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Game #67 Preview: San Antonio Spurs @ Miami Heat


Two of the best "Big Threes" in the league go at it in South Beach (well, technically they won't be on the beach, but...). Which stars will shine? Which role players will step up?


Take a look at the match-ups, the keys to victory and how to stop the league's so-called villains after the jump!

Star-divide

Much was made of the ballyhooed free agency signings of the Miami Heat last off-season. The fact that the Heat were able land such a talented core of players to play together for the foreseeable future seemed almost unfathomable, and, to many fans, almost unfair.

I heard people say they thought the Heat were ruining basketball by signing the "Three Kings." Former superstars such as Jordan, Magic, Bird and Barkley voiced their opinion of the South Florida alliance. They all said that back in their day, they were too busy trying to beat their peers to ever join them. Then again, they all played with Hall of Fame teammates, so take their words with a grain of salt, even if the way they joined those teammates wasn't through free agency.

I, for one, find nothing inherently wrong with a few friends taking less money to join the same team, but the whole situation spoke to a much larger league-wide problem: the balance of power. A small-market team, particularly one in a cold-weather city, will have a whale of a struggle to compete in free agency with the larger cities and vacation destination hot spots.

So, where am I going with this? Since this summer, many fans' fears that their teams will never be on an even playing field with the larger-market clubs have only increased. In large part, this is why the Heat have been vilified by fans and media (Read: Adrian Wojnarowski, who makes some good points, but will stop at nothing to make LeBron look bad) since before they ever took the court this year. Oh, and this didn't help matters, either.

Essentially, the Heat became the league's "bullies" - whether they wanted to be or not. And while they were met with hate from many, we Spurs fans meet them with what may be considered the true antonym of love: indifference.

We don't care about the Heat. WE. DON'T. CARE. Because we already drafted our own Big Three. And because we have a wonderful supporting cast of players after Tim, Tony and Manu. And, most of all, because we already know how to deal with bullies.

Roll the tape!


Plus our tactics from last game seemed to work.

We also mustn't underestimate the moves of Duane/Dwyane!


Videos via Bargain Bin of Oblivion

And just to be fair, I do recognize the talents of Wade and the Heat. So we'll give you a Dwyane move to go with Duane's moves.

 

Video via Everything Ball

 

 

 
Ptr_ambigram_white_on_black_medium
San Antonio Spurs @ Miami Heat
Where: AMERICAN AIRLINES ARENA

When: March 14, 7 p.m. Spurs Time - Timezone Converter
Watch: ESPN


Auxcuadro_medium

By the Numbers

Data sources:
hoopdata.com | basketball-reference.com | John Hollinger's team stats

Category Offense
(rank)
Defense
(rank)
Efficiency Rating 109.3
(2nd)
101.4
(7th)
Rebound %
25.2
(20th)
74.3
(T-11h)
Field Goal % .475
(5th)
.450
(9)
3-Point % .401
(1st)
.372
(24th)
Free Throw %
.770
(12th)
.759
(12th)
Turnover %
12.96
(9th)
12.66
(25th)
Assist %
60.09
(9th)
53.74
(4th)
Category Offense
(rank)
Defense
(rank)
Efficiency Rating 108.5
(4th)
100.6
(5th)
Rebound %
24.7
(23rd)
74.7
(10th)
Field Goal % .477
(2nd)
.430
(2nd)
3-Point % .371
(9th)
.338
(5)
Free Throw %
.765
(15th)
.749
(.749)
Turnover %
13.29
(15th)
12.69
(24th)
Assist %
53.00
(28th)
58.24
(19th)
Record Wins Losses
Overall 54 12
Conference 33 7
Division 9 4
Home 31 3
Away 23 9
     
Position Conference Division
Record 1st 1st
Lineups

Starters
PG: Tony Parker
SG: Manu Ginobili
SF: Richard Jefferson
PF: Antonio McDyess
C: Tim Duncan

Key Bench Players
George Hill
DeJuan Blair
Matt Bonner
Gary Neal
Tiago Splitter

Record Wins Losses
Overall 45 21
Conference 29 12
Division 9 3
Home 24 9
Away 21 12
     
Position Conference Division
Record 3rd 1st
Lineups

Starters
PG: Mario Chalmers
SG: Dwyane Wade
SF: LeBron James
PF: Chris Bosh
C: Erick Dampier

Key Bench Players
MIke Bibby
MIke Miller
Joel Anthony
James Jones
Eddie House

 

Matchup Analysis

 
Point Guard  
  Shooting Guard
Small Forward  
Power Forward  
  Center
Bench  
Coach  
Intangibles  
Mojo  
Winner  

Starters

PG: Parker needs to dominate Fisher. He shouldn't have a problem with that.

SG: Yeah, I almost feel dirty giving the Spur to someone besides Manu, but this is a rare exception.

SF: It's Mr James. Enough said.

PF: Dice has almost a decade on Bosh. We'll see if that's a hindrance or an asset.

C: Although the Heat arguably have the advantage at three positions in the starting lineup, the Spurs have the two biggest advantages. The gulf between Parker-Chalmers and Duncan-Dampier is huge.

Bench

The Heat clearly miss Haslem. Plus some of their washed-up vets and other bench players have underachieved.

Coaching

Considering all the Heat (pun intended) Coach Spo has felt, he hasn't done a bad job. But there's no denying Pop is the clear winner of the coaching battle.

