Thursday, February 4th, 2010...6:18 am
Sacramento Kings 113, San Antonio Spurs 115
The Spurs prevailed in their first game on the Rodeo Road Trip in a contest that wasn’t quite as close as the final score makes it seem. And again the Spurs are able to beat a team with a record below .500.
It’s important for this team to start the trip with a win. Tonight the Spurs play the Blazers in the second night of a back-to-back, so a loss last night against the Kings could have set a bad precedent for the entire trip.
With all the good vibes that usually come from the RRT, this team still has a lot of work to do on the court in order to challenge the Western Conference.
Richard Jefferson was frustratingly bad for the most part of this game. Jefferson’s point total (12 points) is misleading, he was able to get to the rim a couple of times and finish, and he knocked down one three-pointer. But in between that, there was an air of timidity to him that doesn’t work in the Spurs system.
His defensive effort appeared lacking for a large portion of the game. He continually got beat off the dribble and rarely hustled for rebounds or lose balls.
On one play in the first quarter, he was beat off the dribble near the top of the key by one of the Kings. At the rim, he was able to get a hand on the ball and strip it away from the offensive player. When the ball was on the ground, he lackadaisically reached down for it and former-Spur Ime Udoka jumped in and muscled the ball out. Udoka then went up and scored and drew the foul.
Sequences like that have come far too often for Richard Jefferson this season.
Offensively, Jefferson is at his best when he can spot up and take his time on an open jumper or get to, and finish at, the rim. This is where the bulk of his points came from against the Kings on Wednesday night.
But when Jefferson is forced to take a shot off the dribble, he appears at a loss for what to do, unsure of where to stop and pull-up.It usually results in a jumpshot that Jefferson appears to have no confidence in taking.
And unfortunately for Jefferson and the Spurs, good defensive teams limit your chances at the rim and open shots.
However late in the season it is, it still doesn’t appear that Jefferson fully grasps the Spurs system. His conversations on the floor during dead balls and other stoppages of play lead me to believe that he’s still learning. Granted, they could have been discussing the best place to get a steak and a beer in Sacramento after the game, but I doubt it.
This is both a positive and a negative. A positive in that he should continue to improve with the other players. He will get more comfortable and figure out his place in the system. Then the team will play better.
A negative in that it leads some to think, “What the heck is taking so long?”
Either way, regardless of what the Spurs record is coming out of the Rodeo Road Trip, expect this team to still be a work in progress.
56 Comments
February 4th, 2010 at 6:31 am
I do wonder what the hell is his problem. I don’t know maybe he doesn’t like being their 4th option. He should be getting more aggressive to the rim. I am still wondering when this championship type team is going to get it together. I hope this rodeo trip will help. GO SPURS, GO SPURS!!!!
February 4th, 2010 at 6:53 am
Richard Jefferson is a huge pussy. Thats his problem.
Hill played a good game last night. Suprised no one mentioned that. I will.
February 4th, 2010 at 7:21 am
Did anyone else hear the game announcers talk about trade rumors last night? I must have missed that part of the game…I keep seeing people talk about the Spurs trading for a forward and backup pg.
February 4th, 2010 at 7:25 am
I still have hope for Jefferson yet.
On a more positive note, Manu shot 7-12 and is looking better each day at getting to the rim. That confidence and his ability to make plays is certainly encouraging.
February 4th, 2010 at 7:55 am
Trade Tony Parker and Roger Mason for Devin Harris, Courtney Lee, and Kenyon Dooling.
Spurs get bigger, tougher, younger, more athletic guards.
Do something do improve this current team makeup.
February 4th, 2010 at 8:08 am
That sounds great for a trade.
February 4th, 2010 at 8:18 am
Whatever RJ’s problem is, he has the second biggest contract on the team and he was the worst Spur on the floor. He makes Bogan’s offense look good. This has been the story all year long.
