Spurs @ Rockets - Dec 17 - Preseason Game Blog

[stephen jackson]

cj looks good to not bad having 3 decent pgs

[Libri]

good pass Splitter

[rasho8]

Tiago looks better in the 2nd half ...

He looks better without Bonner and Blair on the floor.

[angelbelow]

Cowhi needs a 3pt shot and fast! RJ is painful to watch on D

Winter is coming!!!!

[Bill_Brasky]

Tiago getting comfortable out there. Showing off his BBIQ.

[DMC]

RJ is just so fucking wrong for this team. I'm thinking Kawhi will be the starter sooner than we think.
lol thinking Pop will start the best players

[Nathan89]

Splitter... looks.... good

good enough for 30mpg? crosses fingers

[GB20]

i like the way cory run the offense.

[itzsoweezee]

Splitter has been awesome in the second half. I knew he had it in him.

[lilsupa]

i like the way cory run the offense.

Yeah he looks pretty confident out there

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

RJ is just so fucking wrong for this team. I'm thinking Kawhi will be the starter sooner than we think.

We can all see that, but Pop has a peculiar blindspot when it comes to rookies and red-headed 3pt shooters. Ugh.

[stephen jackson]

omg woww

[lilsupa]

Splitter looks Fucking good!!!!!!!

[Juggity]

Splitter!

[bbarry]

splitter dominating

[ace3g]

awesome, Splitter with a under the defenders arm layup

[angelbelow]

Wow Splitter looks fantastic, even in this shitty 280p quality.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Splitter looking like a balla! Nice.

[ace3g]

and now Blair comes in...

[Libri]

Splitter again, nice

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

People will disagree with me, but I think Dragic is a low-level starting PG at this point. He just needs the opportunity to run a team.

[rasho8]

Pop: Splitters on a roll... better take him out and put Blair back in.

[Bill_Brasky]

Awesome job from Splitter.

[Nathan89]

:lmao Blair

[ElNono]

Welp, there's Blair...

[rasho8]

From a 1 pt game to a 7 pt game in 1.Blair seconds.

[lilsupa]

:bangBlair Blair Blair

[Bill_Brasky]

Novak shittin' it up

[Bill_Brasky]

From a 1 pt game to a 7 pt game in 1.Blair seconds.

OK, this was funny. :lmao

[angelbelow]

Even if we drop this game I'm pretty content with some of the things we saw.

KL has great potential, JA needs to loosen up a bit and let the game come to him but otherwise he looks good, Splitter beasted up the 4th, TJ looks solid (especially when hes in this playmaking first role), CJ shows some signs of nice decision making.

[ElNono]

Can we get some more cow-hi before the game's over?

[Ice009]

I think I might like this three headed PG attack with TP, TJ and CJ.

[Bill_Brasky]

Blair with the aggression!!

[stephen jackson]

lmao omg fuck rj

[ElNono]

Spurs-killa at work

[Bill_Brasky]

lmao omg fuck rj

Fucking sweet pass from Blair there, RJ with the butterfingers though. :lol

[ace3g]

Kawhi in and Blair scores, coincidence...

[Bill_Brasky]

Kawhi with more really awesome defense on that possession.

[stephen jackson]

cjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj

[GB20]

i really like cory man!!

[ace3g]

nice floater by CJ

[stephen jackson]

lmao blair thinks hes magic

[Bill_Brasky]

CJ learning moves from TP!

[angelbelow]

Blair with that annoying and sloppy half ass reach in.

[WeNeedLength]

Blair's a dumb fuck....

[Roger Freemason Jr.]

CJO! good shit!

[stephen jackson]

blair is trash

[rasho8]

wtf... catch it.

[Bill_Brasky]

Why can't anybody handle Blair's passes????

[Ice009]

Well it's safe to say I don't want RJ, Blair and Bonner on this team.

[dbestpro]

Blair's stats don't look bad, but his game has looked horrible.

[spursince#99]

Blair FUCKING SUCK!!!.

[lilsupa]

Well it's safe to say I don't want RJ, Blair and Bonner on this team.


