Monday, April 19th, 2010...3:02 pm
Dallas Mavericks run afoul of San Antonio Spurs defensive principles
For all the anticipation surrounding Manu Ginobili’s return, it was the San Antonio Spurs focus and attention to details that were most sorely missed in the Game 1 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
For much of the past decade the trinity of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker carried the headlines, but it was Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich’s defensive schemes that provided the backbone for everything.
One of the understated tenets of the San Antonio Spurs defense: do not foul. And especially, do not foul jump shooters.
The final score read San Antonio Spurs 94, Dallas Mavericks 100, but another set of numbers may as well have grabbed the headlines-San Antonio Spurs 14, Dallas Mavericks 34.
Even removing the purposeful free throws Popovich decided to award Erik Dampier, the free throw disparity is staggering.
There will always be things beyond the Spurs control, like Dirk Nowitzki shooting 12-14 from the field on a variety of difficult fadeaway jumpers, or George Hill’s ankle still being balky. But as tempting as it may be to lay the free throw disparity at the feet of the referees, the fouls were absolutely something San Antonio could have gotten a handle on.
Defense, as always, is a mindset and attention to detail. In the words of former San Antonio Spurs defensive ace Bruce Bowen, via Sports Illustrated.
“You’ve got to get lower, you’ve got to be quicker,” Bowen says. “My biggest thing is to make sure I show my hands. Because a lot of times the officials call for things like this”—he stabs out with his hands—”jabbing at the ball, touching the midsection, things like that.
“So if [the offensive player] puts the ball on the floor, I have my hands out and [the referees] can see them. Then whenever contact is made, if he goes into me, I go, ‘Hey!’ The official sees my hands.” And no foul is called, while the opposing player, his coach and several assistants predictably throw tantrums in complaint.
The Dallas Mavericks are the top free throw shooting team (percentage wise) in the NBA. Putting the Mavericks in the bonus early is a recipe for disaster.
At the heart of the problem is what to do with Dirk Nowitzki. He’s 7-feet tall, he can shoot, he’s an MVP candidate most years.
He’s also one of the most craftily clumsy players in the history of the NBA.That’s meant as a compliment. For a guy whose signature move is a fadeaway jumper, he knows how to get to the line. Barrel in, create contact, fade, shoot and fall. Wash, rinse, repeat.
For all his tremendous skills, in the end Dirk Nowitzki is still a jump shooter. And at 7-feet tall with a natural fade to his jump shot, there really isn’t much anyone can do to contest them. Putting him at the line 15-feet from the basket without a defender in sight is not going to alleviate the situation.
A lot has been made of San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich’s decision to go single coverage on Nowitzki for most of the night. I would argue that a 7-footer shooting a fadeaway over two players is the same shot as a 7-footer shooting a fadeaway over one.
Is that to say that Dirk Nowitzki is an unstoppable offensive machine? On some nights, yes. That’s the nature of the beast when dealing with the greatest scorers on the planet. But you don’t compound these nights by sending him to the line.
Are there adjustments to be made for Antonio McDyess, Matt Bonner or whoever else Gregg Popovich decides to throw on Dirk Nowitzki? They can start, as Bruce Bowen mentioned, by always showing their hands and avoiding fouls.
A little more attention to detail before Dirk catches the ball could also be paid. Bruce Bowen may not be here any longer, but his words still ring true:
Unfortunately for the San Antonio Spurs, Bruce Bowen isn’t walking through that door. And while this first loss was depressing, it is not the first time Tim Duncan and company have lost Game 1 of the first round.
So heading into Game 2, who still thinks the Spurs can improve upon their NBA playoffs debut? And how can Antonio McDyess and Matt Bonner do a better job on Dirk Nowitzki?
For both questions, let me see a show of hands.
105 Comments
April 19th, 2010 at 3:18 pm
*sniff* bruuuuce!!!
April 19th, 2010 at 3:34 pm
Definitely miss Bruce Bowen the most-especially now during the playoffs. He was an amazing defensive player. I still can’t believe they traded him
April 19th, 2010 at 3:48 pm
“I would argue that a 7-footer shooting a fadeaway over two players is the same shot as a 7-footer shooting a fadeaway over one.”
Yes, that sentence completely sums up why we need to play him straight up. I can understand the occasional double just to mix it up, but we need to be playing him one on one the vast majority of the time. Not to mention you have two guys playing a poor rebounder when you double, leaving someone else on Dallas free to crash the boards.
April 19th, 2010 at 3:52 pm
I thought ‘Dyess did as good of a job on Nowitzki as can be hoped for. I’d like to see a little more of RJ guarding him when McDyess it out. Bonner, for all his hard work and efforts, simply wasn’t effective against the big German.
But there are certainly a lot of things to improve upon offensively. Duncan can certainly improve his control of the ball, as mentioned in the other article on this site. I also liked what I saw out of Tony Parker in the 4th. He looked like he was determined to get to the hole, just like TP of old.
April 19th, 2010 at 4:00 pm
Nice post, Jesse. Great use of Bowen to0 make your point. Unnecessary fouls committed by the Spurs was the surprising signature put on game one. And, in a bit of irony, the Mavs took a page from the Spurs book by being much more disciplined in their defensive effort (regardless of the officiating complaints).
Yes, we can win game two, but our defense against Dirk (other than not fouling him nearly as much) is not really the key. Again, from a recent comment I made on the previous thread:
Our main problems from game one were:
(1) RJ was a no show (4 pts., 4 shots, 32 mins.)
(2) RMJ was allowed to play, at all (9:17)
(3) Hill did not show up (0 points, 17 mins.)
(4) Temple did not play, at all (for Mason)
(5) Blair did not play enough (7:56)
(6) Too many turnovers (17)
(7) Poor rebounding (particularly, on off. glass)
(8) Inadequate 3 point shooting (too few 3’s – Bonner, Hill, Temple – 2 attempts in 37 mins.)
Clear these problems up, everything else equal, and we should have a good shot in game 2. Let the officiating take care of itself.
As far as Dirk, just keep doing what we’ve always done: double occasionally, fake a double frequently, have McDyess on him as much as possible, switch coverages on occasion, and just do what ever is possible to get him out of rhythm. That’s all you can do, and just hope he doesn’t shoot 85% again anytime soon.
April 19th, 2010 at 4:03 pm
I got no problem with the way our various players guarded Dirk nor with Pop’s strategy. This is about the long game not one night. Make Dirk carry the offense thus preventing his teammates (primarily Terry and all 3pt shooters) from becoming invovled, then make Dirk work as much as can be done on the other end. Let’s see where his legs are in games 5 & 6. We aren’t likely to experience poor officiating on most nights so that alone takes down his FT attempts. As for the rest, when a great player makes tough shots you tip your cap. We need only rebound a bit better and cut out the unforced turnovers to push well beyond even the greatest of nights from Dirk.
April 19th, 2010 at 4:10 pm
Now *this* is where I miss Bruce Bowen the most; he can impart this kind of defensive knowledge to rookies like Blair and Temple; continue his tutelage of George Hill; and help school even longtime Spurs players on what they’re doing wrong and what they can do in the next game. ::sigh::
April 19th, 2010 at 4:47 pm
If we cut down the fouls and prevent the Mavs from getting into the bonus early in the quarter, we’ve got a great shot at taking game 2. That, coupled with taking care of the ball and I’m pretty optimistic.
I’d play Dirk the same way. Mix it up and hope to take him out of his rhythm. If he shoots lights out again, so be it - we aren’t winning. Let him get his, just don’t put him on the line. That puts McDyess in foul trouble, who we really need on the boards.
Play Butler the same way. If he wants to jack from the perimeter, great. He’s not going to beat us from there.
April 19th, 2010 at 5:36 pm
Bruce is irreplaceable. Just one of those guys that can not be duplicated and was forever under-appreciated outside of Spurs circles (and sometimes within it). I think it’s safe to say his lessons have been shared with our current players, either by him or the coaches. This is not magic. But guys have to work on all of this over the course of many off-seasons, from footwork to body control to how they use their hands. It takes repetition as it did for Bruce, as even he didn’t enter the NBA already this polished.
And I recall the end of game 4 in 2006 when he too, despite his well trained defensive prowess and respect, got called for a phantom foul on Dirk that sent the game to OT. When Bruce looked into the stands at David Stern and yelled something to the affect of “this is horrible!” And for the second consecutive game it was. For many reasons I do miss Bruce.
April 19th, 2010 at 7:09 pm
Excellent Post. Ticky Tack fouls killed the spurs in game 1.
I think the fact that we were even in contention when Dirk was playing that well and they spent most of the night in the penalty is very positive.
I’m comfortable with the single coverage on Dirk. He wont shoot 87% from the field for the series regardless of who the spurs put on him, it’s just not going to happen.
Sink some 3’s give up less foul line freebies and we can win this.
April 19th, 2010 at 7:21 pm
“Dallas Mavericks run afoul of San Antonio Spurs defensive principles”
I don’t think the headline matches the article, in that I think the headline as written would mean the Mavs had problems dealing with the Spurs defense, and not the other way around.
April 19th, 2010 at 7:56 pm
This is why we should have gone after a Maurice Evans, or a Matt Barnes type player. I understand what
Pop sees in Keith Bogans, just Bogans isn’t able to provide it.
April 19th, 2010 at 8:01 pm
@Area Spurs Fan, I agree in theory what you posted and would have been very happy to have had Bowen back this season as a Mentor/Horry type Postseason player but from what has been written recently it doesn’t seem as if Bowen’s ego would have allowed him to such a reduced role.
