It is much too early for this, but the offseason is here for the San Antonio Spurs and myself. Earlier than we hoped, earlier than we expected, earlier than has ever happened for me.

Give credit to the Dallas Mavericks who shot the ball so very well. In the last game, they took the lead early and while we tried to come back, they were a better team than us. As far as the fans and intensity, I just tried to feed off it but not let it take me off of my game. You can't let the emotions of the playoffs change your game or your leaving behind what got you there.

The Mavericks played better basketball through the series and deserved to win the way they did.

Now the offseason begins and my hope is to take time away from the game of basketball. It is important to do so after a season. I will be playing with the French national team later this summer but now have time off to be rested and fresh.

Time to empty my head and do some things other than basketball. Any ideas for me?

So this is it. After Game 4, the time is now or never. We do not have the choice and must win the remaining three games against Dallas to continue our season. Otherwise the season is over. It is not even May yet. This would be the first time in my career that we lost in the first round, so I'm ready for that.

But we are not there yet and we are focused on only one thing. That is winning tomorrow at home. It is a question of pride and honor to win in front of our home fans. We want to return to Dallas for Game 6 and keep the season alive.

What is more frustrating for us is that we know we could have won a few of these games, especially Game 4. As a team, we need to be more balanced on the offense. There aren't as many options. Give the MAvs credit because they doubled teamed me in the second half and thus would not let me shoot as often as I wwanted. Tim took over but we would have needed more help on the offensive in order to come out on top.

Tomorrow is another day. Just let us hope it is not the last one. Back to work.

Here in Dallas hours before Game 3 against the Mavericks and figured that checking out Weplay would be a great way to relax. Reporters and media sometimes ask if I do anything different to prepare for the playoffs, you know because its so physical in nature and high stakes. But really in my experience the key is to keep my routine the same as the regular season.

Believe it or not, the intensity of playoff games doesn't make me nervous. I actually really enjoy all the excitement and intensity of the playoffs. I look forward to it all season long. This is why we play.

I actually watch all the other playoff games because I am a student of the game. There are players that I enjoy watching and there are players that I am friends with on other teams, but I wouldn't say I root for them one way or the other. There is only one team I root for and that is the San Antonio Spurs.

Tonight is an important game for our team, and a win on the road would give us back the home court. Preparation is important. Of course we have our systems and schemes as a team that we practice and know we can execute but in a series and even in a single game, we are always switching them up either to keep the other team off balance or fix something that isn't working. We always make specific changes throughout the game.

The one thing I regret is that we are going the rest of the way without our teammate Manu Ginobili. Losing a teammate is never easy and with Manu, out we all feel the responsibility to step up our game. If that means scoring more or in my case getting others involved better, that's the focus.

Now time to get a little bit of rest in before heading to the arena. Watch game 3 tonight!
-TP

So yes it has been more than three months since the Spurs lost in the NBA Playoffs, which still stings. I think for many of our fans, it's gotten to the point where it's more of a surprise if the Spurs do NOT win it all. In San Antonio the goal is always to win a championship so we always have high expectations and last year we came close so it gives us even more motivation to try to do it again this year.

Since I first got involved with weplay, I've been thinking a lot about how I can share my lessons with you guys. As far as dealing with a big loss, there's no perfect way to handle a big loss. You know everyone reacts differently. But the best thing you can do is try to learn from it and make sure you improve and see what you can do better to make sure you don't get into that position anymore. Just always try to do what it takes to win the next time.

For new players and kids learning how to play the game, you have to have fun with it. You have to have fun when you play basketball and then as you grow and it becomes more competitive, then you have to try to do your best and think about getting better. But for beginners, I would just try to have fun and enjoy the game.

It's important to have a family that's supportive, and I've been really lucky in that regard. I talk to my brothers and my family all the time. We try to make sure we see each other all the time. Especially right now you can always go on the computer and chat live and stay in touch. I get back home a decent amount, travel a lot and we make sure we spend time together.

No matter what, that's the most important lesson of all - always make the most out of the time you spend with family and friends.
----TP

Hello again, Yes of course I realize it has been some time since I last gave an update and I apologize for that, letting LeBron and everyone else have all attention to themselves.

After the NBA season ended now nearly three months ago, I went on vacation for almost two months, traveling in Europe, going to events like the European Championship. I went to see my brother play, he won the championship in France so that was nice for me to see him play.

As far as working out on the court, I didn't really do anything for those two months and then July 28th, I started practicing with my coach, shooting and running on the track and hitting the weights. Now every morning from 7:30 to 10, I practice and then in the afternoon I just rest, like I'm doing right now. You know, chilling, go to nice restaurants, see movies, that kind of thing. I think once mid September comes around, like when training camp is closer, that's when I start getting excited about next season starting. Oh, and I did get a little excited when the schedule came out because no we know who we're playing in that first game.

Of course, I'm also watching the Olympic Games with a lot of interest. I'm pulling for my friends and teammates to do well, of course, but I think the USA is going to win. They're a very, very good team. In my opinion, their toughest competition is Spain, but that was not an issue in the preliminary round. I think the U.S. has the team to win the gold this year.

The Olympics are an amazing event. One of my favorite childhood sports memories growing up was watching Michael Jordan play on TV and winning the gold medal in the Olympics. Of course, watching him play in general and winning championships with the Bulls was pretty awesome too.

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer and I'll be back soon with another update.
----TP