Game Blog: Spurs @ Nuggets

[sonic21]

http://tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:6kJmBhefxM9eFM:http://www.kvii.com/uploadedImages/kvii/Sports/Stories/San%2520Antonio%2520Spurs.jpg vs http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:wmUYTWzov5EIUM:http://www.all-nba-all-basketball.com/images/DENVER_NUGGETS_LOGO1.jpg


Duncan228's preview: http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=115915

b2b after an overtime but:

BELIEVE :flag:

[benefactor]

I would love for my RRT prediction for the game to be wrong....

[sonic21]

stay healthy

[xellos88330]

Go Spurs Go!!!! :flag:

[Fernando TD21]

Is Carmelo going to play?

:flag:

[tp2021]

No TMT.

My prediction looking like ca$h $$$ money

[loveforthegame]

It'll be funny how many people freak out over the loss tonight despite the big 3 out.

[tp2021]

11. Game Links - Don't ask for links to online broadcasts for the games, and don't post such links. These sites are breaking copyright laws by broadcasting them.

[duncan228]

can anyone pm a link for this game i dont have nba tv

Sorry. From the FAQ's at the top of the board.


Game Links - Don't ask for links to online broadcasts for the games, and don't post such links. These sites are breaking copyright laws by broadcasting them.

[SAhoops]

My bad, I have seen people do it before, but they were wrong too! I removed it.

I really think we are rolling and despite the overtime and bb we will pull this one out.

[HarlemHeat37]

Zo with some good analysis about the Spurs..it would have been nice to have him wearing a Spurs jersey this season..

[Bandwagon Spurs Fan]

we still win by 26.

[DPG21920]

Crzy line up

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

I would love for my RRT prediction for the game to be wrong....

Me too, but after OT against the Warriors, at high altitude, and with Manu out, I'll be very (pleasantly) surprised if we win tonight.

Given that this blog will probably be in continuous meltdown, I'll leave it to y'all. I just can't stand the fucking bullshit right now. We've won 17 of the last 21 and still people continuously lose their heads. Fuck that. :rolleyes

If we lose by less than 10 we've done very well.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Crzy line up

Actually, not, given the circumstances. i like it. Pop is giving some guys like Hill a chance to get their mojo back. :tu

[Bartleby]

I think Pop's decision is smart. He's probably gotten spooked seeing so many players go down this week.

[loveforthegame]

Drilling 3s is about the only chance we have winning tonight.

[mystargtr34]

K-Mart not playing tonight.

[mystargtr34]

Georgie!!!!

[024]

hahahha spurs bench is owning denver.

[SpursFan0728]

lol@spurs winning

[TwelveGs210]

and btw, balkman has to be the person to carry the torch from cassell as the NBA's ugliest player..

[mystargtr34]

:lol once Denver realises these guys can actually play a bit they will start to get their shit together.

[loveforthegame]

2 fouls on Bowen.

[Bartleby]

Hill looking really sharp so far.

[Libri]

Good finish by Hill.

[024]

nice lay in by hill. and one.

[Bartleby]

Grizzly Man sighting!

[mystargtr34]

I wanna see some Hairston on Melo.

[loveforthegame]

Hairston. I hope Pop gives him a chance even if he makes a few mistakes.

[anjlbitz]

George Hill!!!

[mystargtr34]

George already looks so much better when hes in charge of things on ther floor.

[Ditty]

Gh3 Dunk

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

Is yahoo screwed up or did Duncan and Parker both not start?

[Bartleby]

The tricky part for the Spurs will be staying out of foul trouble. Especially without TD to guard the paint.

[HarlemHeat37]

another reason this is a good idea..giving Hill and Mason some confidence that they've lost lately, especially George..

[loveforthegame]

Great start for Hill. Nice to see him respond with Parker out.

I hope Hairston isn't yanked for the shooting foul.

[anjlbitz]

Is yahoo screwed up or did Duncan and Parker both not start?

POp is keeping the big three out of this game..

:flag:

[FreeMason]

Hill's coming out party.

Like it so far but Denver is still asleep.

[mystargtr34]

Is yahoo screwed up or did Duncan and Parker both not start?

Manu, Duncan and Parker all rested.

[024]

chance for hairston to shine.

[Manufan909]

Who were the starters?

[mystargtr34]

Did Hill just throw one down. Im not able to watch the game from work.

Nice dunk?

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

POp is keeping the big three out of this game..

:flag:

lol, it's clear Denver hasn't noticed.

[FreeMason]

wtf is hairston in.

