Game Blog: Spurs @ Lakers: April 17, 2012 9:30pm CDT

[Fireball]

I gotta say, Tiago was extremely underwhelming early.

no offensive rebound in that sequence for the Lakers ... mission accomplished

[AnthonyM]

Splitter didn't look too great. But the good thing is he just looked a little nervous...he just needs to settle down a bit, especially on offense.

Hope Pop lets him and Duncan work out the kinks a bit more next time they're both in. Don't like that he pulled Tiago so early.

[skin]

Guys, just got home and I don't wanna miss the game. Quickly... Splitter started. How was Duncan-Splitter pairing in the beginning?
From 1 to 10, what's your grade?
Thanks

[Bill_Brasky]

Fucking Bonner, sagging off Gasol. He can hit that all day.

[DPG21920]

First thoughts with Tim/Tiago: offense a little awkward but decently effective. Defense was average with Bynum still getting great looks vs Tim and Pau somewhat in his comfort zone. Rebounding obviously improved. Nothing crazy good but not terrible either.

[Uriel]

The game thread downstairs actually has more pages than this one. :lol

[bklynspursfan]

I gotta say, Tiago was extremely underwhelming early.

I disagree. He defend Pau well, and kept him off the glass much better than Blair would on him or Bynum. He drew a foul on Bynum. He's in there to defend and box out imo. Things Blair can't do. Anything else is bonus

[sexinthatsx]

when Splitter and Duncan was on the floor, they boxed out REAL WELL, it was remendously noticeable

[Josepatches_]

Season is 90% over ... and now Pop finally realizes he should play Duncan and Splitter together :rolleyes

Mejor tarde que nunca

[Fireball]

World Peace is a good idea.

Instead, fuck the guy who's so arrogant and moronic that he changes his name to it! :lmao

:rollinas I wrote "Fuck World Peace" I was also thinking ... "what am I doing here"?

[MannyIsGod]

I didn't know Chuck Person was on Brown's staff. Pretty cool.

[siraulo23]

how many minutes will blair see tonight?

[DPG21920]

I gotta say, Tiago was extremely underwhelming early.

Dude, takes time to adjust,...especially against the leagues best front line. He did something no other big does; get to the line.

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

No Blair! :D

[Spurs Brazil]

damn, grab the ball

[sexinthatsx]

Wow watch the fucking off arm bynum!

[TheSkeptic]

I gotta say, Tiago was extremely underwhelming early.

He's always underwhelming early. I was just hoping to see some D and I thought his defense and his work on the boards were better than whatever Blair would've done...

And I suppose it's better late than never...

Come on Spurs! Rebound!

[MannyIsGod]

no offensive rebound in that sequence for the Lakers ... mission accomplished

They had at least one O rebound (led to the Artest 3 point play) but fair enough.

[DesignatedT]

That marks Duncans 2,000th time he's been poked in the eye during an NBA game/

[wut]

bynum clear offensive foul on that hook no call of course.

[siraulo23]

god that ws nasty hope tim is ok

[GSH]

Damn did you just see Bynun with the forearm to Tiago's face?

[Spursnlego]

lol Bynum pushing and shoving and no calls

[EVAY]

Bynum absolutely had an offensive foul under the basket but no call.

[ECZ]

Bynum's off arm >>>>>>>>>>>>>

[roycrikside]

I like how these refs let every Laker blatantly use their off arm to push past or around their man.

[timtonymanu]

Ugh Artest again.

[MannyIsGod]

The fact that Blair isn't playing is actually probably better than Tiago starting.

[DesignatedT]

Offense with Tim and Tiago on the floor = 4 made jumpshots by Parker.

[DPG21920]

I wonder if Tiago getting rest then coming back was planned regardless of the Tim injury?

[maverick1948]

Damn Bynum uses his left arm to push off Splitter and NO call.

It appears we are playing 5 on 8 again tonight.

