Tim Duncan is Still Looking for Help
Back on November 30, I wrote the following:
So far as winning streaks go, the current run is nothing to brag about. The Spurs have played 4 of 5 at home, beating Washington, Milwaukee, Golden State, Houston and Philadelphia. Prior to those five victories, San Antonio lost three in a row, and against playoff caliber competition. One could argue that that streak was more telling, that losses to Oklahoma, Dallas and Utah were more indicative of where the Spurs currently stand in Western conference pecking order.
The Spurs just capped another three game losing streak, and, again, losing all three games against playoff caliber competition. Peter Holt broke the Spurs’ bank this summer, and the early returns are mired in mediocrity. By my count, the Spurs have turned the ball over an astoundingly sloppy 53 times in three games. They’re the basketball equivalent of living paycheck to paycheck, with big bills on the horizon.
There is a deep irony in their daily living, one that is too delicious to ignore.
When the Spurs inaugurated their summer of spending, a popular justification was the need to provide Tim Duncan with more help. His window–which is the Spurs’ window– of opportunity to win another championship was closing. The team needed fresh horses.
But through 18 games, those horses have come up lame. Rather than getting a lift from the supporting cast, Tim Duncan is playing with MVP-efficiency and barely keeping the Spurs at a half-respectable .500. If the Spurs recover from their start of sputter and stall, Tim Duncan ought to be placed at the center of the MVP conversation. He’s threatening a career season, at least in terms of efficiency. And it’s all lost on a 9-9 start.
Don’t get me wrong. It’s not that no one else is playing well. Matt Bonner is a having a career year; DeJuan Blair is occasionally sensational. Tony Parker is not dominating, but playing competent basketball. I get all that, and I could further qualify. It’s just that the supporting cast taken as a whole is providing more drag than momentum-gathering boost. Tim Duncan is all dragster, and the team is mostly parachute.
It’s a difficult thing to put one’s finger on. Why are the Spurs playing such uninspiring basketball?
In Kobe Doin’ Work, there is a scene where Bryant talks about the Spurs’ sometimes unstoppable predictability. Everyone knows what they’re going to do, he says. But San Antonio’s textbook predictability is of little detriment because, well, they execute so well.
A player is at the height of his offensive powers when he can get any shot he wants, at any moment. And he’s even higher when he has the gall to tell his opponent what he’s going to shoot, before casually dribbling to his spot and sticking the shot. This is Larry Bird. This is Michael Jordan. This was the San Antonio Spurs.
Tim Duncan is the lone Spur calling his shots. And he continues to call glass.
Turnovers are the bane of the season so far. If that one statistic could be cut in half they would have 5-6 more wins.
I must say that with all the talk about Duncan falling off, I was disappointed that this would be the first year I could afford NBA League pass. Now I get to watch him but my Spurs are struggling.
We have time to right the ship, but we need to do better. Also, in the three game losing streak, we’ve had only one quarter where we lose. Unfortunately we lose BIG.
At what point are we justified in being really frustrated with Richard Jefferson? The team is paying him a whole lot of money, and I’m pretty sure Jacques Vaughn would be more productive at this point.
I know its a new team, new sets, etc, but a) he’s a smart, experienced player, and b) how complicated is it to be aggressive and attack the rim?
It is frustrating when our “big acquisition” has contributed so little this far.
Richard Jefferson had 7 pts, 3/6 fg, 0/2 ft and 4 rb in 35 min. He is making $14.2m this season. I think he is over paid. His starts are like Bruce Bowen’s at age 36 and for $10m less. We are 18 games into the season, about 22% done with the season and I’m starting to get worried about his contributions.
I believe that everyone is upset with Jefferson thus far. he has shown what he can do, but not brought in day in adn day out. Timmeh, on the other hand is playing perfect. You cant ask more. I agree with Tom, in that our turnovers are the reason for ‘most’ of our losses. I am tired of hearing it as well, but this is simply because our guys need less rotations; ie. more time on the floor together. I am really surprised with George Hill’s lack of contribution these last three games. Look at our 5 game win streak… George was playing beautifully. McDyess has also falled off the horse after a few good games. We have to get him going for us to be a contender this year. Manu needs to man-up. he has had time to get back into shape… he doubts himself too much.
I don’t understand what I saw in the last play of the game last night. We give it to Bonner so he can attack the rim and create something? Bonner? I don’t care if he had the hot hand earlier or that the idea was that he’d taken an open shot, not a forced whatever-the-hell-that-was. Duncan or Parker should have taken that last shot. I’m mad at you, Pops.
