Game Blog: Spurs @ Rockets - April 1

[Bukefal]

http://i.imgur.com/iSjU1.png at http://i.imgur.com/z2KY6.png

Friday: San Antonio Spurs (57-18) at Houston Rockets (39-36)



Game Preview:http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=175870

Time: 08:30 PM ET/02:30 AM CET
Location: Toyota Center, Houston, TX
TV: League Pass, KTXH, KENS, WOAI, KILT



http://i.imgur.com/tYiOK.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/K16XP.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/dZU9D.gif

http://i.imgur.com/bEz8j.png

:flag::flag::flag:

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o282/dembeatz/spurs_win.jpg

:flag::flag::flag:

[Bukefal]

http://givemetherock.com/wp-content/uploads/Manu-Ginobili-2008.jpg


Manu Ginobili after yet another loss on thursday:


"Of course we want to be No. 1. We don't want to give it away just because we like being underdogs. We want to win it. We put ourselves in an unbelievable situation."





:flag::flag::flag:

[xellos88330]

Spurs got this. GO SPURS GO!!!

[GrandeDavid]

I'm tired of predicting and being dead wrong. I'll watch and see what happens. I hope they win but would not surprise even if extremes were to happen, i.e. lose our or win out the season. If I had to guess, nah, not going there. I just hope they win tonight! lol

[alchemist]

we win in spite of Pop and Bonner :lol


:toast

[DesignatedT]

gotta get this one

[Fireball]

Its never easy against Houston, its a B2B, they've got Scola back, Spurs are slumping, Rockets fight for a playoff position, Dick Bavetta is assigned as referee ... everything speaks against a win for San Antonio. And League Pass owners will have to listen to Clyde Drexler :-(

[Giuseppe]

I need this, Houston. Don't let your Cubby down.

I need for the Celtics to beat the Bulls in their next game.

I need to run 18 straight.

[DPG21920]

gotta get this one

Not feeling quite as confident, huh :lol

[Mugen]

Not one Bonner comment from me in this blog. Guaransheed.

[TampaDude]

Six in a row...it's coming...y'all know it is...

[Spursnlego]

For the sake of Bonner, JUST WIN!

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

Going out to a bar to watch this one with my brother. Clearly the thing missing from the Spurs efforts in the last five games was my being drunk. At least I'm going to put that theory to the test tonight.

[Anonymous Cowherd]

we just gotta get a win.

[dbreiden83080]

Must win game

The bleeding needs to stop..

[anonoftheinternets]

jus need to maintain the two game lead from here on in ... :)

[LakerHater]

No way Spurs lose 6!!!

This will be a huge must win!!

[bigdog]

I have a feeling Hill will have a big game, and Manu needs to look like a complete opposite of last night's game.

[Borosai]

Having a bad losing streak like this before the playoffs might be enough to get these guys focused. 5 games is enough though.

[Giuseppe]

Having a bad losing streak like this before the playoffs might be enough to get these guys focused.

You mean this 5-game (and counting) losing streak is really a good thing, in like disguise?

tee, hee.

[spurs10]

We turn it all around tonight! Have no fear, they will get it done!

[Giuseppe]

This is the night where our acquisition of the Number One seed becomes probable, or, drifts away.

Thank Christ the Jazz haven't got Sloan and a playoff seed. They should be an easy clean.

C'mon, Houston, one time,,,,one time for the Cubby.

[4>0rings]

The fuck are you doing upstairs, get back downstairs. Katie girl is pissed and don't make me get Kori involved.

This is the night where our acquisition of the Number One seed becomes probable, or, drifts away.

Thank Christ the Jazz haven't got Sloan and a playoff seed. They should be an easy clean.

C'mon, Houston, one time,,,,one time for the Cubby.

[slick'81]

to say this is a big game is an understatement

[Giuseppe]

The fuck are you doing upstairs, get back downstairs. Katie girl is pissed and don't make me get Kori involved.