April 19th, 2010 at 8:07 pm
I think that the foul discrepancy is interesting. A case can be made that the Mavs were more aggressive and the Spurs weren’t or that the Spurs simply could not guard. Wayyyy too much Bonner and Mason. McDyess was very effective last night and received far too few minutes. Same with Blair……play the man!! He was out of position a lot during the time he was in, but he has proved himself this season to be a better interior defender than Bonner the alternative. The Spurs DID score a lot of points in the paint. But the Mavs ball/people movement really exposed the Spurs interior defense to the point where players were scrambling to recover and caught out of position. On a night where Dirk scores 36 and yet Terry only scores 5, it could have been much, much worse. I don’t see that happening again and yet I really can see RJ being a no show all series, so I am not too optimistic about things………especially with Hill not being himself either. Let’s not forget this guy was HUGE during the Spurs best stretch against the league’s best.
All defensive principles aside, it’s no coincidence that if Hill and RJ don’t play well, the Spurs won’t have a chance
April 19th, 2010 at 8:22 pm
We can’t survive with Jefferson giving us the same offensive production as Bowen but making half of the defensive impact as Bowen. Did anyone see him shaking his head in disgust after the 2 on 1 break w/Parker didn’t work out in the 3rd Qtr? How did we decide to gamble on this guy? Nothing that I’ve seen attitude wise from the very beggining of the season makes me think this guy has any of the passion, discipline, or team first attitude to be a main cog on a championship level team.
April 19th, 2010 at 9:02 pm
Bowen’s painstaking attention to defense is not the only thing missing in Game 1. His spot-on corner 3s, very much a part of the Spurs’ half-court set in the championship years, are also sorely missed.
For much of the game, the Spurs ran a lot of pick-and-rolls between Ginobili and Duncan, who then combined for 11 turnovers. Ginobili repeatedly attempted to dump the ball inside when doubled out of a pick despite the absence of good passing angles and the clogged middle. Maybe he didn’t trust anybody not named Bowen who was filling the sides and corners.
The Spurs need to exploit more the mismatch on the low post, but Mason, Jefferson et al will need to hit more outside bombs. This will also reduce the pressure on Ginobili.
April 19th, 2010 at 9:10 pm
I’ll try to defend Jefferson. I think the offense failed him last night. The big 3 dominated the offense mainly on isos and penetrations. He’s a guy who thrives on movement in the offense and in the open court. The Spurs didn’t have enough of that. It’s also a slight chemistry issue. The one chance where he had to opportunity to get an uncontested layup Parker didn’t throw the ball with enough force. It reinforces to him the idea he doesn’t play well with Parker. When stuff like that happens it’s easy to get frustrated and not try as hard. Unless the Spurs get more movement and passing in their offense it’s going to be tough for Jefferson. He’s not that great a spotup shooter and it’s difficult for him to penetrate and score against a set Dallas defense.
April 19th, 2010 at 9:48 pm
If anyone wants an example of viciously physical playoff basketball I hope you saw the Utah-Denver game 2. That’s a physical game where even more fouls could’ve been called. But the refs maintained control, only called the most egregious fouls and didn’t light anyone up with a technical despite the constant griping from everyone due to the physical nature. That’s how you ref a playoff game.
And with all the fouls, bodies on the floor and aggressive drives to the hoop, Denver only shot 10 more FTs than Dallas did Sunday in a far less physical game. Again, one is an example of how you officiate. Sunday was not.
April 19th, 2010 at 10:30 pm
Why do you think you should officiate a different way in the playoffs. I mean you got rules.
So if you foul a player it`s a foul.
I hate when people say that`s not a playoff foul.
Then you have to make your own rulebook for the playoffs.
I see your point with the technicals.
But the problem is that we didn`t defend the way we used to in the past.
Nowitzki got some arguable calls, but the refs also missed one or two on him.
April 19th, 2010 at 11:06 pm
We need to play Ian Mahinmi.
April 20th, 2010 at 12:07 am
@SpurredOn - It is what it is. You have to know how a game will be called, by the refs, especially ones that are well known to be this way (based off history). Bennett Salvatore. He never lets it get rough as opposed to a guy like Danny Crawford who usually keeps a balance.
April 20th, 2010 at 2:25 am
Too many turnovers and free throws, and yet the Spurs lose by only six points. There’s a silver lining there. And yet, if they don’t even the series in Game 2, we’re looking at a 0-2 hole that they might find hard to dig out from.
As for Mahinmi, I would like to see him tangle with Dallas’ big guys, just to give Timmy a breather. But we won’t throw the towel in just yet.
April 20th, 2010 at 3:43 am
I say sign Bruce Bowen as a defensive coach! Let’s not waste his knowledge. Our young guys will learn a lot from him.
April 20th, 2010 at 3:44 am
Go Spurs Go!!
April 20th, 2010 at 5:13 am
The All Mighty Greg Leroy Popovich…
Comes out and says to the media,
“Some of our guys played like dogs”!
OK, it is actually valid, just lacked tact. Other than Parker, Ginnobli, and Duncan, everybody played poorly. It is truth.
However, this is where I lose even more respect for this coach. He is completely self absorbed.
He didnt do such a stand up coaching job either, but NEVER accepts any responsibility for his shortcommings. Instead, he quickly points the finger of blame at his players.
He decides to come out with his master game plan. He develops his playoff rotation and decides that Bogans, Bonner, and Mason are the way to go.
Mind you, they have sucked all year. Pop had an entire season to see them under perform. He knows that they are weak, just cant seem to come to grips with it.
He puts Bonner on Dirk. Let me repeat that so that everyone gets a clear picture here.
He put Bonner on Dirk! Yes, Dirk is slow, has terrible feet, and isnt overwhelmingly strong, but he is still far too much man for Matt.
This coach continues to give Spurs faithful a steady dose of Matty Bonner. Is it not clear that this guy is not a PF. Havent we figured that out over the past 3 yrs? Pop needs to get real and do it in a hurry. Put Opey on the bench and move on. He gets absolutely zero respect from the officals and will continue to get killed on the defensive end of the floor.. Give him his 10 minutes, let him launch a few shots and get him the hell outta there!
Also, we all know the truth here. If we dont play Temple, Hairston, Mahinmi, and Blair in this series, our chances of winning are very slim. Im not saying that these players are the solution, but they bring so very much more to the table than Bogans, Bonner, and Mason.
Mahinmi and Blair in the paint would change this series. Temple guarding Butler and Terry would change the series. Not huge minutes, just spot minutes here and there, especially at the end of qtrs.
Also, as Ive said all year, George Hill is a really nice young player, but he is no Tony Parker. We will not win without TP. He needs to start immediately, and Coach needs to get out of the way here.
Spurs need a change. Time for a new approach with new ideas.
I would be tempted to give Shaun Elliott a shot at coaching this team.
Shaun knows the game and certainly knows this team. He is ultra competitive and literally bleeds silver and black.
He would be a players coach who could relate to his guys. He is an assesser of talent. He knows a player from a scrub. Given the authority to do so, Shaun would bring in the supporting cast that we need to win. Though I like Avery’s toughness and determination, I like Shaun a bit more for this post.
Pop will answer all of our questions in this series beginning on Wednesday night. He has to make adjustmnets now. His hand is forced. Now he must demonstrate his Hall of Fame coaching skills….
If he does, I bow down and beg forgiveness…
If he doesnt, he should keep his word and tender his resignation.
April 20th, 2010 at 5:28 am
Come on Guys….
Have you guys heard the chatter on ESPNDALLAS.com…
They are laughing at Pop and Bonner.
Dirk quoted as saying that he felt slighted by Pop. He felt like Pop disrespected him by sending Opey out to guard him. He felt that Pop had some nerve trying to defend him with Bonner.
Leads me to ask this question of the 48.
How good would Ratliff and Haislip look in silver and black right now? Could Haislip have provided a little D on Dirk? Could ratliff bang inside with slow azz Dampier and Haywood?
Pop took us into the second half of the season and into the playoffs with a PF playing center, being backed up by a PF in the dangerous and indespensible Matty Bonner, backed up by D Blair, who sits and spectates while all of this is going on.
As if that wasnt enough, out trots Mason and Bogans. Why? What is the resoning?
Can Temple give us more? More overall production than Bogans? ABSOLUTELY!
Can Hairston give us better overall production than Mason? ABSOLUTELY!
Can Mahinmi give us a couple of blocked shots, 10 points, eight rebounds? Yes, and probably Every night!
Ridiculous!
April 20th, 2010 at 5:42 am
I still believe, but the team really has to muscle up. If we are going to give them 34 free throws, they should have bruises all over them from trying to finish near the rim because we have crowded the perimeter so much. Duncan and Dice need to be in the paint as much as possible, meaning double dirk at the top of the key to get the ball out of his hands there! we have to trust our ability to rotate, and make damp, haywood and co continually hit 15 foot baseline jumpers…we have rj and manu to nulify the work of butler and marion….parker stays home on kidd, and readies for the break anyway…leaving us to close out on 3pt shots and foul the fuck out of anyone who slashes off a screen or double team to make them think twice about bringing it inside.
We need to toughen up and realize what is needed to make it past the 2nd best team in the west.
April 20th, 2010 at 6:01 am
@Bhog,
Tuned in to the chatter on espndallas.com. If you go to the ESPN1033 tap at the top, you can tune in LIVE! Oh my! - Dallas is treating Pop and the Spurs like circus clowns.
Yes, I heard it. I never thought I would see the day when Pop is getting laughed at. But frankly, I know that myself and others have pointed out the same issues with Pop and his personnel and rotations all year and many of you clowns on the 48 attempted to defend Pop. Some of you idiots would even attempted to support your nonsense with stats and insults — but just look at the Spurs!
