Game Blog: Spurs @ Rockets - Feb. 26

[Thompson]

mahinmi has made mistakes but man he has been so active tonight.

Imagine if he'd had solid minutes this season, not to mention if we'd been playing Hairston over Bogans. No more small ball, no more Bogans. People mock others for seeing these young guys as 'saviors,' but this might be one of those cases in which the whole (no more small ball, youth and athleticism) becomes greater than the sum of its parts.

[TJastal]

Hairston +20 now in the (+/-)

[magui86770]

props to the young guys

[Chomag]

I'm not going to complain. We sucked bad at the beginning, but showed a lot of heart at the end. My thoughts, George Hill is awesome, Malik Hairston needs to be starting, Ian Mahinmi should be starting PF with Duncan at center. Put Ginobili where he belongs in the starting lineup and you'd be seeing some scary stuff.

YEp, but people like Tpark(ericB) and mrfundamentals think it would outright destroy the team to give these 2 minutes.

[Ice009]

Look at that shit from Ian.


WHY CAN"T IAN PLAY?????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????


FUCKING IDIOT COACH.

[SpursNextRomanEmpire]

pop is dumb as hell

[blkroadrunners]

Great game by Hill.

[sabar]

The retarded starting lineup is the only reason we are seeing these guys play. :lol

Hopefully Pop gets something from this game...

[diego]

90+ from 3 guys? thats just horrible D, all game long

[Obstructed_View]

And Keith Bogans enters the game.

[ElNono]

LOL Bogans...

[Chomag]

Too late. Pop killed this by his stupid starting lineup early on. HoF coach,he is, no doubt and thats what makes this thing even more a pain.

On the good note the suckage got our unknows a chance to play.

[TJastal]

fucking Mahinmi with 5 boards and 8pts in 10 minutes

[taps]

thank god bogans is back in :lol

[Brazil]

Why Pop is not playing Ian consistently why ????

[Shastafarian]

fucking Mahinmi with 5 boards and 8pts in 10 minutes

And respectable defense.

[toki9]

and keith bogans enters the game.

wtf?!?

[Obstructed_View]

So who got us back in this game tonight. Not that sorry excuse for a starting 5 Pop used.

Pop was great, but he has almost had a coaching disaster this season. You've got to realize this. Larry Brown has had bad years too. Pop has to realize what he is doing wrong and try to correct it. Even Larry is playing some younger guys these days.

And like someone else said the Spurs don't get to practice at all.

You''ve got to be related to Pop or something to not question him at all. Are you related to T-Park?

Dude, go back and check; I'm pretty sure he was fucking with us, and did a rather good job of it.

[ElNono]

We start with Hairston instead of Finley and we win this...

[carina_gino20]

Imagine what could have been if Pop hadn't been so damn stubborn about Ian early in the season.

[magui86770]

Do you guys think any reporters are going to call out pop on why ian and malik haven't been getting playing time?!

[Johnny RIngo]

Fucking Rockets can't even do us a favor and injure that worthless piece of shit Bogans. We gave you Scola dammit!

[Brazil]

props to the young guys

:toast

[Sigz]

Pop sucks. Fire him.

[Chomag]

We lost but this was the most hearrt I have seen from a "entire" group that was on the floor in the 4th all season.

[Libri]

Do you guys think any reporters are going to call out pop on why ian and malik haven't been getting playing time?!

nah :lol

[toki9]

Do you guys think any reporters are going to call out pop on why ian and malik haven't been getting playing time?!

And risk their valued "access"?

[Ice009]

Dude, go back and check; I'm pretty sure he was fucking with us, and did a rather good job of it.

lol great.

[45 bank shot]

In spite of shockingly awesome performance by both Malik and Ian, pop won't play either of them in the future

[alchemist]

good:
young guns got some minutes tonight

bad:
it was against tired players

ugly:
refs

[Death In June]

Blair, Hariston, Ian, and Hill all had a solid game. So at least that's something. Now, if Pop would replace Bonner, Finely, and Bogans at backupPF/SF/backupC/backup PG, with Ginobli starting, we'd be golden.

[Chieflion]

These so called scrubs can ball.

[Killakobe81]

Didn't get to see much of this one but I am impressed. When Rox was up by 25 I thought this was over ...if any Rox fans are here ..how serious is Ariza injury?

