Bright Spots After Game 5

[timvp]

Well, going into these playoffs, I wanted the Spurs to get a legit chance at winning a fifth championship. I didn't want any injuries to be an excuse again. I didn't want any fluke .4-esque happenings. I wanted this team to get a legitimate chance to win another one.

The basketball gods have complied and the Spurs have been given a fair shake. No excuses. No 'what ifs'. If the Spurs can't pull out a miraculous win Game 6, at least they had one final glorious run that wasn't interrupted by anything out of their control.

Good game, Thunder. You earned this win. Win once more and you've earned your trip to the Finals.

As for the Spurs, yes, this hurts. This is sad. It seems like a couple minutes ago that everything was going so, so right. But there's good news. You're still alive. Get over this depression and give it one more go with every ounce of your souls.

Believe.

[Richie]

Its been said for 3 games now, but if we play with that kind of 4th quarter intensity in game 6 we will win, or at least have a chance.

[RodNIc91]

Its hard man. I dunno if they'll be able to recover from this. It was heartbreaking. Hopefully they do. Like you said.

Believe

[phxspurfan]

Open letter to the Spurs:


How about don't leave their spot up 3 point shooting champion open for two straight possessions.

Rebound like you're the better rebounding team.

Don't panic by putting in crappy lineups that make your fans want to turn the TV off.

Stop falling down on every possession and complaining to the refs.

Make the passes and play the way you've learned to play all season.

[TacoCabanaFajitas]

Was pathetic to see everyone but Manu and Jackson play scared

[SpurinDallas]

I thought you were gonna say the bright spots were the free t shirts

[ShoogarBear]

Would be nice if in Game 6 they had a plan when they start instead of waiting to figure one out.

[NO LIMIT ARMY COMMANDER]

:tu

Pop needs to lay off the pre-game drink. Damn.

[DatBoyGood]

man...it would be amazing to see this team go into thunder arena and win and then come home to win this shit in g7

[HI-FI]

i ain't giving up, because i really ain't got nothing to lose now anyways. fuck it. i just don't like our chances with the refs in their building.

but if the Spurs have any intestinal fortitude left, they'll bring it like this is the final game of their careers. I'll hope and pray for the best.

[davidbowie]

if we win game 6 we have game 7 at home.

i know this is obvious but fuck we cant give up now

right????

[DPG21920]

There are some what-if's: What if the Spurs didn't choke after playing so well? What if they don't turn the ball over like they never have? What if they don't lose 3 games straight for the first time all season during the WCF? What if they don't sulk and show terrible body language in the first half of a home WCF game 5? What if their coach doesn't panic and make some of the most mind-boggling moves you have ever seen?

[SpurOutofTownFan]

I wonder if Green will be back next season. That's all.

[cd98]

Spurs saved face in that game. They didnt go down like punks. Hopefully they show the same fight in OKC and lose with dignity.

[Mal]

one bad night from Durant, and Spurs are back into series. It is 1 of 1 chance

[jestersmash]

Loved the fight at the end of the game. The last possession was a bit of a mess and Manu didn't really get a clean look, but I liked the fight nonetheless.

It's been a pleasure watching what could have been a historic run all season. If we win game 6, great. If not, I still feel privileged to have been part of the ride.

[Spursfanfromafar]

There are more than few bright spots for the Spurs -

1) Tony Parker, after a miserable 2.5 quarters.. played some amazing defense on Westbrook in the 4th quarter. It was a champion's game that Tony played.

2) Manu Ginobili .. was on fire before Pop's sitting him extinguished a bit of it. He wasn't as much in the fourth quarter but he was competing like hell.

3) Duncan..came alive in the fourth as well after being saddled with foul trouble.

4) Leonard was awesome. Too bad he will be remembered for the miraculous Harden 3.

5) Jackson was adequate and competed as well.

The rest - not so much. I suppose one can build on the above to have a puncher's chance in Game 6.

The Thunder, my dear Spur fans, are awesome, by the way. That they are only 3-2 ahead is a credit to the Spurs, considering their talent, athleticism and effort.

