Sunday, April 25th, 2010...7:30 pm
San Antonio Spurs 92, Dallas Mavericks 89: George Hill and DeJuan Blair earn their playoff stripes
AT&T Center-A game after Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle benched each of his team’s new acquisitions in the second half, the San Antonio Spurs turned to theirs with the trio of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker struggling.
Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich’s faith was aptly rewarded.
Antonio McDyess hit open jumpers, scoring 10 points while holding Dirk Nowitzki (17 points) to just 10 shots. Richard Jefferson took turns defending Nowitzki, Butler and Kidd while attacking the rim aggressively. DeJuan Blair added rebounding and energy. And George Hill’s newfound jump shot and poise carried the team to an improbable victory.
After a slow start and rough nights from their All-Stars, each of the San Antonio Spurs offseason acquisitions made a profound mark in a pivotal 29-11 third quarter to pull the Spurs out of a double digit hole.
“If you look at just the numbers of (Duncan, Ginobili and Hill), you would definitely think we lost the game,” San Antonio Spurs forward Antonio McDyess said. “But that just means the rest of us have to step up.
“It was unbelievable how we came out in that second half and jumped on them and got this win.”
Celebrating his 34th birthday, Tim Duncan was not so fortunate as to have a night off, but rather an off night. Having dominated his one-on-one matchups in the first three games, the San Antonio Spurs big man shot 1-for-9 from the field and scored only four points.
The other members of the Spurs’ big three did not find things any easier, with Tony Parker scoring just 10 points and five turnovers and Manu Ginobili, playing with a broken nose, scoring 17 points but on 4-of-16 shooting from the field.
It was yet another odd victory, coming on the heels of a win where the San Antonio Spurs previously failed to make a three-pointer.
“I don’t know how improbable it is, you win or lose in different ways. Each game has its own characteristics and personality,” Popovich said. “We did make some three’s tonight and George Hill was something else.”
George Hill has been something else the entire season but has just now been able to put it all together in the NBA Playoffs.
The second year guard who got his first significant taste of playoff action on the wrong end of an elimination game last season now finds himself on the other side heading into Game 5 thanks to his 29-point performance.
Hill scored in a variety of ways, repeatedly driving past Dallas Mavericks point guard Jason Kidd, stepping behind screens for pull-up jump shots and, of course, nailing corner threes-all while playing stout defense on Kidd (10 points, 3-of-10 shooting).
“It’s confidence, last year prepared me for this year,” Hill said. “I was a very tough student last year, I was kind of disappointed we lost in the first round but it’s a learning thing and everything prepared me for this year.”
Learning on the fly this year, rookie DeJuan Blair found his comfort zone in a game that, as far as characteristics and personality go, was as physical and heated as any Popovich could remember in this longstanding rivalry.
With the physicality escalating, DeJuan Blair entered the game for Tim Duncan in the third quarter and matched blow for blow with each of the Mavericks big men, scoring seven points and seven rebounds while providing his own brand of chaos.
Getting tangled up with Dirk Nowitzki while jockeying for position on a free throw, it was the rookie who was able to maintain his composure while Nowitzki was hit with a technical for retaliating.
“It was just Dirk being Dirk, me being me, so that’s not good,” Blair joked. “It’s a heated series and in the heat of the moment that’s how it goes.”
The moment marked a weird turn of events that saw the technical, three flagrant fouls, and an ejection, all of which fueled the San Antonio Spurs who maintained the composure that was the hallmark of their championship seasons.
Meanwhile, Dallas Mavericks Dirk Nowitzki finds himself in the same place the San Antonio Spurs were last season-a single star searching for help from any of his teammates.
“You have to give Hill credit; he was unconscious from the 3-point line. McDyess made shots, Blair came in and had a big contribution. Richard Jefferson made some shots and big plays,” Nowitzki said. “The Spurs role players stepped up and had a good game.”
If the Dallas Mavericks cannot find the same from their acquisitions, they too will know how it feels to be on the wrong end of a 4-1 series loss.
74 Comments
April 25th, 2010 at 8:37 pm
Vintage Spurs, but with a new cast of characters. The Drive for Five is on!
April 25th, 2010 at 8:44 pm
This win was so big. Overcoming a huge deficit should give this team loads of confidence. This post season is starting to get the feel of previous championship years. Hill + Jefferson + Blair + McDyess were huge!
April 25th, 2010 at 8:48 pm
Mavs are Losers. Cheap Losers. Go Spurs Go!
April 25th, 2010 at 8:57 pm
That was a crazy 3rd quarter. The refs for game 5 in Dallas won’t be nearly as generous as they were in the 3rd of game 4. Their non-calls led to the eruption, tech, and flagrant fouls. The Spurs will need to be much more careful. They got away with a bunch of dumb fouls in this one.
Way to go Hill. Thank you for saving this game. I think he scored 8 in a row near the beginning of the 3rd (after Duncan got on the board with 2 free-throws). Please Spurs don’t foul as much in game 5. Go Spurs!!!
