Friday, March 13th, 2009...6:16 am
The Notebook: Lakers-Spurs, 3-12-09
The Spurs had no business winning last night’s game. The loss was deserved. The Lakers buried the Spurs in the first quarter, outscoring the home team 35 -17 and crushing them on the glass. In the opening quarter alone, the Lakers grabbed 4 offensive rebounds. Of those 4, 3 boards led to immediate baskets. And the one that didn’t? It was followed by a missed shot that found its way into the basket off a Lamar Odom tip. The opening 12 minutes were a disaster.
The Spurs played well-enough for the final 3 quarters, winning each one by margins of 3, 7, and 1 respectively. But after the Lakers pounded the Spurs in the 1st, one got the sense that the teams were going through the motions. Neither team wanted to lay it all out there unless the effort actually counted for something. But the Lakers are too far ahead in the standings and the possibility of battling for home court advantage is too far gone for that to be true. Neither team is naive enough to believe that this game was anything more than a meaningless little flicker. But I can’t help but draw on a few observations which might portend bigger things this postseason.
Last night’s contest marked the 5th consecutive game in which Coach Pop subbed for Parker by sliding Roger Mason from 2 to 1. Without Ginobili or Gooden, the rotation is far from set. But the Mason maneuver has proven effective. Ultimately, Mason provides Pop with scoring and floor leadership sans Parker. When Ginobili returns, the Mason-Manu tandem ought to strengthen the 2nd unit, providing insulation against San Antonio’s notorious scoring droughts. It’s a smart move, and one I expect to continue from here out.
With Mason’s promotion to back up point, fans might reasonably assume that George Hill is out of the rotation. But such assumptions are way off base. Hill, too, has received an unlikely promotion from Popovich. He’s quickly becoming the team’s defensive stopper. Pop is calling Hill’s number in the mid 2nd quarter and for most of the 4th. Sunday’s game against Phoenix saw Hill play the entire 4th quarter-he responded by playing lock down D on Steve Nash. Tuesday’s contest against the Bobcats saw more of the same long 4th quarter minutes. And last night? Pop opted to guard Bryant with Hill, not Bowen, during the games final minutes. Can you imagine that? Pop chose the rookie over the league’s best perimeter defender this decade.
Kobe Bryant still managed to crush the Spurs, but Hill played him as tightly as could be expected. Watch the game highlights in the video player to the right of this post-Bryant’s game clinching 3 had more to do with his offensive brilliance and far less with any defensive failures on the part of Hill. In fact, I was impressed with Hill’s 4th quarter defense against Bryant, despite the forfeiture of 4 or 5 inches to the world’s best player. Offensively, Hill is a work in progress. Defensively, he’s quietly emerging as an ace in the hole.
It’s not just me. Hill has won the confidence of his coaches and teammates. He’s an eager understudy to Bruce Bowen, who provides private tutelage and a library of game film as part of Hill’s ongoing education. George Hill is not far from becoming an All-League defender. That’s a big claim, I know. But the Spurs have found a new Bruce Bowen, albeit more of a Chris Paul-slowing combo guard than a Kobe Bryant-bothering swing. Size is size.
After Tuesday’s Bobcats game, Tony Parker made this remark: “George did a great job again on defense. He was physical and got some steals, rebounds, rotation, he did a little bit of everything covering for everybody. He’s a young Bruce Bowen.” After the same game, Popovich tipped his hat in the same direction: “He’s doing a great job. He’s playing fantastic defense. He hits the boards and is aggressive on the offensive end. The last two games he’s been on the floor at the end of the game, so that should tell you something.” Or, even more tellingly, Popovich made this statement after last night’s loss: “If you’ve watched him, then you should know (why he was on Kobe). He plays a heck of a defense and he does a good job.” In other words, Pop says, “Isn’t it obvious? The kid is a stopper.”