Not only is Pop getting laughed at, but Matt “Forrest Gump” Boner (aka Ratboy), Key Bogus and Rog “the worst ballplayer in world” Mason are also drawing loud and very hearty laughter.
How can a vet coach allow him to get caught in a playoff situation with NO big men to come off the bench - NONE. Please don’t count Boner as a big. Although Boner is 6′10″, he is really a glorified big guard or a soft small forward.
I have never seen Dirk openly get pissed off at someone for trying to guard him, but he is actually pissed off that Matt Boner is trying to guard him. Staring at the Spurs bench, at Pop and at Boner — mocking them, sneering at them.
Key Bogus on Dirk is also very funny. Dang! even I laughed when I saw that match up.
Where are the Jim Henderson’s and Bushy’s of the world. These two clowns and a few of their friends have defended Pop all year. Now he can not hide and the national media is calling Pop out - laughing at the bums he is attempting to roll out.
Is Pop just a rock head? He saw from last years playoff results that Boner could not match up with the Great Dirk. He saw from last years playoff that Mason could only throw up bricks.
Hum! I guess all of you guys are willing and content to continue to sniff Pop’s poot until the very bitter end. As for me, not drinking the silver and black kool aid.
April 20th, 2010 at 7:17 am
Haislip would have given us nothing. He was a lottery bust and is playing where he will play out the rest of his career… Europe. Ratliff on the other hand… he could have been a key part to this series. An extra big to take the pressure off TD. An extra big to play with Blair so he would only guard PF and not get stuck with a 7′ guy. Dyess could play with both TD and Blair. It would have opened up rotations where we had Bonner spotting up for 3 and someone other than Blair to defend a 7 footer. But we don’t have Ratliff anymore. We are stuck with the bigs or lack there of that we have. Time to focus on what we have now and then complain when we don’t target a big with Jefferson’s expiring contract in the offseason.
April 20th, 2010 at 7:28 am
I’m in agreement with most of the people here, that doubling Dirk would open up a whole other can of worms. Dirk’s very good at avoiding turnovers even when he’s surrounded by defenders.
The Dallas ball movement and cutting players at the end of game one was hard to stop, and it opened up as a result of the double (and triple?) coverage. Think Jim Henderson’s above comment is right on-the officiating is just another break of the game, not worth worrying about.
April 20th, 2010 at 8:01 am
Here is what I have struggled to understand as I was talking to some freinds. The spurs have had issues with dirk for a long time (even under bowen he could go off sometimes). How have the spurs not signed a long athletic person who can match up with Dirk? This needs to be addressed at some point, maybe this offseason.
April 20th, 2010 at 8:31 am
@Renato: I’m sure it’s crossed their mind. But realistically, who would they have picked up? You have to remember, the Spurs have been working over the cap for most of the decade. Long, rangy athletic defenders are not cheap to come by.
It’s not as if they could say, I want Aldridge and he’s here. They tried with Haislip, but he proved himself not to be an NBA quality player. They’ve sunk resources into Ian Mahinmi-but he’s not here yet.
Those guys don’t grow on trees, it’d be nice to have them but you have to consider what their options were at the time.
April 20th, 2010 at 8:46 am
@Renato - I’m interested in who you think the team should’ve gotten to deal with Dirk? Bowen was always one of the best, along with Stephen Jackson. I would assume that Artest does well. Likely Battier and perhaps Ariza. And even those guys are going to get lit up when a great player has his game going.
How many times have we heard about a “Manu-stopper” or a guy that gives Duncan issues. And yet when those guys are on nobody stops them. You just hope to make a great player work for what he gets and perhaps wear on him over a long series. The best at guarding Duncan was a younger Rasheed Wallace and Timmy still won a championship going through him. Twice. Dallas and Phoenix have had supposed “Manu-stoppers” and yet both have been sent home by Manu and the Spurs. It’s about more than one guy when playing a great player. It’s also more about executing on the other end so that all of Dirk’s points still leave his team short at games end.
April 20th, 2010 at 8:59 am
@Easy B -
I don’t think doubling Dirk every time down is a good idea. Nine times out of 10, he’s going to make the right decision out of the double team. You really risk letting other guys get off, which is the last thing we want. I think it’s better to mix it up. Double on the catch, double on the dribble, etc., but not every time. I would like to see the double come 25% of the time, and only in certain spots on the court.
And you especially don’t want to double him at the top of the key because there, he can see the entire court. He’ll pick us apart if he sees the double coming from there.
If you do choose to double, do it when he has it in the corner/wing area inside the 3pt line. That way, we can cut off the guys who are one pass away (the nearest offensive players) and force him to make a skip pass over the defense, giving our guys more time to rotate and cover ground.
It’s a tough matchup either way you cut it. It’s really a pick-your-poison scenario. But the more we can make them work, the better results we will get.
April 20th, 2010 at 9:05 am
@Renato -
The way Dirk played in game 1, no one on the planet is stopping him.
Just make him work (and don’t foul) for everything he gets. That’s all anyone can do.
April 20th, 2010 at 9:31 am
The Mavs brought in a number of bigs because they didn’t have an answer for Duncan. It was Dampier, Diop, Mbenga and now Haywood to deal with the Lakers front line.
The Mavs did what NFL teams typically do, if there’s a player in your division that you having trouble matching up against you make it priority to address that problem either in the draft or free agency. The Spurs have failed to find an answer for Dirk, other than some success with Bowen, even though they’ve been competing against him in the same division for more than 10 seasons.
Finding a player to match up with Dirk is easier said than done but that’s why Pop and R.C. get big bucks. They have failed to find role players that can help them compete against the Lakers and the Mavs and ask the big 3 to carry too much of the burden.
If Kobe was playing with this bunch he would demand a trade. If Phil Jackson and Mitch Kupchak said we’re going give Matt Bonner big minutes and have him defend Dirk 1 on 1. Kobe would place a call to his agent immediately.
I appreciate the fact that Duncan and Manu and TP have enough respect and class not to cry about a lack of help but you have to think they feel they’re last opportunity to win a championship is being squandered because of the decisions being made when putting this roster together.
What’s the point of signing a Hasilip a Mahinmi a Hairston and then not finding out whether these guys can play. I was amazed to hear during last nights Jazz-Nuggets game that 10 of the Jazz players are either second round draft picks or free agents. You wonder if Pop was the coach of the Jazz would Milsap and Miles and Matthews even get a chance to see the court. Sloan has done a phenomenal job of developing these guys and keeping that team competitive despite the injuries and the lack of lottery picks.
April 20th, 2010 at 9:42 am
@ballhog
Your name is quite appropriate. Actually, you should consider using bloghog. I think all should express their opinions, trolls like kevin the LA fan. However, I have read every post all year and watched every game - so I know a few things. At a point in the season you determined you were not happy with the Spurs. So no matter what happens you are going to repeat the samethings that we have already heard you say. Be fresh man!
If Haslip is so good he would be playing here in the NBA. As to chatter… Are you kidding me? Who cares what another teams fans are saying. With no rings in sight to boot.
Dirk will not go 12 of 14 again. We play better then we will win. Simple. We are a better team we just have to execute.
By the way, cheer up all the chicken littles posting here
April 20th, 2010 at 9:48 am
@este
Good Post…
@ Dr. Who
Guys like you! How do you know that Haislip couldnt bring anything? How would any of us know? He wasnt given the opportunity by this coach. Same for Mahinmi and Hairston. Guys like you whit no clue when it comes to assessing talent are the same guys that say that D Leaguers cant play in the NBA. Wrong again!
Like este stated…Duncan, Ginnobli, and Parker should have spoken up about this pathetic roster, but for whatever reason, they remain quiet.
Also,
If this coach can go out and put the fate of the team in the hands of Bonner, Bogans, and Mason, then wouldnt it seem that just about anybody could be playing right now and contributing?
The time for trying to defend this coach and those players is gone. Its the same old story and we have known the story for some time now. These guys suck and Pop blew the season, period!
Now, defend that with something other than stats and insults!
I dare ya Dr. Who.
Who indeed!
April 20th, 2010 at 10:32 am
@Ballhog
Pipe down. You’re making yourself look foolish with the teeth gnashing and hair pulling. Pop will make the adjustments the Spurs roster allows and we’ll make this a good series. In case you’ve been under a rock for the past decade plus, he’s really pretty good at this kind of thing.
Every championship this team has had in the Duncan era started with a Game 1, Round 1 loss.
Relax. Trust in your teams’s players. Trust in your teams’s coach. Trust in your team’s front office. Or , you know… find another team.
Lord knows it could be worse. We could be Suns fans.
April 20th, 2010 at 11:00 am
Have to agree with ballhog on a couple of points. Bonner is not someone you really want to leave out on the court because he’s going to kill you on defense and rebounding and psychologically. Players lick their chops when they see Bonner guarding them. You play him a few minutes and run plays to get him open shots. This is sort of how Phil Jackson used to use Steve Kerr in Chicago. Pop likes to use Bonner to space the court. I would argue unless Duncan is dominating down low or Parker and Ginobili are penetrating at will it doesn’t really help. When Bonner gets those 3’s from these players unless he’s making all of them it hurts the team. It might be better to find cutters where you can get a high percentage shot, an and 1, or at least free throws. Incidentally this is the kind of game Jefferson excels at. A missed 3 doesn’t give you the opportunity for any of that. It’s a low percentage shot with a defender running at you.