Intangibles

The Spurs chemistry may be unmatched in the NBA.

Mojo

Mojito (little mojo): MoHeatos? Espuelitas.

Prediction

Spurs, 99-95.

Key(s) to the Game

Key 1 - Outscoring the other team. We are 54-0 when we do that.

Other Reading

Spurs

48 Minutes of Hell 

Spurs Planet - Our old middle-aged friend Wayne Vore is back.

Project Spurs 

Spurs Nation 

OPPONENT

Peninsula is Mightier (SB Nation)

Following Along

TV 

ESPN 

Radio

WOAI 1200AM; Audio League Pass[streaming]

Online

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

Please don't post links to illegal game feeds in the game thread. Links to illegal feeds are not permitted on SBNation, but you can probably find them out there on the internets if you're resourceful and desperate. You can also shoot an email to poundingtherockmail@yahoo.com(IMPORTANT:  Please include your PtR username in the email for reference) for further assistance.

Poll
What is the best way to deal with bullies?
Make a fist, but then slap instead of punching
45 votes
Throw the water in his face!
16 votes
Throw candy in his face!
6 votes
That fancy leg maneuver at about 2:35 of the bully video.
17 votes
Coach B's long bombs
91 votes
Run like you've never run before!
24 votes
Other (please mention in comments section)
14 votes

213 votes | Poll has closed

Comment 150 comments  |  0 recs  | 

Do you like this story?

Comments

Display:

Just be like Coach Hines. Leave the room, secretly re-enter from another way, jump on the bully’s back, then threaten to light him on fire if he ever calls you bro again.

Go to 3:38 of this video to see what I mean

The Sunkist Kaiser, most epic thing since the Grizzly BLAAAAAAAIR! Relax, play, and drink Sunkist! Your Kaiser commands it.

by KA1Z3R on Mar 14, 2011 6:05 AM CDT reply actions  

We’ll be taking our talents to South Beach. I hope the Spurs leave Miami with their 3 stars doubting their talents.

Yo, I’m 6-11, but I just want to dribble through my legs and shoot jumpshots like a guard. - Marc Blucas on Tim Duncan

by TDzilla! on Mar 14, 2011 6:19 AM CDT reply actions  

truew that.

"I only try to watch Matt Bonner when he’s shooting threes. Anything else he does, I hide my eyes."

-Coach Pop on Coach B

by sparking!!! on Mar 14, 2011 7:46 AM CDT up reply actions  

Sorry for the size of it…yeah yeah. That’s what she said.

Asked before the game how Parker has looked, Popovich said, "He’s still cute. "

by 0signal on Mar 14, 2011 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

I think it distinctly says in the Rules OF TWSS that you cannot TWSS yourself.

"It's hard to see all my teammates working hard and have to sit there and watch the games." "Of course, the massages are nice." ~Tiago Splitter

by eastbaysd on Mar 14, 2011 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions  

You can if you’re lonely enough.

"Resentments are the rocket fuel that lives in the tip of my sabre."- Charlie Sheen

by Hipuks on Mar 14, 2011 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

+1.

"A life, Jimmy, you know what that is? It’s what happens while you wait for moments that will never come." - Lester Freamon, The Wire

by silverandblack_davis on Mar 14, 2011 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions  

excellent read, thanks!

by audreypots on Mar 14, 2011 7:58 AM CDT reply actions  

Miami will be forced to play small ball. Ilgauskas is out with foot infection.

Yo, I’m 6-11, but I just want to dribble through my legs and shoot jumpshots like a guard. - Marc Blucas on Tim Duncan

by TDzilla! on Mar 14, 2011 8:39 AM CDT reply actions  

stepped on a nail. Sounds like a plant

Biggest coach Pop/Tiago Splitter homer on the internet™

by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Mar 14, 2011 9:05 AM CDT up reply actions  

CIA Pop at work!

"Ginobili. . .He's weaving, he's throwing up triple axels in sneakers, he's willing the ball into the basket. It's Cirque du Soleil with refs." Dan Oshinsky / KENS 5

by janieannie on Mar 14, 2011 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions  

Our announcers on ESPN tonight will be Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown, and Heather Cox)

Biggest coach Pop/Tiago Splitter homer on the internet™

by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Mar 14, 2011 9:02 AM CDT reply actions  

yeah, Heather Cox

Yo, I’m 6-11, but I just want to dribble through my legs and shoot jumpshots like a guard. - Marc Blucas on Tim Duncan

by TDzilla! on Mar 14, 2011 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions  

i like Hubie as well. He is a hell of a lot better than Jackson and Van Gundy – who will talk about anything besides the game

"Everybody thought he was going to be gone forever, including me, and the foie gras and truffle treatment worked really well." Pop on Tony's Injury 3/4/11

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

by Joe deLarios on Mar 14, 2011 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions  

Please teach Hubie to stop calling Manu “Mano”!

"Ginobili. . .He's weaving, he's throwing up triple axels in sneakers, he's willing the ball into the basket. It's Cirque du Soleil with refs." Dan Oshinsky / KENS 5

by janieannie on Mar 14, 2011 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions  

Thankfully this one is still on FSSW for us local guys.

GO SPURS GO!

"He's the ultimate zone buster." – Bill Land on Gary Neal

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

by Manu ex Machina on Mar 14, 2011 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions  

Hubie is always great to listen to. I can’t stand the amiable and unbearably bland Tirico. But I’m kind of picky about such things. I’m sure Mike is a wonderful human being.