Show Ime some love. Try to win this game.

edit: oops nvm he is in haha

[boutons_]

WTF? do the playoffs start this weekend?

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Hill looking really sharp so far.

On his performances this year, he might be one of those guys who excels when he starts and isn't nearly as effective off the bench... i hope he can learn to play off the bench.

So are the Big 3 not playing at all tonight???

[loveforthegame]

Is Finley playing tonight?

[mystargtr34]

wtf is hairston in.

Show Ime some love. Try to win this game.

Hairston is already ahead of Ime in the rotation.

[Dex]

If Ime can't manage to crack the rotation TONIGHT, I'd say he's officially taken up residence in the Doghouse™.

[FreeMason]

Oberto needs mutton chops.

[FreeMason]

Is Finley playing tonight?

He's in a suit tonight. Guess he is also resting.

[anjlbitz]

Did Hill just throw one down. Im not able to watch the game from work.

Nice dunk?

Nope. Just a simple dunk

[tp2021]

Did Malik just blow Melo up with a box out? :wow

[loveforthegame]

He's in a suit tonight. Guess he is also resting.

Wow. So we have 4 players available off the bench? Not good.

[mystargtr34]

If Ime can't manage to crack the rotation TONIGHT, I'd say he's officially taken up residence in the Doghouse™.

Hes already purchased an entire lot in the Doghouse.

Cash. Up front.

[024]

ok rest over. put duncan and parker in for a few minutes.

[holcs50]

ime sucks-end of discussion.
this is a crazy lineup,ha.
Really glad George will actually get some quality minutes this game

[HarlemHeat37]

while we won't win this, sucks that the refs took Bowen out on a horrible call..Anthony is having his way right now..

[Manufan909]

Did Malik just blow Melo up with a box out? :wow

Melo flop!!!

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Hairston is a TANK. He just levelled Melo on a blockout WITH HIS BUTT! :lmao

The reserves are looking great. :)

Oh, and I love Pop's mind - he's not afraid of stranding out from the crowd. Nice one, Pop. :tu

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

ok rest over. put duncan and parker in for a few minutes.

Did they even dress?

[Amuseddaysleeper]

I hope Pop doesn't bench the starters in Toronto!

It's a b2b and 3rd game in 4 nights.
I paid 240 bucks for my ticket haha

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Not only is this good for George and Mo Money, but Fab and Ime might benefit as well. Great strategy Pop. :toast

[Manufan909]

Fuck yes Pop!!! I love you, you crazy ass motherfucker!!!

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

Looks like the Suns traded away another future quality rotation player in Hairston. Well done.

[loveforthegame]

I wonder how many will foul out tonight.

[024]

Did they even dress?

yeah i saw them on the bench. i think yahoo have ginobili and mahinmi inactive.

[Manufan909]

No, Fab, don't hesitate, then drive, shit.

[mystargtr34]

Lol @ Oberto.

[loveforthegame]

Bonner 1-5, Mason 1-3.

[Biggems]

these refs are calling some tacky fouls.....Malik just got all ball

[Bartleby]

Love the physical play by Hairston.

[Manufan909]

Hope Hairston gets at least 5 or so shots in.

[loveforthegame]

2 fouls on Bowen, Hairston, and Oberto.

[Biggems]

Denver has already shot 14 FTs

[FreeMason]

Who do those punks think they are trying to trap The Mason.

[loveforthegame]

Mason not really taking advantage. 3 turnovers.

[dirk4mvp]

What a flop :lol

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

yeah i saw them on the bench. i think yahoo have ginobili and mahinmi inactive.

God, Pop has serious guts.


KT needs to step up on the boards tonight and he has not done so yet.

[tp2021]

It's good to know that Melo is letting our rook get in his head. :tu

[FreeMason]

oh shit another Spur that can dunk, Malik

[024]

hairston slam!

[Bartleby]

Hairston!

[Libri]

Hairston slam!

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

:lmao Hairston fucking around with Melo

Keep this man!

[loveforthegame]

Sweet. Dunk by Hairston.

[Manufan909]

Hairston dunk!!!!! I love the TANK. Good call, Ruff.

[Biggems]

Melo is going to foul out our entire backcourt tonight

[ILoveOranges]

Wow, how many fouls have there been on the Spurs this quarter?

[bbarry]

Nuggets with 16 FTs in the 1st quarter... this won't end well for the Spurs... not that we had a chance tonight anyways with the big three.`

[tp2021]

Birdman looks like a total crackhead.

[HarlemHeat37]

the refs are seriously killing us..