April 25th, 2010 at 9:09 pm
From Lima, Peru i have to say… I just love the Spurs and love the way they play!
April 25th, 2010 at 9:11 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Andrew A. McNeill, WRBrown87. WRBrown87 said: RT @aamcneill: "San Antonio #Spurs 92, Dallas Mavericks 89: George Hill and DeJuan Blair earn their playoff stripes" - http://dlvr.it/cyVS [...]
April 25th, 2010 at 9:17 pm
It was so nice to see DeJuan get right back into Terry’s face after he got tangled up with Dirk during that stretch in the third. And how many times did we push JJ Barea around tonight? RJ shoving him in the face on that fast break was hilarious.
April 25th, 2010 at 9:24 pm
Great win. The Spurs are finding ways to win games and playing some D. The rotations were there for most of the game. They were forcing tough shots. Beautiful game
April 25th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
Obvious but needs saying that earlier this season, to say nothing of last year’s playoffs, this team could not have overcome a 14 point deficit in the second half to such a good team. To do it with the Big-3 playing such a small role in the comeback makes it even more surprising and satisfying. This is what Pop has been building towards all season and it is paying off. Our Spurs make their runs from defense and it was defense and hustle plays that made the win possible. Awesome. Now finish these jokers on Tuesday night.
April 25th, 2010 at 10:08 pm
What folds faster, a card table or a Cuban-owned team?
April 25th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
Tough, physical defense wins in the playoffs. As a team, we have continued to step it up with this type of play over the past three games. Tonight was our most impressive defensive performance of the year, by far.
George Hill saved our ass on the offensive end tonight. An impressive performance from the young man. This game should do loads for his confidence throughout the playoffs. Yup, GHill became a man tonight!
Let’s take care of game five on Tuesday in Dallas. If the Blazers & Suns can go seven, we could get some needed rest for round two.
Go Spurs! Keep that defensive gas pedal to the metal in game five!
April 25th, 2010 at 10:32 pm
Phoebus - I don’t know what anyone else thinks but that there was funny!
Great game and the two things that stood out for me were the emergence of championship D that we are now seeing and the “dogs” got out of the house. The role players and now contributing in ways we haven’t seen all season long.
IMHO there would have been no way we win this game during the regular season. Now sky’s the limit.
The Mavs are on the brink and we need to take them out Tuesday. They are in disaray and questioning themselves. Perfect time to end this and put them out of their misery.
Really it’s the only considerate thing to do. I hate to see them suffer like this. Well yes I actually do but the Spurs needs to end this so as to get some rest and prepare for the next round.
April 25th, 2010 at 10:53 pm
That was an insane game.
GHILL was amazing. Finally we get some consistent 3 point shooting.
They played some of the best D I have seen in a while. WOW. Mavs didn’t score for 8 minutes I believe.
I can’t believe they won with the Big 3 collectively having an off game. Mavs are really on the ropes now.
They gotta end it on TUESDAY. Can’t let the MAVS get any bit of hope.
I know it was HILL’s night but I gotta give RJ a shout out too. Blair finally gets some tip ins to fall.
Great team win.
April 25th, 2010 at 11:00 pm
I wonder if jason kidd is regretting about not joining the spurs 7 years ago haha
And he said the spurs would never win championships
I can actually see a spurs cavs final.
We just have to believe in this team and that Hill can carry us into the Big 4 era.
April 25th, 2010 at 11:08 pm
By the way, McDyess was like old man winter tonight. He was an active, in your face, mother f _ _ _ _ _ that didn’t give a shit if he was literally harassing his opponent to death. Dirk, only ten shot attempts? Are you kidding me! Hey Dice, way to give it your all, old man!
April 25th, 2010 at 11:10 pm
“The Mavs faux belligerence was exposed when Eduardo Najera collared Ginobili in mid-drive and ruthlessly yanked him to the floor. Neither Ginobili nor the Spurs were intimidated by Najera’s cheap — and dangerous — bullying.
This was a character win for the resourceful Spurs, as well as a characterless loss for the lightweight Mavs.”
April 25th, 2010 at 11:15 pm
Wow! This game was some serious playoff basketball. This was the most physical playoff game I’ve seen so far this year. Both teams had large leads and failed to hold onto them, but it was the Spurs who just overcame obstacles tonight.
With Parker seemingly healthy (although didn’t play a great game tonight) and Ghill looking better and better, our backcourt is looking formidable. Just think, Manu had a bad game, Tony had a fairly poor game, and Hill played outta his mind. What would it look like if all three just played well??