This is all to say, the Spurs are beginning to find their defensive identity. This development is far more important to me than any meaningless late season game against the Lakers. Hill, Bowen, and even recent vintage Udoka, are finding a way to co-exist. Setting aside the 1st quarter, the Spurs held the Lakers to 18, 25, and 24 in the final 3 quarters. I’ll take those numbers every night against the Lakers. The sluggish start and decimation on the boards were the problem, but those things are correctable. The Spurs are too disciplined to give up many 35 point quarters. In fact, I doubt we see that sort of let down in another game this season. Any loss is tough, but the Spurs heart beats to the tune of defense. Over the last month, I’ve heard a low rumble thumping from just beneath their breast. Popovich is finding a way to get production from what was heretofore the most underwhelming defensive squad of his tenure. Hill is a big part of that recovery.
Turning to the other side of the ball. If the Manu Ginobili injury has any silver lining, it’s the emergence of Tony Parker as an elite NBA scorer. Yes, you read that correctly. Tony Parker is one of the league’s best scorers. He only had 25 and 9 last night, but that’s par for the course over the Manu-less stretch. And even though Parker shot 10-18, the Lakers did a tremendous job defending him. The most noteworthy aspect of that 10-18 is that Parker was limited to too few shot attempts. The Spurs needed a big game from him-without Ginobili, the Spurs need Parker to put up 25 FGAs. For the most part, last night’s game did not teach us anything that we didn’t already know. The Spurs are the 2nd best team in the West, trailing the Lakers. The Lakers are a strong No. 1 seed. But it did serve as a reminder that the Lakers ability to pack the lane and guard Parker with an army of long arms is an incredibly problematic proposition for the Western Conference Finals. When Phil Jackson opts to put Trevor Ariza on Tony Parker (a trump card he held back last night), I get a little queasy. His on the ball defense of Parker might be the best in the league. For that reason alone, I’d favor the Spurs consideration of Ariza as an MLE candidate this offseason. But I’ll save that for another time.
On a side note, Drew Gooden played all of 4 minutes against the Lakers. It was only a quick little glimpse, but he looked good. In a game wherein the Spurs were murdered on the glass, his rebound per minute effort gave Spurs fans reason to hope. Increasingly, I see Gooden as a home run addition. In fact, the Spurs will never run a single play for him and he’ll still tally near double-double production every game.
Finally, this game taught me something about the Spurs accustomed late season ascension: it’s not going to happen this year. Gooden needs time to work into the rotation. Ginobili may not return for another couple weeks. Duncan is playing at less than 100%. As cocky as this sounds, I suspect Pop will use the first two rounds of the playoffs to work his team into shape. The playoffs provide focus and an opportunity to practice. It will provide Duncan’s weary legs rest during the oft-repeating 3 and 4 day lay offs. The second season is built for an old, smart team like San Antonio. Last night’s game left me with a renewed sense of fear of the Lakers. They’re the most talented team in the league; they’re the Spurs toughest position-by-position match up. But the game also left me with a certain knowledge that the Spurs will not lose a 7 game series to anyone other than the Lakers, Celtics, and Cavs. If the team can return to good health, I’ll give them a puncher’s chance against the 3 lead dogs.
Update: The San Antonio Express News’ Mike Monroe took the same tact as myself for this game: George Hill. He’s written a nice column that gauges the reaction of Hill on Bryant from multiple perspectives. On a side note, the Lakers-Spurs respect-fest is in full swing this year. Every pre and post game media session is all hugs and kisses from these guys. See Popovich exhibiting an anti-Artestian Kobe Bryant man-crush in this article.