Ryan, in the post game interview with Pop, he stated that the play was not intended for Bonner, however, Jefferson couldnt get it to Parker or Duncan…
Just seems like nobody on this team, other than Duncan or Parker, know what their role is. Is RJ just a “defensive stopper” or is he supposed to score a lot too? Is Manu supposed to lead the 2nd team or are we going to let Hill run it? Is McDyess starting or coming off the bench? What is our crunch time lineup? What is our best lineup? Seems to me like all of those questions keep changing from game to game and you can’t have that. The reason the Spurs have been so good and consistent is because everyone had a defined role and we could out execute anyone. I know this confusion comes from adding new players, but Pop has to start making things work. It’s a long season, but we can’t keep floating around .500 and playing this poorly.
Sanantonio spurs if you say that name everybody remember that the best closing games team in nba history, best last minute excution team, best nba coach in closing games….but now its not???? why??? its easy to say they are not quite confident team now. i totally disspointed the last 3 games they played? they are in a position to win all the 3 games but they lost. who is responisible? coach or players ? i would say its neither but a team effort. i would say don’t expect more than this from RJ. he is not a capable of doing more than this in this team.you know why ,he is a 20ppg player in other teams where he took 20 or 25 shots but here he can’t do in this team so don’t expect any thing from RJ? he is what he is in this team. the only improvement you can expect from Manu and mason and hope we will be in champion ship contenders in coming games??????????
does anyone know why Ratliff isn’t playing? The Jazz had their way in the paint last game. And we have no shot blocker. I’m no coach but I’m definitely confused as to how this team is being coached. I’m not worried about making the playoffs, but I’m worried that when we make the playoffs we will be on the road as this season can tell so far… we can’t win on the road… then again we are not doing so great at home either. If we don’t win at least 8 games in the rest of December, I suggest lets go for the Draft pick…
I think its time to consider a trade.
Until they’re legitimately threatened with missing the playoffs, I don’t see them making any major trades. Pop doesn’t care about seeding or homecourt advantage, and it’s way too early to tell how we really match up with the elite teams. Those games were lost on mental errors, not a lack of firepower. As far as finding a solid defensive center that matches up well against the likes of Gasol or Bynum, or KG? Or a perimeter defender that can stop Kobe and Melo? Good luck.
its too early to trades??but rj can’t fit in this team thats sure??
Tim is more efficient on offense because teams no longer double him. That’s also why our 3 point shooting has lagged and partially why guard turnovers are way up. Good defensive teams have learned you can beat the Spurs by pressing the action on the perimeter. Tim might go 8-15 or even 10-12, but you get it back in turnovers and missed 3 pointers.
Only Tony can really attack pressure right now. A healthy and confident Manu will improve matters but Jefferson has been a bust in this regard. Hill, Mason, Finley and (especially) Bogans lack the tools to consistently beat their men. Hill’s improvement in this area offers some hope.
Some teams attack perimeter pressure with backdoor lobs, but as we know Pop frowns on showy displays of athleticism.
If the Spurs keep this up, it will be another 1st round exit from the playoffs. They’ll come in at a #7-8 seed and face either Lakers or Nuggets. Both teams will rip the Spurs apart.
Not a Lakers fan, but those guys are scary good. They have no weakness to attack.
Only team that has a shot at beating them is a healthy Celtic squad.
That last line gave me goosebumps. Excellent.
Why is everyone questioning everything? Does no one realize that our MO is to putz and putter until the Rodeo Road Trip, then go on a tear? Does no one remember this? Factor in the age of our cornerstones and the influx of new players, how can anyone even pretend to be surprised at our record?
I’ve been in several situations as a player where our coach had 65 plays and incoming players struggled for at least half the season. It’s just the way it goes. If we suck up the RRT, then we need to start wondering about trades, not before then.
whom you blame for the loss in Utah.