I'll keep Blair and Bonner but Dick needs to go ASAP

[Bill_Brasky]

Blair actually leading the team in points with Ginobili.....

[Roger Freemason Jr.]

So once a player proves he can affect the game, Pop takes them out? I see.

[DMC]

good enough for 30mpg? crosses fingers
What choice do we have?

[Snow]

Well it's safe to say I don't want RJ, Blair and Bonner on this team.

Why not... with that beastly front court we can score 120

and give up 160...

[DMC]

So once a player proves he can affect the game, Pop takes them out? I see.
Pop wants to see players out there. He's not worried about winning this game.

[dbestpro]

I'll keep Blair and Bonner but Dick needs to go ASAP

You must be a Rockets fan.

[stephen jackson]

pop playing unknowns :pop:

[Bill_Brasky]

So once a player proves he can affect the game, Pop takes them out? I see.

:lol dude it's preseason. The point isn't to win, it's to get as many guys playing as possible. It's kinda like "OK, nice you've shown me what you can do. Now let's see what the next guy can do."

[ace3g]

lets see what "Judge Dredd" Lawal can do

[DMC]

Blair actually leading the team in points with Ginobili.....
Blair is proof positive that stats don't tell the story.

Late game, you're down 4, you get an offensive board off a missed FT and what do you do? You make a risky pass off the foot of your teammate instead of bringing it out and trying to get a good shot.

Blair plays schoolyard ball, always has.

[lilsupa]

You must be a Rockets fan.


Spurs Fan all day but I like blair and bonner.

[rasho8]

I would really like to see Tim and Tiago out there at the same time.

Of course it will be RJ and Bonner starting because.... Pop

[Brazil]

Troy Murphy with the lakers lol lakers

[ajballer4]

Good shit. Loved the 2nd half effort. If this was a regular season game, its a W. Definitely need some work done though

[dbestpro]

Danny Green may be playing his way off this team.

[angelbelow]

Don't think Pop had any interest in winning this win.. thats okay though.. we got a good look at some of the question marks.

[rasho8]

Man in less than 5 minutes we went from good flowing offense and good defense within 1 pt to a shitty group and a 12 pt loss.

Guess we know what doesnt work Pop. Good job.

[Roger Freemason Jr.]

:lol dude it's preseason. The point isn't to win, it's to get as many guys playing as possible. It's kinda like "OK, nice you've shown me what you can do. Now let's see what the next guy can do."

I actually wasn't being sarcastic.

[024]

good thing we have a surplus of wing players because green doesn't even look like a d league player.

[lilsupa]

Danny Green not playing good and Anderson has some impressive ball handling skills..Playing the point at times

[Bill_Brasky]

Blair is proof positive that stats don't tell the story.

Late game, you're down 4, you get an offensive board off a missed FT and what do you do? You make a risky pass off the foot of your teammate instead of bringing it out and trying to get a good shot.

Blair plays schoolyard ball, always has.

Again, nobody seems to be able to handle his passes for whatever reason. Not his fault.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Danny Green may be playing his way off this team.

I thought the same.

[rasho8]

So what did we learn from this game? Where is the TimVP writeup?

[Nathan89]

What choice do we have?

I don't put anything past Pop. He should be playing 30mpg though.




Blair and Bonner:bang

[Ice009]

CJ was awesome for someone that hasn't been able to practice with the team.

[dbestpro]

Again, nobody seems to be able to handle his passes for whatever reason. Not his fault.

Yeah, that pass to the foot should have been expected.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Good signs from Leonard, Splitter, Ford, Joseph.

Bad signs from RJ, Green, Grizz... but I'm willing to give the latter a little while to get up to speed. The other two not so much.

[DMC]

We were looking at Houston's best, vs mostly our bench.

[DMC]

Again, nobody seems to be able to handle his passes for whatever reason. Not his fault.
Sure.

[Bill_Brasky]

Yeah, that pass to the foot should have been expected.

Guess I didn't see that one. There were a couple where he was posting up and somebody would cut into the lane and be wide open and he'd get the ball there......only to have it go through their hands.