Carmelo "DUI" Anthony is getting cheap call, after cheap call..

if Denver doesn't get all these calls, we're winning right now, it's getting ridiculous..

[milkyway21]

Go!:flag Go!:flag: Georgie !

[Bartleby]

Spurs getting swatted left and right. Not pretty.

[loveforthegame]

Anderson and Hilario holding a block party.

[Biggems]

Andersen is a UFA at the end of the season. Maybe we should bring him in for energy off the bench.

[Manufan909]

Birdman is only ugly motherfucker.

[Bartleby]

Birdman looks like a total crackhead.

That's because Birdman is a total methhead.

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

Wow, how many fouls have there been on the Spurs this quarter?

ten

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

Pop is smart, i take back my disagreement with him holding out our three

Denver's players collective IQ is wayyyyy lower than our bench playersss.. we're going to lose though.

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

That's because Birdman is a total methhead.

:lol

[HarlemHeat37]

Hairston has the ability to get in star players heads already, despite being on active roster for a week now..he's a true Spur..

[mystargtr34]

Anderson and Hilario holding a block party.

Hosting it for George Hill i think.

[loveforthegame]

Not bad to only be down 6 after the 1st quarter.

Again, foul trouble will be key here.

[Biggems]

I just wish the refs would stop calling weak, cheap fouls. Let em play like men.

BTW, I love how those two guys shoved Mason out of bounds and the ref just swallowed his whistle...but on the other end, we just look at Melo funny and it is 2 FTs.

[ManuTP9]

http://i42.tinypic.com/29crhfs.jpg

[alchemist]

the refs are seriously killing us..

Carmelo "DUI" Anthony is getting cheap call, after cheap call..

if Denver doesn't get all these calls, we're winning right now, it's getting ridiculous..
you expect a bunch of no names to get any slack against the #1 ft shooting team in the league? :lol

[mystargtr34]

Hairston has the ability to get in star players heads already, despite being on active roster for a week now..he's a true Spur..

Melo's just a T-Mac type mentally. But props to Malik for not backing down. He has a block to go along with the flush.

[HarlemHeat37]

as we already knew, Mason has no ability at all when it comes to driving..he's a pure role player, which everybody should have already known..I'm speaking to the people that have wanted him to drive to the basket more often..

Roger is an open shooter, and a guy that is solid coming off screens..that's how we should keep using him..

[Biggems]

nice to see Udoka in midseason Bricklayer form

[mystargtr34]

As soon as Hairston lays a finger on Melo theyre going to call a foul.

[boutons_]

watching game on my Blackberry Bold 9000 back to my Slingbox.

kinda cool.

worst part is trying to keep the earbuds in position.

got bluetooth headset coming soon. EXTREMELY hard to find

if the JV's can control their fouling and TOs, and find some offense, they could make a game of it.

[loveforthegame]

“Ginobili has a left hip contusion among other bumps and bruises. For a different variety of reasons, I don’t think Timmy and Tony should play tonight,” Popovich said before tip-off.

[Bartleby]

If I wasn't so curious to see how the rookies would do I don't think I could watch this.

[milkyway21]

Pop is actually evaluating who's going to stay or trade :lol

[loveforthegame]

It's over now.

[Bartleby]

Damnnn! Udoka really sucks.

[HarlemHeat37]

..and the game is looking like it's supposed to now..

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

Chris Andersen is Pop's illegitimate son....

he held our three out to let him shine.

[tp2021]

Spurs getting assfucked into the ground by the Burdman

[FreeMason]

The Bird Man = http://www.dcworld.it/Immagini/Hawkman%2002.jpg

[Bartleby]

Lose a battle to win the war. I can live with it.

[loveforthegame]

I like the big 3 and Finley getting a rest but it's a shame we'll lose further ground to the Lakers.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

I take it back, I question Pop holding them out, I'd understand it if we didn't already have FIVE DAYS OF REST... anyone can say "Welll , he's just using our minutes to evaluate our bench"

I 'd rather see Pop wait til' a blowout, he'll have opportune blowouts to evaluate Hill and Hairston.. this is just a waste of a potential win :bang

Manu being sat out.. fine, but Timmy and Tony is just ridiculous.

[Biggems]

Man Pops your a stupid son of a bitch!

really?

[Thompson]

Does anyone know why this game is blacked out on League Pass Broadband? It's not nationally televised or anything.

I like that Pop would sit our big 3 rather than wear them down only to lose. Let the new guys get some serious play. Screw the league for giving us a back-to-back late in GS and finishing in Denver (I know we're not the only team that has to do this, but it's still ridiculous, especially since we have several 4 and 5 day breaks coming up.