Another Update: Johnny Ludden adds more color to the Spurs’ appreciation of Kobe Bryant. During the waning moments of last night’s game the fans in the AT&T Center cheered Bryant with a little M-V-P chant. What’s this all about? My theory is two-pronged. 1) Kobe Bryant has always shown respect to the Spurs, including a complimentary orientation toward Bruce Bowen. Bryant and Bowen get along. This alone endures Bryant to the San Antonio faithful. 2) Spurs fans deeply respect professionalism and excellence. Bryant is both those things in spades. This is even more remarkable when one considers that the Lakers are hated in South Texas. I can safely say there isn’t another non-Spur to whom Spurs fans would show this kind of love. Only Bryant. He’s a unique nemesis in that way. Fans who were at last night’s game question the veracity of Ludden’s suggestion that the M-V-P chants originated with the home crowd. I’ve been reading Ludden for as long as I can remember, so when he writes something I tend to accept it at face value. But in this case, I want to withdraw comment. He was likely mistaken.
21 Comments
March 13th, 2009 at 6:39 am
Tim,
As usual, a great analysis…
Martin
March 13th, 2009 at 6:58 am
Agreed. This year is a little different obviously with Manu on the bench and Gooden just entering the rotation but I think we’re in good shape.
As far as Hill goes, I love the kid and agree that when he receives consistent minutes, he can be an all-NBA defender in a matter of a year or two. My question is this. Pop is giving him valuable learning experiences in regular season games against primetime players - and ones that have different styles of play (ie, Nash, Kobe). If we meet the Lakers in the playoffs, who will be guarding Kobe in the fourth quarter? Hill or Bowen?
March 13th, 2009 at 7:01 am
Excellent breakdown. The only significant omission IMO is anything about Bonner. He was a disaster and much to blame for the first quarter fiasco. He gave us nothing on either end of the court. Against the Lakers, at least, he should not be a starter. While I generally agree with your take on Tony, I would add that he stunk things up the first half. He had no energy or aggressiveness. That also hurt. As the analysts said during the game, the Spurs have virtually no margin of error against the Lakers. We can take them but we will have to be clicking from the gate.
March 13th, 2009 at 7:16 am
You’re correct, agutierrez. Bonner is in a bit of a slump. But, at least in my eyes, he has capital to burn from overachieving for the balance of the season. I think he’ll snap out of it and return to form in short order. Re: Tony. The Lakers just bottled him up in the first. Pop found ways to get him room to roam in the 2nd. When one sees Parker stepping into late game 3s, you know his confidence and rhythm are just fine. But it did take a full half of basketball before the Spurs figured it out.
March 13th, 2009 at 7:23 am
NL,
I think Pop is beyond the silliness of expecting any single defender to guard Bryant. He’ll throw everything at him in the playoffs-Bowen, Mason, Ginobili, Udoka and Hill. As well as traps and odd double teams. This sounds defeatist, and its not, but there is only so much you can do against Bryant. In last season’s WCF, the Spurs played him very well and held the Lakers to a good percentage. Bryant still clobbered them. The thing to remember is this: the Spurs did not lose last season’s WCF because of poor defense. They lost because Ginobili was not healthy and they could not generate enough offense. Much of this season-Bonner, Mason, Hill, Finley instead of Bowen-has been about increasing the offensive production. This Spurs team is the best offensive unit of the Popovich era. If they can get healthy, there will be no excuses this time around. They’ll bring their best; the Lakers will bring their best. We’ll see what happens. But we’ve not yet seen the Spurs at full force this season, and we’re likely weeks away from that.
March 13th, 2009 at 7:25 am
hahaha, that 3 from Bonner was a joke… TP was huge. I love his jump-shot confidence.
about bowen and hill? I dont really care, whats important is that we have two guys that can put a psychological pressure on an opponent. But Hill’s quickness vs Bowen’s experience is a great debate.
March 13th, 2009 at 7:48 am
Good analysis. As a Laker fan, I have no fear of the Spurs. Its a bad matchup for you. The Spurs are 1-2 against LA this year, and their lone win was a nailbiting 1 point win when the Lakers were on a 2nd night of a back to back. There are two teams in the west that could pose a problem. Utah & Portland. San Antonio doesn’t have the height/length to keep up with the Lakers. That’s why they dominated two games from the getgo.
