Based on the series last year with the Heat, I wouldn't expect an OKC style free throw raping. That was a pretty well officiated series considering everything. We would be allowed to run our offense and play defense.
****Western Conference Finals - Spurs vs. Thunder****
216,085 Views |
3183 Replies |
Last: 11 yr ago by DTP02
I would guess the Thunder win by 10+ at home in game 6 and then the Spurs win a close one in game 7 to advance to the finals
I was listening to an interview of his on the radio this morning. Someone asked if he feels like he is shooting better now compared to the Portland series (or something like that). He said he feels like he has been shooting well the whole playoffs, the ball just hadn't been going in. Now the ball is going in and that is the only difference.
Manu has balls. Can't take that away from him. He can be 0-for and have the confidence to nail the last shot.
From ESPN: "The Spurs have won 7 straight home games by at least 15 points dating back to Game 7 of the first round against Dallas. That is the longest such streak in NBA playoff history. That includes a 35-point win in Game 2 and a 28-point in Game 5 Thursday."
That really is pretty incredible. The last close game the Spurs played was game six against the Mavs. Home court has been huge for the Spurs thus far.
That really is pretty incredible. The last close game the Spurs played was game six against the Mavs. Home court has been huge for the Spurs thus far.
Agreed. I think the thunder win game 6, but I'd be surprised if it's a blowout. I think after the spurs adjustments, they'll be tough to beat, even in OKC.
One unusual aspect of this series is it could go 7 and the Spurs could be reasonably well rested. Just a strange one.
Break out the 3rd string from the start in game 6. It could catch OKC off-guard. Then play the starters if the game is still close at halftime.
start Corey Joseph and have him pester Westbrook the whole first quarter?
There is no way I would start the second unit coming off a big win. Keep doing what worked. We really need to try to win game 6. If Durant/Westbrook get hot or the refs get crazy you can easily lose a game 7.
I am good with Bonner starting game 6 even though he was ineffective on the stat sheet. I would prefer Diaw gets the start but I understand the second unit needs some firepower too and Diaw and Manu are great together. If bonner can knock down a three or two early, that would be a huge added bonus on the road.
I also really like the defensive switch of having Green on Durant and Leonard on Westbrook. Although both scorers still got their looks, they didn't dominate like game 4. Also green is quick enough to stay in front of durant so at least 90% of his shots are jumpers even though he will make most of them. Leonard struggled a bit on staying in front of westbrook but also made it tougher on him than Parker was able to do. Plus westbrook couldn't rebound as effectively with Leonard boxing him out. The team rebounding was greatly improved, which isn't what you would expect with Splitter and Duncan not on the court together. Pulling Ibaka away with the stretch four had to help a bit there. He only had two boards I think.
There were some great adjustments by Pop.
I am good with Bonner starting game 6 even though he was ineffective on the stat sheet. I would prefer Diaw gets the start but I understand the second unit needs some firepower too and Diaw and Manu are great together. If bonner can knock down a three or two early, that would be a huge added bonus on the road.
I also really like the defensive switch of having Green on Durant and Leonard on Westbrook. Although both scorers still got their looks, they didn't dominate like game 4. Also green is quick enough to stay in front of durant so at least 90% of his shots are jumpers even though he will make most of them. Leonard struggled a bit on staying in front of westbrook but also made it tougher on him than Parker was able to do. Plus westbrook couldn't rebound as effectively with Leonard boxing him out. The team rebounding was greatly improved, which isn't what you would expect with Splitter and Duncan not on the court together. Pulling Ibaka away with the stretch four had to help a bit there. He only had two boards I think.
There were some great adjustments by Pop.
quote:
On the Manu topic, I don't know how any fan from any team could watch a Manu press conference and not like the guy. He is such a genuine good guy and always has a great attitude.
I can understand not liking his style of play, but it doesn't seem possible to watch him give an interview and not like the guy.
[This message has been edited by Diet Cokehead (edited 5/30/2014 10:19a).]