Anyone know where to find audio league pass on NBA.com? It's been so long since I've used it that I've forgotten.

[Manufan909]

Eh, it's a good rest for the Big 3. I just hope Tim and TP get at least 15 min each. Maybe close out the game.

[SpursPreacher]

The Bird Man = http://www.dcworld.it/Immagini/Hawkman%2002.jpg

Thats hawkman actually lol

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

Lose a battle to win the war. I can live with it.

The problem I have with that mentality is it sucks the fun out of the point of these basketball games for fans.

It's too conservative for my tastes.

[Biggems]

Note to Pop........see how a real big man makes your D better! Go get a fucking shot blocker!!

cause Duncan isnt a real big man?

[loveforthegame]

Vaughn is now in the game. Should be fun.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Man Pops your a stupid son of a bitch!

Yup, you know more about his team than he does. :rolleyes


Lose a battle to win the war. I can live with it.

Exactly.

[Bartleby]

Spurs back in it.

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

Well hopefully Mason can get on track and Hairston will get some good mins and we can see what hes got.

Or more importantly for you guys it gets Oberto on track he's been lost this season.

[Manufan909]

Fab taking it to the crackwhore!!!

[HarlemHeat37]

Oberto always shows great touch at the basket, I'm never going to understand why he's so passive..he's an actual threat to make a basket, he should use it to his advantage..at least make the defenders respect you, so you can frees up your passing..

[Thompson]

How bad is a 'left hip contusion?' Is that just a deep bruise that will heal in time for Boston?

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

Yeah, I think we have really missed him inside.......cant believe I said that but he is an underrated defender........much better than bonner.

O for sure he's an underrated defender he gets in player's heads. I can't stand him but he's not the useless player some people here think he is.

[Biggems]

NeNe was moving....and no way should little Hill knock down big NeNe......

[loveforthegame]

Mason not playing well at all.

Udoka fails again.

[duncan228]

Does anyone know why this game is blacked out on League Pass Broadband? It's not nationally televised or anything.


It's blacked out because it's on NBA TV.

[Bartleby]

Nobody to stop Nene. This sucks.

[tlongII]

I see you guys aren't doing us any favors tonight...

[Bartleby]

NeNe was moving....and no way should little Hill knock down big NeNe......

Yeah, that was a BS call. I'm not one for conspiracy theories, but I can't help but wonder if the league isn't sending a message here.

[Shastafarian]

I see you guys aren't doing us any favors tonight...

Pop sat the big three just to spite you guys obviously.

[Biggems]

Is he a great shot blocker? Do you see him making guys avoid going to the rim? Guys go right at him and he is often abused!

When he wants to, he can be a shot blocking beast.

Unfortunately that utilizes a lot of energy to do all that stuff and it can get you into foul trouble as well. We need him on both ends to be an anchor. We cannot afford him to get into foul trouble or use all his energy blocking shots.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Is he a great shot blocker? Do you see him making guys avoid going to the rim? Guys go right at him and he is often abused!

I see we have another 13yo in the house. :rolleyes

[Biggems]

I see you guys aren't doing us any favors tonight...

Thats for Pritchard being a complete Bitch

[HarlemHeat37]

Mason can't play 1 on 1, is Pop going to understand that? he shouldn't be shooting, unless he's coming off a screen, or open..

[DPG21920]

This is embarrassing.

[Biggems]

Come on Mason....you cant hook the defender.....that is an offensive foul every single time

[Bartleby]

Man, it seems like half the fouls on the Spurs have come on offense.

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

Pop sat the big three just to spite you guys obviously.

That was his #1 goal, to piss tlong off.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

I know enough to see we are only 2 games up on Denver and we decided to give them this one! I know we should have beat the Warriors by half time and then rested the big 3 so they could play tonight.

Not to say we cant beat LA but if they have home court I dont see it happening.

You can't "beat a team by half time". How many times have you seen a team up 20 at the half lose? Happens a lot. That game is what it is, and the Warriors have their lineup back and aren't a pushover any more.

As for tonight, Pop obviously has a good reason for it or he wouldn't be doing it.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

This is embarrassing.

No it's not, given the lineups.

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

I'm not gonna lie.....I know Bonner is a fan favorite but I can't picture him as the starting center on a championship team.

[DPG21920]

Lets hope to God Pop is not showcasing these guys for trades!

[Biggems]

finally they call a block.....

