Slow Times in Queen City

by

Via Queen City Hoops:

After the first half of this one, the Bobcats trailed the Spurs 42-38 – solid defense in the first half for the Bobcats, but a sputtering offense. Over the next 18 minutes, they went BERSERKER. The Spurs had 30 possessions over the next quarter and a half following the break (not counting the one second left on the clock when they got a rebound at the end of the 3rd) – and they managed just 23 points over that time. An offensive efficiency of just 76, the Spurs could not handle the Bobcats aggressive defense: The traps, the aggressive switches on pick and rolls, and the tremendous help defense, often manifested in large blocks as Gerald Wallace flew in from the weak side.

Both Brett and Kevin Arnovitz have honed in on our offensive efficiency, which is 109.8 on the season but was an abysmal 87.4 last night. I’m equally intrigued by the pace. We average 93.4 possessions per game, but the Bobcats ground the game down to a glacial 87 possessions. It’s a bit surreal, losing to a team that clogs up the break and buckles down in the half court. Not long ago we were the practitioners of that strategy, not its victims.

  • lvmainman

    It starts with the foundation, Tim Duncan. His defensive counterparts? Nazr Mohammed – a teammate that has played Duncan numerous times, Desagna Diop – a proven playoff snuffer of Duncan (see game 7 overtime vs. Mavericks), Boris Diaw – a Malik Rose vs. Shaq strategy of ride Duncan out of the post. Could the Spurs effectively defeat it with a high-low pass from the FT line? No, no one taller than 6’6 was in the game to make the pass.

    Duncan had 4 shots blocked, due to the same illegal defense that was called for 2 technicals in the 1st half. Once again proof that officials won’t keep calling an infraction if you keep committing it.

    Duncan was far to passive in establishing position down low. Keep fighting until an offensive foul is called and then you’ll know where the line is drawn by the refs.

    A lack of physical aggression by the Spurs limited their ability to withstand the traps and steals and blocks. Any team that has 21 steals and blocks against it, is a sure sign of passive play. Normally those plays would generate fouls on the other team if that kind of aggression is matched.

    The play that represents what I’m talking about is the loose ball offensive rebound that Duncan chased down. Wallace then grabbed it, Duncan pulled the ball to his body, then Wallace yanked it back with a fall backwards and then passed it, to ignite a fastbreak. 99 out of 100 times a jump ball is called in that situation, but last night it was clear that playground rules applied and the Spurs weren’t up to it.

  • Gary

    it’s kind of sad… sad sad day :S

  • SpurredOn

    I think this loss is being over-analyzed. Both teams played solid defense, just in different manners. The Spurs shot 39% and had 14 turnovers on the road. Their opponent should win easily by double digits and have a high shooting percentage, yet they didn’t take the lead until very late 3rd Q and only shot 46% themselves. This was due to Spurs defense.

    I think you credit the turnovers committed to the Bobcats defense. But credit the low shooting percentage to SA having a bad night. The missed shots, especially in the 3rd Q, where often wide open set shots. Mason missed 2 technical FTs. It happens, especially in a third game in four days. Being a step slow, physically or mentally, against a quick team that was playing pressure D will lead to some bad results.

    My larger concern is Manu’s shooting the past few games. Better shooting from him would’ve made the OKC win easier and the Charlotte game competitive. Hopefully that turns around in Memphis.

  • Artis Gilmore

    Spurs are stinking it up at Memphis as well – looks like a slide – Pop is cutting starters times – trying to find a trade? Maybe……Bogans – you need s0 much more practice……..

  • junierizzle

    I think all the the Bonner haters need to wise up.

    We need The Red Rocket out there to spread the floor. Plus, the SPurs have been having scoring droughts like this the whole season. They’ve been getting by with execution. But sometimes, you just need to hit shots.
    If I had a dollar everytime BOgans missed a wide open three…………
    Any news on when Bonner is returning????
    The Spurs never got that three to bust it open. To bust open a lead you need some threes to fall.

    Just like when the Bobcats were up by five I believe, Diaw gets that wide open three and busts the game wide open aswell.

    I’m not worried because it aint the post season. But it does suck to lose the momentum they had going.
    If they do make a trade, can they get a knock down shooter???? Please. Someone that can hit a wide open shot consistently.
    Or hurry up Red Rocket and FInn dog.

    I’d like to see IAN in there some more. I know it was garbage time, but he got two blocks. He looks like he has the potential to be a presence inside.
    I’m just saying.

  • http://www.aegisediting.com Josh

    This isn’t directly related to the two recent losses…or is it? Again the TP rumors circle: http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/page2/81901847.html

    Do you 48 Minutes of Hellers think there’s any more truth to the rumors this time than any other time?