**** yea Spurs! Let's do it again Friday against the Mavs at home!
2014-15 5(x) Champion San Antonio Spurs - Title Defense Thread.
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Last: 9 yr ago by rms007
Hereare a few promising notes after this obliteration of OKC
Player Observations
-Diaw's finally playing well again
-Tiago is healthy and is playing great. He's steadily improved every year and he's actually gotten to the point where he's a real scoring asset. He's not a power player, but he's got a nice array of moves and shots, not to mention his court sense and passing.
-Parker is playing like he spent a week with Kobe's German knee doctor. During March, he shot 56% and averaged 18.8ppg.
-Leonard shot 53%/37% in March, has added some offensive moves, and he's emerging as one of the best defenders in the NBA.
-Manu is healthy-ish and is playing about like last year and the Duncan cyborg keeps on rolling
-Really, the only guy who's worse than last year is Mills, and don't look now, but he went 4-6 and 3-4 tonight. (turning point?)
Game Performance Observations
-The Spurs have now won 11 of their last 14 and it would be 12 if not for a massive choke against a red-hot Cleveland team. But as far as progress, that L might as well be a W for what it symbolizes.
-Other than the game against the league worst Knicks, the other two losses featured insane performances by Irving and Ellis (and again, the Spurs had the Cavs game won and then choked at the FT line to give it away). So barring superhuman efforts by individual players, the Spurs are winning their games.
Here are the point differentials in the 11 wins:
11
27
27
9
11
10
26
11
12
19
39
That's an average margin of victory of 18.36. Even if you chop out tonight's stat-swinging outlier, they won the other 10 games by an average of 16.3.
Guys... the band is getting back together. I don't know if we will win it all, but this team at least could win it all.
Player Observations
-Diaw's finally playing well again
-Tiago is healthy and is playing great. He's steadily improved every year and he's actually gotten to the point where he's a real scoring asset. He's not a power player, but he's got a nice array of moves and shots, not to mention his court sense and passing.
-Parker is playing like he spent a week with Kobe's German knee doctor. During March, he shot 56% and averaged 18.8ppg.
-Leonard shot 53%/37% in March, has added some offensive moves, and he's emerging as one of the best defenders in the NBA.
-Manu is healthy-ish and is playing about like last year and the Duncan cyborg keeps on rolling
-Really, the only guy who's worse than last year is Mills, and don't look now, but he went 4-6 and 3-4 tonight. (turning point?)
Game Performance Observations
-The Spurs have now won 11 of their last 14 and it would be 12 if not for a massive choke against a red-hot Cleveland team. But as far as progress, that L might as well be a W for what it symbolizes.
-Other than the game against the league worst Knicks, the other two losses featured insane performances by Irving and Ellis (and again, the Spurs had the Cavs game won and then choked at the FT line to give it away). So barring superhuman efforts by individual players, the Spurs are winning their games.
Here are the point differentials in the 11 wins:
11
27
27
9
11
10
26
11
12
19
39
That's an average margin of victory of 18.36. Even if you chop out tonight's stat-swinging outlier, they won the other 10 games by an average of 16.3.
Guys... the band is getting back together. I don't know if we will win it all, but this team at least could win it all.
quote:
Someone PLEASE gif the Timmy 3. I was watching the game at the bar and missed it when I came home just now.
quote:
Hereare a few promising notes after this obliteration of OKC
Player Observations
-Diaw's finally playing well again
-Tiago is healthy and is playing great. He's steadily improved every year and he's actually gotten to the point where he's a real scoring asset. He's not a power player, but he's got a nice array of moves and shots, not to mention his court sense and passing.
-Parker is playing like he spent a week with Kobe's German knee doctor. During March, he shot 56% and averaged 18.8ppg.
-Leonard shot 53%/37% in March, has added some offensive moves, and he's emerging as one of the best defenders in the NBA.
-Manu is healthy-ish and is playing about like last year and the Duncan cyborg keeps on rolling
-Really, the only guy who's worse than last year is Mills, and don't look now, but he went 4-6 and 3-4 tonight. (turning point?)
Game Performance Observations
-The Spurs have now won 11 of their last 14 and it would be 12 if not for a massive choke against a red-hot Cleveland team. But as far as progress, that L might as well be a W for what it symbolizes.