[K-State Spur]

The Spurs seem incapable of not playing a really shitty 6 minute stretch in each half, and - to their credit - the Thunder have pounced all over it and put themselves in a position where they just need a few jumpers to fall down the stretch and they're golden.

Team showed some heart getting one last flurry to be in it at the end. But I struggle to be optimistic heading into Wed. They looked spent and mildly devastated by this as they walked off the court.

If anybody can grab the road win with all momentum against them (OKC is due for a cold jumpshot night, right?), it's this group. But I'm something much less than optimistic.

[TwelveGs210]

The crowd smells blood, the next game is over before it starts. I think this loss was just too demoralizing. I hope to god the Spurs prove me wrong, but like your other post, the Spurs have that defeatist body language, and it was on display for most of todays game

[Mugen]

There are some what-if's: What if the Spurs didn't choke after playing so well? What if they don't turn the ball over like they never have? What if they don't lose 3 games straight for the first time all season during the WCF? What if they don't sulk and show terrible body language in the first half of a home WCF game 5? What if their coach doesn't panic and make some of the most mind-boggling moves you have ever seen?

All of those things are under the Spurs' control.

[UnWantedTheory]

I can't wait for game 7.

[Manu-20]

Look tough loss but as many spurs fan I will not stop believeing until the final game of the spurs season.

[1Parker1]

Sad to see Duncan sitting on the bench looking defeated at the end there. Expected more from him.

Thunder are a great team and Kevin Durant is the 2nd best player in the league. Anytime you don't have the best player on the floor on your team--chances are you are going to lose.

Props to the Spurs-Lite. It's been a fun season watching the Spurs, tough to watch it end with 4 straight losses, but it's just basketball :)

[100%duncan]

Man as much as how you say it, you can't deny the what-ifs. We couldve certainly won this game. Well, Believe.

[jestersmash]

one bad night from Durant, and Spurs are back into series. It is 1 of 1 chance

Parker, Leonard, Green, Neal, and Duncan were 2-20 at one point in the game.

It's less about hoping for a bad game by Durant, and more about some of our role players stepping up.

Jackson was phenomenal tonight, of course, but Neal 0-6 and Green completely losing his confidence have killed us.

[timtonymanu]

I'm still holding out hope they will win Game 6 and 7. Key word: hope.

[noles1983]

Parker - For everything Holy can you show up game 6 you pussy.
TD - Can you please not be TOSB for a few more games? Thanks.
Green - Can you please return to at least 60% regular season form?
Pop - Can you earn your COTY award?
Neal - Can you play an ounce of defense since you suck ass on offense?
Bonner - Fuck you now and for eternity you waste of oxygen.

[tlongII]

OKC wins game 6 in a blowout.

[timvp]

There are some what-if's: What if the Spurs didn't choke after playing so well? What if they don't turn the ball over like they never have? What if they don't lose 3 games straight for the first time all season during the WCF? What if they don't sulk and show terrible body language in the first half of a home WCF game 5? What if their coach doesn't panic and make some of the most mind-boggling moves you have ever seen?

Those are legit basketball related what-ifs, though. Not BS like what if they started the clock on time or what if Joey Crawford calls that foul on Barry or what if there wasn't plane trouble before heading to LA.

[100%duncan]

Sad to see Duncan sitting on the bench looking defeated at the end there. Expected more from him.

Thunder are a great team and Kevin Durant is the 2nd best player in the league. Anytime you don't have the best player on the floor on your team--chances are you are going to lose.

Props to the Spurs-Lite. It's been a fun season watching the Spurs, tough to watch it end with 4 straight losses, but it's just basketball :)

It's not just basketball. :depressed

[mexicanjunior]

Thunder clutchness + Stern officiating + OKC crowd = Spurs lose by at least 20.

Might be close for a half but that is all I see them having left in the tank. Props to the Thunder, they were great and should take care of the Heat in 6 or less.

