Game Blog: Spurs vs. Nuggets - Mar. 04

[timvp]

Damn.

[mexicanjunior]

If the Spurs meet the Nuggets in the playoffs, I could easily see them winning 4 games like this...especially if they get even half of their injured players back. Sickening loss and just reconfirming that this team is not built for playoff success unless they are consistently red hot from 3...

[DMC]

Par for the course tbh. You know RJ is always going to play shitty in close games. Bonner is going to miss in close games. Blair is also rarely a factor, tonight he's hurt. Nothing from Green or TJ and Splitter wasn't that great either. Manu looks like it's his first night back despite the threes (for Manu). Tony missing his first 5 shots, having to dig out of a 16 point deficit because the whole team stayed out too late last night, and no shoot around.

Typical Sunday game.

[DPG21920]

Spurs were thoroughly out classed at home and it's alarming.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

I can't see this team getting out of the first round. Their defense has to be one of the worst in the entire league. Pop needs to change the entire defensive philosophy because the Spurs can't get around a screen to save their lives.

[Mugen]

So is this another encouraging loss or is there something to be concerned about?

there's no encouraging losses for this team, tbh. not with Pop giving extended minutes to RJ/Bon Bon regardless of their play or the outcome.

[BRHornet45]

sons honestly why was Duncan in the game at the end anyways? (and no I'm not trying to piss anyone off)

I don't watch the Spurs that often, but you would think that Pop would get his old ass out of there when its a close game at the end.

[SpurPadre]

I'm content with the loss. I can't be mad at Gary for taking a 3. Good attempt.

I'm tired of seeing these statements after a loss against a playoff team...who was playing at a disadvantage on the road. First, the Bulls playing the second of a back-to-back and now a short-handed Nuggets team. I'm mad at Duncan missing two late FTs. I'm mad at the team giving up a rebound after a missed free throw late in the game. I'm mad at the pussy ass deer in headlights type of play against playoff teams. FUCK THIS BULLSHIT.

[DesignatedT]

Lets all jump off the cliff!!!! Parker sucks, Duncan needs to retire, Manu is cool though, Pop is senile, were fools gold, Splitter needs more minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[therealtruth]

Ginobili getting back into form will make a difference but I still don't like the defense and Pop loves small ball too much. When's the last time the team actually exploited height mismatches in the post?

[Ice009]

Well like I said after the Chicago game, the Bulls exposed our flaws, and I've been saying all season we need another big to start with Tim and go back to defense first.

The offense shit small ball with get you bounced in the first round of the playoffs again. Bonner, RJ, Blair will get dominated, exposed and destroyed in the playoffs. Anyone under any kind of delusion that they will magically play the same in the playoffs is just kidding themselves.

It's nothing to do with players coming back and getting the rotation set and reworked. It's glaring flaws that are plain as day to see, and they need to be corrected.

Tiago unfortunately looks like a 3rd big right now. I'd still take a gamble and start him next to Tim to see if the two can play together. Spurs have nothing to lose.

[Mugen]

Lets all jump off the cliff!!!! Parker sucks, Duncan needs to retire, Manu is cool though, Pop is senile, were fools gold, Splitter needs more minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Serious question DT, do you have red hair?

[DMC]

Lets all jump off the cliff!!!! Parker sucks, Duncan needs to retire, Manu is cool though, Pop is senile, were fools gold, Splitter needs more minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Don't you know this was game 7 of the Sunday Finals?

[Splits]

This loss is on Bonner. Not sure how, but it is definitely his fault. Neal missed that wide open 3 to tie becuz Bonner looked at him funny. Lawson went off because Bonner was in the arena

[Dex]

We should've seen it coming, tbh.

Fucking Los Spurs jerseys.

[rayjayjohnson]

yeh, blame the jerseys

[Budkin]

Meh, once Splitter and Manu get back to form we'll be fine. No need to panic right now.

