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 Memphis Mania and Why I Hate the Spurs
Posted By: Bob Adlhoch |
 There are many reasons Bob doesn't like the Spurs - their record against the Suns being the biggest.(NBAE Photos) |
Monday night I got to experience the wildly entertaining NCAA championship game with a sports bar full of hard-core Memphis fans. Every Tigers basket was followed with thunderous applause, each near miss with “ooohs” and “ahhhs”. As their team stretched the lead to 9 with just over 2 minutes remaining, the noise was deafening. The crowd cheered through entire timeouts, passing around high fives and hugs – their team was so close to the ultimate prize they could taste it. You know what happened next. Kansas hit a few shots, the rim shrunk on the Memphis end (just ask Derrick Rose and Chris Douglas-Roberts) and the rest was history. As the CBS broadcast went to commercial break at the end of regulation after the miracle 3-point field goal from Kansas, I could hear Jim Nantz’s voice for the first time since I’d joined this crowd. The previously raucous bar was as quiet as an oncologist’s waiting room. After the game, the crowd filed out as if leaving a funeral.
The game was one for the ages, an instant classic. I would have enjoyed watching it by myself in my hotel room. But sharing it with those passionate fans elevated the experience and made it more than a game. My traveling broadcast crew (Tom Leander, EJ, Dan Siekmann and Greg Miller) and I talked as much about this great crowd as we did about the game. It was a moment that clarified why I love sports – it brings people together, gives them a sense of pride and unity. Now if only those same fans would show up at FedExForum to support the Grizzlies...
One more thought from Memphis – Rudy Gay is the real deal. A legit 6’8”, he is long, strong and athletic, gets to the rim at will and has a sweet-looking stroke from way back. If he can see the backboard, he’s in his range. He reminds me of my favorite player growing up, Dominique Wilkins, the way he easily navigates traffic and will dunk over people. In only his 2nd year in the NBA, he is as poised and polished a scorer at his age as anyone not named LeBron the league has seen for quite some time. I know that Shane Battier fills a nice role for the Houston Rockets, but can you imagine if they hadn’t made that draft day trade with Memphis and kept Gay? He and McGrady would be unstoppable forces – add Yao Ming to the mix and you’d have a championship contender for the next 5 years.
Speaking of draft day trades, one that I’m sure the Suns regret was in 1974 when they sent a 3rd round pick out of tiny Eastern Michigan to the San Antonio Spurs. His name was George Gervin. And except for the night Charles Barkley turned out the lights at the old Hemisphere Arena with a rainbow over David Robinson, the Spurs have been a nemesis ever since. Which leads me to my list of reasons I hate the Spurs (in no particular order):
- Dirty play: Call it physical, hard-nosed or gritty if you wish. But it’s dirty. I seriously doubt James Naismith would have approved of the clutching, grabbing and kicking (did I mention hip-checking?) that are hallmarks of the silver and black.
- Whining: Is it funny to anyone else that Gregg Popovich owns a winery in Oregon? Have the Spurs committed a single foul over the last 10 seasons without griping? You could take the square root of the number of words Pop says to the officials during a game and it would still be more than any other coach in the NBA. And Tim Duncan’s bug-eyed look at any foul called on him is more tired than the Energizer Bunny.
- Flopping: Just play the game, fellas. No need to act like you’ve been hit by a car every time an opponent drives past you. Raise your hand if you really believe Manu Ginobili can be one of the most graceful offensive players in the game and yet looks like a seizure victim on the defensive side – how does this happen? Bruce Bowen is a tenacious defender – does he really need to dive to the floor so often?
- The Slaughterhouse: If you’ve never been to the AT&T Center, you can’t fully appreciate this one. It’s a big metal barn in the middle of nowhere that looks like a place cattle go to become steak. In NBA terms, it’s exactly that (I think the Spurs are about 200-4 since they moved into the building.)
- The numbers: Truth be told, this is the biggest reason of all. The numbers 3-5 (Phoenix’s playoff series record vs San Antonio) and 4-0 (Spurs titles to Suns titles).
Comments
Kyle - PHX!
I hate everything about the spurs but most is the dirty play followed by the floping.which is why i hope we play the spurs in the first round this year and show every one that we are the team to bet not the spurs!
Bexar Bellamy - San Antonio
My god, Boris Diaw doesn't flop? You're insane! The At&t center was placed in "the middle of nowhere", to boost the low income ex-industrial area's stale economy. Suns ball is the most whiny by far (perhaps outside of Mavs ball). Dirty Play? Really? I think you're trying to push off league sentiment of Bruce Bowen on the entire Spurs' roster, that's simply untrue and not a fair statement. Oh, and Tim HAS been hacked every time he's touched the ball since he entered the league. Other than that, I mostly agree.
