The third quarter execution that wasn’t enough

by

AT&T CENTER — With a grumpy, old coach, aging core and deteriorating title window, you’d expect the San Antonio Spurs to be the stubborn ones. Instead, it was the younger Memphis Grizzlies, looking for their first playoff win in franchise history, that seemed set in their ways.

The Spurs threw the kitchen sink at the Grizzlies to start the third quarter, but Memphis weathered it and went away with their first playoff win in 13 tries in a 101-98 win over San Antonio at the AT&T Center.

With Mike Conley playing 22 out of 24 minutes in the first half, and his possible backups being Greivis Vasquez and Ish Smith, the Spurs coaching staff looked interested in wearing Conley out, hoping diminishing returns from the Memphis point guard could net San Antonio the win.

The Spurs picked up full court in man-to-man defense to start the third quarter and Tony Parker hounded Conley wherever he went. On offense, the Spurs ran Parker through a series of screens along the baseline, forcing Conley to chase San Antonio’s speedy point guard and take bump after bump.

The goal was simple, to erode Conley’s energy levels. In doing so, the Spurs ended up with their best execution of the afternoon. Offensively, the Spurs drove the ball into the lane and either scored, drew a foul or fired out to the perimeter for an open 3-pointer in seven of the team’s first eight possessions of the second half.

The Spurs ended up allowing a layup to Sam Young on that full court press to open the third quarter, but played strong defense for a stretch following that play.

The Spurs kept Memphis out of the lane and left them with a dwindling shot clock one one possession, but DeJuan Blair was just a step too far away from Zach Randolph. Z-Bo drained a jumper from 18-feet just a couple of seconds short of a 24-second violation.

A trip down the floor later, the Spurs again played solid defense and forced the Grizzlies into a fadeway in the post from Marc Gasol. It was a shot the Spurs could live with, and yet Gasol sunk it over the outstretched arms of Tim Duncan.

Then the Spurs forced the Grizzlies into five straight empty trips.

A 45-43 halftime deficit felt like it should’ve been a double-digit lead by that point. But it wasn’t. It was five points. The Spurs were showing their best basketball of the afternoon and all they had to show for it was a two possession cushion.

The two teams went back-and-forth for a few more possessions and the Spurs gradually pushed it up to a 10 point lead. But the Grizzlies stayed on their feet after taking San Antonio’s best punch, putting every speed bump they could in front of the Spurs’ momentum.

And Conley? He finished with over 44 minutes of game action, posting 15 points, 10 assists and four rebounds.

It was the be all, end all stretch for San Antonio. But it featured the Spurs at the height of their powers on Sunday afternoon and had the possibility to lead to much more than a three-point loss.

  • ribanez1

    Ginobilli and Tiago must both play. TD played well but not enough help. I saw at least 3 possessions where Blair was blocked at the rim. Splitter may have been able to score in that same scenario.

  • DorieStreet

    End of quarter offense is just plain stagnant and mistaker prone. 3 minutes left in 3rd —up 8 (62-70)-Grizz get 8 pts to Spurs’ 4, Quarter start was just as bad-Memphis goes 4 minutes into the 4th 111pts to SA 6 and it’s 81-80.
    And I will just state the end of game scenario— Grizz 94, Spurs 98: SA has the ball with 66 seconds left…you know the rest…..

  • Spurfanatic

    this game was a little bit of wierd bc i dont think parker hill will shoot that poorly again from the field. That being said its the playoffs again anbd mat bonner is costing the spurs games. Im sick of the “spacing the floor” arguement. Hes a ok regular season player but really watch the game. He hit 2 tree pointers, but must have gotten scored on like 20 pts bc gasol and randolph and any big man for that matter do not respect him. blair gets his shot blocked often but at least provides rebounding and something on defense. I much rather see bonners minutes go to splitter who can at least do something against gasol and randolph vs bonner

  • Spurfanatic

    To supplement my post, bonners career playoff avg are 3.3 pts and 2 rbs per game. Not good enough. Brings in splittler leave bonner on the bench

  • Dr. Love

    Perhaps Pop will give Splitter a few minutes next time. If JJ Barea can date Miss Universe, anything can happen.