Until we lose I'm stayin' up herePERIOD

[HarlemHeat37]

Scola having a big game and a Spurs loss would be a good addition to the current meltdown, tbh..

[Mugen]

Until we lose I'm stayin' up herePERIOD

Good idea. It's a regular CartoonFest down there for some reason. Welcome Cubby!

[crc21209]

Just fucking WIN......:flag:

[Giuseppe]

Good idea. Welcome Cubby!

Thanks, Mugs.

[Tp9gospursgo]

GSG! Get through this!

[DeadlyDynasty]

I have a feeling the Spurs will win this one comfortably.

[duncan228]

Spurs call! :spin

[Fireball]

Spurs call! :spin

:downspin:

[DesignatedT]

thankfully spurs call.

[Uriel]

What does Spurs call mean?

[timtonymanu]

What does Spurs call mean?

we get to hear the Spurs commentators instead of that asshole Drexler.

[Fireball]

thankfully spurs call.

hopefully that does not change ... I remember a home game against the Rockets where League Pass startet with Rockets call, but switched to the Spurs call when the game started ...

[Fireball]

same starting lineup as yesterday ... have the feeling we might run out of gas again

[concken]

can someone please message me the channel I can watch the game on?

[duncan228]

Lots of applause for Scola hitting.

[Tp9gospursgo]

Wow. No energy at all so far.

[duncan228]

Duncan's jumper looks good.

[Tp9gospursgo]

Tony being aggressive again. Good sign.

[Creation88]

Manu AND Jefferson get beat on the baseline. way too easy.

[DesignatedT]

Duncans jumpers look nice.

[timtonymanu]

RJ being a faggot again.

[Tp9gospursgo]

Dice played better off the bench IMO. I don't understand why pop changed the lineup that was working for us the whole year....he needs to start DB again to get his confidence back.

[tdunk21]

timmy looks pissed

[Fireball]

Defense sucks already ... without Bonner/Blair on the court

[Pauleta14]

Tony being aggressive again. Good sign.


?
He was good yesterday
He averages +20 pts on 53% on March...

[DPG21920]

Chuck Hayes keeps deflecting Tim's passes.

[concken]

Can someone please message me the channel to watch the game on?

[mystargtr34]

I love how Pop calls those quick angry timeouts when the opponent gets a couple of easy scores... as if he is concerned about the defense anymore.

Dude is trotting out lineups with Matt Bonner and DeJuan Blair, and sitting Tiago on the bench. What a fucking contradiction.

[Fireball]

timmy looks pissed

he has to ... he needs 10 foot tentacle arms to make up the defensive mistakes of Manu and RJ

[ace3g]

dang thought JA was going to stay in

[DPG21920]

Pop with the sub just to talk to RJ. RJ hasn't responded to anything yet.

[Creation88]

no effort to block out by Tim.

[Tp9gospursgo]

Tony is ridiculously fast in the open court. It still amazes me.

[Fireball]

sadly RJ only on the bench shortly

[timtonymanu]

Pop gave RJ a "talk" that RJ wont respond to.

[Thomas82]

i love how pop calls those quick angry timeouts when the opponent gets a couple of easy scores... As if he is concerned about the defense anymore.

Dude is trotting out lineups with matt bonner and dejuan blair, and sitting tiago on the bench. What a fucking contradiction.

+1

[tdunk21]

and1 tp

[Fireball]

in that situation Budinger looked like Bonner ... no chance against Tony

[CFH]

Parker has come to play

[DPG21920]

TP :wow

[DPG21920]

Can we please get Tiago as the first big off the bench.

[DPG21920]

Amazing pass by Manu. I love Tim's steady hands. He doesn't fumble the ball and goes straight to work.

[Thomas82]

Blair as the 1st big off the bench???

[Pauleta14]

lol Kevin Martin

TP's speed with the ball in just AMAZING

[Thomas82]

Can we please get Tiago as the first big off the bench.

I guess it's Blair tonight....

