joey
by i luv this site on May 6, 2010 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Hey, love the optimism Latin D!
Last night game’s finished this series for the Spurs. Call me unloyal, call me a pessimist, but the season is over. Yes, yes I know it is only two games but the Suns have way too much firepower. The Spurs might even pull out the next two games but to win 4/5 against this Suns team is next to impossible. Sorry guys, I love my team but it doesn’t mean that I expect them to be able to move mountains. Maybe next year. P.S. get rid of RMJ and Bonner b/c they both dissapeared in the playoffs.
PSS I hope the Spurs make me eat my words but I doubt it
"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
Ehh, don’t give into the overratedness of the Suns just yet.
Never count the Spurs out. Especially on homecourt.
by fanoftheunderdogs on May 6, 2010 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Im with you Ceek. If the Spurs manage to win this series it would be one of the greatest comebacks they ever completed.
"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG
yea, I hope one of us can beat l.a., the above comment is ridiculous in my opinion, I have no problem with the spurs being confident, but calling us over rated seems a bit far fetched.
Until you show me something spectacular while we’re playing our best, the way we could be playing, I still feel you’re overrated. The suns are not as unbeatable as many would have you believe- beating the 2010 SPURS 2 games does not a powerhouse make.
Bottom line, I can objectively take myself out of ‘homer’ mode and watch the game as a basketball fan and purist. When I do this, I truly don’t see anything about the suns that we can’t neutralize and defeat. There’s nothing especially impressive to me about their game and nothing that makes me scared (in contrast, LA’s matchups terrify me and I don’t have much hope there). Being made to feel as though (by the fans and media) there actually IS something there to the suns, when I’ve had two games of not being blown away, is what defines them as “overrated” in my book.
And watch, when the SPURS come back and tie the series 2-2 and phx subsequently implodes allowing San Antonio to win the series; all of those same supporters and pundits will be eagerly jumping onto that “overrated” bandwagon.
All that said, don’t read me wrong- congrats go to you guys. You’ve played well and played your game (you’re welcome) in your gym. You deserve credit and maybe even a trophy for that.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on May 6, 2010 4:43 PM CDT up reply actions
I guess I just don’t understand who has been overrating the Suns. It certainly hasn’t been the media — they’re the same folks who picked us to miss the playoffs, win less than 45 games, and lose to the Spurs this series. Sure, they might still get that last one right, but it’s been interesting to watch the backpedaling (Kenny Smith, I’m looking at you) after last night’s game. Some Suns fans are guilty of going a little bit overboard right now, but what fanbase doesn’t have blinders on when it comes to their own franchise?
For years we’ve heard the familiar refrain of our style of play not being good enough to win a championship. And it’s been true. Now, we’ve had an interesting double whammy this year — first, that our personnel couldn’t even make the playoffs, and now that they did, we’re treated to the same old refrain. If anything, our team has been consistently underrated.
Maybe you haven’t been impressed by the Suns in the first two games, but in a way that’s the point: Our flashy, hyperactive teams looked great in the regular season but couldn’t gut out the close games. This team…there’s a difference. Our bench can scrap. We can play a shred of defense. Our coach doesn’t flip out every 1.6 seconds. There’s a new composure there.
The true test starts this weekend. I don’t expect the Spurs to go down without a fight, and it wouldn’t surprise me if this went to 2-2.
It certainly hasn’t been the media — they’re the same folks who picked us to miss the playoffs, win less than 45 games, and lose to the Spurs this series.
You must be referring to the Arizona media, because the worldwide misleader has been stroking the Nashites for weeks.
Well written comment though, articulate and well-worded. You’re definitely the Stephen Hawking of suns fans, and it’s appreciated. And I agree with you about the lack of surprise with both of these teams and said the same at the start of the series- I wouldn’t be surprised if we suddenly win it all now in 6, or if the suns even swept us. Both teams are quality and anything could happen.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on May 6, 2010 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions
overrated?
Yeah the media loves Nash but for the most part all the experts were picking the Spurs to win this series so I don’t see anyone overrating the suns.
You are the Euclid of SPURS bros.
"It's Manuway or the Highway" - tlo
Sorry bud. You are just wrong. They may like Nash but at least 8 out of 10 analysts have picked the Spurs to win this series.
by Suns Fan For Life on May 7, 2010 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions
When did I say that ESPN had overwhelmingly picked the suns to win the series?