I think this entire team is finally starting to gell in the heat of the playoff intensity. It was only a few weeks ago that Hill was injured and Parker was just coming back from his broken hand. Now Parker is fresh and rounding into game shape and Hill has seemed to return to the form we saw before running into Derek Fisher. Jefferson is still hit and miss, but McDyess has become worth every penny we’re paying him. Between Manu and Duncan, they combined to shoot 5-25 from the field and yet we still ended up pulling this one out. What’s this team going to look like when we have more than 2-3 guys per game getting off? Super scary for who ever’s next, I suppose. Let’s go Spurs and finish these clowns out in 5.
April 25th, 2010 at 11:47 pm
yes my friends this is what our team looks like when manu is full strength i love seeing vintage spur passion and heart its beautiful and dallas has never been able to keep their composure during heated moments i dont know how our top players do it but man they sure bait and hook those bafoons into dirty ball
April 25th, 2010 at 11:53 pm
Great team effort on the D again.
Love the way they are gelling
April 26th, 2010 at 12:03 am
Great win, great rotations on the D and thank you Spurs….unbelievable mettle!
April 26th, 2010 at 12:37 am
Now who has the deeper bench? And driving the Dallas Mavericks to the deep end? Spurred on by a brilliant sophomore, a rookie, two new - but veteran - acquisitions, San Antonio is now poised to advance to the next round. These “dogs” will come out snarling in Game 5 and chomp on the collective asses of the Dallas Mavericks. The roof is about to cave in on Mark Cuban and his charges, and then some.
April 26th, 2010 at 1:05 am
What a game! The last two games have to be killer to the Mavs’ confidence! Spurs beat them without hitting a 3, then Spurs beat them with Timmy only making 1 shot. I’m sure Dirk and Kidd will bring it next game, but others are probably already thinking of their summer vacation! Go Spurs!
April 26th, 2010 at 2:17 am
The Yahoo basketball sages - Jim Ludden, Marc Spears, Adrian Wojnarowski (whose pieces I greatly admire) and Kenny Smith- all picked Dallas to win this series. Boo to them for counting San Antonio out, oh ye of little faith.
On the other hand, SI’s Ian Thomsen now is picking the Spurs as the team to beat in the West after this great turnaround.
Game 3, for all its brutal and violent ugliness, may go down as the Spurs’ defining moment in this season of redemption.
On a light note, on behalf of all Filipino Spurs fans - myself and my 16-year-old son included - we wish TD a happy birthday - hopefully with his 5th championship in 2010 as icing on the cake.
April 26th, 2010 at 2:42 am
Congratulation spurs….
Nice job Ghill, Dice, Blair and RJ. Let’s give them the bites of stray dogs.
Timmie, Manu and Tony, we’ll wait for your breakout performance this tuesday.
Hey Manolo im also Filo, where you at?
April 26th, 2010 at 2:49 am
If generalization means anything, role players do not play as well far away from home court…. This slump of the Big 3 must end now!
April 26th, 2010 at 2:59 am
How do you spell “choke?” M-A-V-S!
I’m quite amused at how the different sports websites would frequently say that the Spurs’ dominance in the playoffs is already a memory, how Duncan has faded and how the team has devolved into playoffs fodder to fresher, “more powerful” teams… and then see “old man” Duncan, “over-the-hill” Manu and “barely-there” Parker - and their “ineffective, overrated” backup crew - go and open up a huge can of whoop @$$ on teams such as Dallas.
Watching the game and seeing how poised everyone - even the newbie Blair - over the pressure of the game really gets my respect. For a while there I thought I was watching Wrestlemania with how the Mavs were practically preferring to physically hurt the Spurs instead of shooting some baskets.
April 26th, 2010 at 4:07 am
@ JimJim
Dead on Again Jim….
Hill was soaking wet last night. He spent the night busting the Mavs azz’s…..
However, the Game Ball goes to Mr. Mcdyess. Played some of that in your chin, old school defense on Dirk’s whining azz last night. Dice had Dirk flailing his arms and throwing elbows to deal with the frustration called Dice…Dice was a full grown man this day.
Blair- I love this kid,….Brings loads of toughness to this group.
As for The Coach….Best job of managing minutes all year. Players played and fakers cheered. Awsome! Didnt think he could do it anymore.
MAVs already had some issues in the locker room. With this type pressure placed on them due to the Spurs whooping on dat azz…they should implode….Imagine the modd of the owner during the plane trip back to Dallas…..
Fine Win….Off to Valero to retrieve my Mavs Beat Down—-free coffee.
April 26th, 2010 at 4:56 am
I just admire how smart and calm Pop is…his prompt control on his own emotion and instant directive to stop the bench from entering the court on that Najera foul was as crucial as anything to the upcoming games.
April 26th, 2010 at 5:09 am
I wanted Rasheed over McDyess in the off season. I was happy when we got Antonio, but boy, was I wrong.
Great win. Great post. Great team defense. We held this team to 28 points in the first and third quarters COMBINED.
April 26th, 2010 at 5:30 am
I just admire how smart and calm Pop is…his prompt control on his own emotion and instant directive to stop the bench from entering the court on that Najera foul was as crucial as anything to the upcoming games.