  • http://regularfan.blogspot.com/ Humberto

    It was pretty obvious to us that the third quarter was the best for the Spurs, but when I saw it was only a 5 point lead I grew quite nervous. Spurs need to not play from behind so much and work on maintaining a lead. Good luck Spurs and thanks for the work Andrew McNeil

  • http://regularfan.blogspot.com/ Humberto

    It was pretty obvious to us that the third quarter was the best for the Spurs, but when I saw it was only a 5 point lead I grew quite nervous. Spurs need to not play from behind so much and work on maintaining a lead. Good luck Spurs and thanks for the work Andrew McNeil

  • Mitch

    Gasol and Zbo tore us up today, even if Splitter doesn’t even score or shoot- it we better for us than having Memphis’ bigs destroy us. PLAY TIAGO!!!

  • Ryan

    If you’d had told me we outrebounded this team and shot 46 free throws, I woulda have said we probably won by at least 15.. but (again) it’s the small mistakes added up that just plague this team. George Hill.. I’m looking right at you here. Not only do you give Battier a wide open look on transition because you’re gambling for a steal, but then you can’t redeem yourself by knocking down a wide open corner 3 moments later… Yes, I know there was more to the game that we could’ve fixed that it never should have lead to that moment, but the bottom line is this. If you’re going to fill in the shoes of our best player, then you need to produce.. especially in the playoffs.

    Also.. if Memphis’ only defense is to foul when we drive and kick, then guys need to be more adept at shooting free throws.

    As far as Tiago playing, the rebounding edge was in our favor. While I’m a fan of Tiago, if Memphis is only going to foul when it gets too deep in the paint, then Tiago IS NOT the guy you want in there. Blair needs to stop picking up stupid ticky-tack fouls which forces Dice to come back in. Guys need to play with their heads as much as their hearts. This game was winnable… more than winnable.. but people need to not be afraid to step up when the time comes. That time is now.

  • Bruno

    This is one of 3 bullshit arguement to not playing Splitter:
    1) Rookie, 2)Spacing the floor, 3) Can’t make FTs
    If the guy provide good defense, put their Bigs in foul trouble and can make at least 50% of FTs, he contribute 500000000x more than Bonner.

  • Irwin

    + 1 right there :)

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_6SBSBIHA4ACUDKKR7IKSLOCFVA Michael

    Splitter can shutout Randolph just like he shutdown Lamarcus Aldridge. I love Mcdyess, but Randolph has young legs and Splitter can definitely match that energy. Many times during the game, I wished Splitter got a chance.

  • 3000watts

    Greg Popovich is a fool…..Z-Bo and Gasol are killing us inside at least Splitter is another 7 footer who can contest their shots…Have in in the game with Duncan and bring back the twin towers. He may not be as polished but how the hell is he gonna learn anything on the BENCH. Popovich your a fool if you dont play Splitter even if only for 10-15 minutes ????? Dumb old man.

  • Doggydogworld

    Spurs did not have the ball up 98-94. It was Memphis ball with 1:06 left after George made his FTs. But it’s true we continue to lose late leads. It’s all about defense. Here’s what Memphis offense did in the final 3 minutes:

    2:49 Mayo miss 19 ft jumper, Gasol OReb/made layup
    2:27 Gasol fouled when shooting (Bonner)
    1:47 Allen fouled when shooting (Hill)
    1:07 Conley bad pass (Parker steal)
    0:56 Gasol made layup
    0:23 Battier made 3
    0:10 Allen intentionally fouled

    One stop (arguably an uncalled foul) in seven possessions. The Spurs only got the lead because Memphis missed 4 consecutive FTs. The Spurs got 2 defensive rebounds the ENTIRE QUARTER (I exclude Duncan’s at 6:28 because Tony Allen immediately stole it from him). Memphis shot 68%+ in Q4. Can’t win a ring that way.