[8FOR!3]

I'll take 15 points and 7 rebounds from 50% shooting from Jefferson coming off the bench. Not a bad game for him.

[Ice009]

How about we start out 5 best players

Tim
Blair
Hill or RJ
Manu
TP

and have the youth come in off the bench?

McDyess
Hairston
Mahinimi
Rj or Hill
Mason Jr.

[Thompson]

If Ian and Hairston don't get decent playing time now Pop should be fired. That's not to say they're definitely the solution to our problems, but they have given you every reason to give them a shot (and your regular rotation players have given you every reason to give Ian and Hairston a shot).

[carina_gino20]

Considering Pop's track record, we're probably never gonna hear of Ian again after this.

[ffadicted]

How about we start out 5 best players

Tim
Blair
Hill or RJ
Manu
TP

and have the youth come in off the bench?

McDyess
Hairston
Mahinimi
Rj or Hill
Mason Jr.

Too simple, have some more wine and cheese and tell me about your lineups after :whine

[Ice009]

Blair, Hariston, Ian, and Hill all had a solid game. So at least that's something. Now, if Pop would replace Bonner, Finely, and Bogans at backupPF/SF/backupC/backup PG, with Ginobli starting, we'd be golden.

Hey man I just posted something similar. I think we are on the same page.

No Finley, Bonner or Bogans in the rotation please.

[himat]

The whole bench did well for you guys at least.

RJ too.

[arles]

Ian played because Blair was fouled out.

Manu and Tim played 24 min. each.

And It was a close game. We could have won this if pop would've had any desire to actually COACH this game. He just trowed the towel in the 3º quarter.

It was a very sad game... I really CAN'T understand pop. It makes no sense.

[Duncan2177]

Pop should have eggs thrown at him.

[nbaman99]

Stop blaming the refs, we lost it, period. It show Pop lost this season so far, keeping talents on the bench and not using. Almost everyone from here wanted Ian out there playing, but Pop never plays him.

[toki9]

If Ian and Hairston don't get decent playing time now Pop should be fired. That's not to say they're definitely the solution to our problems, but they have given you every reason to give them a shot (and your regular rotation players have given you every reason to give Ian and Hairston a shot).

In terms of "hunger", Ian and Malik are probably the hungriest...that should count for something...

[alchemist]

Considering Pop's track record, we're probably never gonna hear of Ian again after this.
He did start another big next to Duncan tonight, so it's not out of the question....:toast

[Ice009]

I'll take 15 points and 7 rebounds from 50% shooting from Jefferson coming off the bench. Not a bad game for him.

He just showed tonight that he doesn't need Manu on the bench with him to score. That's why I wrote my new starting lineup with Manu starting.

Rj with Hairston and Mahinimi off the bench would be great. Get RJ playing with some athletic youth.


RJ basically showed tonight he just doesn' fit with Duncan and TP. He played better with the athletic bench guys. He didn't need Manu at all.

[Ditty]

the refs suck bull shit game but hairston is the guy that needs to be on the floor

[Ice009]

the refs suck bull shit game but hairston is the guy that needs to be on the floor

I wouldn't start Hairston because he isn't a great shooter. Hairston would be a great rotation player off the bench playing solid minutes with other shooters like Roger Mason Jr.

When you put a slasher that isn't a great shooter with Tim and Tony it kind of clogs up the lane. That is one reason why I think when Pop started Hairston once or twice that he was forced to being a shooter with Tim taking up the space in the paint so I don't think they meshed too well.

Malik should be in the rotation off the bench at least, at the very least he should be in the rotation to get a chance.

[word]

What a joke.

[Obstructed_View]

I wouldn't start Hairston because he isn't a great shooter.

And you continue this myth based on what, exactly? I mean there are legitimate reasons not to just throw him into the starting lineup (a guy named Manu being chief among them), but where do people get the idea that he can't shoot?

[Shastafarian]

And you continue this myth based on what, exactly?

Clyde Drexler said it therefore it is true.

[Budkin]

Good comeback... nice to see the "scrubs" play and play well. But you all know what Pop will say: "They played better than we did."

[Libri]

Good comeback... nice to see the "scrubs" play and play well. But you all know what Pop will say: "They played better than we did."

I want to see Pop's post game comments.

[Obstructed_View]

Clyde Drexler said it therefore it is true.

:lol Clyde Drexler also says that every whistle against the Rockets is a horrible call by the refs.