April 26th, 2010 at 6:01 am
@BamBam
Hi BamBam, based in the Philippines, but have been a longtime NBA watcher from way back perhaps even when you were even born. Started my long-distance NBA fascination when I was that high, watching old black-and-white coverages of the Boston Celtics-Los Angeles Lakers rivalries. Became a fan of Magic Johnson and his Showtime bunch when I was bit older, then MJ and the Chicago Bulls, and now San Antonio bannered by The Big Fundamental.
It also helps that I used to pound the sports writing beat for a little over 3 decades (started at 19) so have a keen appreciation of the game. Cheers, and let’s sic ‘em Spurs at the soon-to-be Mav have-nots. Mabuhay!
April 26th, 2010 at 6:08 am
It’s not “drive for five”, it’s “Strive for Five”! Question: Has Bonner or Mason hit a 3 in this series?
April 26th, 2010 at 6:15 am
I’ve been on McDyess’ d**k, so to speak, all series, and more so after last night. The guy has been playing very, very solid defense. Dirk’s big scoring nights, in my opinion, came in the face of excellent defense. But also, McDyess has just been making the smart play in almost every case. For example, despite a very limited role in the offense, getting very few touches, he gets 3 assists and 10 pts on 5-9 shooting-he found the open man when there was one and took the shots he’s comfortable with without hesitating when they were there for him. For the series, he’s shooting almost 54% for 7.5 pts and is pulling down about 8 boards in under 30 minutes/game.
Jefferson played extremely well. I think he should be able to score 15 regularly, even if it takes a few more shots.
Loved Blair. Obviously, he put up huge points and rebounding numbers. But he also looked loose and was making smart plays. Seeing a rookie from Pittsburgh (where I live) bait the great Nowitzki into a tech? The steal on that entry pass to Haywood? GREAT stuff from Blair. I don’t know how consistent he’ll be in the playoffs, but after last night, I really hope Pop gives at least a few of Bonner’s minutes to him to see how it goes. If it works, we might be able to phase Bonner out of the line-up. Bonner’s shooting 30% from 3 for the series. That’s not good enough to balance his poor rebounding.
No need to say how well Hill played. The kid has the potential to be an all-star. Hopefully this year’s playoffs will be his emergence as an elite guard. Having him and Jefferson alternate as fourth options (or third or even first or second when some of the big three are off) gives us an extremely potent offense. And with McDyess shooting that jumper from the top of the key? That’s a lot of weapons.
I think the last couple games have exposed how little three point shooting we have at this point, with Finley gone, Mason having turned into a head case, and Bonner disappearing for the playoffs. That worries me a bit, but there’s obviously a lot more to be optimistic about. Ginobili, Hill, Jefferson, and even McDyess can stretch the defense.
April 26th, 2010 at 6:16 am
i honestly could not see this coming. i never would have thought thqt after game 1, we would be up 3-1 heading into game 5.
this mcdyess acqusition is finally paying some serius dividends and our role players are proving to be championship quality. the fact that we were able to pull off 2 wins in which we did not sink a 3 and duncan scores only 4 pts shows hte quality and balance of this team.
the mavericks lack composure, leadership, and poise. just listening to their comments after game 3′s loss and dirks defeatist attitude in game 4′s postgame conference shows that this team has no chance of building a resurgence. this mavericks team has learned nothing in it’s decade of winning basketball.
look out. spurs are for real
i’m sure ian was giddy after g-hill’s postgame shoutout
April 26th, 2010 at 6:18 am
no, no! Stop!
we have to calm down.
great game, fantastic Basketball…
but it wasn’t a comfortable win. we have one more to go. let’s hope Spur’s roleplayers carry their newfound confidence to Dallas and get this shit done. I don’t want to see a game six…i want Spurs on their ass restin’ up for series two.
Go Spurs!
April 26th, 2010 at 6:18 am
Great game by the Spurs T-E-A-M. This result proves that the team first attitude of Pop works. However, don’t count Dallas out, yet. They are quite capable of winning three in a row against any team in the NBA. They have a lot of talent and Nowitski and Kidd will rebound with big, big efforts. The Spurs will need to match the Mavs energy, cut down on turnovers, get back on “D” and try to make it a half court game. If Dallas presses the Spur guards into turning the ball over and score with their speed it could be a long night for SA. The Spurs must continue to work extra hard on the boards and not double Nowitski unless it is absolutely necessary. In other words don’t give Dallas any hope by dropping Tuesday’s game. Go Spurs Go!
April 26th, 2010 at 6:22 am
Watching Carlisle mismanage his players minutes in these 2nd halves definitely makes one appreciate Pop’s rotations.
It’s funny because the 1st game of the season, we all came away thinking “hot damn! Our bench/depth is so freakin awesome now! Blair, Hill, McDyess, RJ… we’re stacked!”