  • Titletown99030507defense

    The psychology of having two 7 footers that are capable of clogging the lane and defending the paint at the same time goes a long way in taking off pressure of the perimeter defenders. This is just as a mental game as any sport. And playing with less pressure so to speak playing loosely can boost your motivation and performance by having a security blanket in the painted area in your favor. My opinion in having Timmy and Tiago (only for the sake of size) working the glass, blocking shots, scoring the ball inside at the same time would greatly light a fire under the rest of the defenders to do their part over and above. Confidence goes a long way knowing you have an advantage to start with. This type of mindset is crucial in the closing moments of competitive play especially if its close. I believe in this series the security blanket is not shooting till the stars fall but the control of the painted area allowing those on offense to flourish. GSG! Spurs in 7.

  • Titletown99030507defense

    Good one Dr. Love!

  • Titletown99030507defense

    In regards to Blair, that’s not going to change because he’s already at an disadvantage so he needs to be aggressive to compensate for his size. This is a fact. And we’ve seen this since he arrived on this team. That will never change that is his game his hustle and hyperactivity will get him in foul trouble. Fine let him hustle and foul out so Splitter can play.

  • Chriss sanchez

    i have lots of faith in coach pop he will come up with a game plan to bounce back..remember when we lost to denver in game one and went on to win it all well in a way is good we lost :.tim will be a beast on both ends::on the post game interview he lookt pissed i never seen tim duncan with that look ::::::4real

  • Titletown99030507defense

    Correctamundo! Bruno some people still don’t get it. It will have to take loosing this series or any series where Splitter isn’t allowed to contribute to fully understand the nature of his game and how it can benefit this team. Not asking for a lot a minutes just a chance for Tiago to disrupt any intentions they have in abusing that front court of ours. Not saying he’s going to dominate but still I believe he can lessen the blow especially if he’s in their with Timmy at the same time for just like 5 minutes at a time. Man that’s all I’m asking for Pop.

  • Titletown99030507defense

    I CONCUR!

  • Titletown99030507defense

    And what type of game plan would that be?

  • Titletown99030507defense

    And what type of game plan would that be?

  • Titletown99030507defense

    And what type of game plan would that be?

  • Titletown99030507defense

    And you’d rather not try but instead let Blair to continue to go through the abuse. Enough of the Blair band wagoning. It’s about trying to make an adjustment. It aint working man any way you spin it it’s the same result. Get it through your mind. Talk about fouls! Blair got his in record time. 30 seconds into his first appearance on the floor Sunday against the Grizz he got his first one. Enough said then it snowball from their on. I don’t know why people try make Blair out to be this beast that can dominate all facets of the game. It’s just not happening. He’s just as much as a liability as Bonner on defense. Accept it. By the way Splitter can do better on Z-BO peroid! Better yet why don’t they let Timmy get on Z-BO and Splitter take Gasol. At least he’ll make Gasol work for his more than Blair can ever do. Man what a waste!

  • Titletown99030507defense

    Blair scored 9 points but gave up 6pts getting scored on, and gave up 7 points sending people to the the line this combined for 13 points. That’s not a good give/take ratio. I don’t know what the big deal about having that kind of numbers in 22 minutes. Not to mention he’s supposed to be a beast at rebounding and only got 6 rebounds. No double/double in 22 minutes. Where’s the argument in having put those kind of numbers and making mental mistakes through out the game. Threw the ball out of bounds in the third quarter for a tie, missed 3 easy lay ups, got 3 shots blocked all of this under the frikin rim. Give me a break you think Tiago is going to do the same, I don’t think so.

  • Titletown99030507defense

    To finish that’s a 4 point spread that could have won the game for us but people like you don’t see this things because your enamored on how hard he hustles and dives to the floor all the while people turn away from the stupid fouls he commits and not having the fortitude to make those damn easy layups. I’m done with Blair its Pop’s fault for having him in their that long its just not advantageous for us period. I can see him having 5-10 minutes in a game to get some needed rebounds just enough time for him not to get in foul trouble and send the opposition to the line earlier than we want. Things gotta change. I don’t want Blair on the court.