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on May 7, 2010 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Our coach doesn’t flip out every 1.6 seconds.
I must say that it’s nice not to have to watch that all series. Man he was annoying and made the team and fans think every call was against them. Such a whiner. I do notice that some of the players and fans in the arena still react as though every call is bad. Gotta get over some of that.
Your piece was well written.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
I just don’t know how you can call us over rated when we beat you twice in a row, in games we would normally lose, at least in past years. You can justify and brow beat me with your questionable ability to “take yourself out of homer mode”, doesn’t matter, I’ve respected this team from the start of this series and you, even though we’ve beaten you twice in a row, and 4 out of 5 times if you count the regular season, obviously think that we’re just getting “lucky”, or any other adverb of your choice. Your comment is laced with condescension and sarcasm, and that’s fine cause it’s your house..it’s unnecessary to act like that with me for future reference.
Fair enough. I hereby proclaim, for all to read and partake of:
“The Phoenix Suns are the regular season champions over the San Antonio SPURS. Congratulations to a deserving squad.”
It’s this adorable little inferiority issue that makes me smile. I don’t disrespect you personally or your team. You didn’t get lucky over the last 2 games, you earned the W’s. You guys played well and DID beat us in 2 straight games. And if you win this series, you’ll have beaten us in 4 games that mattered. That’s something, and it’s just as much a testament to your success as it is to our failure (Although you, as a suns fan, will believe it’s MORE a testament to your success and I, as a SPURS fan, will believe it’s more a testament to our failure; that’s the way of fanship).
And yes, most of my comments ARE laced with condescension and sarcasm to fans on our blog who haven’t earned the right to be cocky. Not that you are in this category, but I can’t discriminate because it would be unfair. I only kid you because you’re one of the few that is articulate and well-worded. Those who aren’t simply and endlessly get ridiculed to tears. If you’re not tearing up yet, it’s because we like you and welcome you.
And yes, it is my house, and in the immortal words of Terry Tate, “This is my house. You don’t come into my house and kick my dog and take a box full of ball-points.” Thankfully though, I didn’t lock the door behind you and you’re free to come and go.
And thank you for self-correcting your grammar. I value your honesty and input.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on May 6, 2010 9:10 PM CDT up reply actions
All that said, don’t read me wrong- congrats go to you guys. You’ve played well and played your game (you’re welcome) in your gym. You deserve credit and maybe even a trophy for that.
Maybe it’s just a matter of myself not being able to decipher when you’re being sarcastic and serious, a common malady on the internet I’ve found.
but I can’t discriminate because it would be unfair.
I dig it.
If you’re not tearing up yet, it’s because we like you and welcome you.
I don’t know for sure but i’d imagine as an opposing fan, this is a pretty big compliment coming from you, so thank you. About the inferiority issue, when you’ve been continually made into a princess by a team year in and year out for almost a decade…can you really blame us?
you’ve been continually made into a princess by a team year in and year out for almost a decade
And this is why you’ve been accepted and are loved.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on May 7, 2010 1:57 AM CDT up reply actions
I thought you promised to stop all pessimism back when we had that run of victories over the Lakers, Magic and Cavs?
I certainly understand the concern but I don’t see this as winning 4 of 5. I remember being told the Lakers couldn’t win 4 of 5 vs us; they topped it by winning 4 of 4. I recall hearing that Dallas couldn’t win 3 straight and did to go up 3-1. Then we couldn’t and were a layup away from doing so. I think we all recall how we couldn’t win 4 of 5 vs a younger and more atheltic NOLA team. Each playoff game is its own entity. One play can swing a game and certainly one game can swing a series. If the MO of this team was to get down 0-2, win at home then lose in six I’d agree with you. Call it Utah Jazz syndrome. But that’s no who these guys are. It won’t be easy but it was never going to be. If it doesn’t happen, it won’t be because they can’t win four of five.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
You really made the best point about this in your post, a point that Bones and I made years ago on the old Pounding the Rock. If you’re an athlete, especially one with veteran savy and a championship pedigree, “4 of 5” doesn’t enter into your thoughts AT ALL. You think in terms of one game at a time.
“We win OUR Game 7, Game 3, at home.” Then the series is 2-1.
The next day, “We win OUR Game 7, Game 4, at home.” Then suddenly the series is 2-2, and the momentum is ours while a treMENDOUS pressure is theirs.