[DesignatedT]

This loss is on Bonner. Not sure how, but it is definitely his fault. Neal missed that wide open 3 to tie becuz Bonner looked at him funny. Lawson went off because Bonner was in the arena

:lol

[therealtruth]

If the Spurs meet the Nuggets in the playoffs, I could easily see them winning 4 games like this...especially if they get even half of their injured players back. Sickening loss and just reconfirming that this team is not built for playoff success unless they are consistently red hot from 3...

Spurs are running out of teams they don't want to face in the playoffs.

[Johnny RIngo]

Seems like Parker's lost all his confidence after DRose skullfucked him last Wednesday.

[TampaDude]

Blair getting hurt right at the start disrupted the Spurs rhythm, and by the time they recovered, they had dug themselves too deep a hole to climb out of.

This game was lost in the 1st quarter. Denver shot 80% in the first quarter...you'll almost never see that. They had so much energy. The Spurs looked slow out there by comparison.

If this is a depleted Nuggets team on the road, the Spurs better hope they avoid them in the playoffs...it's not a good matchup for the Spurs.

[DesignatedT]

Serious question DT, do you have red hair?

Yeah, you've probably seen me in the front row of the Spurs game.

[DMC]

I was thinking about the RJ amnesty proposition and realized it's a bad move. The Spurs are not going to get anyone else for that price that's going to make take them over the top. Yes it does matter, because why spend that extra money just to end up in basically the same place?

[Sean Cagney]

Par for the course tbh. You know RJ is always going to play shitty in close games. Bonner is going to miss in close games. Blair is also rarely a factor, tonight he's hurt. Nothing from Green or TJ and Splitter wasn't that great either. Manu looks like it's his first night back despite the threes (for Manu). Tony missing his first 5 shots, having to dig out of a 16 point deficit because the whole team stayed out too late last night, and no shoot around.

Typical Sunday game.

I hate f in Sundays and I hate that LOS shyt on their jerseys even more, why could they not have just tucked those away for GOOD? Nooooooo we have to see them on a Sunday again. LOS is LOST, period.
Blair getting hurt right at the start disrupted the Spurs rhythm, and by the time they recovered, they had dug themselves too deep a hole to climb out of.

This game was lost in the 1st quarter. Denver shot 80% in the first quarter...you'll almost never see that. They had so much energy. The Spurs looked slow out there by comparison.

If this is a depleted Nuggets team on the road, the Spurs better hope they avoid them in the playoffs...it's not a good matchup for the Spurs.

What is a good matchup for them in the playoffs then? Portland NO? Denver NO, who is then? Nobody?

[Borosai]

Losing is good if it leads to positive changes, but I'm not sure we'll see any. They're just going to have to play better as a team and hope for a 40 point game from Parker or Ginobili, or they'll have to shoot the three very well.

[DesignatedT]

In all seriousness though, Leonard should have been playing down the stretch. Rebounding/Faried were killing us.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Blair getting hurt right at the start disrupted the Spurs rhythm, and by the time they recovered, they had dug themselves too deep a hole to climb out of.

This game was lost in the 1st quarter. Denver shot 80% in the first quarter...you'll almost never see that. They had so much energy. The Spurs looked slow out there by comparison.

If this is a depleted Nuggets team on the road, the Spurs better hope they avoid them in the playoffs...it's not a good matchup for the Spurs.

Do the Spurs matchup well with anyone in the West? With how awful their defense is, it is going to be very difficult to see them get out of round 1. They give up more open shots than any other team in the West. Just brutal to watch them sometimes.

Also Green is obviously hurt, his ass needs to sit down.

[sehui]

we lost the game because of shitty defense.

Neal's shot at the end was a typical Neal with it shot - he should of made it, nothing wrong. But should we have given it to Ginobili instead?

[Mugen]

Yeah, you've probably seen me in the front row of the Spurs game.

:lol that would explain it, tbh.

