Preseason Game 6 (10-18-10): Spurs vs. Thunder

[duncan228]

Starts at 7:30 CST. Don't see local San Antonio TV, just WOAI radio.

Game Day Blog: Thunder vs. Spurs (http://www.nba.com/thunder/blog_chrissilva/gamedayspurs_101018.html)
By Chris Silva
Thunder.NBA.com

ABOUT THE SPURS

The Spurs are coming off a 108-85 win over Spanish team Vitoria Caja Laboral on Saturday and are expected to begin tonight’s game with its regular starting lineup of Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan, Richard Jefferson and DeJuan Blair.

A few stories on the Spurs worth checking out:

It looks like the Spurs will try to employ a new, up-tempo style of play this season (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/pop_pushes_spurs_to_push_the_ball_105151874.html), the San Antonio Express-News reports.

“We talk about it every year,” head coach Greg Popovich told the paper. “This year, I’m demanding it.”

The Spurs enter tonight’s game having outscored their opponent in transition in all but one preseason game. We all know that the Thunder can run with the best of them, thanks to a wealth of athleticism and speed at nearly every position. It’ll be interesting to see who is able to dictate the pace tonight….

Richard Jefferson averaged 12.3 points, shot 31.6 percent shooting from behind the arc and logged the most minutes of any Spur last season. This season, he’s expecting much more from himself, and NBA.com writer Fran Blinebury said it should help that the Spurs’ Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker will enter the season in top shape (http://www.nba.com/seasonpreview/2010/SAS/index.html).

MORNING NOTES

Head coach Scott Brooks said he will give extended minutes to the starting five of Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Jeff Green, Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka tonight against the San Antonio Spurs, although Brooks is not sure how he will handle minutes and lineups in Tuesday’s game against the Denver Nuggets.

Forward Kevin Durant said he’s looking forward to more playing time.

“We’ve been getting more comfortable because we’ve been playing in spots, the starters,” he said. “We’ve been playing 17 minutes here, 18 minutes here, but we’re not playing with each other as much as we do in the regular season. It’s going to be good to get out there and play at least 35 to 40 minutes. We’re excited so we have to take advantage of it.”

Brooks said the objective for the last three preseason games is to maintain its defensive pressure and cut down on turnovers.

“When we don’t turn the ball over, we put a lot of pressure on teams,” he said….

Asked how some of the offseason additions have adjusted during training camp, Brooks said: “I think we’ve been blending the new guys in well. It still takes some time to get accustomed to what we’re doing. But I think the returning guys are in a good place right now. Their conditioning is good, their mindset is good.”…

In case you missed it, I had a feature story on Royal Ivey’s impact on his new teammates that ran on the site this weekend. Click here (http://www.nba.com/thunder/news/iveyfeature_101015.html) to read it.

[TimmehC]

I don't guess they're saying anything about whether Splitter will play.

[spurs10]

Tonight's game should be a good barometer as to where we stand. With the Thunder's starting five playing extended minutes , it will be interesting seeing the rotations Pop comes up with. Will Tiago get any pt? Hope so, as it would be great to see him get acclimated a bit before the real thing. Can't wait!

[benefactor]

“We talk about it every year,” head coach Greg Popovich told the paper. “This year, I’m demanding it.”
Don Nelson is beaming with pride.

[DesignatedT]

Don Nelson is beaming with pride.

Seeing that our defense will never be what it was for obvious reasons, trying to be more up tempo will only benefit us and the certain personnel that we have. I for one, am glad to here this.

[Chomag]

Don Nelson is beaming with pride.

First thing that came to my mind when I read that.:lol

[duncan228]

Talented Thunder will test Spurs Monday night (http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/tim_griffin/2010/10/talented-thunder-will-test-spu.html)
By Tim Griffin

http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/tim_griffin/2010/10/talented-thunder-will-test-spu.html

[DPG21920]

Harden & Serge are starters this year?

[NASpurs]

Seeing that our defense will never be what it was for obvious reasons, trying to be more up tempo will only benefit us and the certain personnel that we have. I for one, am glad to here this.

Yeah that's all great but in reality, it's just fool's gold. That type of play might lead to extra points, extra wins in the regular season but in the playoffs, the game slows down and that's when the Spurs' above par but not great defense will be exposed. I hope I'm wrong and the Spurs return to be a great defensive team but sometimes I feel like making the game a little bit more uptempo is just a disguise.