All these GIFs are breaking my browser.

by quincyscott on Mar 14, 2011 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions  

I heard him say the same about you.

Pounding the Rock
I cannot wait for the sixth fifth. - LasEspuelas

by J.R. Wilco on Mar 14, 2011 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions  

Yes, I too am unbearably bland. I’m kind of an underpaid Mike Tirico.

All these GIFs are breaking my browser.

by quincyscott on Mar 14, 2011 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

I do not enjoy Hubie or Tirico, both are ill-informed, at best. Brown is always, and I do mean always, siding with the refs. I have never heard him criticize a call despite overwhelming video evidence. It’s awful, but that’s just my opinion.

by Big50 on Mar 14, 2011 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions  

I think that Hubie is a former coach, and learned that there’s nothing you can do about a call from the refs, so he finds a reason to agree with them. Maybe this is a coping mechanism that prevented him from going into cardiac arrest in the middle of the season.

All these GIFs are breaking my browser.

by quincyscott on Mar 14, 2011 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions  

I have heard Hubie say “now that’s a bad call” more than a few times, though.

Biggest coach Pop/Tiago Splitter homer on the internet™

by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Mar 14, 2011 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions  

Perhaps. The problem I have with the vast majority of National TV play-by-play and colors guys is that they are afraid to be critical of a player, coach or even a ref on something specific, with the rare exception of “not a good call” or some generic critique of a teams play.

They like to say “a criticism of so and so is…” or some other PC garbage way of not calling out a player. They also use terms like “greatest”, “all time greats”, “best”, ect. way to much rather than just saying somebody is good or serviceable. Too much flattery, a lack of anything beyond the most obvious of statements and some very asinine analysis have made listening to all but a handful of announcers painful and makes watching most sports more enjoyable with the word “mute” at the top of my TV.

Van Gundy is my favorite color guy going on the national stage for the mere fact that he is willing to call out player, coach, ref and team alike while providing solid analysis for doing so. Of course it could also be that he’s often teamed with Mark Jackson and just seems to make so much sense when comparing the two. Overall though basketball is missing a really good color guy on the national scene and it has been for quite some time.

I won’t even get to to Mike Tirico and his boring, PC loving, snobby behind. I don’t mean to belittle anyone that likes Hubie or others. If you like him, that’s your opinion and I’m glad for you that he’s on tonight’s broadcast. End of Rant.

by Big50 on Mar 14, 2011 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions  

True. He’ll always say “good call by the official,” even if it’s not a good call, or “that’s a good timeout.” I think it’s kind of funny.

by Gino20 on Mar 14, 2011 8:29 PM CDT up reply actions  

Unfortunately, Hubie did not side with the refs today.

"A life, Jimmy, you know what that is? It’s what happens while you wait for moments that will never come." - Lester Freamon, The Wire

by silverandblack_davis on Mar 14, 2011 10:59 PM CDT up reply actions  

I too am picky about such things and agree with your assessment. Tirico is very a smart and humble guy. Perfect for the studio work to keep the less focused types on-point. I’d rather have someone else in the booth (NBA or NFL).

- Thank you SF Giants for an incredible 2010 season and painting the City orange & black!
- I vow to never again mention "playoffs" and "49ers" together until we have a "quarterback."
- You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Mar 14, 2011 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions  

TWSS.

"Resentments are the rocket fuel that lives in the tip of my sabre."- Charlie Sheen

by Hipuks on Mar 14, 2011 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions  

Hubie FTW!

It's in the dictionary under D-E-F-E-N-S-E...I may be wrong, I may be wrong, I may be wrong, I may be may be may be wrong, but I doubt it.

by SpursfanSteve on Mar 14, 2011 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

You can play a drinking game listening to Hubie. Watch for every time he starts a sentence with “I like….” or just wait for every time he uses the word “terrific”.

If less is more, imagine how much more more would be

by JonnyJam on Mar 14, 2011 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions  

Or when he uses the 2nd person.

“You’re in a situation where you need to score …”

Pounding the Rock
I cannot wait for the sixth fifth. - LasEspuelas

by J.R. Wilco on Mar 14, 2011 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions  

I think I’ve even heard him do the 1st person routine.
“Now I’m Ben Wallace. I am all upset b/c I thought I got the charge, and they called a block.”

by Gino20 on Mar 14, 2011 8:41 PM CDT up reply actions  

The “I like” game alone will have you totally hammered by halftime.
Which is why we all need to do it tonight.

by DrumsInTheDeep on Mar 14, 2011 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions  

Or “credit”. Hubie apparently wants us to give out credit like it’s 2006.

Give x credit
You gotta give credit to x

Listen to Coach "B", kids. Use both hands!

by Tim C. on Mar 14, 2011 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions  

I also like when he prefaces statements by saying “Now you’re Rick Mahorn. You are one of the premier rebounders and antagonists in the league.” It feels like one of those “choose your own adventure” books or an RPG.

Asked before the game how Parker has looked, Popovich said, "He’s still cute. "

by 0signal on Mar 14, 2011 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions  

Ha ha. Hubie Brown, the original sports RPG.

All these GIFs are breaking my browser.

by quincyscott on Mar 14, 2011 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions  

Hubie’s little catch phrases always crack me up. I guess I have been hearing them for the past twenty years or so, and I find them endearing. But he also knows his basketball.

