The Extra Importance of Game 3

[timvp]

Yeah, I know I'm a greedy, but in the big picture I think Game 3 of this series is pretty darn important. Not because of the winning streak or anything like that but because of the potential ripple effect of a loss.

A hard-fought loss in Game 3 would make the back-to-back Game 4 a lot more difficult. I know the Spurs have been good in the second night of back-to-backs this season, but Pop has been conservative with minutes all year. If the Spurs go all out in Game 3 and don't get it, the Clippers probably have a decent shot of tying the series.

Obviously, a tie series is primarily bad because of the remote possibility (health permitting) the Clippers come back to win this series. But even if the Spurs win in six or seven games, we've seen how that can get San Antonio in trouble.

Say the Lakers implode (doesn't exactly take much imagination, tbh) and the Thunder end up sweeping, beating a rested and waiting OKC squad in the WCF would REALLY be asking a lot.

Anyone agree or am I being too greedy? I just think the back-to-back plus the possible Lakers sweep makes this Game 3 much more important than your run of the mill Game 3 when up 2-0.

tl;dr yeah 16 wins in a row is nice, but I want at least 17

[ducks]

I think it is important
espcially since game 4 is sunday
manu and duncan play worse on back to backs and more likely to get injured
pop can play manu and duncan limited minutes in game 4 hopefully if spurs win in game 3
hopefully spurs will blow the hell out of them

[ducks]

oh and I am greedy I want 26 in a row

[T Park]

I think hed rather tank game 3 than go all out for it.

[BillMc]

You're not greedy. Game 3 is huge. We win that the Clips may pack it in. They win and this series could go a lot longer (obviously).

Also, I really wish our bench would show up so Tim can be under 30 minutes in game 3 and tony under 35, so we're ready for the back to back.

[ALVAREZ6]

No, not too greedy at all. They need to win game 3.

In reality they are fine with only winning one of the 2 in LA and bring this back home for a home win to end the series, but since it's a road back to back you don't want to give them momentum and have added pressure. Once I remembered games 3 and 4 were back to back and in LA on top of that, I became pretty irritated with every dumb play the Spurs made as their early lead evaporated and then made some other bonehead plays throughout the remainder of the game. This would be a pretty tough series if the Clippers won tonight.

Can't worry too much though, the Spurs are the better team. They just need to keep doing what they're doing and execute well on offense, limit turnovers, they should be fine.

[Mugen]

It'll be a good test for a team that hasn't had any yet so far in the playoffs.

[Floyd Pacquiao]

every playoff game is extra important imo

[easjer]

I agree the back to back and the potential Laker implosion raise the stakes. But in the end, it is still one game out of a possible seven, so there needs to be some perspective held.

I don't get the sense that the Spurs are underestimating the importance of game 3 though, so as long as they maintain focus, I think they'll be ok.

[ShoogarBear]

It's absolutely key. Win game 3 and they've completely broken their spirit, those injuries will start hurting a lot more, and I suspect even CP3 will finally have nothing left in the tank.

Wouldn't be surprising to see the Clips come roaring out of the gates in the first half. The Spurs will need to be ready to absorb it and wear them down in the second.

[Spurs and Mavs fan]

There is a massive difference, psychologically, between a 3-0 series lead and a 2-1 lead.

[DMC]

It's the pivotal game, always is when you're leading 2-0. 3-0 probably destroys some will power, but 2-1 after the 1st of a b2b is dangerous.

[Wild Cobra Kai]

The Clippers are banged up as hell. Tip off is 38 hours from this post. Game 4 will be approximately 28-29 hours after game 3 finishes.

LA ain't got the horses to run with our roster.

[DMC]

There is a massive difference between a 3-0 series lead and a 2-1 lead.
Yep, it's basically a 2 game difference. Up 1 vs up 3.

[CitizenDwayne]

There's never been a moment where the Clippers seemed like they posed a serious threat. Just go out, eliminate their already depleted confidence, and get to the WCF.

[DMC]

The Clippers are banged up as hell. Tip off is 38 hours from this post. Game 4 will be approximately 28=29 hours after game 3 finishes.

LA ain't got the horses to run with our roster.

They get going from outside sometimes, especially Mo Williams, Nick Young, Butler and Foye, and you cannot stop them because when you do, Blake and Jordan get easy dunks. That's how they play. Spurs just need to keep them on their heels, keep attacking, never let them get into attack mode, make them play from behind all game again as I think that causes some newer teams to take early shots and make some desperation plays they otherwise wouldn't make.

