Game Blog: Spurs vs. Lakers - Apr. 20

[Dex]

http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/50x50w/sas.gif San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Lakers http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/50x50w/lal.gif

Friday, April 20th, 2012
8:30 PM Central / 9:30 PM Eastern
AT&T Center
TV: ESPN, KENS, KCAL-LAL

http://i.imgur.com/iOBAg.jpg

Preview: http://www.nba.com/games/20120420/LALSAS/gameinfo.html?ls=gt2hp0021100941

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

Let's show these clowns Tuesday wasn't the exception; it was the rule.

[Manu-20]

I think the spurs win this one in a blowout

[Mugen]

Go Spurs.

[timtonymanu]

Go Spurs Go!!!!!

FTL.

[Robz4000]

'Spurs Win!' girl posted? Spurs will win this.

[loveforthegame]

Hope the Spurs come out with the same energy and aggressiveness they did in LA.

Would feel a lot better about the game if Pop were to start Splitter again but I have doubts about that. I fear we'll see Blair again.

FTL though. Go Spurs!!

[Dex]

Hope the Spurs come out with the same energy and aggressiveness they did in LA.

Would feel a lot better about the game if Pop were to start Splitter again but I have doubts about that. I fear we'll see Blair again.

FTL though. Go Spurs!!

I'm putting my bets on Duncan/Diaw as the starting lineup.

[Robz4000]

I'm putting my bets on Duncan/Diaw as the starting lineup.
Agreed. If Pop starts Blair again the Spurs are in for a world of hurt. Start Diaw or Bonner if not Splitter.

[DPG21920]

I absolutely can't see this being a blow out for the Spurs. They just can't shoot that well again if presented with the same shots. They may shoot well, but not that well and Kobe will be rested and energized (I expect a little bit of rust to start, then a solid game).

[TheSkeptic]

I'm putting my bets on Duncan/Diaw as the starting lineup.

Likewise. I'm hoping the offense can be extra sharp tonight because I don't think Diaw is quite long enough to stop Gasol.

Hopefully Kobe's rusty on his first game back.

[Manu-20]

Likewise. I'm hoping the offense can be extra sharp tonight because I don't think Diaw is quite long enough to stop Gasol.

Hopefully Kobe's rusty on his first game back.
I though diaw did a really good job on gasol he didnt let him post him up very much or give him much room to do so, dude really knows how to use his weight.

[silverblackfan]

Go Spurs! Just hoping everyone is focused and remain injury free for the night. If so, the Lakers will lose.

[Robz4000]

I absolutely can't see this being a blow out for the Spurs. They just can't shoot that well again if presented with the same shots. They may shoot well, but not that well and Kobe will be rested and energized (I expect a little bit of rust to start, then a solid game).
How confident are you the Spurs will pull out the win?

[TE]

I hope my power doesn't go off here at my apt... Fucking thunderstorms about to strike down here

[TheSkeptic]

I though diaw did a really good job on gasol he didnt let him post him up very much or give him much room to do so, dude really knows how to use his weight.

I definitely agree that the extra weight has helped Diaw in post-up situations. I thought he (along with TD and the wings) did some good work on Bynum as well at a few points last game. :lol

But it looks like Gasol has been more passive and out on the perimeter as of late and I just don't think Diaw quite has the length to challenge his jumpshot. That said, Diaw definitely> Blair on Gasol but I still think that the value of starting him is going to be more on the offensive side of the ball. Don't know if that makes sense...

[boutons_deux]

CHI has DAL and @IND. IND is 9-1 is Last10.

OKC has @LAL and DEN

Spurs have a good a chance as anybody to take overall best record.

[loveforthegame]

I'm putting my bets on Duncan/Diaw as the starting lineup.

Would love that as well. So long as Blair isn't starting I like the Spurs chances.

[Sense]

Personally see Tiago in there first and coming out early because of foul trouble again.. then Diaw coming in.. hopefully

[sehui]

Any word on Ginobili's status? I'm sure Duncan and Parker will play for sure.

[gospursgojas]

Im in love with the Spurs win girl. Like cereal.

[Reck]

Random question..

