Duncan-Parker-Ginobili / .341 FG%/ Spurs win by 20

[LAZERUSS]

Not only that, San Antonio shot 39% from the field, and 20% from the arc, and...they win easily...

[JimmyMcAdocious]

Because they have the GOAT coach?

I'm actually curious, what's your coach ranking? Or tiers? Or whatever you do.

[Smook A.]

The power of a coach

[Blue&Orange]

Not only that, San Antonio shot 39% from the field, and 20% from the arc, and...they win easily...
Maybe the fact that the Kings also shot 39% form the field and 20% from the arc and shot 20% less from the FT has something to do with it.


Just a hunch

[All Net]

Great depth and great coaching.

[Dr.J4ever]

I'm a big Spurs fan, with the Sixers in the tank. I love intelligent basketball. I love team ball, where every player produces, and is valued. Notice how players, who were not valued in other systems, suddenly produce for Pop.
Really hurt when they lost last year to a team they should have beaten in the Finals.

[Milbuck]

Is Gregg Popovich the GOAT coach? I haven't seen Red Auerbach, John Wooden, or anyone before the 90s really. I've seen Phil, Pat, Sloan, Karl, Adelman, all of the great coaches from the mid 90s to today, and I can't think of a single coach who I think is more skilled than Pop.

[LAZERUSS]

Because they have the GOAT coach?

I'm actually curious, what's your coach ranking? Or tiers? Or whatever you do.

If you include college... Wooden would be #1.

After that, I honestly think Pop has a case. He has done more, with less, than Auerbach, Jackson, and Riley did.

[fpliii]

If you include college... Wooden would be #1.

After that, I honestly think Pop has a case. He has done more, with less, than Auerbach, Jackson, and Riley did.
Just wondering, who would make your top 10 for this thread:

www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=328769

?

[Fawker]

the longest tenured trio of stars surrounded by lowkey unassuming talent?

[Deuce Bigalow]

Looks like Wilt's finals ft%

[LAZERUSS]

Just wondering, who would make your top 10 for this thread:

www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=328769

?

Damn...that is tough.

Very few here probably even know who Bill Sharman was, but IMHO, the greatest single season coaching job in NBA history, was his 71-72 season.

And Al Attles did a remarkable job in 74-75.


Wooden was, IMHO, the greatest basketball Coach...period. He won with guard dominated play in the early 60's (including a team that didn't have a starter over 6-5); he won with forward-dominated play (Wicks and Rowe, and later Meyer-Johnson-Washington); and of course he won with Alcindor and Walton.

He won 10 titles in 12 seasons, and had freshmen been allowed to play, he most certainly would have won another in '66 (UCLA's freshman team beat the then #1 ranked varsity in a pre-season scrimmage.) And, had he won in '66, he would have had a streak of 10 in a row. And how about the '73-74 Bruin team that LOST in the NCAA semi's? They lost a double OT game (and after blowing a seven point lead in the first OT.) In fact, that '74 team that lost to NC St, in the semis, was the only team to beat the Wolfpack from 72-73 thru 73-74...and they did it in an 84-66 beatdown. So, Wooden was only a play away from winning nine in a row, and had freshmen been allowed to play, it could have been 12 in a row (in his last 12 seasons.)

Even more remarkable, was the fact that in his last 44 NCAA games, his team's went 43-1, which included 38 in a row. And the vast majority of those were blowout wins. But, to his credit, they pulled out a miraculous come-from-behind win against UNLV in '71...in an era with no shot-clock, and no 3pt line to assist in a comeback.

Not only that, but when he was coaching, only the team's that won their conference could go to the NCAA's. In fact, how about the 70-71 USC Trojans, who went 24-2, and didn't qualify? Why? Because those two losses were against the Bruins.

Even Wooden's LOSSES were monumental. Alcindor's Bruins went 88-2 in his three years, and their two losses were by scores of 46-44 and 71-69. BTW, that 71-69 loss came against Elvin Hayes and the Cougars in the famous Astrodome game in '68. The two teams would meet again in the NCAA semis, and the Bruins just destroyed Houston by a 101-69 margin, in a game that was not even that close (they led by 44 early in the second half.)