Lastly, this is the first time in the recent rivalry (1999) in which the Lakers are clearly better than the Spurs, if they are to meet. LA is already 4-2 against them (two of which without homecourt) and the two series wins for the Spurs was when SA finished 6 & 8 games ahead of LA in the standings. What do you think will happen when that’s reversed, as it is this year?
March 13th, 2009 at 8:11 am
Great job again, Tim.
March 13th, 2009 at 8:19 am
Great article, Tim. I agree with both you and agutierrez about Bonner’s production last night. I think if we meet the Lakers in the playoffs, Bonner falls out of the rotation. The Lakers bigs just pose too much of a matchup nightmare for him. I foresee Thomas and Gooden (if he plays like he did for the short stretch last night) filling the 4/5 roll along with Timmy instead of Bonner. We’ll secure more rebounds and play tougher defense on the likes of Odom and Gasol.
And like you, I think the Lakers give Tony major problems by matching up Ariza and Odom on him. I’m glad he got things going in the 2nd half, because he just couldn’t shake free in the 1st. He got really agressive out there, and stepped up and hit some huge shots.
I also love what Pop is doing with Hill. As mentioned, he was playing good defense on Bryant when he hit that dagger 3. Those are just the types of things you live with when Kobe is your opponent. Either way, I think he is making great progress in his rookie year.
You also mentioned that you think that moving Mason from 2 to 1 when Parker takes a breather has been effective. I don’t disagree, but didn’t it seem like some of the Laker ballhawks like Farmar and Vujacic gave him a little trouble when trying to initiate the offense? He doesn’t have the speed that TP or Hill have, and so it seems to take the Spurs a little longer to get the offensive set going when he is bringing the ball up. Overall he seems to be doing a fair enough job at backup point, and Hill also seems more comfortable running the 2. I guess I would rather have Mason at 1 with Hill at 2 than have Vaughn in the game. I guess our options are limited.
March 13th, 2009 at 8:21 am
I was at the game last night, and I can tell you that the M-V-P chants weren’t coming from Spurs fans. There was a hefty contingent of Lakers fans in attendance (it felt like they were all in my section), and they were the ones chanting.
That being said, the Lakers fans I was around were good sports and were laughing and joking with everyone around them. We had a good time.
I’d like to second the comments about Bonner. He’s normally a liability on the defensive end of the floor, and against the Lakers those deficiencies are even more pronounced. He normally compensates for that with his outside shooting, but since that wasn’t falling (except for that ridiculous bounce-in triple), he didn’t contribute anything. He got toasted.
Gooden looked good in his few minutes out there, although he did look like he got in the way a couple of times on offense. His rebounding was a welcome relief, and I can easily see him contributing the things that Bonner can’t on the glass and on defense. The question is whether he can replace Bonner’s offensive production.
From my vantage point, you could really get a good view of what Hill were doing on Kobe, and I was extremely impressed. He did a fantastic job of making Kobe take the shot he wanted, instead of the one Kobe wanted. Kobe just happened to make his shots anyway. C’est la vie. If Hill can build an offensive game onto his defensive game, he and Tony will be an amazing backcourt for years.
March 13th, 2009 at 9:49 am
Quote:
“I can safely say there isn’t another non-Spur to whom Spurs fans would show this kind of love. Only Bryant.”
Oh dear, Tim. I go to all of the Spurs home games (and have for a long time); I can safely say you are way off the mark here. Those weren’t Spurs fans chanting MVP. It was Lakers/Kobe fans doing the chanting.
You’re making the home crowd look bad here.
March 13th, 2009 at 9:49 am
Great analysis, Tim.
Just want to second the comment of Rick regarding Lakers fans at the game - they were out in force and making almost as much noise as we Spurs fans were.
My concern right now is Timmy’s health. I don’t think we are getting the full story on his knee. If all of the big three are not at 100% for the second season our chances are going be be greatly diminished. Keep an eye on Timmy’s gait.