Is that Spur win girl still a cheerleader for them? I'd marry her. :D

[xellos88330]

Can't wait for this game. I hate late starts.

[TE]

Random question..

Is that Spur win girl still a cheerleader for them? I'd marry her. :D

Who is the lady in your sig?

[Reck]

Who is the lady in your sig?

Scarlett Johansson.

[TE]

Scarlett Johansson.

:lol

It doesn't look like her tbh...

[Spurs da champs]

Kawhi better be guarding Kobe.

[Sense]

God I hope we don't see more Lakers bandwagoners in the building... that's straight up embarrassing.

[ace3g]

Paul Garcia PS ‏ @24writer

Close

On tonight's roster sheet, DeJuan Blair is printed to start. But we won't know for sure until Pop indicates during his pre-game interview

--

[LakerHater]

http://209.160.24.97/ds_img_direct.php?i=sala.gif&t=8&d=1fjdcjav7c&x=360&y=480&l1=169&l2=61

[TheSkeptic]

Paul Garcia PS ‏ @24writer

Close

On tonight's roster sheet, DeJuan Blair is printed to start. But we won't know for sure until Pop indicates during his pre-game interview

--

:pctoss

[crc21209]

Paul Garcia PS ‏ @24writer

Close

On tonight's roster sheet, DeJuan Blair is printed to start. But we won't know for sure until Pop indicates during his pre-game interview

--

Oh god, please no. Give me Splitter or Diaw please...

[TheSkeptic]

Oh god, please no. Give me Splitter or Diaw please...

I'll settle for Bonner.

[timvp]

Blair starting = Covert Tank

[Robz4000]

Spurs tanking...

[Reck]

Get this game going already. Bos-Atl game is just boring.

[Sense]

Blair starting = Covert Tank

Guess Pop didn't want to win..

[ace3g]

Paul Garcia PS ‏ @24writer

Close

Tiago Splitter will start in place of Blair as the #Spurs face the #Lakers tonight.

Paul Garcia PS ‏ @24writer


Coach Pop says nothing has changed as far #Spurs preparation for #Lakers except one thing, "we'll have a tougher time guarding them" #Bean

"He's a competitive young man," said Pop of Kawhi Leonard, "seeing Kobe is good for him." #Spurs #Lakers

[ElNono]

Go Spurs Go! :flag:

[TheSkeptic]

Paul Garcia PS ‏ @24writer

Close

Tiago Splitter will start in place of Blair as the #Spurs face the #Lakers tonight.

Paul Garcia PS ‏ @24writer


Coach Pop says nothing has changed as far #Spurs preparation for #Lakers except one thing, "we'll have a tougher time guarding them" #Bean

"He's a competitive young man," said Pop of Kawhi Leonard, "seeing Kobe is good for him." #Spurs #Lakers


Oh thank goodness. Thanks. :tu

[benefactor]

Paul Garcia PS ‏ @24writer

Close

Tiago Splitter will start in place of Blair as the #Spurs face the #Lakers tonight.

Paul Garcia PS ‏ @24writer


Coach Pop says nothing has changed as far #Spurs preparation for #Lakers except one thing, "we'll have a tougher time guarding them" #Bean

"He's a competitive young man," said Pop of Kawhi Leonard, "seeing Kobe is good for him." #Spurs #Lakers
Playing to win. Hell yeah.

FTL

[Manu-20]

Hell yes Tiago starting and pop saying he plans on using Kawhi against kobe going to be a good expernice for kawhi

[Penya]

Fuck yeah, Tiago starting. And Kawhi against Kobe. It's gonna be a good night.

[crc21209]

Paul Garcia PS ‏ @24writer

Close

Tiago Splitter will start in place of Blair as the #Spurs face the #Lakers tonight.

Paul Garcia PS ‏ @24writer


Coach Pop says nothing has changed as far #Spurs preparation for #Lakers except one thing, "we'll have a tougher time guarding them" #Bean

"He's a competitive young man," said Pop of Kawhi Leonard, "seeing Kobe is good for him." #Spurs #Lakers

That's more like it! FTL! :flag:

[crc21209]

JMcDonald_SAEN
Spurs have won: five in a row ... 8 of last 10 ... 17 of last 20 ... 33 of last 40.
about 1 hour ago

[DarkGinobili]

:flag:

[100%duncan]

Luck_The_Fakers_Luck_The_Fakers_Luck_The_Fakers_Lu ck_The_Fakers_Luck_The_Fakers_Luck_The_Fakers_

[Robz4000]

FTL. Lets run 'em out of the building.