All these GIFs are breaking my browser.

by quincyscott on Mar 14, 2011 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

I agree on all of the that. Plus his accent makes me laugh. “OK. Neow ya get the ball into da big fella, Osta-teeag. Aight.”

by Gino20 on Mar 14, 2011 8:49 PM CDT up reply actions  

Everyones mission tonight is to get the best Hubie quotes from tonights game and post them in the quick-cap.

Biggest coach Pop/Tiago Splitter homer on the internet™

by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Mar 14, 2011 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions  

Maje sure this challenge is listed in the game thread.

- Thank you SF Giants for an incredible 2010 season and painting the City orange & black!
- I vow to never again mention "playoffs" and "49ers" together until we have a "quarterback."
- You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Mar 14, 2011 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

roger that

Biggest coach Pop/Tiago Splitter homer on the internet™

by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Mar 14, 2011 4:24 PM CDT up reply actions  

As everyone should know, the best way to deal with bullies is to save their lives during the alien invasion.

by DrumsInTheDeep on Mar 14, 2011 9:29 AM CDT reply actions  

You know this from experience, of course?

Pounding the Rock
I cannot wait for the sixth fifth. - LasEspuelas

by J.R. Wilco on Mar 14, 2011 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions  

I do, in fact. Elijah Wood’s character in The Faculty is based on me.

by DrumsInTheDeep on Mar 14, 2011 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions  

Key(s) to the Game

Key 1 – Outscoring the other team. We are 54-0 when we do that.

Hah! I never realized this stat. Thanks for the info.

Gonna be astig for life!

by Ayatollah on Mar 14, 2011 9:33 AM CDT reply actions  

Damn, that’s one helluva stat. I think we’re #1 in the league for that category.

"He's the ultimate zone buster." – Bill Land on Gary Neal

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

by Manu ex Machina on Mar 14, 2011 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions  

What an arcane yet sublime stat. You ought to email Hollinger and let him in on it.

All these GIFs are breaking my browser.

by quincyscott on Mar 14, 2011 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions  

He couldn’t wrap his mind around it.

by Gino20 on Mar 14, 2011 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions  

I loved that stat. Totally eye-opening.

"No, in the big ocean that is the regular season, where many ships sink, it doesn’t mean anything." - Gerdin "Hard Leader" Leithart

by Kondor on Mar 14, 2011 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions  

And we are 0-12 when we don’t!

A casual diehard Spurs fan.

by Sh!fty on Mar 14, 2011 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions  

Shocking stats. Just shocking.

"It's hard to see all my teammates working hard and have to sit there and watch the games." "Of course, the massages are nice." ~Tiago Splitter

by eastbaysd on Mar 14, 2011 3:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

Whoa…

All these GIFs are breaking my browser.

by quincyscott on Mar 14, 2011 4:19 PM CDT up reply actions  

100%

Spurs are 100% when Tony Parker dunk!!

by BrunoNba on Mar 14, 2011 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions  

And he just kicked it up a notch with them shiny kicks.

:P

"It's hard to see all my teammates working hard and have to sit there and watch the games." "Of course, the massages are nice." ~Tiago Splitter

by eastbaysd on Mar 14, 2011 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions  

awesome

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

by spursfan87 on Mar 14, 2011 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yeah, the Heat. So far they have certainly not lived up to billing. Essentially, neither James or Bosh know how to win games. But… they are learning. So I would not take them lightly, especially since we humiliated them on national TV the last time we played them.

And even with their struggles, they are still one of the top teams in the East. I thing either the Celtics or Bulls are most likely to be the champ of the East—but a lot can change in the next two months. The Heat don’t have to get that much better to beat those teams, and this is even more true if you throw in an injury here or there that could change everything.

Anyway, as much as I enjoyed beating the pants of the Heatles a few days ago, I wish they had been more competitive, and that we had won by, I don’t know, fifteen or twenty points. I don’t like any potential future opponent having any extra incentive to get up to play you.

All these GIFs are breaking my browser.

by quincyscott on Mar 14, 2011 9:53 AM CDT reply actions  

We’ll see if the Spurs can continue to get the shots they want by just working their offense as they normally do, or if Miami has made adjustments after looking at the film of the previous beat down.

Pounding the Rock
I cannot wait for the sixth fifth. - LasEspuelas

by J.R. Wilco on Mar 14, 2011 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions  

Or if they listen to their coach who is trying to make adjustments

"If the NBA season is a marathon, Gregg Popovich is a full-blooded Kenyan."

-Timothy Varner 48MoH

by Jordan Leithart on Mar 14, 2011 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions  

Good point. They don’t seem all that interested in what their coach has to say. But, such is the situation Miami created for itself. Gigantic player egos, and a coach with zero credibility. To compare, we Spurs fans might fondly remember back to our first championship when we beat the Lakers, with both Kobe and Shaq, in the playoffs. (For some reason, many non-Spurs fans have no memory of this.) The Lakers brought in a coach with championship credentials that Bryant and O’Neill had to listen to, and the results speak for themselves. I may of course be proven wrong here, but the Heat seem like the kind of group that is going to need that kind of a coach. I’m not talking X’s and O’s here, but somebody with coaching star power that even an ego the size of Lebron’s has to respect.

