Ah yes, now I remember what that Memphis series was like again. Just like Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol pounded the Spurs down low last year, Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol destroyed the Spurs tonight. It was so shocking to watch because the Spurs have eased their way into a dominant team and now, all of a sudden, in one game, they look weak and feeble.
Andrew Bynum toyed with most of the Spurs while completely dominating the game with 30 rebounds. Tim Duncan was like his competitive kid brother. DeJuan Blair, Matt Bonner, and the rest were like Bynum’s children.
Let’s get right to the point: Gregg Popovich is in full stubborn donkey mode and won’t play Tiago Splitter alongside Tim Duncan. This maneuver would not have won the game tonight but at least it gives the Spurs a fighting chance.
When the Spurs are getting dominated in the paint by physical big men, they have to go with Tiago and Tim. I have no idea in the world why Popovich refuses to try this… well he did try it for the last couple of games of the Grizzlies series last year when he panicked and finally paired Splitter and Tim.
This Lakers-Spurs game was no fluke aberration. The Spurs struggle against length and talented combos down low.
I don’t doubt Gregg Popovich’s genius as I thought there was no way in hell they would be a title contender but here we are 9 games from the playoffs and they’re one of the favorites in Vegas (the ultimate unbiased opinion). The fact that they have a legit chance to win the title again speaks volumes for Pop’s efficiency, ability to cover weaknesses, and team concept.
I’ve been amazed all season at what he’s been able to do.
But despite Pop’s deserved “best coach in the NBA” title, he has a huge weakness in that he refuses to play a twin towers lineup with Tiago and Tim when other teams do the same. The Spurs have to do this against the likes of rebounding and scoring tandems like Gasol-Bynum and Randolph-Gasol.
If the Grizzlies didn’t hammer that point home last year after 6 games, surely Andrew Bynum toying with the Spurs has to speak volumes. Although Pau Gasol didn’t dominate like Bynum did, he was extremely effective (21, 11, and 4) and got pretty much whatever he wanted while letting Bynum dominate.
Andrew Bynum’s 30 rebounds weren’t some stroke of luck out of the clear blue sky. The domination was a crystal clear indicator that the Spurs didn’t have the size or talent down low. Tim Duncan did a fair job but without more size and talent, he can’t hold down the fort by himself. He needs some talent and size next to him.
It just so happens the Spurs have a Brazilian 7 footer that most teams would love to have. Problem is Pop won’t play him.
Going into a game where you know you’ll be up against two of the top 5 big men in the NBA, how much sense does it make for your second best post player to get 15 minutes?
It’s an incredulous situation – as if someone that had no clue what they were doing was coaching the Spurs. The 20,000 lb. bright pink elephant in the room is pointing its trunk towards Tiago on the bench and saying hey, you’re getting out rebounded 2-1 and Andrew Bynum is on pace to break historic records, you might want to try a little size.
Yet, he won’t do it. After the game, he stonewalls terrified reporters with simplistic answers that would indicate the Spurs just need to try harder or play better. Assistant Coach Bud, Former Coach PJ Carlesimo, Color Commentator and Former Player Sean Elliott, Tim Duncan or someone is going to have to look the captain in the eye and tell him the truth.
Otherwise, he won’t change course until it’s too late… again.
San Antonio Blog on Why Won’t Gregg Popovich Play Tiago Splitter More?
Filed under spurs by on Apr 12th, 2012. Comment. 