[DesignatedT]

Duncan really looks nice and fresh. Very encouraging. Now if we can only clinch and give manu a few days off.

[mystargtr34]

Scola just barrelling though McDyess for a foul call.

[timtonymanu]

wow TP to RJ. Havent seen that in forever.

[Thomas82]

Keep giving up those 3s...............

[DesignatedT]

lol at that last 3 from lowry. garbage.

[concken]

Thanks tdunk21. tp9gospursgo...faggot

[quentin_compson]

Wow, the alley-oop for RJ has been resurrected. :wow
What is next, meaningful minutes for Splitter?

[timtonymanu]

Yuck with the perimeter D

[DPG21920]

Manu looking bad again. TP and Tim seem to be playing at a level good enough to get them to the WCF, but Manu is not.

[DesignatedT]

good job dejuan

[Thomas82]

Blair is actually earning his keep so far.........

[Obstructed_View]

Splitter's coming in before Bonner? Is this bizarro world?

[wunderkindepiphany]

splitter looking to get minutes in the next sub

[wunderkindepiphany]

gotta shut down those threes

[Fireball]

the Rockets can definitely hit contested and long threes ... crazy

[timtonymanu]

Haha Pop is just toying with us. He'll put in Splitter for a minute. Then sub him for Bonner.

[tdunk21]

Thanks tdunk21.

cool bro

[Pauleta14]

wow TP to RJ. Havent seen that in forever.


yep, good to see!

This one was slightly different, RJ went straight to the basket ...

[quentin_compson]

Tony once again is playing very, very good at the beginning of the game.

[Uriel]

I think the coaching staff finally figured out the Bonner - Blair front court doesn't work.

[Tp9gospursgo]

?
He was good yesterday
He averages +20 pts on 53% on March...

I wasnt saying he hasn't being aggressive just stating that its a good sign. :rolleyes

[Fireball]

according to the TV companion Bonner comes in ...

[wunderkindepiphany]

lmao at bonner in the game right now

[CFH]

Nope, Bonner/Blair combo yuck

[Uriel]

Nevermind.

[byrdman31]

Thanks tdunk21. tp9gospursgo...faggot

was it a good channel? mine is not so good.. PM?

[DPG21920]

:lol Bonner watching Blair battle two guys for a board.

[Creation88]

i hate this line up

[timtonymanu]

LMAO Pop never learns

[Tp9gospursgo]

Thanks tdunk21. tp9gospursgo...faggot

you asked for the channel.... I told you. Whats the problem? I guess you meant link?

[mystargtr34]

Holy fuck TP is quick tonight.

[wunderkindepiphany]

oh shit hill

[Uriel]

Blair's finally crashing the offensive boards again.

[DPG21920]

13 for TP. Damn.

[Fireball]

Pop teased us with Splitter, then it was fuck you Spurstalk

[CFH]

Parker can't be stopped tonight

[Thomas82]

yuck with the perimeter d

+1

[Thomas82]

Tony is bringing it tonight......

[wunderkindepiphany]

bonners in and the point swing begins

[DPG21920]

Guys, you can't fall asleep like that on defense. Everyone was sagging off of Hayes and he still had time to find a cutter.

[Tp9gospursgo]

Please get injured bonner, please....if hes not hitting 3s he's useless. And he has been the last 5 games..just a little ankle sprain or something.....

[wunderkindepiphany]

haha blaming it all on bonners not really fair but you know whitey cant get no love

[DesignatedT]

bullshit foul. can't believe this dude shoots so many free throws

[Thomas82]

Bonner over Splitter again!!!

[DPG21920]

Spurs defense is so bad and our bigs finish so poorly.

[wunderkindepiphany]

ginobili coming in

[Tp9gospursgo]

lmao Bonner misses a wide open 3.

[Creation88]

fuck this line up fuck this fucking line up

[Obstructed_View]

No defense, bricking threes. Wake me when this team starts caring more about stops than low percentage jumpers, folks.