February 4th, 2010 at 8:22 am
Jefferson is a bust and his contract is like a lead balloon for this team. As the writer said, some of his conversations with coaches and players during the game make me wonder how he gets out of bed in the morning and tie his shoes. This guy makes Drew Gooden looke like a MENSA candidate. Can we trade Jefferson for used gym bag? At least the used gym bag would have learned the plays by now!
February 4th, 2010 at 8:23 am
I agree with the two people above. With how well Hill has played at times this year I just don’t see a point in keeping TPs massive contract. I like the idea of getting a distributor………Harris, however, is not a distributor. I say keep hill and try to pick up a young guy.
February 4th, 2010 at 8:36 am
Drove up to the game last night and I can concur, Andrew, the way you describe RJ’s performance is spot on. For the most part he was terrible, including giving up an easy three seconds into the game prompting Pop to call a timeout.
In the second half, RJ made three shots from the right corner: one spot up three off a poor pass with a defender closing out hard, a long spot-up two pointer just inside the arc, and then pull-up J from the same spot a bit later.
The first shot he didn’t have any time to think about, the second was wide open and the third was clearly a case of “I just made one from here so I remember the range.” In any case, it looks like he’s still thinking too much out there on the court.
Another minor gripe: George Hill let Kevin Martin get off too many good looks from the outside in the first half. Anyone who watches some tape on him knows about his unorthodox quick release, but Hill was always standing too far away (presumably to protect against the drive). I got the sense that Hill felt like with his length, he could bother the shot from that distance, but with Kevin, by the time you get a hand up there, he’s already had a clear look and shot the ball. Bowen never would have given a guy like Martin that kind of look.
Did Blair look as amazing on TV as he did from the arena? Incredible.
February 4th, 2010 at 8:51 am
Well this fits with the Spurs system taking a year to pick up the system.
February 4th, 2010 at 8:53 am
mori- Martin had a great game…
It doesnt matter “how” someone defends, as long as they dont “go off”
February 4th, 2010 at 9:00 am
I don’t think it has as much to do with the Spurs system as it has to do with his lack of passion on defense. He often plays D with his hands down and is late to challenge a shot.
Contrast that with Hill who was obviously attending the School of Bowen. His hand are busy, often up in the shooter grill and challenging shots. He isn’t perfect but his effort is 100%. RJs is somewhere in the 50-60% range most plays and as a Spurs fan it’s sickening to watch.
If he could score 20 a game to offset this defense lack of effort it might be different but he doesn’t.
I’d still like to see a trade with the Warriors that brought back a pure scorer and some D. I can accept Magette’s bad contract.
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=ygsz5ra
Add a pick to sweeten the deal.
February 4th, 2010 at 9:08 am
Not to nitpick an otherwise very good game from Hill, but his hands were down too often on his closeouts. With a shooter like Martin, he’ll make you pay when your hands aren’t up. One thing Bruce did better than anyone was that he had active feet and hands. Hill isn’t as active, but that should come with experience.
Other than that, it’s obvious Hill is playing with a ton of confidence, especially when it comes to his jumper. It’s obvious that when he shoots, he expects it to go in, as opposed to last year at times.
Really looking forward to tonight’s game. I want to see how we handle the second half of a back-to-back against a Portland team coming off a loss.
February 4th, 2010 at 9:16 am
@mori1040
Blair looked awesome. The Manu-DeJuan pick-and-roll is a thing of beauty.
And Re: George Hill’s defense, from time-to-time, I saw him off balance when trying to defend last night. When you’re guarding a pure shooter like Kevin Martin, all he needs is a split second to get his shot off. So being off balance gave him all the room he needed a couple of times to shoot over Hill. He’ll learn though, he’s on the right track.
February 4th, 2010 at 10:24 am
What Jefferson needs to do is study Kobe. I know Jefferson is past his prime (even though the prime wasn’t that high to begin with), and perhaps his learning days are past him as well. But players who want to learn what to do off the dribble or in the mid-range game, should really look at the most skilled player to ever set foot on the court. Kobe’s jump shot off the dribble, mid range, and all around offensive skill is unmatched. Why? Because of practice.