[Dex]

Should be closer to regular season minutes tonight. Will be interested to see how the rotations start shaking out.

I'm guessing Splitter will play tonight. From the scattered reports, Splitter wanted to play Saturday night, but it was believed that Pop would probably hold him out (and that's what ended up happening). I'd like to believe that they would want to give him at least a couple exhibition games to get some conditioning and familiarity out on the court, so now is the time to do it. If Tiago doesn't play, then that injury might be a little worse than initially speculated.

[Brazil]

Harden & Serge are starters this year?

If i understood well serge is starter but harden should come off the bench.

[Spurs Brazil]

Today we'll be a good test for Blair. He'll have to guard Green. Let's see how he does.

Anderson will have tough test against KD

[SenorSpur]

Harden & Serge are starters this year?

Perhaps Coach Brooks has finally made the change that was long suspected. Swapping out Harden for Sefalosha and Ibaka for Kristic. We see tonight.

[SenorSpur]

Should be closer to regular season minutes tonight. Will be interested to see how the rotations start shaking out.

I'm guessing Splitter will play tonight. From the scattered reports, Splitter wanted to play Saturday night, but it was believed that Pop would probably hold him out (and that's what ended up happening). I'd like to believe that they would want to give him at least a couple exhibition games to get some conditioning and familiarity out on the court, so now is the time to do it. If Tiago doesn't play, then that injury might be a little worse than initially speculated.

With the manner in which the Spurs blew out the Spanish team on Saturday night, it probably would've been a good idea for Splitter to have gotten some burn. However, we all know that Pop plays these situations very, very, cautiously - which isn't a bad thing.

[xellos88330]

Is this going to be the game blog?

[DesignatedT]

Yeah that's all great but in reality, it's just fool's gold. That type of play might lead to extra points, extra wins in the regular season but in the playoffs, the game slows down and that's when the Spurs' above par but not great defense will be exposed. I hope I'm wrong and the Spurs return to be a great defensive team but sometimes I feel like making the game a little bit more uptempo is just a disguise.

I understand defense wins championships but in reality our defense is not going to get back to what it was. Even a prime Bowen wouldn't all of a sudden make our D #1 in the league. Manu and Duncan are nowhere near the defensive players they once were. Changing the offense is a must and will benefit the type of players we have like Tony and RJ. Our defense will still need to be in the top 5-10 for us to have a chance and I'm confident it can be but running more and improving our offense is a necessary step. We can't pound it out with Duncan anymore

I'm not saying we can turn into some run and gun team but hopefully the little edge we lose on defense we can make it up on offense. It's our only chance really

[Jobbs]

i'll be at the game tonight as part of my yearly visit to pay homage to the all mighty 21

[YoMamaIsCallin]

Here is the obligatory post:

Any video feeds?

[Dex]

Here is the obligatory post:

Any video feeds?

http://www.nba.com/thunder/schedule/

Doesn't list any provider for local or national television. :(

http://www.brentozar.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/magic_8ball_outlook_not_so_good.jpg

[edgar]

Video feed may or may not be up but I found this.

www.nenggeulis.com/watch.php?livestream=936

Dont make plans for this though as chances are they might only give us a radio feed.

[DPG21920]

Harden is having an amazing preseason (minus some nasty turnovers). He seems to be turning into the player they hoped.

[Brazil]

Harden is having an amazing preseason (minus some nasty turnovers). He seems to be turning into the player they hoped.

He already had some very good stretches during his rookie year but he was very inconsistent with his shooting and already TOs prone.
OKC has tried last year to start him but the team missed the defensive presence of Selafosha (or whatever you write his name). I can see the same kind of scenario with the start of the season with OKC trying harden in the starting 5 because of his upside and coming back to the old option because of the Defense. Anyway James will be a nice sleeper to have in fantasy if u don't care TOs and erratic FG%.

For Serge I think he will get the starting job and will keep it all way long.

[Leonard Curse]

why in the hell is it so hard to watch a pre season game?? pisses me off

[Leonard Curse]

all you have to do is plug in the AT&T megatron screen to a computer or tv station and let it run screw it haha

[DPG21920]

They will be really undersized up front if they start Serge. I think if Harden keeps playing like this, he will keep the job. His defense is not that bad and he has active hands. He plays passing lanes and gets steals.

I like Serge, but as far as starting him, that would be a front court of Durant/Green/Serge. I don't like that at all as a starting unit. I like the idea behind it (meaning play a center that is defensive minded), but I am not sure this is the answer.