As far as Popovich’s coaching, by his own words he said he should be fired if they didn’t win it all. I know the book isn’t written on what will happen next but this team is clearly underachieving and you really can’t blame it on the players. In the off-season, people were saying that the Spurs were the second most talented team in the West and one of Duncan’s most talented teams. Jefferson averaged 20 in Milwaukee and McDyess averaged a double-double last year. These players didn’t suddenly get worse. It’s just their talents aren’t being maximized. It’s the job of the coach to learn how to maximize the talent.
As far as defending Dirk, it might be worth giving Hairston or Mianhimi a try. Just seems better than Hack-a-Dampier. Hack-a-Dampier is psychologically depressing to your team.
April 20th, 2010 at 11:07 am
I would love to see more RJ, Temple, and Bogans on Dirk.
Just a change of pace to get him out of rhythm.
April 20th, 2010 at 11:40 am
@BALLHOG
I have always POP but i have to agree with you he screwed our 4th quarter momentum.
He could have really used IAN,BearBlair,Temple and Hairston,anyway its best of 7 and i feel it in my bauch Dirk & co will not see the 2nd if Pop makes the right adjustments.
BETTER D”- MORE BLAIR - TEMPLE & HAIRSTON POPPIN UP -FEWER TOs!!
AND POP GET DOGGY YOURSELF
April 20th, 2010 at 12:14 pm
Every good playoff team seems to have that non-star player who can turn momentum and be a spark when their team needs it most. A recent example is Jamario Moon’s performance last night for Cleveland. Without his timely 3 pointers and a couple of big rebounds that series could easily be tied.
Other than a gimpy Hill the Spurs don’t seem to have a player who has the potential to fill that role. If you are a team with championship aspirations you gotta find someone who can provide that spark. I just don’t believe Bonner, Bogans, or Mason are capable of getting it done.
April 20th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
To the “POP BASHERS”:
To reiterate, this is what I said earlier on this thread:
“Our main problems from GAME ONE were:
(1) RJ was a no show (4 pts., 4 shots, 32 mins.)
(2) RMJ was allowed to play, at all (9:17)
(3) Hill did not show up (0 points, 17 mins.)
(4) Temple did not play, at all (for Mason)
(5) Blair did not play enough (7:56)
(6) Too many turnovers (17)
(7) Poor rebounding (particularly, on off. glass)
(8) Inadequate 3 point shooting (too few 3’s – Bonner, Hill, Temple – 2 attempts in 37 mins.)
Clear these problems up, everything else equal, and we should have a good shot in game 2. Let the officiating take care of itself.
As far as Dirk, just keep doing what we’ve always done: double occasionally, fake a double frequently, have McDyess on him as much as possible, switch coverages on occasion, and just do what ever is possible to get him out of rhythm. That’s all you can do, and just hope he doesn’t shoot 85% again anytime soon.”
And this, from the previous thread, soon after the loss to the Mavs:
“I was also disappointed with Pop’s rotations tonight though. For example, in my mind there’s no reason for playing Mason. He had plenty of opportunities to play himself out of his funk during the last TWO MONTHS of the regular season, and yet failed miserably. Plus, he’s also a liability in most other areas of the game. He should not be playing unless absolutely necessary. I think Hairston has an ankle sprain (not sure how serious), but if not him, Temple should have been in that game before Mason.
In addition, Blair needs to be in that game. I understand what Pop’s thinking, that in a game like this he’s going to be a defensive liability, but Blair could cause some issues for the Mavs on the offensive end, and since we were out-rebounded 13-8 on the offensive glass, he could have also helped out in that area. If Pop thought Blair was going to hurt us defensively, just put him on Dirk; no one was stopping him anyway.”
As I’m sure everyone’s aware, coaches, like players, don’t always have good nights. In my humble opinion, game one against the Mavs was not one of Pop’s best performances. Granted, he did have some of his “troops” “play like dogs”, but I have no idea why Pop would: (1) put Mason in the game AT ALL? (does anyone know what RMJ’s shooting percentage is for the last TWO MONTHS! - Temple should play in his stead - he’s shooting 43% from three, plus he plays better “D”); (2) play Blair only 7 minutes? (does anyone really believe that Blair’s performance in the last regular season game against the Mavs was a fluke, or it happened JUST because the game was relatively meaningless. And, the “defensive liability reason” is not sufficient - there’s just too many compensating factors in Blair’s favor, if he’s “on”); (3) I’ll give Pop some slack on Hairston because he apparently has an ankle injury, but I’d like to get the media questioning the team on his condition, and availability; (4) I’m not a Bonner hater, but if you can’t get him to take more than TWO three’s in 20 minutes, he’s playing too much; (5) Mahinmi scares me, but the Mavs length advantage on us was only too obvious. In a game such as game one, it would not have hurt to get Mahinmi in there for 8-10 minutes if his “D” wasn’t too bad, and he wasn’t a “foul machine”, because he’s very aggressive on the offensive end, and he MAY have been able to score inside, draw fouls on their bigs, and help keep there “bigs” off the offensive glass a bit. As I said, Ian scares me, but trying to use him in this way is plausible, and worth a shot; (6) I know it’s second-guessing, but deliberately fouling Damp in the 3rd quarter is probably not the best strategy.
That said, and just so the “pop-bashers” don’t get too excited, I in no way think it’s in ANY WAY reasonable to suggest that Pop should be replaced, or that “he” loses many of our games. Nevertheless, in my humble opinion, Pop had a hand in our loss in game one. It was not one of his best performances. There’s no excuse to play Mason, AT ALL, or play Blair only 7 minutes. By the way, I don’t buy that “Blair can’t play AT ALL with TD”. Just bring Timmy off the low block more on the offensive end when he’s playing with Blair. TD can knock down the 15-17 foot jumpers. And finally, RJ needs a cattle prod! Something,….. or we’re toast!
In the final analysis, if we lose this series (or any series), the primary reason will be because RJ didn’t show up, again, and we simply don’t have a tall, deep, defensive-minded, or talented & young enough front line to go up against the elite teams in the league, as I’ve been saying all along. When all is said and done, Pop will not be the reason. However, he and the front office will be forced into improving their front line in the off-season (through MLE and/or trade) if they want to truly challenge the elite teams, because even if we are fortunate, and get by Dallas somehow, it is VERY unlikely that we will beat LA and/or Cleveland, should we even get the opportunity to play them.
April 20th, 2010 at 12:39 pm
@este: Moon was a poor 3pt shooter in the regular season. He averaged fewer points, assists and shot a lower 3-pt percentage that Roger Mason. So I guess the Spurs do have that kind of non-star who can turn momentum.
On the other hand, if Moon played for the Spurs there would be fans, perhaps you too, that would wonder why he’s on the roster, and say that if Kobe played with him he’d demand a trade. He’s good enough for LeBron yet less of a player than what we already have.
April 20th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
@Este nice, succinct, post - true that!
One thing I don’t understand - Help me SpurNation!
How is that Haislip was not NBA ready and can not ever get off the bench, but guys like Matt Boner, Fab “Sweet Pants” Oberto and Rasho Nesetrivic are ready and there never seems to be a shortage of minutes for them? I don’t get it!
Is it their offensive prowess? Are they mad rebounders? Is it their strong, lock down Defense? Is it their extremely high Bball I.Q.?
I doubt it seriously! I think it is more the fact that Pop is an ego maniac who all his life he wanted to be an ALPHA male. However, Pop is really a submissive who does not do well and is even threatened by players who would dare think for themselves and speak up against his nonsense.
Mavs coach, Rick Carlise is a experience, playoff tested coach. Anything less than Pop’s best coaching effort will simply get the Spuzs SWEPT in “4″. Pop will not be able to sale his usual wolf cookies. He will not be able to huff and puff, then everyone flees. Its win or go home!
April 20th, 2010 at 12:48 pm
Pipe down Ballhog… I’ve never been one for insults but have been one for stats, not sure where that comment came from. I never ONCE said D Leaguers can’t play. There are a few things on your posts I’ve agreed with but others not even close. You’ve repeatedly mentioned Haislip being this huge loss. We did see Haislip play in limited minutes and all of pre-season. We also saw Hairston and Mahimi play. Hairston was a guy that seemed he was destined for the Toros. What did he do? He flat out balled in pre-season. Check my posts… I’ve recognized Hairston is a player; a strong defender and not an offensive liability like Bogans. Plus he’s athletic. He’s showed that to everyone in limited minutes. Haislip didn’t. He showed he was athletic but sometimes lost on the court. Athletic is not all it takes to be in the NBA. Mahimi has had his flashes (New Jersey game against a legit NBA big), but for all the athletic talent he has, he still has trouble controlling his body and committing fouls (even in limited minutes he picks up 3-4 fouls). I was all for giving the guy more burn during the season (check my posts) but that didn’t happen. Now when it’s the playoffs and you have some guy that doesn’t have playoff experience AND IS foul prone (Pop’s fault for not getting him ready during the season), do you really want to get the Mavs into the penalty earlier? The Mavs are one of the best free throw shooting teams on the planet. At this point putting him in there for spot minutes isn’t going to kill you. He can’t pick up more ticky tack fouls as our other players did, but keep in mind this is the NBA and sadly it’s about reputation (right or wrong it is). If Mahimi plays good 1 on 1 D against Dirk and Dirk flops after a missed shot, you think Mahimi gets the call? If the last game showed us anything, he will get called for the foul… often (even if he’s actually playing good D). Ratliff on the other hand is an established vet and will be given more leeway. Dan Bonner… he gets no respect from the refs much less the announcers. He’s going to get called for the foul every time. Mahimi if used, should only be used in limited minutes. We all know that will never happen with Pop coaching. It took an act of Congress and as severe thumping from the Mavs to get him to play Hill last year in the play-offs and we can agree that Hill showed more of a polished game last year that Ian has this year.