[Whisky Dog]

Game 3 in a 7 game series is usually the game where the series takes shape no matter the circumstances. If a team is up 2-0 then winning that third game is a coffin nail. If the series is tied 1-1 the game 3 winner has an inside track to the series win, especially if they also have home court at that point.

If the Spurs win it's damn near a kill shot. Especially if they do it like they did game 3 against the Jazz and win by double digits.

[wildbill2u]

The Clippers will be desperate, but our veterans know how to bear down and focus on a key game as well.

A Spurs win will demoralize the young Clippers.

[Sean Cagney]

I agree the back to back and the potential Laker implosion raise the stakes. But in the end, it is still one game out of a possible seven, so there needs to be some perspective held.

I don't get the sense that the Spurs are underestimating the importance of game 3 though, so as long as they maintain focus, I think they'll be ok.

I think last years loss all in all told them it's time now and focus! I think that there did teach them a wholeeeeeeeeeeee lot, seriously alot. They seem more focused now, games or wins they used to celebrate this year they seem to focus on the next one right away and do not get too happy (Not even in a sweep). Spurs are ready this year.

[timvp]

I'm not really worried about the Spurs losing this series ... I just don't even want it extended to six games. Back in 2006, the Spurs got pushed to six by the Kings and the Mavs swept the Grizzlies (IIRC) ... and in retrospect the extra rest the Mavs got before that series probably was the difference.

I don't want something similar to happen this year, especially because you know the NBA won't hesitate to push the WCF forward to start ASAP.

It sounds spoiled but the Spurs need to win this series in 4 or 5.

[gilmor]

Couldn't agree more. You don't give your opponents hope.

Game 3 win is absolutely necessary.

[CitizenDwayne]

I'm not really worried about the Spurs losing this series ... I just don't even want it extended to six games. Back in 2006, the Spurs got pushed to six by the Kings and the Mavs swept the Grizzlies (IIRC) ... and in retrospect the extra rest the Mavs got before that series probably was the difference.

I don't want something similar to happen this year, especially because you know the NBA won't hesitate to push the WCF forward to start ASAP.

It sounds spoiled but the Spurs need to win this series in 4 or 5.
I agree. Strange as it may sound, the Clippers seem like the Knicks to me: a team the media loves but I want the Spurs to annihilate and just be done with.

Plus, the Thunder series may actually be interesting.

[Wild Cobra Kai]

They get going from outside sometimes, especially Mo Williams, Nick Young, Butler and Foye, and you cannot stop them because when you do, Blake and Jordan get easy dunks. That's how they play. Spurs just need to keep them on their heels, keep attacking, never let them get into attack mode, make them play from behind all game again as I think that causes some newer teams to take early shots and make some desperation plays they otherwise wouldn't make.

How much hotter are they going to get from the outside than the 70% they shot from 3 tonight? They shot 50% from the field. Their four shitty FT shooters were 11/16, 69% for a collection of 50% FT shooters.

[DMC]

How much hotter are they going to get from the outside than the 70% they shot from 3 tonight? They shot 50% from the field. Their four shitty FT shooters were 11/16, 69% for a collection of 50% FT shooters.
More shots for them off turnovers or missed 3s from us.

You saw what they did to Memphis in game 1.

[ALVAREZ6]

I'm not really worried about the Spurs losing this series ... I just don't even want it extended to six games. Back in 2006, the Spurs got pushed to six by the Kings and the Mavs swept the Grizzlies (IIRC) ... and in retrospect the extra rest the Mavs got before that series probably was the difference.

I don't want something similar to happen this year, especially because you know the NBA won't hesitate to push the WCF forward to start ASAP.

It sounds spoiled but the Spurs need to win this series in 4 or 5.

I completely agree.


It's very hard as a Spurs fan to not be so forward looking. We all know there aren't many opportunities left and none of us predicted the Spurs having such strong chances at a title earlier in the season or before it began. I also know the Spurs will win this series, but with an aging big 3 they need to be fresh as possible to go all the way this year, and I think the next series vs. the Thunder will be their toughest. I'm not even concerned about the Heat anymore.

Win in 4 or 5 and keep us fans feeling confident, please Spurs! :lol


:flag:

[ShoogarBear]

Back in 2006, the Spurs got pushed to six by the Kings and the Mavs swept the Grizzlies (IIRC) ... and in retrospect the extra rest the Mavs got before that series probably was the difference.


Some of us might say the extra rest that Nazr Mohammad and Rasho Nesterovic got during the series was the difference.

[ducks]

thunder will be the toughest
boston could be tough with kg

[therealtruth]

I really don't see the Clippers winning a game in this series unless Griffin develops a jumpshot. The Clippers can get hot but it's not good enough to win a game with how well the Spurs are playing.