[benefactor]

Seeing that our defense will never be what it was for obvious reasons, trying to be more up tempo will only benefit us and the certain personnel that we have. I for one, am glad to here this.
Might as well. They aren't contending anyway so the next best thing is to at least put an entertaining product on the floor.

[duncan228]

Interesting-but-useless rumor: #spurs will announce DeJuan Blair last w/ starting 5 so they don't have to choose between TP and Manu.

[DesignatedT]

Might as well. They aren't contending anyway so the next best thing is to at least put an entertaining product on the floor.

ok.

[DesignatedT]

Originally Posted by JMcDonald_SAEN


Interesting-but-useless rumor: #spurs will announce DeJuan Blair last w/ starting 5 so they don't have to choose between TP and Manu.

Never understood why they didn't just introduce Duncan last. It would be the obvious choice unless he requested otherwise. which could very well be the case.

[JR3]

I just hope we look good. I want to see gary neal play well.

[dbestpro]

DeJuan wants to eventually be MVP of the league. By starting the only thing to stop him now will be his game.

[ivanfromwestwood]

link

[DesignatedT]

no feed?

[ace3g]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/boxscore;_ylt=Ap0ZIS.KqTebUfYM.SNhT6i8vLYF?gid=201 0101824

[benefactor]

No links that I have found.

[PBEEZY]

no feed?

Adthe.net aren't even listing it, so once again no link..btw Splitter is listed as DND Strained right plantaris muscle so don't expect to see him

[TimDunkem]

Not even a link to a radio broadcast?

[arles]

Not even a radio transmition??
It there any radio in San Antonio that airs the game?

[Dex]

Haven't found any streams, but I don't think there is a feed to stream.

For some reason, WOAI seems to be running behind with its Listen Live on its site. :bang

The second link here (WWLS) seems to be working if you want to listen to the OKC coverage:
http://radiotime.com/affiliate/a_37877/station/Oklahoma_City_Thunder_Radio_Stations.aspx

[Libri]

It seems that only SA folks can hear it through the radio.

[Libri]

Blair layup, pass from Manu

[arles]

Haven't found any streams, but I don't think there is a feed to stream.

For some reason, WOAI seems to be running behind with its Listen Live on its site. :bang

The second link here (WWLS) seems to be working if you want to listen to the OKC coverage:
http://radiotime.com/affiliate/a_37877/station/Oklahoma_City_Thunder_Radio_Stations.aspx

THANKS A LOT! Works great =D

[nbaman99]

spurs up by 1 11-12

[phyzik]

for radio feed, go here and click "listen live" near the top left.

http://radio.woai.com/main.html

[ajh18]

Never understood why they didn't just introduce Duncan last. It would be the obvious choice unless he requested otherwise. which could very well be the case.

If I remember right, I think this goes back to when Tim was drafted. They had always announced David Robinson last, and I think there was some kind of unspoken agreement to keep David last and put Tim first.

I'd imagine that by the end of 2003, it had been that way long enough that it just made sense to keep Tim first.

[Libri]

teardrop by TP

[Spurs Brazil]

TP with 7pts

Spurs up 15-12

[nbaman99]

Haven't found any streams, but I don't think there is a feed to stream.

For some reason, WOAI seems to be running behind with its Listen Live on its site. :bang

The second link here (WWLS) seems to be working if you want to listen to the OKC coverage:
http://radiotime.com/affiliate/a_37877/station/Oklahoma_City_Thunder_Radio_Stations.aspx

thanks

[Libri]

hook shot by Tim

and 1 by RJ

[Libri]

Hill and Simmons come in

[TimDunkem]

Simmons for Blair.

[Dex]

Simmons sighting

[anonoftheinternets]

tp "sounding" good.

[Libri]

reverse layup by RJ

[anonoftheinternets]

Rj sounding good.

[Dex]

Spurs working the break in the early going.

[TimDunkem]

Ibaka at center isn't working. I figured that would be the case.

[DesignatedT]

Yeah I dont like there front line. Green/Ibaka isn't going to cut it IMO.

[DesignatedT]

Hill
Neal
RJ
Simmons
Duncan

out there right now

[ElNono]

Starters gave up 24 points with 3 mins still to go.
There's still a lot of work to do on the defensive side.

[ElNono]

Hill
Neal
RJ
Simmons
Duncan

out there right now

Yep... small ball FTW

[DesignatedT]

Yep... small ball FTW

There lineup is very small. If there was a game to practice your small ball lineups it would definitely be this game.