I’ve been very critical of Pop this season with his revolving rotations, forcing RJ into a spot up shooter and letting go of our only established legitimate big in Ratliff (whom Larry Brown immediately made into a starter) to save about 1MM on the books. I bashed him for trotting out the fossil that was/is Finley in what can only be described as “man love” between Pop and Finley. I bashed him for starting Bonner and Finley at the beginning of the season. I am of the opinion that it was a bad move for Pop to call out his players playing like dogs. If you want to call out players for playing like dogs, Pop has to look in the mirror as well. What did you coach like Pop? In any sport when a team plays an undisciplined game with more turnovers than normal, what do you attribute that to? Most of the times you attribute that to coaching. I don’t see why this should be any different. Pop’s fascination with small ball has made me sick to my stomach and I have been vocal in expressing that as well. The fact that we guarded their best (All Star and former MVP) scorer with our poorest defender 1 on 1 was yet another gripe that I made in a post yesterday. Please do your homework before calling me out on what I supposedly do or don’t think. The biggest thing I didn’t’ agree with on your post was Haislip. I think you’re way off to think of him a savior of this series.
Was Haislip athletic? Yep… He was uber athletic when he came into the league as a lottery pick way back in 2002? To say he’d be a difference maker in this series… c’mon really? Other teams have scouts right? Why weren’t they all clamoring in a line ready to sign this guy? He who must not be named (Scola) played in Europe and there were plenty of teams interested in him. They have scouts and they saw the talent. Haislip is still a rough athletic project EIGHT years after being drafted. When does someone become a bust and not a project? I think we saw enough of Haislip in the later minutes he played to assess whether or not he could play and contribute. Remember Hairston played limited minutes too. What did he do in his limited minutes? He balled! Most everyone said this kid needs a roster spot he’ll be a nice addition. Apparently so did the Spurs. He’s got an ankle sprain right (from the injury report) that’s why he didn’t play in the final game of the season and the play-off opener. I’d like to see him get some spot minutes this series when we need a defensive stop or defensive energy. He can guard SF’s and guards. How bout we make a bet… if Haislip is in the league next year and makes a significant impact for his team how about you eat some crow? Haislip is Pops part 2. Remember him? People were crazy about Pops and how on earth could we let him go. I thought he was athletic and fun to watch but that doesn’t make an NBA player. Am I an NBA scout or coach? Nope… but the people who are took a look at him, signed him to a contract and he never made the starting 5 much less an impact with the Rockets or Raptors. Yet, many Spurs fans were up in arms that we let the guy go. Really… he could have made that much of a difference for us? Haislip is of the same mold. He’s had a while to prove himself an NBA player. #13 in the 2002 draft for crying out loud. If he’s so incredible of a player, why did Panathinaikos release him last week??? Apologies to all for the uber long post, but I don’t like being called out for things that I didn’t write or opinions that are not necessarily mine. I’ll refrain from giving into this in the future. Back on topic and the playoffs. Ready for Wednesday!
April 20th, 2010 at 12:54 pm
I’ve been following this team for too many years to let game 1 of a series bother me too much. The most interesting stat from game 1: 100-94…a six point spread. Outside of the big three (and McDyess) there was a lot of crap out there on the floor. Dirk is the second coming, J-Kidd did his thing, Butler showed up, Marion’s not out to pasture yet, and the Mavs front line did a number on the Spurs. Hmmm, and they won by 6 points?
If all that happens again in game 2, then I’ll be concerned.
April 20th, 2010 at 12:54 pm
NEWSFLASH:
Cuban “Hates the Spurs”
http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/news/story?id=5119275
Real shocking stuff.
Let it be known the feeling is mutual.
April 20th, 2010 at 12:54 pm
i’m starting a chant……….”COME ON! PLAY IAN!”
i think we will see pop throw him on dirk at least one point in this series. lets hope it’s not at the end of our own fruitless elmination game.
April 20th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
“if Haislip is in the league next year and makes a significant impact for his team how about you eat some crow? ”
Obviously I meant I’LL eat some crow. I’d expect the same of you if Haislip is still toiling in Europe or buried at the end of someone’s bench next year. Nothing personal at all, just a fair wager so we can put the Haislip talk to bed.
April 20th, 2010 at 1:02 pm
@ Bob, Correction, Mr. Bob!
Best post Ive seen at the 48. You nailed it. Its not about whether or not you like the coach or like the players, its about winning.
Somewhere along the journey, Pop lost his edge. Got to comfortable. Got a lil cocky. Above all, his luck ran out. The rosters that the Spurs put together for thier chamionship runs were nothing short of brilliant. Strong core and PRODUCTIVE role players.
This is why I have found it quite interesting that posters so readily defend this coach and front office for thier actions, or lack thereof, this season.
Regardless of what miracles they garnered for this team in the past, this season has been a disaster. When a team starts making moves that dont make basketball sense, it is a sign of problems within.
When a team begins to have layers requesting to be released, for any reason, it is cause for concern.
Now, here we are in the 1st round of the Western Conference playoffs, matched up against the 2nd best team in the West.
What is Pop’s game plan?
Play Dirk straight up with Mcdyess. Decent strategy, but Dice is not working hard enough on the floor. He is loafing at times. Not sure if it is his knees or a lack of desire. But, as Bob stated earlier, he didnt suddenly forget how to play. Offensively, he should be rolling toward the basket off pick and rolls instead of trying to be a spot up shooter..
2nd-Bonner on Dirk is a dead notion. It will not work. May as well just give Dirk the wide open look.
I could go on, but come on guys…
We are not coaches, but we are sound minded fans who watch these games. It is clear that Pop’s rotation will not win this series. We know it, and he surely knows it as well.
Will he change it? Will he just stick Parker back in the starting line up and claim that to be his adjustment for game 2?
If its about pride with Pop, we are screwed and all of you know it.. If it is about winning, he will do whatever he can to GET-ER-DONE, and spare us the crappy lineups!
Otherwise, we should be concerned.
April 20th, 2010 at 1:05 pm
@RJ
I don’t think it will happen. Pop has been very relctant to play Ian at all during the regular season. Can’t see him changing that pattern. Wouldn’t mind seeing Ian for at least a few minutes though and see how it shakes out.
@este
Sadly I agree with your post about Hill being the only other realistic guy to step up. However… maybe Hairston’s ankle is better and he can provide a spark for and extra 8 or 10 pts and some defensive stops off the bench (if Pop plays him).
Perhaps Pop will play McDyess more minutes and he can get going. His game was pretty solid in limited minutes. Blair got pushed around by Haywood a little bit but did show some flashes of his Grizzley Blair self. Maybe he’s a bench hero that steps up (if Pop plays him)? We gotta wait and see how Pop distributes the minutes.
April 20th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
First off this concept that sometimes players go off and thats ok is wrong. The mavs knew wat problems they had with the spurs, a lack of an inside presence and they addressed it. The difference between this year and others is Dirk has more weapons around him so the spurs cannot shut him down. I disagree with the assesment maid that hailsip and mahimi were failed attempts, because niether ever got a fair chance at it. THis year its the mavs are goin put a huge alert on this, unless dirk is off the spurs do not have a single person on the roster capable of slowing dirk down. This is why I hoped the spurs would draw any team but the mavs
April 20th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
By the way, Ratliff would be better than what we have now in terms of depth on the front line, but the reality is, we’re already TOO OLD on the front line! Theo’s going on 37, and he only got a shot with the Bobcats because they can’t keep ANY of their centers healthy. Also, let’s face it, Charlotte’s a decent team, but they ain’t going nowhere with Theo logging major minutes at center.
April 20th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
@ Jim Henerson
very true on Ratliff. He was not that guy, but 10-12 minutes a game from him would have buun big for the Spurs, especially in the playoffs.
To play Blair at least 20 minutes and give Mahinmi some spot minutes would be big. If Pop were to just send Mahinmi into the game with instructions to be very agressive offensively and not to reach on defense, he could affect this series, goofy or not. We need his length now.
@ Dr. Who
I accept those terms on Haislip.
I watched Haislip play. He could definately contribute in the NBA. He is super athletic and offensive minded. He has played in Europe for years, guarding bigs that play facing the basket. He would have been a nice 10 minute guy at the 4 spot, especially for the bargain basement price that the Spurs got him for.
I realize that Haislip is no stud. However, on this roster, with these players, he would have been a nice insurance policy when our frontcourt is being b—h slapped by Dirk on national TV.
April 20th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
@ballhog
@other chicken Littles
Do not take this personally, but you should take this with the sense I am giving you. Your name should be changed to BLOGhog.
The repeating of the same tired stuff that can be saved for the same sites you mentioned that go “laughing” at Pops 4 rings.
I’ll make this short and sweet. It does not matter what Dirk does. (he will not go 12 of 14 again). He went off and we lost by 6. Was that the reason?Bonner and Mason played - so did Bogans, is that the reason we lost?
NO
We had too many turnovers by our MAIN players (11). Half or a third less we win.
A bad night for Hill and Jefferson: 7 more points by either and nobody would be talking about Bonner, Pop, bogans, or Mason.
The sky is not falling (chicken Littles)
Have some team pride. What we do wins - not what they do.
April 20th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
On the issue of Ian: I’d like to see Pop try (emphasis on try) him with TD. Then Dirk would either have to guard Timmy or Ian IN THE LOW BLOCK. Dirk HATES playing in the low block. It’s too physical for him. Ian has shown that he’s a bear in the block and draws lots of fouls. On defense, let Ian guard Dampier or Haywood and Timmy guard Dirk. TD is less likely to get fouls called on him. Hey, it’s worth a try.