I feel the same way when people hate on Duncan. Really?
I fully support starting Bonner again. I agree with the thought of leaving 2 guys (Diaw and Ginobli) who can add buckets in a variety of ways with the second unit.
I also like the matchups last night. While westbrook blew past kawhi off the first step a few times, The bigger body is a little more taxing to shove past, and certainly helps keep him off the boards. I think Durant gets his shot off no matter who is gaurding him with how long he is and his release, so switching Green onto him didnt cause a problem for us. Durant generally only drives to the hoop if its an open shot. If you keep pressure on his side or stay in front, hes totally happy pulling up.
I really like a second unit that consists of Patty, Manu, Diaw, Splitter. Thats a pretty dynamic group to have coming off the bench!
I also like the matchups last night. While westbrook blew past kawhi off the first step a few times, The bigger body is a little more taxing to shove past, and certainly helps keep him off the boards. I think Durant gets his shot off no matter who is gaurding him with how long he is and his release, so switching Green onto him didnt cause a problem for us. Durant generally only drives to the hoop if its an open shot. If you keep pressure on his side or stay in front, hes totally happy pulling up.
I really like a second unit that consists of Patty, Manu, Diaw, Splitter. Thats a pretty dynamic group to have coming off the bench!
quote:
There is no way I would start the second unit coming off a big win. Keep doing what worked. We really need to try to win game 6. If Durant/Westbrook get hot or the refs get crazy you can easily lose a game 7.
This. If it's not broken, don't fix it. You can always pull the starters early, but you can't get the first quarter back.
quote:
I am good with Bonner starting game 6 even though he was ineffective on the stat sheet. I would prefer Diaw gets the start but I understand the second unit needs some firepower too and Diaw and Manu are great together. If bonner can knock down a three or two early, that would be a huge added bonus on the road.
Agree. The Diaw/Manu-led second unit forces OKC to leave starters in or give up a Spurs run.
quote:
I also really like the defensive switch of having Green on Durant and Leonard on Westbrook. Although both scorers still got their looks, they didn't dominate like game 4. Also green is quick enough to stay in front of durant so at least 90% of his shots are jumpers even though he will make most of them. Leonard struggled a bit on staying in front of westbrook but also made it tougher on him than Parker was able to do. Plus westbrook couldn't rebound as effectively with Leonard boxing him out. The team rebounding was greatly improved, which isn't what you would expect with Splitter and Duncan not on the court together. Pulling Ibaka away with the stretch four had to help a bit there. He only had two boards I think.
I think the defensive rotation was slow at times last night. It looked like Leonard was funneling Westbrook to a shot blocker that didn't make it to his spot. That's the downside of going to a stretch 4 rather than playing Duncan/Splitter together, but I'll take the tradeoff. Green mostly keeps Durant out of the paint. As long as he's contesting the jump shots the Spurs will live with that; when Durant is on he's going to make it whether you get a perfect contest from Leonard or a good contest from Green.
Overall, they absolutely have to keep pulling Ibaka away from the rim and owning the defensive glass. You can not give a team like OKC second chances. Run them through a million screens to wear them out on offense, no turnovers, keep them out of the paint on defense, live with jumpers, and no second chances. Easier said than done, but they were able to do that against a healthy OKC team for the first time last night. Encouraging, but a lot of ball to be played.
[This message has been edited by Ulrich (edited 5/30/2014 12:40p).]
Spurs' margins of victory since Mavs game 7:
vs Mavs:
23
vs Blazers:
24
17
15
22
vs Thunder:
17
35
28
Average:
22.6
[This message has been edited by Brian Earl Spilner (edited 5/30/2014 1:05p).]
vs Mavs:
23
vs Blazers:
24
17
15
22
vs Thunder:
17
35
28
Average:
22.6
[This message has been edited by Brian Earl Spilner (edited 5/30/2014 1:05p).]
Jesus. That is insane.
The average of those numbers is 22.6.
