Pre-Game Notes: Spurs-Mavs, Game 2

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First and foremost, if you haven’t had an opportunity to read Tim Varner’s thoughts from earlier today, I suggest you do. Suffice it to say, I agree with his recommendations wholeheartedly. Pop will likely heed some aspects of his advice (give Gooden more minutes and a mandate to score) while ignoring others (use George Hill to slow Barea).

We haven’t exactly picked the bones of game 1 bare, but I’ve been hesitant to overly amplify any aspect of Saturday’s loss. Are our gunners dialed in or was their 11-16 performance a fluke? Does Parker lack the stamina to be the offense’s focal point while still playing 40+ minutes? Can we continue to limit Terry’s shot selection or was he merely allowing Barea and Bass to take advantage of their hot hands? After tonight’s contest expands our sample size, I think we’ll be able to more accurately distinguish between the phenomena that will reemerge consistently throughout the series and those that were endemic of game 1.

Feel free to leave your reactions to the game (both as it’s going on and after it’s over) in the comments section. I’ll be back with a preliminary recap later this evening.

Go Spurs.

  • SpurredOn

    Just grateful to have game two here. Last game received way more pessimisitc analysis than deserving a game 1 for a veteran team. Not winning tonight would provide us all with plenty to vent and stress over.

    One concern to watch that is unrelated to the Mavs and only specific to our guys: how often since March have we jumped out big on teams yet had to either hold on or ended up losing? Is it focus, defense? I was surprised at our early big lead last game due to the Mavs’ history of being a 1st quarter team. Should we again get ahead big, that would be the perfect time for Hill and/or a defense focused lineup that slows down the game and runs the clock while TD & TP rest. Let’s go back to playing Spurs ball and leave the Mavs feeling handcuffed.

    Graydon & Timothy, you both have been doing a great job with analysis and providing links. Let’s all enjoy and celebrate come 11:00 CT.

    Go Sp/_/rs Go!

  • Christian

    A lot of my friends have told me how pointless this postseason is because of the odds that are stacked against us winning a championship. It’s true that I’ve enjoyed our success this past decade as much as any Spurs fanatic but that doesn’t mean I only look forward to what we can tangibly accomplish. I love watching the Spurs play and that is why I always cling to the hope that they can overcome anything. The longer our postseason is, the longer we all get to enjoy watching them play. Go Spurs Go!!

  • TDzilla

    Yeah, we took Game 2 convincingly!

  • Jesse Blanchard

    It was 4/20…With Josh Howard being Josh Howard the game was never in doubt on this special day….

  • SpurredOn

    Quick observations:

    Good for you, Matt Bonner. The guy has limitations but he’s better than his play on Saturday and tonight he showed grit bouncing back. He has an earned role in this series.

    Bareja, welcome to stardom. Life is quite different when you can’t escape the spotlight known as Bowen. JJ makes plays but is still a role player who tonight was brought back to reality.

    Playoff Pop it was great to see you again. The message was delivered for everyone on the team: there will be no errors on defense.

    Bowen’s performance is why many of us did not want him traded. The guy is a team leader and respected pest toward the opposition. His focus and commitment on defense was outstanding. Anyone notice how fierce he played after Pop ripped him for his mistake on Bereja?

    Rebounding was certainly emphasized judging by the way everyone went after boards and loose balls. So then was defense and Tony having the green light to continue to abuse a Mavs team that has no answer for him. There’s a reason Paul’s Hornets beat these guys in 5 last year. 30+ every game.

    On to game 3. With two days off and Timmy playing only 27 minutes, the next game is almost as much of a must-win as tonight. The time before game 4 is only a 1.5 days so it’s imperative to regain homecourt while fresh and put Dallas under confidence choking pressure. It’s even possible that Pop could rest TD if we are up 2-1. My hope? Make like ’03 vs Dallas; win ’em both with defense.