Basketball, at the heart and soul of its appeal, is a fluid game. Not unlike Jazz. To attempt to label and classify every aspect of it is to deny the improvisational qualities which make it so endearing. There are rules and guidelines by which each is identified, but whether on the court or in a [...]

An aging, future-Hall-of-Fame big man. A 30-something shooting guard. A veteran post presence looking for another shot at an NBA title. Um, a ginger. There are several similarities between the San Antonio Spurs and Boston Celtics. Two years ago, even more so. But since, their roads have forked a bit.

AT&T CENTER–The night belonged to Goran Dragic, but the story of his momentous fourth quarter started long before he hit his first three-pointer. It began in the first half when working with an 18-point lead, the San Antonio Spurs needed only 15 feet of rope to hang themselves. Mirroring Game 2, the San Antonio Spurs [...]

AT&T CENTER – Of all the positives to glean from the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 win over the Dallas Mavericks in Friday’s Game 3, one aspect in particular might give Spurs fans the most hope for the playoffs. The Spurs turned in a vintage defensive performance, reminiscent of so many title years, in taking a [...]

The NBA playoffs open up with the San Antonio Spurs in their lowest playoff seeding of the Tim Duncan Era. But to understand why the Spurs are not discouraged about opening on the road in Dallas, instead of the friendly confines of the AT&T Center, there must first be an understanding of their philosophy. San [...]

Although it has been over a year since the San Antonio Spurs faced the Orlando Magic, tonight’s game picked up right where the ’08-09 regular season series left off. After playing a competitive first quarter, the Spurs failed to challenge the Walt Disney Co. Magicians for the remainder of the game’s 36 minutes, and lost [...]

Saying that the Spurs aren’t playing as good of defense this year as they have in the past would be like saying it doesn’t snow much in Austin. By the way, it’s snowing here in Austin today. But why exactly are the Spurs not playing good defense? It starts in the middle, quite literally.

Our friend Sebastian Pruiti of NetsAreScorching and NBA Playbook took a closer look at the Spurs’ ball denying efforts at the end of regulation and overtime against the Thunder. It’s a helpful look at the team’s defensive triumphs and failures.  This is one image from a larger collection of grabs (with notes):

“La plus belle des ruses du diable est de vous persuader qu’il n’existe pas.” -Baudelaire Kobe Bryant’s early exit and Pau Gasol’s overall absence dampened the enthusiasm that would normally follow a 20 point win by the Spurs over the Lakers. But even before back spasms made Bryant a non-factor, a 23-year-old second year point [...]

Although the tactical details of basketball can be rather complicated, the underlying strategy is surprisingly simple. At a certain point, it is merely a question of number and proximity.

Another disappointing loss on the road. Before the game I said I’d be happier if the Spurs lost a defensive-minded battle than if we won an open-ended, high scoring game. By no means does last night’s game leave me content; the Blazers had a 106.7 offensive efficiency rating. But throughout the second, third and fourth [...]

Ed. Note: I apologize there was no early edition. I had a quiz on futures markets in 17th century Osaka (Oh, how I wish I was kidding). Tim has children. NBA Stats There are known knowns. These are things we know that we know. There are known unknowns. That is to say, there are things [...]

Last night’s game was not all lolly pops and fairy dust for the Spurs. After the game, Popovich tipped his hat to an obvious flaw in the team’s win over the Hornets. Team defense was lousy for most of the night. “Our defense in the first half was good and in the second half it [...]

Zach Lowe has a nice article over at Celtics Hub asking whether the ’08 Celtics were one of the greatest defensive teams of the modern era. And of course, if you are having a conversation about dominant defenses, the Spurs are sure to make an appearance. Lowe makes an excellent point about the two-tiered history [...]