Having said that, there aren’t a whole lot of coaches around who fit this description. There’s Pop and there’s Jackson, who are both busy at the moment. There’s Larry Brown, I guess. But that’s about it. The only teams I can think of in the past decade who did not win their first title with such a coach are the Spurs in ’99 and the Celtics in ’08. Both those teams had mature stars who were at the stage of their careers in which they were willing to put aside egos to get the job done. Or, in the case of Tim Duncan, a great young player who was wise beyond his years. Just one more reason to count our blessings, Spurs fans.

The Heat may grow up fast. We’ll see. If they can pull it off with a pup like Spoelstra at the helm, it will be a very impressive feat.

All these GIFs are breaking my browser.

by quincyscott on Mar 14, 2011 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions  

They do need a good coach. I’ve heard rumors that Doc Rivers will be heading to the Heat next season.

If Phil Jackson ends up over there, and I honestly could see that, the rest of the league is screwed…

"If the NBA season is a marathon, Gregg Popovich is a full-blooded Kenyan."

-Timothy Varner 48MoH

by Jordan Leithart on Mar 14, 2011 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

It’s not gonna happen, but even if it did, it wouldn’t matter.

by 4Him on Mar 14, 2011 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions  

Pat Riley is another guy with a huge ago and championship credentials, and he may be available for Miami as a coach.

"No, in the big ocean that is the regular season, where many ships sink, it doesn’t mean anything." - Gerdin "Hard Leader" Leithart

by Kondor on Mar 14, 2011 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions  

How can people not remember ’99? Game 2 vs the Lakers, followed by the weekend sweep that closed down the GWF. Memorial Day Miracle, followed by a defense led beatdown in two games at Portland. Two losses all post-season. The end of season wins at home vs Utah and at Portland that won the Midwest and earned the #1 seed. All this without having done it before, thus not knowing if this was really happening and would continue to.

As a comparison of Miami now to LA then, Kobe was still ascending and Shaq was uniquely dominant. The only legit threat that LA had for the next five years (minus one great season from Sac) was the Spurs. I don’t see things falling that smoothly into place for Miami, but Wade already has a title which is more than Shaq/Kobe had at that time, so an upgrade at coach and role players could set them on their way. They and the Bulls could make the next decade quite competitive in the East.

- Thank you SF Giants for an incredible 2010 season and painting the City orange & black!
- I vow to never again mention "playoffs" and "49ers" together until we have a "quarterback."
- You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Mar 14, 2011 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions  

doesn’t big z have an infection?

"No Questions?...Dinner Time." - Coach Pop

by MikeyKosa on Mar 14, 2011 9:56 AM CDT reply actions  

Yeah, the big oaf stepped on a nail in his house.

"He's the ultimate zone buster." – Bill Land on Gary Neal

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

by Manu ex Machina on Mar 14, 2011 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions  

I wonder how the Heat are going to defend the PnR this time around. I hope Pop has an adjustment ready. GSG!

by TD21 on Mar 14, 2011 10:41 AM CDT reply actions  

I bet Pop can’t wait to see what adjustments Miami makes.

- Thank you SF Giants for an incredible 2010 season and painting the City orange & black!
- I vow to never again mention "playoffs" and "49ers" together until we have a "quarterback."
- You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Mar 14, 2011 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions  

This is a statement game for us. We still will not be taken seriously, though. Jealous Jon Barry doesn’t have us advancing past the semi’s.

by Ed (dfjmed) on Mar 14, 2011 11:01 AM CDT reply actions  

Jon Berry is just upset that Brent is no longer on the team.

by Big50 on Mar 14, 2011 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions  

He is upset about whole “Barry’s wife” story.

"No, in the big ocean that is the regular season, where many ships sink, it doesn’t mean anything." - Gerdin "Hard Leader" Leithart

by Kondor on Mar 14, 2011 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions  

Jon Barry has given us such pearls of wisdom as….“Hedo Turkoglu is the best player on the Orlando Magic”

If less is more, imagine how much more more would be

by JonnyJam on Mar 14, 2011 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions  

I don’t understand how many retired players can have such bad judgment.

"He's the ultimate zone buster." – Bill Land on Gary Neal

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

by Manu ex Machina on Mar 14, 2011 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions  

I think he tries to sound “smart” by saying things no one else would say.

If less is more, imagine how much more more would be

by JonnyJam on Mar 14, 2011 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions  

Well, he sure is going about it the wrong way, haha.

"He's the ultimate zone buster." – Bill Land on Gary Neal

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

by Manu ex Machina on Mar 14, 2011 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions  

He used to get paid to play. Now he gets paid to talk. If people pay you to talk, you talk a lot. That doesn’t mean what you have to say is all that insightful, as long as people keep tuning in. (See Limbaugh, Rush.)

All these GIFs are breaking my browser.

by quincyscott on Mar 14, 2011 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions  

Sadly, with TV we have to tune in to follow our team and the sport. Thus the studio guys stick around so long as they don’t say something personally offensive enough to get fired.

- Thank you SF Giants for an incredible 2010 season and painting the City orange & black!
- I vow to never again mention "playoffs" and "49ers" together until we have a "quarterback."
- You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Mar 14, 2011 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions  

He did say that the Spurs are a better team than Miami, which may be his first clear compliment of the Spurs all season.

Who does he think the Spurs will lose to in the semis?