[ElNono]

Temple for RJ... this is the test of fire for Simmons.. playing small ball 4

[DesignatedT]

So is temple playing the 3? lol Hill, Neal and Temple out there

[Dex]

"Rare to see Tim Duncan pick up two fouls in a game, let alone a quarter"?

Do these guys even watch basketball?

[ElNono]

I assume Temple is running PG, Neal SG, and Hill wing... Simmons 4 and TD 5...

[ElNono]

I'm liking Simmons rebounding so far... 2 board since he's been playing the 4

[chasky]

Tiago is going to play?

[BoricuaCJA]

Why again is their no stream? I get tired of Spurs not having a stream for games. Also the radio link Dex posted is not working for me.

[ElNono]

Is he even available? He was wearing a suit against Caja...

[Em-City]

The two most important substances in life are air and water!... thermo spas provides both in our famous hot tubs!! lol..

call thermo spas right now 1800 597 8120

[BoricuaCJA]

Tiago is going to play?
From the shoot around, Parker put a comment suggesting he wont be. So no.

[anonoftheinternets]

Tiago is going to play?
Nope: nba.com:

T. Splitter DND - STRAINED RIGHT PLANTARIS MUSCLE

[Solid D]

"Rare to see Tim Duncan pick up two fouls in a game, let alone a quarter"?

Do these guys even watch basketball?

:lol Timmy averages 2.6 fouls/game for his career.

[Libri]

good old Dice with a jumper

[ElNono]

This commercial interruption brought to you by:

http://www.wackypackages.org/realproductsscans/3rd_2005/jello.jpg

:lol

[Libri]

Bonner in for Simmons

[DesignatedT]

Simmons really is a small ball 4. He can't guard the 3s but rebounds and guards the 4s really well from what I've seen. Unfortunately I would rather us not play small ball but knowing pop there will be some small ball this season and Simmons definitely isn't the worst choice for it. Unlike, RJ last year who had absolutely no idea what to do out there as a 4.

[duncan228]

:lol Timmy averages 2.6 fouls/game for his career.

But he never committed any of them. :lol

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x282/duncan228/lead/leadpalmsup.jpg

[Em-City]

why is temple on green???

[Solid D]

But he never committed any of them. :lol

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x282/duncan228/lead/leadpalmsup.jpg

lol almost true in his mind.

[ElNono]

Temple 3 fouls in 6 mins... :tu

[ElNono]

why is temple on green???

We're switching on the P&R?

[DesignatedT]

looks like green is playing the 3 and temple is guarding that position.

[DesignatedT]

Pop probably wanted to see what Temple could do against Green also. The game doesn't count ya know.

[ElNono]

looks like green is playing the 3 and temple is guarding that position.

That would be bad. Then again, this is when you try funky stuff like that.

[Libri]

Not a good shooting night for Hill but he's making good passes

[ElNono]

Green Jump Shot: Missed Block: Bonner (1 BLK) :wow

[ElNono]

Neither team can shoot straight in the 2nd quarter

[anonoftheinternets]

man temple sucking .. :( sad after lst yrs performance

[dbestpro]

Pop probably wanted to see what Temple could do against Green also. The game doesn't count ya know.

Yeah, but Pop will play that stuff during the season too.

[DesignatedT]

Temple still in at that 3 position I think.

Parker
Hill
Temple
Bonner
Dice

[dbestpro]

So, how can the Spurs play up tempo with Bonner on the floor?

[DesignatedT]

No Anderson yet

[Dex]

Spurs with 14 of their 43 points on the fast break. I like the emphasis on the run.

[DesignatedT]

So, how can the Spurs play up tempo with Bonner on the floor?

? Hes just as quick as Duncan/Dice or Splitter.

[ElNono]

Any word on Splitter? Is he even available on the bench?

[Kori Ellis]

Not a good shooting night for Hill but he's making good passes

It's not just tonight :lol He's shot about 20% in the preseason and less than 10% from 3. I guess this is a good time to be in a slump.

(Manu has similar percentages too.)

[Nathan89]

Is there a video link????

[DesignatedT]

Bonner 3

[Dex]

Is there a video link????

Negative.

http://radiotime.com/station/s_23800/WWLS_640.aspx

[Libri]

good D by Manu

[ElNono]

Is there a video link????