About halfway through the season we were probably questioning that excitement, but here in the playoffs, when it really matters, it all comes back together. Let’s hope we can keep this rolling! Go Spurs Go!
April 26th, 2010 at 6:24 am
[...] about San Antonio Spurs 92, Dallas Mavericks 89: George Hill and DeJuan Blair earn their playoff stripes [...]
April 26th, 2010 at 6:37 am
[Insert Cuban Whining Here]
April 26th, 2010 at 7:01 am
Worth keeping in mind that, though Ginobili had a bad shooting night from the floor, he had a good game in other respects: 7 assists, 1 turnover, 4 steals, 8-9 FT.
April 26th, 2010 at 7:07 am
I’m just going to keep it simple and say the same thing a lot of you guys have been posting:
Great TEAM win.
That’s the best way to describe it.
GO SPURS GO!!!
April 26th, 2010 at 7:19 am
This team could win the title.
They have “IT”.
People think championship teams are the ones with the most talent. But in reality, it’s the team who wants it the most.
April 26th, 2010 at 8:10 am
This series has been great. First Jefferson leaps from the top rope to pummel Barrea. And when the refs turned their back to deal with the decoying Pop, Nowitski slams Ginobili in the face with a chair, breaking his nose. A pivotal moment came when Nowitski tagged Najera who jumped in to closeline the masked Manu, sending him sprawling to the mat. With both sides battered and bruised, the heavyweight belt is still up for grabs. I just don’t understand how people can say this stuff is fake.
April 26th, 2010 at 8:20 am
Impressive win after a win without a 3 pt shot. Duncan only 1 basket and the Spurs go up 3-1. This is the team I expected with the trades in the offseason. I hope the Spurs realize the importance of trying to end on Tuesday, so they can get some rest for the next series on the road.
April 26th, 2010 at 8:27 am
I need to hurry up and get in a confessional.
I’m beginning to feel guilty about all the pleasure I get watching Mark Cuban as his Mavs falter in yet another post season collapse.
My concern that the Spurs lack of offensive rebounding would give the Mav-nots too many fastbreak points is somewhat alleviated by DJ Blair’s work on the boards. Chip E. will soften his shooting touch and he’ll be a solid contributor for years.
April 26th, 2010 at 8:42 am
Glad to see Mason, Bogans, and Bonner are getting limited minutes. Like last year playoffs Mason and Bonner just can’t hit 3′s when they count. Alot of times I think Bonner is rushing his shot. You’re really not going to get that much time to line it up in the playoffs so you have to shoot quickly and with confidence. Also with McDyess out there instead of Bonner team defense is much better.
Parker had too many turnovers. He tried driving into traffic too much. The team did a better job defending Barea on his drives. There’s no way you should be allowing a 5’6″ guy to score on you at the rim.
April 26th, 2010 at 9:15 am
I’m especially impressed by the prompt control of his own emotion plus the instant directive to stop the bench from entering the court by Pop on the Najera foul. It may be the most crucial thing to the Spurs playoff run.
April 26th, 2010 at 9:43 am
[...] ESPN TrueHoop’s San Antonio Spurs blog 48 minutes of Hell described it, the Spurs pulled off a pivotal victory last night through the [...]
April 26th, 2010 at 10:43 am
Sad that Eddie Najera has been relegated to goon status. I don’t know if anyone else noticed, but when he entered the game he shoved Parker, threw himself into Blair, then committed the flagrant.
April 26th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
BALLHOG
April 26th, 2010 at 4:07 am
“As for The Coach….Best job of managing minutes all year. Players played and fakers cheered. Awsome! Didnt think he could do it anymore.”
I didn’t know you had it in you, ballhog. Way to acknowledge that this coach is often at his most brilliant when it counts the most. For example, we may have bristled at his “call out of the dogs”, but just look at their play & defensive intensity ever since. Coincidence? Or is he, in the final analysis, a master technician & motivator that has helped steer this team to 4 titles over the past 11 years?
Patrick
April 26th, 2010 at 5:30 am
Patrick, can you explain to me why you’re either cutting & pasting, or exactly transcribing Ray’s post ( Ray - April 26th, 2010 at 4:56 am), and using it as your own? At least quote him and say that you agree with him (or disagree), but don’t ascribe his post as your own without giving proper attribution.
Ray
April 26th, 2010 at 9:15 am
Ray, can you explain to me why you’re either cutting & pasting, or exactly transcribing Patrick’s post ( Patrick - April 26th, 2010 at 5:30 am ), and using it as your own? At least quote him and say that you agree with him (or disagree), but don’t ascribe his post as your own without giving proper attribution. Are you and Patrick the same person? Please explain?