JT - Austin, TX
Way to be objective, even with your opinions. I appreciate the honesty about the numbers.
Of course I do disagree with the flopping,and I could mention Nash in the same category as some of the Spurs you mentioned.
I really respect the Suns, and I think they may have a chance to go far this year. One factor is keeping Amare in the game. He has to stay out of foul trouble. For a team (not normally) known for defense, he sure picks up a lot of fouls in big games. And most of the time they aren't smart fouls, but ticky tack ones. For the Suns to beat the Spurs or any top teir team, he has to play.
That being said, Go Spurs Go.
Bexar Bellamy - San Antonio
Best rivalry? Please. You Suns fans are masochist if you actually like to see us beat you with such consistency in the modern era line-up. Good luck with your team not falling apart this next season after you (in classic Suns fashion) choke to death.
Bexar Bellamy - you know...
My bad Suns fans Diaw doesn't really flop, I meant Bell. But he does, ad nauseum.
Kyle - PHX!
do u really think that if the suns hadent gotten screwed last year in the playoffs against the spurs u still would have beat us come on.had robert horry not hip checked nash resulting in amare and boris being suspended for that game the suns would have won.and im not gonna go into the ref situation.
we will see tonight and come playoff time
GO SUNS
John - San Antonio
Bob, you are a typical Suns fan. You want so badly to be better than the SPURS and can't find the magic to make it happen. I guess I would feel as you do if I were a SUNS fan, but fortunatly for me I am not. I am a SPURS fan and like what I see each year that the SUNS would love have and be and I wouldn't trade it for all the whninning NASHES, D'antonis and whatever else makes up the perennial losing SUNS.
John S. - Surprise AZ
It's hard to describe what the Spurs have had that made them champions so often. You could call it heart, pride, or maybe a stubborness, refusing to wilt in crunch time. I believe it's an inner strentgh, something that can't be taught, it's contagious, and affected their entire team and very often lifted them over the opposition. I have watched them often this season, and whatever it was, it's gone this year. I've seen flashes of it with our Suns, to bad in our case it's so fleeting. With the equality in the playoffs this year, whichever team manages to conjur it up will be wearing new rings.
christian - san antonio
hey the suns are a good team in all but they wont be able to do anything, like always. And the spurs are to great of a team to be beaten by the the choking suns
nbafan - phoenix
Spurs play strong defense, they are are very good team. I like nba ball, but I like watching the Suns to me they not a selfish team. Yes they have come up short many times but I still like their chances, it would be deserving for them, if they can come up with a win tonight. I hope they are able to play some smart defense, unfortunetly you cant be scared to play d against a team like the Spurs.
Jarret - AZ
If it wasn't for the refs last year the suns would have beaten the spurs. That hip check by Horry was way uncalled for. If Stoudamire and Diaw wouldn't have been suspended we would have killed the spurs!
Will - Tucson, AZ
Hey Bob, great article. I think you forgot one reason to hate the Spurs though - they are BORING. I think their play by play goes something like this: rebound, pass to Duncan, bankshot, inbounds, drive, flop, turnover, pass to Duncan, bankshot. They are the most boring team in the NBA to watch. But I guess that is how they like it down in Fatonio... they watch Nascar too. Anyway, I'm glad it's not our team that has tarnished trophys. They will never be considered a dynasty until they win 2 in a row and that will not happen this year! Go Suns! It's time for the good guys to win!
Bexar again... - S.A.
Kyle, the ref situation? Come now. San Antonio being one of the smallest markets in the league and the style of play being media labeled as "boring", do you think the NBA would really want to show bias to the Spurs in the way of calls? Hell No! Prime example is the Dallas/S.A. series the year before, a playoff clouded black by bad calls (eventually, however, karmic justice screwed them back to a laughable point). Anyways, the front office of the NBA would drool at the chops to get Nash and crew in the finals. Shaq can't hurt with getting calls either. More jerseys sold, more butts in the seats and more TV duckets. You lost the series last year because you couldn't (and maybe still can't) set up on half court defense. Some would say you didn't play defense at all. Your boys are fun to watch, but where are your rings? Where are Golden State's? Or the Nuggets'? The way in which you're coached is killing your, otherwise, talented team. Maybe the article should read, "Why Suns fans should hate Mike D'antoni". I think pointing your finger's towards your own bench (players and coaching staff) explains losing in the play-offs much better than some Spurs conspiracy.