- Thank you SF Giants for an incredible 2010 season and painting the City orange & black!
- I vow to never again mention "playoffs" and "49ers" together until we have a "quarterback."
- You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Mar 14, 2011 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

OKC

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

by spursfan87 on Mar 14, 2011 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

I’d be almost fascinated to hear him make up this argument. I’d prefer more to debate him myself.

- Thank you SF Giants for an incredible 2010 season and painting the City orange & black!
- I vow to never again mention "playoffs" and "49ers" together until we have a "quarterback."
- You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Mar 14, 2011 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions  

WTF… get Perkins back 100% first and then we’ll talk. Where does ESPN get these bozos anyway?

"A life, Jimmy, you know what that is? It’s what happens while you wait for moments that will never come." - Lester Freamon, The Wire

by silverandblack_davis on Mar 14, 2011 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions  

Now I can’t wait for this game to start. I hate waiting.

by KD1 on Mar 14, 2011 11:12 AM CDT reply actions  

Nice work Gino20. Let’s hope our boys can come out tonight and show the same type of play as the last go around with Miami.

by Big50 on Mar 14, 2011 11:16 AM CDT reply actions  

This game is over!!Spurs by 20!! 110-90

by BrunoNba on Mar 14, 2011 11:35 AM CDT reply actions  

Hmmmmm. I’m not sure about that.

Pounding the Rock
I cannot wait for the sixth fifth. - LasEspuelas

by J.R. Wilco on Mar 14, 2011 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions  

Close, but no bueno. Try….

Fuck it, Spurs by 30

(worked last time)

Go Spurs Go!

by Nixiack on Mar 14, 2011 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions  

I just don’t have a very good feeling about this game. Obviously the Heat are going to have revenge on their mind from the last time they played. Also, they aren’t coming off a tough game the night before and have had some time to watch film and probably make some adjustments. I think if the Spurs get down early, it’s going to be a long night, unfortunately. I’m doing my best to not be a big downer, but I just struggle to see the Spurs taking this one. I don’t think it will have any affect on the overall big picture for the Spurs, but this is a tough game to get. And I think they are really looking at the Dallas game as the big game they need to win this week.

by GMac14 on Mar 14, 2011 11:59 AM CDT reply actions  

I think it really depends on our defense. The Spurs have given up over 100 points the last 3 games and all 3 were allowed to put more points on the board than their average. That is troubling and that is not Spurs basketball. Now is the time with this last 16 games to be peaking and putting it all together.

We most likely aren’t going to outscore Miami by 24 after the first quarter tonight, so we need our defense to firm up.

16 games left. We need to get our defensive house in order! Please guys, this goes beyond Miami tonight and speaks to the upcoming playoffs.

We will have the number one seed throughout (barring catastrophe) but this will do us no good if we get bounced in the second round.

by icewater on Mar 14, 2011 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions  

Last time Spurs give up over 100 points by Miami was 1995 in a game with OT, don’t worry, they will not score 100 points!!!

by BrunoNba on Mar 14, 2011 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions  

They definitely can score 100 points against us. I wouldn’t be so sure that they will fall.

"If the NBA season is a marathon, Gregg Popovich is a full-blooded Kenyan."

-Timothy Varner 48MoH

by Jordan Leithart on Mar 14, 2011 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions  

I think u & Manuwar could get along.

by cojones2thewall on Mar 14, 2011 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions  

It’s not like Miami hasn’t blown big leads at home.

- Thank you SF Giants for an incredible 2010 season and painting the City orange & black!
- I vow to never again mention "playoffs" and "49ers" together until we have a "quarterback."
- You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Mar 14, 2011 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions  

I think we lose this game. The Heat come out with something to prove and are no longer on a back to back.

"If the NBA season is a marathon, Gregg Popovich is a full-blooded Kenyan."

-Timothy Varner 48MoH

by Jordan Leithart on Mar 14, 2011 12:06 PM CDT reply actions  

I think we should let second unity play and win this game

by BrunoNba on Mar 14, 2011 12:10 PM CDT reply actions  

Heat 2.0

I think we have a good chance … I live in Florida and see a lot of HEAT games. They are usually only explosive offensively against poor teams. Plus, the Heat had plenty to prove last time. They just lost 3 in a row, and got embarrassed by Orlando’s comeback. They may have been tired … but they had every reason to try to kill the spurs in SA.

by SASpurRilla on Mar 14, 2011 12:44 PM CDT reply actions  

Yes, they did have every reason to bring their best game last time around, and they laid an egg. I don’t know what to expect from them. I have only seen them play a few times this season, so you have a much better read on them than I do. It’s my impression that they are very inconsistent and lack confidence in their system. And perhaps they have placed a whole lot of pressure on themselves. I don’t care how talented you are, that can have a negative impact on your performance. Also, it seems that in crunch time, they don’t know who their “go to” guy is. And they don’t seem to have much of a bench.

Still, they scare me.

All these GIFs are breaking my browser.

by quincyscott on Mar 14, 2011 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

Still, they scare me.

This is why I don’t think we can just assume the Spurs will win. They are TOO talented to not terrify me

"If the NBA season is a marathon, Gregg Popovich is a full-blooded Kenyan."

-Timothy Varner 48MoH

by Jordan Leithart on Mar 14, 2011 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

They are TOO talented to not terrify me

Well said.

All these GIFs are breaking my browser.

by quincyscott on Mar 14, 2011 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions  

Considering their three best players can combine for 80 points on an average night, that team can scare anyone. Their motivation level is high. They lost four or five games in a row recently and one of those was a game where the Spurs bulldozed them. They’re competitors and will react accordingly.