April 26th, 2010 at 12:52 pm
I think Najera was sent in to mix things up physically. Kinda strange to insert a player that hadn’t played all day. Najera went a bit too far though. Great composure by the team and Pop for keeping a.) himself in check b.) his team on the bench. No one got suspended for leaving the bench. Gino has added to his already mythical status. McDyess is the quiet MVP of this series. His sufficating D on Dirk has been incredible, not to mention his pick and pop 15-16 foot jump shot is falling with great consistency and keeping defenses honest in the paint. This IS the guy they went after in the off-season. Chauncy was right in calling him a second half of the season player. Helleva series Dyess!
Blair finally had the break out game we were waiting for and we needed it since Duncan struggled (more on this later). Hill was simply amazing and played a ton of minutes. Bogans playing was a bit curious. While his D was pretty good, his lack of offense was obvious with the unit that was on the floor. RJ had a very good all around game. He hit the boards, was active running the floor and played very good D on Dirk. Can’t have asked for more. Manu getting thrown around and struggling all night hits a clutch 3 with his broken nose and all. Manu will be applying for sainthood in the Catholic church soon. Pop was sporadic at giving TP minutes and he never really got going. I think this had to do with giving Hill so many minutes. He went with the hot hand and told Hill since he was hitting his shot, he wasn’t going to get any rest. Kinda nice having a young guy on the roster that we can do this with. TP and Gino struggled, obviously Gino was dealing with a banged up snoze and TP had trouble getting in a rhythem. I’m not worried about either of them. Duncan on the other hand…. he didn’t have any elevation with his legs. I think playing the 40+ minutes over several games has taken it’s toll on his knees. Let’s hope he just needs some rest before the next series. He just didn’t look right and his elevation was something of concern. Which made Blair’s game even more important. Hopefully Blair can provide larger minutes allowing for Duncan to get more rest. There was a timeout when Blair was struggling and Pop simply told Blair to play like himself. He did and finally broke through with energy, toughness and boards/points. We needed it last night. Thank goodness there are no back to backs. Get better Timmy D. This team last night played like a team eyeing a championship; not like a team happy to get out of the first round. The big 3 are the big 3 battle tested been there done that, but I think it’s safe to say that the other “dogs” grew up last night as a team…. as Spurs.
Carlisle mismanaged minutes with suspect personnel changes and switching to zone a bit too late and switching back to man a bit too early; he fell in lvoe with small ball as well, not to mention many other curious changes. This game may have just sealed his fate as the “former” Mavs head coach. Revenge is a beautiful thing. We hate you too Cuban. Gotta love seeing his Herman Munster head flustered when his boys are on the brink of elemination. Go Spurs go!
April 26th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
Go McDyess Go!!!
April 26th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Manu struggled, but he hit that 3 toward the end when we needed it most. Also, when he went out of the game for his last rest, Dallass made a run. He is a stud even on his off nights.
Quesiton: There was a Mavv inbound play where Manu batted the first try out of bounds. He then disrupted the second inbound attempt and Blair was able to jump into the frey. How did Blair get that ball out??? Did he punch it like a volleyball?
April 26th, 2010 at 1:59 pm
@BigWhit
I thought he punched it too until they showed the replay. He just used his crazy strong hands and got a finger on it, throwing it out into center court.
April 26th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
@Dr. Who
In regards to TD’s game - I think what you stated was half his problem. The other half though was that he caught the ball a step of two farther out than he would have liked.
I noticed that when he posted up on the block, he consistently received the ball 3-4 feet outside of the paint. Normally TD catches the ball with almost one foot in the paint. Even when he wanted it on the permeter, it seemed he caught it a step or two outside his comfort zone.
The reason? Most likely, what you were referring to - tired legs. It takes a ton of strength and stamina to hold your position down low with a guy like Dampier or Haywood pushing on you.
Let’s hope the two days rest helps Tim’s legs. And if we can close the series out in game 5, even better. And as well as Manu, TP, George, Blair and RJ can play, let’s not kid ourselves and think we can win a ring without TD playing at a really high level. It still all begins and ends with the big guy.
April 26th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
Lets not get ahead of ourself both of our home wins were close it could have went either way. Dallas still may have a little fight left in them we need to stay focused and play with the same level intensity in Dallas…which I really see them doing b/c this team gives me the feeling of those ’03 and ’05 teams where we got it done on the road in the playoffs….Spurs in 5 (hopefully)
April 26th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
@JIMJIM
Master technician and motivator….
Here you go Jim….I know you consider Pop to be a great coach. Many feel the same way. I felt that way from the time he got here until about a month into this season.
When has Pop ever allowed players to log minutes when they are loafing, not hustling, missing defensive assignments, and generally stinking up the floor?
In the past, Pop would yank a player for that type of nonsense and might not let him play again for 5 games straight. I remember that Pop….
This year….Not so much. I still think he sucked royally almost the entire season. I still cant believe we won 50 games.
However, I finally reach out with a little admiration for Pop due to a job well done in game 4, and you blugeon me with vintage JImJIm and immediately smack the crown back onto Pops’ dome.
I give up JIMJIM….Pop Is the greateset of all time.