[Spurs Brazil]

Yes Jax!

[MannyIsGod]

Jax hitting his first shot is always a good sign.

[bklynspursfan]

Captain Jack!

[DMC]

Anyone still wondering why Tiago doesn't get more minutes?

[ace3g]

Sjax!!!

[DesignatedT]

good D bonner

and 1 parker

[Drachen]

I would like to see a drive into the lane before the quarter is over

[blkroadrunners]

Parker's a man on a mission so far.

[TheSkeptic]

We got a call!

[Spurs Brazil]

Tony and one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

Parker and 1!!!!!!!!!!

[roycrikside]

and-1 for Tony!

[DesignatedT]

Parker has no pride though.

[ernest787]

nice play by parker. this is what we have needed from him

[GB20]

tony!!!!

[timtonymanu]

I love this Tony Parker. I was getting worried about him for a bit there.

[Spurminator]

Vintage Tony.

[MannyIsGod]

Not happy with Jax on that break. Fill the fucking lane man.

[Fireball]

They had at least one O rebound (led to the Artest 3 point play) but fair enough.

that was broken play ... Bynum lost the ball

[DPG21920]

Offense with Tim and Tiago on the floor = 4 made jumpshots by Parker.

Made possible by screens and the threat. Also Tiago drew foul.

[maverick1948]

Parker drive the basket?? WOW a change from last game.

[DPG21920]

Bonner playing well

[ffadicted]

Tony came to play

[Spursfanfromafar]

The Lakers' bench on floor.. Time to dominate these effs..

[SpursNextRomanEmpire]

Fuck yeah, Parker! This is what we needed last time.

[sexinthatsx]

bynum's been using his elbows every time...

[Fireball]

Spurs really calm down on the road ... play very focused

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Bonner playing excellent positional defence.

I like this lineup as a backup rotation: TP, Manu, Jax, Bonner, Splitter

[DesignatedT]

damn sjax, you gotta wind that shit up quicker boy

[Spursfan092120]

Crazy..Mike Brown is still playing his give the ball to one man game...just going to Bynum instead.

[ffadicted]

Watching bynum seems unfair... kid has mad potential

[NASpurs]

Bonner is playing some great defense man-to-man and help defense so far.

[skin]

lol poor bonner

[DatBoyGood]

Im loving the defense! But Bynum not being called for pushing off is no suprise...

[FkLA]

Solid defensive sequence by Bonner tbh.

[bklynspursfan]

Eh.. Ok start. Someone else has to get going

[MannyIsGod]

If Jax is going to shoot that slowly he should just drive instead. Frustrated with his decisions on two straight plays.

Good D though.

[GB20]

what the fuck is wrong with manu? we need him in this game

[sexinthatsx]

Watching bynum seems unfair... kid has mad potential

it's not that it's unfair... he keeps using his off arm every play this is retarded

[timvp]

Bonner looks like he's like 5-foot-11 when he's playing the Lakers.

[Fireball]

Manu needs to warm up ...

[Brazil]

TP aggressive in this first quarter is nice to see

[GSH]

bynum's been using his elbows every time...

He'd be a fool not to, until they start calling it. Just like camping in the paint until they start calling 3-seconds.

[Manu-20]

Bynum is getting away with push offs but they wont call that spurs just have to play through it

[MannyIsGod]

Bynum is good.

[loveforthegame]

Ginobli can't settle for jumpers only.

Bonner is working hard. Still outmatched against Bynum but his help defense has been good.

Parker is near flawless.

Hope Duncan is ok.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

We need Manu to dominate second teams at both ends - love the steal on Bynum, but beyond time he got his driving game back. C'mon Manu, bring it like we know you can. :ihit

[TheSkeptic]

You know, Bonner hasn't frustrated me at all. In fact I've been pleasantly surprised with his work this game. Maybe my gripe with our frontcourt was Blair after all...

