San Antonio Spurs Begin Title Defense!

[Jimmy]

Well a brand new NBA season get underway. Of course I'm pulling for our defending champions to repeat this year. Their title defense begins tonight against the Phoenix Suns. And best of luck to our other two Texas teams Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks as well.

This is a greatly changed Spurs team. Lots of new questions need to be answered, but that the way they began their two championship seasons and ended up on top of the world; because they came together so quickly so well both seasons. It all starts with Tim Duncan leading the way.

[Bucket-O-Snakes]

Well, if the Spurs didn't have Duncan, they wouldn't be that good. I hope they beat the Suns and especially the Lakers.(the rivalry continues!) Sadly, since there are alot of new players, I don't think their chances will be as great this season.

[James]

Originally posted by Bucket-O-Snakes@Oct 28 2003, 07:05 PM
Well, if the Spurs didn't have Duncan, they wouldn't be that good.
oh gosh... i never thought you were "one of them". Duncan isnt the whole team ..... thats all ill say about that.

[Jimmy]

Originally posted by Bucket-O-Snakes@Oct 29 2003, 01:05 AM
Sadly, since there are alot of new players, I don't think their chances will be as great this season.
There are also other teams with many new players including the Mavs, T-Wolves, and Lakers, so their team chemistry is more of a question. And keep in mind, in the 1999 Championship season, the Spurs had a lot of new players and won it all that year (and in an abridged season to boot).

[Bucket-O-Snakes]

Originally posted by James+Oct 29 2003, 04:39 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (James @ Oct 29 2003, 04:39 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Bucket-O-Snakes@Oct 28 2003, 07:05 PM
Well, if the Spurs didn't have Duncan, they wouldn't be that good.
oh gosh... i never thought you were "one of them". Duncan isnt the whole team ..... thats all ill say about that. [/b][/quote]
one of them? lol. I know Duncan isn't the whole team James, but I mean think about it....alot of times when he is having an off night, everyone is having an off night. When he goes to the bench, alot of times they lose their lead. Not always though. But what I was trying to say was that Duncan is an important part of the team.

[Brett]

Yeah of course he is! I mean the Spurs are still very capable of winning without Duncan, their chances just aren't as great ;) .

[James]

Duncan is a leader... every team has its leader. If it wasnt Duncan as our leader, itd be another star player in the NBA that we'd aquire. see the spurs are the nba underdogs. not only are they in one of the smaller markets, but we dont have the alcoholic-wifebeating-trashtalking-players that get all the attention, therefore, people say our players suck without even watching them play. and why dont people watch them play? well like i said, we dont have the negative attention getters which reflects on the media as positive. its horrible that thats the way it is but, thats the triuth.

[Spurs]

Couldn't have said it any better....anyone see the game last night and are you watching the game against Denver tonight?

[Jimmy]

The Spurs also have the kind of team chemistry and "role model" personalities most other teams wish they had. And that's why they have been successful.

You can have a superstar on a team, or two superstars, or three, or four, or in the Lakers' case, they have 5 players who were All-Stars. But it takes a good combination of 12 players willing to do whatever it takes to get to the top.

[CoasterPimp]

Boo Spurs!!!! It's all about the Mavs!!!!!!!!!!! ^_^

[Brandon]

Wow.. That's a smart post to make in this particular topic.

[Spurs]

Originally posted by CoasterPimp@Oct 31 2003, 07:16 PM
Boo Spurs!!!! It's all about the Mavs!!!!!!!!!!! ^_^
Yeah....

Anyway, this Thursday the Spurs play the Lakers :o without Duncan, and possibly Parker(does anyone know when he will play again?) Hopefully they will be able to pull out a victory against the Lakers. My hopes arent too high though. But I will cheer them on no matter what.

[Colin]

The spurs played tough in the games agianst the mavs and lakers and stayed on it. tough losses, but nice to see david get his jersey retired last night.

[Spurs]

I didn't see it but I heard it was good....I was pretty proud of how they played the lakers Thursday.....

[Jimmy]

Well, this is getting pretty serious.

Our defending champs are 9 wins, 10 losses; they've lost all three games to the Lakers so far and both meetings with the Mavs (NOTE: Duncan/Parker were out one of the meetings during Lakers and Mavs). They haven't been below .500 this far into the season since before they drafted Timmy. They just seem to be slipping.

There are a lot of new players on the team, and I guess they are still trying to figure one another out. I still think the current Spurs team is better than last years champs because of some new weapons that they acquired (Turkoglu, Horry, Mercer, Nesterovic, Heal).

Any thoughts on why the Spurs aren't doing well? Maybe Duncan is missing Robinson that much?