[spursince#99]

And for all of you talking about sending Cory to the D-League SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!.

[Buddy Holly]

So what did we learn from this game? Where is the TimVP writeup?

RJ played like RJ. :depressed

Tiago needs the ball more. :hat

Kawahi's defense is impressive. :toast

Anderson will be a stud once he gets settled into the rotation. :toast

If I hear "Mr. Alexander" one more time, I'm going to stab someone. :wow

[Roger Freemason Jr.]

We were looking at Houston's best, vs mostly our bench.

Exactly.

[xellos88330]

After seeing the young guys in action, I am inclined to be quite hopeful for another playoff run.

[Nathan89]

Again, nobody seems to be able to handle his passes for whatever reason. Not his fault.

His passes weren't perfect. One was off the Novak's foot. Another was in traffic but could have been completed.

The main problem though is his dreadful defense. Which is the result of no size and low bbiq.

[Buddy Holly]

And for all of you talking about sending Cory to the D-League SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!.

Yeah. I thought he played pretty damn well for someone who missed almost all of the training camp so far.

[DPG21920]

TBH, I didn't really see anything to make me excited. There were some good things, but overall, this was about as bad as it could have gotten from a "surprise" standpoint.

[rasho8]

After seeing the young guys in action, I am inclined to be quite hopeful for another playoff run.

It depends if Pop actually plays them. Based on last year my hopes are not high.

[GB20]

what should pop do with cory now?

[Bill_Brasky]

His passes weren't perfect. One was off the Novak's foot. Another was in traffic but could have been completed.

The main problem though is his dreadful defense. Which is the result of no size and low bbiq.

Agree, his defense is the main problem. He seems timid.....not like the "beastly" Blair that he talked about wanting to be in his interview.

[The_Worlds_finest]

im pleased with game, except RJ. Turn that shit around RJ

[rasho8]

Didnt Blair rebound like crazy his first year? What happened to him?

[DMC]

So what did we learn from this game? Where is the TimVP writeup?
I learned that KL can ball, finishes well around the rim and gets out in transition. He's a decent defender from what I could tell.

I learned the twin turds aka grits and greens still smell like shit.

Tiago hasn't learned to operate at his height like Pau does, catch high finish high, but he looked ok. He's a bit awkward though, don't know how well he will do.

Anderson was ho hum, I expect good things from him.

Manu is a man amongst boys out there, totally different league for him. Nothing to learn there.

CoJo looked good, as did TJ Ford for 1st time arounders.

Duncan was a non factor and TP didn't get a single layup. Dice, forget about it.

[spursince#99]

Danny Green was horrible & so was Blair. Oh yeah & RJ's lateral quickness is so horrid he should be in the D-League. He couldn't even stay in front of Jordan Hill.

[DMC]

Didnt Blair rebound like crazy his first year? What happened to him?
The Spurs fixed him.

[Buddy Holly]

TBH, I didn't really see anything to make me excited. There were some good things, but overall, this was about as bad as it could have gotten from a "surprise" standpoint.

It was a preseason game that was more like a glorified scrimmage because of the lockout and Pop sat two starters and hardly played another while seeing what the bench could do. Not to mention no Neal.

What exactly were you expecting?

They came back twice from huge deficit's. Not too bad imo.

[Ice009]

And for all of you talking about sending Cory to the D-League SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!.

Who the fuck are you? You've been talking a lot of shit. It's only the first game. I wouldn't judge the new guys on one game.

Guys like Blair, Splitter, Anderson, RJ you could look at a bit more, but you can't really draw conclusions after one game on the new guys. They might get better or they might get worse. Gotta give them a lot more evaluation.

[Roger Freemason Jr.]

We're definitely making the playoffs, but I don't see us making it out of the second round, if we get out of the first.

I hope that isn't true, but there's alot of time to improve.

[DMC]

RJ isn't going to improve. We need to accept that, and anything we get from him above his normal turd offering is a bonus at this point.