Kobe has certain spots on the court. When he wants a jump shot off the dribble, he takes his man to these predetermined spots, and rises for a jumper. I’m willing to be that when Kobe practices, he has certain spots on the court. He most likely takes endless shots from these positions. Then inside the game, when he needs to shoot off the dribble, he dribbles to these positions and rises. He already knows what to do before he has even started his dribble.
Richard Jefferson by comparison is LOST, as stated in the above article. His set shot is good and his attacking the rim is good, but if he is dribbling and can’t get to the rim, he doesn’t know what to do. Well, he should copy Kobe. Go to these predetermined spots and rise up for the jump shot.
February 4th, 2010 at 10:27 am
blofeld,
I wish i could give you $50 in cash right now. That’s how much the 5 minutes of uncontrolled laughter which your post resulted in is worth to me. Classic!
February 4th, 2010 at 10:41 am
@Agree
Since when did Tony Parker’s contract become massive? This guy is UNDERPAID if anything in the current, ableit BLOATED, NBA salary market. Look around the league man.
Gilbert Arenas, a chucker if there ever was one, is on a deal that will pay him 22 mil in his final year. That’s basically max AND THEY OFFERED TO GIVE HIM 20 MILLION MORE but he turned it down. Wow Gil, you’re such a team player.
Amar””””’e Stoudemire is getting 17.6 mil next year if he opts in. This guy is AT BEST a second banana. He can’t create his own shot, doesn’t play defense and needs a transcendent point guard to be effective.
We (or I should say Holt) are paying Tony 12.6 mil this year. He’s unarguably one of the top 3 PGs in the NBA, he’s at least a top 20 NBA player and he isn’t even in the top 30 in salaries. Cut the guy a break. He had a spectacular season last year and carried us and he’s just injured this year, plain and simple. I wish he wouldn’t have played with Les Bleus but hey, it means alot to him.
The only PG I would trade Tony for is Chris Paul but only because Paul is head and shoulders above the other PGs and makes David West look like an all-star (the guy’s only skill is shooting, he’s like a 6′9″ Roger Mason). However, I’m iffy on that because Paul is kind’ve a punk and flops more than Manu (God bless him).
In short, lay off MY point guard.
February 4th, 2010 at 10:46 am
I like that Manu was able to make his at the rim layups. They seemed to come off his hand softer for a better carrom off the backboard. Perhaps he’s finding his confidence in the paint which may (finally) lead to him getting the foul calls that he has earned but rarely has received.
February 4th, 2010 at 10:49 am
I think RJ just couldn’t handle the pressure.
He was brought in to “push” the Spurs over the edge. He was supposed to take over the scoring if Manu had a bad game.
He was brought in to help win a championship.
I think he just might be thinking too much.
I don’t buy this thing about not understanding the system. Since when do you need to “know” a system to hit a wide open shot, or a running pull up jumpshot???
Bottom line, its his confidence. Hopefully he does good on this RRT.
February 4th, 2010 at 10:55 am
Some telling Jefferson stats:
Free throw attempts
07-08 679
08-09 518
09-10 150 (a little over half way through the season)
Yikes.
In other news, I wonder what Kelly Dwyer has to say about George Hill’s performance last night.
February 4th, 2010 at 10:57 am
@Trade TP
You’ve taken a ton of flak for all your suggestions about TP and while I don’t necessarily agree that his contract is excessive, I am beginning to agree with your conclusion. The more George Hill plays, the better he is looking. The previous article commenting on how Hill is “overrated” sure came at a bad time to make that point.
In the past five game, Hill has averaged 17pts and over 4 assists. Hmmm, those numbers look very similar to another point guard we have. The real question is whether Georgie can keep up that production for more than a 5 game sample. Another plus to this guy is that you don’t have to worry about him screwing up his ankle playing overseas.