  • TD = Best EVER

    Nice recap Doggydogworld……..

    I agree the D has been horrible and 50% of that is POP being a dumbass……..How many times have we seen teams like the Mavs/Suns fold late in games like this………. It’s not because of hustle or lack of trying….It’s simply talent…… You can’t get consistent stops with 2 of your 5 players being either below average or far below average……. TP is below average defending, and Bonner’s new name is El Matador……..As long as you have to keep covering for them you leave yourself open to loosing leads…….

    Mavs - Dirk/Terry
    Suns - Nash/Amare
    Spurs - Bonner/TP

    TP isn’t horrible like some in that list, but he ain’t good either…..TP is an all-star so you have to live with his imperfections(I would trade him though) but Bonner being out there is the same as POP TANKING GAMES……. just makes no sense to allow Bonner to play so many minutes, Bonner can give you 2 3-pointers in about 10 minutes……it shouldn’t take 24 min for him to work that MAGIC…………

  • Titletown99030507defense

    We have to be up by 8-10 points with 1 minute left in order to seal the deal.

  • Titletown99030507defense

    What is that something on defense that Blair brings?

  • Bob

    Regarding Dejuan Blair, it’s interesting he allowed Zach Randolph to get 2 blocks. Randolph averages .3 blocks for the season. He doesn’t get many blocks. There’s no reason he should be getting blocked by a guy who can’t jump. One of his offensive rebounds and putbacks was an over the back that wasn’t called.

    For all those people saying Gasol is not going to shoot 9/10, Memphis is also not going to put the Spurs to the line 47 times again. They’re probably not going to leave Bonner wide open for 3’s again. Pop needs to stop trying to outscore the other team. Once they had the 10 point lead he should have gone with a good defensive unit that would execute on the offensive end. There’s no point in gaining a lead to give it right back. Memphis plan of attack was the inside. Play your best interior defenders: Tim, Splitter, McDyess. That way perimeter players don’t have to help so much. Pop used to use small ball to generate offense then go back to a more balanced unit. Now he just stays with the small ball while they get killed on the defensive end.

  • betsyduncan

    Well, with 20+ points sitting on the bench…the outcome was not unexpected, but it certainly was unacceptable! I expect to see a better all-around effort on Wednesday!

  • ANYTHING-IS-POSSIBLE
  • Frustrated Fan

    Why is it that Popovich always gets a pass from the chicken San Antonio media? It was obvious to almost everyone that Bonner was getting eaten up in the paint and we needed size. Blair works hard but cannot deal with that much size. What has Tiago done that is so bad that he can’t get into any meaningful game. We bring in the best big in Europe from last year and Pop refuses to use him because he is a rookie? SA media is too cowardly to call Pop on anything. You don’t see the Lakers giving up when there is still a quarter or more left to play. The Spurs on the other hand will throw in the towel if down by 15 with a quarter left. As long as Pop is the coach you will never see them come back from 20 down to win. He has absolutely wasted Ginobili over the years. If Kobe Bryant played for Pop, he would have been a sixth man coming off the bench and playing 20 minutes per game.

  • TD = Best EVER

    @ Title and Bob

    Title you asked what is something that Blair brings on Defense…..Rebounds……. The thing that allows POP to play Bonner so many minutes because Bonner sucks at rebounding….. Blair however is an EXCELLENT rebounder of the ball…….

    Bob - there no use and talking about how Blair gets his shot Blocked……. That’s like asking Splitter to shoot jumpers or something…..Or Bonner to play great D….. Blair’s true weakness is his size and we all know it, which makes all of his rebounds that much more awesome…… If Splitter could rebound as well he would get basically all of Blair’s minutes…… Not anyone’s fault he can’t but his…….

