Why should Tiago play (Re-Post)

by Robby23 on Apr 23, 2011 11:34 PM CDT

I Reposted this because I think this is a good time to talk about it!

After tying their first round series at 1-1, the San Antonio Spurs will face a tough task of stealing homecourt against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Yes, Game 2 was Manu Ginobili’s night but it’s clear that the Spurs will be needing every bit of Manu’s magic to be able survive this Grizzlies squad and more.

The only thing the Spurs did was to even the series, not take control of it.

On Saturday they will have another chance to do so. Will they deliver? It’s hard to argue against the Spurs especially when Ginobili is playing like the Manu of old.

But you have to wonder how long can Manu keep up with his bag of tricks. In the first two games, the tandem of Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol have outscored Tim Duncan and Antonio McDyess.

Although the Spurs did a great job in containing the Grizzlies bigs in Game 2, it is apparent that Duncan needs more help in the post. This is where Tiago Splitter comes in.

While some people would disagree with this thinking, I believe that Splitter deserves some minutes. If the playoffs is all about matchups and the Spurs’ frontline looked overmatched by the Grizzlies froutcourt then why isn’t Tiago playing?

His offseason injury clearly affected his development and have yet to earn coach Gregg Popovich’s trust fully.

Or it could be a matter of not enough minutes for the Spurs’ big man rotation. Duncan is averaging 35.5 minutes in two games, McDyess 20 and Blair 17.

If Tiago plays who sits? McDyess? Blair? Bonner?

http://spursworld.wordpress.com/2011/04/22/why-should-tiago-play/#comment-27

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Comments

Totally agree, with the match-ups down low, Blair should give his spot in this match-up unless he totally concentrates on just rebounding, stop trying to be a scorer cause he’s not. I think Pop needs to expand the roster, we’ve got capable scorers on that bench waiting to be unleashed.

by 21td on Apr 24, 2011 12:08 AM CDT reply actions

There are many reasons why Tiago should be playing. I think the better Question is why does Pop refuse to play him? Tiago IMO could be the difference between early playoff exit or deep run into the playoffs.

by spurlover on Apr 24, 2011 3:10 AM CDT reply actions

Ohh and Blair should sit he has zero to none of an impact on these playoffs. Bonner can at least hit threes.

by spurlover on Apr 24, 2011 3:12 AM CDT reply actions

bonbon’s 3 production seems to always disappear during playoffs.

by i luv this site on Apr 25, 2011 12:41 AM CDT up reply actions

Why does anyone think Hollins tanked to face us instead of LA: because he was afraid of Fisher? He knew LA’s twin towers would neutralize his. That’s the only advantage they have over us and Pop’s idiocy is playing right into his strategy. Beyond stupid.

by agutierrez on Apr 24, 2011 8:21 AM CDT reply actions

Yeah, Hollins knew that Pop likes to go small during the season and use Splitter hardly at all.
If I was him, I would have wanted and tried to face S.A.
Adding to the point you made, it’s harder for big guys to neutralize Bryant than Parker.

by SpursfanNrome on Apr 25, 2011 5:27 AM CDT up reply actions

Thanks for the comments!

I think it’s about time the Spurs expand their big man rotation and give Tiago some time before it’s too late.

Robby Lim - Spurs World

by Robby23 on Apr 25, 2011 12:41 AM CDT reply actions

I think every time hill or parker (or anyone for that matter) drive into the lane 1-3 and put up a crap shot or turn it over Splitter should run out on to the court and slap them so hard it knocks them down…he should scream something like “i don’t get to play because we don’t want to change whats worked for us all season so stop f-ing up the offence and pass the f-ing ball to the wide open shooter!” He should be able to do this while play is still going on and if it cost us a basket on the other side all the better.

by spurs fan on Apr 25, 2011 12:58 PM CDT reply actions