There’s a ton of trade talk surrounding the Spurs so it will be interesting to see what transpires here in the next 2 weeks. Any way around it, Tony could be a HUGE trading chip if the front office so desired.
February 4th, 2010 at 11:04 am
@Hobson13
I love Hill but I don’t think he is ready to run the team full time yet. His numbers might be similar to Tony but I think anyone can see that Tony can score at will when he wants to and Hill still isn’t capable of that. Tony can take over a game and Hill can’t.
I don’t see the need to trade Tony at all. He and Hill play great together when Hill slides to the 2 guard. The real let down is RJ but I don’t know how to remedy that situation.
February 4th, 2010 at 11:08 am
why is everyone in such a hurry to trade a good player? Don´t forget parker won 3 championships as the starting PG. Hill has looked great, but again, why get rid of another good player. Im just wondering about this but I keep hearing Caron butler is available. I ran it through the trade machine, what about sending a draft pick and Jefferson to the Wizzards and bringing in Butler and Stevenson. Stevenson is a great defender and could play the SF/SG position. Butler gives this team a good shooter. When healthy, the line up would be Parker, stevenson, Butler, Duncan Blair, and then bring hill, Manu, and mason off the bench. In that trade scenario, you get two great wing players for jefferson, who I think would fit in excellently in a team that plays an up-tempo style
February 4th, 2010 at 11:19 am
Looked like the Spurs were content to trade baskets and play down to the level of talent. This game highlights the Spurs problem they have had all season - they just cannot contain quick point guards. Bogans, Hill, RJ - non of them were quick enough defensively to stay in front of guys like Evans.
Atleast Duncan only played 29 min, would have hoped they could have held the lead so he didn’t have to go in at the end of the 4th.
How about a trade of Parker for Rondo? I know he just got an extension, I just think he rubs the front office in Boston the wrong way. He would solve our defensive problem in the frontcourt, and is a pass first shoot second pg that could hopefully get RJ involved.
What was up with Pop dressing like John McCain last night?!?! I had to do a double take at the start of the game…
February 4th, 2010 at 11:29 am
Tony isn’t being traded. Hill is doing very very well in his back-up PG/starting 2 role. That being said, would you trade Bosh if his back-up was Kevin Love? Would you trade Dirk if his back-up was Beasley? New Orleans isn’t trading away Chris Paul because Darren Collison is exceeding expectations.
Hill is the perfect compliment to TP, not a replacement for TP. You simply cannot trade away an All-Star with immense corporate knowledge, a top 5 player at his position, and a very favorable contract because a second year player is doing well.
TP’s assist numbers actually improved the last 3 seasons, while averaging a better shooting percentage in the last 3 years compared to his first 5. These numbers are excluding this season because he is obviously injured. TP is continuing to improve! He’s a bloody All-Star and he’s continuing to get better!
Think about a back court of Hill and TP for the next 5 years. You can’t tell me that doesn’t sound very good, especially if both players continue to improve as their careers are projecting.
February 4th, 2010 at 11:29 am
John McCain…. that was hilarious
February 4th, 2010 at 11:37 am
BigGuy
I wouldn’t do any of those trades, but I would do this……
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine
Thats basically two for the price of one.
February 4th, 2010 at 11:40 am
the warriors are not going to trade any of their expiring contracts. you are going to have to trade for either monta or maggette and both of those players are not what the spurs need. i’m from the bay area and i follow the warriors (sadistic, no?) and their individual numbers might be good, but watching them play is something totally different. monta needs 30 shots on most nights to get 30 points (and no, he does not pass the ball much, neither does maggette) and maggette is an albatross out there. when he touches it, he is going to take either a jump shot or drive straight into the defender and try and get a foul.