[CFH]

lol rebounding

[Capt Bringdown]

Pop's weak sauce is killing us

[Reck]

Someone dies everytime Bonner shoots the ball.

[timtonymanu]

Ugh I'll tune in when this team starts giving a shit.

[wunderkindepiphany]

ok so bonner will prolly be out for the next quarter

[quentin_compson]

Boy, Bonner's shot really doesn't look good the last couple of games. He lacks confidence and is hesistant to let it fly.

[noles1983]

hot garbage spurs again, nothing to see here

[Fireball]

Spurs should stop giving up 30+ points every 1st quarter ...

[alchemist]

crofl @ being up 7 then giving 8 straight........team is ass cheeks right now, the Lakers game changed these guys.

[Cessation]

wow bonner/blair so consistent, opposing team goes on a run

[LakerHater]

Ugly D towards the end of the 1st!:bang

[45 bank shot]

Nothing new here, Bonner and Blair in, Rockets went on a run

[Mugen]

nope, not gonna say anything.

[Creation88]

Hill/Bonner/Blair results in 11-6 run. greeeeat.

[Pauleta14]

Same thing than against Boston, TP should have kept shooting...

Why isn't he used (at least when he's hot) as our go to guy? like in 2009?

[wunderkindepiphany]

fml

[tdunk21]

tony and timmy with most in 1st quarter....

[Tp9gospursgo]

Dragic!!! Ahhhhh!

[alchemist]

pay attention folks, perimeter d = sucking dicks.

[DesignatedT]

manu... where are you?

[Capt Bringdown]

We've been in the fetal position since the Laker game.

[Ditty]

I'm starting to question pop's coaching of Blair and Bonner, and I have rarely all season, it's fucking ridiculous I'm fucking starting to hate you pop

[Fireball]

Hill/Bonner/Blair results in 11-6 run. greeeeat.

keep George away from that ... he had nothing to do with it

[mingus]

Bonner/Blair FTL!

Pop must be cumming in his pants

[noles1983]

lol buddinger

[Tp9gospursgo]

No one is afraid to go to the rim with Bonner guarding it..

[Ditty]

yes splitter coming in

[quentin_compson]

Oh no, Dragic coming in. Spurs = fucked

[wunderkindepiphany]

they start looking to kick that ball out to bonner. and he always just sets up on the perimeter and slides around the person whos driving, so he can have an outlet=1 dimensional

[Tp9gospursgo]

Manu tres!

[Creation88]

fuck this fuckign line up

[Obstructed_View]

Spurs jacking up threes and allowing layups. That's good math.

[noles1983]

layup drill

[Creation88]

who's the guy in #22?

[alchemist]

Dragic taking the ball all the way to rim = absolute fail (perimeter d)

[tdunk21]

neal 33333

[fotan2]

so... pop still puts his faith in Bonner...........................

[Tp9gospursgo]

Splitter sighting

[roycrikside]

Pop is incapable of learning. That's just the reality. He forms an idea in December of what the team/rotation will be and he doesn't deviate from it. It doesn't matter how well splitter plays or how badly that Blair/Bonner frontcourt combo gets exposed night after night, he just doesn't change.

He's a stubborn fool and he's gonna cost us any chance at a ring. It's fucking sabotage.

[CFH]

Splitter has checked in

[DPG21920]

Splitter in. He should really help out Matt defensively.

[Uriel]

Splitter - Bonner?

[Thomas82]

Same old stuff again!!

[Capt Bringdown]

Dragic abused Blair. Can Blair even pretend to play defense?

[ohmwrecker]

You could put a lump of coal in Bonner's ass right now and have a diamond by the end of the playoffs.

[DesignatedT]

manu... nothing but 3s.

[wunderkindepiphany]

Split her

[DesignatedT]

get to the line more often manu. ridiculous.

[Mr Fundamental]

I want to steal the idea of Bonner-Blair playing together from Pop's brain like the film 'Inception'

and put the Splitter-Duncan duo thought in his brain and save it.

That's the only way.