    And as far as Splitter’s D…… I will say it again, his one v one D is better than Blair’s…….. And he finishes well off the PnR…….but we all saw his Horrible shooting when he had to create his own offense. And he wouldn’t get you the 2nd chance points that Blair gives you, which Title has to factor into his Stats…. Also Blair got his hands on 2-3 passes that led to TO’s…. Blair may not get the steal, but he got he deflection that lead the ball to another Spur or out of bounds once on Z-Bo….

    SO all in all Splitter has his advantages, but along side Bonner POP is needing someone to rebound better than Splitter can to make up for how much Bonner can’t…….. Tiago can’t and as far as protecting the rim, Blair gets more blocks per 36min than Splitter, So Splitter doesn’t protect the rim any better than Blair outside of taking charges…….

  • TD = Best EVER

    @ Title and Bob

    Title you asked what is something that Blair brings on Defense…..Rebounds……. The thing that allows POP to play Bonner so many minutes because Bonner sucks at rebounding….. Blair however is an EXCELLENT rebounder of the ball…….

    Bob - there no use and talking about how Blair gets his shot Blocked……. That’s like asking Splitter to shoot jumpers or something…..Or Bonner to play great D….. Blair’s true weakness is his size and we all know it, which makes all of his rebounds that much more awesome…… If Splitter could rebound as well he would get basically all of Blair’s minutes…… Not anyone’s fault he can’t but his…….

    And as far as Splitter’s D…… I will say it again, his one v one D is better than Blair’s…….. And he finishes well off the PnR…….but we all saw his Horrible shooting when he had to create his own offense. And he wouldn’t get you the 2nd chance points that Blair gives you, which Title has to factor into his Stats…. Also Blair got his hands on 2-3 passes that led to TO’s…. Blair may not get the steal, but he got he deflection that lead the ball to another Spur or out of bounds once on Z-Bo….

    SO all in all Splitter has his advantages, but along side Bonner POP is needing someone to rebound better than Splitter can to make up for how much Bonner can’t…….. Tiago can’t and as far as protecting the rim, Blair gets more blocks per 36min than Splitter, So Splitter doesn’t protect the rim any better than Blair outside of taking charges…….

  • Colin Rigney

    Splitter cannot shut down Randolph. Splitter will pick up 3-4 fouls in 10 min trying to guard him which isn’t a bad thing because no PF in the league can really play Randolph 1v1.

  • TD = Best EVER

    Quick suggestion Admins…… If you can please allow for the latest Comments to be placed at the top of the page, that way people know what is the latest conversation is about…….. It kinda hard to tell what the last post was sometimes, you have to go through them all and look for the 1 with the most recent time…. If you could put that comment, even if it was added to an older comment at the top, it would make the responses clearer and people would post more I think

  • Titletown99030507d

    Your missing the point TD, Splitter won’t give up more points than he scores. It’s fact. Secondly he can rebound better than Balir. Look at his production in rebounds and points when he was allowed to play when Timmy was gone. He’ll damn sure get more than 6 wimpy rebounds in 22 minutes. Let the guy play 22 minutes and he’ll out produce Blair. The only reason he doesn’t shoot from the outside is because that’s not what Pop want’s from him. and if he did Pop would send him to the bench for doing it. He shot from the outside as well in the Liga. Admit it he’s not your typical NBA rookie. He’s seasoned and has shown it. Let Splitter play 36 minutes then and he’ll get as much or more than Blair. Is it going to take Blair 36 minutes then to get 10 rebounds? There’s no argument here. Your attacking Bonner but really it’s the both of them have total liabilities Blair and Bonner. Getting scored on at will, can’t make shot to save their lives, and getting in foul trouble. Splitter can draw more fouls than Blair can, forcing the opposition in foul trouble/penlty sooner than they want. Splitter is always on his back drawing a charge or his getting hacked under the rim. I would rather see 36 minutes of Splitter than Blair or Bonner. Your going to see it next year so might as well see it now because they need him.