Spurs Offense Sputtering without Star Manu Ginobli?
The San Antonio Spurs are not at their best, obviously, when Manu Ginobli isn’t in the lineup, and many league analysts attribute the loss of his extra offense to their early woes. However, I believe their problems originate elsewhere.
Last night, it wasn’t a lack of offense that kept San Antonio out of the game. The cutting and driving lay-ups and mid-range jumpers of Tony Parker (24pts), and hooks and short J’s of Tim Duncan (27pts) kept the Spurs in the game. But still, their were two other contributors for the Spurs last night; starter Michael Finley chipped in 16 points, and off-season free-agent acquisition Roger Mason scored 14 on 6-7 shooting… also helping to keep San Antonio in the game. The four player’s point totals adds up to 81 of the 99 their team posted altogether. That really isn’t bad considering teams like the Washington Wizards get an average of 70+ points from their big three, Gilbert Arenas (when actually healthy), Antawn Jamison, and Caron Butler, and are still one of the highest scoring teams in the Eastern Conference, if not the entire NBA.
The problem with last night’s loss wasn’t a lack of offense for the Spurs, but a lack of defense, and the fact that they allowed 13 offensive boards and countless second chance points to the Trail Blazers. Add that to a hot 10-18, 26 point, shooting night by Brandon Roy, and the Spurs still only barely lost.
For all the grief the Spurs offense is receiving, the problems look to be emanating more from a lack of fundamental basketball skills, a phase of the game that this team has shown to be the greatest at over the past several years. If they can get back to actual Spurs basketball and not allow a team so many offensive boards, they’ll be back on track as one of the top five teams in the West.
Tim Duncan the best player in the NBA…. Anyone?
October 23, 2008 by MadisonMadnuff · 1 Comment
For the past 5 years I have been saying that Tim Duncan is the best player in the NBA why? Because he is. No really, look at his body of work over the past 5 years 3 rings “come on man you can’t argue with that.” To be honest many people will say Kobe is the best player or Lebron, but isn’t the best player the guy who can get his team to the championship and win, and score points, and play defense, and rebound, and be a leader Tim Duncan does all of this. I am bringing this up because the NBA season will be starting soon and again Tim looks to be the best player in the league. I am not going to list his career statistics, but look at them they are very good. Also very rarely is guard the best player in the league. A guard is not going to bring a team a championship by himself he needs a great big man (not including Jordan), on the other hand a Big man does not need a great guard. Tim Duncan is not going to score 81 points in a game but he will score 25 with 20 rebounds and 10 assists, and that’s what makes a great player. A guy who helps the team on all levels so argue if you want but look for Tim to get his 5th ring this year, and prove me right. “TIMMY!!!”
don’t agree leave a comment.