[Creation88]

see how easy it is when Manu gets to the hoop?

[wunderkindepiphany]

and one bitch

[DPG21920]

Splitter is the "and 1" master. Good drive by Manu, just not the lift to finish.

[CFH]

Splitter already making a difference

[Thomas82]

Good job Splitter!!

[Juggity]

Nice move Splitter!

[Cessation]

Splitter producing, what else is new?

[DesignatedT]

There you go Tiago. good board.

[Uriel]

Tiago seems to gets more And-1's than anyone in the league on a per minute basis.

[Thomas82]

Now can we PLEASE see Duncan and Splitter together!!!???!!!

[DPG21920]

No foul?

[DPG21920]

Spurs looking much better on both ends with Tiago on the floor.

[Capt Bringdown]

Good D by Splitter

[Thomas82]

Get Bonner out.....Get Bonner out.....Get Bonner out!!

[DesignatedT]

late ass call by bavetta. ill take it though

[Fireball]

latest call ever

[Obstructed_View]

Bet Splitter comes out before Bonner does.

[Thomas82]

I wonder if the Duncan/Splitter combo is one of the tricks Pop is holding back for the playoffs.....

[Fireball]

Good D by Splitter

thought so too ... Dragic went straight into a wall

[roycrikside]

Spurs looking much better on both ends with Tiago on the floor.


It literally is mind-boggling how EVERYONE watching the game can see that but Pop. Is he hoping to spring a secret weapon in the playoffs at the expense of the 1st seed?

Or is he just a moron?

[Pauleta14]

lol Bavetta with the late call...

how old is the guy btw?

[wunderkindepiphany]

split her puttin in work right off the bat

[Obstructed_View]

Late whistles are so lame, and there have been so many of them this year.

[mingus]

I'm not feelin Splitter, I need me more Bonner/Blair!!!!!!

[Fireball]

now Hill misses FTs

[Obstructed_View]

I wonder if the Duncan/Splitter combo is one of the tricks Pop is holding back for the playoffs.....

Yeah, and Pop was just waiting for the '06 finals to unleash Rasho and Nazr.

[DesignatedT]

damn free throws

[DPG21920]

It literally is mind-boggling how EVERYONE watching the game can see that but Pop. Is he hoping to spring a secret weapon in the playoffs at the expense of the 1st seed?

Or is he just a moron?

I know he is not a moron. I just think he has severe trust issues and he truly believes in the %'s for Matt.

[Creation88]

good lane closure by Tiago.

[Obstructed_View]

No, he's just a moron.

[20beastie45]

where the travel dick?

[noles1983]

buddinger for mvp

[20beastie45]

way to easy for tiago...he's to bug for them

[boutons_deux]

Another mediocre, unimpressive effort

[Fireball]

Tiago is in and the Rockets miss when they drive through the lane ... funny

[Capt Bringdown]

Only Pop would refuse to combo Duncan/Splitter. Seriously, who else would be so stubborn?
Exasperated doesn't begin to describe how I feel about Pop right now.

[DPG21920]

I know his hook is weak, but Tiago is polished enough offensively that you can actually dump it to him down low. It's a huge luxury.

I don't remember his FT's being this bad before he got here?

[CFH]

If only Splitter didn't suck at free throws

[alchemist]

hack-a-splitter

[SplitterHook]

lol people foul splitter a lot.. not sure why.

[Thomas82]

I can't believe Bonner is still in the game.

[DesignatedT]

wow. free throws fucking terrible.

[20beastie45]

please hit your free throws Splitter

[DPG21920]

Tiago is almost always in the right spots now, which is impressive for a lack of playing time.

Spurs in the bonus and they need to convert.

[ace3g]

If it takes a Splitter/Bonner front court for Splitter to get minutes then so be it; Duncan/Blair, Duncan/Dice, Dice/Splitter, and Bonner/Splitter would be acceptable

[Obstructed_View]

I know his hook is weak, but Tiago is polished enough offensively that you can actually dump it to him down low. It's a huge luxury.