Pop for not putting T. Ratliff to defend in the paint
Manu and hill for missing open corner threes
TP for missing 12 feet open jumper
Timmy for giving ball to Boner in final possesion
Boner for missing game winning shot
??? i don’t know but spurs are not the looking like the spurs
It’s getting harder every day to accept that the team needs much more time to find the right place for everyone to fit. Even if we make the playoffs I don’t believe that we have a chance if we can’t clinch spot 4 or higher. I’m really getting worried because the Spurs can’t win games against playoff contenders. It’s annoying to see TD having such an amazing season and the team can’t take advantage of it. I’m amazed by his accuracy every game, he hits a lot of tough shots he just couldn’t hit last season. Unfortunately Duncan and Bonner so far are the only guys on the team who are really delivering above-average performances. RJ is clearly having lots of trouble finding his spot in this team and I’m beginning to have some doubts about his acquisition. I really don’t see the Spurs as a title contender right now, they have too much problems that have to be solved until the end of the season. The last few games were really really frustrating, considering all the turnoevers in the last few games. I have NEVER seen them play such a sloppy kind of basketball in the last 10+ years. I’m getting a little nervous I must admit….But there is too much potential and experience in this team to continue like this..I have faith in Pop!!!
Honestly, I still think they’ll be fine. They just need more time. Never judge a Spurs team this early.
If my memory serves, Spurs always was a slow-starting team. Yeah it’s the worst starting season I’ve ever seen, but like ThatBigGuy said, the real concerns should come up only if the Spurs screw up the Rodeo Trip and still struggle to compete after the trip. The game against the Lakers in Jan will give this team another opportunity for a “litmus test”… it’s not too late to panic after that game I would think.
RJ is not the one. We need Bruce bowen BACK! Mason ain’t producing like he is known for. Manu lost his talent because of the bat. The shots made him weak. McDyess ain’t producing either. Ratliff should be in that game. Blair was off last night. NO consistency in the team. Tim played well. DO something TEAM; Make your FTs, REBOUND the ball. Be ready all the time. Not all shots go in. Be tough! Take care of the ball. Watch your neighbors for steals. BE on guard. Study other teams’ techniques. KNOW the players. Lastly, SPURS team and coaches need to read blogs and comments. Believe me, YOU will all learn from them/us. Prove us you are a championship team in spite of pressure thrown to you. Go SPuRs Go!!!!
Although I’m frustrated too, I still believe that we just need more time to get things right. We almost always start the season slowly, so when you toss 6 new players in the mix. I read that the last season we started 9-9 was the 03-04 season. This isn’t an inescapable tunnel we’re falling down. With the talent we have, we can only get better in time.
From what I’ve seen, Bonner seems like the biggest x-factor for us.
I also want to add that, although he’s not been as bad as Manu or RJ, I think we need more from Tony Parker. This is a guy who pretty much single-handedly beat the Blazers for a coupe quarters last year. He can be virtually unstoppable on offense. But his contributions have been middling.
One thing to keep in mind about our record is that our starters are playing fewer minutes than our opponents. This isn’t much consolation, though, since I don’t see that changing throughout the year. Whether we like it or not, we’re very dependent on our supposed depth, much more so than other teams.
Disappointing to spend all that money for nothing. Why doesn’t Ratliff play for defense against playoff caliber teams when he could help?
Vince Carter would have been the better trade than Richard Jefferson because Jefferson can’t dribble penetrate or post up like Vince Carter.
Spurs should’ve resigned Bruce Bowen. He fits in better than Keith Bogans.
What’s sad is with all the offseason acquisitions, the Spurs will probably still get bounced in the 1st round of the playoffs.
Spurs need to trade for a Tyrus Thomas or Randolph of Golden State. Spurs only team in the NBA without a young big to throw an alley-oop to or block a shot.
Forgot to mention we missed out on trading for Stephen Jackson a proven clutch 3 point shooter, he made 3 of them in the 4th qtr of game 6 vs Nets to win a championship. Gladly would’ve given up Mason and Finley for him.
Jefferson is just deferring too much and playing tentative. In Milwaukee he could take as many shots, and hit or miss there would be no chastising. In New Jersey, he had one of the greatest creators and passers ever in Jason Kidd. In San Antonio, since we have Duncan, Parker and Ginobli, Jefferson is a 3/4 option, something he has never been. And yes, Parker is the direct opposite of what Jason Kidd was/is.
I think he is just worried about missing and getting criticized, which he is now being. Remember a couple years ago when Bonner was told by Pop: “Shoot or sit?” I think the same needs to be done to Jefferson, but instead of “shoot” it is “attack.”
Take the game against the Mavs when Duncan and Parker were out. Jefferson had to score and could put up as many shots as he wanted. He shot efficiently and had 29 points in the win.
