up close and personal
I went to the Spurs game tonight, and they are good. Better than I expected against a team that was supposed to be on the fringe of being an elite team in the league. When we were driving home from the game, the guys on the radio were debating who the Spurs likely Finals opponent will be, which is way premature. But they are good.
On opening night, they basically got nothing out of Bowen, even defensively where he was abused by Carmelo Anthony. But tonight he was studly against Lebron, holding him down especially after the first quarter. Tonight they got nothing out of Finley except a 3 in garbage time, but they didn't need him. This team is deep enough to overcome an off night from players. Ginobili is clearly not healthy yet; I was shocked when a jump ball tussle lifted his shorts up over his thigh; the brace he has been wearing is huge. Barry looks way more comfortable than at any point last year. Van Exel tonight had several rebounds - six I think - and just seemed to have a nose for the ball.
I liked everything I saw from the Spurs, except allowing 28 points in the opening quarter.
Lebron lost his poise for about four possessions each way in the second quarter. He got a garbage call - they whistled Duncan for a charge, and not only was Lebron inside the defensive circle, and not only did he come under Duncan and not give him the space to turn, and not only did he flop, but he wasn't set either. But he got the call anyway.
A time out ensued, and the crowd gave it to the refs, who deserved it. And on the next possession down the floor Lebron was called for a garbage charge. Ginobili flopped, and it was classic makeup call. But Lebron lost his poise for a couple of possessions, and Ginobili got open for a couple of easy shots, Lebron forced a couple of bad shots on the other end, and the little lead the Cavs enjoyed most of the second quarter became a five point deficit, and the game was never in question in the second half. He has immense talent, but you simply can't throw away a couple of minute stretch against the Spurs. Their focus is unreal already.
posted by Curtis Ruder @ 1:24 AM
2 Comments:
Discount Hydro!
They looked real focused for the game in Dallas the next night. Just like I told you, the Van Exel signing was not a good thing. He came in in the 4th quarter and started gunning, as did Finley. The Spurs can't win if they aren't moving the ball and creating open looks. Van Exel and Finley were taking the first pass on offense and taking a contested 20 footer. At the time the Spurs were down 10 with 10 minutes to go. Three minutes later, they were down 18 and the game was out of reach, before Pop could put Duncan, Ginobili and Parker back in. If Van Exel and Finley continue to have an instant offense and gunslinger mentality, they will kill the Spurs.
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