[DPG21920]

Bynum beast, but overcome some with Tiago. Need to go at him offensively though. Tiago is that good.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

I hope I see bynum get Shaun Livingston'd

Someone that big a bitch and a franchise like that does not deserve such talent

[NASpurs]

Lakers with 10 rebounds and the Spurs with 7. Bynum with only 1 rebound.

[skin]

Guys, didnt have the chance to watch Splitter-Duncan pairing. How was it? ANy good?

[Uriel]

We're relying on midrange jump shots way too much. They're falling right now, but if we meet the Lakers, we can't rely on them for a 7-game series -- way too inefficient.

[GSH]

Bynum is good.

He's definitely good. He's even gooder when he can clear space with his off arm.

[maverick1948]

Bonner looks like he's like 5-foot-11 when he's playing the Lakers.


Tim are we watching the same game?? Bonner playing great D tonight.

[Brazil]

lol TP here we go jack come on come on

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Bynum always gets away with murder - he's allowed to plow straight through people just like Shaq did back in the day, except they called Shaq for it more often.

[Spurs Brazil]

Bonner 33333333

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

Bonner 333333333333333

[DesignatedT]

yeah bonner. thata way boy

[bklynspursfan]

Matt hit a 3 on the road??? In a big game?

[MannyIsGod]

I hope someone told Bonner what Novak did earlier. :lol

[ace3g]

discount double...oh wait that was just Bonner

[Spurs Brazil]

fucking crap call

[Spursfan092120]

Can't believe they just called that on Splitter after what Bynum's been doing in this game.

[wut]

WTF how do you call Splitter trying to guard Bynum legally!

[GB20]

where is the foul?

[ace3g]

how was that a foul on Splitter...

[sexinthatsx]

... and bynum gets ticky tac foul calls... sigh

[MannyIsGod]

Oh Jax

[blkroadrunners]

Nice D by Split.

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

SjAx..... Wow

[DesignatedT]

come on sjax. stupid fuck

[DPG21920]

Great job tiago

[Brazil]

good D by Tiago, he is holding his position well

[Spursfan092120]

We need to pull the chair on that motherfucker. He leans in every time he touches the ball, if he's not throwing elbows.

[Spurs Brazil]

Yes Manu

[DatBoyGood]

Bynum going for 40

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Pop wearing a collared shirt!?!? WTF???

[MannyIsGod]

Would like to say nice play but I have no idea wtf happend since TNT was showing Bynums ugly face.

[ace3g]

good job Splitter, doing the dirty work, allowed Manu to get that layup

jeez Bynum doesn't have to jump to dunk

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Splitter falls down, splitter gives up on defense

[DPG21920]

Tiagos hustle is great. He's tough

[DesignatedT]

Jesus Bynum shittin on us

[Spurs Brazil]

Tiago got no respect from the refs

[wut]

these calls are straight up bullshit.

[Paranoid Pop]

We might as well hack him.

[emanueldavidginobili]

God damn Bynum is a force

[timtonymanu]

Damn Bynum is a beast.

[jermaine]

You can't teach height.

[Spurminator]

Splitter's gonna have to leave his feet some on defense if he's going to present any challenge to Bynum.

[Libri]

Splitter has no chance if Bynum is too close to the basket.

[DesignatedT]

man get jackson out. sick of this clown

[Splits]

Splitter getting good burn in his 2nd stint. Junkyard dog out there

[noles1983]

Sjax sucks

[Fireball]

this is a good basketball game

[ace3g]

Splitter with 2 now, Bonner has to guard Bynum now.

Come on SJAX, I'm still waiting for your 1st last second big shot...

[TheSkeptic]

Bynum's a good player. Thankfully, this game has definitely started off better than last time...

[GB20]

man i am starting to hate jack

[Uriel]

It pains me to say it, but...RJ would've drained that shot. :depressed

[Richie]

Does SJax have the slowest release in basketball?