-Other than the game against the league worst Knicks, the other two losses featured insane performances by Irving and Ellis (and again, the Spurs had the Cavs game won and then choked at the FT line to give it away). So barring superhuman efforts by individual players, the Spurs are winning their games.
Here are the point differentials in the 11 wins:
11
27
27
9
11
10
26
11
12
19
39
That's an average margin of victory of 18.36. Even if you chop out tonight's stat-swinging outlier, they won the other 10 games by an average of 16.3.
Guys... the band is getting back together. I don't know if we will win it all, but this team at least could win it all.
They are rounding into form.
And that is a VERY bad thing for the rest of the league. If Diaw and Mills start going HAM, Larry needs to bust out his floaties for a trip down the river...
I like this post with two exceptions:
1.
Kawhi has emerged. That was two years ago. Now he's a consensus top three defender and maybe the best going depending on who you ask.
2. The Spurs choked away both the Cavs and Knicks games at the line.
1.
quote:
-Leonard shot 53%/37% in March, has added some offensive moves, and he's emerging as one of the best defenders in the NBA.
Kawhi has emerged. That was two years ago. Now he's a consensus top three defender and maybe the best going depending on who you ask.
2. The Spurs choked away both the Cavs and Knicks games at the line.
...oh, and the Spurs are now 10-0 all-time when I'm in the building.
quote:
...oh, and the Spurs are now 10-0 all-time when I'm in the building.
Get this man season tix and an expense account for travel post haste!
Just to illustrate how bad this game was for OKC, Jeff Ayres almost had a double-double in 10 minutes. He was the teams leading rebounder.
Just saw the score. Holy. ****.
Timmy scored a three?! Damn it, knew I should've stayed up. Stupid eastern time.
quote:
Timmy scored a three?! Damn it, knew I should've stayed up. Stupid eastern time.
Would've been a treat to see in real time.
He made the three on a bet.
http://mweb.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25123293/look-tim-duncan-bet-his-friend-100-that-he-would-make-a-3-pointer?v=1&vc=1
Awesome.
http://mweb.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25123293/look-tim-duncan-bet-his-friend-100-that-he-would-make-a-3-pointer?v=1&vc=1
Awesome.
I'm okay with knowing that I won't be frustrated when I play back my DVR. All nighters at work = the suck.
I went to sleep in the second quarter when we were up by 6 and couldn't build a lead. Was sure I'd wake up to disappointing news. Especially considering it was a back-to-back.
Wish I'd watched last night and not the Mavs game.
Wish I'd watched last night and not the Mavs game.
Spurs only need to go 5-6 the rest of the way to keep the 50+ win streak alive.
3 games behind Rockets. Very unlikely we catch them, but we do play them twice. Unfortunately first one is a b2b night for Spurs.
Spurs schedule:
Mavs
Grizzlies
Heat
Magic (b2b)
Nuggets
Warriors
Thunder
Rockets (b2b)
Rockets
Suns
Pelicans
Rockets schedule:
Timberwolves
Wizards
Raptors (b2b)
Kings
Mavs (b2b)
Thunder
Spurs
Spurs
Pelicans
Hornets (b2b)
Jazz
Even if we DO beat them twice, still have to gain another game on them. Gotta hope Rockets lose a game or two they're supposed to win.
Spurs schedule:
Mavs
Grizzlies
Heat
Magic (b2b)
Nuggets
Warriors
Thunder
Rockets (b2b)
Rockets
Suns
Pelicans
Rockets schedule:
Timberwolves
Wizards
Raptors (b2b)
Kings
Mavs (b2b)
Thunder
Spurs
Spurs
Pelicans
Hornets (b2b)
Jazz
Even if we DO beat them twice, still have to gain another game on them. Gotta hope Rockets lose a game or two they're supposed to win.
This team is definitely beating people the way it did during the playoff run. They didn't just win games, they dominated teams and then coasted in the 4th Quarter. The only real question is will they be healthy and consistent with it come play-off time?
Another question... if they are firing on all cylinders, will it be enough to beat GS if they too are playing at a high level? I personally won't be betting against the Spurs.