April 26th, 2010 at 2:43 pm
Tyler I agree I can’t wait to see how Tim responds in Dallas (hope it was a fluke and not tired legs already) b/c without him we won’t win the west.
April 26th, 2010 at 4:50 pm
BALLHOG
April 26th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
If the ultimate goal is to win a championship, Pop’s rotations, etc. are simply not that important during the regular season, other than to test the NEW pieces of the puzzle (several this year), get your main guys rest, and try to win as many games as you can while trying hard to get that last piece of the puzzle in place before the playoffs.
My point is, in the final analysis, isn’t it most important that the team is playing its best, playoff-type basketball by the time the playoffs start? Doesn’t it appear that Pop has done that, up 3-1 against the two seed that many so-called experts thought would beat us in this series? Has Pop not had his stamp on these playoffs so far?
Granted, we haven’t won this series yet, but it sure is looking good for Pop again. Is it not?
In my view, a good part of the reason that you’re a bit more content with Pop’s use of players/minutes in game four is number one, because we’ve won three in a row, and number two, the rotation is always going to be tighter in the playoffs, so we’re just not going to see guys like Bogans & Mason nearly as much, and even Bonner probably won’t have as much of a role because he’s a “situational” role player. And the fact is, those “situations” are going to have a narrower definition in the playoffs.
Also, match-ups take on even more of a premium in the playoffs. So for example, I’d be surprised if Bonner didn’t get more consistent burn against the Suns (unless he stays cold from three - maybe not). He’s simply a better match-up against the Suns as opposed to the Mavs.
And finally, nobody has ever said that Pop is perfect. Certainly not me. He makes mistakes, as we all do. But he could end up smelling like a rose (again) after a regular season filled with more than its usual share of frustration. Time will tell, but if he can get this team to give a good showing in the WCF’s, in the final analysis, that’s a good job by Pop again. Don’t you agree?
April 26th, 2010 at 5:09 pm
@BigWhit, the Mavs run didn’t really start when Manu went out in the 4th. In fact, the Spurs scored 7 straight after he sat down. The Mavs then started the run, narrowing the Spurs lead from 13 to 9 while Manu was still on the bench and all the way to 2 after he came back in.
April 26th, 2010 at 5:11 pm
If TD is the heart of the team Ginobili represents its
soul. Best defense the Spurs have played all year! Took me back to the championship years!
April 26th, 2010 at 5:22 pm
@ Jim
Never could I argue with a solid post, even if I didnt agree with it.
That, my friend, was a solid post. As for Pop, his rotations and personnel decisions did frustrate me all season. Also, for whatever reason Bogans is on the bench, Im truly thankful. He would have killed this team. Bonner hasnt been that bad over the past month. I agree that he will match up much better in Phoenix. But in this series, he should simply cheer.
As for game 4, Blair should get consistent minutes each game. I was glad to see him having a good enough run to stay on the floor. He is more critical in all of this than most think.
Also, keeping Mcdyess in the game late was a welcome site. Bonner in the game against Dirk in the 4th quarter is the kind of thing tht causes one to lose sleep.
But Jim, lets be real here. A veteran coach taking an entire season to solidify rotations, having players asking to be released mid season, and depleting our frontcourt, had to make you wonder too. Come on Jim….I know that you support Pop, but real is real.
It was eerie……kind of like the feeling the Mavs surely had on the flight back to Dallas.
April 26th, 2010 at 5:54 pm
BALLHOG
April 26th, 2010 at 5:22 pm
I was concerned about some of the moves Pop was making, but I was actually more disappointed with the players. Particularly RJ, who unlike Dice, didn’t have to save himself for the playoffs. His inexplicably poor & inconsistent play was at the heart of our rotation problems early on. A veteran player takes that long to learn the Spurs system? I don’t think so. And I don’t buy that Pop was trying to make RJ into a spot-up shooter. Not for one minute.
The bottom line is that Pop was dealing with issues that neither you nor I were privy to, so it’s hard for me to be too hard on the coach without the benefit of some inside information. And while I called him out on waiting too long to give Hairston a shot in the rotation instead of Bogans, generally speaking I think Pop deserves the benefit of the doubt on the great majority of his personnel decisions. And I don’t hold him responsible for the people we lost. In the final analysis, we’re probably better off without them. After all, only five players can play on the court at one time. Those missing players probably wouldn’t have helped any.
By the way, I love Blair, and hope he can play as much as possible. Remember though, Blair is just 20 years old, and has never played more that 35 games a year, at the college level, no less, and can also be a defensive liability. Pop has to pace him, and make sure he’s ready. That said, I think Blair made a good case for himself in game four. And Pop saw that. It will not fall on deaf ears. And Dice, sure, I’d rather have him on Dirk the whole game, but he is 36 years old, and Dirk requires a lot of physical & mental energy to guard. Pop has to be careful not to burn Dice out, as TD may have been in game four after logging heavy minutes in the first three games.