The next day, “We win Game 5, on the road.” Then, the series is ours and we return home to hold serve. It’s the “Pounding the Rock” mantra instead of the “WE’RE FREAKING DOOMED” mantra, and it’s what 4-time Champions are made of.
Thinking in terms of stats or “the big picture” is useless in this game and when you’ve already been there. Breaking it into specific goals/games makes it FAR more manageable and doable, and relegates the pressure. We did it against dallas, not seeing it as “having to win 4 of 6,” and then went on to win 2 straight, changing the entire series.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on May 6, 2010 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions
I think this series will be won on the opponent’s court, and I think whoever wins first out of home will win the series. If the Suns can take one of the next two games, they’ll win in 5. If we take next two games, the series starts again, and I still believe we win in 6.
Now, those last few days in the NBA were pretty depressing to me. the thing that bothers me the most is that I don’t see anybody who can stop the Lakers in the West. I still believe we had a great chance to upset them in the 1st, but we blew it by winning one too many games. Now The Championship Lakers are back. Gasol is playing probably the best basketball of his life. Their big men rotation of Gasol, Bynum and Odom is the best in the NBA, and their backcourt of Kobe and Artest is the best defensive backcourt. They can really shut people down for a while, they are the best in the clutch, they have a championship mojo and the most successful coach in the history. Whoever wins our series, I don’t see them beating the Lakers in WCF.
The thing that bother me the most about the Spurs is their mediocrity. It was with us the whole season outside of the Month of March, when we had SuperManu. Now Manu is still good, but he is not a SuperManu anymore, not the best player in the western conference. With that Manu we cannot beat the Lakers on their home court. Our emerging star George Hill was the worst player of our team in the first two games of the series with combined +/- of -34. He seem to get an indulgence for his awful play from most fans on this site, but to me he is the biggest reason why we are in 0-2 hole in the series. I still believe we can climb out of this hole, but our chances in the WCF if we get there are not good.
I am here to state the obvious.
Lakers are playing the Jazz who have no belief they can win in LA. That series is as valid as judging Orlando by their playing Atlanta.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
I am not discussing who they are playing (the same team who beat us 4 times this season, by the way), I am talking about how they are playing. Hopefully, Orlando can beat them, or even the Cavs, I am getting desperate here. I just don’t see anybody in the west capable of beating them. Jazz, Suns, and Spurs seem to me pretty even in that respect.
I am here to state the obvious.
+1
Even Barkley says the only way Utah is winning a game is by pushing the tempo, something the Suns do better than anybody else. Spurs did beat the Lakers twice this year and had a chance in a third game where they blew their lead in the second half.
I’ll take Spurs, Suns and Mavs long before I worry about the Jazz. They are incredibly slow when they go big, and small when they go quick. Their lack of foot speed on defense is the primary reason they’ve been unable to match-up with LA or SA (until this season) the past four seasons. They have no one to guard Kobe, Gasol, Bynum or Odom. If you no competent match-ups for the other teams four best players you won’t win 4 of 7. You probably won’t win 2 of 7. OKC had someone to guard Kobe, someone to protect the paint, and team speed that made the Lakers show their age. Utah never had a chance. Both the Spurs and Suns at least have ways to exploit the Lakers , starting with their respective PGs.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
Both the Spurs and Suns at least have ways to exploit the Lakers , starting with their respective PGs.
Jazz has better PG than anybody else, and you still dismiss them completely.
they’ve been unable to match-up with LA or SAThat’s why they were 4-0 against us this season. Your logic is impeccable.
I’ll take Spurs, Suns and Mavs long before I worry about the Jazz.We are talking this year playoffs, right? Are you aware of the fact that the Mavs are gone? How can you worry about a team that is no longer in the competition?
I am here to state the obvious.
You’re being unnecessarily snippy and you know it. They’ve been unable to match up with LA and SA until this year. I’m sure you read that. I also don’t care about a 4-0 record built before the ASB. Ask Dallas how that reg season record vs the Spurs played out.
As for PGs, DW is not the kind of PG that gives the Lakers issues, thus why Westbrook was a problem for them even though any team would rather have DW. Nash and Parker have the quickness to exploit LA. It’s about match-ups Kondor, individual match-ups and how they affect a best of 7, not who’s best in the league and what they did in the regular season.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
You can slice and dice it any way you want, but my prediction is that nobody will beat the Lakers this year until the Finals. I don’t like it, but this is what I see. Before the playoffs I had some hope that may be Denver could beat them, or may be Dallas, or may be our Spurs can eliminate them in the first round, or even OKC. But I have no hope anymore. Would you care to make a different prediction based on your match-up analysis?