Asked before the game how Parker has looked, Popovich said, "He’s still cute. "

by 0signal on Mar 14, 2011 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions  

Only 1

What we need is just stop one of three and game is over!!In chess game they have 3 kings and we need beat only 1 to win the match

by BrunoNba on Mar 14, 2011 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions  

In a series, I feel pretty good about the Spurs going up against a team with great athleticism but lacking in discipline or teamwork, and I would definitely place the Heat in that category as of right now. Teams with both great talent and great teamwork/coaching: Bulls, Lakers, Spurs, Mavericks, Magic, Celtics. I will be shocked if the eventual champion is not from among these six teams.

But on any given night, that Heat can probably clobber anybody.

All these GIFs are breaking my browser.

by quincyscott on Mar 14, 2011 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions  

I don’t think we need the words"scare" and “terrify” but definitely “wary” and “alert” need to be in there.

This game doesn’t matter much in the big picture as we have already shellacked them and they are in the East but I would like to use this game to gauge our defense.

This team averages over 101 points per, I would like us to limit them to 90-95. That to me would go a long way.

by icewater on Mar 14, 2011 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions  

One thing that impresses me about Miami is in terms of points allowed and defensive field goal percentage, they’re among the best in the league despite not having any standout defenders. Wade and James can both be really good at that, but it’s not what they’re known for. Then the point guards and centers can be exploited. I don’t see how they can rank that high with those parts.

Asked before the game how Parker has looked, Popovich said, "He’s still cute. "

by 0signal on Mar 14, 2011 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions  

Playing in the East.

- Thank you SF Giants for an incredible 2010 season and painting the City orange & black!
- I vow to never again mention "playoffs" and "49ers" together until we have a "quarterback."
- You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Mar 14, 2011 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yes. They are good, but the East inflates these numbers.

All these GIFs are breaking my browser.

by quincyscott on Mar 14, 2011 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions  

Watch this…..

Biggest coach Pop/Tiago Splitter homer on the internet™

by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Mar 14, 2011 1:27 PM CDT reply actions  

WOW. The little wanker deserved that.

by DrumsInTheDeep on Mar 14, 2011 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions  

The big guy is the one who got suspended, too. How lame is that?

Biggest coach Pop/Tiago Splitter homer on the internet™

by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Mar 14, 2011 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions  

Worse than lame. It’s infuriating.

by DrumsInTheDeep on Mar 14, 2011 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

I’m not so sure, CD… I’d ask that little piece of an ass’ parents first. Having to pay for a total hipbone replacement is no small peanuts. Other than that, I’m totally considering to offer the big guy a WWF multi-millionaire contract. That and a mop to clean the blood from the arena after the fights.

"...he waved that towel and patted those butts like a pro..." - gunnin' gervin, in a full of poetry description of Brazilian dazzling beauty, Tiago Splitter.

by Argento on Mar 14, 2011 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions  

But the little shit-head started it! Never punch first is the rule. Big guy only was defending himself after being hit more than once.

Biggest coach Pop/Tiago Splitter homer on the internet™

by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Mar 14, 2011 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

that was…..AWESOME!!!!!

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

by spursfan87 on Mar 14, 2011 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions  

I never take the high road, but I tell other people to, that way there is more room for me on the low road.

by SinCitySpur on Mar 14, 2011 10:38 PM CDT up reply actions  

Game Over, Game Over… GAME OVER!

by knothing on Mar 14, 2011 1:57 PM CDT reply actions  

I LOVE Tiago’s huge smile.
In any language that was “Game Over.”

The other guys looked shocked that he was saying it.

It didn’t need any translation.

"It's hard to see all my teammates working hard and have to sit there and watch the games." "Of course, the massages are nice." ~Tiago Splitter

by eastbaysd on Mar 14, 2011 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

Somethings translate so smoothly.

- Thank you SF Giants for an incredible 2010 season and painting the City orange & black!
- I vow to never again mention "playoffs" and "49ers" together until we have a "quarterback."
- You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Mar 14, 2011 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions  

You sound like SpursYoda. :D

"It's hard to see all my teammates working hard and have to sit there and watch the games." "Of course, the massages are nice." ~Tiago Splitter

by eastbaysd on Mar 14, 2011 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions  

That was in reference to the 3-point shooter debate (best shooter on the Spurs – Bonner vs Neal) the Spurs had going on. It was Bonner vs. Neal and Bonner obviously won it after that game.

They say every time Pop smiles, an angel is told to stop being so fu--ing lazy and play some defense. -Hipuks 2/3/11

by grego21 on Mar 14, 2011 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions  

This is a THIGAFONI and on top of that, the Spurs lose time travelling east. On top of that, the daylight savings time change will make them lose one more hour. It is going to be a hard game for them to come out with a win. Let us see what happens. GSG.

Keep the faith!!

by Heman on Mar 14, 2011 1:59 PM CDT reply actions  

They spent the night in Houston Saturday, slept late, and then went to Miami in the afternoon. They should be as rested as they CAN be on a THIGAFONI.

"Ginobili. . .He's weaving, he's throwing up triple axels in sneakers, he's willing the ball into the basket. It's Cirque du Soleil with refs." Dan Oshinsky / KENS 5

by janieannie on Mar 14, 2011 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions  

Which is the only reason I think the Spurs have a chance. Usually our East Coast road games do not go well, but I’m willing to give the guys the benefit of the doubt for tonight’s game. That, and just maybe the stellar 54-12 record.