[Budkin]

Blair getting hurt right at the start disrupted the Spurs rhythm, and by the time they recovered, they had dug themselves too deep a hole to climb out of.

This game was lost in the 1st quarter. Denver shot 80% in the first quarter...you'll almost never see that. They had so much energy. The Spurs looked slow out there by comparison.

If this is a depleted Nuggets team on the road, the Spurs better hope they avoid them in the playoffs...it's not a good matchup for the Spurs.

Assuming both teams are healthy we'd beat them in a 7 game series. They're no Memphis from last year.

[Splits]

BTW Dick J sux

[rayjayjohnson]

Meh, once Splitter and Manu get back to form we'll be fine. No need to panic right now.

wait until nene and gallo are back, panic then

[timtonymanu]

Blair getting hurt right at the start disrupted the Spurs rhythm, and by the time they recovered, they had dug themselves too deep a hole to climb out of.

This game was lost in the 1st quarter. Denver shot 80% in the first quarter...you'll almost never see that. They had so much energy. The Spurs looked slow out there by comparison.

If this is a depleted Nuggets team on the road, the Spurs better hope they avoid them in the playoffs...it's not a good matchup for the Spurs.

That's a weak ass team then if they let injuries get to them like that. That's asking for a first round exit.

[DMC]

Blair getting hurt right at the start disrupted the Spurs rhythm, and by the time they recovered, they had dug themselves too deep a hole to climb out of.

This game was lost in the 1st quarter. Denver shot 80% in the first quarter...you'll almost never see that. They had so much energy. The Spurs looked slow out there by comparison.

If this is a depleted Nuggets team on the road, the Spurs better hope they avoid them in the playoffs...it's not a good matchup for the Spurs.
It's the same thing the depleted Blazers did to us a couple seasons ago. Doesn't change anything in the grand scheme, but it's not uncommon for a depleted team to come out strong on the road against a team like the Spurs who take forever to get up to speed.

[SpurPadre]

You guys notice when the team misses two straight shots in the 4th, the other team makes like 10 in a row? Teams don't fear us anymore because they see weaknesses to exploit.

[Sense]

I think we lost this game in the first half... the Spurs looked bored and tired out there, and it showed in their effort.

[Mugen]

I was thinking about the RJ amnesty proposition and realized it's a bad move. The Spurs are not going to get anyone else for that price that's going to make take them over the top. Yes it does matter, because why spend that extra money just to end up in basically the same place?

Losing RJ, even for nothing, would make this team better. The same goes with Bonner.

If either of those two gets hurt before the playoffs, the team's chances improve dramatically.

[Sense]

wait until nene and gallo are back, panic then

That's what we said when Ginobili and Tiago were out.. you should be the one panicking.. for they were both healthy and on the floor tonight.

[therealtruth]

Par for the course tbh. You know RJ is always going to play shitty in close games. Bonner is going to miss in close games. Blair is also rarely a factor, tonight he's hurt. Nothing from Green or TJ and Splitter wasn't that great either. Manu looks like it's his first night back despite the threes (for Manu). Tony missing his first 5 shots, having to dig out of a 16 point deficit because the whole team stayed out too late last night, and no shoot around.

Typical Sunday game.

Splitter played horrible. What game were you watching? He had the highest plus minus and should have played more. He could have helped against Faried dunking all over the team.

[justinandimcool]

Defense wasn't TERRIBLE...Neal/Green/Kawhi got their shots and didn't hit...Splitter was bad but the offense was as it was usually- shots just didn't fall, and most importantly the boards massacred us. Hard to believe not having a healthy Blair hurts this team, but it does when the next best thing is RJ to box out.

[Budkin]

wait until nene and gallo are back, panic then

:lmao

[DMC]

I hate f in Sundays and I hate that LOS shyt on their jerseys even more, why could they not have just tucked those away for GOOD? Nooooooo we have to see them on a Sunday again. LOS is LOST, period.
That's silly.