[Obstructed_View]

i want to see pop's post game comments.

+11111

[boutons_deux]

"Why Pop is not playing Ian consistently why"

Pop told Ian months ago that he was finished as a Spur, not picking up his option.

[Ice009]

And you continue this myth based on what, exactly? I mean there are legitimate reasons not to just throw him into the starting lineup (a guy named Manu being chief among them), but where do people get the idea that he can't shoot?

I said he's not a great shooter. Where did I say he can't shoot??????

I just think starting him would take away from his slashing because the lane would be clogged. Am I wrong? I think that is the reason Pop doesn't play him, but I have no idea why Pop would not play him off the bench.

[Obstructed_View]

I said he's not a great shooter. Where did I say he can't shoot??????

I just think starting him would take away from his slashing because the lane would be clogged. Am I wrong? I think that is the reason Pop doesn't play him, but I have no idea why Pop would not play him off the bench.

Okay, let's put it this way. The only Spurs who have shot a better percentage from three point range the last two seasons are Bonner and Bowen, both last year. Hairston's three point percentage for his career in D League is higher than anyone on the team this season. Shooting is immaterial to what he brings, and people who repeat that fiction as though it means something puzzle me.

And yes, I think you're wrong, and here's why: Penetrating and breaking down a defense is what opens up shooters, and since he's the only one that does it, he's not likely to be shooting the threes anyway. I don't think there's any rational reason that Pop hasn't played him, and I think tonight's performance is further evidence of that.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

:lol Clyde Drexler also says that every whistle against the Rockets is a horrible call by the refs.

SIAP but he also said Mason was a great defender

[Ice009]

Okay, let's put it this way. The only Spurs who have shot a better percentage from three point range the last two seasons are Bonner and Bowen, both last year.

And yes, I think you're wrong, and here's why: Penetrating and breaking down a defense is what opens up shooters, and since he's the only one that does it, he's not likely to be shooting the threes anyway. I don't think there's any rational reason that Pop hasn't played him, and I think tonight's performance is further evidence of that.

Malik settles for jump shots when playing with Tim. I watched him one game and mainly took jumpers when he was out there with Tim.

I've seen him hit his shots in preseason and feel he is a good shooter when his confidence it up, but when his confidence is done he is not a great shooter. Pop never let him build on it though and it is another screw up from him to not bring Malik on quicker.

Edit : Either way I don't think Malik should be starting. That puts too much pressure on him and also puts him against some of the best scorers in the NBA. I think he should start by getting rotation minutes from the bench.

[Obstructed_View]

SIAP but he also said Mason was a great defender

No he said Mason is a good defender for the Spurs. Given the starters and the rotations, that is, unfortunately, not a completely inaccurate statement.

[djohn2oo8]

Didn't get to see much of this one but I am impressed. When Rox was up by 25 I thought this was over ...if any Rox fans are here ..how serious is Ariza injury?

Ariza has a hip pointer, not sure how long he will be out

[Obstructed_View]

Malik settles for jump shots when playing with Tim. I watched him one game and mainly took jumpers when he was out there with Tim.

So the absolute worst thing that can happen, if your one game is trend-making, is that he's exactly the same as every other Spur this season on offense, but he can defend and rebound and he hustles. Again, not an overwhelming case not to start him.

Remember, Ice, I'm playing devil's advocate a bit with this discussion, as I think Manu should be starting. Hairston's going to have some weaknesses, but I can't see his upside being more than Bogans or Finley at this point, and probably beyond Mason since it appears Pop has crushed his spirit.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

No he said Mason is a good defender for the Spurs. Given the starters and the rotations, that is, unfortunately, not a completely inaccurate statement.

Nah brah. Even for the spurs current lineup he blows ass. Tonight we had Mason, Hill, Bogans, Ginobili, I'd say Mason is the worst out of all four easily.

[Ice009]

So the absolute worst thing that can happen, if your one game is trend-making, is that he's exactly the same as every other Spur this season on offense, but he can defend and rebound and he hustles. Again, not an overwhelming case not to start him.

Remember, Ice, I'm playing devil's advocate a bit with this discussion, as I think Manu should be starting. Hairston's going to have some weaknesses, but I can't see his upside being more than Bogans or Finley at this point, and probably beyond Mason since it appears Pop has crushed his spirit.