[noles1983]

I thought you were gonna say the bright spots were the free t shirts

We cant even do that right! Too many stupid ass fans in the lower level on camera not wearing them.

[sananspursfan21]

May or may not have changed the outcome of the game but that was the worst last chance three for ginobili. Real big screw up

[tesseractive]

They played well down the stretch. They figured out who they can count on in crunch time. They still have a chance to win game 6 -- they just have to come back out and play the whole game like they did the second half.

It ain't over 'til it's over. I believe.

[slayermin]

To the basketball gods, jehovah, buddah, allah, crom, whoever is up there, just give us a fair shake in OKC. If we lose, let the Thunder bury us. Don't give us any BS in game six.

[Obstructed_View]

Healthy and playing well going into the playoffs is all I ever asked. They got that, and there was a shot. We didn't talk about it but we all sort of figured that they had to be tested at some point. Here it is. This will either be the last death rattle of the big three or it'll be a historic run. Everyone should watch every second of it and enjoy it, no matter the outcome.

[SpurOutofTownFan]

In all fairness, I think this is over - hope I'm wrong but the Spurs don't really good game 6 performances when losing game 5. The sharks smelled blood and OKC will come out all guns blazing on Wednesday. It could be over pretty soon.

[SPurs206]

Let's go I still don't think the thunder can close it out. Spurs will play with adrenaline and desperation. They have awaken a monster. When Parker was pressuring wesbrook turnover after turnover. Pressure make diamonds and can get us another ring.

[DPG21920]

All of those things are under the Spurs' control.

Sure, but I think his point was that he wanted a legit shot where the Spurs played their best; no injuries, no excuses and they get a shot to go as far as they can.

Spurs are choking and OKC is growing. At the same time. If one of those two doesn't happen, Spurs are winning. It is taking both. It's different losing when you play a good game and you lose to a better team. But when you play like shit for 3 straight games outside of a few spurts and runs, there are what ifs in the context of what OP was talking about.

[K-State Spur]

Biggest issue is that Pop has - rightfully - lost all faith in the depth. Unfortunately, if it's just our top 7 or 8 vs. OKC's, theirs is better.

The team that built this record didn't involve Green & Bonner crawling deep into their shells. I think we could have survived 1 of the 2 doing so - but asking the rest of the rotation to overcome both is a lot.

[jestersmash]

Thunder clutchness + Stern officiating + OKC crowd = Spurs lose by at least 20.

Might be close for a half but that is all I see them having left in the tank. Props to the Thunder, they were great and should take care of the Heat in 6 or less.

Stop complaining about reffing. You look pathetic.

Spurs far and away got the friendlier end of the whistle tonight overall.

[weebo]

When their scrubs are hitting clutch shots and our scrubs are being pussies we have no shot...that's the truth

[Obstructed_View]

They played well down the stretch. They figured out who they can count on in crunch time. They still have a chance to win game 6 -- they just have to come back out and play the whole game like they did the second half.

It ain't over 'til it's over. I believe.

Problem is who they can't count on, and the list is too long.

[DPG21920]

Those are legit basketball related what-ifs, though. Not BS like what if they started the clock on time or what if Joey Crawford calls that foul on Barry or what if there wasn't plane trouble before heading to LA.

Sure, but if you are going to lose, lose playing your way. Not panicking. Not choking and doing things differently than you had been doing. I cannot except that.

[Spursfanfromafar]

Okay. I never do this.. But I think the Spurs win Game 6. It is going to be a hell of a Game 7 folks. Instinct tells me. Manu has to start Game 6 as well and I don't think Neal will be as bad yet again. And Parker based on quarter 4 will definitely show up. And so will Duncan. Book it.

[Capt Bringdown]

What a difference a week makes, eh?

2 backdoor sweeps do tarnish the legacy somewhat. That's quite a dubious achievement. Despite all that has been accomplished in the Duncan era, there are deep strains of softness and choke in this team.

[Mal]

I really dont know what to expect. Spurs could go there, fight win or lose, or simply lost by 30 pts with fluke performance.