Jefferson is a different player and person. You can get on Duncan and Parker and that will light a fire in them. I don’t think you can do the same with Jefferson. He seems like the kind of player you talk things out or even keep talking to a minimum. He knows what he needs to do. He just needs to be comfortable doing it.
To make it short, Jefferson can help us if he stops getting in his own way and if us fans stop being so critical on him when he does poorly.
Sorry for the long post. I would like to hear thoughts. Agree/Disagree?
You know with all this talent the Spurs have who is the blame for the poor start? Excuses, excuses. These guys get paid to play basketball. You look at their faces and they are beat before they walk on the court. Maybe the problem isn’t they need to work more together, maybe the problem is they do not have anyone to lead them. The year before Duncan our coach was Bob Hill!!!! He was a great coach and had the team turning. DRob and the entire team got hurt that year and they fired him. In came Pop and In came Duncan added to injured team that regained it health and dominance. Pop had NOTHING to with that. Who couldn’t win with that team. NOW we have more talent and a team that could run up the score to where defense wouldn’t matter. You could 10-11 guys deep. Full court press because we have speed in Parker, Hill, Gino, Blair etc. Whatever excuse people want if it was any other team in the league, any other front office, any other COACH. The coach would be looking for a new job. MAYBE IT IS TIME FOR POP TO DO THE SAME!!!
This team is all about the big 3, still. Other contributions are appreciated, like bonner and blair’s recent big games. I still think the problem is Manu and Tony are playing WAY below their standards. RJ has been a bust so far to many fans. However, the way Tony and Manu are playing, they seem like huge under-acheuvers as well.
First, I think people overrated the depth of this team. Deepest team ever? No way. I think the 1990 team was full of more talent.
Until all the leaders of this team lead, no one will follow.
I was at the Utah game last night. We’d played 3 solid quarters and crapped out in the 3rd (although we did finish strong). Manu didn’t seem to have his legs, Parker had a couple transition layups – but didn’t attack as much as I thought he could have, Bonner was incredible (let’s not forget that his last second whatever that was went down and then popped out) he shot well, he hustled for boards and he even had a couple dribble successful dribble-penetrations (excluding of course his traveling, jump with my back to the basket 180 attempt thing) . If the Red Rocket can drive, Jefferson can drive, he’s just feeling things out and in my opinion played decent last night.
To me, Manu needs to at least be respected by opponents again which will require a reliable 3-ball to give him a step and Tony needs to put the pedal to the metal as soon as that ankle feels well enough.
I would like to see Ratliff with a little more burn to see what he provides in a 7-10 minute role each night. Last night he definitely could have helped.
I’m dragging on, but I think Jefferson will continue to grow and we need more out of TP/Manu before we’ll see real success.
My boys will be all right. Yes, it difficult and frustrating to see them struggling as of late, however, I believe that they’ll get it together soon.
I agree with many of the posts here that some of they guys have not been playing up to their best potential. For instance, in my opinion, I don’t think that T. Parker has been performing his best. You have to admit for a rookie Blair’s not doing so bad. G. Hill has been amazing though. This is only his 2nd yr. and in some games he looks as good as Tony or Manu. Unfortunately, he’s not going to be able to play every single game perfect. Timmy is still awesome and so is Bonner. Finley needs more minutes, we could sure use his 3 pointers…..and Mason….OMG….he seems to be on vacation more times than not. I really really liked him last year, so I hope he gets it together and comes back and plays with us.
So all in all, I do think that Pops is just still in the process of structuring this team so that it can go back to showing it’s greatness. Just need a little more time and patience. They’re still only a “select” few of teams that have 4 Championship trophys! Oh and as far as R. Jefferson…..I haven’t been very impressed with his contributions either, but I’m hoping he comes into his own soon! Keeping fingers crossed….xoxoxo
1. We are in no way a title contender right now(that’s why I’m glad it’s an 82-game season)
2.We definitely should be worried when we can’t beat any playoff caliber competition
3. That first offensive unit needs to step up and keep applying pressure, rather than falling off and waiting for our bench to rescue us. Jefferson, be the scorer that you are.
4. We really need to cut down on the turnovers
5. Start Roger Mason in front of Bogans, the guy seems to never make a shot
6. Manu needs to step up and be the Manu we’re accustomed to seeing
Spurs are now 3-7 when Dejuan Blair plays less than 15 min.
I’m just sayin’…
Teams no longer double Tim, doggy? Sorry, but I’ve seen Tim being doubled and having to find the open shooter many, many times this season.