Kenny - Phoenix
The worst thing about the Spurs is that when the Suns play them and complain... we are complainers and excuse makers. But when the Spurs whine and make excuses they are legit. It completely throws me for a loop... I've started labeling these things the 'NBA Doubles'. This includes fouls that are fouls on one end but not fouls at the other (for any pair of teams). I must of missed rule 214-3 in the NBA rule book where it states all rules are subject to referee opinion of and tendancies of players.
Bexar (on his day off) - Tortilla Factory, Tejas
I do like you calling us the Evil Empire, though. We should be introduced to the Imperial Death March, that would be sweeeet!
kc - toronto
the suns will never beat the spurs. if the games are important, based on the games I see, the suns always get screwed by the refs. Just look at the number of technicals they get recently. When the spurs players defend, they clutch the opposing team players, fall, bringing the other players with them. But the ref like to call them offensive fouls, because they make them look like the other guys push them down. Dirty? Sure. effective? absolutely. I can hardly believe the refs get fooled by the acts year after year. I think the NBA prefer the likes of Spurs (defense first) play, and don't like the Suns (offense first) style, esp. when playoff comes.
WA - Houston
"if they hadn’t made that draft day trade with Memphis and kept Gay? "
Unfortunately, he would have sit on the bench for the whole season under JVG. Because:
1. His defense.
2. His is a rookie.
3. and most, he and T-mac play alike. And T-mac will always get more play time.
So it is a good thing for him get traded to Memphis. He got more opportunity. Just like Durant in Seattle.
camille - queen creek, az
I am a Texan in every way, except with NBA basketball. There is not a team in Texas worth its weight in gold. The Phoenix Suns have heart and play with integrity. It would be nice to see other teams play with that integrity and honesty.
Rafael - Canada
So basically you hate the spurs because they've dominated the suns ever since anyone can remember?
Rip - Az
there has never been any Suns to another team rivalry! why? Suns can finish!!! as easy as that!!!
-
Hey Bexar do you know how to play basketball? I think you don't because Raja Bell is awesome.
Stan - California
This is why the Suns got Shaq, he will nutralize all of the Spurs flopping, whinning, and dirty play. Shaq has had many battles against Duncan and the Spurs and won most of them when he was a Laker. Now as a Sun he will get the Suns passed the Spurs. Trust me Shaq will make the difference against the Spurs. Suns will win the West with Shaq.
dearhuff - Tucson
Suns over the Spurs by 17!! Let the whining begin!
Adam - Las Vegas
All you Spurs fans talking crap about the Suns getting beat by your team better enjoy that phrase while you can...Ever since Shaq has come around we have SMASHED you twice now. Once in Phx, once in SA...I can't wait to destroy you in the playoffs. Oh and Bruce Bowen is the worst player in the NBA. If there was a stat for MPI (Most Players Injured) Bruce Bowen would win every year. What a hack!
Oh and good luck in the post-season :)
larry - palmerston North
Spurs players are dirty and thats the buttom line.
I've watched soo many games where bowen and manu just kneeed opposition or even fraguate foul players. Just ask Ray allen or Kobe let alone to be Nash.
The Suns was screwed by the refrees, we didnt choke, and i am sure that the SUNS will beat you Spurs just like we did with fashion and style today (96-79, in Spurs own home court)!!!
bob - canada
Bexar. The ref situation just might refer to the whole refs betting on games fiasco. Oh well, after this awesome game, I doubt even terrible calls will be able to stop the suns from beating the spurs.
Guillermo - Hong Kong
Nice win for PHX today.
I would like to see the Suns bring in the same kind of intensity to the coming Playoffs. With Shaq landing on the desert, this is certainly the chance. I will be very disappointed if they commit the same mistakes they made last year (losing the composure - Amare and Boris headed to the court) and slip the ring AGAIN.
Just take them down on the court.
John Doney - Greenville, SC
Where are all the Spurs fans now?!
Betty - Phoenix
What a great game last night!!! Great blog too.
I used to admire Tim Duncan and David Robinson was a gentleman, but now with the exception of Tony Parker I can't stand the team anymore. I got so tired of watching Manu flop. Guess the refs finally stopped ruling in his favor because he doesn't do it as often as before. Bruce Bowen is awful, he makes up for no talent by playing dirty. One of these days someone's going to knee him (and Manu too) back. You can even see him in action on YouTube. Pretty sad to be known for that.
I don't think Tim has ever fouled anyone, at least in his mind. I've noticed that when he's guarding someone and that player's fouled, if there's another Spur even close by, he gets charged with the foul. Happened to Kurt Thomas a couple of times last night. The refs seem to protect Tim to keep him in the game.
