[Anton123Participant]

Everyone is talking about Danny Green’s 3’s and Kawhi Leonard’s defense, but has anyone else been impressed with Diaw’s defense on LeBron in game 5?
At first when I saw Diaw was on LeBron I thought the Spurs were in travel but Diaw didn’t let LeBron get past him on most times they were isolated, or at least forced him into a double team.
Obviously it’s more about team defense on LeBron, but I thought Diaw did a great job that I didn’t expect at all.

[rtbtParticipant]

Diaw’s defense? I’m LOL! He’s a terrible defender and did nothing to stop LeBron.

Leonard’s played great defense on LeBron but let’s face it, nobody can stop LeBron except himself.

[JoeWolf1]

Maybe if you didn’t watch the game and you’re just looking at past bodies of work, but last night there was some definate truth to this post.

[rtbtParticipant]

Hey Joe, how are you doing? We haven’t talked in a long time.

One play stood out in my mind where LeBron went around Diaw as if he were standing still and Popovich immediately brought in Leonard to play LeBron. IMHO, Leonard has done as good a defensive job as anyone on LeBron.

In addition, I thought Diaw was fouling LeBron repeatedly, and for whatever reason, they weren’t called. Next, LeBron’s shot was a little off in last night’s game but I certainly don’t attribute it to Diaw’s defense.

[JoeWolf1]

Things are good, it has been a while. You?

I mean, by no means was Diaw flawless, or did he “shut down’ Lebron, but I noticed him right off the bat when he hit the court last night. On the defensive end too. He did a good job and was an important piece to SA’s victory. I certainly am not proclaiming him the new Lebron stopper, but you gotta give the guy some credit. The best defenders foul all the time, so I don’t exactly take a few no calls a knock to Diaw’s effort. There are a lot of unsung heros in just about every important victory, no matter what team, and I’m willing to say Diaw did a good job on Lebron. Maybe Bron was being too passive, maybe he didn’t like that Diaw was playing physical, but no matter why Lebron was contained pretty well, and Diaw helped.

[rtbtParticipant]

Hey Joe, I haven’t spent much time on this site for many months but it’s always fun to come back and debate basketball. I’ve been around the game for over 50 years and sometimes when I’m here I feel as if I’m debating with high school or college kids who have no historical references.

As for Boris Diaw, I will agree that he tried hard on defense, but from my perspective, he was not the reason LeBron had an off night, at least by his standards. Diaw happened to be out there when LeBron was not his usual effective self.

In the majority of cases, I too would give credit to the defender but with LeBron it’s very different. Even though I think Leonard’s done an outstanding job on LeBron, I’m convinced that nobody on the planet can stop or even slow him down. The only person who can do that is LeBron himself. That’s my opinion Joe and I’m sticking with it.

Good speaking with you again!

[JoeWolf1]

You too, man, I hope to see you around more this week leading up to the draft. I’ve actually enjoyed this draft class because there are no sure fire guys, or big names. Take care.

[JoeWolf1]

You too, man, I hope to see you around more this week leading up to the draft. I’ve actually enjoyed this draft class because there are no sure fire guys, or big names. Take care.

[rtbtParticipant]

Hey Joe, I haven’t spent much time on this site for many months but it’s always fun to come back and debate basketball. I’ve been around the game for over 50 years and sometimes when I’m here I feel as if I’m debating with high school or college kids who have no historical references.

As for Boris Diaw, I will agree that he tried hard on defense, but from my perspective, he was not the reason LeBron had an off night, at least by his standards. Diaw happened to be out there when LeBron was not his usual effective self.

In the majority of cases, I too would give credit to the defender but with LeBron it’s very different. Even though I think Leonard’s done an outstanding job on LeBron, I’m convinced that nobody on the planet can stop or even slow him down. The only person who can do that is LeBron himself. That’s my opinion Joe and I’m sticking with it.

Good speaking with you again!

[JoeWolf1]

Things are good, it has been a while. You?

I mean, by no means was Diaw flawless, or did he “shut down’ Lebron, but I noticed him right off the bat when he hit the court last night. On the defensive end too. He did a good job and was an important piece to SA’s victory. I certainly am not proclaiming him the new Lebron stopper, but you gotta give the guy some credit. The best defenders foul all the time, so I don’t exactly take a few no calls a knock to Diaw’s effort. There are a lot of unsung heros in just about every important victory, no matter what team, and I’m willing to say Diaw did a good job on Lebron. Maybe Bron was being too passive, maybe he didn’t like that Diaw was playing physical, but no matter why Lebron was contained pretty well, and Diaw helped.