I am here to state the obvious.
Depends on length of series. If LA can remove Utah in 5 games or less, it is unlikely that PHX or SA will defeat them, especially since I see this series going 6 or 7 games. Lakers would be rested, healthy and with h/c. If the Jazz manage to win all their home games and force LAL to go 7, then I predict the winner of SA-PHX, so long as key players remain healthy, will defeat LAL.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
You convinced me with your argumentation above that Jazz has no chance to extend the series. So it sounds like you agree with me that the Lakers will play in the Finals again.
I am here to state the obvious.
If any team can use their h/c to win against superior foes, especially at playoff time, it is Utah. They may extend their series just because of that. I think they got a bit of a raw deal with the three days off between games, which very much helps the Lakers after the OKC series. But part of that is their own doing, as they do not want Sunday home games, thus the league gave them Saturday/Monday instead of Friday/Sunday (and you know the league wanted LA to be on its Sunday time slot).
The West is so competitive this season that something as small as time off can determine the winner. Had LA played a game 7 on Sunday, they’d almost certainly not be going back to the Finals IMO, as that would’ve hurt their chances against a lesser Utah team, assuming that they did finish off OKC. All that said, let’s let the WCF be set before we assume the Lakers will just waltz in again. Strange things happen in the competitive world of the playoffs.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
The West is so competitive this season that something as small as time off can determine the winner.
I consider this just a completely wishful thinking. The Lakers stopped giving a shit about regular season sometime around the all-star break. Their half-assed effort was still good enough to land them in #1 spot. If they tried hard (as we did, for example), they would probably win 15 more games than the next team. We can make all the fuzz about how close, competitive and unpredictable the west is, but at the end of the day we’ll have the same result that was expected from the start of the season – the Lakers will represent the west in the Finals. I am ready to put my 100 bucks against your 100 bucks that this is exactly what is going to happen, whether you play games on Sunday, Monday morning, or 3 am on Wednesday. It would take a strong, motivated and somewhat crazy team to upset the Lakers. In March we had a puncher’s chance to be that team. In May we would be lucky to go though the Suns who are not nearly as good as the Lakers. It’s like a college team trying to upset the professionals, it’s like a Puerto Rico team trying to win against Team USA. May happen in one game if you are lucky. Not going to happen in a 7 game series. So predictably depressing.
I am here to state the obvious.
May you enjoy your depression. I’ll enjoy watching this play out. The West is far from settled, including our current series.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
I wish I could enjoy it. This is actually killing me, my ability to see the future so clearly and being unable to change anything to stop it from happening.
I am here to state the obvious.
You give yourself too much credit. I don’t think your futuristic vision had the Spurs reaching 50 wins with their closing schedule nor defeating the Mavs.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
Still, if you look back into the archive, you could find my comment, where I predicted us to get to 50 wins (it was during the time when we had discussed remaining schedules for different teams, with probably around 15 games to play). If you look a bit closer, you can find me calling the Dallas series 4-2. I don’t pretend I can predict everything, but I can predict some evident outcomes.
I am here to state the obvious.
Wrong. You CAN do something. It’s the very essence of mojo. Kondor has all the power to affect the outcome.
Of course, I can only assume that the reason we are down 0-2 is because you do not realize and act on this.
For shame.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on May 7, 2010 6:54 PM CDT up reply actions
we agreed that we wanted a split at Phoenix, but we didn’t get it. wtf was that? now we have our backs to the wall and need to win 4 in a row. of course, we can do it against the Suns, if we are a championship-caliber team. the moment of truth, I should say the first moment of truth is coming tonight, and I am pumped for that. I feel like I may seriously offend some Bonner-haters or other whiners this evening.
I am here to state the obvious.
I’m with you on your anti-Bonnerhate and anti-whining.
And we CAN do it. But you’ll need to be wearing the right thing, sitting in the right position, eating the right things, and saying only the right things. That’s the only chance we have.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on May 7, 2010 7:48 PM CDT up reply actions
The Lakers had a few injury issues of their own, but they certainly put forth a solid effort to get and maintain that #1 seed (with the possible exception of their final game, when it seemed clear that they wanted to blow that game to have a better chance of drawing OKC in the first round).