Highlights starting to show up:

http://www.nba.com/video/games/spurs/2010/10/18/0011000091_okc_sas_play1.nba/index.html

[ElNono]

Loving these lines:

01:11 Blair Running Jump Shot: Missed Block: Ibaka (2 BLK)
01:09 Blair Rebound (Off:4 Def:3)

[ElNono]

Manu with the 2 for 1 three

[SpursRulez4eVeR]

3 ball!

[ElNono]

lol Manu buzzer beater...

[Libri]

Manu!

[FvckMavs]

Manu back to back 3pt

[Em-City]

pleasantly surprising that we're pushing the tempo!

[Dex]

"I've never seen Pop run the team like he is tonight"

[Russ]

Looks like Neal may be a mainstay in the rotation based on these minutes . . .

[DocDoc]

Malik Rose sounds like Sean

[draft87]

were those back2back 3s from Ginobili his first of the preseason?

[SpursNextRomanEmpire]

Nice

[024]

still no splitter? sigh...

[Russ]

still no splitter? sigh...

Splitter = DND (Did Not Dress)

[Em-City]

still no anderson

[Nathan89]

Bonner 2-3 from 3pt, 8pts total in 13min.

Seems like another nice game from the red rocket. I expect good things out of Bonner this year. Am I the only one that expects good things out of him??

[anjlbitz]

Bonner 2-3 from 3pt, 8pts total in 13min.

Seems like another nice game from the red rocket. I expect good things out of Bonner this year. Am I the only one that expects good things out of him??

i'd prefer not to expect... lol

[Manufan909]

yes

P.S. If he has lines like these in the POs, I will be impressed.

[ElNono]

I'm more pleased with the 6 boards, TBH

[Russ]

still no anderson

That's the only unusual thing about the playing time -- it looks like Pop is going with a "rotation" of sorts in this game.

And Anderson is not part of it. :wow

[ElNono]

Getting curbstomped in the 3rd... 28-14 partial right now, with 2 mins to go

[dbestpro]

Neal needs to start his season in Austin till he gets his shot ironed out.

[Em-City]

Neal needs to start his season in Austin till he gets his shot ironed out.

haha i read that as 'shirt' :downspin:

[Chomag]

IS Anderson hurt or something?

[ElNono]

Neal needs to start his season in Austin till he gets his shot ironed out.

Wish we could do the same with RJ

[anonoftheinternets]

wow :-) hill blocked shot on durant jumper ... reads nicely ...

[ElNono]

IS Anderson hurt or something?

He was playing a minute ago... he has a basket

[mazerrackham]

IS Anderson hurt or something?

he's played 2:33, so no.

[Em-City]

IS Anderson hurt or something?

he came in for the last minute of the 3rd

[Spursfanfromafar]

A cursory look at the box score says that RJ still sucks.

[DesignatedT]

81-80 Spurs going to the 4th

[ElNono]

Hill getting to the line quite a bit... that's good.
I hope we can close the 4th without giving up 25+ points again

[mazerrackham]

Hill's making a living at the line with 10 free throws.

[ElNono]

Westbrook and Ibaka in foul trouble

[mazerrackham]

Hill getting to the line quite a bit... that's good.
I hope we can close the 4th without giving up 25+ points again

get out of my head!

[DesignatedT]

Anderson.

[ElNono]

Manu heating up from downtown...

[Dex]

Manu 4/5 from three. :drunk

[dbestpro]

Looks like Gist, Gee and Cousin are on the chopping block. Spurs look like they will go with 13 players. Either, Temple, Neal or Anderson will probably be sent to Austin when their season starts.

[DesignatedT]

Finally Manu's shooting is in form. Just in time for the season.

[TimDunkem]

Looks like Gist, Gee and Cousin are on the chopping block. Spurs look like they will go with 13 players. Either, Temple, Neal or Anderson will probably be sent to Austin when their season starts.
:nope

[DPG21920]

Please tell me that Simmons is not the next Bogans and that he is going to get minutes.

[toki9]

Hill, Manu, Anderson, RJ, and Blair on the floor right now? Who's the tallest guy, Blair or RJ? Micro-ball, anyone?

[timtonymanu]

Please tell me that Simmons is not the next Bogans and that he is going to get minutes.

That would suck.

[ElNono]

RJ and 1

[Libri]

T on Durant for pumping his fist

[ElNono]

+tech on KD

[Em-City]

these techs are out of control

[toki9]

Given how easily and arbitrarily these techs are being assessed, it'd be really easy for the refs to "influence" the game...just saying...