March 13th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Cyn,
You’re the second to register this caution. I was going off of Ludden’s report. It’s true that the Spurs as a team are extremely respectful toward Bryant, but since I’m going to trust your judgement and retract my statement. I’ve read responses elsewhere that suggest Ludden misconstrued the chant. Nevertheless, I do think it is true that Spurs fan have less vitriol for Bryant than other fan bases. I know it’s certainly true that I’ve always thought of him as a noble adversary. Maybe I’m reading my sentiments too heavily into Ludden’s report.
And for the record, it doesn’t make the home fans look bad to say they respect an opponent. If they preferred the opponent to their team, that would be bad. But the Spurs fans would never prefer anyone over the Silver and Black. They’re as loyal and supportive as anyone anywhere. I didn’t mean to suggest otherwise. Nevertheless, I’ll assume you are correct about the chant and apologize to all those Spurs fans who were not chanting M-V-P.
March 13th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
The MVP chants were there, and they were coming from the AT&T Center which is the home of the Spurs, so as far as I’m concerned the home crowd was chanting MVP. It sickened me to hear it but thats what happened. I don’t understand how there are so many Laker fans here, are there that many transplant fans, or are they just on the bandwagon?
March 13th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
Jacob, Lakers winning and location make for alarge, active fan base, and they have good fans in TX.
Most Every Spur fan I know admires Kobes talent but is quick to point out his selfishness.
Sure he cried when the Spurs beat him, and he cursed Bynum, s it’s obvious he wants to win
But if he’d gotten along with Shaq he’d have more rings.
Throwing your teammates under the bus when you lose is not the kind of professionalism Spurs fans respect. He may have matured since, but in my mind he forfeited the MVP to Paul last year because of his caustic attitude in the offseason.
March 14th, 2009 at 9:51 am
Mo,
If the Spurs are healthy (and that’s a big if) and they play LA in the WCF you would be wise to show appropriate fear as Pop would say. The Spurs may not be 100% healthy come playoff time and if that’s the case I think the Spurs would be dispatched rather easily by the Lakers. The Spurs have not been fully healthy much at all this season so I am somewhat surprised we still have the 2 seed. I don’t think the Lakers have as much room to improve as the Spurs do. The only team in the WC capable of beating LA in a seven game series is the Spurs. You are foolish to think otherwise. I think someone should pour a bucket of icewater on you for saying that Portland is more of a threat to LA than the Spurs. As Ron Burgundy would say, “That’s just dumb.”
March 14th, 2009 at 10:31 am
Spurs need more beef on the inside. Getting Gooden helps but is it too late? The only team the Lakers fear is themselves. The Lakers know they can beat any team, anywhere. Facing Boston would be the cream on top. After last year’s beat down by Boston - these Lakers are on a mission.
March 14th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Trey,
Even if the spurs were healthy they would lose to la. You wouldn’t have homecourt and haven’t beaten la in the playoffs without homecourt. Keep in mind the lakers weren’t healthy for that game either. the reason I mention Portland and Utah is because the lakers had not won in their arena this year. Better still the lakers haven’t won in Portland in four years!
I have feared the spurs over the years but this is the only year where la is hands down better. Spurs fans should hope la suffers significant injuries to have a shot at the finals.
March 15th, 2009 at 8:09 am
I’m not hoping for any LA injuries. I’d rather we play each other at full strength.
You are basing all of your theories off results from prior seasons. I understand where you’re coming from with not winning in Utah and Portland, but do you really think that will matter in the playoffs? No. It’s not going to be any harder for LA to play in Portland than it is in SA.
Yes, LA is better than SA right now. Like i said yesterday we have room to improve, the Lakers don’t.
March 15th, 2009 at 8:39 am
Mo: The Lakers are not hands down better than the Spurs. You’re going to be in for a surprise come playoff time…
March 15th, 2009 at 10:25 am
LA Times backs up Ludden’s account of the MVP chant.
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