Putting "Los" on the jerseys is a huge way to honor the Latinos in the city. Sure, keep them on the South side where the roads are neglected even though the same tax money should cover all of the city, but that Los there really plays catch up. Mi hermanos, my proud Latino brothers, their proud Latino blood coursing through their veins.

[TampaDude]

Do the Spurs matchup well with anyone in the West? With how awful their defense is, it is going to be very difficult to see them get out of round 1. They give up more open shots than any other team in the West. Just brutal to watch them sometimes.

Also Green is obviously hurt, his ass needs to sit down.

Yup...in the second half, Duncan made a great block, and the Spurs had the ball, down by only 2. I turned to my wife and told her the following:

Watch this...the Spurs will shoot a 3 and miss, and the Nuggets will grab the rebound, take it up court, and hit a WFO 3.

That's exactly what happened.

Spurs are no longer a defensive juggernaut like they used to be. I think Timmy and Pop will both hang it up after this season.

[Sean Cagney]

wait until nene and gallo are back, panic then

Like game one this year they faced? STFU already. :lol
Yup...in the second half, Duncan made a great block, and the Spurs had the ball, down by only 2. I turned to my wife and told her the following:

Watch this...the Spurs will shoot a 3 and miss, and the Nuggets will grab the rebound, take it up court, and hit a WFO 3.

That's exactly what happened.

Spurs are no longer a defensive juggernaut like they used to be. I think Timmy and Pop will both hang it up after this season.

It's sad when we can telegraph what will happen before it does, but the last few years have lead to this shyt. It's a given what will happen now.

[TE]

Many things need to happen for the Spurs to legitimately contend. To lose to this Nugget team tonight was absolutely pathetic. I really hope the FO sees this as a fucking warning sign because a first round exit is to be expected with this roster.

That said, I still can't believe the FO hasn't traded for another bigman. It's incredibly evident that we are in dire need of a competent big who can defend and do all the dirty work in the paint.

[timtonymanu]

Didn't we kick Miami's ass with the "Los Spurs" jersey last year? It has nothing to do with the jerseys. Our team just sucks.

[DesignatedT]

I'd rather Gallo and Nene be back. Less small ball.

[DMC]

Defense wasn't TERRIBLE...Neal/Green/Kawhi got their shots and didn't hit...Splitter was bad but the offense was as it was usually- shots just didn't fall, and most importantly the boards massacred us. Hard to believe not having a healthy Blair hurts this team, but it does when the next best thing is RJ to box out.
:pop: "They hit some shots"

[Budkin]

Didn't we kick Miami's ass with the "Los Spurs" jersey last year? It has nothing to do with the jerseys. Our team just sucks.

Yes... just a shitty game.

[jestersmash]

http://troll.me/images/tommy-pickles/bro-i-aint-even-mad.jpg

Pretty much how I feel about the loss. We played poorly. The refs did a pretty good job throughout the game. Lawson hit a timely jump shot. Timmy missed 2 important free throws, and Gary had a decent look at 3, not to mention our defense was atrocious. The loss is on us.

[TampaDude]

TBQH, as soon as Blair got injured right at the start, I said, "This is a loss."

I was right, as usual.

[DMC]

Many things need to happen for the Spurs to legitimately contend. To lose to this Nugget team tonight was absolutely pathetic. I really hope the FO sees this as a fucking warning sign because a first round exit is to be expected with this roster.

That said, I still can't believe the FO hasn't traded for another bigman. It's incredibly evident that we are in dire need of a competent big who can defend and do all the dirty work in the paint.
Trends are warning signs. Tonight wasn't a trend, it was a flier until it becomes one. Teams don't normally panic over a flier. If the Spurs continue to lose at home against depleted rosters, it will be a trend and the management will be forced to act.

This team just went on a huge run, just got it's legs back under it with Splitter, TJ and Manu coming back. New rotation = turnovers just like at the beginning of the season.

Don't panic. Keep yourself triggered.

