Pros vs. Joes, who cares? GT 01/02/10

[montestewart]

Before the game, they had one of those cheesy ask the players Q&A, each providing 3 words to describe themselves. Most said things like "handsome," "sexy," etc. (Mike Miller said "goofy" and asked if that was three words). Butler said "disciplined, diligent, and dedicated," or words to that effect. His answer stood out. He had a decent game, and a decent stat line, not great, but decent, he played hard for almost 47 minutes, and he got (am I remembering this correctly?) two jump balls with Duncan. Considering how he looked early in the season, he sure does look pretty good right now compared to Arenas and Jamison (who had a few tricky shots and some timely 3s, but was otherwise pretty unremarkable). Through his comments and his on court and off court conduct, maybe Butler will become the de facto captain of this drifting ship.

I also noticed during the routine tribute to the veterans, Duncan was the only one I saw on the court clapping. I'm not saying a player ought to (they're playing a game, they've got other things to think about) but little things like that show leadership qualities. It's not just what you say to your teammates; it's the examples you set for them.

[dlts20]

Flip Lost The Game!!!!!!!



So he goes and blast the team about playing no D. Everyone talks about how were losing every game in the 4th quarter because we cant stop anyone. We go with the big lineup tonight against a Spurs team who is the hottest team in the league right now. The 3rd quarter comes and were up 71-66 with our D looking amazing for the 1st time ever. Then all of a sudden we go back to our normal regular lineups. Now you have to sub players so I understand that. However, the 4th quarter comes and the whole time we have 2 of the 3 of out Gil, Boykins, and Foye on the court. The whole 4th quarter. I mean all game long we had defensive lineups in with Blatche starting, we played Oberto alot, we played DS. The big lineup got us the lead and we were defending and rebounding well. Then the 4th we come with this same small lineup.

Again, Im about sick of the Boykins love affair. In the last 4 games he is 2-21 and averaging 2ppg. He also has been scouted and is getting straight abused on D. Even the smallest guard from the opposing team is shooting right over him or posting him up. He's killing us in the 4th. He's getting some assist but thats because he holds onto the rock like he's the star or something. All that 4th quarter stuff has gone to his head and he starts forcing up shots or just holding the rock too long and then gives up easy looks on the other end.

I was screaming for Flip to take out Foye & Boykins and replace them with Blatche. Lets finsish the 4th big to see how it works. I dont want to hear him say anything about getting stops late with that lineup he had out there again. It was so dumb. Its like he played the first 3 quarters the new way and reverted back to the same stuff that didnt work in the 4th. You can get away with it againt some teams. We dont have to play big against everyone but the Spurs are one team that we do. They are big and execute perfectly. He lost that game and he better take responsibility for it

I didn't have the energy to post after the game, but I agree, dlts20.

I didn't expect the Wizards to win, but up until Flip brought in the smalls and had Jamison once again at PF late in the game the Wizards were right in it. Flip did better but reverted right back to his old ways in the end.

He finally brings Blatche back in late when were down by like 9 and the game is over but then I look out on the court and I see that he took Wood out so the lineup is still small. It makes no sense. Again, you dont have to play big against every team but the Spurs are one of those teams that you do because they are big and execute so well. Not only that but it was working so why stop? Again, Boykins is 2-21 in the last 4 games and is averaging 2ppg in that stretch. He's also getting straight abused on D. Gil is our Franchise guy. He wasnt right early but atleast put the ball in his hands now instead of Boykins like he is the star

[LyricalRico]

^ Admittedly Foye was hot (and played a part in the run that got us the lead) and Boykins has bailed us out in several 4th quarters this season. But Flip should have stayed with what was working. Hey, all the more reason for us to get a legit backup PG in here via trade.

[dlts20]

^ Admittedly Foye was hot (and played a part in the run that got us the lead) and Boykins has bailed us out in several 4th quarters this season. But Flip should have stayed with what was working. Hey, all the more reason for us to get a legit backup PG in here via trade.

see, this is where Im in the minority. I think Foye can be the backup if he's healthy. However, if people disagree then I understand. This is where I dont understand though. We have a different lineup now so it wont be just Foye. Most of the time it will be Foye & Miller together. Foye can definatly play the point in that situation because Miller can help him with everything and I think they will work well off of eachother

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

He finally brings Blatche back in late when were down by like 9 and the game is over but then I look out on the court and I see that he took Wood out so the lineup is still small. It makes no sense. Again, you dont have to play big against every team but the Spurs are one of those teams that you do because they are big and execute so well. Not only that but it was working so why stop? Again, Boykins is 2-21 in the last 4 games and is averaging 2ppg in that stretch. He's also getting straight abused on D. Gil is our Franchise guy. He wasnt right early but atleast put the ball in his hands now instead of Boykins like he is the star

I noticed the exact same thing, dlts20. Blatche against Duncan late--that was Flip's answer.

I've been harping on Flip's insistence that Blatche only gets minutes at Haywood's expense. Blatche at C exposed defensively is not going to be the way to go a lot of the time.

[long suffrin' boulez fan]

Another 4th Q meltdown. Another McGee - DNP/CD.

Oh well. What appeared to be good basketball through 3 quarters is squandered late, again.

10-21.

Flip,flop,fraud... Rotations by throwing darts at a board, same old 4th period lineups. This team is deeply flawed, true enough. But flip can't coach his way out of a wet paper bag. What was that definition for insanity again? Same tactics with the expectations of different results...just madness!

[mohammed10]

Another 4th Q meltdown. Another McGee - DNP/CD.

Oh well. What appeared to be good basketball through 3 quarters is squandered late, again.

10-21.

Flip,flop,fraud... Rotations by throwing darts at a board, same old 4th period lineups. This team is deeply flawed, true enough. But flip can't coach his way out of a wet paper bag. What was that definition for insanity again? Same tactics with the expectations of different results...just madness!

Could not agree more, LSBF

[closg00]

Another 4th Q meltdown. Another McGee - DNP/CD.

Oh well. What appeared to be good basketball through 3 quarters is squandered late, again.

10-21.

Flip,flop,fraud... Rotations by throwing darts at a board, same old 4th period lineups. This team is deeply flawed, true enough. But flip can't coach his way out of a wet paper bag. What was that definition for insanity again? Same tactics with the expectations of different results...just madness!

Total Smoke-screen, look at the minutes played by the Trio, 40 mins each for AJ & Caron, Gilbert's minutes were decreased.

[Silvie Lysandra]

Can't wait for the Ted Leonsis era to start. Finally, someone who actually knows how to run a team.

[montestewart]

On another note (I've read this entire thread, but I don't recall anyone mentioning it) my wife and I were excited to see what we missed out on in Blair. He's been the Spurs starting center lately. Checking his splits, his numbers are unsurprisingly better as a reserve. He didn't have a remarkable game visually or by the numbers, but he was an aggressive defensive rebounder, and I could see how his strength could have been an asset for the Wizards.