[Bill_Brasky]

Lots of Blair hate.....he wasn't great by any stretch but put up 16/7......atrocious FT shooting and poor defense but wasn't our worst player.

[DPG21920]

It was a preseason game that was more like a glorified scrimmage because of the lockout and Pop sat two starters and hardly played another while seeing what the bench could do. Not to mention no Neal.

What exactly were you expecting?

They came back twice from huge deficit's. Not too bad imo.

I don't feel like explaining myself to you honestly. It was the first pre-season game and there were certain things I was looking at. Didn't see much of what I wanted.

[Bill_Brasky]

RJ isn't going to improve. We need to accept that, and anything we get from him above his normal turd offering is a bonus at this point.

Yup.....just gotta play him when he's hittin' his 3's, sit him when he's not......he's such a pussy now.

[ElNono]

It was a preseason game that was more like a glorified scrimmage because of the lockout and Pop sat two starters and hardly played another while seeing what the bench could do. Not to mention no Neal.

What exactly were you expecting?

They came back twice from huge deficit's. Not too bad imo.

Well, we know what TD, TP, Manu and to an extent, Bonner and RJ bring to the table... the question was if there was anything to get excited over JA, KL, CJ, TJ, etc...

I thought they did a few good things, but I agree with DPG, nobody really stood out.

[Buddy Holly]

I don't feel like explaining myself to you honestly. It was the first pre-season game and there were certain things I was looking at. Didn't see much of what I wanted.

:rolleyes

[DMC]

Lots of Blair hate.....he wasn't great by any stretch but put up 16/7......atrocious FT shooting and poor defense but wasn't our worst player.
He's going on year 3.

Don't give me stats. I watched the game. His points were shit points, and most of his opportunities otherwise were blown. He got out hustled on the boards like crazy. He looked like a college freshman.

He was tied as the worst player, with RJ.

[Borosai]

The Spurs need a starting PF. That's the biggest hole.

Jefferson is frustrating to watch. Athletically slow.

Leonard has good defensive instincts, and Anderson is very active as well. Aside from RJ, 1-3 looks good.

[DPG21920]

:rolleyes

Why are you rolling your eyes? You are freaking out over me saying something that wasn't me freaking out. I just didn't see much to be excited about even with the understanding of it being a pre-season game without Tim/TP you raging douche.

[Bill_Brasky]

What I'm looking for:

1) How does TJ Ford look physically. He could really be a big asset if his decline over the past couple years was due to mindset/situation and not physical ability. Spurs 2nd unit will have to be huge this year.

2) Tiago Splitter: Does he get minutes and can he find a way to defend without fouling and can he protect the rim a la Tyson (not blocking a lot of shots, but contesting with length. Can he help in PnR defense?). Can Tiago find a way to make shots on offense or continue to build on drawing fouls on that end?

3) James Anderson: Can he pick up where he left off on both ends? Did he work on ball handling? Can he be the starting 2?

4) Kawhi Leonard: Is his defense/rebounding/motor going to be instantly impactful? Any shot of him cracking the starting line up?


I don't feel like explaining myself to you honestly. It was the first pre-season game and there were certain things I was looking at. Didn't see much of what I wanted.

There ya go Buddy.

[Bill_Brasky]

He's going on year 3.

Don't give me stats. I watched the game. His points were shit points, and most of his opportunities otherwise were blown. He got out hustled on the boards like crazy. He looked like a college freshman.

He was tied as the worst player, with RJ.

If 16/7 is a bad game for Blair, I'll take it tbh.

Seems he had a +/- of -19 though. I'm starting to see your point but still think he can improve and be serviceable.

[DPG21920]

:lol Thanks Bill

[ElNono]

I just didn't like Blair's body language out there... he looks and acts lazy... careless passing, gets scored over without really putting up a fight... I don't see him getting mad at screwing up... you can say all you want about this being a preseason game, but even a seasoned vet like Manu was boiling out there...

[DPG21920]

I just didn't like Blair's body language out there... he looks and acts lazy... careless passing, gets scored over without really putting up a fight... I don't see him getting mad at screwing up... you can say all you want about this being a preseason game, but even a seasoned vet like Manu was boiling out there...