I agree with most of what you said and if it was a choice between Malik and Manu starting I would go with Manu.

Unless you want to try something radical

Tim
Ian
Hairston
Manu
TP

Hill
RJ
Blair
McDyess
Mason Jr.

[Obstructed_View]

Nah brah. Even for the spurs current lineup he blows ass. Tonight we had Mason, Hill, Bogans, Ginobili, I'd say Mason is the worst out of all four easily.

Not having watched the game, I'll have to defer to you. Mason hasn't been bad when I've seen him this year, and he can score in bunches when he's on. I'd much prefer the Spurs had a shot blocker or two on the floor at all times to help cover for a defender that can't keep NBA scorers in front of him. The pre-smallball Spurs' shot blocking has probably helped a lot of guys look like much better defenders than they actually were.

[Obstructed_View]

I agree with most of what you said and if it was a choice between Malik and Manu starting I would go with Manu.

Unless you want to try something radical

Tim
Ian
Hairston
Manu
TP

Hill
RJ
Blair
McDyess
Bogans

I don't think that's all that crazy. I'd situationally start Blair at the three because he's got quick feet and can clean up the garbage. I might put Dice in as the starting center just to spread the floor with his jumpers. I'd definitely put Mason above Bogans on the rotation, though. Bogans has gotten every opportunity and stinks on ice in every way.

[Chomag]

I agree with most of what you said and if it was a choice between Malik and Manu starting I would go with Manu.

Unless you want to try something radical

Tim
Ian
Hairston
Manu
TP

Hill
RJ
Blair
McDyess
Mason Jr.

Thats the roster line up I have wanted since the start of the season:flag:

It puts the best players of the team out there

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Not having watched the game, I'll have to defer to you. Mason hasn't been bad when I've seen him this year, and he can score in bunches when he's on. I'd much prefer the Spurs had a shot blocker or two on the floor at all times to help cover for a defender that can't keep NBA scorers in front of him. The pre-smallball Spurs' shot blocking has probably helped a lot of guys look like much better defenders than they actually were.

Part of the reason we were getting our taints handed to us was that it was the Rocket's back court torching us....when Pop went Bogans, he got torched...but then its like who else do we put in for Bogans? Mason? Oh yeah---torched.

[Ice009]

I don't think that's all that crazy. I'd situationally start Blair at the three because he's got quick feet and can clean up the garbage. I might put Dice in as the starting center just to spread the floor with his jumpers. I'd definitely put Mason above Bogans on the rotation, though. Bogans has gotten every opportunity and stinks on ice in every way.

Yep. No Bogans, Finley or Bonner on my team or in my lineups. They have no potential and won't make us a better team. It is a complete waste of time playing them and if I was one of those assistant coaches of Pop's that is what I would tell him. Do you agree? I seriously don't know why Pop thinks they will help us. They won't help us now or later so why play them?


Thats the roster line up I have wanted since the start of the season:flag:

It puts the best players of the team out there

Would you go with my lineups or do you just like the actual players I picked. In other words would you alter the starting line up? if so what would you go with?

[Lars]

Franchise record tonight for the Rox. We have never had 3 30 point scorers in one game before.

[Chomag]

Would you go with my lineups or do you just like the actual players I picked. In other words would you alter the starting line up? if so what would you go with?

Nah, I like that starting line up. Only thing that might be in question for me is Manu for Hill of course, but I don't think him coming from the bench is needed anymore like it was needed before. With Hill,RJ, and especially Blair to bring the needed energy from the bench it just might be best have Manu there to provide the needed energy to the starters. Especially now because of TP having health problems..

[angelbelow]

Damn Scola is usually dominant against us.

[VBM]

Well...that's $20 I'll never get back. It was fun laughing with Rockets fans about how much RJ sucks, and discussing the D-League follies of Malik Hairston. Other than that...waste of a Friday night...

[Obstructed_View]

Part of the reason we were getting our taints handed to us was that it was the Rocket's back court torching us....when Pop went Bogans, he got torched...but then its like who else do we put in for Bogans? Mason? Oh yeah---torched.

Yeah, but I don't think Martin went off much after Hairston started covering him. I'd really love to see Mason and Bonner be turned back into role players who get a few minutes a game situationally and earn minutes in said game based strictly on production.

[HarlemHeat37]

Martin scored once with Hairston guarding him, and it was off Hairston being late when he was fighting past a screen on a rotation..