[therealtruth]

thunder will be the toughest
boston could be tough with kg

I am not sure even the Thunder or Celtics are a match for the current Spurs team. The Thunder barely came through with a game 2 win and are way too reliant on jumpshots. The Celtics just don't have enough depth.

[roycrikside]

I'm usually as pessimistic, or at least as pragmatic, as any sane person on here, but I think you need to relax L.J.

The Spurs played a B game in game 1 and a B-/C+ game tonight and won both games easily. The Clips are shooting 70% from three and over their usual percentage from FT and it still doesn't matter. Neither Tony nor Manu have shot well yet, nor have we gotten much from Jackson or really any 3s from Bonner. Even though Diaw is due for a regression there is a MASSIVE talent and depth difference between these two teams. Yes, the Clippers have their own depth, but that's in guys who can contribute defense and rebounding, but they don't have 10 guys who can score.

Chris Paul is beat up to shit. He's not going to get any quicker in the next 36 hours. As long as we don't turn it over 20 times we're gonna break these guys over a 48 minute game. We get way more easy wide open looks both inside and outside. LA was extremely fortunate to score 88 tonight. With the quality of looks they got, it should've been about 78.

We got this.

[TDMVPDPOY]

game 3 is a must win for either team, we need to bury whatever hope they are holding onto and end this series....hopefully our shots fall and players adjust to the home team gettin calls....

[polandprzem]

Greedy bastards !



























:fight

[will_spurs]

I don't think Game 3 is really that important as it seems to me it will be tough for any team to win the 2 games of a b2b, especially a banged up team like the Clippers. If the Spurs lose Game 3 I really see them winning Game 4.

[GSH]

I've been thinking the same thing. If the Spurs win Game 3, the series is over. No team has ever come back from 0-3, and the Clippers won't be the first. If the Clippers win Game 3, the series isn't over. And, yeah, the timing couldn't be worse for a b2b in the same gym. Not that I think the Spurs would lose the series. But when it essentially comes down to a 3 game series, anything can happen.

So, yeah, I think you have to come out physical and aggressive, and put it all into Game 3, even if it means being gassed for Game 4.

[Slomo]

It's absolutely key. Win game 3 and they've completely broken their spirit, those injuries will start hurting a lot more, and I suspect even CP3 will finally have nothing left in the tank....

Completely agree, we take game 3, Clippers are toast and even the few people in the NAB that won't yet admit it, will have to face the harsh reality that the Spurs are the best team right now.


I'm not really worried about the Spurs losing this series ... I just don't even want it extended to six games. Back in 2006, the Spurs got pushed to six by the Kings and the Mavs swept the Grizzlies (IIRC) ... and in retrospect the extra rest the Mavs got before that series probably was the difference.

...

I can't wait for the result of the OKC-LAL game tonight, because if OKC wins, then the series is over and we will face not only a young athletic team but also a rested one.

[Capt Bringdown]

So many things are going to have to go right for us to get to the promised land again. Playing as few games as possible is extremely important.

Go hard Spurs, go hard.

[100%duncan]

Go 100% for Game 3. If we fail, then the Clippers will be more tired. And if we win, go for the sweep.

[naico]

Pop and the coaching staff should definitly emphasize this idd

[Russo21]

Your damn right game 3 is important. Super important. Do i dare mention the 2-0 playoff lead over the lakers in 2004 only to lose 2-4? Game 3 is a must win. Not one of those win or go home must wins, but a must win in it's own right.

[angelbelow]

Damn, didn't realize games 3 and 4 were back to back. Could work in our favor though, Clippers are banged up and the Spurs have been excellent in back to back (to back) situations.

[szkorhetz]

The Spurs defense forced the Clippers into 18 turnovers, an opponent-high this postseason, and limited L.A. to 13 assists, an opponent-low.

[dunkman]

The game 5 is usually the most important. 3:0 would be nice, but splitting games is good also with game 5 at home. The Spurs are much better, however the Clippers will make their best effort at home to avoid the insurmountable 0:3.

[Horse]

It's big, I see us stealing the game in the 4th really taking their heart. With the late start sun night the back to back is not as bad though.

[sasffl]

Totally agree with you. We must win that game 3

[igruex]

Game 3 of the LA-OKH Series is today so if the Lakers do implode and considering the Sunday back-to-back our Game 3 gets way more important. I can really see a scenario where OKH drop one (which after all it is most likely) we get 3 and Pop changes the approach to Game 4 to something like: let's see how they are and adapt accordingly.