[milkyway21]

Is he a great shot blocker? .......what about Yao Ming, is he a real big man?

[HarlemHeat37]

Ime is absolutely horrible..everybody already knew that, but just repeating..

[Ice009]

Carmelo is a faggot and Ime sucks.

[DPG21920]

No it's not, given the lineups.

Please quit quoting every damn thing I say. I know we are not expecting to win. It is embarrassing as a Spurs Fan to watch what is perceived as conceding a loss before the game starts.

If you have ever played sports, you know you never quit. I understand why he is doing it, but like I said it is embarrassing. I am sure our guys love getting their shit swatted and then getting dunked on every other trip.

[dbestpro]

I think it will be funny if so many Spurs foul out that Pop has to use Parker and Ducan while the team is down 30.

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

On any team!

Nah I could see it on the Raptors, Warriors or Mavericks :lol


Just saying I'm not a big fan of his and from an objective view he seems like someone who gets too many minutes.

[Biggems]

Lets hope to God Pop is not showcasing these guys for trades!

we have our end of benchers out there competing hard against the 3rd best team in the West. We are still in the game minus 4 of our best players, including our Big 3.

we are committing a few too many turnovers. we have been a bit sloppy. but as a whole, we have done ok. i wish we could get a few less fouls called on us so we can get into a flow....but oh well.

[loveforthegame]

4 fouls on Oberto.

[Bartleby]

Damnnn! Udoka really sucks.

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

Spurs might be playing 4 on 5 by the end of the game.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Fab looks to be done. He's offering very little out there but fouls.

[HarlemHeat37]

I've said this before, but I really hope that we get Denver in the playoffs..

[Dex]

Udoka has really become a waste of roster space. Sad.

[Bartleby]

Hairston has been the one bright spot tonight.

[JohnnySixString]

So I take it tonight's game is a blow-off? Sit the starters and hope the rest of the team doesn't dig too deep of a hole? Why is a loss seem acceptable against the Nuggets, but they had to wear themselves out to beat the fucking Warriors?

[Death In June]

What is pops reason for this exactly? After a win that took a lot out of the team to get, he's going to lay down for the very next game? Doesn't that just take all the air out of the win last night. He's not going to play his best players at all, not even limited minutes? What am I missing here? This seems like he's just trying to be cute and out thinking himself.

[Bartleby]

Billups limping?

[DPG21920]

we have our end of benchers out there competing hard against the 3rd best team in the West. We are still in the game minus 4 of our best players, including our Big 3.

we are committing a few too many turnovers. we have been a bit sloppy. but as a whole, we have done ok. i wish we could get a few less fouls called on us so we can get into a flow....but oh well.

I was half joking. I am proud of the way the guys are competing. This has nothing to do with their effort.

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

I've said this before, but I really hope that we get Denver in the playoffs..

Well their last 2 championship runs started off against Denver.

[HarlemHeat37]

Hairston needs to be on the 12-man..he gives us a dimension that we need..none of our current swingmen can give us the athleticism he does..

[Biggems]

5 on 4 and we blow it....we could have had an easy bucket and gotten within 9 there.

[Ice009]

Lets hope to God Pop is not showcasing these guys for trades!

Interesting. Never thought of that. This is the last game before we get a few days off so this would be the game to do it if he wanted to showcase for a trade. Also these few days off are a good time to make a trade so you can get the new player in to learn a few things.

[Bartleby]

What is pops reason for this exactly? After a win that took a lot out of the team to get, he's going to lay down for the very next game? Doesn't that just take all the air out of the win last night. He's not going to play his best players at all, not even limited minutes? What am I missing here? This seems like he's just trying to be cute and out thinking himself.

Tim played crazy minutes last night. The chances of injury go up considerably with fatigue. Is it really that hard to understand?

[Biggems]

I was half joking. I am proud of the way the guys are competing. This has nothing to do with their effort.

of course Udoka and Oberto are absolutely murdering any trade value they might have had

[FreeMason]

Thats hawkman actually lol

Exactly, but Birdman is dominating the Spurs like he is a super hero.

[Death In June]

This seems rather retarded given that we have an opportunity to take the #1 seed...

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

Interesting. Never thought of that. This is the last game before we get a few days off so this would be the game to do it if he wanted to showcase for a trade. Also these few days off are a good time to make a trade so you can get the new player in to learn a few things.

All signs point to them standing pat. I like busy trade deadlines but it's not shaping up to be one.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Ive seen alot of games that are over at half time, especially agains piss poor teams like the Warriors.