I have to say, I don’t consider this series over in the least. The Mavs are not going to go away easy. I hope we’re ready with HIGH defensive intensity in big “D” tomorrow. Winning in five would be by far the best option moving forward. We need that rest!
April 26th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
@ Jim Henderson,
Small clarification, like Duncan who had a birthday on Sunday and turned 34, Blair had a birthday on Thursday and turned 21.
April 26th, 2010 at 10:06 pm
Finley wanted to leave. Pop and RC gave him his wish. Theo was a headache for Pop. Pop and RC released him. Mason wasn’t getting any burn, asked to be traded. Pop and RC couldn’t get anything done. RC and Pop are the real superstars behind the scenes. I have complete faith in these guys. Win or lose.
It’s interesting Dirk said that our bigs were altering their shots. “”Then on the weak side, they’re running at our shooters, we’re having trouble shooting over their length. We’re getting deep into shot clocks, and we’re taking some shots we don’t like. We’d like to make a little quicker decisions.” All the talk about us not having bigs.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/basketball/mavs/stories/042710dnspomavslede.3c548c0.html
Man I hope we take the Mavericks out in 5. I just can’t stand the drama. All of the analysts were prognosticating that the Mavericks were our worst match up. So if we can get past them, it looks like the Finals.
I was so elated that we won 50 games this year, everything else has been gravy.
Go Spurs Go!
April 27th, 2010 at 6:40 am
@ Jim Henderson,
Small clarification, like Duncan who had a birthday on Sunday and turned 34, Blair had a birthday on Thursday and turned 21.
April 27th, 2010 at 10:13 am
Miggy, how was Theo a headache for Pop? I never heard anything about Theo all year until he was traded.
April 27th, 2010 at 11:41 am
By the way, McDyess was like old man winter tonight. He was an active, in your face, mother f _ _ _ _ _ that didn’t give a shit if he was literally harassing his opponent to death. Dirk, only ten shot attempts? Are you kidding me! Hey Dice, way to give it your all, old man!
@jim henderson, agreed 200% with : “He was an active, in your face, mother f _ _ _ _ _ that didn’t give a shit if he was literally harassing his opponent to death”
April 27th, 2010 at 11:59 am
@BALLHOG
You may be right there were games Pop messed everything but somehow he managed the teams and knew what and how to do!! PROOF 3-1 and G5 to take and suddenly all eyes on US!!
April 27th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
[...] That night it ended up being George Hill, whose 29 points made up for somewhat disappointing nights from Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker, but not enough can be said about the contributions from Antonio McDyess, Richard Jefferson and DeJuan Blair. [...]
April 27th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
Jim henderson : Isnt it funny that Blair is our second leading rebounder during our season yet POP fails to play him more than Mason? Whose deaf ears did his play fall on?
April 27th, 2010 at 5:02 pm
First of all, Mason & Blair play different positions. Dice got more minutes because he is right behind Blair in rebounding, plus he’s a better shooter & defender. Bonner (and Mason) got some minutes (over Blair) because Pop felt we’re a little short in outside shooting compared to rebounding. Unfortunately RJM, a career 38% shooter behind the arc, “inexplicably” could never get his shot back this year. Thus, I was not happy with Pops minutes for RMJ’s (& Bogans) since the all-star break, over someone like Hairston, or even Temple, later on. However, I have been OK with how Pop has used Blair in combination with TD, Dice, & Bonner. If the Spurs can pick up another solid three-point shooter in the off-season, it will make it even easier to get Blair more minutes, because we could afford to play Bonner less. Also, they need to work it so TD & Blair can play better TOGETHER, whether it’s Blair making solid strides in developing his mid-range jumper, or TD being outside the low-block more when Blair’s in the game.
That said, I am anxious to see more of Blair, in due time, because I think he has special potential as a PF, even with his height disability. I think he can substantially overcome this very real handicap with a lot of hard work over the next couple of years. And that is an exciting prospect indeed (for example, TD, Hill, and BLAIR are my only “untradeable” Spurs).
I know you’ll invariably be compelled to take a stab at poking holes in this entirely valid explanation. And that’s fine, I’ve come to expect it from you. But just try to keep it civil, and respectful.
April 27th, 2010 at 8:28 pm
@duaneofly - Insider info. But it makes sense. He never got any burn and Pop let him go and kept Ian on the bench.
April 28th, 2010 at 8:01 pm
Christopher
April 27th, 2010 at 6:40 am
“@ Jim Henderson,
Small clarification, like Duncan who had a birthday on Sunday and turned 34, Blair had a birthday on Thursday and turned 21.”
Thanks, but lvmainman
April 26th, 2010 at 9:07 pm, made the EXACT (strange?) same post the night before you. Plus, it’s not really relevant. The point I was making is not altered in the least, that is, that Blair is YOUNG & inexperienced in the league, and this factor is correctly taken into account when doling out playing time by the coach.
Leave a Reply