Oh look at me, my name is Ulrich and I know how to add and divide.
Dammit Ulrich, can't you just trust my math instead of making me look like an idiot?!
Game 5 will be fool's gold just like game 1 and 2.
The Thunder have an easy adjustment to make. Switch Ibaka over to guard either Tim or Tiago (since Pop has stopped putting them on the floor together) and have their guards go under the screens. That leaves Ibaka under the basket most the time and challenges the Spurs ability to make long 2's / 3's off the dribble, which is certainly not their strength. It also encourages Tim and Tiago to take outside jumpers, which also is not their strength.
That would be my no-brainer next move if I was Brooks, but I don't think he's as intelligent as I am, so who knows, we'll see.
[This message has been edited by aggie_2001_2005 (edited 5/30/2014 1:10p).]
The Thunder have an easy adjustment to make. Switch Ibaka over to guard either Tim or Tiago (since Pop has stopped putting them on the floor together) and have their guards go under the screens. That leaves Ibaka under the basket most the time and challenges the Spurs ability to make long 2's / 3's off the dribble, which is certainly not their strength. It also encourages Tim and Tiago to take outside jumpers, which also is not their strength.
That would be my no-brainer next move if I was Brooks, but I don't think he's as intelligent as I am, so who knows, we'll see.
[This message has been edited by aggie_2001_2005 (edited 5/30/2014 1:10p).]
I am genetically incapable of trusting anyone else's math.
quote:
Game 5 will be fool's gold just like game 1 and 2.
The Thunder have an easy adjustment to make. Switch Ibaka over to guard either Tim or Tiago (since Pop has stopped putting them on the floor together) and have their guards go under the screens. That leaves Ibaka under the basket most the time and challenges the Spurs ability to make long 2's / 3's off the dribble, which is certainly not their strength. It also encourages Tim and Tiago to take outside jumpers, which also is not their strength.
That would be my no-brainer next move if I was Brooks, but I don't think he's as intelligent as I am, so who knows, we'll see.
[This message has been edited by aggie_2001_2005 (edited 5/30/2014 1:10p).]
This was my thought too and I'm surprised we didn't see it last game.
2001-2005, there is something to that, but I think they have a better chance to box Ibaka out of the play, pass around him in a 2-on-1, or get the switch they want when there is only one player in the paint (especially when that player is Duncan, who has to be covered out to 20 feet).
For example: pick and roll at the top between Diaw and Parker gets Parker a step on his defender. Ibaka steps out to challenge, Parker dishes it to Duncan lurking under the basket, and the second rotation is still 25 feet from the basket on Diaw.
Second example: Duncan and Ibaka fight for low post position on the weak side. Ibaka has good position but relatively close to the basket. The Spurs reverse the court quickly and Ginobili drives in for a floater that Ibaka can't get to because Duncan is in the way. Ordinarily you wouldn't be able to box two post defenders out of the play at once, but when you reduce it to a one-on-one it gets a lot easier. Again, if Ibaka gets around the pick Manu drops it off to Duncan and there is no help. Ibaka might be quick enough to challenge the second shot, but Duncan will have the rim for protection.
Third example: Duncan and Parker run a pick and roll at the top. Ibaka switches onto Parker, which is something he is good enough to do. However, now Jackson or Westbrook is on Duncan. Duncan crashes, Parker floats a pass over the top, Duncan lays it in before Ibaka can drop in. Again, the key here is that the second help defender is stuck on Bonner in the corner. If help comes, Duncan kicks it out.
Second example: Duncan and Ibaka fight for low post position on the weak side. Ibaka has good position but relatively close to the basket. The Spurs reverse the court quickly and Ginobili drives in for a floater that Ibaka can't get to because Duncan is in the way. Ordinarily you wouldn't be able to box two post defenders out of the play at once, but when you reduce it to a one-on-one it gets a lot easier. Again, if Ibaka gets around the pick Manu drops it off to Duncan and there is no help. Ibaka might be quick enough to challenge the second shot, but Duncan will have the rim for protection.