UCLA's 88 game winning streak was snapped at South Bend by the Irish, 71-70...in a game that UCLA led 70-59 with three minutes to play.

And of course, that Double OT loss against NC St in the '74 Semis.


And Wooden had FOUR teams that went 30-0. His '67 Bruins had a ppg margin of 25 ppg, His '68 Bruins, even with a loss, had a margin of 26 ppg. And his '72 Bruins had a staggering 30 ppg scoring differential.

I could go on, but IMHO, Wooden stands alone. Just compare his career with that of Dean Smith. Smith probably turned out more NBA stars than Wooden, and yet, could "only" win TWO NCs in 26 seasons.

[fpliii]

Damn...that is tough.

Very few here probably even know who Bill Sharman was, but IMHO, the greatest single season coaching job in NBA history, was his 71-72 season.

And Al Attles did a remarkable job in 74-75.


Wooden was, IMHO, the greatest basketball Coach...period. He won with guard dominated play in the early 60's (including a team that didn't have a starter over 6-5); he won with forward-dominated play (Wicks and Rowe, and later Meyer-Johnson-Washington); and of course he won with Alcindor and Walton.

He won 10 titles in 12 seasons, and had freshmen been allowed to play, he most certainly would have won another in '66 (UCLA's freshman team beat the then #1 ranked varsity in a pre-season scrimmage.) And, had he won in '66, he would have had a streak of 10 in a row. And how about the '73-74 Bruin team that LOST in the NCAA semi's? They lost a double OT game (and after blowing a seven point lead in the first OT.) In fact, that '74 team that lost to NC St, in the semis, was the only team to beat the Wolfpack from 72-73 thru 73-74...and they did it in an 84-66 beatdown. So, Wooden was only a play away from winning nine in a row, and had freshmen been allowed to play, it could have been 12 in a row (in his last 12 seasons.)

Even more remarkable, was the fact that in his last 44 NCAA games, his team's went 43-1, which included 38 in a row. And the vast majority of those were blowout wins. But, to his credit, they pulled out a miraculous come-from-behind win against UNLV in '71...in an era with no shot-clock, and no 3pt line to assist in a comeback.

Not only that, but when he was coaching, only the team's that won their conference could go to the NCAA's. In fact, how about the 70-71 USC Trojans, who went 24-2, and didn't qualify? Why? Because those two losses were against the Bruins.

Even Wooden's LOSSES were monumental. Alcindor's Bruins went 88-2 in his three years, and their two losses were by scores of 46-44 and 71-69. BTW, that 71-69 loss came against Elvin Hayes and the Cougars in the famous Astrodome game in '68. The two teams would meet again in the NCAA semis, and the Bruins just destroyed Houston by a 101-69 margin, in a game that was not even that close (they led by 44 early in the second half.)

UCLA's 88 game winning streak was snapped at South Bend by the Irish, 71-70...in a game that UCLA led 70-59 with three minutes to play.

And of course, that Double OT loss against NC St in the '74 Semis.


And Wooden had FOUR teams that went 30-0. His '67 Bruins had a ppg margin of 25 ppg, His '68 Bruins, even with a loss, had a margin of 26 ppg. And his '72 Bruins had a staggering 30 ppg scoring differential.

I could go on, but IMHO, Wooden stands alone. Just compare his career with that of Dean Smith. Smith probably turned out more NBA stars than Wooden, and yet, could "only" win TWO NCs in 26 seasons.
:applause:

[ZoPunde]

...... against the Kings, stuff like that happens all the time. :lol

[LAZERUSS]

...... against the Kings, stuff like that happens all the time. :lol

I am old enough to remember a Kings-Lakers game in which the Lakers led 40-4 in the first period.

[andremiller07]

It's against the Kings where 3 (Cousins, Gay , Thomas) of the 5 starters are playing for stats instead of winning and taking a insane amount of stupid shots and low% plays, seriously the Spurs bench would have more wins than the current Kings roster.

[cos88]

Because they have the GOAT coach?

