After the Tuesday game, sure did get quiet here. Come on Spurs fans, you know Pop will make adjustments. It was a reasonably close game most of the way. Spurs did lack agressiveness on D and I'm sure they've heard about it since Tuesday. I expect the Spurs to come out of the blocks fast and furious, that should get them in the paint more which will open up their overall game. Also, I expect a very physical game. Refs need to be more consistant. Are they going to let them play are call it close, that's the least the refs could tell the coaches before the game. GO SPURS GO!!! No FRO' tonite the Spurs will win JT
The Spurs were only down by 1 point after 3 quarters despite Duncan only shooting 4-12. Not very encouraging for Piston fans, it took 3 strong performances by Billups, Hamilton, and Big Ben to beat the Spurs. I think the biggest difference in game 3 was the lack of impact from Horry and Mohammed. Game 1 combined for 17/10 v. Big Ben 5/7 Game 2 combined for 18/11 v. Big Ben 9/8 Game 3 combined for 10/12 v. Big Ben 15/11 Those two guys need to match or exceed Big Ben's output for the Spurs to win. Parker, Duncan, and Gino can each get the Spurs around 20 PPG so they can combine for 60-65 points for the Spurs. The Pistons counter that output with Billups, Hamilton, Prince & Sheed, so the 'X-factor' in the series comes down to Horry & Nazr versus Big Ben. I think the next two games are must wins for the Pistons. I don't give them any chance to win two games in San Antonio, so they have to hold the series edge 3-2 heading back there.
Pistons were actually up by 5 at the end of the 3rd. Difference in game 3 was that Rip Hamilton had the kind of game he has had all through the playoffs. He was MIA in the first two games. Thats what stands out the most. Mcdyess was more of a factor and Billups was knocking down his threes. Duncan and Manu were out of sync, part of that is due to an off night but the Pistons defense had alot to do with It as well. They normally play much tighter D at home and It showed. Rasheed Wallace was again missing, I feel he has one great game at least in him so the Spurs must be awear of that factor. Game 4 is again going to be key, the Spurs do not want to be playing game 5 in Detroit with the series tied at 2-2. The Laker series flashbacks could return. I think even though 6 and 7 are in S.A, I truely believe the Spurs must have a 3-2 advantage going back home. Going home down 3-2 after holding a 2-0 lead can just destroy all your confidence.
AllNet, I totally agree. As good as the Spurs are one of their weaknesses we all know is free thrown shooting, the other is they can get psychologically rattled. I think they are finally maturing enough, as a team, to overcome the latter. Like I said, they better get out real fast and jump on the Pistons. Isn't Big Ben about 8' 2" with his Fro' out? JT
Once again the 'X-factor' to watch is Horry/Nazr v. Big Ben. Game 4 combined 9/9 v. Big Ben 11/13 The Pistons also took 20 more shots last night. The increased physical play by the Pistons has allowed them back in the series. Manu Ginobli's thigh bruise has hurt his ability to get lift when he drives, and the Pistons are dishing out harder fouls now to Parker and Gino. I think the Spurs did find some ways to penetrate the Piston wall late in the 3rd quarter, and Pop will probably focus on those plays in their next practice. The difference in Game 4 was also the bench play. Hunter and McDyess played strong for Detroit, and sparked the defensive intensity. No one showed up off of the Spurs bench to match the output. I still think the Pistons need to win Game 3 for a chance at repeating as champs. They cannot afford to lose the momentum and let San Antonio regain it's confidence heading back to their homecourt.
At this point the Spurs need a win whether by 1 or 50 pts. It will help their confidence a great deal. What the heck happen to the Spurs ball movement? I'm depressed, good thing I did't have any money riding on the last 2 games. LOL JT