Anyway, Tim, good post. The Spurs will come around.
the spurs are only beginning it doesn’t matter just yet there 9-9 now but they will get better thing dont happen in a blink of an eye. this “was the spurs” is an idiotic phrase patience is the virtue
Everybody needs to chill the fizzle izzle. The record sucks, but you gotta look past that. Bonner played a great game last night, and he’ll need to have those kind of games on a more regular basis for the Spurs to have a chance (it’s going to be really tough no matter how you cut it). The game against the Celtics, Blair had an amazing game making both KG and Rasheed his b!tch on a handfull of occassions. These are all promising signs of things coming together, and obviously the Big 3 are going to have to bring it all together when the time counts…..right now, we’re just figuring sh!t out, and that’s just the way it’s going to continue to be. Let’s all hope we can continue to take something possitive away from every game, and that we can string it all together as we approach the post season. Right now, I’m not worried about a thing, and it’s great to see guys like Bonner have the game that they did last night. Spurs.
Im starting to get a little worried. But thank god its early enought to say its still early.
Im no coach but to me it looks like the players aren’t used to all the changes and substitutions.
Pop has always played with line-ups and he makes more substitutions in one quarter than teams make the whole game.
In the past seasons, players got used to it because it was a lot of the same faces. THis year we have seven new players and its tough to be consistent when one game you start, the next game you come off the bench.
Even MANU, how is he supposed to find a rythm when he makes a three, a spectacular assist, and then pop sits him??????????????????
RJ, we all knew he wasn’t gonna explode for 25 every game. He is averaging 13 points, 13 points that the Spurs could have used last season.
If the SPURS were 12-6, then no one would be saying anything about RJ.
And they should be 12-6, they should have won the last 3 games. It’s not like they were dominated by Celtics, Nuggets or Jazz. The first two games they had too many TO’s and the Jazz had a stupid 3rd quarter.
On somthing totally different…. why can’t the SPURS inbound the freakn basketball????????? ANy other team can inbound the ball and run their play but the Spurs can’t. Last night before their las play, I said, I just hope they get a shot off.
“The last time the Spurs were .500 this late in a season was 2003-04, when they were also 9-9. They dropped one game under-.500 when the Lakers beat them at the AT&T Center.
What followed was a 13-game win streak, the turning point in a 57-win season.”
- Mike Monroe (Express-News)
“Start Roger Mason in front of Bogans, the guy seems to never make a shot” Mason and Bogans are both ice cold lately.
The real problems are obvious:
(1) Parker and Ginobli are not playing elite ball like they once did.
(2) We don’t have an elite center.
(3) Jefferson is a grossly overpaid mediocrity.
Sauce, first that is a great point about RJ. I live in Milwaukee and am a big Spurs fan. I saw RJ and he is a better player than we have seen thus far. I understand everyone’s frustration with him and the team as a whole. I’m there and that’s why I’m here talking and reading posts to share in the pain so to speak. I think he needs to just attack and not be worried about stepping on toes. Pop needs to sit him down and encourage him this. We did get him to help the Big 3 and make this a Big 4. I also think the 3 needs to remember that they NOW have another star-type player to refer to.
I think this team is at it’s best if they consider starting Ratliff or McDyess at center and leave it that way. Tim needs help at times and if you all remember the Spurs have won when Tim has another big that can defend well(Sorry Matt B.).
I have also some concern w/ the SG position. Manu will be OK come playoff time(yes, like they are THAT BAD not to make it), but what and who should be starting there right now? I’ve heard rumors of Raja Bell, but he’s recovering from surgery. Yes we passed on Jackson, but while I miss him, he’s not the same guy anymore(all about ME). Bogans is a band aid until we figure out who(Mason, Hairston, Finley or even Hill?). If we make a trade like we always do by the deadline, a SG might be our need or another big(What about Roy Hibbert from Indy?)
I look forward to any responses, thank you. Go Spurs!
Hollinger says the Spurs have a 61.7% chance to make the playoffs, and predicts a 44-38 record.
I think that’s low and we will definitely make the playoffs, but I don’t remember ever hearing predictions like that before….
Sorry guys, your all being to negative. I have to retire this site until feb. I check back then to see who has abandoned ship.