[DesignatedT]

Simmons is more of a small ball 4. So Id prob expect him to play when the matchup is right. I don't think pop played Simmons once at the 3 position tonight. He actually plays the 4 pretty well (guards opposing bigs well, rebounds well), but can't guard the 3s for shit.

[ElNono]

Parker Alley Oop Layup shot: Made (17 PTS) Assist: Blair (2 AST) :wow

Isn't it supposed to be the other way around? :lol

[Nathan89]

Given how easily and arbitrarily these techs are being assessed, it'd be really easy for the refs to "influence" the game...just saying...

That's what I was thinking. It's just another method for stern to control the outcome of the games.:depressed

[DesignatedT]

Given how easily and arbitrarily these techs are being assessed, it'd be really easy for the refs to "influence" the game...just saying...

this is true.

[Em-City]

green's performance tonight highlights the flaws of smallball

[ElNono]

Simmons is more of a small ball 4. So Id prob expect him to play when the matchup is right. I don't think pop played Simmons once at the 3 position tonight. He actually plays the 4 pretty well (guards opposing bigs well, rebounds well), but can't guard the 3s for shit.

I don't want him playing the 4. I rather play tall ball, with Blair/Splitter/Dice at the 4.

[toki9]

This micro-ball thing is painful...the current line-up is topping out at 6'8"?

[DesignatedT]

I don't want him playing the 4. I rather play tall ball, with Blair/Splitter at the 4.

No shit. Seeing as that probably won't happen, he isn't the worst choice at the small ball 4 positon, unlike for example, RJ last season who had absolutely no idea how to play that position.

[Em-City]

neal will hit another game winner.... book it :D

[Dex]

I agree that these technicals do nothing but try to patch a bad tire.

It's hard to expect these players to play like robots out there, and it's also hard to make a black and white ruling of what is a "reaction". The refs can't (and won't) call it all the time, but only calling it when they feel like it brings up a bigger problem than complaining...it brings up inconsistency.

But heaven forbid anybody question Stern's product. They have a website to look at, after all.

[DesignatedT]

green's performance tonight highlights the flaws of smallball

The Thunder have the best "small ball" lineup in the league.

[DPG21920]

I hope the Spurs are able to hold most teams under 100. Going to be tough. Have to get a handle on the 3 PT defense and FT's allowed.

[ElNono]

We're officially a turnover machine

[ElNono]

The Thunder have the best "small ball" lineup in the league.

That's why you don't try to beat them at their game...

[#2!]

3 straight turnovers in the last few minutes of the fourth.

[ducks]

it would be funny to hold the heat to under 75 points

[ElNono]

Temple with another appearance worthy of the Toros...

[DesignatedT]

We're officially a turnover machine

we are? who turned the ball over these last times?

[ElNono]

we are?

Confirmed. 3 possessions - 3 turnovers.

[Dex]

Spurs won Lawler's Law. Let's see how it works out.

[toki9]

Neal/Temple/Anderson/RJ/Blair...they can't be that familiar with each other...the rash of turnover isn't too surprising

[DesignatedT]

That's why you don't try to beat them at their game...

........................I know.

[#2!]

we are? who turned the ball over these last times?

Jefferson
Blair
Temple

[ElNono]

Jefferson Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO)
Blair Turnover : Poss Lost Ball Turnover (1 TO)
Temple Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO)
Neal Turnover : Traveling (1 TO)

[DesignatedT]

Confirmed. 3 possessions - 3 turnovers.

Who was turning it over? Temple?

[DPG21920]

Yeah, I don't get the always match the other team thing. Given, Tiago is not healthy, but I would like to see the Spurs go big and punish these midgets.

[DesignatedT]

thx

[#2!]

fourth on Neal

[#2!]

Thunder looking for double digit lead all of a sudden.

[ElNono]

The good news is that this is a preseason game.
In other news, microball is once again an abject failure...

[DPG21920]

:wow Went from 100-100 to 109-100 in a second. :lol Giving up 109 PTS.

[toki9]

I thought Pop promised that he wouldn't ever play RJ at the 4 again?

[Dex]

Someone set us up the bomb.

[DesignatedT]

Thunder starters going against Temple,Neal,Anderson,RJ,Blair down the stretch.

[timtonymanu]

That was one quick run. Why are the Thunder even still playing their starters?

[ElNono]

31 points and counting for the Thunder in the 4th...