April 20th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
Can we get one thing straight about Dirk? He has games where he goes off on ALL other teams as well, not just ours. Let’s not draw too many conclusions about how we defended him, based on just one game. And the fact is, we don’t have ANYBODY on the roster that matches up great with him (and neither does the rest of the league). Dice is our best match-up, but Dice is going on 36 years old, and simply does not have the legs left to hound Dirk for 40 minutes per game.
As I said previously, you double him only occasionally (too good of a passer out of the double team), you feint at doubling him frequently, you throw different defenders at him often when Dice isn’t on him, and you just do a bunch of things he’s not really expecting to try to keep him out of rhythm. But lets get real, Dirk’s not going to shoot 85% every game, even if NOBODY guards him out on the perimeter. And besides, we BEAT OURSELVES in game one. Indeed, despite Dirk’s great game, he did NOT beat us in game one. So, the focus should be on what WE DID wrong, in several areas, as a team, not on how we “defended Dirk”.
April 20th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
I STILL BELIEVE!!!!! 2010 THE YEAR OF THE SPURS!!!!! GO SPURS GO!!!!!
April 20th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
BALLHOG
April 20th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
“very true on Ratliff. He was not that guy, but 10-12 minutes a game from him would have buun big for the Spurs, especially in the playoffs.
To play Blair at least 20 minutes and give Mahinmi some spot minutes would be big. If Pop were to just send Mahinmi into the game with instructions to be very agressive offensively and not to reach on defense, he could affect this series, goofy or not. We need his length now.”
Generally speaking, I agree! The earth shakes.
agutierrez
April 20th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
“On the issue of Ian: I’d like to see Pop try (emphasis on try) him with TD. Then Dirk would either have to guard Timmy or Ian IN THE LOW BLOCK. Dirk HATES playing in the low block. It’s too physical for him. Ian has shown that he’s a bear in the block and draws lots of fouls. On defense, let Ian guard Dampier or Haywood and Timmy guard Dirk. TD is less likely to get fouls called on him. Hey, it’s worth a try.”
Interesting point. We might have to try something like that, in spurts.
April 20th, 2010 at 1:48 pm
@JH
I can’t argue Theo’s age at all. He’s old as dirt! Would we be better off with him than we are without him and saving 1MM bucks? That’s the only point I was making with Theo. I had thought the whole reason to bring him in was to play a Rocket’s Motumbo role and save him for the playoffs when needed. Bobcats are using a 3 headed monster at center AFAIK but Theo is in the mix. Much rather see him playing 18 min. a playoff game than 1MM saved on the books. But then again… they are not my books!
@Renato
I think the jury is still out on Mahimi. Mahimi had his moments but continued to show he’s very foul prone. If he can ever get his fouling under control he could be nice athletic 7 footer. Only time will tell. My point there is that even in limited minutes Haislip didn’t show much. Hairston in limited minutes showed he belonged and Ian showed promise but he still needs some work getting fouls under control. Would have liked to see Ian have more mintes during the regular season. The deal with Haislip is he’s been around since 2002 not 2005 like Mahimi. And in those same spot minutes didn’t show much to warrant him sticking around. Plus he practiced with the team and the coaches saw him plenty in practice. Panathinaikos dropped him last week.
As for the rest of your post… yep yep and yep. Players have a tendency to “go off” when they are guarded poorly. We still don’t have an answer for Dirk. Last year we really held Dirk in check until game 5. But… we were throwing tons of looks at him and doubling from all over the place. Dirk has a lot more help this year than he did last year and the role players killed us last year. Terry, Barea, Roddy (who hasn’t even played yet), Butler, Haywood, Kidd or Marion could all have huge games if we concetrate solely on Dirk. Lots of talent there. Tall order for the Spurs, hopefully everyone (coaches included) earn their paycheck on Wed. and they come up with a game plan to keep Dirk human, play good team D and get everyone involved. I want to believe we can do it.
April 20th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
I would rather play Blair than Ian. Blair is less foul prone, has better footwork around the basket, and is a much better rebounder. Even though the advanced statistics showed that Duncan and Blair don’t produce as well on the court together, making Dirk guard either of them will be a winning matchup for us. If Hill and Hairston still arent ready to go though, I’d like to see Temple come in before Mason. Actually, i’d rather see Temple in than Hairston. Hairston cant hit the corner 3, and we need someone to start making them.
April 20th, 2010 at 2:06 pm
This article pretty much said it all.
Can they win this series, YES!!!!
The Mavs pretty much played an almost perfect game and it still didn’t look convincing. But hey a win is a win.
I think the D on DIRK is fine. All the MAVS are great shooters. If you start doubling DIRK then Terry gets off. And KIDD can even hit the three.
They shouldn’t concern too much about trying to stop DIRK. This isn’t football, you aren’t going to stop a STAR from scoring.
I’d like to see more BLAIR. I know DIRK can just shoot over him, but who can’t he shoot over???
We need Blair’s rebounding. You don’t have to be 7 feet tall to be an effective rebounding.
The only way the SPURS can lose this series is by giving it away. Like they did in game one.
April 20th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
Pop is worthless and once again he is being shown that when TD isnt unstoppable he has NO CLUE what to do.
Fact of the matter is if you think Bonner is better than Blair you dont need to be around a basketball.
April 20th, 2010 at 2:09 pm
blair would be as ineffective guarding dirk considering he gives up over half a foot. ian is the only player that can contend his shots, but nowitzki is still 7 ft and can shoot fadeaways over anyone. i like the idea of dirk having to guard ian. he could potentially get dirk in foul trouble.
i know it won’t happen, but i think desperation will come knocking in this series.
April 20th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
I can’t figure out if people are trolling here or legitimately think that we should get rid of Pop. It seems that every time the Spurs lose trolls come from under the bridge to complain about how he isn’t playing this player, or he played this player too much.
1. Temple cannot play this postseason. I believe he was signed after March 1st. Stop asking for him to be sent out.
2. Pop has 4 rings. Only 3 other coaches have that many. Pat Riley, Phil Jackson and Red Auerbach. Can we stop calling for him to be fired?
3. The players the front office let go were let go for a reason. I can’t tell if everyone arguing for Haislip really thinks that he would be able to defend Dirk effectively.
Last of all, please stop trolling. We all know that there are a few posters who come out of the woodwork whenever the Spurs lose and write amazingly long and antagonistic posts about the game and why it was Pop’s fault. Can you not troll somewhere else?
April 20th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
Temple is eligible for the playoffs. The only guy we have signed who isnt is Gee, if i’m not mistaken. Otherwise, I agree Jordan.
April 20th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
Dunno if I’m one of the supposed trolls or not… I don’t hate Pop. I do criticize some of his decisions for sure. I don’t think ANY coach is above that. Just like every player or coach in the NBA, I think he makes mistakes. I do think he is a stobborn @ss mule and hesitant to change his ways and evolve. There have been some signs of life in this dept. this season though. I don’t think he should be fired and we go looking for someone else though. Game 1 is a team loss (players and coach), I didn’t like Pop calling his team dogs (even though many did play like them). Some responsiblity has to go on the coach and his gameplan. If people say Pop had a poor one in game one, I think that’s fair. I hope Pop has evolved enough to not be stubborn and come up with something new to tackle the Mavs. IMHO, on paper they have more talent than the Spurs, thus game plan and execution become that much more important. Do I disagree with some of Pop’s tactics? Yes. Do I respect Pop FAR more than Carlisle? Yes…
AFAIK Temple is available for the playoffs, he’s on the playoff roster.
April 20th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
i thought the hack a damp method was most definately a coaching error. not only did damp make his freethrows, but it definately showed some desperation. rather than mason picking up 4 quick fouls, we could have seen temple play some solid d.
here is where i disagee with pop. his stay-the-course- mentality in these sitauions is detrimental to the team. just because garret temple is a rook and mason had a good year………last year…….does not merit roger getting minutes. temple produced for us late in the season, so why is he going to let him sit on the bench? i understand not playing mahinmi although i and some have argued that it would be worth it to throw ian and dirk for a few minutes, but temple proved himself to be a contributor.
temple may not have the experience, but mason isn’t going to get it done on either side of the ball.
April 20th, 2010 at 2:49 pm
@ Jordan
Ooooooh, right in the gutt…Name calling, throwing tantrums, whining and crying.
I dont see anybody in here crying about your posts, including the Hog. I didnt see anyone result to name calling and pulling hair other than you mannnnnnnn.
We all have tough days now and then, but dont take your frustrations out on my brilliant posts. You love my posts…You get up early to log on so that you can read my posts.
So stop trying to get Spursfansteve to think that you are not a huge Hog fan.
Such a jokester….
Now, can we get back to the business at hand, or do you need more time to vent?
April 20th, 2010 at 2:59 pm
Jordan
April 20th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
“1. Temple cannot play this postseason. I believe he was signed after March 1st. Stop asking for him to be sent out.”
Can you cite evidence for this, as in, a link for the specific rule in effect, or the “playoff eligible” Spurs roster. If anyone saw Temple in uniform on the bench in game one, I believe he is eligible, or can be designated active on a game-by-game basis, but I’m not sure.
“2. Pop has 4 rings. Only 3 other coaches have that many. Pat Riley, Phil Jackson and Red Auerbach.”
Actually, you left one coach out: John Kundla of the Minneapolis Lakers in the 1950’s. He had five NBA titles.
Otherwise, I’m by no means a Pop-Basher, but game one was clearly not his best performance.