Today a really important game for the Spurs will be played.

[Russ]

This is like the '99 Semis against the Lakers -- back-to-back Saturday and Sunday Games 3 and 4 in LA.

In '99 it resulted in a Spurs sweep (and a title in a lock-out-shortened season).

One difference --unfortunately, the Spurs can't close down Staples the way they did the Fabulous Forum in '99 (although Staples is the best NBA arena around, so maybe that's a good thing).

[Obstructed_View]

Back in 2006, the Spurs got pushed to six by the Kings and the Mavs swept the Grizzlies (IIRC) ... and in retrospect the extra rest the Mavs got before that series probably was the difference.

Parker got the hell beat out of him that series too. The fewer games, the less chance for something to happen. The Clipps started to thug it up last night and I don't expect that to change.

[igruex]

Did the Lakers win change anything? I think it takes some of the pressure from the Spurs for Game 4, no matter what happens on Game 3.

[Obstructed_View]

Some of us might say the extra rest that Nazr Mohammad and Rasho Nesterovic got during the series was the difference.

:lol Missed this the first time. Truer words were never spoken. :toast

[emanueldavidginobili]

Who ever comes out of the west is winning the whole thing

[Budkin]

We'll win either game 3 or 4, or both. This series is not going past 5.

[Admidave50]

If by any chance the series go to 6 games, I'm planning to go to LA next Friday to watch the game! :hat

[ElNono]

Looks like OKC will be playing at least till Monday, which means the WCF can't start until at least Wednesday is the Spurs sweep (don't know if there's anything scheduled at the AT&T center that day).

tbh, seeing how the East is battling on the semi-finals, even if the Spurs or Thunder take 5 or 6 games to wrap the series, I don't see the WCF starting until next weekend at the earliest, tbh.

[spursfan1000]

There is no doubt game 3 is important, and no worries Spurs will come out on top! Clippers will probably get a little cushion in the 1st half but I expect Spurs to come back strng to start the 2nd half. Go Spurs!

[Old School 44]

Paul and Griffin are banged up. If the b2b favors anyone, it's the Spurs.
I really believe the Spurs sweep.

http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o518/tcatz/Spurs1.jpg

[CGD]

Looks like OKC will be playing at least till Monday, which means the WCF can't start until at least Wednesday is the Spurs sweep (don't know if there's anything scheduled at the AT&T center that day).

tbh, seeing how the East is battling on the semi-finals, even if the Spurs or Thunder take 5 or 6 games to wrap the series, I don't see the WCF starting until next weekend at the earliest, tbh.

This is on point. Plus I don't think the thunder are gonna wrap there series up in less than 6. That series could easily be 2-1 the other way.

[Keepin' it real]

Two things:

1) I want to watch the Spurs eliminate the Clippers in Game 5 in person; therefore, they must lost either Game 3 or Game 4. From that perspective, which game they lose in not important.
2) BUT, the psychology of losing will be key. If the Spurs lose Game 3 and then that loss snowballs into losses on back-to-back days, suddenly a 4-game losing streak to end the season (circa 2004) becomes possible, and the Spurs psyche may become irreversibly damaged.

So in summary, yes, they must win Game 3, if nothing else, to enjoy the friendly confines of the AT&T Center for a bounce-back game if they lose Game 4.

[Spurs and Mavs fan]

A 3-0 lead gives great psychological security to the Spurs, knowing they can afford to lose a game. Of course, they'd never actually approach Game 4 that way, but knowing that you can afford to lose a game probably makes you much more relaxed, confident and effective.

[therealtruth]

This is on point. Plus I don't think the thunder are gonna wrap there series up in less than 6. That series could easily be 2-1 the other way.

The Thunder are playing with fire. They're trying to beat the Lakers at a slowed down game that better suits LA. That's not the best way for them to win.

[spurraider21]

People always say "game n" is important just before the 'n'th game. Can we just agree every playoff game is really darn important

[Spurtacus]

Apparently one team understood the importance of this game.

[Spurtacus]

Apparently one team understood the importance of this game.

Clearly I meant the Spurs.

:hat

[polandprzem]

I'm not satisfied

It was double digit win but they were unable to score 100 ...


:depressed

[ShoogarBear]

Wouldn't be surprising to see the Clips come roaring out of the gates in the first half. The Spurs will need to be ready to absorb it and wear them down in the second.

:smokin /timvpmode

[polandprzem]

Sweet shoog very sweet :)

[Spurs and Mavs fan]

3-0 lead!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[silverblackfan]

:toast Nice obscure jinx thread.