[maverick1948]

If Tiago is going to foul, he should push Bynum hard in the back. and keep shoving till he is made to stop. Get under Bynum's skin

[MannyIsGod]

Gotta slow down Bynum - or at the very least not allow easy shit for anyone else.

Can Bynum keep going at this pace?

[Spursfan092120]

Hack a Bynum should be in full effect.

[ElNono]

The good news is that Bynum won't play 48 mins and they're getting everything from him... we just need to keep up

[bklynspursfan]

BS call for Bynum there but whatever. That Jackson 3 would've been big. Now Bynum sits, let's see what we can do.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Bonner should put his hip into bynums knee every time bynum goes for a rebounds

[Spurs Brazil]

I'd start double Bynum

[ElNono]

You Jack doubters will burn in hell soon

[MannyIsGod]

Splitter has no chance if Bynum is too close to the basket.

This. If Bynum is catching the ball at the no charge zone line then its game over. Splitter needs to do work before then.

[Spursfanfromafar]

Jackson brings a lot of goods that Jefferson did not offer. But what he lacks that Jefferson had was a good FG%. On the 3 ball as well as anywhere else when he is shooting. It is not a great problem if he is hustling as usual, but it hurts when he is missing open or relatively good shots regularly.

[Brazil]

good quarter... we are at least keepin' our position on the rebound battle

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Great 1st Q of basketball, but we really need to find a way to attack the paint successfully, and a good doubling scheme for disrupting Bynum.

[roycrikside]

The refereeing in this game is such a fucking joke. Bynum travels on every play. Apparently he's the only big man ever who never has to establish a pivot foot.

[timtonymanu]

It pains me to say it, but...RJ would've drained that shot. :smidepressed

Uhh ... no.

[EVAY]

Splitter already has two fouls. If Tim can't play effectively in this game, we are going to lose.

[Russo21]

Aww man 2 first quarter fouls for tiago, that's the last we'll see of him in the starting lineup

[DPG21920]

Lakers are so much more dominant than people give them credit for. Of course there would be struggles with a brand new coach, system and barely a training camp. They've figured it out though and are still stacked. This is without Kobe playing and the Spurs are still struggling despite being one of the hottest teams in the league.

[bklynspursfan]

Bynum only has 2 rebounds

[Spursfan092120]

Good God...all you people who ejaculated at the idea of SJax being a Spur again are ready to ship his ass off now. Give the guy a break...let's see how he does in the playoffs, where he shines.

[InRareForm]

Bynum is a beast... but seems like he travels every play.

[SA210]

Jesus, Bynum just being allowed to just go thru people like Shaq. Those are offensive fouls wtf!

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

The good news is Bynum only has 1 rebound....

[TheSkeptic]

Yeah so I definitely think that Duncan is our best at guarding Bynum. In the future I'd put Splitter on Gasol.

[loveforthegame]

Nothing we can do with Bynum but I'm proud how hard our guys are working.

Better defense. Better job on the boards. Better offense. Better all around team effort.

Not going to be easy but much better job than last game.

[Fireball]

when did Splitter get that second foul?

[Josepatches_]

The refereeing in this game is such a fucking joke. Bynum travels on every play. Apparently he's the only big man ever who never has to establish a pivot foot.

Agree

[Rummpd]

Bynum has one rebound so far - the heck with the points he is having to earn it tonight.

[DesignatedT]

Would rather Kobe play against us tbqh

[Spurs Brazil]

Tiago and one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MannyIsGod]

Great lob.

[DatBoyGood]

Beautiful

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

Splitter and 1!!!!!!!!!!!

[ace3g]

Master Splitter!!!

[roycrikside]

and-1 oop to Splitter

[timtonymanu]

Bynum has 2 boards. Why does everyone think he only has one?

[Spursfan092120]

Bynum is a beast... but seems like he travels every play.

travels, throws out his off arm, or throws an elbow..take your pick.