And exactly how many times have the Spurs done that this year? Very, very few, maybe 3. They have in previous years, but not this year.

The rhythm of this team against lesser teams this year is to turn it up mid-3rd or later, and often mid-4th, and win it at the end. Like it or not, we've done it all season, so suggesting that the game should have been done by 1/2 time is ignorant wishful thinking on your part.

Also, as I said, with all their players back, the Warriors are no longer piss poor. They are in the middle of the bunch now.

[Rapper]

Are big 3 sick together? or is it one of Pop's strategies?

Or Big 3 get injured?

I wake up early today in order to watch Timmy plays.what happened??

The spurs don't want to beat Nuggests? I'm so confused.

PS:" the tickets of this game is not worth even 1 dollar

[Biggems]

Champ Bailey in the house with a redheaded honey

[024]

did the announcers just say vaughn was defensive player of the year a few years ago?? or was it bowen?

[DPG21920]

of course Udoka and Oberto are absolutely murdering any trade value they might have had

That was the joke!

[Ice009]

Also, Hairston was my 3rd pick in the preseason so I just want to give props to all the people that said he should be the first player chosen. Good call guys. I'm liking Hairston a lot better than Ime right now.

[toki9]

I actually like how our 2nd and 3rd stringers are getting the chance to play...

[DPG21920]

Damn, that was a clean block.

[dbestpro]

The mind games of Pop. He does not want Denver thinking it can beat our team at full strength. He obviously feels that the overtime game, the back to back and the altitude would give Denver the win so why give Denver the confidence.

[duncan228]

It's all here:

http://spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=115976

[Biggems]

It is like every trip down the court is a foul on the Spurs.

We are going to have to forfeit the game if they dont stop calling fouls on us.

[crc21209]

It also doesnt help that the refs are sucking off the Nuggets at the line- Nuggets- 19 attempts, Spurs-4.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

What is pops reason for this exactly? After a win that took a lot out of the team to get, he's going to lay down for the very next game? Doesn't that just take all the air out of the win last night. He's not going to play his best players at all, not even limited minutes? What am I missing here? This seems like he's just trying to be cute and out thinking himself.

That's why we call him "CIA Pop".

He's got his reasons (probably a combination of niggling injuries and seeing who he wants to go forward with from the lesser players), so we should just accept it.

[SAtown]

Who can tell me what's going on?

The first three threads on this very forum.

[Biggems]

That was the joke!

or was it the punchline......cause i have a black eye all of a sudden

[m33p0]

* second game of a back-to-back
* olympic relay win against the warriors the previous night
* it's in fucking mile-high denver!

[crc21209]

The mind games of Pop. He does not want Denver thinking it can beat our team at full strength. He obviously feels that the overtime game, the back to back and the altitude would give Denver the win so why give Denver the confidence.


I think that too, its hilarious because Melo was saying all day this was their big test and crap, Pop doesnt want to give them confidence.

[Death In June]

Tim played crazy minutes last night. The chances of injury go up considerably with fatigue. Is it really that hard to understand?Manu played 35 minutes, there is no reason to not have him out there in some capacity. Parker is a 26 year old point guard. He gets paid millions of dollars to be athletic.

[loveforthegame]

So many are going to foul out tonight you have to laugh about it.

[m33p0]

that would be so cool if they do manage to pull this one.

[crc21209]

So Vaughn gets laid out and no call?

[Biggems]

It also doesnt help that the refs are sucking off the Nuggets at the line- Nuggets- 19 attempts, Spurs-4.

and we are attacking the basket. the problem is, they call offensive fouls and defensive fouls. we cant win.

[GINNNNNNNNNNNNOBILI]

Signs of a trade coming?

[JohnnySixString]

Tim played crazy minutes last night. The chances of injury go up considerably with fatigue. Is it really that hard to understand?


Actually, yes. Because they shouldn't have even been in a position where they were struggling with the Warriors the entire game and OT. They had to fight down to the wire to get a win against a team they should have blown out. Now tonight they play a team that actually warrants playing that hard and it's like a forfeit on the Spurs' part. Why didn't he just sit the starters for the Warriors game so they would be ready to play the Nuggets? Why fight the shit out of the Warriors just to lay down and get your ass kicked by the Nuggets? They could barely beat up the fat 10 year old asthmatic and now that they are facing a "real" challenge..."fuck it, get some rest because this game don't mean shit"........???? What the f........

[Rapper]

It's all here:

http://spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=115976

thanks

[HarlemHeat37]

WE CAN'T CATCH THE LAKERS

Roger looks horrible out there..he really has no handles or 1 on 1 game to speak of..