April 20th, 2010 at 3:13 pm
@ JH
I’m not sure if Temple was dressed but both Temple and Ian were listed as DNP Coaches decision. So unless I’m missing somethign they’re good to go for the playoffs.
I think the anticipation is getting to this board… wish it was tomorrow already!
April 20th, 2010 at 3:41 pm
Jordan,
Don’t responsd to the trolls.
To everyone else,
Calm down.
We lost game 1 of a playoff series on the road. Dirk shot 87% from the field and 100% from the line.
Well colour me amazed.
He wont shoot 87% for the series regardless of who guards him, just calm the hell down.
April 20th, 2010 at 3:45 pm
The idea that Ian Mahinmi is going to shut dirk down is a hell of a reach.
April 20th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
JH…absolutely right on. The Spurs beat themselves on Sunday night. Man everyone can analyze and re-analyze this game/team as much as one likes. I say give it another game before we bury Pop, dismiss rotations, re-configure off-season rosters, note strengths/weaknesses of each player, etc.
I hope the game 2 post headlines are about Pop’s between game adjustments and the Spurs’ bench rising to the occasion. One could argue the latter of these two points has been missing for over two years.
April 20th, 2010 at 4:15 pm
Right on BigJ.
It’s not like reinventing the wheel.
It’s a sad indictment that the national media has more confidence in our team than some of the posters on this forum who seem desperate for us to fail.
April 20th, 2010 at 4:24 pm
Play Mahinmi, damnit! Now!!
April 20th, 2010 at 4:39 pm
There was a silver lining in the loss, as poorly the Spurs played they only lost by 6 points. Yeah Dirk had his big night in game 1 but I dont think he will have another one the rest of the series. There were alot of reasons the Spurs lost. I mentioned in another post about the refs but I know it was a culmination of turnovers and other things. I did find myself questioning Pop about his defensive scheme because he should have seen that he was not going to stop Dirk and should have shut down the rest of the team. Oh well lets move on to game two.
April 20th, 2010 at 4:44 pm
Jeff lets be honest here, exactly what has Mahinmi done in the past 3 seasons that has given you cause to believe he is the answer to Dirk Nowitski?
The premise seems to me to be generlaly, that we need to play Ian because he is athletic and 7 foot tall and we don’t have anyone else who genericially matchs that description, so give him minutes already!
Here are some other athletic very very tall players currently in the league.
Alex Ajinca
Steven Hunter
Dan Gadzuric
Hamed Haddadi
Mikki Moore
Johan Petro
Nathan Jawai
Hasheem Thabeet
Ronny Turiaf (Who starts ahead of Ian on the french National team, with good reason. Well theres another guy who also plays ahead of Ian but he is not in the NBA, nor currently drafted…)
Tony Battie
Jarron Collins
Kosta Koufos
Patrick O’Bryant
Ike Diogu
You might argue that some are more or less gifted than Ian. You cannot argue that just having the tools (height and a good physique) makes you worth gaming.
On top of that.
Just how incompetent do you believe the Spurs to be? Some on here believe them to be a gentle conspiracy of ineptitude. But to willfully hurt themselves to this degree would require a level of decay well beyond that.
They have given this guy massive development time at the cost of millions upon millions of dollars. They drafted him for gods sake, they believed in him, and invested accordingly.
They have showcased him in summer league, and they see him training day in and day out. They have patiently waited through 3 injury plagued poor performing years.
They remain officially unimpressed.
Now apparently after loosing one game of the playoffs to an absolutely unconscious Dirk Nowitski the building wave of consensus is that they should throw Ian Mahinmi in to the shark tank and give him instructions to “swim fast or sink”.
Ripper.
Lets take someone who can’t start for France (are you going to tell me if he is that good he wouldn’t get PT for the freaking French National team), and play him big minutes in the most important game of the season.
Stellar idea.
April 20th, 2010 at 4:50 pm
Dr. Who
April 20th, 2010 at 3:13 pm
First, I get your point on Ratliff, and it’s a reasonable point of view. I just don’t think Theo here chipping in 15 minutes was gonna be enough to make a real difference. It’s just that in desperate times like these, going against a tall, competent front line, that it’s easy to fantasize about what if ……. Theo were here, etc. We do need help on the front line, but I just don’t think Theo is answer, even in this series.
Second, I think you’re right about Temple’s eligibility. It would be nice though if the general public has easy access to roster reports that clearly notate if a player on the roster is “playoff eligible” or not. I just don’t see that anywhere.
Here is an excerpt from a recent article that has me more confident about Temple’s eligibility:
“Popovich said Tuesday that Hill would be a game-time decision. If he sits, Parker wouldn’t necessarily take his place. Rookie Garrett Temple(notes) could get the start because Popovich likes having Parker come in with his second unit.”
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-spurs-mavericks
Finally, I just want to take a moment to emphasize my point about Mason, and whether it could possibly make any sense, even to Pop, to play him AT ALL in these playoff games unless absolutely necessary.
Here’s Mason’s shooting percentages since after the all-star break:
31 games
18 mpg.
4.5 ppg.
52/167 FG, 31%!
24/98 3-pt., 24%!
He had just THREE solid games out of THIRTY-ONE!:
3/22 - OKC - 5/11, 3/7 (3-pointers), 13 points
4/7 - Suns - 7/14, 4/9 (3-pointers), 18 points
4/12 - T-Wolves - 5/9, 3/6 (3-pointers), 13 points
Given RMJ’s weaknesses in other areas of his game, I don’t see how he sees ANY minutes with this type of production. Can anybody, ANYBODY (even Pop) please try to make a case to the contrary?!
April 20th, 2010 at 5:17 pm
@bushka
Well said! I too believe that most of these people complaining about Pop, or rotations, are trolls.
Not all but really, it is the playoffs. Really, we beat ourselves that night. Mostly from the turnovers. We could adjust the rotation where necessary - as with Temple and Hariston (if healthy), but I am certain the coach has a decent feel for his team.
Our position with the best players in the league over the years has been to let them work for their points, but don’t let the roll players beat us. I do not believe that happen. 4 more points from Hill and Jefferson would have won the game. Having Ducan and Manu not turnover the ball 11 times (maybe 6 times) we would have won the game.
We play with intensity, focus, and attention to detail - I don’t care how many shots Dirk makes (doubt he goes for 87%) and we win the game tomorrow night
Chicken Littles troll elsewhere!
April 20th, 2010 at 5:21 pm
@ Bushka
Still true to form. Whining…Where ya been? The peace and dignity was maddening in here without you.
As for Mahinmi….Hmmmmm, we had Mohammed and Rasho as starters. We play Bonner, Bogans, and Mason, sometimes all together, mind you, but we cant dare give Mahinmi minutes?
Hey Bushka, if this coach can find minutes for players that cant play worth shyt, why not play a 7 footer, Kareem like or not, who can give ya some energy and presence in the middle?
Come on Bushy, why not? We need Buska logic on this…..Great troll shot though. It had real stingers.
@ Jim
Roger Mason Jr….
Im going out on a limb and guessing that Mason Jr has played himself out of the rotation and he did so long before the playoffs. He hasnt played himself out of the league yet, but his window is shutting quickly. He shouldnt play in this series. However, when the alternative is Bogans, Roger gets the nod!
April 20th, 2010 at 5:47 pm
Bushka:
1. I’m not on the “fire Pop” bandwagon, but he’s not above criticism and I think that’s what most folks on this cite believe as well. Besides, that’s what sites like this are for … for fans to express opinions, hear others and learn.
2. I could care less what the French national team does or does not do. I don’t know the dynamics of that situation so therefore cannot comment on why Ian may not be a starter for them. Maybe he fucked the coaches wife. How the fuck do I know? But I don’t need to know that. What I know is that the “very few” times he’s played he’s showed some game against some pretty damn talented players. Neither Haywood nor Dampier had a clue what to do with him in our last game. He ran rings around both, as he did before that to the Nets front court. Is he the second coming of Tim Duncan? Of course not. But he’s not been a complete dunce when on the court. Fouling? Not any more than Blair does regularly.
3. Brilliant scouts, coaches and front office. Not one team even drafted Garrett Temple. Are you going to tell me he was that bad then yet is now pretty damn impressive? Our very own Spurs front office passed on Manu with their first pick in the ‘99 draft, as did every other team. He was an afterthought. So give credit where it’s due, but don’t deify these fuckers. Then there’s this slug named Scola … oh, never mind.
April 20th, 2010 at 6:11 pm
Dirk is a great shooter, but, there are a number of moves that “Mr. Spastic” tries every game. If the refs fall for them, he milks them for all they are worth.
The first move he makes without the ball. He faces the defender on the block and reaches his hands and arms into the body of the defender. He twists his hands and arms around the hands and arms of the defender. Once they are tangled, he throws them wide while screaming like he got shot with a taser. He drew two fouls on Bonner with that move.
Next, it is the “Dirk Charge”. This is where he takes the ball at the free throw line and if he does not have a defender directly in front of him, rushes (kind of) towards the basket. He turns toward the first defender, jumps and throws the ball at the basket while flailing his arms and legs at the defender.
On Wednesday, if we get refs who do not fall for this, Dirk will stop trying.
April 20th, 2010 at 7:06 pm
Here’s what I would do if I coached the Spurs.
Start Duncan and Mahinmi. Whoever Dirk guarded, I would post Dirks ass up or pick and roll his ass to death. The problem with Spurs vs Mavs is we never make Dirk play defense.
Tell me I’m wrong.
April 20th, 2010 at 7:17 pm
BALLHOG
April 20th, 2010 at 5:21 pm
“However, when the alternative is Bogans, Roger gets the nod!”