Another question... if they are firing on all cylinders, will it be enough to beat GS if they too are playing at a high level? I personally won't be betting against the Spurs.
quote:I highlighted the games I thought SHOULD be definite wins for both teams, and came up with 3 for Spurs and 4 for Rockets. The rest are either against teams that are competitive and on certain nights can surprise you, or down right great competition.
3 games behind Rockets. Very unlikely we catch them, but we do play them twice. Unfortunately first one is a b2b night for Spurs.
Spurs schedule:
Mavs
Grizzlies
Heat
Magic (b2b)
Nuggets
Warriors
Thunder
Rockets (b2b)
Rockets
Suns
Pelicans
Rockets schedule:
Timberwolves
Wizards
Raptors (b2b)
Kings
Mavs (b2b)
Thunder
Spurs
Spurs
Pelicans
Hornets (b2b)
Jazz
Even if we DO beat them twice, still have to gain another game on them. Gotta hope Rockets lose a game or two they're supposed to win.
I know a lot of the time it seems like a crapshoot as to when he rests starters, and it can be based on just how they feel, but I wonder if he takes a look at the remaining schedule and chooses where he wants to attack.
If I'm looking at this schedule, I pick my fights against Houston (at least 1 of those games), Mavs, Thunder, and Pelicans. Thats 5 of the last 11, and there are 3 other games that we should be able to win while keeping our minutes down. That would give us 8 more wins if we can sweep those teams. Lay down after the first half against the Warrios, Heat, and Grizzlies.
The big cluster of playoff spots starts with the #3 spot in the West. If we can beat the teams listed above, we've got a shot to climb to #3.
Pretty decent chance Houston might catch Memphis for the 2 seed as well.
Everyone still in play as potential first round opponents tbh.
On one hand, Portland is by far the easiest matchup and I feel very confident to say we would definitely be moving on to the second round if we get them first round but unfortunately that also means a second round matchup vs GS which I would prefer to avoid.
On the other hand, a first round matchup vs Houston does not sound very appealing to me. The injury situation around Beverley helps and if he's out that is a big blow for them but I don't necessarily look forward to playing Harden and his 20 free throws a game, especially in the first round.
A first round matchup vs Memphis would be tough but I would rather play them first round and then hope for someone like LA/DAL to upset Houston on the other side of the bracket.
This could go so many ways right now though.
Everyone still in play as potential first round opponents tbh.
On one hand, Portland is by far the easiest matchup and I feel very confident to say we would definitely be moving on to the second round if we get them first round but unfortunately that also means a second round matchup vs GS which I would prefer to avoid.
On the other hand, a first round matchup vs Houston does not sound very appealing to me. The injury situation around Beverley helps and if he's out that is a big blow for them but I don't necessarily look forward to playing Harden and his 20 free throws a game, especially in the first round.
A first round matchup vs Memphis would be tough but I would rather play them first round and then hope for someone like LA/DAL to upset Houston on the other side of the bracket.
This could go so many ways right now though.
The teams Im rooting for a 1st rounder is Thunder, Mavs, or Portland. I think we beat any of those 3 teams and should be able to keep it at 6 or below.
If were playing Houston, I'd rather see them in the 1st round being that Howard may still be a little rusty.
If were playing Houston, I'd rather see them in the 1st round being that Howard may still be a little rusty.
I wouldn't just because there's a chance somebody beats Houston and we wouldn't have to face them at all.
Same with GS. Would rather put that matchup on hold until the WCF if possible.
Saying that, I would still love to play Portland first round. What's really screwing this up is the fact that Portland can't drop below 4 because if they could I think they will technically end up with the 7th best record out west when its all said and done.
Same with GS. Would rather put that matchup on hold until the WCF if possible.
Saying that, I would still love to play Portland first round. What's really screwing this up is the fact that Portland can't drop below 4 because if they could I think they will technically end up with the 7th best record out west when its all said and done.
quote:I disagree, I think we beat the Warriors. If we come out swinging and put them in an early hole, they don't have a whole lot of reason to try to make a comeback. They're solidly in first and don't need to risk injuries at this point.
Lay down after the first half against the Warrios, Heat, and Grizzlies.