I'm actually curious, what's your coach ranking? Or tiers? Or whatever you do.

did not know Red Auerbach is alive, he was with tupac and biggie in cuba right the whole time?

[TMT]

Pop is great but let's be real guys, this bench is the number one reason we are where we are right now. Patty, Belli, Manu and Boris should split the sixth man award into quarters at this point because there is no better bench group in the league. At least two or three of these guys are hitting double digits in points every game lately.

[LAZERUSS]

Pop is great but let's be real guys, this bench is the number one reason we are where we are right now. Patty, Belli, Manu and Boris should split the sixth man award into quarters at this point because there is no better bench group in the league. At least two or three of these guys are hitting double digits in points every game lately.

But that bench is comprised of players that most teams wouldn't give a second glance at.

Pop has a knack for taking un-sung talent and making the sum greater than the parts.

[TMT]

But that bench is comprised of players that most teams wouldn't give a second glance at.

Pop has a knack for taking un-sung talent and making the sum greater than the parts.

That's a given. Pop has done a great job putting guys in the right roles and building confidence, but at the end of the day they are the ones going out and making it happen. Pop isn't helping those shots go in. These guys have been on a tear.

[LAZERUSS]

That's a given. Pop has done a great job putting guys in the right roles and building confidence, but at the end of the day they are the ones going out and making it happen. Pop isn't helping those shots go in. These guys have been on a tear.

I have to admit that it is a two-way street. Even Duncan doesn't appear to have an ego. From what I have gathered, the core of this team has been comprised of unselfish, team-oriented, clutch players that all probably could have put up bigger stats somewhere else.

And kudos to both Pop and Timmy for the way they have handled the last few seasons. Most star players like Duncan would have balked at playing 30 mpg, or less. And clearly, because of that, Duncan is still a force in the game.

I have been a near life-long Laker fan, but I have come to respect and appreciate what the Spurs organization has accomplished in the last 15+ seasons. Truly remarkable.

[Yankstar]

I have to admit that it is a two-way street. Even Duncan doesn't appear to have an ego. From what I have gathered, the core of this team has been comprised of unselfish, team-oriented, clutch players that all probably could have put up bigger stats somewhere else.

And kudos to both Pop and Timmy for the way they have handled the last few seasons. Most star players like Duncan would have balked at playing 30 mpg, or less. And clearly, because of that, Duncan is still a force in the game.

I have been a near life-long Laker fan, but I have come to respect and appreciate what the Spurs organization has accomplished in the last 15+ seasons. Truly remarkable.

:applause:

Makes me wonder what Kobe could of achieved if he rested after his 5th ring and settled into a Duncan like role instead of playing 40 min a game and burning out in 2-3 years. I wonder if Lebron will follow the Duncan/Wade path.

[bdreason]

I feel like Tim Duncan is who really makes this Spurs team tick. Can you imagine playing with such a great player, who seemingly has no ego, and does whatever it takes for his team to win? That kind of attitude from such a great player is contagious.

Tim Duncan is the modern day Bill Russell, and when he retires, it's going to be a huge loss for the Spurs franchise and the NBA.

[ThePhantomCreep]

Dp

[ThePhantomCreep]

Because they have the GOAT coach?

I'm actually curious, what's your coach ranking? Or tiers? Or whatever you do.
Amazing. According to ISH

Duncan > Dream
Parker > Cp3
Prime Gino > prime Allen, Pierce, Carter

Now we have Pop > Phil

How did this awe-inspiring legendary tandem only produce three rings in 11 seasons? Phil won two with just Kobe (another player Duncan is supposedly much greater than) and Gasol.

[wally_world]

The Spurs can beat you at any game. They have the weapons to outscore you in a shootout. Their defenders are disciplined enough to lock you down in a dog fight. Their depth is just insane. And their confidence just gets higher and higher with wins like this.

[sportjames23]

If you include college... Wooden would be #1.

After that, I honestly think Pop has a case. He has done more, with less, than Auerbach, Jackson, and Riley did.


He's got less rings than them, so he's not done more with less.