[DesignatedT]

Dallas just lost 4 in row including games to New Jersey and New Orleans. It's early, calm down people.

[therealtruth]

Well like I said after the Chicago game, the Bulls exposed our flaws, and I've been saying all season we need another big to start with Tim and go back to defense first.

The offense shit small ball with get you bounced in the first round of the playoffs again. Bonner, RJ, Blair will get dominated, exposed and destroyed in the playoffs. Anyone under any kind of delusion that they will magically play the same in the playoffs is just kidding themselves.

It's nothing to do with players coming back and getting the rotation set and reworked. It's glaring flaws that are plain as day to see, and they need to be corrected.

Tiago unfortunately looks like a 3rd big right now. I'd still take a gamble and start him next to Tim to see if the two can play together. Spurs have nothing to lose.

It can work if Pop wants to make it work. The guy just refuses to adjust after it's been shown his small ball doesn't work. At this point he's just good enough for fool's gold regular seasons but I don't think he has what it takes for tough playoff basketball.

The Lakers have made Bynum/Gasol work pretty good. Without Bynum/Gasol you're talking about a team that's out of the playoffs.

[SpurPadre]

Many things need to happen for the Spurs to legitimately contend. To lose to this Nugget team tonight was absolutely pathetic. I really hope the FO sees this as a fucking warning sign because a first round exit is to be expected with this roster.

That said, I still can't believe the FO hasn't traded for another bigman. It's incredibly evident that we are in dire need of a competent big who can defend and do all the dirty work in the paint.

Teams don't just want to give away quality bigs for scraps...unless that team is the Lakers.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Many things need to happen for the Spurs to legitimately contend. To lose to this Nugget team tonight was absolutely pathetic. I really hope the FO sees this as a fucking warning sign because a first round exit is to be expected with this roster.

That said, I still can't believe the FO hasn't traded for another bigman. It's incredibly evident that we are in dire need of a competent big who can defend and do all the dirty work in the paint.

The FO doesn't pay attention to warning signs, if they did, the frontline rotation wouldn't be as much of a joke as it is right now.

The reality the Spurs FO is going to wait till the offseason before doing anything. I mean it's sad, but our best hope is probably a Turiaf type player before the playoffs. Too much dead weight on this team right now.

It's just like last year, Spurs look good in regular season, but there's something about them that will never give you confidence come playoff time. I truly believe the Spurs don't even really believe in themselves all that much. Even if everyone is healthy, they know their D won't cut it this year.

[DMC]

TBQH, as soon as Blair got injured right at the start, I said, "This is a loss."

I was right, as usual.
Funny, I said the opposite "cool, maybe Tiago gets minutes".

[TampaDude]

Many things need to happen for the Spurs to legitimately contend. To lose to this Nugget team tonight was absolutely pathetic. I really hope the FO sees this as a fucking warning sign because a first round exit is to be expected with this roster.

That said, I still can't believe the FO hasn't traded for another bigman. It's incredibly evident that we are in dire need of a competent big who can defend and do all the dirty work in the paint.

^ this

If there is any positive to be taken from this loss, maybe the FO will wake the fuck up and make some moves before the deadline.

BTW, I heard Timmy was sick today, but no excuses...we just sucked out there today.

[Johnny RIngo]

Denver in the penalty for a large amount of the fourth and Spurs chuck threes instead of attacking the basket...Pop and his retarded smallball lineups were even more embarrassing. By far, one of the worst games I've seen from the team this year. Pathetic.

[Ice009]

Assuming both teams are healthy we'd beat them in a 7 game series. They're no Memphis from last year.

With our defense and Pop's love for small ball Denver are a monster of a team fully healthy.

Another delusional take.

[TampaDude]

Funny, I said the opposite "cool, maybe Tiago gets minutes".

Heh...I did say, "Well, at least we won't see Bonner and Blair out there together." :lol

[DMC]

The FO doesn't pay attention to warning signs, if they did, the frontline rotation wouldn't be as much of a joke as it is right now.