[rtbtParticipant]

Hey Joe, how are you doing? We haven’t talked in a long time.

One play stood out in my mind where LeBron went around Diaw as if he were standing still and Popovich immediately brought in Leonard to play LeBron. IMHO, Leonard has done as good a defensive job as anyone on LeBron.

In addition, I thought Diaw was fouling LeBron repeatedly, and for whatever reason, they weren’t called. Next, LeBron’s shot was a little off in last night’s game but I certainly don’t attribute it to Diaw’s defense.

[JoeWolf1]

Maybe if you didn’t watch the game and you’re just looking at past bodies of work, but last night there was some definate truth to this post.

[SubZeroParticipant]

Lebron went 1-8 against Diaw, and most of those shots were on isos. Someone wasn’t watching the game

[SubZeroParticipant]

Lebron went 1-8 against Diaw, and most of those shots were on isos. Someone wasn’t watching the game

[rtbtParticipant]

Diaw’s defense? I’m LOL! He’s a terrible defender and did nothing to stop LeBron.

Leonard’s played great defense on LeBron but let’s face it, nobody can stop LeBron except himself.

[Anton123Participant]

I really apologize for “in travel” I obviously meant “in trouble”, should doublecheck myself.

[Anton123Participant]

I really apologize for “in travel” I obviously meant “in trouble”, should doublecheck myself.

[JoeWolf1]

Diaw played great and for a big dude he was still running all over the court, playing hard and hitting the deck. I don’t know why Lebron was reluctant to go at him, but there were some great defensive moments by Diaw, when he did.

I mostly remember Lebron playing passive, but there was that great baseline cut off in the 4th where he gave a quick no call bump where Diaw forced Lebron to take a contested 12 footer instead of getting to the rack. There were other good defensive plays by Diaw. For some reason or another he gave Lebron some issues. It was a great effort by Diaw on both ends of the court.

[JoeWolf1]

Diaw played great and for a big dude he was still running all over the court, playing hard and hitting the deck. I don’t know why Lebron was reluctant to go at him, but there were some great defensive moments by Diaw, when he did.

I mostly remember Lebron playing passive, but there was that great baseline cut off in the 4th where he gave a quick no call bump where Diaw forced Lebron to take a contested 12 footer instead of getting to the rack. There were other good defensive plays by Diaw. For some reason or another he gave Lebron some issues. It was a great effort by Diaw on both ends of the court.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

Diaw is a big dude with good feet. He did a good job defending LeBron.

However, that’s just unacceptable if you’re LeBron. You have to destroy him. I know it’s not JUST Diaw (give credit to Spurs team defense) defending LeBron, but still… You have to destroy Diaw. LeBron was passive IMO. Like I just didn’t feel he was in attack mode.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

Diaw is a big dude with good feet. He did a good job defending LeBron.

However, that’s just unacceptable if you’re LeBron. You have to destroy him. I know it’s not JUST Diaw (give credit to Spurs team defense) defending LeBron, but still… You have to destroy Diaw. LeBron was passive IMO. Like I just didn’t feel he was in attack mode.

[AmiableBaller34Participant]

The Spurs have literally no respect for Wade and LeBron as jump shooters, so this allows bigger bodied defenders like Diaw to sag off of them. Both Wade and Bron have been timid to shoot, and this has played in perfectly for the Spurs defenders because they can just sit back and contest the shot when they drive. Diaw is a big body, and was extremely effective in this role because he doesn’t have to cover as much ground as he normally would. Overall the Spurs have just been playing some incredible defense.

[mini_marzParticipant]

Took the words rite out of my mouth. Lebron and wades confidence in their jump shots is dropping and it’s showing all the time. Can’t count the amount of open 15-18 foot jumpers they are given throughout the game and they still hesitate to take them. Bosh looks like he prolly has the best mid range game between them even though he hasn’t exactly players well himself

[mini_marzParticipant]

Took the words rite out of my mouth. Lebron and wades confidence in their jump shots is dropping and it’s showing all the time. Can’t count the amount of open 15-18 foot jumpers they are given throughout the game and they still hesitate to take them. Bosh looks like he prolly has the best mid range game between them even though he hasn’t exactly players well himself

[AmiableBaller34Participant]

The Spurs have literally no respect for Wade and LeBron as jump shooters, so this allows bigger bodied defenders like Diaw to sag off of them. Both Wade and Bron have been timid to shoot, and this has played in perfectly for the Spurs defenders because they can just sit back and contest the shot when they drive. Diaw is a big body, and was extremely effective in this role because he doesn’t have to cover as much ground as he normally would. Overall the Spurs have just been playing some incredible defense.