[timvp]

Guess it was foul trouble why Splitter didn't start that second half :smokin

[ace3g]

for some reason I never saw this before, lol

kQ3m5jQKLU8&feature=player_embedded

[loveforthegame]

Thanks for the updates. :tu

Happy to hear Splitter will start. It will be interesting to see how Leonard does on Kobe.

[TheSkeptic]

Guess it was foul trouble why Splitter didn't start that second half :smokin

To be honest, I thought the foul trouble might've been part of it but I also thought that he might've also just been playing Blair's shift.

[timtonymanu]

YESSSSS!!!

Although I'm still not sure who is starting next to Timmy come playoff time. Splitter? Diaw? Blair?

[Manu-20]

YESSSSS!!!

Although I'm still not sure who is starting next to Timmy come playoff time. Splitter? Diaw? Blair?
I wouldn't mind starting diaw or splitter based on who we are facing based on matchups while keeping blair stuck on the bench

[LakerHater]

Parker, Green, Leonard, Duncan, Splitter.

[TheSkeptic]

YESSSSS!!!

Although I'm still not sure who is starting next to Timmy come playoff time. Splitter? Diaw? Blair?

Blair had better not be seeing the floor unless we're playing OKC.

Since Pop still hasn't fully warmed to the Twin Towers1.5, I'd be fine with Diaw starting provided that Splitter continues to start against taller line-ups.

[LakerHater]

http://209.160.24.97/ds_img_direct.php?i=jmc.jpg&t=8&d=1fjdcjav7c&x=360&y=480&l1=169&l2=61

[Robz4000]

Hell yeah, Las Palapas is awesome. Bean and Cheese tacos ftw.

[LakerHater]

http://px9.funformobile.com/d/169/61/1fjdcjav7c/jmac.jpg

[Josepatches_]

Guess it was foul trouble why Splitter didn't start that second half :smokin

I was sure of that.

It was a big risk to start him in the 3rd.If he picks the 4th then when Duncan goes to the bench we would have to play Bonner/Diaw/Blair against Gasol/Bynum.

[100%duncan]

http://px9.funformobile.com/d/169/61/1fjdcjav7c/jmac.jpg

That'd be great

[timtonymanu]

Damn I didn't even know KG, Pierce, and Rondo were sitting out of this Hawks game. Did the media big a deal about them sitting too?

[100%duncan]

I will get the ESPN feed, fuck.

[Paranoid Pop]

Thanks for the updates. :tu

Happy to hear Splitter will start. It will be interesting to see how Leonard does on Kobe.

Don't see why he would guard Kobe when we don't have anyone who can guard Metta in the first place including Kahwi. If Kahwi was guarding Kobe I would imagine that Sjax would start at the 3.

[100%duncan]

^Metta would be a non-factor since kobe is back

[100%duncan]

Magic throbbing over Kobe's cock.

[timtonymanu]

Jon Barry: I have tremendous respect for Tony Parker.

Uhh???

[Reck]

Jon Barry: I have tremendous respect for Tony Parker.

Uhh???

lmao yeah I highly doubt that. :lol:lol

[100%duncan]

I always hate ESPN, trying to look good and being fucking plastic and all their shit.

[DMC]

What the fuck is "flying beneath the radar"? What is the radar? Isn't the media the radar? Why does the media act surprised that they haven't spent much energy reporting on SA, and then act like it's this separate entity that no one understands? You ARE the radar, ya dumb fucks.

But then "they like it like that", as if the media does what teams like. Why not insert a tad of honesty: "because we make no money reporting about them".

[manufan10]

For supposedly respecting the Spurs, Jon Barry sure does hate on them a lot.

[100%duncan]

At least Jeff VG is there.

[The ADMIRAL 50]

oh man you know its a big game:
the guy who always sits behind the announcers popped his collar tonight!!