The reality the Spurs FO is going to wait till the offseason before doing anything. I mean it's sad, but our best hope is probably a Turiaf type player before the playoffs. Too much dead weight on this team right now.

It's just like last year, Spurs look good in regular season, but there's something about them that will never give you confidence come playoff time. I truly believe the Spurs don't even really believe in themselves all that much. Even if everyone is healthy, they know their D won't cut it this year.
The front office will ride Tim, Tony and Manu's popularity until the wheels fall off (ticket sales). They are in it for a profit. The trophies look cool but they all want to pay their shareholders.

[Sean Cagney]

:rollin
That's silly.

Putting "Los" on the jerseys is a huge way to honor the Latinos in the city. Sure, keep them on the South side where the roads are neglected even though the same tax money should cover all of the city, but that Los there really plays catch up. Mi hermanos, my proud Latino brothers, their proud Latino blood coursing through their veins.

Los is one letter away from LOST, which is what usually happens when they are on! Can you blame me for HATING THEM! Honor them, but not with that jersey on a Sunday, wear it on a Monday :rollin:rollin

I hate those things, sorry I hate them. I know latinos in the city who hate them! Latinas too.

[DMC]

Heh...I did say, "Well, at least we won't see Bonner and Blair out there together." :lol:lol

[loveforthegame]

It's not about the loss. It's about how the team is playing. And it's not going to cut it in the playoffs. I don't care about how other teams are playing or who they're losing to. It's about improving and this team is not.

[TE]

The only good thing to take out of this recent struggles at home is that if the FO or Pop are to be forced to make a roster/line-up decision, it's going to be now. Last year, we were fools gold throughout the entire season, getting pathetically exposed by Memphis. This year, we are getting exposed RIGHT NOW.

[therealtruth]

Many things need to happen for the Spurs to legitimately contend. To lose to this Nugget team tonight was absolutely pathetic. I really hope the FO sees this as a fucking warning sign because a first round exit is to be expected with this roster.

That said, I still can't believe the FO hasn't traded for another bigman. It's incredibly evident that we are in dire need of a competent big who can defend and do all the dirty work in the paint.

Faried can't even get minutes on a healthy Nuggets team and he would be the third best big on our team behind TD and TS.

[SpurPadre]

I'll call it: ever since Pop tanked the Blazers game, this team has lost its rhythm.

[ElNono]

:pop: Shots didn't go in

[SpurPadre]

it's not about the loss. It's about how the team is playing. And it's not going to cut it in the playoffs. I don't care about how other teams are playing or who they're losing to. It's about improving and this team is not.

this.

[DMC]

I'll call it: ever since Pop tanked the Blazers game, this team has lost its rhythm.
They blew the Nuggets out in the next game. A depleted Spurs team, in Denver.

[TampaDude]

Denver in the penalty for a large amount of the fourth and Spurs chuck threes instead of attacking the baskets...Pop and his retarded smallball lineups were even more embarrassing. By far, one of the worst games I've seen from the team all year. Pathetic.

Yeah, what's up with that? We were in the bonus right away in the 4th and we had zero team fouls. We should have been driving the lane and drawing fouls.

I know this is just one game and doesn't matter that much in the big picture, but if this is any indication of how the Spurs are going to play in the playoffs, they're going fishing in April.

[SpurPadre]

They blew the Nuggets out in the next game. A depleted Spurs team, in Denver.

Yeah, but they didn't get on a winning streak since then, have they? I'm also talking about how they're playing on the court since then. It just hasn't been the same. They haven't played this indecisive, sloppy, or looked completely outclassed before that fiasco.

[therealtruth]

In all seriousness though, Leonard should have been playing down the stretch. Rebounding/Faried were killing us.

The reason is his lack of a 3pt shot. Pop doesn't appreciate defense/rebounding any more.