There's no way that the Spurs would have beaten the Suns in the playoffs last year without the help of the refs and of course the Robert Horry/Steve Nash debacle. Big Bob's a real man to take on someone a lot smaller and who probably weighs 75-100 lbs less. Steve was running at full speed and could have been really injured badly. Still haven't figured out how the league ruled that Amare and Boris would be suspended a game when Tim and Bruce Bowen, who also left their bench, got away scot-free.
As far as their style of play, the Spurs are boring. Shows something that other teams are adopting the Suns style of play.
To all who have posted and are not from San Antonio, thank you for your kind words.
GO SUNS!!!
TJ - La Grande, OR
I am a die hard dedicated Suns fan and have been for years (I cried my eyes out in 93 at the age of 12 when they lost to the Bulls). Over the past few years, this current makeup has been my favorite to watch, perhaps exceeding the Barkley era. Having said all this, I have to point out that the Suns do just as much whining and flopping as the Spurs. Nash, especially this season, seems to complain a lot more than in the past, and Dantoni can often be seen practically popping his carotid artery at obvious calls- take note of the ridiculous increase in warranted technicals. Bell is a notorious flopper, on par with Ginobli. Unfortunately, flopping, as we all know, has become a mainstay of many NBA players’ repertoires. The only point that I agree with you on is that the Spurs are dirty; specifically, Bruce Bowen. Horry’s infamous hip check, rose the Spurs dirty status in Sun’s fans eyes, but Bowen’s actions alone are enough to tarnish the Spurs as a dirty team. Just look at the way he kicked at Nash's feet as he fell to the floor and the elbow to Stat's sternum from their last game. He's dangerous, sneaky, dirty, and is the sole reason I can’t' stand the Spurs. I have respect for Duncan, Ginobli, and Parker because they are hardworking professionals. It’s too bad that they’re teammates with a jump kicking, ankle breaking (literally), crotch kneeing, and undercutting purveyor of dirty plays
JT - Austin, TX
Spurs fans are right here buddy. Don't get too excited about the regular season.
Stan - California
Bruce Bowen is allways awarded as first team all defense. Rodman was also a defensive specialist. Nobody likes a guy who hounds their players, or gets away with the grabbing, elbowing, and hipchecking that Bowen does. Last night he showed what libertys he can take by elbowing Stat in the sternum. It was a dirty play and I hope the league reviews it, and suspends him a few games for it plus hands him a huge fine. That elbow was flagrant and a cheap shot. Now that the Suns have Shaq I'm sure they will not be intimidated by that or any other physical play. Shaq is a protecter of his players and will not stand for any cheap shots to them without payback. Bowen will have to be looking over his shoulder in the playoffs when the Suns play the Spurs. I hope the Suns get the Spurs in the first round, cause that would be the momentum the Suns need to win it all. With Shaq the Suns are unstopable.
elfreda ssecakuku - Hopi Indian Reservation
Manu should win an oscar for his acting. He always acts like he had a heart attack when he draws a foul, which usually isn't a foul but the one sided refs always call it that. Where do these refs get their training anyway? Anyway, the Spurs always play dirty, then whine and cry about it. GO SUNS!!!!!!!!!
John M - San Antonio
Finally the Suns play defense. Defense wins Championships!! period. Wednesday nights game was a bad "SECOND" half game for the SPURS. Remember, it was tied up 45 at half time. So don't you all get big headed. Also SHAQ did not play in memphis the game before the SPURS game so this means he was fresh. Your Suns are not known as a defensive team so guess who is?? Yes, you know who. The Suns played SPURS Basketball and won. Well, the SPURS play their own game better than anyone. YOU STILL HAVE TO GO THROUGH SAN ANTONIO!! The playoffs is a whole NEW season. The World Champs will be ready. GO SPURS GO!
Shannon - Austin
I have to agree with Camilla. I'm a Texan through and through, but I can't stated any of the Texas teams. The Spurs are whiny, dirty foulers and boring, the Mavericks after having one of the best regular season last year and being cocky about it are getting shown the door this season even with 50 wins and I really don't have much bad to say about the Rockets, I just happen not to like them. The Suns are by far my favorite and not that they always do everything because they have racked up the technicals the last several weeks and can started to complain when calls don't go their ways, but I noticed alot that calls are overlooked and I can see their fustratation with missed calls and inconsist calls. Also, when they trade Shawn Marion I was very upset, he has always been a favorite of mine, but I have come around to respect the aspect of the game that Shaq brings to the game. The SUNS WILL RISE this year!!