[100%duncan]

So many LA fans there

[loveforthegame]

That didn't take long.

[ace3g]

I'd say let Leonard get 2 early fouls on Kobe than switch

[Spurs Brazil]

Yes TD!

[Spurs Brazil]

Nice D

[timtonymanu]

Ugh bandwagon crowd again.

[100%duncan]

Great move Danny

[ace3g]

Green still not scared of Lakers

[smaka]

Kobe with early airball, I like it.

[100%duncan]

TP moving fast and TD getting it goin

[Spurs Brazil]

Td j!

[Spurs Brazil]

Tony with the J

[Cry Havoc]

Spurs looking solid early. Wide open shots.

[100%duncan]

Td!!!!!!!!!!!

[ace3g]

Timmy on fire

[TheSkeptic]

TD looking good. :tu

[Spurs Brazil]

TD again!

Defense looks good

[InRareForm]

all day TD

[ace3g]

TP off nice D by Timmy and Splitter rebound, outlet!!!

[100%duncan]

Duncan tapping det Bynum's ass

[timtonymanu]

Tim and Tony look great.

[SpursNextRomanEmpire]

Fuck yes, great start. Parker and Duncan on fire.

[timvp]

That's a rebound ONLY Splitter would have gotten after Duncan contests the shot.

[$pursDynasty]

the brilliance of Pop saving the TD TS connection just for the Lakers, so no one has a time to study and prepare for it.

[Spurs Brazil]

Great start. Defense looks much better with 2 bigs.

[bklynspursfan]

Look how fucking nice it is having 2 dam near 7 footers in there!!! Excuse my french but dam those guys are solid defensively.

[Admidave50]

Spurs started focused and aggressive, love it!

[Reck]

Pleasant start.

I hope Blair never gets a start ever.

[Manu-20]

spurs starting out srong loving what im seeing and kawhi beside that foul playing good D on kobe so far

[Brazil]

Spurs are present at the rebounds good sign... thats the key of the game

[Cry Havoc]

Both Tim Duncan and Andrew Bynum have Basketball IQs that are extremely hard to measure. Duncan's because it's off the top of the chart and Bynum's because the scale doesn't go that low.

[therealtruth]

That's a rebound ONLY Splitter would have gotten after Duncan contests the shot.

Exactly.

[BoricuaCJA]

Were playing really well on the offensive end. Parker being really aggressive is helping out. Kawhi also helping with the boards with 2.

[TheSkeptic]

great start. Defense looks much better with 2 bigs.

+1

[Wild Cobra Kai]

Over under on Kobe going "machine gun": I say the 6 minute mark of the first quarter.

[loveforthegame]

Parker aggressive.

Duncan nailing jumpers and playing solid defense.

Leonard doing a nice job early on Kobe.

Green is fearless.

Splitter doing his thing.

:tu

[~Sweetmelody~]

Beautiful! Go spurs go!!

[rasho8]

Splitter and Duncan crushing it. Twin towers baby.

[100%duncan]

I love how they can now match-up LA's bigs

[BoricuaCJA]

Is Splitter gonna be subbed in soon so when Duncan takes a break, he'll be his sub since we want at least one of them on the floor.

[EVAY]

Clearly the Lakers are trying to focus on stopping Tony and he is doing a good job of passing to Tim etc. for the shot.

[$pursDynasty]

Pleasant start.

I hope Blair never gets a start ever.

Actually Blair serves a purpose and is a good matchup against every team except the Lakers and the Grizzlies. I love the adaptability to go different ways against different teams

[ace3g]

damn Green almost got that block

[DMC]

ESPN commentary "Kobe Kobe Bryant Kobe Kobe Kobe Bryant Lakers Kobe Kobe Bryant Kobe Kobe Bryant Kobe"

[100%duncan]

Clear block damn it.

[Gagnrath]

Is Bynum really afraid to come guard either Duncan or Splitter 12 to 15 feet from the Basket? You know Duncan will make about 55% from the corner of the lane.... I'm not sure if he's silly or just fat and out of condition...

[DatBoyGood]

Good help green

[Tp9gospursgo]

Damn nice D other than the foul on Danny.