[ElNono]

Temple Violation:Kicked Ball :lol

[DPG21920]

I want to watch Anderson/Tiago play. Hopefully next game...

[toki9]

Thunder starters going against Temple,Neal,Anderson,RJ,Blair down the stretch.

Yeah, I think Pop stopped caring at the 5-minute mark with the lead.

[DesignatedT]

Looking at the box score it sure seems like the Thunder went with a regular season rotation.

[ElNono]

102-111... that's a wrap

[ElNono]

Next up, Houston on Thursday. That one should be televised.

[DPG21920]

Looking at the box score it sure seems like the Thunder went with a regular season rotation.

Yeah, they said they would before the game. I am still surprised to see Serge starting.

Although, he did put up solid numbers: 12 PTS, 6 REB, 4 BLKS on 80% FG.

[#2!]

Preseason or not, the spurs lineup is a built-in excuse. Say what you will, but there's no reason for a lineup of Blair/RJ/Temple/Anderson/Neal to be practicing closing out a tight game against a playoff team.

And if it was to see if any of the latter three could handle the fire, then its a resounding no, but once again there will not be a time when they will be surrounded by those other players in this situation.

[Dex]

Well at least Parker didn't seem affected by his injury, Manu found his shot, and nobody got hurt.

[nbaman99]

Who the hell gave Neal 3 year contract before he proves him self? I'm telling this again, its a mistake we let Penny go.

[toki9]

Yeah, they said they would before the game. I am still surprised to see Serge starting.

Although, he did put up solid numbers: 12 PTS, 6 REB, 4 BLKS on 80% FG.

His name alone merits a starter's spot...he should go with SerBaka

[toki9]

Well at least Parker didn't seem affected by his injury, Manu found his shot, and nobody got hurt.

Parker was hurt?

[spectator]

i think it's safe to say that if we had played duncan and splitter, this would have been a 5-10 point win; okc played about 40 more starter minutes and only beat us when we went to the scrubs line.

[DesignatedT]

Yeah, they said they would before the game. I am still surprised to see Serge starting.

Although, he did put up solid numbers: 12 PTS, 6 REB, 4 BLKS on 80% FG.

Seemed like he had his struggles out there listening to the game, mainly foul trouble but those are solid numbers indeed. Most his struggles came in the first when Duncan was playing.. Other than that he can handle Blair.

[YoMamaIsCallin]

Preseason or not, the spurs lineup is a built-in excuse. Say what you will, but there's no reason for a lineup of Blair/RJ/Temple/Anderson/Neal to be practicing closing out a tight game against a playoff team.

Why not? Seems like a good thing to me. It's preseason, that's what it's for.

[DesignatedT]

I'm just ready for the season to start. Its to hard to speculate after these games.

[DPG21920]

Another damn solid game from Harden it seems as well. It would be scary if he has really improved that much...

[dbestpro]

Way too much small ball for my tastes. I sure hope this does not carry over to the regular season, again.

[#2!]

Why not? Seems like a good thing to me. It's preseason, that's what it's for.

To prove that playing RJ at the 4 with either Bonner or DeJuan at center and surrounding them with "shooters" doesn't work?

I'm pretty sure that was covered last season.


Preseason is for practice, not for doing things that will clearly not work.

[dbestpro]

The only thing I got from this game is that the Thunder bench is not so good.

[Chomag]

I'm just wondering what in the world Pop sees in Gary Neal.

[ElNono]

I'm just wondering what in the world Pop sees in Gary Neal.

Mason 1.2

[Cant_Be_Faded]

I hope the Spurs are able to hold most teams under 100. Going to be tough. Have to get a handle on the 3 PT defense and FT's allowed.

Essentially this team gets worst little by little every year in the same exact areas.

At the same time our core gets older and older, and the lack of depth and youth from the 2003-2007 drafts is still evident more and more.


The book on the Spurs will have a chapter on the failure to bring in talent when the core was still young.

[ElNono]

In a way, I'm kinda glad they didn't televise this game. I would have probably lost the little hair I have left after the second small-ball lineup out there. :lol

[xellos88330]

Micro ball.... will Pop ever stop this little fetish?

[LongtimeSpursFan]

Wow a lot of folks getting worked up on a preseason game.

[ElNono]

Wow a lot of folks getting worked up on a preseason game.

Define worked up?

[hoopdreams11]

The only thing I got from this game is that the Thunder bench is not so good.