[the I in winParticipant]

Good job on defense but I was down right impressed by his high-low passing, he is a great passer and Timmy is a great catcher.

[the I in winParticipant]

Good job on defense but I was down right impressed by his high-low passing, he is a great passer and Timmy is a great catcher.

[Brennan23Participant]

Lebron struggles when matched up against someone as big or as heavy as him. Diaw is a big strong body so lebron couldn’t overpower him or shoot over him .

[Brennan23Participant]

Lebron struggles when matched up against someone as big or as heavy as him. Diaw is a big strong body so lebron couldn’t overpower him or shoot over him .

[rjb241Participant]

diaw did a good job, sure, but hes by no means a great defender. Please dont tell me you think Diaw can do a much better job than Paul George or Kawhi, its just not possible, yeah hes big but Lebron should have blew by him, it wass just an awful performance from lebron, unacceptable. He shouldve seen that matchup and his eyes should have lit up like Tony parker was doing to cole.

[rjb241Participant]

diaw did a good job, sure, but hes by no means a great defender. Please dont tell me you think Diaw can do a much better job than Paul George or Kawhi, its just not possible, yeah hes big but Lebron should have blew by him, it wass just an awful performance from lebron, unacceptable. He shouldve seen that matchup and his eyes should have lit up like Tony parker was doing to cole.

[Brew Meister SmithParticipant]

He has done better than a good job here. Even if you want to criticize his past work on D, it makes this even more impressive.

Credit where credit is due. He has done his part for the team. Cudos to him and the coaching staff for getting himself back into shape and motivated to play hard.

[Brew Meister SmithParticipant]

He has done better than a good job here. Even if you want to criticize his past work on D, it makes this even more impressive.

Credit where credit is due. He has done his part for the team. Cudos to him and the coaching staff for getting himself back into shape and motivated to play hard.

[rjb241Participant]

i just think everyone is overreacting. ok Diaw played great defense for a quarter and a half but he has not done much of anything for the spurs. they would still be in the finals w/o him, easy, in my mind theyd still be up 3-2 no doubt. i dont think borris has contributed much of anything this series apart from his GREAT defense for a quarter last night. Lebron goes 1-8 and everyone is like whoa Borris Diaw or is that bruce bowen no no its diaw. I guarantee Pop is not even considering playing diaw on Lebron for all of game 6. he will go right back to kawhi as he should. i put it on lebron he should have destroyed diaw. destroyed him. its a far bigger mismatch then chalmers or cole guarding parker and when he iso’s w them he rips them. It was like he lost his confidence again and forgot hes the best player in the world the best ISO player in the world. Paul George couldn’t stop him and he’s one of the best defenders in the NBA, he shouldve left diaw in the dust

[rjb241Participant]

i just think everyone is overreacting. ok Diaw played great defense for a quarter and a half but he has not done much of anything for the spurs. they would still be in the finals w/o him, easy, in my mind theyd still be up 3-2 no doubt. i dont think borris has contributed much of anything this series apart from his GREAT defense for a quarter last night. Lebron goes 1-8 and everyone is like whoa Borris Diaw or is that bruce bowen no no its diaw. I guarantee Pop is not even considering playing diaw on Lebron for all of game 6. he will go right back to kawhi as he should. i put it on lebron he should have destroyed diaw. destroyed him. its a far bigger mismatch then chalmers or cole guarding parker and when he iso’s w them he rips them. It was like he lost his confidence again and forgot hes the best player in the world the best ISO player in the world. Paul George couldn’t stop him and he’s one of the best defenders in the NBA, he shouldve left diaw in the dust

[CynthiaParticipant]

I thought Diaw did an amazing job, and I thought it was a smart move. Diaw has more size than Green & Leonard(those two kind of skinny) and can bang with LeBron a bit better, all while still being a very mobile big man. He’s also an excellent passer, he really kept the offense flowing for the Spurs with those extra passes.

Diaw has always been a highly skilled player for a bigger guy, he has a decent shot, good handles, good passer, and very mobile. He’s actually kind of a poor mans LeBron to be honest. I think if Diaw was in better situations in his career he could have been an All Star 1-2 times. He got close to his potential in Phoenix but I still think he could have been better.

Arguably his best year was in 05-06(won Most Improved Player Award):
.526 FG%
6.9 RPG
6.2 APG
1.0 BPG
0.7 SPG
13.3 PPG

Pretty dang good all around stats if you ask me!