[timtonymanu]

Nice defensive play by Green anyway.

[100%duncan]

Kawhiiiiiiiiiiiii

[Spurs Brazil]

Leonard 3333333333333333333333333

[Tp9gospursgo]

Leonard!!!

[ace3g]

Kawhi!!! glad he is done with his rookie wall

[rasho8]

The ball movement is great tonight.

[100%duncan]

Splitter has bad handles on airborne passes

[$pursDynasty]

Dang Tiago hang on to that

[Tp9gospursgo]

What a move from TP too bad he missed the shot.

[BoricuaCJA]

OMG, the line up I want.

[Spurs Brazil]

fucking crap call

[100%duncan]

That was over the back you idiot. Fucking refs.

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

Lame

[ace3g]

Artest and Manu going at it

[timtonymanu]

The best 5 on the floor!

[Gagnrath]

Aw nice rebound but sadly timmy and tiago don't have enough time together yet....

[$pursDynasty]

TD fighting hard on the boards that's a good sign not intimidated by the fakers

[bklynspursfan]

Gotta finish that Tony

[TheSkeptic]

What's up with this officiating?

[100%duncan]

TD fuck yes

[Spurs Brazil]

Yes TD!

[Tp9gospursgo]

Spurs ball movement tonight is amazing.

[bklynspursfan]

Great tap out by Kawhi

[ace3g]

love playoff atmosphere games

[bklynspursfan]

Here we go Bonner ... smh

[The ADMIRAL 50]

Over under on Kobe going "machine gun": I say the 6 minute mark of the first quarter.

:lol

I say if the lead gets to double digits the kobe FGA/min will skyrocket

[$pursDynasty]

Bonner got dominated TD had to help and Bynum got easy bucket

[~Sweetmelody~]

Artest/Peace and Manu make me nervous...

[100%duncan]

Nice pass! Damn I love this!

[Spurs Brazil]

Manuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu from Tony

[ace3g]

Manu dunk!!!

[Tp9gospursgo]

Manu DUNK!!!

[$pursDynasty]

Manu with the hops

[LakerHater]

Van Gundy is an idiot!!!

[Juggity]

Manu with the easy layup

[SpursNextRomanEmpire]

Van Gundy, just shut the fuck up.

[The ADMIRAL 50]

great no looker TP!!!!

[DatBoyGood]

mwp and his lucky shots!!

[$pursDynasty]

might need Splitter back in there boards gone to crap since Ginger came in

[100%duncan]

Splitter rests and Bynum scores. TD can't rest unless those gorillas rest too.

[rasho8]

Is Kobe even playing?

[therealtruth]

As soon as Tiago leaves Gasol wants to post up.

[bklynspursfan]

Solid start... Hopefully the bench can maintain the lead

[smaka]

sweet moves by Spurs constantly, gotta love it.

[timvp]

Parker's passing on the fast break has improved like 23412 fold since last year.

[100%duncan]

I thought JVG might be good but Breen making him sound like an idiot.

[Brazil]

Artest / Manu let me nervous too tbh

[loveforthegame]

Good to see the energy, aggressiveness, and defense is like it was in LA

[Manu-20]

good start for the spurs just have to keep up their energy and they will win this game

[therealtruth]

Splitter's only got 1 board. But more importantly he's helped to keep the Lakers bigs of the boards.

[wut]

this game is intense.

[100%duncan]

I hope Bonner steps up tonight.

[Brazil]

Parker's passing on the fast break has improved like 23412 fold since last year.

I noticed that too he is actually looking for a partner nowadays

[The_Worlds_finest]

Bonner.....

[hoopdreams11]

We gotta try Diaw on MWP

[100%duncan]

Wow, Bonenr great D.

[Spurs Brazil]

good D

[100%duncan]

Looooooove the passing

[Spurs Brazil]

great pass Jax

[ace3g]

nice pass sjax

[Tp9gospursgo]

Oh MAMA!!!

[Juggity]

Duncan is that beast

[SpursNextRomanEmpire]

Ohhhh yeah, great ball movement. Thank you Bynum.

[lefty]

Dat passing

[100%duncan]

Timmy on Fucking Fire!!!!