[Spurs]

I think it is because they have so many new players and they are still learning how to play together. BTW-the teams always step up there play when they play the defending champs. They won in Orlando last night and they play in Miami tonight.

[Jimmy]

Originally posted by Spurs@Dec 6 2003, 06:40 PM
BTW-the teams always step up there play when they play the defending champs.
But the other teams don't view the Spurs as a serious threat anymore because they are really struggling now. As fas as the other teams are concerned, their biggest opponent is against the "unstopable" LA Lakers because they are the overwhelming favorite to win it all this time, due to their "Hall-of-Fame" starting five. So this is the opponent now everyone steps up their game against.

[Colin]

Since we had injuries early in the season, some of the players still haven't gotten use to playin with the new players. Now we have everyone back, then Malik gets hurt and Anthony Carter was cut due to injury. We just havent had our way in the injury department. I think the chemistry between the team will soon begin to build.

[Jimmy]

This is probably an encouraging sign for the Spurs, but they've swept a 3-game East trip and to add to that, the Twin Towers (Duncan/Robinson) have been named SI co-Sportsmen of the Year.

This will certainly be one of the highlights of this season.

If you'd like to know more about the sportsman award, then here the link: http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/si_smoty_03.html

[Colin]

well after tonights win i think they are on a 6 game winning streak. wut did yall think of their uniforms tonight. i liked them

[Jimmy]

I never got to see their classic uniform last night. I'll tell you what, the Spurs new logo is way cooler than the old one, especially on FOX Sports Southwest network.

[James]

Originally posted by Hurricane@Dec 14 2003, 10:09 PM
I never got to see their classic uniform last night. I'll tell you what, the Spurs new logo is way cooler than the old one, especially on FOX Sports Southwest network.
i got the see them. i was at that game actually.. in a box... 1/2 court! lol.. had an AWESOME night..

[Colin]

yea i like their logo more than their old one

[Jimmy]

The 2004 NBA Playoffs are right around the corner. I'm really excited about this one for a few reasons:

1) All three Texas teams are in it for the first time in over a decade.

2) The Spurs are the defending champions and the team to beat.

3) The championship is probably the most wide open it's been in years. Many teams could win it this year.

BTW, here are my selections for postseason awards:

Rookie of the Year -- Lebron James (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Sixth Man of the Year -- Antawn Jamison (Dallas Mavericks)
Most Improved Player -- Andre Kirilenko (Utah Jazz)
Coach of the Year -- Jerry Sloan (Utah Jazz)
Most Valuable Player -- Tim Duncan (San Antonio Spurs)

Surprise Team of the Year: Utah Jazz

Any other thoughts on the post-season?

[Colin]

Im also very excited about the playoffs. I think any of the top five teams in the west could win it, but im pulling for those Spurs. I just love basketball so i couldnt wait to do my awards!

Anyways heres my awards

Defensive player of the year--
1. Ben Wallace
2. Ron Artest
3. Bruce Bowen
Rookie of the Year --
1. Lebron James
2. Carmelo Anthony
3. Dwayne Wade
Sixth Man of the Year --
1. Manu Ginobili
2. Antawn Jamison
3. Cant think of a third one....
Most Improved Player --
1. Andre Kirilenko
2. Zach Randolph
3. James Posey
Coach of the Year --
1. Jerry Sloan -Amazing what he did with that team even tho they didnt make the playoffs
2. Hubie Brown--He might win cuz they made the playoffs plus they went fom 28 wins to 50
3. Terry Porter or Stan Van Gundy
Most Valuable Player --
1. Kevin Garnett
2. Tim Duncan
3. Jermaine O'Neal
Surprise Teams of the Year:
1. Utah Jazz
2. Memphis Grizzlies
3. Miami Heat

I had to do top three cuz some names i just had to mention. :P Those are my opinions..

[Jimmy]

Originally posted by VC15SA@Apr 16 2004, 09:26 PM
Coach of the Year --
1. Jerry Sloan -Amazing what he did with that team even tho they didnt make the playoffs
Yeah I really, REALLY wanted the Jazz to make the playoffs again this season -- those guys sure deserved to make it and it probably would have further solidified Jerry Sloan for his very much needed coach of the year.

Remember, the playoffs have no bearing regular season awards.

You know, I noticed that this year's scoring champion is on the team with the worst record in the league! (Tracy McGrady of Orlando Magic).

[Colin]

Hasnt Tracy McGrady been injured lately? Im not sure though. I did think the Magic would be better.

I forgot to put in my first post that i think the pistons and will come out of the east and hopefully the spurs will come out of the west. I think the west is pretty uncertain and IMO the east is between the pacers and pistons.