I actually think that the Spurs would have a very good chance against the Lakers – I sure hope they get the chance to prove it.
Agreed. LA was also trying to stay ahead of Orlando in case they meet in the Finals, but failed. Phil was playing Kobe and Gasol 40 minutes per night. I think OKC showed how to beat the Lakers, it’s just that Utah is not built for it. LA has been and continues to be a match-up nightmare for Utah.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
“They” always say the series doesn’t start until someone wins on the other team’s court. I’m going to hold onto that thought for now. It’s just going to be a little harder than we originally anticipated.
Hill has not played well, but I don’t think he’s the biggest reason why we’re 0-2. I throw that on the pathetic rebounding. I just hope that he bounces back at home, like he did against the Mavs.
This sounds a bit out-there, but… what if Pop is just letting the Suns get fatigued by winning game 2? It’s no secret that the Spurs didn’t have much energy tonight. That, and now comes 2 games in San Antonio with a hostile crowd.
FYI, if the Spurs come out of the gates in game 3 suddenly ON FIRE as if THEY had actually won the first two games? Then I’ll assume I’m right.
by fanoftheunderdogs on May 6, 2010 12:26 PM CDT reply actions
Normally with sports I would scoff at this suggestion, but we are talking about CIAPop, and he’s done strange things before.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on May 6, 2010 4:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Blair
I like how Blair attacked Amare (the one or two times he did it). I’ve always been amazed at Blair. When he attacks the rim, I get scared that it’s going to be awkward, then he lays it in softly, getting me thinking why I ever doubted him. Nice work too with defending Amare. But I think he got pulled because we were hemorrhaging offensive rebounds when he was there.
Yeah, he got 3 steals on Apostrophe. I was impressed.
"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on Blair
by Manu ex Machina on May 6, 2010 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions
I like to think of this as an opportunity.
I very much agree with this.
the Spurs weren’t outplayed
This one I disagree with last game. In game 1, the Spurs did not execute in that they played poor defense in the 1st Q and missed open shots all game. But in game 2 they were outplayed starting in the 2nd Q and never regained the edge. Tip your cap to the Suns for that and give a Pop stare to our bench guys who rebounded as they were scrimmaging.
I also think we’re losing the game early rather than late. We’ve put no pressure on the Suns in the 4th because off mistakes from earlier in the game. In gm1 it was the 1st Q. Last night it was the 2nd Q. This is where you build and advantage so that the opponent burns up energy coming back, then you retake the game at the end. Right now we’re wasting our early advantages with missed open shots and poor effort, thus the Suns late run starts from the point of a tie game instead of the pressure of trailing.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
Having only gotten home in time to catch the 4th quarter, which apparently was the worst quarter to catch, I can’t say much about the whole game. One thing I know is that this team NEEDS somebody besides Duncan to play big. We got that against Dallas, now let’s see who it will be. Parker and Manu are very likely candidates, but anybody would be fine. I expect to see some adjustments from Pop and the Spurs to win tomorrow night. The question becomes, can they tie things up?
The 2nd Q was worse. We were in control and playing excellent defense against their bench. We just decided that rebounding was not important.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
The second quarter hurt. Assuming my recollection is correct, the Dudley got a layup and a foul, missed the free throw, they grabbed an offensive rebound off that. Then they scored another layup and got the foul as well. This time they hit the free throw.
Just reminded me that a defensive possession is not complete until the defending team has grabbed a rebound. It was a frustrating couple of minutes.
Asked before the game how Parker has looked, Popovich said, "He’s still cute. "
Cost us four points and two team fouls, simply from Bogans not boxing out Dudley. Changed everything and made them the confident aggressor.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
But if you go back and look at that sequence, it didn’t hurt us on the scoreboard. When Nash and Amare came back in the game, we were still up 8. 2 Nash assists later and we were only up 2.
I agree that his hustle got the crowd into the game more and gave Nash more rest, but we still can’t give up wide open 3’s and blow defensive assignments.
We were up by 6 when Nash and Amare came back into the game. George Hill made a shot to make it 8 before the Suns drained back-to-back three-point shots.
