Spurs and Blazers

by kdfkwak on Jan 15, 2008 8:24 AM PST

Just a quick, complimentary anecdote related to the Blazers. Last night, while watching part of the Spurs game with my wife, she exclaimed, "Hey, the Spurs play like the Blazers, with all of that passing." Now, to whatever extent there is a similarity in those teams' games, we all know that if anything, it's probably better to say that it's the Blazers that play like the Spurs, given that the Spurs have been playing that way for a good long time while the Blazers are just coming into it now. (My wife is no life-long student of the game or anything, but she has been watching the Blazers carefully this season, enough to now be able to discriminate different styles of play.) But the important point is that there really is a noticeable similarity when it comes to the kind of team ball that is played by those teams. I myself have often noted to myself that the way the Blazers know how to kick the ball out and pass it around the perimeter to find the open man does look an awful like what I've seen from the Spurs who do that better than anybody, IMO. Given the Spurs' success, this similarity certainly bodes well for our future!

Anyone else see this similarity? Personally, I can't wait for out next matchup with the Spurs. I think we're a very different team now than we were the last time we played them. I anticipate a very well-played, competitive game.

Tweet Comment 7 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

The difference

beyond Duncan is Bowen's ability to shut down an opponent and let the others gamble on steals. This is why they are always in good decision, and it is predicated on a standout defender, much like our offense is with Roy.
On that note, Tony Parker is so skilled at finishing at the rim, it is no contest that when he drives it is either a two or an and 1. Maybe SerJack should have to watch Parker films ad nauseam until they start finishing stronger.
Hopefully our zone and three-point shooting is on because that is the key to defeating the Spurs.

Hate the game, not the player.

by Rodendridge on Jan 15, 2008 9:23 AM PST reply actions

Oops

position NOT decision. My bad, my journalism teachers would lay into me for that one. Not even one cup of coffee deep yet, so please leniency your honor.

Hate the game, not the player.

by Rodendridge on Jan 15, 2008 9:24 AM PST reply actions

Its no coincidence

that the Blazers resemble the Spurs. After all KP "grew up" in that environment. It's where the "c" word comes from. THe similiarities are amazing right down to te "luck of the draw" in the lottery that allowed them to add Tim Duncan along with David Robinson. Not unlike our luck in adding GO to Roy and Aldridge.I personally love the fact that he has brought that management style with him. To make a non-nba comparison, the Spurs are like the Patriots in the NFL, which is why they contend every year. They scout and draft well, and take the time to develop their own talent. When it comes to drafting and freeagency they bring in high character, inexpensive quality role players to complement their super star. They are well coached by a strong personality who is not afraid to stand up to an out of line player (see Dennis Rodman). I for one am glad that this is the franchise that the Blazers are consciously or subconsciously emulating. I think the approach that KP and the rest of the front office is taking will keep us contending for years to come. I think in the coming years our chief rival will be the Spurs. Their front office won't be dumb enough to let that team all get old together ala the 80's Celtics. I think they'll draft well enough and utilize free agancy to stay a contender for years to come. I look forward to a bunch of western Conference finals featuring these two teams full of good to great players and quality human beings.

On Paul Allen's cash it should say "In Pritchard We Trust"

by kevingiard1 on Jan 15, 2008 10:51 AM PST reply actions

sorry @ the spelling errors

i think my fingers are dyslexic today. Have a great Blazer day!

On Paul Allen's cash it should say "In Pritchard We Trust"

by kevingiard1 on Jan 15, 2008 10:54 AM PST up reply actions

Blazers & Spurs

I'd say the most concise way to define the similarity is the commitment to fundamentals. As Larry Brown calls it - "Playing the Right way".

As kdfkwak's wife noted, that includes moving the ball. Check out Celtic's Blog for a post about fixing what's wrong with the Celtics. According to one of the players, the difference between how they are playing the past few games and how they had been playing was lack of ball movement - making that extra pass. It's no coincidence that teams who understand the importance of good ball movement tend to be successful. It's what keeps getting Princton into the NCAA tourney.

No better a source than John Wooden used to constantly tell his players that "the ball can move faster than any player". Keep moving it and you WILL get a good shot opportunity.

by timg56 on Jan 15, 2008 1:23 PM PST reply actions

A wise man used to always say

"Ball movement and player movement."

A shadowy flight into the dangerous world of a man who does not exit - Darius Miles

by tominhawaii on Jan 15, 2008 2:17 PM PST up reply actions

Our jerseys are a lot nicer

So we'll always be more exciting to watch than the Spurs, with their dreary grey and black snoozeathon uniforms.

But I agree, the Spurs are a perfect example of being led by a team first superstar who sets the tone for the entire team. Duncan even accepted less money because Pop showed him what they could do as a team with the spare money... but they were clear they would pay him the max if he wanted it. Duncan opted for the lower salary, better team option.

Roy is Duncan in guard form; considered un-flashy but perfectly capable of spectacular plays, considers team and winning over stats, and sets the tone for the entire organization. His play is what makes us so similar, if more athletic and fun to watch.

KP places team-play and unselfishness as a priority for which players he goes after, and I'd say the Spurs do the same. The Spurs model is what EVERY team would like to do, but the problem is that you need the right superstar, let alone the right mix of role players. You can try to be the Spurs all ya want, but if Z-Bo is your star then your team isn't gonna play unselfishly.

And while it goes without saying, there are a lot more Z-Bo's than Roy's in the world, and that's the real difference here. KP wanted to create a winning culture, and he knows that is more than just SAYING you want a better culture. You need the players who can carry the organization's beliefs out, and that is where most teams will be found wanting.

We are so incredibly lucky to have Roy, let alone LMA and Oden. I think we'll be better than the Spurs. Plus, our jerseys are just SOOOOO much nicer looking that we win before we even make it to the arena.

Mortimer

by Mortimer on Jan 15, 2008 5:25 PM PST reply actions