[DPG21920]

Guys: Bynum was doing better vs Tim than Tiago. The keys are the rebounding, making it tough and having Bynum's production not kill us. It's working ok.

[bklynspursfan]

Pop trusting Splitter? Or looking for a reason to get him out lol

[DesignatedT]

Fucking free throws. Really

[mexicanjunior]

The refs so far have been atrocious...Duncan gets hit in the face and no call...Bynum has someone standing behind him and is free to pursue and 1's at will...NBA does not want us to win this game...

[wut]

what's with Splitters FTs dang they're bad lately.

[noles1983]

Wtf Tiago hit a damn ft

[Rummpd]

Nice pass Manu and score by Splitter but he needs to make the FTs.

[Spurs Brazil]

Refs fucking Tiago big time

[MannyIsGod]

Would be nice if Tiago hit a FT.

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

Tiago with 3..... :(

[Spursfan092120]

bullshit foul on Splitter...and his 3rd..come the fuck on.

[bklynspursfan]

Bullshit!!

[DesignatedT]

Wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

[Mel_13]

Lakers are so much more dominant than people give them credit for. Of course there would be struggles with a brand new coach, system and barely a training camp. They've figured it out though and are still stacked. This is without Kobe playing and the Spurs are still struggling despite being one of the hottest teams in the league.

The Lakers have been the best team in the West since Feb 1, 2008. An early exit in the playoffs last year didn't change that.

[DPG21920]

Fucking bullshit. No respect

[ace3g]

another thing going for us, Kawhi last game was still in that streak of games where he hit the wall,

damn Splitter 3 fouls now...

[loveforthegame]

Fuck. 3 on Splitter.

[Killakobe81]

Agree with Kerr Pop runs great offense

[Quasar]

They should pick and roll Bynum and Pau to death with Manu x Splitter... Put them in foul trouble!

[MannyIsGod]

Fucking Manu caught watching.

[ace3g]

another thing going for us, Kawhi last game was still in that streak of games where he hit the wall,

damn Splitter 3 fouls now...

[Richie]

3rd on tiago. Could be done for the quarter

[The ADMIRAL 50]

if splitter doesnt get back to making more of his freebies thatll just be one more reason for him to miss out on crunch time minutes.

[The ADMIRAL 50]

if splitter doesnt get back to making more of his freebies thatll just be one more reason for him to miss out on crunch time minutes.

[Spurs Brazil]

some stupid shots

[Russo21]

tiago should stop taking free throw pointers from shaq

[DatBoyGood]

Manu what the hell...

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Why do the freakin Fakers always seem to have a dominant 7'2" beast? We'd kill these guys without Bynum.

[loveforthegame]

What is Ginobili doing?

[Spursfan092120]

We're erratic as fuck right now..thank God LA is too.

[GSH]

Jax's pass, Manu's near airball. We look like a college team right now.

[GB20]

manu is playing really bad

[DesignatedT]

Props to Bonner so far. Playing his ass off

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

GO TO THE BASKET, Manu!!!

[MannyIsGod]

Damn, Neal with the naaaaaaaaaaaaassssssssssssty head fake.

[ace3g]

this is probably one of Bonner's better games thus far.

[GSH]

What is Ginobili doing?

Manu can't get the corner on Barnes.

[loveforthegame]

Neal attacking at least.

[Spurs Brazil]

Neal!!!

[MannyIsGod]

Bynum the difference maker. Spurs look much more dominant since he went out.

[DPG21920]

Neal ballin

[bklynspursfan]

Neal ballin now

[Libri]

Neal trying to take over.

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

Neal 2222222222

[timtonymanu]

Neal :tu

We really missed him the first game.

[TheSkeptic]

I'm liking Neal :tu

[GSH]

Neal missed that one easy shot, but he's a BMF right now.

[Kyl3]

Surprised we got that call.

[wut]

this game looks like a normal game once bynum sits, and it actually becomes watchable.