[CynthiaParticipant]

I thought Diaw did an amazing job, and I thought it was a smart move. Diaw has more size than Green & Leonard(those two kind of skinny) and can bang with LeBron a bit better, all while still being a very mobile big man. He’s also an excellent passer, he really kept the offense flowing for the Spurs with those extra passes.

Diaw has always been a highly skilled player for a bigger guy, he has a decent shot, good handles, good passer, and very mobile. He’s actually kind of a poor mans LeBron to be honest. I think if Diaw was in better situations in his career he could have been an All Star 1-2 times. He got close to his potential in Phoenix but I still think he could have been better.

Arguably his best year was in 05-06(won Most Improved Player Award):
.526 FG%
6.9 RPG
6.2 APG
1.0 BPG
0.7 SPG
13.3 PPG

Pretty dang good all around stats if you ask me!

[phila9012Participant]

If he could only drop 20 pounds of fat he would be even better

[phila9012Participant]

If he could only drop 20 pounds of fat he would be even better

[phila9012Participant]

If he could only drop 20 pounds of fat he would be even better

[phila9012Participant]

If he could only drop 20 pounds of fat he would be even better

[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

I’m not going to say that Diaw shut down LeBron or even played great defense on him. He did play better defense that I thought he would but regardless, LeBron is bigger faster stronger and more skilled offensively than Diaw is defensively.

LeBron SHOULD have shredded him to pieces, instead he was content with taking jumpers.

LeBron shut himself down while guarded by Diaw, not the other way around

[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

I’m not going to say that Diaw shut down LeBron or even played great defense on him. He did play better defense that I thought he would but regardless, LeBron is bigger faster stronger and more skilled offensively than Diaw is defensively.

LeBron SHOULD have shredded him to pieces, instead he was content with taking jumpers.

LeBron shut himself down while guarded by Diaw, not the other way around

[hylandptParticipant]

Diaw always been a versatile defender. He’s not a help defender, but he has good footwork and he challenges and alters guys shots. He guards SF-C, I remember him guarding some of the harder centers in the NBA like Yao under D’Antoni suns.

Diaw obviously can be in better shape, but he’s all around skilled. He’s not horrible by any means.

Can you expect him to play lock down defense every night? of course.

But he comes to play, every night.

That’s what matters.

[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

“Can you expect him to play lock down defense every night? of course.”

Is there a typo there?

[rjb241Participant]

i guess were the only ones who think Borris Diaw isnt a lockdown defensive powerhouse who shuts dudes down on a daily basis.

[rjb241Participant]

i guess were the only ones who think Borris Diaw isnt a lockdown defensive powerhouse who shuts dudes down on a daily basis.

[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

“Can you expect him to play lock down defense every night? of course.”

Is there a typo there?

[hylandptParticipant]

Diaw always been a versatile defender. He’s not a help defender, but he has good footwork and he challenges and alters guys shots. He guards SF-C, I remember him guarding some of the harder centers in the NBA like Yao under D’Antoni suns.

Diaw obviously can be in better shape, but he’s all around skilled. He’s not horrible by any means.

Can you expect him to play lock down defense every night? of course.

But he comes to play, every night.

That’s what matters.

[RObin PadillaParticipant]

Diaw played good defense against Lebron, but cmon Lebron you got to take to Diaw and be more assertive!

[RObin PadillaParticipant]

Diaw played good defense against Lebron, but cmon Lebron you got to take to Diaw and be more assertive!

[IvoLParticipant]

People heare misunderstanding things here, no one is saying Diaw is a great defender, second nobody is saying Diaw is stronger, faster and better than Lebron, third Diaw did defende him well and fourth i like Diaw’s passing and vision ability third Lebron has been struggling with his Shot in all of this Series, i think he is tired not mentally but physicaly because he is carrying the team in the playoffs and let’s not take credit on SAS Defense too, and last one for the guys that said Heat in 6 i actually alreday knew this finals would be difficult to tell who is going to WIN my opinion that’s all

[IvoLParticipant]

People heare misunderstanding things here, no one is saying Diaw is a great defender, second nobody is saying Diaw is stronger, faster and better than Lebron, third Diaw did defende him well and fourth i like Diaw’s passing and vision ability third Lebron has been struggling with his Shot in all of this Series, i think he is tired not mentally but physicaly because he is carrying the team in the playoffs and let’s not take credit on SAS Defense too, and last one for the guys that said Heat in 6 i actually alreday knew this finals would be difficult to tell who is going to WIN my opinion that’s all

[Author]

Posts