I am from Puerto Rico, yet a Die Hard Spurs Fan since the year Duncan entered the NBA. I just loved the way the team plays. That being said, every night until today, I kept reminding myself about haw the spurs are a slow start team and how they step it up during the rodeo trip. I sincerely believe that R.J. will find his place here, now I also believe that Pop should encourage RJ to take more shots, it’s better than turnovers. Anyway I also now that manu, when he has suffered any injury, it makes a little harder for him to play like we know he can play. Still I will believe in this team until the season its over, this of course counting with the whole team being healthy. Go Spurs!
I believe it’s between the ears right now. A staggering lack of confidence and execution at the end of games is what’s really killing them.
However all three loses were very winnable so I’d like to believe that these opponents are playing solid ball while the Spurs are still getting their bearings. The Spurs have a few higher gears left in them – the Jazz won’t beat a healthy Spurs team in the playoffs.
RJ and Manu need to get their head’s on straight and I’m starting to think that the Spurs need to consider putting their best five on the floor together when the opportunity presents itself:
TD – C
Blair – PF
RJ – SF
Manu – SG
TP – PG
They don’t have to be out there for long stretches but I’d like to see how defenses would try to cover that lineup.
Lastly has there been an Ian Mahinmi sighting lately? Is he finally healthy? When are we finally going to get a good look at this first round pick? Why do I get the feeling that the time has come to let the young ones play a bit and let loose a little?
the sky is falling! rj lost his confidence when he jilted his fiancee! pops has gone insane from the rabies that jumped from manu’s bat-swatting hand!
oh ye of little faith! the season is still young. if we were sporting a losing games by wider margins, i’d be more worried. we don’t need a trade; we still need our players to feel out and get comfortable in their roles (and for goodness’ sake not turn the ball over as much). let’s not hit the panic button just yet. after the rodeo road trip, we’ll know whether we have a contender or not.
Spurs brains have gotten too big. Go back to the basics. Put back Bonner and Mason in the starting line up and apologize to them for demoting them after both had good seasons. Jefferson would be able to adjust better because the team would be more familiar with each other and the turnovers could go down. As soon as Pop puts the team that won him 54 games back together again they will probably be a .500 team. Trying to play everyone at the same time is bull shit. Bring Dyess off the bench since he played that role in Detroit last year. Play Hill less and Ginobili and Mason more. Rotation needs to get cut down to 9 Pops. Also players do not like watching over their shoulders. 3 starters on the bench and people are wondering why the bench is outscoring the starters. More smarter coaching will have to happen and less experimenting.
Bottom Line the Spurs defense needs to improve in a hurry….
The biggest difference with regards to Duncan and double-teaming is that he no longer remains an “immediate double-team” threat.
Teams with a sub-par low-post defender will double once Duncan makes his move, making it more difficult to spot the correct spot on the perimeter to deliver the ball.
Teams that do have a good low-post defender will play him one-on-one, take their lumps, and stay at home on the shooters.
Manu is still getting his rhythm and confidence back, as is Tony, so that leaves people like Bonner, Mason, Hill, Jefferson, etc. to start making plays.
As was mentioned earlier, Jefferson needs to get the Bonner talk (“We’re paying you to do X, so if you’re not going to do it, why should I play you.”). Once he starts asserting himself more (offensively and defensively), I think that things will start to click.
Overall, though, I do think that Pop is pragmatic enough that he will eventually prove to himself what actually works and will start to go with it.
if there’s a good thing to this whole losing streak is the fact that we have just as many losses as the number 6 seed in the west. Come on down Phoenix!!!, you know you can’t stay up there for too long
After listening to RJ speak, I’m starting to think that he isn’t hesitating, but is probably being told to stay still, seems like Pop has a ball and chain on him.
The Spurs are falling down as of this moment but what i say is that, we must not give up…especially us fans on them…..
Think about this….
If Spurs give up…could it give them the championship…No, of course…
So what they need to do is get up, try, play smart basketball and eventually it brings them back on track….
As for us fans, we must think that in every movie, the hero always loses at the first but eventually wins in the last…..
I’m concerned though more frustrated by the start. But I also stated that this team would hover around .500 before taking off. I still expect that, partly because injuries have made the already difficult cohesion task more difficult, and partly because they’re turning the ball over and shooting horribly on FTs and yet are right there to win these games. End of @ Mavs. Shooting to win twice @ Jazz. Home vs. Boston and OKC. FTs and sloppy offense are killing the team especially late in games, while defensive lapses earlier in games undermine good stretches of offense.
They’ll turn it around. I just hope that giving away these games early won’t cost us late, as there is no guarantee that even when playing better later our health will be good enough to overcome the many road trips that lie ahead.