[SpurPadre]

Yeah, what's up with that? We were in the bonus right away in the 4th and we had zero team fouls. We should have been driving the lane and drawing fouls.

I know this is just one game and doesn't matter that much in the big picture, but if this is any indication of how the Spurs are going to play in the playoffs, they're going fishing in April.


Well, with the way TD looked shooting those two FTs in the end, it wouldn't have made a difference anyways.

[Ice009]

I'll call it: ever since Pop tanked the Blazers game, this team has lost its rhythm.

Another thing I don't like. Tanking games if you're not injured. The basketball gods can punish you. Is it a coincidence that the Spurs look like total shit after tanking that game? They look like the team of the past few years after tanking that game. Coincidentally those Spurs teams tanked games like that more often.

[ElNono]

They blew the Nuggets out in the next game. A depleted Spurs team, in Denver.

To be fair, we shot lights out from 3 and Denver was missing Nene, Gallo and Lawson..

We win this game today comfortably if we shoot 3s like that game. The problem is that you can't expect to make a deep playoff run living by the 3 ball

[DMC]

Yeah, but they didn't get on a winning streak since then, have they? I'm also talking about how they're playing on the court since then. It just hasn't been the same. They haven't played this indecisive, sloppy, or looked completely outclassed before that fiasco.
So, if they don't start another winning streak after one loss (intentional tbh), they have lost their rhythm?

[DMC]

To be fair, we shot lights out from 3 and Denver was missing Nene, Gallo and Lawson..

We win this game today comfortably if we shoot 3s like that game. The problem is that you can't expect to make a deep playoff run living by the 3 ball
They shot 80% in the 1st quarter. Otherwise we win. Tit for tat.

We climbed back from a huge deficit to a 1 point deficit. But, like in Dallas, we couldn't get it done. You cannot let a playoff team put 16 on you in the 1st half.

[SpurPadre]

The reason is his lack of a 3pt shot. Pop doesn't appreciate defense/rebounding any more.

There was the possession where we had the ball down 78-76 and Leonard missed a WIDE open three point shot that would've erupted the crowd but he bricked. He rushed the shot, too and we didn't see much of him after that.

[DMC]

There was the possession where we had the ball down 78-76 and Leonard missed a WIDE open three point shot that would've erupted the crowd but he bricked. He rushed the shot, too and we didn't see much of him after that.
I didn't think he rushed it. I thought he hesitated, plus we had numbers and I think we were in the bonus. We should have attacked.

[Sean Cagney]

To be fair, we shot lights out from 3 and Denver was missing Nene, Gallo and Lawson..

We win this game today comfortably if we shoot 3s like that game. The problem is that you can't expect to make a deep playoff run living by the 3 ball

Yep, and just like last year you rely on the three you die by it! Those won't fall like that later. Until they play some good D out there and don't rely on that shit they will not go far in the playoffs. Many talked about them coming outta the West just last week or so, well wakeup this team is not going anywhere until they are 100% healthy and do some changes.

[SpurPadre]

So, if they don't start another winning streak after one loss (intentional tbh), they have lost their rhythm?

Again, if you read the whole post, you'd see I'm not just talking about wins and losses, I'm talking about how that tank job has affected the quality of play that we've seen on the court since then in terms of CONSISTENCY. I believe we've lost that consistency. It isn't the only problem, though. The team definitely has its flaws.

[SpurPadre]

I didn't think he rushed it. I thought he hesitated, plus we had numbers and I think we were in the bonus. We should have attacked.

That's what I meant by rushing. He rushed not in the stroke, but in his decision-making. We had numbers and he should've thought the play through for what was the better attempt at that point. He has to know his role and know he can't shoot that ball at that point in time right now.

[Ice009]

That's what I meant by rushing. He rushed not in the stroke, but in his decision-making. We had numbers and he should've thought the play through for what was the better attempt at that point. He has to know his role and know he can't shoot that ball at that point in time right now.