In Manu, we trust.
by day_late_friend on May 6, 2010 9:34 PM CDT up reply actions
We were up by 6 when Nash and Amare came back into the game
Correct. What’s worse, we had to burn Manu, Tim, George and RJ energy just to keep the lead at 6. When Steve and A’m’a’r’e came in they were fresh. Same thing happened in the 4th, they came in fresh and simply destroyed an exhausted Duncan.
by doggydogworld on May 6, 2010 10:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Duncan was evidently exhausted. He resorted to fouling Amare during one of the Suns’ pick-and-roll plays. This doesn’t bid well for the Spurs. Duncan has played well in the first two games but played for an average of 38 minutes. I am hoping Pop manges his minutes better since he’ll be badly needed when we stretch this series to 6/7 games.
In Manu, we trust.
by day_late_friend on May 6, 2010 10:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Good point. I think Duncan is playing a lot of minutes and is really dragging near the end of games. And the key is that they aren’t minutes banging in the post against Dampier or Haywood, they are running around chasing Amare and Nash. What about running McDyess as the big man in our small ball lineup? Couldn’t he guard the pick & roll a little better, or at least be a little more athletic to body against Amare? Plus, it would allow Duncan to rest a bit more and still give us a little more offense than Blair has.
I like this. Not point in putting Duncan in our small ball lineup.
"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG
Good points.
It hard to play Blair with Duncan, because they both clog the lane. Blair and Bonner obviously don’t play well together, so why not play Timmeh and Matty together. Then Blair and Dice could be in the small ball lineup. Dice hasn’t play excessive minutes yet, so I think he should get more burn.
I actually think it’s more physically exhaustive to bang all game. That leaves bruises and is more grinding over a long series. Not to say that Timmy can’t get tired from constant up and down but I worry much less about him wearing down over a series the way a seven gamer vs LA’s front line would do.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
I wish Pop would play Mahinmi for 10-12 minutes. Yawn is as good as Tim if all Tim does is fouling Amare. While Yawn would administer his 6 fouls, Tim could have a breather.
I am here to state the obvious.
I bashed Pop more times this year than I ever have.
But I don’t think Pop believes Yawn has any business playing in this series. Especially with how well DeJuan played last night (not including when he let Jared Dudley grab 20 offensive rebounds)
I’m going to trust Pop on this one.
The Spurs = Not your granddaddies 7th seed !
I trust Pop, but I would be glad to see Timmeh playing less minutes and staying fresh and more effective.
I am here to state the obvious.
Agreed. Though I wouldn’t want to see Ian playing that much in the playoffs. I’d like to see 5 or so minutes.
"It's Manuway or the Highway" - tlo
I really can’t understand how anyone can rationally suggest “playing Tim Duncan less,” but am intrigued by the theories of both of you and want to hear the argument.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on May 7, 2010 6:57 PM CDT up reply actions
It goes something like that:
playing TD less == fresher TD == more effective TD == we dominate inside == we win!
I remember one game (Orlando?) when Tim got into early foul trouble and sat for most of the first half. Then he came back and played absolutely outstanding bringing us a victory. I think, he played 25 or 27 minutes altogether in that game. I want to see more of that.
I am here to state the obvious.
I see. But isn’t it also plausible that:
playing the GOAT PF less == a nearly insurmountable deficit == forcing TD to work even harder == negating any effect of prolonged rest == we have a greater chance of losing?
First off, you have to understand that when talking to me, I truly believe that Tim Duncan’s touch can cure cancer. I believe that all things are made better with Tim Duncan. If basketball (or just life in general, for that matter) was food, Tim Duncan would be gravy. So I’m not entirely objective when analyzing whether or not to play Tim Duncan.
That said, how possible is it? I worry most that the risk vs. reward in NOT playing Timmy is just skewed. I feel that yes, you’re onto something. But the side effects if you’re wrong are catastrophic, and when considered actually negate the potential reward.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on May 7, 2010 7:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Well he just seems to play really strong in stretches and kinda coast the rest of the time. When he comes out in the begining of games and goes 3-4 with an And1, you know what I’m talking about, he can’t sustain that. Who can?
In playing Ian or Blair I don’t think they’re going to play better than Duncan might but it will help Duncan play better for those minutes that he is in there. So my thinking is quality not quantity for Tim.
My girlfriend tells me I’m stupid all the time and she loves me. I won’t feel bad if my internet friend tells me the same.
"It's Manuway or the Highway" - tlo
I don’t think you’re stupid, I like you.
But I’m fatigued from first typing a damn response to Kondor (above) about the same question, and unfortunately this is all you get.