[Colin]

Well looks like the Spurs are up 3-0 in the series!!

Heres the award winners:

Defensive Player of the Year - Ron Artest, Indiana Pacers
Rookie of the Year - Lebron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Most Improved - Zach Randolph
Sixth Man - Antawn Jamison, Dallas Mavericks
Coach of the Year - Hubie Brown, Memphis Grizzlies
MVP- ??? (probably Garnett)

[Poltergeistsax]

Spurs are going all the way!! It would help if the Rockets could beat the Lakers,GO ROCKETS!!!

[Colin]

Yea, too bad the Rockets lost today in OT.

[Poltergeistsax]

I HATE the lakers i'd rather NY win than the lakers.

[Colin]

Anyone but the Lakers and Mavs would be fine with me to win the championship.

[Poltergeistsax]

I don't hate the mavs that much, but i don't want them to win

[Jimmy]

I normally don't have a particular favorite among the Texas teams; I like them all.

And the Spurs have now gone undefeated for the month of April (regular season plus the 4-0 sweep of their first-round). They are looking really good right now!

[Colin]

Well I dont like the mavs cuz what mark cuban said about us spurs fans and the city. I dont have a problem with the rockets though.

Wow undefeated during the month of april so far. The spurs are doing great, but hopefully they can keep it up.

[Jimmy]

Well that's two Texas teams down in California; they're getting the better of us so far. So now our defending champions is our last hope to bring that prestigious Larry 'O Brien trophy back to the Lone Star state; lets hope they don't become the third and final team fallen in California.

It's the Spurs VS Lakers for the fourth consecutive time in the playoffs and 5 out of last 6.

NOTE: Spurs once again get the home court advantage because they have the better RS record.

[sfft_2108]

The first game is Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the SBC Center. I think that the spurs will sweep them. LOL. Nah i wish they would but the might go to 6 or 7 games. NO matter what the Spurs will win. Keep up the good work guys.

[Colin]

Well the Lakers are going to be tough and we probably wont sweep them, but this is going to be a great series. Hopefully we can stop Kobe, but i think we are going to have a tough time with Shaq. Anyways my prediction is Spurs in 6 maybe 7.

[Jimmy]

Just as their previous 5 meetings have gone, I think the winner of this series will win it all; this IS considered the NBA Finals to many!

[Colin]

Even though the lakers and spurs have a great chance to win it all, i still think you can throw the kings into that mix too.

[Jimmy]

The Kings' talent, chemistry, and depth will definitely still give them a chance, but ultimately winning a championship comes down to experience and defense, which is why I think the Spurs and Lakers have better chances than the Kings (or any other team for that matter).

But you're still right, I still wouldn't discount the Kings yet.

[Jimmy]

Well the Spurs just got a much needed game one win, which could set the tone for the series.

Also Kevin Garnett has just won his first MVP.

And the Miami/New Orleans series will come down to game 7, the only first round to go the distance.

[Colin]

I think the Spurs played a great game on Sunday and what a way to start off the series. It helps that Tony played well along with the rest of the team.

I am happy for KG winning MVP. Its well desevered.

Kinda funny how Miami and New Orleans are still the first round and we are in the second. For some reason I am going for Miami. I dont know why.

Anyways...Go Spurs Go :P

[Spurs]

the Spurs are 30-1 or something like that when Parker score 20+ points

[Colin]

Im surprised to hear Tony Parker has only scored 20 points or more in 31 games.

[Jimmy]

After watching the playoffs so far, Tony Parker is proving to all the doubters that he is our man at the point. I've said it all along that we didn't need Jason Kidd and that I was perfectly happy with Tony starting at point guard; and he can only get even better in the future.

Spurs have now won 17 consecutive games!

[Colin]

Wow..tense game last night. We almost blew our lead!! Great game for the Spurs though and now only two more to win.

Tony Parker always finds a way to amaze me. He is just so quick and we really need him to keep up the way he has been playing to win in LA.

[Colin]

*sigh*

Tough game for the Spurs. I dont think anyone played well for us besides Devin Brown. We will get them Tuesday...hopefully.

[Jimmy]

This is exactly the reason why the Spurs are going to have a very tough time getting past the this round, let alone going all the way. Their defense alone will not get the job done for them. If they want any shot at this, they must have their offensive game in effect.

The Spurs still have a chance the series, but they need to start hitting their shots now.

[Colin]

Yea if we win this series, its just gonna be as tough in the next round.