I don't remember his FT's being this bad before he got here?

The Spurs decided to fuck with his free throw mechanics, obviously assuming that he wouldn't be playing this season.

[wunderkindepiphany]

split putting hill in foul trouble

[Tp9gospursgo]

Splitter needs some serious work on his FTS bu other than that he looks great. He fights for boards unlike Boner.

[DMC]

If anyone wonders why Splitter isn't getting more minutes right now, just consider Pop loves the hack-a-center move. Tiago would be a huge target for that against any team. He cannot hit a ft.

[Pauleta14]

Thiago is worst than Shaq at the FT line...

[DPG21920]

Hey, I know it's frustrating missing FT's, but at least he gets his ass to the line. RJ is scared of even getting fouled.

[Fireball]

feels like hack a Splitter

[wunderkindepiphany]

fuck yeah, splitter n dice

[20beastie45]

late rotation dice

[wunderkindepiphany]

that shits a load in the paint

[DesignatedT]

there we go. he just needs to see 1 go in.

[20beastie45]

late rotation manu

[Thomas82]

I thought Dice wasn't supposed to play much tonight.....

[wunderkindepiphany]

nm

[quentin_compson]

I don't remember his FT's being this bad before he got here?

If that doesn't tell you he truly is a Spur, I don't know what will. :lol

[boutons_deux]

Spurs got nuthin

[ace3g]

How many times do I have to say it, Splitter doesn't suck at FT; the coaching staff sucks for changing his form.

Pretty obvious when he was 72-75% FT shooter for Caja Laboral now 50% for Spurs

[ace3g]

How many times do I have to say it, Splitter doesn't suck at FT; the coaching staff sucks for changing his form.

Pretty obvious when he was 72-75% FT shooter for Caja Laboral now 50% for Spurs

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

I know his hook is weak, but Tiago is polished enough offensively that you can actually dump it to him down low. It's a huge luxury.

I don't remember his FT's being this bad before he got here?

Tiago's hook has improved vastly already. He was shooting it from his hip to start the season, but now he has extension and elevation. It'll be money next year.

Shot of Pop earlier and he had a look on his face like "WTF happened to my contender?!" :depressed

[tdunk21]

lowry is playin better than manu right now.....

[Thomas82]

Every time we cut the deficit, they keep pulling away!!

[Reck]

I dont know why I keep hoping the Spurs would actually win a game.

[DPG21920]

I bet you Bavetta has terrible breath.

[HighLowLobForBig-50]

why does dick has to kiss every man he shakes hands with?

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

I know I shouldn't say this, but imagine if we had SCOLA! :rollin :lmao

[Fireball]

lowry is playin better than manu right now.....

talented guard ... young legs ... nice player for the Rockets

[Thomas82]

dice is garbageeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee omg

They need to sit him down!!

[timtonymanu]

I bet you Bavetta has terrible breath.

Imagine how that whistle smells.

[DPG21920]

Very productive minutes from Tiago. Well done. With Tim and TP in, Spurs should get the lead back.

[SplitterHook]

Splitter needs some serious work on his FTS bu other than that he looks great. He fights for boards unlike Boner.

actually he had serviceable FT% but for some reason he decided to "work on his shot" and changed his release now on spurs.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

In other news, JORDAN CRAWFORD just had a triple double! 20/10/11

The kid is a budding stud. And I picked him up in DL I about 6 weeks ago. :D

[Uriel]

Is it just me or is Pop playing 3 bigs?

[DesignatedT]

there you go manu.... cant stop you when you go to the rim

[CFH]

Wow, Scola with an airball

[Capt Bringdown]

Dice the jump shooter...ugh. This dude is so over-rated.

[Obstructed_View]

Is it just me or is Pop playing 3 bigs?

Jefferson's not a big.

[20beastie45]

Very productive minutes from Tiago. Well done. With Tim and TP in, Spurs should get the lead back.

there it is