[ace3g]

Timmy!!!

[rasho8]

Timmy is killing it. Damn.

[$pursDynasty]

Timmy playing hard

[100%duncan]

Parker!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Spurs Brazil]

Tony great move

[Tp9gospursgo]

Tony already has 6 assists.

[LakerHater]

& of course no foul on Kobe hittin Tim!!

[rasho8]

Fuck you refs.

[ace3g]

Neal with it time

[100%duncan]

Tiago Bonner here

[wut]

refs going to let bynum do whatever he wants tonight apparently.

[Brazil]

TP on the bench 1st quarter 6 pts 6 assists clinic

[Spurs Brazil]

Yes Neal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[100%duncan]

Neaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllll

[ace3g]

Neal with it!!!

[loveforthegame]

Neal!!

[$pursDynasty]

Bynum just overpowered Splitter he will need help when Timmy is out

[ace3g]

Manu tres

[LakerHater]

Manu!!!

[Tp9gospursgo]

Manuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

[100%duncan]

Ginooooooobiliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

[rasho8]

Travel.. Bullshit.

[wut]

again bynum travels....like i said, refs going to let bynum get away with whatever he wants.

[100%duncan]

:lmao Bynum what a pussy

[smaka]

Fuck Bynum, he is retarded.

[LakerHater]

What the hells wrong with Bynum!??

[Stalin]

huge ginobli 3

[Manu-20]

LOL bynum mad the lakers are losing tbh that could be a bad thing knowing that nut case

[timvp]

Man, it'd be helpful if Bonner was actually strong.

[~Sweetmelody~]

Calm down Bynum, lol

[carina_gino20]

lol bonner

[MannyIsGod]

God I hate Bynum.

[Sense]

Bynum really wants this, Kobe has been a non-factor.. I think Brown knows Kobe will only hurt them against the Spurs.

[Reck]

Bynum mad. lulz

[vander]

Bynum has now abused TD, Bonner, and Tiago :wow

[rasho8]

When the Lakers sub Bynum we will go on a huge run.

[loveforthegame]

Only Duncan has the strength to guard Bynum.

Ginobili playing well.

Bynum going ape shit on the sidelines. Probably going to hurt one of our guys now.

[therealtruth]

Spurs need 1 more 7 footer. What happens if TD or Splitter gets in foul trouble?

[100%duncan]

I'm actually ok with bonner-splitter as long as Splitter stays on Bynum and Bonner fronting Gasol

[smaka]

The refs are worried Bynum would kick their ass after the game...

[rasho8]

Bynum and Kobe 12 minutes. They have to sit down sometime.

[timvp]

Good quarter although it feels like the Spurs should be up by more. I guess not going to the free throw line is the reason for that.

[Admidave50]

Great 1st qt

[100%duncan]

TD has been owning bynum but he gotta rest

[therealtruth]

Bynum 4 steps :pctoss

Lakers on pace for 100 :pctoss so much for the defense

But can you imagine what would have happened if Blair had played? Scary thought.

[$pursDynasty]

Duncan is the only thing we have that can contain Bynum, but that is tiring work

[rasho8]

Lol lakers got called for 1 foul all quarter.

[Brazil]

Bynum mad is not good for the health of the spurs tbh... I hope this bonehead wont do something stupid

[$pursDynasty]

Sjax on World Peace talk about a combustive combination

[Kyl3]

Jack almost losing it lol

[100%duncan]

Damn, wtf was that

[Brazil]

tim and manu with some stupid TOs tbh

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

Fuck MWP

[100%duncan]

Another TO damnit

[rasho8]

What the fuck refs?

[$pursDynasty]

cmon Sjax Artest is owning you

[ace3g]

lol Gasol's yell drew that foul like usual

[Spurs Brazil]

damn Jax wake up

Lakers getting a bunch of calls

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

Uggghhhh come on bench

[100%duncan]

Unfortunately Splitter becoming softer than Gasoft.

[timtonymanu]

And more fouls.

[bklynspursfan]

Oh god what a cheap call

[LakerHater]

C'mon, he yells and gets a call!!

[Brazil]

already 5 TOs not good

[Tp9gospursgo]

Uhh...what foul?