Where the eff did Pop find this kid???

This is an ass-kicking

Does SimpleBay still post here? If so, I anxiously await his conspiracy theories.

I really like Neal. He is a definite upgrade over Mason. He's a streaky shooter, but can score in a variety of ways. He really makes an effort at the defensive end and is an excellent rebounder for his height.

Manu and Hill did an outstanding job on Kobe. They really got into his head tonight.

The Spurs shot horrendously from beyond the arc. Manu had a below average game while Duncan recorded a career low of 2 points. And they still won by 15. The defense they played tonight is very encouraging.

And I put even money on Phil making post-game comments on the officiating.

Simplebay will return with fury when the Lakers finally flip the switch. That said, they'd better do it soon because the Spurs are playing like they want home court throughout the playoffs. They'll be damn tough to beat given that.

mmmmm

Neal played in Europe for two years and got himself an invite to a Spurs rookie camp. He shined there so they put him on the summer league team. He balled again and made it to training camp then the team. With James Anderson going down he's really gotten a lot of playing time and he's produced every step along the way.

I love the guy. From day one you could tell he was fearless. He's a straight gunner. The situation reminds me of Stephen Jackson back in the day. When you find a guy that is fearless and will hit shot after shot you eventually can't keep him on the bench.

Neal is worth every cent of his $500,000 contract.

The Spurs have 4 guys on their roster that only have a single comman in their salary, and 3 of them are currently major contributors (Neal, Hill and Blair). The fourth is Udoka.

If Neal, Hill, and Blair keep up their level of play, I don't see how SA can afford to keep them when their contracts are up.

Blair still has a year left on his rookie deal, and Hill is locked in through 2012. Neal is under contract for the next 3 years.

A lot can happen between now and then; at the very least, McDyess comes off the books, and Duncan will probably be getting paid less.

I know its all about money in the FA era, but San Antonio has seemed to hang onto who they want. I tend to put a lot of faith in their front office.

I didn't go anywhere Mass. but i heart you anyway.

the lakers are playing like doo doo because they are playing with not as much effort as their opponents. they clearly just give up on games.

they'll flip the switch, but this year they might be in trouble because it's overlooked how well everyone is playing against them. they don't really have any glaring weaknesses (point guard is solidified more with a very underrated Blake). the fact is they are just getting the best effort every night from every single team, SA included.

Neal is just playing with a lot of confidence. It's pretty apparent when you're at the game. This is probably credited to good coaching and the fact that you don't have to take the big shot.

that being said...i don't think Neal produces nearly as well in the playoffs. I wouldn't be surprised if he damn near vanishes actually.

[This message has been edited by Simplebay (edited 12/30/2010 7:34a).]

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they don't really have any glaring weaknesses (point guard is solidified more with a very underrated Blake).

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I disagree with this. I think the point IS their glaring weakness. Fisher is diminshing quickly. He can't keep up with the Parkers, Westbrooks, Pauls, etc. And Blake is a solid backup, but by no means a difference maker IMO.

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the fact is they are just getting the best effort every night from every single team, SA included.

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The Spurs' best effort includes 11 points from Tim and Manu, on 4-19 shooting.

No, the Spurs stomped a mud hole in the lakers with something far from their best effort.

ItalAggie....point guard is still their biggest weakness, if you had to pick one. but less of a weakness than the previous couple of years.


and clay....were you at the game? did you even watch the game? the spurs no doubt gave their best effort of the season. they were EXTREMELY into it (as well as the crowd). manu and duncan might not have reached their statistical season averages (which you could offset that by parker, blair, and neal being above their season averages).

the spurs absolutely, unequivocally gave that game their best effort. both from a players effort, and Pop's magical substitution rotations to counter every run the lakers made in the 2nd half.

they wanted it more than the lakers. if you don't see that, you didn't watch the game or you're an idiot.

[This message has been edited by Simplebay (edited 12/30/2010 10:49a).]

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San Antonio is a game we've been pointing at as a coaching staff for quite some time now.

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Duncan, Jefferson, and Parker all had fewer minutes in the Lakers game than the game the other genius of this board said they were going to throw in the towel on.

No Dirk tonight.

Tennerman I think I hear your mom calling you for dinner. Better run along or you'll be in trouble.

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If Neal, Hill, and Blair keep up their level of play, I don't see how SA can afford to keep them when their contracts are up.

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The CBA will be changed before they are eligible for new contracts. No one knows what it will hold.

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Tennerman I think I hear your mom calling you for dinner. Better run along or you'll be in trouble.

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!!!!!!ZING!!!!!!

Damn this kid is good...