Agreed. This was one of my biggest issues with all of the young guys. They had some spurts of energy, but overall the energy level was pretty disappointing. Now, I don't know if that has to do with them being tired and out of shape, but I saw a lot of walking back on defense and laziness.

[GSH]

Manu is a man amongst boys out there, totally different league for him. Nothing to learn there.



Was I the only one who had a problem with Manu being 2-10 in the first half?

It was pre-season, and just one game. But TJ Ford is not the hopeless scrub some people say.

I really think I would rather lose games with Kawhi Leonard in the game, than suffer through a whole season watching Jefferson's weak shit, and banging my head on the wall.

Bonner had 12 and 5 and was 50% from 3. What's everyone bitching about? (That's sarcasm)

Hopefully this will be James Anderson's worst shooting night of the season. 1-9 overall, and 0-4 from the 3P line? Echhh

Maybe Blair needs ADD meds. He can't seem to maintain focus.

[Bill_Brasky]

:lol Thanks Bill

Np scroh :toast

[Buddy Holly]

Why are you rolling your eyes? You are freaking out over me saying something that wasn't me freaking out. I just didn't see much to be excited about even with the understanding of it being a pre-season game without Tim/TP you raging douche.


Freaking out? Yikes... sensitive you are.

Douche? We still in middle school? Is it that time of the once already? Sheesh!

[DPG21920]

y

[ElNono]

Agreed. This was one of my biggest issues with all of the young guys. They had some spurts of energy, but overall the energy level was pretty disappointing. Now, I don't know if that has to do with them being tired and out of shape, but I saw a lot of walking back on defense and laziness.

I can excuse the new guys (Thiago, Anderson, Leonard, Corey, etc)... trying to fit in... but Blair is on his 3rd season here.

[GB20]

i don't care what people say but i love my spurs.

[ElNono]

i don't care what people say but i love my spurs.

Sure. That's why we're chatting it up here.

[DPG21920]

They are young though, bring some damn energy. If you are trying to carve out a damn role, you better play your ass off.

[tim_duncan_fan]

The good: Splitter looked decent at times...still can't rebound though.

Cory Joseph is an NBA player. He'll be able to be aggressive if needed.

Kawhi Leornard is a pretty good NBA defender already!

Anderson will be our 4th option.

The bad:

RJ, Bonner, and Blair will still get more minutes than is good for the team. They'll be the same guys they were last year...still detrimental over all.


The young guys do give me hope though.

[Bill_Brasky]

Agreed. This was one of my biggest issues with all of the young guys. They had some spurts of energy, but overall the energy level was pretty disappointing. Now, I don't know if that has to do with them being tired and out of shape, but I saw a lot of walking back on defense and laziness.

Prolly a lot of guys going 80% out there tbh, it's a preseason game, not wanting to get injured and shit. Nobody got injured, so that's at least one thing that we can all agree is good.

[ElNono]

We'll see what Wednesday brings.. wonder if Pop is still going to sit TD, TP and Manu

[ElNono]

I would think they would want at least 10-15 mins for conditioning...

[DPG21920]

I think what it is, from both the team and the fans is there was no new life pumped into the team. They know they can't contend. They know they don't trust RJ. Yet, nothing was done and it's the same guys out there. It's like a sickness and I thought they would go a long way to cure that by cutting RJ (he's not the only issue), but they didn't. I'm afraid you will see quite a few games with low energy.

[Bill_Brasky]

I think what it is, from both the team and the fans is there was no new life pumped into the team. They know they can't contend. They know they don't trust RJ. Yet, nothing was done and it's the same guys out there. It's like a sickness and I thought they would go a long way to cure that by cutting RJ (he's not the only issue), but they didn't. I'm afraid you will see quite a few games with low energy.

I sure fuckin hope not man.

[analyzed]

Is Humpries for Blair and Dice contract feasible? for some reason the Nets haven't signed him and seem to going after AK47.

[spursince#99]

I actually wasn't being sarcastic.