[Russo21]

Bonner working his way into the starting lineup for the playoffs.. uh oh

[Spursfanfromafar]

Bonner has been awesome...Spurs' Bench >>>>>>>> Lakers'.. Our best weapon, tbh.

[EVAY]

Absolutely the only scoring we are getting is from our guards.

[ace3g]

oh and Lakers didn't Neal with it last game because of the flu

[timtonymanu]

Bonner playing tough. I wish he could keep this up, man.

[sexinthatsx]

god lakers play so dirty... from bynum to matt barnes shoving ginobili

[Spurs Brazil]

Lakers offense is gone with Bynum on the bench

[Spursfan092120]

If Manu can't get the corner on Barnes, we need to play Tony at point and Neal at SG...Neal's release is quick enough to get it off against Barnes..and he seems on right now.

[jermaine]

We need all the hustle point while Bymun is out.

[loveforthegame]

Where was this effort in the last game?

So much better.

[Fireball]

Gary Neal destroying Steve Blake ...

[TheSkeptic]

Bonner working his way into the starting lineup for the playoffs.. uh oh

:lol No. We only kept it even because we were able to guard their bigs somewhat in the early going.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

We need Jax and Manu to get their game on if we're gonna beat these guys.

Manu is the elephant in the room - where the fuck has his game gone???

[spurspokesman]

Haha, this view/audio is so much better:

KrmeeZrF0pc

Tim and tiago say it aint so

[skin]

Bonner got more boards than Bynum. lol

[MannyIsGod]

:lmao

Lebron acting like he stayed in school for any reason not tied to him being athletic freak who was going to the NBA is so damn retarded.

Right up there with HE DID IT FOR THE KIDS!

[GSH]

god lakers play so dirty... from bynum to matt barnes shoving ginobili

Barnes is a pretty good player. I don't usually think of him as dirty. He knew he fouled Manu, and shot his hand up.

[DPG21920]

Bynum the difference maker. Spurs look much more dominant since he went out.

Yup. But I'm ok with that (in context, still a terrible match up). With Tiago Bynum's production while good isnt killing SA. They can guard one v one, keep pace, keep him off the glass and this allows the fourth quarter to change (send doubles, change coverage). Very similar to how TP v Phil equaled TP ballin quarters 1-3, but 4th different.

[Brazil]

TP is going to dominate that half, the second will be manu's

[Josepatches_]

If Manu came to play we'll win

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Spurs second team offense vs lakers pau offense equals advantage spurs

[MmP]

Manu needs to attack the f rhim much more,

[TheSkeptic]

We need Jax and Manu to get their game on if we're gonna beat these guys.

Manu is the elephant in the room - where the fuck has his game gone???

Don't be so reactionary. We already knew that Manu would probably need a good screen-setter in order to produce like himself.

[Fireball]

We need Jax and Manu to get their game on if we're gonna beat these guys.

Manu is the elephant in the room - where the fuck has his game gone???

Manu has only 2 pts, but 3 Reb, 2 Ast and 1 Stl ... he is fine

[spurspokesman]

Jax hopefully will join the party

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

Fuck Kobe.... watch the game

[GSH]

:lmao

Lebron acting like he stayed in school for any reason not tied to him being athletic freak who was going to the NBA is so damn retarded.

Right up there with HE DID IT FOR THE KIDS!


LOL. Oh c'mon Manny. LeBron would have gone to an Ivy League school if not for the lure of the NBA. :downspin:

[wut]

Artest shocked refs called something against him, guess he thought he was immune

[bklynspursfan]

Finally a foul on artest. Big call

[Spurs Brazil]

3 on Artest

[TheSkeptic]

Manu has only 2 pts, but 3 Reb, 2 Ast and 1 Stl ... he is fine

That too. To be fair, Manu hasn't looked quite right to me this game.

[MannyIsGod]

Thats what I'm talking about Jax! Nice cut.

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

Great cut by Jack!