[TDMVPDPOY]

we need more of tony parker attacking the rim and forcing their bigs into foul trouble than forcing up bad shot selections

less of that turd gary neal also, that clown wtf was with that 30ft 3pt jumpshot and slow on the defensive rotation

[ShoogarBear]

Parker, Leonard, Green, Neal, and Duncan were 2-20 at one point in the game.

It's less about hoping for a bad game by Durant, and more about some of our role players stepping up.

Jackson was phenomenal tonight, of course, but Neal 0-6 and Green completely losing his confidence have killed us.

Neal going 0-6 and f-ing Daequan Cook going 3-3 . . . there's your ball game right there.

[Admidave50]

Regroup and be focused!

The battle is far from over, war is on!!

[Horse]

There are some what-if's: What if the Spurs didn't choke after playing so well? What if they don't turn the ball over like they never have? What if they don't lose 3 games straight for the first time all season during the WCF? What if they don't sulk and show terrible body language in the first half of a home WCF game 5? What if their coach doesn't panic and make some of the most mind-boggling moves you have ever seen?
Yeah funny how all the sudden we just turn the ball over. Funny how Tony's getting his fucking teeth knocked out but can't get a call. Funny how Drob still had karl malones hand print on his forearm but he just forgot how to catch.

[dunkman]

The Spurs have to shorten the rotation.
Parker, Manu, Leonard, Diaw, Duncan + Neal, Jack, Splitter.

[1Parker1]

In Spurs defense, they could deal with the turnovers and Kevin Durant going off. What was unexpected was the role players for the Thunder throughly outplaying what was supposed to be the Spurs greatest advantage. Neal, Green, Bonner, Splitter, and even Diaw to a certain extent all did not play well. Conversely, Thunder had a new role player every game step up and win for them. Whether it was Ibaka or Perkins or Cook. When the Spurs were winning 20 straight--who would have thought that Perkins would be scoring more in a playoff game than Neal, Green, Bonner, and Splitter?

[Cant_Be_Faded]

There are some what-if's: What if the Spurs didn't choke after playing so well? What if they don't turn the ball over like they never have? What if they don't lose 3 games straight for the first time all season during the WCF? What if they don't sulk and show terrible body language in the first half of a home WCF game 5? What if their coach doesn't panic and make some of the most mind-boggling moves you have ever seen?

Maybe its bias

But going onto every playoffs I've always says, if we get beat by a better team, I clap my hands

But why does it seem like we are doing it to ourselves so many playoff heart breaks?

So bummed

[Spurtacus]

There have been bright spots in each game they lost...but none of the bright spots are really coming together to win another game.

[dunkman]

Put players that aren't afraid to play.

[$pursDynasty]

Pop talking about how he hasn't gotten a full game the last 3 games. Is it age, is it playing every other night against a young strong team too much for the Spurs? They competed in the 2nd half but did nothing in the first and were lucky to only be down 8, that is what cost us the game.

[ElNono]

Win or lose we had a great season. This series stings as it is, especially after winning the first 2 relatively easily. But it shouldn't cloud a great season, tbh.

[DPG21920]

Maybe its bias

But going onto every playoffs I've always says, if we get beat by a better team, I clap my hands

But why does it seem like we are doing it to ourselves so many playoff heart breaks?

So bummed

That's the point. If the Spurs played at their level, with the same focus and execution and OKC's growth was better than that? OK, I can live with it. I cant live with unforced TO's out of no where. I can't deal with sulking. I can't deal with playing for spurts.

That's not losing to a better team, at least not clearly.

[jestersmash]

Neal going 0-6 and f-ing Daequan Cook going 3-3 . . . there's your ball game right there.

3-3 in the span of - what - 30 seconds? Ridiculous.

On the one hand, he is a former 3 point shooting champ so maybe it shouldn't come as a surprise. On the other hand, it stings a little when someone who usually averages 2.2 PPG kills you like that in the span of seconds.