Pop tells the players to shoot the ball if they are open. what was he supposed to do. pass it and get benched and yelled at?

[therealtruth]

Yeah, what's up with that? We were in the bonus right away in the 4th and we had zero team fouls. We should have been driving the lane and drawing fouls.

I know this is just one game and doesn't matter that much in the big picture, but if this is any indication of how the Spurs are going to play in the playoffs, they're going fishing in April.

Small ball doesn't force you to expend that much energy defending. The problem the Spurs have is they can't force teams to defend. That's why teams are able to save their energy for destroying us on offense.

[rayjayjohnson]

That's what we said when Ginobili and Tiago were out.. you should be the one panicking.. for they were both healthy and on the floor tonight.

So mad

[SpurPadre]

Pop tells the players to shoot the ball if they are open. what was he supposed to do. pass it and get benched and yelled at?

Rookies get yelled at anyways. And did missing that shot earn him more play time after? No, he played less.

[Sense]

So mad

:lol

[therealtruth]

Yep, and just like last year you rely on the three you die by it! Those won't fall like that later. Until they play some good D out there and don't rely on that shit they will not go far in the playoffs. Many talked about them coming outta the West just last week or so, well wakeup this team is not going anywhere until they are 100% healthy and do some changes.

The only chance the team has is if the 3pt stroke is on fire in the playoffs. They won't win by defense/rebounding.

[SpurPadre]

The only chance the team has is if the 3pt stroke is on fire in the playoffs. They won't win by defense/rebounding.

3 point shooting teams historically don't win Championships and on rare occasions when they have, it's because their best players were 3 point shooters. Our best player is Manu and he is a good 3 point shooter but TP and TD definitely aren't...and that's the problem. Manu has to dig out his '05 Playoff form to carry the team on his back and we don't know how much he has left in the tank.

[therealtruth]

The FO doesn't pay attention to warning signs, if they did, the frontline rotation wouldn't be as much of a joke as it is right now.

The reality the Spurs FO is going to wait till the offseason before doing anything. I mean it's sad, but our best hope is probably a Turiaf type player before the playoffs. Too much dead weight on this team right now.

It's just like last year, Spurs look good in regular season, but there's something about them that will never give you confidence come playoff time. I truly believe the Spurs don't even really believe in themselves all that much. Even if everyone is healthy, they know their D won't cut it this year.

The defense can't get better if he never gives it a chance to close out games and instead opts for small ball. The best small ball players are generally the worst defenders.

[therealtruth]

3 point shooting teams historically don't win Championships and on rare occasions when they have, it's because their best players were 3 point shooters. Our best player is Manu and he is a good 3 point shooter but TP and TD definitely aren't...and that's the problem. Manu has to dig out his '05 Playoff form to carry the team on his back and we don't know how much he has left in the tank.

3pt shooting teams can win championships. They just need a credible inside threat as well like the Rockets with Hakeem in 94-95 or the Mavs with Dirk last year.

[TampaDude]

3pt shooting teams can win championships. They just need a credible inside threat as well like the Rockets with Hakeem in 94-95 or the Mavs with Dirk last year.

Yup...even the Magic made the Finals a few years back.

[Robz4000]

Anyone else notice that the Spurs are winless this year on national tv?

[TampaDude]

Anyone else notice that the Spurs are winless this year on national tv?

Not true...

The Spurs beat the Suns 102-91 on January 15th. Game was on ESPN.

The Spurs also beat the Jazz 104-89 back on December 31st (technically not this calendar YEAR, but still this same SEASON). Game was on NBA TV.

[Robz4000]

Ah, forgot about those two

[kaji157]

Has anyone noticed that Duncan should have been benched for Spliter in the end of the game?? He played horribly for the entire 4th quarter and Splitter was playing great defense and opening spaces for Tony on offense.
I think TD cost us this game with 5 big mistakes down teh stretch.
2 missed rebounds, 2 missed free-throws and a pass to (ginobili´s) foot.