February 4th, 2010 at 11:41 am
Dang. It was supposed to look like this:
Minnesota gets:
Tony Parker
Matt Bonner
Spurs get:
Al Jefferson
Ramon Sessions
February 4th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
I’ve made the same statements that this article reiterates…………when will RJ’s play start matching his paycheck. We didn’t bring him here to meander through games. I’ve always thought that his intensity was lacking over the years. Somehow, I thought maybe being in the Spurs system could bring out the best in him. It’s to the point now where it is what it is. The Spurs cannot count on RJ to be a difference maker or to be the 20 point/game scorer, hell, I would take double digit rebounds over the scoring (even a couple steals or so)………..I hope I get proved wrong.
February 4th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
@Hobson
I’d send them our Jefferson for their Jefferson any day, wouldn’t want to get rid of Parker to get Sessions though.
February 4th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
Wow can’t believe this writer got so many comments…people actually read his stuff? Weird.
GO MAVS!
February 4th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
Here’s to tonights tryout for Steve Blake and Travis Outlaw. You boys would look good in the silver & black.
February 4th, 2010 at 1:52 pm
RJ’s play will never match his contract. It never has, it never will.
They need to set up some plays for RJ to keep his aggressiveness up. Quick plays where he can’t think about the play are the best.
Some things that are doable:
-Do screen and rolls with Duncan
-Run RJ off screens to get him freed up for quick jump shots.
The big problem with a lot of plays that involve RJ are they are pass it to him and let him try to do something with the ball.
Many of his successful points were off good passes.
RJ’s D has improved since the beginning of the year and he gives the best small ball option the Spurs have had in a while for a swing guy playing the 4. In the end though, RJ’s best year will be next year (if he stays a Spur).
The two year is the way it is for Spurs guys. Some guys fair better than others, but with the expectation set for the Spurs, RJ will never surpass that.
February 4th, 2010 at 2:27 pm
RJ is sucking so far…
BLAIR+MANU IS THE BOMB.
hill is great, but seriously guys need to stop talking about letting go off TP… yeah he’s injured but everyone seems to forget that we need him next year when we gonna win
February 4th, 2010 at 2:34 pm
High fives all around for Blair. He is playing good basketball. Thats all its really about. Nothing as complicated as the powers that be make it out to be. Duncan, Parker, Blair, and Ginnobli are ball Players. Mcdyess is a ball player. Lets get real on the rest of the roster….Bonner-Bad defender, doesnt rebound, lacks toughness. Good shooter, but should be playing the 3. Mason-same deal as bonner…Also doesnt have the ability to finish at the rim…Bogans-still dont know what the hell he’s doing here. Finley has been a great NBA player and a great Spur. Can be a plus off the bench offensively, just not a good defender. However, he’s not properly utilized by Pop. Why is Pop not playing Mahinmi and Ratliff when the Spurs are gettting bitch slapped on the boards? Finally, No other NBA team would start Bogans. No other NBA team would give them this many minutes…We let Bruce Bowen go, send Harriston back to D Leauge again, cut Marcus Williams, and decide to start Kieth Bogans? WTF?
February 4th, 2010 at 2:50 pm
I’m curious about something. What is the point of the Spurs owning the Toros if the Spurs do not value what happens at that level?
I’m curious why Pop played Ian M all those minutes against NJ and never gives him any playing time after.
The Spurs suck defensively. They need another shot blocker. They have another shot blocker sitting on the bench. We are not playing well.
These are all facts, but none of them add up. As I said, I’m curious.
February 4th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
Ian fouls at waaaaay too high a rate to be an effective defender right now.
People forget that an integral part of the Spurs’ defensive philosophy is to avoid fouling. At this point in his career, I think Ian’s propensity to commit fouls would ultimately be a negative for the Spurs’ defense.
February 4th, 2010 at 3:18 pm
I also believe Pop gave Ian minutes in the NJ game for two reasons: 1.) to rest his other bigs, and 2.) to try and create a little trade value for Ian - he doesn’t have any value if no one sees him perform.
February 4th, 2010 at 3:35 pm
@Tyler
I agree with you to a point.
But how is Ian ever going to develop without minutes? And also, how is he going to develop trade value without minutes?