Who the fuck are you? You've been talking a lot of shit. It's only the first game. I wouldn't judge the new guys on one game.

Guys like Blair, Splitter, Anderson, RJ you could look at a bit more, but you can't really draw conclusions after one game on the new guys. They might get better or they might get worse. Gotta give them a lot more evaluation.

How many practices has he had? How many turnovers? How many points did he give up? Exactly so you can SHUT THE FUCK UP TOO!!!. One game or 82 that doesn't matter cause he hadn't been with the team

[Giuseppe]

Prolly a lot of guys going 80% out there tbh, it's a preseason game, not wanting to get injured and shit. Nobody got injured, so that's at least one thing that we can all agree is good.
.

[Ice009]

How many practices has he had? How many turnovers? How many points did he give up? Exactly so you can SHUT THE FUCK UP TOO!!!. One game or 82 that doesn't matter cause he hadn't been with the team

It's only one preseason game. Didn't you see Blair dominate last preseason only to stink it up to start the regular season?

So what happens if he stinks it up every other game? You going to tell yourself to shut the fuck up?

[spursince#99]

i think what it is, from both the team and the fans is there was no new life pumped into the team. They know they can't contend. They know they don't trust rj. Yet, nothing was done and it's the same guys out there. It's like a sickness and i thought they would go a long way to cure that by cutting rj (he's not the only issue), but they didn't. I'm afraid you will see quite a few games with low energy.

this is definitely the case!!!.

[spursince#99]

It's only one preseason game. Didn't you see Blair dominate last preseason only to stink it up to start the regular season?

So what happens if he stinks it up every other game? You going to tell yourself to shut the fuck up?

He won't get that chance so that won't matter

[Bill_Brasky]

Except me. I don't agree.

:toast

Don't be a dick, Cub.

[Nathan89]

Except me. I don't agree.

:toast

:depressed Not cool...not cool...

[The_Worlds_finest]

@elnono, first serving of RJ crow; cold bitter with a foul smell. Hopefully the next serving is yours.

[DMC]

Except me. I don't agree.

:toast
You saw what happened to your boy's thread. Tread lightly here mister. :hat

[DMC]

Was I the only one who had a problem with Manu being 2-10 in the first half?

It was pre-season, and just one game. But TJ Ford is not the hopeless scrub some people say.

I really think I would rather lose games with Kawhi Leonard in the game, than suffer through a whole season watching Jefferson's weak shit, and banging my head on the wall.

Bonner had 12 and 5 and was 50% from 3. What's everyone bitching about? (That's sarcasm)

Hopefully this will be James Anderson's worst shooting night of the season. 1-9 overall, and 0-4 from the 3P line? Echhh

Maybe Blair needs ADD meds. He can't seem to maintain focus.

I certainly didn't have a problem with it. He's rusty. It's to be expected.

Manu isn't a question mark. He's a given. If he's not hurt, he's going to be great.

[DMC]

Agreed. This was one of my biggest issues with all of the young guys. They had some spurts of energy, but overall the energy level was pretty disappointing. Now, I don't know if that has to do with them being tired and out of shape, but I saw a lot of walking back on defense and laziness.
They looked a bit reserved, maybe they think their spot will be sooner earned by lack of mistakes/missed shots than by hustling and making a few mistakes.

They are wrong.

We need a couple more looks at them to be sure.

[Giuseppe]

You saw what happened to your boy's thread. Tread lightly here mister. :hat

I erased it.

You guys are too sensitive.

[Tyrone Jenkins]

What happened to DeSean Butler - is he off the team (Toros)?

[DPG21920]

He was cut from the team.

[mystargtr34]

In regards to JA... when a guy goes 1-9 from the field and looks good.. then you know hes probably going to be ok.

Bonner, Blair and RJ combine for 30 points.. and they still look like garbage.

