GT: Spurs vs Suns

[batmana]

I just felt the need to emphasize on the fact that Jefferson hit those 4 treys in quick succession in the 4th quarter! Timmy was really good, protecting the rim in the 4th after being our main scorer in the 1st 3 periods, and I loved James Anderson's contribution from the bench - struggled with his shot initially but kept playing hard, had a block, a bucket and then a 3... Tiago was good, and Garrett Temple also gave us some quality minutes, having in mind we were missing George Hill.

[Frankie23]

it's amazing how the Suns execute the pick and roll with Nash and Dragic..

With Worrick and other guys playing it so great, it makes me wonder if Amare is so good or it was just Steve Nash..

[Nolan]

it's amazing how the Suns execute the pick and roll with Nash and Dragic..

With Worrick and other guys playing it so great, it makes me wonder if Amare is so good or it was just Steve Nash..

I think Amare is a very talented player but Nash made him so much better.

[Donald Kaufman]

Nash made a lot of players look good. Look at Marion since he left Phx. He's rubbish.

I'm a big fan of Nashes game. Brilliant shooter, fantastic passer. We won't discuss his D but he's definitely up there as one of the all-time greats at his position. And unless he gets traded to a contender, he likely won't play in a single finals game.

[Lakeshow2417]

I am hoping RJ can actually consistently score in the teens this year. they need that from him.

[co_laper]

Duncan is alive.
James Anderson was good. Smart player. Don't forget it was his 4th game in the NBA..
Parker and Manu had a hard 2nd half..
I'm really excited about Splitter. He got like 3 offensive fouls, 7 points with good post moves and offensive rebounds and also, what it's more important, his defense was good. Good pnr defense and he really intimadates in the paint. They didn't attack him too much, so that means respect.. He also made some Suns' to change their shots. That's something we don't get of Blair or Bonner..
Every player is a better player next to Tim Duncan, but i think Pop was trying to have one big man on the court, so that's why Splitter and Duncan didn't shared too much time. Splitter can't play to many minutes yet..
People saying Blair plays bad against taller players..he played against one of the most undersize teams and nothing..I hope DeJuan steps up soon..

Finally, i have to say it: Richard Jefferson = Underpaid. haha

But that didn't exactly happen.

He didn't get 3 offensive fouls. He took 3 charges.

He didn't score 7 points off good post moves. Spurs barely run low post plays for him and only one time he got the ball downlow and back someone down and that result in a missed hook shot which the announcers are saying it looks like a shotput hook..

He definitely didn't intimidate the paint because this game no one was scared at him yet. In fact, unlike what you said, they definitely attacked him. First possession Splitter entered the game, they post up Warrick down low and he got to the FT line. Second time no success thou and Splitter drew the charge. Attacked him again on the P&R where Splitter tried to draw the charge but unsuccessful. Splitter was NOT abused defensively, but they sure did attack him to test the guy.

Change shots is something he didn't do also. You'll notice how Splitter takes charges (good), but he never tried to block a shot in that game. He didn't change shots or alter them or anything. If anything, he doesn't look like a shotblocker. 15 minutes of playing time and he took 5 charge attempts. 3 of them are successful so that's good. But change shots he definitely did not do. Guys were trying to put him on the highlight reel and dunk on him. They attack Splitter almost every time he's in the floor.

[Donald Kaufman]

One thing about Splitter, he's so damn skinny. He's built like KG was in his early days with Minny.

I haven't been blown away by Splitter yet, but I figure if it took a seasoned vet like RJ 82 games + playoffs to buy into the system, Tiago needs to be cut some slack.

[co_laper]

Not blown away by Splitter either but he's been solid. I mean, he got 3 charges. Personally I rather have him block shots than take charges but that's probably not his game. If he doesn't block shots in FIBA, I doubt he starts blocking shots againts more athletic players. Defensively, I have to say he's showing glimpses of Anderson Varejao. And that's nice to see. I'm just hoping he can do it in a longer period of time. The problem is that he's looked better as a Duncan backup than a Duncan partner. That means he's stuck at about 16 minutes a game.

[Donald Kaufman]

Varejao is a good comparison. And yeah, at this early stage he looks more like a backup rather than a sidekick for TD.

[Frankie23]

Splitter is more talented than Varejao. His offensive game is much better.
Though Andy is more adapted to the league..and the hustle more..

Splitter is not a great shot blocker, but defense is not all about it. He taking charges means he has a good BB IQ to rotate or catch them.
It's not that i'm overating Splitter. I'm just describing his game saying all the positive aspects cause it was just his 2nd game with the team and in the NBA.. To be considered a good or solid player in this league you need more seasons to make that statement, but i think he can achieve that in the future..
He is not Tim, Gasol or Shaq. But he ain't Elson, or any other 7-footer with no talent at all..

[Donald Kaufman]

No one's comparing him to Francisco Elson. But I see your point, he's only played two NBA games so far, he needs time to adapt. He'll be fine.

I'm more concerned about Blair's play at the moment.