February 4th, 2010 at 3:35 pm
Given that it’s the caboose of a back-to-back, maybe we’ll see a little Ian + Theo tonight?
February 4th, 2010 at 3:57 pm
I love how were talking about how much these players are getting payed like were the ones signing the checks. I think the last time I checked my last name wasn’t Holt so we should probably shut the —- up. This teams entertains us every night and yet we criticise and complain. shut up and support your team.
February 4th, 2010 at 4:04 pm
All the people wanting to pull the trigger on a TP trade, just because Hill is playing good.
I’ve got two words for you, ROdney STUCKEY!!
He looked good so the Pistons parted ways with Billups.
Last time I checked, RODNEY STUCKEY was leading the PISTONS into the lottery.
February 4th, 2010 at 4:04 pm
All the people wanting to pull the trigger on a TP trade, just because Hill is playing good.
I’ve got two words for you, ROdney STUCKEY!!
He looked good so the Pistons parted ways with Billups.
Last time I checked, RODNEY STUCKEY was leading the PISTONS into the lottery.
February 4th, 2010 at 4:32 pm
That Big Guy- It really matters what you can get for the players you menti0ned if I would trade them or not. The same goes for TP. Obviously we arent that much worse without him. With that being said you shop guys when they are in their prime to see what could happen.
I know this would never happen but if we could somehow manage Tyrus Thomas, Noah, BMiller for Parker, McD, Mason. Wouldnt you do it?
Thats the point. TP isnt going to WIN us rings. Is he a good scorer, sure. Does his inability to do anything else without a solid supporting cast make him a liability for millions, yeah.
Again I would take 10 other PGs to play one year before I picked Parker. People act like his rings and MVP will somehow make him win X amount of games in the future. It wont.
Shop him. Or change systems. We obviously arent doing the latter.
February 4th, 2010 at 7:17 pm
Ladies & Gents please do some research regarding the teams situation re the cap and the long term plans of Holt & co before you join the TP is overpaid, or Trade Tony marching band.
We NEED Tony AND George. George is more of a natural combo guard with wingspan. Tony is a more aggressive and in control scorer who solely plays the one. Tony is definitely more of a scorer.
They can play together or George can rest TP at the point and Manu can play SG. This gives us options and depth.
We are old, we need depth and we need options.
George is locked in. Tony is locked in. Manu isn’t. If Manu walks / is allowed to expire / gets traded for a big man, then we need a guard who can fill two spots pretty urgently.
We have Splitter coming over hopefully next year (when he is exempt from the rookie pay scale I believe and has an opt out in his Euro Contract), and we will still have a high level of Timness. That gives us Tim, Blair, Splitter, McDyess as a frontline rotation.
Why trade TP for immediate frontline help when the problem we have is more chemistry and system related, as pointed out by the Author (not to mention can’t shoot related but I digress).
RJ can’t deal with the system yet. No surprise there. The spurs value corporate knowledge and RJ Turned up with none.
Do you think its a surprse that Fabricio Oberto was able to succeed in San Antonio despite being 6′9 slow and unexplosive? He learned the system found a niche within it and performed.
RJ has a hell of a lot to cover in this system, he needs to be a perimeter stopper, spot up shooter, a scoring punch when injuries dictate and do it all in a manner that doesn’t detract from the team.
The guy whose place at the table he is presuming to fill played amazing D and then in the corner waiting for a 3 point kick out on Offense.
It’s not like Pop just gave RJ the keys to the team and let him roll out free. Theres so many pre existing established players on this team who know what to do when to do it and who to do it too. He needs to fit within those parameters. You don’t just walk into a team with Tim, Manu & Tony and start volume shooting.
I’m not saying he isn’t playing poorly, I am saying however that this is the team for the most part. It’s going to be the team more than likely till the end of the season. Pop and Co know more than us, lets be positive and ride it out and look forward to the improvement that comes with time spent playing together.