He guarded him 5 times in 1 on 1 situations and he didn't even score once..he got blocked on 2 of his shots(one of them went to Ian), he traveled when he was trying to beat Hairston, he stepped out of bounds when Hairston pressured him up court, and he threw up a brick on the other possession..

The defensive assignments were ridiculous for a long stretch..even after Hairston stopped him twice, they decided to put Hairston on Napoleon Dynamite, while Martin torched Hill and Aaron Brooks torched Mason(this matchup is just ridiculous)..it should have been Hairston on Martin(this was finally the matchup after Pop got tired of Martin torching the others), Hill on Brooks(even though Brooks torched him) and Mason guarding the other guy..

[Obstructed_View]

Frankly, I'd be happy not seeing a lineup with Hairston, Mason and Hill on the floor at the same time. It certainly beats Bogans, Mason and Hill, though.

[PublicOption]

The end of bench guys leading a 20 point comeback. Pop can suck my balls.

:bang:bang:bang:bang
:ihit:ihit:ihit:ihit
:p::p::p::p::p:
:downspin::downspin::downspin::downspin:

:hat

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Yeah, but I don't think Martin went off much after Hairston started covering him. I'd really love to see Mason and Bonner be turned back into role players who get a few minutes a game situationally and earn minutes in said game based strictly on production.

Honestly dude I chalk that up to the fatigue factor.

Rockets were playing with a bench of 1 tonight. I thought for sure we would have won this game had there been just 1 more minute on the clock. The rockets were getting super tired legs by the end of the fourth. Every hustle play was going our way, we were getting offensive rebounds, they were missing jump shots (even a few free throws...battier not their "big 3")

[Obstructed_View]

Honestly dude I chalk that up to the fatigue factor.

Rockets were playing with a bench of 1 tonight. I thought for sure we would have won this game had there been just 1 more minute on the clock. The rockets were getting super tired legs by the end of the fourth. Every hustle play was going our way, we were getting offensive rebounds, they were missing jump shots (even a few free throws...battier not their "big 3")

I can't see Finley or Mason or Bogans getting two blocks and forcing two turnovers on Martin under just about any circumstances.

[mfanatic]

Parker/Hill
Mason/manu
Hairston/Jefferson
Duncan/Blair
Ian/Dice

ONLY way we will win IMO.

[Ice009]

Parker/Hill
Mason/manu
Hairston/Jefferson
Duncan/Blair
Ian/Dice

ONLY way we will win IMO.

I like it.

[VivaPopovich]

why does pop insist on starting these pathetic ass starting lineups which is made worse with the absence of tony parker

oh yeah, cause he's gone crazy

[objective]

I can't see Finley or Mason or Bogans getting two blocks and forcing two turnovers on Martin under just about any circumstances.

or flying out of bounds to save a possession either.

[objective]

BTW, what happened with RJ not playing PF anymore?

lol, classic Pop.

RC: traded Theo because of RJ's verstalitiy (playing PF).
Pop: No more PF for RJ
Reality: more PF for RJ

Pop: Starting Bonner for the rest of the season guys!
2 games later reality: Bonner DNP

Pop: These playoffs aren't for George Hill, he's not ready
Pop: I love George Hill, he's my favorite player.

Pop: Manu's starting now, for good. Forever.
Pop: Manu is coming off the bench.

Pop: there's NOTHING Ian can do to get time, he can't play his way ahead of the other bigs.
Pop: I'm going to play Ian in the first quarter.

and on and on and on

[ZB 512]

Parker/Hill
Mason/manu
Hairston/Jefferson
Duncan/Blair
Ian/Dice

ONLY way we will win IMO.

why do the Spurs continue to insist that Duncan is a "PF"?

Duncan is a traditional pivot in every sense of the word right now, and it makes sense for the Spurs to have him at "C" with Blair or Dice starting at "PF" imo

[relic]

Parker/Hill
Mason/manu
Hairston/Jefferson
Duncan/Blair
Ian/Dice

this sounds real good!

[Chomag]

why do the Spurs continue to insist that Duncan is a "PF"?

Duncan is a traditional pivot in every sense of the word right now, and it makes sense for the Spurs to have him at "C" with Blair or Dice starting at "PF" imo

Spurs don't so much, but Timmy does not want to be called the center. :lol