They did not play Sefolosha, Kristic, Alrich and Collison there bench is solid

[TJastal]

Why not? Seems like a good thing to me. It's preseason, that's what it's for.

:lmao

[duncan228]

Sometimes when you push the pace, you get more possessions in the game that will lead to more scoring, but defensively, we did not do a very good job tonight.

*********************

Notes on a scorecard: Why Scott Brooks coached like a Game 7 (http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/tim_griffin/2010/10/notes-on-a-scorecard-why-scott.html)
By Tim Griffin

http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/tim_griffin/2010/10/notes-on-a-scorecard-why-scott.html

[duncan228]

Preseason: Oklahoma City Thunder 111, San Antonio Spurs 102 (http://www.48minutesofhell.com/)
by Jesse Blanchard
48 Minutes of Hell

O-a9lx3pOC4

AT&T Center–Tim Duncan and fast are two terms generally not associated with each other much these days, so when he received a pass in transition from Tony Parker perhaps the term fast break was not the most apt description.

If the San Antonio Spurs 102-111 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder is any precursor of things to come, however, it is a word most Spurs fans and journalists will have to dust off and reintroduce into their vernacular.

Keep reading → (http://www.48minutesofhell.com/2010/10/18/preseason-oklahoma-city-thunder-111-san-antonio-spurs-102/#more-10267)

[buttsR4rebounding]

All in all not a bad effort at all. The defense needs to shore up, but 29 fast break points, Manu getting his stroke back, Hill with his best effort so far...there was a lot to like tonight. Anyone worried about a nine point loss to the the Thunder when they played their starters big minutes and the Spurs played Duncan only 12 minute an Parker in the high 20's just doesn't understand what pre-season is for.

[TD 21]

It's preseason. so I'm not going to read too much into it...but Pop seems to think the best way to guard the Thunder is by going small.

If these two teams meet in the playoffs and Pop goes small, he'll lose the Spurs the series. They have a massive advantage over the Thunder inside and they need to utilize it (the Spurs might have the four best true bigs between the two teams), by pounding them down low and on the glass. By going small, that plays right into their hands, because their small lineup is better than the Spurs small lineup and the Spurs won't be able to guard them anyway. Also, the Spurs would probably end up cutting out one of, if not two of their eight best players (Splitter and/or McDyess).

[spurs10]

Don't think tonight was very indicative of how we'll play OKC in the regular season. Seemed like we didn't get a rebound or make a basket the entire 4th quarter...felt bad for the new guys.

[ace3g]

We need to wait and see how Pop will use Splitter this season (minutes, match ups, rotations, etc) before anyone can say that Pop has already fallen in love with "small ball".

[analyzed]

I would'nt make to much of it, when you consider that the Spurs two biggest players TD and Splitter played a total of 10 minutes ! Not going to happen in the playoffs !


It's preseason. so I'm not going to read too much into it...but Pop seems to think the best way to guard the Thunder is by going small.

If these two teams meet in the playoffs and Pop goes small, he'll lose the Spurs the series. They have a massive advantage over the Thunder inside and they need to utilize it (the Spurs might have the four best true bigs between the two teams), by pounding them down low and on the glass. By going small, that plays right into their hands, because their small lineup is better than the Spurs small lineup and the Spurs won't be able to guard them anyway. Also, the Spurs would probably end up cutting out one of, if not two of their eight best players (Splitter and/or McDyess).

[benefactor]

In a way, I'm kinda glad they didn't televise this game. I would have probably lost the little hair I have left after the second small-ball lineup out there. :lol

Don Nelson is beaming with pride.

[JonNOKC]

Over reaction - Pop was going to play TD only 12 min and played Dice 18 (which is about max fo rhim given its preseason) - add the fact that Splitter is out and it is PRESEASON - don't really see any reason to get upset. The only big that could of gotten more burn was Bonner (I am assuming Cousins wasn't a option for Pop and would of been no better than small ball). The only thing I might of like to have seen was Gist given some minutes at the 4 as right now his best chance of being sucessful is as a small ball 4.

[TD 21]

When I said "Pop seems to think the best way to guard the Thunder is by going small", I didn't say that based on last night in a vacuum, but a trend I've noticed over the past two seasons and last night was just a continuation of that.

And it's not just the Thunder. Against any combo forward who can score inside and out, Pop seems to think the answer is going small. With the bigs the Spurs now have, he should no longer resort to doing that automatically. He should play to the Spurs strengths and not always focus on adapting to the opposition. It's not like the Spurs have good small ball options.