Bottom line- playing Ian or Blair in Duncan’s place WOULD give Timmy valuable rest. Which, in my opinion, he would then quickly expend having to dig us out of the hole that playing Ian or Blair in Timmy’s place would inevitably cause.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on May 7, 2010 7:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Although small ball seems like a good remedy for us, I remember one of the announcers last night talk about it as well. He said that while we have a pretty good lineup for that, Phoenix’s is better because they can actually hit 3s. I’m thinking he’s right, but hopefully we can hit some on Friday. Seriously, 3s & FTs are killing us.
"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on Blair
This game also reminded me of some game earlier in the season when Tony hit 3-3 or 3-4 3s. These games have me wondering why he doesn’t attempt it more.
"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on Blair
by Manu ex Machina on May 6, 2010 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions
He actually shoots set shots from 3, which means he needs a little more time to launch them. If you notice when he takes them, especially the corners, he’s WIDE open 95% of the time and people make half-assed attempts at getting to him because he’s not known as a three point shooter.
I really thought he was going to expand his range and shoot more threes as his career progressed, but I haven’t seen much of that. I think he, because of his skills to take it to the basket, would greatly benefit from taking (and making) more three point shots during the season.
You’re right about how he shoots them, but it’s not too late for him to develop into a 3 point threat, either. He’s still what, 26?
"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on Blair
by Manu ex Machina on May 6, 2010 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Still they had 9 threes and we had 7. Not a huge difference.
"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG
No doubt. The real difference was rebounding, then FTs. That’s it. Suns will make more 3s than us in most games, and likely every game in PHX. We have to rebound the ball and get into the paint for easy scores (that we keep missing) and foul shots, which we then need to make.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
True, but the difference is who got the 3 pointers. The majority of their 3’s were by players off the bench (Dudley and Frye). Our 3’s were all by our starters. So the 3’s were a big deal because our bench couldn’t do anything, while theirs was instant offense. We know our 2nd unit is struggling right now while theirs is coming in and lighting it up. So I think the 3 pointers are a big deal.
read my mind. like i wrote it, but i’m not that good. two things for game 3: 1) start TP – three rings and he scored 41 on sol (and it may piss george off and bring those bowen/ferry threes back. *stop with the fakes and the hesitations for a missed baseline two, please!); 2) i think amare got his confidence back in the end of game 3 – dice on apostrophe asap. how ‘bout a bogans horry-like hip-check on j-rich? still think we’re gonna win both at home. will save game 5 prediction ’til after.
losing my hair like manu and drinking like pop.
Bro’s. i see guys all down and depressed, Spurs got this Broham.
I was an advocate for getting Matty Bro more PT but when he’s out there
he’s useless unless he’s making a shot which is wildly streaky. I cringe when I see him Guarding Amare, especially when there is no DT, then when theres a DT, I cringe when the Suns get a three.
beast has GOT to get more PT, he played as good as any D on Stoudebro as he could, I liked those steals everytime they tried to get the ball to Amare.
Bums like Dudley and Frye shouldnt be getting like 11 and 15 apiece or whatever the stats were
Relax Brochacho’s dont panic
Suns Fans check their closets for Manu Ginobili Bro.
Nice work, brownie. I’ve recced your for your rational and logic thoughts, and for your optimism. And because you’ve been in my home. And because you write ’Merican like a badass. Keep it up.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
You wouldn’t know he’s a furriner by his writing style. But heaven forbid if the diner doesn’t have espresso.
I know that Bogans messed up with that attempted charge taking at the end of the First Quarter…that’s when that happened right(?)…but to bench him for the rest of the game for that when he had such sucess in Game One as a glue guy just screams of Pop’s stubborness
While complacency costs, perseverance pays
The Phoenix Blog has a fan post on how we give them no respect. That’s not true, we respect the Suns and I’m sure many of us see them as a very good team. But unless I’ve gotten older, I’m sure this isn’t a three game series. Till they can beat us in a full series, no one is jumping off from the Spurs.
We’re not on denial, we are the better team and will prove that when we take both games at home and two more afterward.
by SpursGerbil on May 6, 2010 7:04 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
You shoulda’ used your pinky to point out George Hill’s terrible off ball defense. He gets back-doored more than white girls in Colorado when Kobe’s in town.