[Ice009]

Mason stinks lately. What happened to his ball handling?

he looks pretty average with out Tim opening things up for him.

[Biggems]

Am I the only one who feels that Mason is Stephen Jacksonesque circa 2003 as a ball handler?

[ManuTP9]

Carmelo is a faggot and Ime sucks.

+1

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

So when does Thomas take over at center?

[GSH]

Wouldn't Karl look like an asshole if Billups or Melo were injured tonight, playing against the Spurs' bench?

[Biggems]

I think I am going to buy a beret

[HarlemHeat37]

I don't think Pop is trying to fuck with the Nuggets..any Spurs fan knows that the Nuggets can't beat us in a 7-game series..Denver is our complete opposite..they play low-IQ basketball, we have somebody that defends their best player better than anybody, our coach owns their coach as well..

[Thompson]

Tim played crazy minutes last night. The chances of injury go up considerably with fatigue. Is it really that hard to understand?

Parker got injured right after that double overtime game against the (Grizzlies?) when he dropped 50-10-5 or whatever. It would really suck to play our exhausted players only to lose and see one or more of them injured. Sit them, tell the league they need better schedule makers or the game suffers (one way or another). Seriously, a late game vs. Golden State followed immediately by a game in the mile-high city, even though we have multiple 4 and 5 day breaks coming up? Screw the league, get real.

[xtremesteven33]

Tim and Tony in the second half!!!


im calling it

[crc21209]

Mason, like alot of guys, are gonna struggle tonight without TP, TD, and Manu creating and opening things up thats all. No need to worry. As long as Mason has won us and will probably help us win more games thats all that matters.

[Bartleby]

Manu played 35 minutes, there is no reason to not have him out there in some capacity. Parker is a 26 year old point guard. He gets paid millions of dollars to be athletic.

Manu is banged up. He has a contusion, I think. Parker wouldn't be able to put this team on his back. If you're going to lose the game anyway, it makes sense to give your key players some much needed rest.

I agree, it's not pretty and probably seems unfair to the fans who shelled out money for the game, but I guess that's the chance you take sometimes as a fan.

[raspsa]

Spurs playing w/o its Head, its Heart and one of its Legs.. still not out of it though

[Shastafarian]

Why are people losing it? Our best three players aren't playing and somehow it isn't a 20 point deficit. Chill out. Enjoy the game.

[Death In June]

I didn't hear ginobli sustained any injuries, where was the contusion?

[Ice009]

I wonder if Mourning wants to play still? ;).

[GSH]

Parker got injured right after that double overtime game against the (Grizzlies?).

Yep... and that was probably no accident. And there is no worse place to be playing fatigued than Denver. It's easy to say that the altitude isn't a factor, from the safety of your living room. But it's a big factor.

We can't win a championship tonight, but we could go a long way towards losing one, if we lost one of our starters for the rest of the season.

[SPURS21]

Tim Duncan skipped the game to visit China!!!!!!

[Pauleta14]

Manu played 35 minutes, there is no reason to not have him out there in some capacity. Parker is a 26 year old point guard. He gets paid millions of dollars to be athletic.

:lmao

I feel sorry for you..

[Bartleby]

Actually, yes. Because they shouldn't have even been in a position where they were struggling with the Warriors the entire game and OT. They had to fight down to the wire to get a win against a team they should have blown out. Now tonight they play a team that actually warrants playing that hard and it's like a forfeit on the Spurs' part. Why didn't he just sit the starters for the Warriors game so they would be ready to play the Nuggets? Why fight the shit out of the Warriors just to lay down and get your ass kicked by the Nuggets? They could barely beat up the fat 10 year old asthmatic and now that they are facing a "real" challenge..."fuck it, get some rest because this game don't mean shit"........???? What the f........

If the game last night had been a blowout (for either side) I suspect Pop would have rested his starters then and played them tonight. You can bitch all you want about how the Spurs should have blown them out, but they didn't. In light of that fact, I think Pop's choice was the smart move.

[Punkkboy44]

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!

[duncan228]

I didn't hear ginobli sustained any injuries, where was the contusion?


The decision on Ginobili comes with a bit of an injury concern. He suffered a left hip contusion taking a fall against the Warriors. With three days off after tonight, Popovich felt it was best to give him the night off.

[Thompson]

Maybe CIA Pop is thinking the Nuggets will play down to their opponent; you could play Duncan and Parker all night, and they'll give their best...