Robin - Sacaton, AZ
Enough talk...BRING ON THE PLAYOFFS!!!
John Doney - Greenville, SC
Keep talking Spurs fans, because you will soon be put to rest in the playoffs. Glad you are still around buddies, so we can really rub it in when the Suns advance in the playoffs past the Spurs. The Suns are stronger and tougher this year than the Spurs who are a bunch of cheapshot cowards. Sorry to say for your sakes, but all of you Spurs fans will be watching the Suns on TV after we win the championship, and we won't need Stern, the refs, or cheapshot plays to win it all. All we need is heart!
Scorch 'Em Suns!
marianne - Sedona
I came to Arizona from CAlifornia holding my allegance to detroit but after 3 seasons with the Suns I can honestly say.. they can do no wrong and for one reasons that no one has mentioned.. first they are a team, nobody needs all the glory,they don't play dirty like many teams, LA and SPurs.. they share and Steve Nash is the leader who "makes it so" He is having a rough season this year, maybe because he misses Shawn but mostly getting in grove with Shaq. At first I was screaming at the TV hoping Mike D. could hear me and give back Shaq.. but now I love him, he is the best and AMare even better. This team kicked SPurs whinning butts the other day and nobody was happier than I was. I am 57 but am the biggest fan in Arizona. I know my neighbors think I am crazy when the games are on, my daughter is always telling me to keep it down. I think the other reason that they team are appearing weak now and again because of the inconsistency of the players. Grant hill on one day off the next, Boris steps up to plate one day and next he is fearful to take the shot, Raja, how can he do wrong and well, I could write for hours... but have to work. Stay focused Suns! your fans are forever and this can still be your championship, look forward, not back and ha ha you Spurs fans... who's crying now!
Amani - Phoenix, AZ
True, the Spurs are boring enough for me to even watch em play another team. I knw Suns own them this year, unlike previous years.
Go suns.
rishi - tutti
spurs should play the game fairly
sean - RI
I HATE THE SPURS AND LOVE THE SUNS...NUFF SAID!!!!!
neKomimi - Phils
GO SUNS! The elbow that happened between Horry and Nash won't happen again! Cause if it does, I wonder if Stoudemire and O'Neal can stand it and not beat up the Spurs.
John M - San Antonio
The regular season is almost over. It doesn't mean too much going into the Playoffs. The REAL season is about to start. Every team is 0-0. The great Michael Jordan was right. Don't get so ahead of yourselves about winning it all. Anything can happen. Just ask last years Dallas team. GO SPURS GO!!
mandy - az
GO SUNS!!!!!!!! best team in the nba no matter what anyone says!!!!!!!!!!!
vanessa - phoenix
SORRY BUT DONT TRY TO HATE ON THE SUNS. THE SPURS DONT BRING THE EXCIMENT EVERY TIME THEY PLAY LIKE THE SUNS!!!!!!! THEY RULE NASH,STAT,BELL,BARBOSA AND SHAQ LIKE MANY MORE COME ON SPURS FANS YOU KNOW THE SUNS ROCK...
Lara 87 - Phoenix
Go SUNS! The spurs are nothing but a metal piece on the bottom of a BOOT...Anyways...SUNS will wax them out,hope to see the spurs in the playoffs...
Casey D. - Phoenix
Good call Bob. You're my favorite summer softball coach ever.
John F. - San Antonio
Good game last night Suns.
Justin - Mesa, AZ
I'm a Spurs fan that was born and raised in AZ. The Spurs are the envy of the league. Why do you think Kerr is the GM? cause he learned from the Spurs. Also the difference between the Spurs whining and the Suns whining is the Spurs go and talk to the ref after their initial reaction (not always to complain). the Suns just keep yelling like mad men. Watch D'Antoni next game and you'll see where they get it. The Spurs are the Champs 'til someone beats them and I don't think it will be PHX this year. Sorry suns fans.
Valdivia - El Paso, Texas
I predict game 2 goes to Phoenix. Yeah, I'm a Spurs fan but, there are several things going against the Evil Empire tonight. Ginobilli has been in a bad slump the past month and a half. He can't throw the ball in the ocean so Duncan & Parker are bailing him out. This can't hold up, he's gotta help out with better perimeter shooting, which ain't there. Brent Barry is a rusty bucket so forget his 3-pointers. Big Shot Bob is MIA plus Bowen and Finley are not shooting well either. Bottom line, but for Duncan's 40 points and his Hail Mary shot, the Good Guys win game 1. Can the Evil Guys duplicate Game 1?? That's what worries us!
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