"It's Manuway or the Highway" - tlo
Yikes. True, but yikes.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on May 6, 2010 9:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Harsh, but you’re right. Hill’s likely best off the bench this series. Whether it’s Nash, Richardson or Grant Hill, they are taking advantage of Sir Hot Face, Handsome Bod. Bringing him off the bench likely would force him to seek his own offense and matches him up with Dragic or Barbosa.
Asked before the game how Parker has looked, Popovich said, "He’s still cute. "
George doesn’t get through screens well, either on or off the ball. This is mostly just experience. He has to learn how and when to be physical, when to be evasive and when to call for help. Watch experienced defenders, they move around a lot prior to contact so the screener can’t get set. George mostly just runs straight into the screen. Temple did the same thing when he started the Denver game — Billups just casually rubbed him off on a screen every time he felt like shooting.
by doggydogworld on May 6, 2010 10:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Its hard to think that pop got out coached, and timmy’s weaknesses were exploited by Fry and G. Hill. This is where championship pedigree must shine through. We have owned the Suns for stretches this series. We have come back from 10 down twice. Lets get it done in the 4th when it matters
We have not been closing the quarters effectively and seemed to run out of gas during the 4th. I think Duncan needs a little more rest. In order to do that, we need to jump off to an early lead.
In Manu, we trust.
by day_late_friend on May 6, 2010 10:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Excellent writeup as always LD. Recced of course. One of these days you will write something that is not great and I will laugh and make fun of you, but I keep having to wait for that day.
the Spurs weren’t outplayed
No, but they were out-hustled, which hurts more. That is what we do to other teams, not the other way around. Nothing against our team, we (mostly) played hard enough, but the Suns were more focused throughout the entire game. Methinks that is easier to do at home than on the road, so we should have an edge the next two games.
dropped their defensive intensity during key stretches
Sadly I cannot see this year’s Spurs keeping anything up for 48 mins, defensively or offensively. The hope is that we can outplay them in stretches to make up for it.
'What color do you want?" (Tim Duncan)
It’s quite simple our lack of 3 pt. shooting is killing us. We beat the Mavs in a game where we didn’t hit a 3 and that wasn’t a fluke. I’m sure Pop and R.C. didn’t anticipate Mason’s game going completely to sh*t nor did they anticipate Finley begging off the team. And Bonner well he’s Bonner I guess the thinking a few years ago was he was going to step into the Horry role (A big who can spread the floor with his 3 pt. shooting) and now that thinking seems preposterous.
You can’t trade 2’s for 3’s and win games in the playoffs. Because of the Suns effective 3 pt shooting the Spurs are forced to defend more of the floor making it harder to trap and double team Nash and Stoudamire and that’s causing a number of mismatches. In contrast Alvin Gentry knows there’s no one on the Spurs roster who can make them pay for collapsing into the paint.
Here’s hoping the Spurs can address their poor perimeter shooting in the off season because I think Duncan has maybe one season left in him where he can play at a championship level.
I don’t expect the Spurs to win this series and not because they dropped 2 on the road but for the reason I mention in my previous post the dreadful 3 pt. shooting and not to mention there free throw shooting woes. But, that being said if the Spurs did find a way to tie this series 2-2 and ultimately go on to win the whole state of AZ might just become one big Jonestown.
I say these Spurs will make history.
And I am inclined to agree with you.
For some reason, I’m not feeling the sense of panic. Perhaps it’s partly because we’ve been here before, but I’m starting to believe it’s mostly because this team has shown us what they are made of when they are running on all cylinders. With all due respect to the Suns, the Spurs have won convincingly against more elite teams during their last stretch of the regular season. After all their trials and tribulations this season, I’m having a hard time believing that the Spurs will allow it to end now against a beatable team. Not to take anything away from the Suns, but these last two games were more about the Spurs beating themselves. They especially had no business losing Game 2. I’m still irritated that Duncan’s amazing game was utterly wasted, but I digress.
Honestly? They really need to come out like they want it. All those stupid mental mistake opportunities will be taken advantage of by the Suns. The Suns took both games because they were hungrier. Makes sense, given how they are the ones with something to prove. Wouldn’t hurt if Pop went ahead and slid Parker over as a starter for the remainder of this series, too. Huge bonus if Pop “accidentally” left RMJ behind in PHX….
By the way, LatinD, I always enjoy your write-ups; your writing style is lucid.
"Add him to the list. Everybody hates the Spurs." - Duncan on Cuban's hate
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