I’d call it a toss-up, but really, I’d have to go with Bogans. Not a great defender, but he sure plays better “D” than Mason. As I said though, I’d prefer Temple over Mason.
April 20th, 2010 at 7:37 pm
@BALLHOG You are annoying.
April 20th, 2010 at 8:29 pm
For the record Temple is eligible to play. According to Don Harris Tony Parker stated that it’s possible he may get the start tomorrow in place of a still ailing G. Hill.
April 20th, 2010 at 8:41 pm
Ballhog i asked for evidence and you gave zip.
Once you provide a reason to respond i’ll be happy to provide a rational counterpoint.
@Aguiterrez
I take your point regarding the French national team, however it was a minor part of the case. We don’t know the dynamic. We only know he isn’t setting the world on fire anywhere.
I’m not deifying anyone by the way, I stated my belief that they would have to be ridiculously incompetent to have constantly invested in this product and not use it if they really thought it was worthwhile.
You use Temple as a case against, where as I think he is an excellent case for, he is on the playoff roster of the spurs so late in the day because they correctly evaluated his ability to contribute to the programme.
Pop is not above reproach, I think he should be DNP’ing Mason and every minute of RJ & RMJ that can be handled by Malik Hairston should be. I have always been on that bandwagon. It’s this bizzarro play the raw 7 foot guy issue I take..issue with…
All around the team leagues there are teams with project bigs. Ian is ours, and you don’t see anyone throwing project bigs into the fray for no good reason, because they are still works in progress and don’t possess the skill set.
Are you seriously telling me Ian is the answer to Dirk? Who the hell thinks that Ian Mahinmi is the answer to Dirk Nowitski?
KG is not the freaking answer to Dirk, nor is Josh Smith, or dwight Howard. You don’t guard a 7 footer doing fade away mid range jump shots too easily.
Dirk is just not going to shoot at nearly 100% from the field and line that often. I think that the freaks pressing the panic buttons are the same guys who have been spinning the entire season as a negative all year.
The same attitude of WE ARE NOT CONTENDERS has transformed into WE ARE NOT CONTENDERS BUT PLAY IAN AND WE WILL BE….
It’s freaking ridiculous.
April 20th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
Serge “Ibaka with the blocka” is everything the Spurs hoped Ian Mahinmi would be. Of course Ibaka has gotten more opportunity to play than Mahinmi.
Why the Spurs couldn’t have given him some guaranteed minutes (like the 1st 6 minutes of every 2nd qtr for example) for a 20 game stretch during the season made no sense to me. But, I don’t think he’s the answer to Nowitski, but if he’s 8 for 10 already, it wouldn’t hurt to try. To put pressure on Nowitski to play defense the Spurs should play Blair or Mahnimi more.
April 20th, 2010 at 9:01 pm
what basically needs to be done is stop playing bogans, mason and bonner cause dallas is closing out the perimeter rather quickly and I believe bonner only took 2 three point attempts last game? Also I think we should take hairston off the bench at sf after RJ and there is noo way mahinmi can roll with haywood and dampier. He I wayy too inexperienxed. He may be tall and all but atleast blair has a 7 foor 2 wingspan and had a prety good game against dallas last game of the season. He also moves faster than mahinmi. I think temple there is a 50 percent chance that if we play temple he will choke. Lets hope he dosent. All of you with ur dirk complains. He won’t be on fire like he was last game the whole series. What he does is pretty predictable which is fade away jumpers. That’s basically it. I can guarantee you he will not go 10-12 this whole series. Once he is off his game then dallas is done for
April 20th, 2010 at 9:16 pm
http://www.nba.com/playerfile/dirk_nowitzki/season_splits.html
Check out the ppg vs team stats. Only teams he has slowed down with is Houston, if you call 16 ppg in 28 minutes slow.
Madness to think you stop him with anyone.
I’m with sticking to the same game plan playing Hairston and blair a little more as well as George if available.
April 20th, 2010 at 10:43 pm
Zainn is sane
April 21st, 2010 at 4:38 am
[...] about Dallas Mavericks run afoul of San Antonio Spurs defensive principles [...]
April 21st, 2010 at 6:37 am
Bushka: I’m not saying that Ian is the answer for Dirk, that would be laughable. What I’m reiterating is what Jeff said: make Dirk play defense in the low block all game long and wear his ass out. He hates playing in the low block, it’s dirty, nasty, physical, all things he abhors and it wears him out. I would have Timmy on Dirk. Timmy is smart enough to not get in foul trouble and still make Dirk shoot over him. Ian plays on Haywood or Dampier, neither a major offensive threat. But when we are on offense, if we have both TD and Ian on the low block, Dirk has to guard one or the other. THAT is a match-up nightmare for Dallas. Wouldn’t it be nice to have one of those in our favor for a change? When Dirk is guarding Dyce or Bonner, he just plays off of them and lets them shoot their shots with a minimum of resistance, knowing they won’t make enough to make a difference, and most certainly, not enough to offset what he makes. Shit, it’s worth a try.
April 21st, 2010 at 6:51 am
I’m confident that the Spurs can take Game 2. If it weren’t for Timmy and Manu’s impromptu juggling acts, this game would’ve been a lot tighter or perhaps had even been a Spurs win.
Turnovers have been a bane of this team all season long. But how often will Duncan and Ginobili cough up five or six turnovers a piece for the rest of this series?
Something else to keep in mind is that Manu didn’t play in the “infamous” #82 game. Before that, it had been over four months since the Ponies and Spurs had played one another.
What’s my point? It seemed Manu was ill-prepared for the long-arms of Jason Kidd. How many times did Kidd get his hand on one of Manu’s “overhead passes” off Duncan/Blair screen-and-rolls? It felt like it happened *every time*, but I know that’s an exaggeration on my part. Of course, lazy passing on Manu’s part if just as much to balem for turning Kidd into ‘King of Steals’.
In Game 2, Manu Ginobili won’t be as careless. Yes. He’ll still be “Manu” we love and occasionally face-palm over, but he won’t let Jason Kidd disrupt his play-making. He won’t.
For those of you longing for the return of the corner three, let’s pray George Hill is close to 100% because he’s been the “go-to-guy” for that. If not, let’s REALLY HOPE Pop makes the right choice to give Garrett Temple some burn.
Anyone, ANY-ONE but Roger Mason.
April 21st, 2010 at 7:51 am
@Jim Henderson
I was under the opinion that players signed after March 1st were ineligible. I believe the Spurs got him March 13. Here’s where I got that. http://www.48minutesofhell.com/2010/03/13/spurs-sign-garrett-temple/
If I’m mistaken, and I’d be very happy to be, I hope he gets to play a few spot minutes. Just tell him to guard Kidd.
April 21st, 2010 at 8:36 am
You would think we were down 3-0 after reading some of these comments. It’s one game, and it’s not like we got steamrolled. Did anyone think we were going undefeated this posteason?
Things are never as good or bad as they seem.
@Ballhog
I assume you’re insinuating that Nazr and Rasho were garbage for the Spurs? If that’s the case, you couldn’t be more wrong. In fact, the Nazr for Malik swap in 2004-05 was one of the single best moves by our front office (we had just signed Malik to a terrible long term deal that offseason I believe). He was huge for our title run that year, averaging 7.1 ppg, 6.7 rpg, and 1.0 bpg in the playoffs. As for Rasho, he was pretty good compliment to TD, averaging 8.7, 7.7, and 2.0 in his first year. An ankle sprain limited his production the next year. But he proved to be a decent deterrent in the paint.
Ian isn’t near the level of Nazr of Rasho when they played for the Spurs. He’s not heavy enough to be a good 1 on 1 post defender in the post like Nazr or Rasho. And though he does block shots at a decent rate, he fouls at a higher rate.
I desperately hope Ian becomes a player for the Spurs. We’ve sunk a lot of time and money into him, but he’s not there yet and he’s definitely not going to do a better job on Dirk than McDyess (or even Bonner in my opinion).
Someone made the comparison to Ibaka earlier. In my view, Ibaka is what we hope Ian can become. However, Ibaka at this point is a much, much better player. He’s heavier, stronger, and much more polished on both ends.
April 21st, 2010 at 11:09 am
agutierrez
April 21st, 2010 at 6:37 am
That’s really not a bad strategy to employ in small, measured doses to see how it might work. We are clearly out-lengthed on the front line, and that’s eventually going to take its toll, unless we can start thinking outside the box to counter against this glaring liability.
April 21st, 2010 at 3:51 pm
Man, we just need to contain the other players…let dirk get his, because he will. we just need RJ to stop being useless and score. we are starting to look really old =(
April 21st, 2010 at 4:25 pm
Agutierrez
That makes sense to a degree. The science is sound enough, I just don’t think Ian is up to it.
I would love to make Dirk play post D, I just honestly don’t think Ian has enough polish to do it.
April 21st, 2010 at 4:46 pm
Bushka
April 21st, 2010 at 4:25 pm
Agutierrez
That makes sense to a degree. The science is sound enough, I just don’t think Ian is up to it.
I would love to make Dirk play post D, I just honestly don’t think Ian has enough polish to do it.
Bushka,
You may be right, but we may have to try something out of the box to get by the Mavs, particularly if we lose game two, or three.
April 21st, 2010 at 8:45 pm
Yeah the mavs came back to earth tonight and still nearly got the game with that run at the end of the 3rd start of the fourth.
It’s going to be a wild 7 games in my opinion.
April 21st, 2010 at 10:52 pm
“It’s going to be a wild 7 games in my opinion.”
I agree. That’s what I had assumed at the outset. And tonight’s game certainly solidifies the outlook. RJ stepped up tonight! We have a better shot now in this series. Yeah!
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