If we wanna win on Tuesday, Tim and Parker will need to play well. I also think we should put in Malik. He was getting quite a few offensive boards in the fourth quarter on Sunday. He will give us energy, but we still should play Horry. It might be tough to work out though. I also feel Hedo needs to start hitting his threes consistently again. he has been missing threes wide open and we all know he can make them. Those are my thoughts.

[Spurs]

well remember guys, they did win 17 in a row, and after THAT many in a row, your bound to have an off game. I am just thankful it didn't cost them the series or was a REALLY BADLy needed win. Maybe on Tuesday we will get a road win

[Colin]

Yes you are right, but right now momentum is now on the Lakers side.

[superman23]

The spurs are gonna get past L.A. but the real challange will be between the winner of Sacramento or Minnesota. GO KG!!!!!

[Colin]

I think the Lakers are a real challenge, but you are right, Sacramento and Minnesota will be too. BTW Spurs Game tonight!!!

[Jimmy]

Shaq and Kobe continues to be too much for the Spurs to handle. They combined for a whopping 70 of their team's 98 points. In fact, their Hall-of-Fame foursome scored nearly the number of points (87) as the entire Spurs team did (90). As long as Shaq and Kobe play their best, It's hard to see the Spurs getting past them this time.

I'm beginning to lose hope now.

[Colin]

I havent lost all hope, but I am very worried. The spurs have to find a way to stop Kobe and Shaq!!

[Jimmy]

Taking my mind off the Spurs for a second, I saw game four of the Pacers/Heat series last night and that has to be the best playoff game so far this year and it was electric in that game. I see a very bright future for the Miami Heat.

[Colin]

I have been watching that series closely. The Heat are a very exciting team to watch. They are also young which does give them a great future. Dwayne Wade is playing great for a rookie in the playoffs. I going for them to beat the pacers.

[Jimmy]

I missed the entire second-half of game five due to power outage in our town caused by more severe weather that battered our area last night. But my friends got the word to me about the game later on and I thought to myself: 'that must have been a spectacular ending.'

Oh well, maybe next year better luck for the Spurs. :(

[Bucket-O-Snakes]

i dont know if any of you noticed, but the clock DID start late. It is impossible to make a turnaround jumper and it count in four tenths of a second. I mean its common sense. The nba just favors the lakers because of the stupid all stars they have on their team. If it had been the other way around, the commisioner would have changed it for the lakers.

[Colin]

Yea, that was one heck of game. Derek Fisher's shot was luck, but so was Tim's. We made a great comeback, but just couldnt finish it. It will be interesting to see how the Spurs come out tonight. Good Job anyways.

[Jimmy]

Game five of the Nets/Pistons series was one of the better games of the playoffs going triple overtime.

[Colin]

I missed that one but watched highlights of the game this morning on Sportscenter. It looked pretty good.

[Jimmy]

Any final thoughts on the Spurs season before I close this thread?

They ended the season on a four-game losing streak after 17 consecutive wins (including an undefeated month in April).

I think the Spurs really missed players like Stephen Jackson, Steve Kerr, and Speedy Claxton (who have made progressive contributions to the team last year) and it showed in the last four games of their season.

But I really thought Ron Mercer, who was traded to the Spurs then waived by them, could help the Spurs offensively because he is a scorer and the one player that could create his own shot instead of having to wait to spot up for a shot like most other players. I thought Ron Mercer was what the Spurs needed on their roster and the player that possibly made the Spurs better than they were last year.

And if you guys like, I can start a new thread for the rest of the playoffs.

[Bucket-O-Snakes]

I agree with you Hurricane. I really hope the Spurs get Stephen Jackson back(he is a free agent i think). That guy helped us alot.

[Colin]

Spurs had a good season. I think we did miss some players like Steve Kerr and Stephen Jackson.

Last night our shots just werent falling. Im surprised we didnt lose by more. Anyways good job and season for the spurs although it didnt turn out how I wanted it to.

[Jimmy]

So many people all season long have emphisized the importance of defense to be successful in the NBA, and the Spurs certainly have a great one at that; but it was their lack of consistent offense that sealed their fate this season.

I said it earlier that defense, alone, will not get the job done. The Spurs will need to upgrade their offense for next season, and that all begins with shooting the ball better (especially hitting open shots and any good looks at the basket and also hitting their free throws) and taking care of their possessions by reducing turnovers.

And this defeat could also be a valueable learning experience for the young players on the team, which could make them even better in the future. There is also a large salary cap space to resign Ginobili and perhaps bring in a free agent that can help upgrade their offense and fit in well with the Spurs (perhaps bringing back Stephen Jackson and getting another big man to help Tim in the front court). So there is still a potentially bright future for the Spurs in the coming years.

Till then hope you all enjoy the rest of the playoffs and try to bear the offseason. And on that note...