That quality or chemistry is why teams like the Spurs can struggle through injury depleted seasons and still post decent win/loss numbers. I.E Last season playing Matt Bonner 30 minutes a night at PF, or starting Romaju at PG, or Starting KT.
We need to chill out and see if Pop and Tim and the vets can work RJ through and into it. We also need to appreciate that TP is a valuable machine. The way he breaks down defenses is a rare thing, and a powering Tony Parker makes life a lot easier for everyone else on this Spurs team.
February 4th, 2010 at 7:30 pm
@Trade TP
Why do you like Tyrus Thomas? He has yet to do anything and he can’t shoot.
He got dissed by one of the most defensively minded coaches going around in Scott Skiles (who picked Milaukees defense up straight away), before he left town and has had three years of unfulfilled potential. I agree he is a great weak side shot blocker, the kicker is he often leaves his man wide open and misses rotations trying to do it.
Pop would blow his stack coaching him.
I have seen a similar sentiment on the bulls board (where he is an absolutely divisive figure).
February 4th, 2010 at 8:02 pm
Parker in line-up tonight vs. Blazers. I was hoping to see him get more rest but maybe Pop wants to win a few of these road games?
February 4th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
Bugger i was hoping that they just pulled him till after the all Star Break as well.
February 4th, 2010 at 10:24 pm
Stomach. Punch.
February 4th, 2010 at 10:27 pm
Wow do the Spurs suck. Blow a 10 pt 4th qtr lead. Make 2 shots in the last 6 minutes of the game until 18 seconds left.
Parker 1 for 6 in 2nd half. Duncan 2 turnovers in the 4th. Ginobili was terrible with a turnover, some stupid 3 pt shots, and no defense including allowing the game winning 3 pointer by Webster because Duncan had the drive by Miller covered. Jefferson got roasted on tv by Doug Collins about how lazy he is getting defensive rebounds or getting back on defense.
Man the Spurs suck and desperately need a trade.
Haven’t like 7 of the last 8 opponents shot over 50%?
February 4th, 2010 at 10:50 pm
To lose to Nuggets w/out Anthony and now Trailblazers w/out Roy or Oden. Been swept by the Jazz and Trailblazers, meaning the Spurs aren’t good enough to beat either team.
We have Lakers 3 times, Magic twice, Cavaliers twice, only 12 home games left out of 34.
No way the Spurs get past a 1st round without a trade to improve the team.
February 4th, 2010 at 11:18 pm
We lost by 3 points to another playoff team. Not such a horrible thing. Some positives to take out of the game were a solid first game back from Tony and Tim was…well Tims’ always awesome.
Still its the lack of killer instinct isn’t it…The inability to finish as a team not just as individuals. Where we won heaps of close ones last year this year all the dominoes fall the other way.
February 5th, 2010 at 6:26 am
God, I’m so tired of hearing Timmy this Timmy that.
Timmy has playing like crap. I haven’t seen Timmy play well ever since the stupid 20000 point marker started being talked about. He has been slowly disappearing into the shadows. Is he hurt again?
I’m so sick of Jefferson, again a horrible shooting night. And I remember at least on transition basket he was jogging behind the Portland player, lazy *****, at least try to run and do something.
We gave up leads in 3 different occasions during the game. We’ve had 2 consistent players in Blair and Hill, and lately Ginobili. Spurs are simply too slow to defend in transition, Timmy is old, weak and slow, and can’t defend in the paint against players who are faster than him, our 3 point shooters are a joke, “oh poor Bonner broker a finger, now he can’t shoot” Kobe is shooting with a broken finger and shoots better than RMJ and Bonner combined”
WHY DIDN’T WE KEEP GOODEN????
Everyone says Pop is super smart, but he does not like playing young guys, Gooden is playing awesome for the Mavs, Pop just didn’t know how to use him.
Done venting for now!!! It has been by far the most disappointing season ever.
February 5th, 2010 at 7:37 am
Varner & Co. seem to see it the same way, you can’t take your foot off the throat of these plus .500 teams time and time again.
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