Third example: Duncan and Parker run a pick and roll at the top. Ibaka switches onto Parker, which is something he is good enough to do. However, now Jackson or Westbrook is on Duncan. Duncan crashes, Parker floats a pass over the top, Duncan lays it in before Ibaka can drop in. Again, the key here is that the second help defender is stuck on Bonner in the corner. If help comes, Duncan kicks it out.
You're also now left with Perkins/Adams or a guard trying to cover Diaw/Bonner. Either one creates mismatches in the Spurs' favor.
If they make that switch, you still have Perkins out on the wing guarding Boner. Perkins has negative value when he isn't in the paint. Same with Steven Adams. If they can't be taking up room in the paint, they are worthless.
So that means they have to resort to a 4/3 Nick Colison to guard out on the wings? That is a significant downgrade for OKC. Collison is also averaging 2.1p/2.3r on 41% shooting in the playoffs. He was -8 in 13 minutes yesterday.
Or maybe you go small ball and put in Caron Butler? Considering he is hitting 39% of his shots in the last 5 games for 5.8p and 3.2 boards, I am good with that option.
None of these options are what Brooks wants. By playing Boner, he is dictating how OKC has to play. And that is what we want. We want to dictate how they are going to have to play and what lineups they will have to go with.
So that means they have to resort to a 4/3 Nick Colison to guard out on the wings? That is a significant downgrade for OKC. Collison is also averaging 2.1p/2.3r on 41% shooting in the playoffs. He was -8 in 13 minutes yesterday.
Or maybe you go small ball and put in Caron Butler? Considering he is hitting 39% of his shots in the last 5 games for 5.8p and 3.2 boards, I am good with that option.
None of these options are what Brooks wants. By playing Boner, he is dictating how OKC has to play. And that is what we want. We want to dictate how they are going to have to play and what lineups they will have to go with.
[Url] http://m.espn.go.com/nba/story?storyId=10955188[/url]
Great article by espn on Duncan and Pop. Although by the video you would think that Pop had just died.
Great article by espn on Duncan and Pop. Although by the video you would think that Pop had just died.
The graphic wrong. Duncan didn't play a minute in the 00 playoffs.
00 Playoffs was Robinson, Samaki Walker, Sean Elliott, Mario Elie and Avery.
09 Playoffs was Duncan, Bowen, Finley, Roger Mason and Parker.
00 Playoffs was Robinson, Samaki Walker, Sean Elliott, Mario Elie and Avery.
09 Playoffs was Duncan, Bowen, Finley, Roger Mason and Parker.
It sounds like the graphic is off, but there are some really small lineups in there.
Yeah I caught the wrong year for Duncan injury right away. And where the hell was Derek Anderson and his Juwan Howard imposed X?
[This message has been edited by aggie_2001_2005 (edited 5/30/2014 2:10p).]
[This message has been edited by aggie_2001_2005 (edited 5/30/2014 2:10p).]
The article posted by Enzo is great. Only about halfway through it.
It's crazy how close Timmy came to leaving SA for Orlando in the early days. Or how close Pop came to getting fired.
And seeing this quote still makes me sad inside: "We should have three-peated," Robert Horry claims, "if Manu doesn't foul Dirk."
It's crazy how close Timmy came to leaving SA for Orlando in the early days. Or how close Pop came to getting fired.
And seeing this quote still makes me sad inside: "We should have three-peated," Robert Horry claims, "if Manu doesn't foul Dirk."
Featured Stories
See All
40:24
27m ago
441
Photo Gallery: Texas A&M football's 2026 Pro Day
by Daniel Grant
26:24
6h ago
2.8k
9:48
3h ago
1.1k
TexAgs Internship Program
by TexAgs
UntoldSpirit
WARNING FOR COMFORT SUITES ON TEXAS FOR FOOTBALL SEASON
in Billy Liucci's TexAgs Premium
50