I do not want people to be agreeable, as it saves me the trouble of liking them. - Jane Austen

by CapHill on Mar 14, 2011 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions  

Perhaps we start slowly, especially with Miami burning hot with revenge as motivation? From there, being better and executing better should win the rest of the game.

- Thank you SF Giants for an incredible 2010 season and painting the City orange & black!
- I vow to never again mention "playoffs" and "49ers" together until we have a "quarterback."
- You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Mar 14, 2011 4:54 PM CDT up reply actions  

Hope hear TD say that tonight

by BrunoNba on Mar 14, 2011 1:59 PM CDT reply actions  

The reply button is your friend!

by DrumsInTheDeep on Mar 14, 2011 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions  

I’m feeling a loss. Obviously, I hope to be wrong, but the Heat are going to want to prove that they can beat us after that shellacking they took in SA.

Listen to Coach "B", kids. Use both hands!

by Tim C. on Mar 14, 2011 2:12 PM CDT reply actions  

I really agree with you.

They say every time Pop smiles, an angel is told to stop being so fu--ing lazy and play some defense. -Hipuks 2/3/11

by grego21 on Mar 14, 2011 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

I definitely feel a loss because Heat are going to want this badly. Spurs will want it, but they won’t have the pedal to the metal and they probably care more about the Dallas game between the two biggies.

They say every time Pop smiles, an angel is told to stop being so fu--ing lazy and play some defense. -Hipuks 2/3/11

by grego21 on Mar 14, 2011 2:36 PM CDT reply actions  

Dee-Wayne Wade will always hold a special place in my heart for single-handedly destroying the Mavs and their fans’ psyche with that exceptional performance in the 2006 Finals. If it were not for the atrocious ref job and lack of calls in Games 1 and 2, Miami should have swept them. That is all.

I never take the high road, but I tell other people to, that way there is more room for me on the low road.

by SinCitySpur on Mar 14, 2011 3:26 PM CDT reply actions  

+1.

"A life, Jimmy, you know what that is? It’s what happens while you wait for moments that will never come." - Lester Freamon, The Wire

by silverandblack_davis on Mar 14, 2011 6:25 PM CDT up reply actions  

This game seems to be more important than the final numbers. Win or loose, it seems the Spurs game needs to show desire, show physical, show energy and show depth. They have had enough rest since Houston and do not play Dallas until Friday. This is not a time for Pop or anyone else to throw in the towel and not give it all to this game. This is a character game tonight.

by indiancharlie on Mar 14, 2011 3:47 PM CDT reply actions  

I’m on board with that. Sweep these guys like it matters.

- Thank you SF Giants for an incredible 2010 season and painting the City orange & black!
- I vow to never again mention "playoffs" and "49ers" together until we have a "quarterback."
- You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Mar 14, 2011 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

I just saw the “Miami Heat Welcome Party” for the first time – that’s the Audacity of Arrogance.

by 4Him on Mar 14, 2011 4:00 PM CDT reply actions  

FACT: The oponent grab more offensive rebounds that the spurs
I hope that change

by cuentaluis1 on Mar 14, 2011 4:28 PM CDT reply actions  

The bottom line is it is NOT important if we win or lose tonight or even in Dallas. What the Spurs have left are 16 glorified practices (stole from another site). We just have to come together cohesively.

Our seeding will not change. Number one priority is to stay healthy. But, after that the most important thing is IMPROVEMENT.

I want them to win the rebound battle.
I want them to shut down perimeter shooting.
I want them to force the other team to take contested long range 2’s.
I want them to force 3 or 4 24-second shot clock violations…..

That is what is important in our current situation. If we do these things and they still win. If Lebron goes off for 40 by hitting 15/20 jumpers from 25 ft., that is fine by me.

by icewater on Mar 14, 2011 4:53 PM CDT reply actions  

Yes and no. While I agree with you that improvement is the most important thing, winning is very important as well. If this team “improves”, but fails to win, how is that improvement? Clearly getting better is what this team should focus on, but winning games ugly still happens in the playoffs and just knowing how to win when you haven’t played your best is just as key as playing your best and winning.

by Big50 on Mar 14, 2011 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions  

If this team "improves", but fails to win, how is that improvement?


I would bet Pop would have an answer for that. If we force them to shoot 28 of their 45 shots from 20 ft. Would not that be an outstanding defensive game for us? Regardless if they make them or not, all we can do is force them to shoot low percentage shots.

If we do that but LB hits 70% of them, is that a bad defensive job? I don’t think so, superstars are going to have great shooting nights.

What about when we run a play to perfection and get a wide open shot that does not go down, is that bad offense? Kind of the other side of the coin, but my point is offense and defense isn’t about if they go in or not, it’s getting high percentage shots on your end and forcing bad percentage shots on theirs.

If you do this over and over, you will win more than you lose.

We have been doing good on the O but not so much on the D. I would like to use these last few games for that purpose since the W’s and L’s make little (not none) difference on our second season.


P.S>sorry about the quotes, haven’t quite figured them out yet.

by icewater on Mar 14, 2011 6:24 PM CDT reply actions  

We don’t need to win but winning is always nice:)

by cojones2thewall on Mar 14, 2011 6:30 PM CDT reply actions  

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