If Pop coached back then, he'd have even less rings. This is just--how do detractors of the 80s and 90s say--a weak era. When's the last time Pop coached SA to a ring?

[SCdac]

Give some props to the supposed "scrub" Tiago Splitter, 11 pts / 11 rbds and game-high +15. When he scores double digits, the Spurs have not lost this season.

Also Marco had a great game. 17 pts / 3 steals and just knows where to find open spots both in the paint and on the perimeter.

[T_L_P]

Give some props to the supposed "scrub" Tiago Splitter, 11 pts / 11 rbds and game-high +15. When he scores double digits, the Spurs have not lost this season.

Also Marco had a great game. 17 pts / 3 steals and just knows where to find open spots both in the paint and on the perimeter.

We're something like 21-0 this season when Tiago scores 10+ points :oldlol:

[DMAVS41]

They have been the best franchise since Duncan's rookie year in 98...

Everyone from the owner to gm to coach to players deserve a lot of credit, but I do think that sometimes Duncan doesn't quite get as much as he deserves.

Having a franchise player with no ego that it easy to play with on both sides of court is what has made it all work. He is willing to and can play just about any role the team needs him to...while continuing to play some of the best interior the league has seen.

Duncan anchored the Spurs to a top 3 defense each year from 98 through 08...often the best defense.

In 09 they had the 5th best defense.
In 10 they had the 8th best defense.
In 11 they had the 11th best defense.
In 12 they had the 10th best defense.

The last two years they are back to being elite with the 3rd and 4th best defenses.

Crazy shit...

[navy]

They are going to choke in the playoffs again. Bait

[ThePhantomCreep]

They have been the best franchise since Duncan's rookie year in 98...

Everyone from the owner to gm to coach to players deserve a lot of credit, but I do think that sometimes Duncan doesn't quite get as much as he deserves.

Having a franchise player with no ego that it easy to play with on both sides of court is what has made it all work. He is willing to and can play just about any role the team needs him to...while continuing to play some of the best interior the league has seen.

Duncan anchored the Spurs to a top 3 defense each year from 98 through 08...often the best defense.

In 09 they had the 5th best defense.
In 10 they had the 8th best defense.
In 11 they had the 11th best defense.
In 12 they had the 10th best defense.

The last two years they are back to being elite with the 3rd and 4th best defenses.

Crazy shit...

They're the best franchise...with less rings and Finals appearances than the Lakers? Does not compute.

[SCdac]

They're the best franchise...with less rings and Finals appearances than the Lakers? Does not compute.

we talking about the 22-46 Lakers? or the Lakers that missed the playoffs in the mid 2000's? :lol

[Grey Dawn]

I'm a big Spurs fan, with the Sixers in the tank. I love intelligent basketball. I love team ball, where every player produces, and is valued. Notice how players, who were not valued in other systems, suddenly produce for Pop.
Really hurt when they lost last year to a team they should have beaten in the Finals.

Agreed :cheers:

[ThePhantomCreep]

we talking about the 22-46 Lakers? or the Lakers that missed the playoffs in the mid 2000's? :lol
The one that won more championships than the Spurs and routinely crushed them in the postseason.

But yeah, all those seasons with 57-wins (followed by a second round exit) for were incredible. Losing to an 8th seed is the stuff of legends. Definitely trumps an extra championship.

[tpols]

They're the best franchise...with less rings and Finals appearances than the Lakers? Does not compute.

Lakers are lucky they can attract any star to come to them in a way most teams cant.. spurs overall management is best in the league

[TMT]

The one that won more championships than the Spurs and routinely crushed them in the postseason.

But yeah, all those seasons with 57-wins (followed by a second round exit) for were incredible. Losing to an 8th seed is the stuff of legends. Definitely trumps an extra championship.

Lakers did it with two different cores, each composing of the then best big man in the league along with Kobe Bryant. Spurs have had this run over a decade of the same core still competing for championships with their centerpiece being almost 38 years of age. Call it what you want but there's close to zero differential in terms of legacy, you could even tip the argument to the Spurs due to consistency and not missing the playoffs at any point.