And the Heat? That's not a game we should lose. Plus, first nights of a b2b should always be hard fought, those wins are more valuable imo.
quote:theres a key emphasis on laying down AFTER the first half. Pop plays the first half a lot of times normally, then we see him really pull back minutes in the 3rd and almost shut down the main guys in the fourth. All I'm saying is if we are going to go that route, those are the games Im planning on doing it.quote:I disagree, I think we beat the Warriors. If we come out swinging and put them in an early hole, they don't have a whole lot of reason to try to make a comeback. They're solidly in first and don't need to risk injuries at this point.
Lay down after the first half against the Warrios, Heat, and Grizzlies.
And the Heat? That's not a game we should lose. Plus, first nights of a b2b should always be hard fought, those wins are more valuable imo.
My point is there are certain games that can have a double effect on the standings, and some that dont. Us beating the Grizzlies/Warriors/Heat doesn't. Us beating the Rockets for example, could causes a double effect.
Yes, if we somehow jump out to an early big lead, it would be nice to finish them off.
And you're right, the Heat isn't a game we SHOULD lose, but its a game that could easily be a tough battle, and ultimately means a lot less than the other games in terms of standings and getting a feel for where we are as a team.
quote:
ESPN's front office rankings:
Front Office: Spurs #1
Top Execs: Pop & RC #1
Coaches: Pop #1, Bud #2
People under sell Home Court Advantage on veteran teams, but that was a huge part of our title last year. Obviously health is more important, but we go as out three ball goes and we shoot it better at home. This confidence factor is especially true for players like Mills and Diaw that have had up and down years.
I wouldn't change Pops strategy on resting players and managing minutes, but I wouldn't shut this team down early either if you can gain a spot or two in the standings. The Knicks, Mavs and Cavs game really hurt us. We should be closing on the 2 seed right now.
I wouldn't change Pops strategy on resting players and managing minutes, but I wouldn't shut this team down early either if you can gain a spot or two in the standings. The Knicks, Mavs and Cavs game really hurt us. We should be closing on the 2 seed right now.
Cavs game didn't hurt much at all honestly. Mavs and Knicks though? Yeah, those were bad.
You're right - HCA is really important, especially for our bench, but nothing is more important than a healthy Parker, Duncan, Ginobili, Leonard, Splitter, and Green. Absolutely nothing.
You're right - HCA is really important, especially for our bench, but nothing is more important than a healthy Parker, Duncan, Ginobili, Leonard, Splitter, and Green. Absolutely nothing.
Does anyone remember if any of the finals we won, we didn't have home court advantage?
5-0 with HCA, 0-1 without.
quote:We were 1 seed three times (99, 03, 14), 2 seed once (05, Phoenix being 1 seed before losing to us in 5 in the WCF) and 3 seed once (07, Mavs collapse against Golden State, Suns lost to us in 6 in the second round).
Does anyone remember if any of the finals we won, we didn't have home court advantage?
The only team I can think of that won the title with a low seed was the Rockets in 95 because they had a lot of injuries during the regular season. Pretty much every other winner was a 1-3 seed in their conference.
quote:I agree with you but I am not sure why everyone keeps talking about this. Pop has not rested anybody in quite some time. Actually, quite the opposite. They even fairly rushed back Manu from a sprained ankle. Pop was playing TD and Manu late into the 3rd and into the 4th quarter last night when we were up 30 against OKC.
I wouldn't change Pops strategy on resting players and managing minutes, but I wouldn't shut this team down early either if you can gain a spot or two in the standings. The Knicks, Mavs and Cavs game really hurt us. We should be closing on the 2 seed right now.
I understand resting has been an issue in previous seasons but I see no indication that Pop is planning on resting anybody down the stretch. Actuall,y, in my opinion, I would like to see him rest Timmy on the b2b's to end the year. He is a beast but he's been going 100% all season now. Not sure he's had to expend this much energy during a regular season in the past three years and really don't want to see it catching up to him when these games actually start to really matter.
quote:No but the Finals have always been 2-3-2 which is so much different than the traditional 2-2-1-1-1 that they finally went back to last year.
Does anyone remember if any of the finals we won, we didn't have home court advantage?
That Duncan 3
That's at least twice this year that he has fired a corner three in the flow of the offense and nailed it without even touching the rim like it's no big deal.
quote:
5-0 with HCA, 0-1 without.
We do not speak of this.
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