Or you play your scrubs, let the Nuggets take a lazy lead though nothing insurmountable, and then put Duncan and Parker into the game in the 3rd or 4th. You might have roughly the same shot of winning, without them having to play all game.

[Crookshanks]

did the announcers just say vaughn was defensive player of the year a few years ago?? or was it bowen?

They were referring to Bowen - but still, they obviously don't know what they're talking about! I guess that shows Bruce should've won it!

[HarlemHeat37]

it sucks because 2 of Hairston's 4 fouls were bullshit, but you won't see that in the box score..he's getting the obvious no-name rookie treatment..I like what I see from him, and I hope he keeps getting minutes..

I hope Mason stops getting 1 on 1 plays..run him off screens, that's where he's money..

[m33p0]

the metaphorical white flag has been raised. :lol

[alchemist]

Parker got injured right after that double overtime game against the (Grizzlies?) when he dropped 50-10-5 or whatever. It would really suck to play our exhausted players only to lose and see one or more of them injured. Sit them, tell the league they need better schedule makers or the game suffers (one way or another). Seriously, a late game vs. Golden State followed immediately by a game in the mile-high city, even though we have multiple 4 and 5 day breaks coming up? Screw the league, get real.
That's bullsh*t thinking. Are they going to rest Tony/Tim/Manu against the Raptors next week because they have the Nets the night before? (Who played the Spurs down to the wire at SA so don't expect any different at their home).

[GSH]

I didn't hear ginobli sustained any injuries, where was the contusion?


He got the living shit knocked out of him several times in that game, but the time he came down hard on his hip and elbow was an ugly fall. I'm sure that hip has stiffened up on him. Favoring a hip is a great way to injure an ankle.

[xellos88330]

I like what I see from Hairston. He has a quick vertical. Didn't expect him to get to Smith's dunk attempt. Granted there was a foul, but still impressive against a great athlete.

[Bartleby]

That's bullsh*t thinking. Are they going to rest Tony/Tim/Manu against the Raptors next week because they have the Nets the night before? (Who played the Spurs down to the wire at SA so don't expect any different at their home).

Yes, because once Pop tries something it becomes a routine and he won't do anything different, even when the circumstances suggest it would be prudent to do otherwise.

[milkyway21]

the big 3 are not playing and just a 12 pt lead for the Nuggets?:td

[MarHill]

That's bullsh*t thinking. Are they going to rest Tony/Tim/Manu against the Raptors next week because they have the Nets the night before? (Who played the Spurs down to the wire at SA so don't expect any different at their home).

Please get over it!

Pop does this one game and everybody is thinking the world is coming to an end!!!

When was the last time Pop has done this?

You can't even name when it happened....

[Thompson]

That's bullsh*t thinking. Are they going to rest Tony/Tim/Manu against the Raptors next week because they have the Nets the night before? (Who played the Spurs down to the wire at SA so don't expect any different at their home).

From what I hear, playing exhausted at high altitude is different than playing in Toronto. Plus, Pop knows the situation better than we do. Maybe his guys are too banged up, and it was a long shot tonight to begin with. Pop knows what he's doing, I'm just guessing. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.

[JohnnySixString]

If the game last night had been a blowout (for either side) I suspect Pop would have rested his starters then and played them tonight. You can bitch all you want about how the Spurs should have blown them out, but they didn't. In light of that fact, I think Pop's choice was the smart move.

I don't think it was a "smart move". He didn't conjure up this plan 2 days ago. The Warriors gave them more than they thought they would. It's like he knew they would probably lose against the Nuggets even with Tim, Tony and Manu, nevermind getting injured. So, instead of getting beat with your main guys playing, let the scrubs carry the game,concede the loss if need be and let them rest. Something I was thinking he should have done during the 3rd last night.

[BlackSwordsMan]

Wow Spurs Are Losing Blow This Team Up
Fire Pop
Trade Parker

[MarHill]

Wow Spurs Are Losing Blow This Team Up
Fire Pop
Trade Parker


:lmao

[HarlemHeat37]

there are so many wet vaginas on this board..why do you guys let little shit fuck with you? it's ONE game..ONE meaningless game..damn..

[Thompson]

the big 3 are not playing and just a 12 pt lead for the Nuggets?:td

Rope-a-dope. Nuggets play lazy against our scrubs, are shocked when Duncan and Parker jump into the game in the last quarter and win the game while playing only 12 minutes each.

[alchemist]

Yes, because once Pop tries something it becomes a routine and he won't do anything different, even when the circumstances suggest it would be prudent to do otherwise.
Well quiting was a routine he followed last spring.