[cutewizard]

nice games from Splitter, Leonard, Anderson, TJ Ford and CJ

[cutewizard]

our weaknesses are RJ, Blair and Bonner

i think the Spurs should make a decision soon

[cutewizard]

lets see what we have here:

Starting Five:

Tiago and Duncan
Leonard
Parker and Manu/or Anderson

pretty good yes??

in a shortened season, i really wish Manu could be the NBA MVP, he deserves

not going to happen, but i really wish it did happen

[cutewizard]

Second team:

now here is the problem:

TJ Ford, Manu/Neal and Anderson/Leonard seems a pretty good second unit to me

but

where is our back up bi??


we really need a big now!!! as in now!!!

[cutewizard]

we really need a big right now....

why are the Spurs NOT stacking up??

are they just content with the current lineup???

[ElNono]

@elnono, first serving of RJ crow; cold bitter with a foul smell. Hopefully the next serving is yours.

I'm all for eating RJ crow all season long... but above all, I'm 100% hoping I eat RJ crow at playoff time if we make it there (I think we will).

[DMC]

we really need a big right now....

why are the Spurs NOT stacking up??

are they just content with the current lineup???
I was thinking that if you posted a few more times saying the same things you just said, we would probably get a big. Peter Holt trolls here.

[Obstructed_View]

where is our back up bi??

http://www.unathleticmag.com/wp-content/uploads/1209657878059695001S425x425Q85.jpg

[analyzed]

Can Spliiter , TD and Anderson play together? I think the frontline can bring back the old Spurs defense or at least put us back to top 8 in defense. My concern however is if they can play offense together, or if the offense will be too stagnant with no real outside threat at the forward spot (TD and Leonard). Leonard showed glimses of his natural defensive ability , but his offensive game , outside shooting is still very raw.

[Obstructed_View]

I'm having trouble judging anyone's outside shot by last night. Everyone looked flat except Manu, and he would have called his own shooting performance "rough".

[mystargtr34]

I would much rather see Tiago start with Tim ...even if it means the Blair and Bonner shitfest off the bench.. at least they will be going against the opposition bench. Having Bonner or Blair playing against starters just gets them going early in the game.. and its too hard to stop good players oncce they are rolling. Who cares if the bench bigs score a few baskets.. if it means the opposition starters are kept somewhat in check.

[spurs10]

Last night we were murdered on the boards. If we don't have a PF/C by next Wednesday it will be more of the same. Obviously Tim will make a big difference, but Tiago is going to have to grab a few rebounds. If we don't have some help by starting day, those bears are going to put the hurt on us......now it's time to pray...

[bigfan]

Good god that Danny Green guy sucks ass.

[Bender]

only watched about 10 minutes on one of the streaming places. Luckily the next preseason game will be televised locally on FSSW.

[benefactor]

I'm having trouble judging anyone's outside shot by last night. Everyone looked flat except Manu, and he would have called his own shooting performance "rough".
Rust. With the lack of camp time there will probably be a lot of this around the league early in the season. Saw much of the same from another preseason game I watched the night before.

[therealtruth]

I would much rather see Tiago start with Tim ...even if it means the Blair and Bonner shitfest off the bench.. at least they will be going against the opposition bench. Having Bonner or Blair playing against starters just gets them going early in the game.. and its too hard to stop good players oncce they are rolling. Who cares if the bench bigs score a few baskets.. if it means the opposition starters are kept somewhat in check.

Agree you have to start your best defenders to begin a game. You want to establish a defensive mindset. Once your start allowing easy baskets it's usually much harder to stop because you like you said once a good players get rolling they can be tough to stop. Ideally you want them to feel uncomfortable and never get going.

[analyzed]

Agree you have to start your best defenders to begin a game. You want to establish a defensive mindset. Once your start allowing easy baskets it's usually much harder to stop because you like you said once a good players get rolling they can be tough to stop. Ideally you want them to feel uncomfortable and never get going.

Well the other thing is your weak frontline defenders won't be going up against the opponents first team (main big men scorers) so you can hide them to an extent. In practical terms however, it's not like TD and Splitter have to come out at the same time. You can pull out TD at the 5 min mark , then pull out Splitter at the 10 min mark and put back TD. This is what Pop does with Manu and Parker when they start. Although Manu starts he comes out early, to be able to come back in to lead the second unit