[Kuestmaster]

Parker played shitty. He didn't step up in defense, it was just Westbrook being retarded.
That said, if we have to go out I expect to go out kicking some balls. Play them hard like in the second half.
Pack the paint, don't let them male easy layups or shots in the paint.
Show some guts. Manu, Jax and even Timmy in the 4th lead with the example. Don't be afraid of taking shots. This could be our last chance to a championship in years. At least make OKC work for the win. We didn't fight at all the two games there.
Feed Duncan. Seems like Timmy figured out how to play against the Thunder frontline. Give him early the ball. If Timmy is going everything is easier.
Play hard. I haven't seen a single hard foul on Durant all series. I'm not asking to be dirty, just not give him easy looks

[tesseractive]

Problem is who they can't count on, and the list is too long.

Not any longer than the list in the Pistons series in '05. We can still do this.

[K-State Spur]

The Spurs have to shorten the rotation.
Parker, Manu, Leonard, Diaw, Duncan + Neal, Jack, Splitter.

Pop has no choice but to do that (and did so after the first quarter tonight). But that negates (what should be, but obviously hasn't been) the Spurs biggest advantage in this series.

Green/Bonner have forced Pop's hand - but winning with the shorter rotation would be going against form.

[DPG21920]

I would love to see the stats on a team that swept the first two rounds, won 20 straight & that had never had lost 3 straight all year in the context of this 2-0 collapse. Has any dominant team like the above ever collapased like this?

[DMC]

This the the Thunder's doing. They are sharing the ball like a championship team, they are executing and finishing in the same way. They had their backs against the wall and they are landing haymakers. There's one more game and if it comes back to SA, who knows.

Good luck team, but hell of a season either way. I am very satisfied with it.

[GrandeDavid]

I thought you were gonna say the bright spots were the free t shirts

:lmao

[Holt's Cat]

The Spurs have to shorten the rotation.
Parker, Manu, Leonard, Diaw, Duncan + Neal, Jack, Splitter.

Agweed. Too many rotation changes help to kill momentum and cohesiveness, plus most of those eight will compete night in and night out.

[The Reckoning]

all the gnsf bandwagoners finally leave..

and from the looks of this team, will probably not return

[timvp]

Sure, but if you are going to lose, lose playing your way. Not panicking. Not choking and doing things differently than you had been doing. I cannot except that.

Yeah but the Spurs wouldn't lose if they were playing their way. Their way of playing included beating the ish out of the other team. It was an impossibility for the Spurs to lose without a collapse.

[DontStopBelieving]

This the the Thunder's doing. They are sharing the ball like a championship team, they are executing and finishing in the same way. They had their backs against the wall and they are landing haymakers. There's one more game and if it comes back to SA, who knows.

Good luck team, but hell of a season either way. I am very satisfied with it.

This. I can't even be mad at them.

[ace3g]

Alex Kennedy ‏@AlexKennedyNBA

Stephen Jackson: "I definitely believe. You know me, I'm not submitting to nothing. We're going to win. They won tonight, we can do it too."

[benefactor]

Regroup and be focused!

The battle is far from over, war is on!!
Nope...it's over. Tell your French homeboy we appreciate him showing up.

[jestersmash]

There was a very simple pick and roll play where Tony passed to a wide open Stephen Jackson who attempted a 3 point shot in rhythm..and missed...and I was ecstatic. I'll live with that.

I feel like for too many stretches in the game, we've failed to make the simple pass and take a good shot when it presents itself (and when it's clear there really isn't a 'great' shot attempt to pass to). Diaw has been the biggest offender in terms of passing up good, open shots, imo, and OKC has done well to cheat off him.

[ploto]

Neal sucked. He is a poor defender but Pop went with offense and he shot 0 for.

[ShoogarBear]

This the the Thunder's doing. They are sharing the ball like a championship team, they are executing and finishing in the same way. They had their backs against the wall and they are landing haymakers. There's one more game and if it comes back to SA, who knows.


This is what I have to give them props for. All year long they were the team with the fewest assists and the most turnovers. It's like all of a sudden they decided, "oh, that's how you're really supposed to play" and flipped the switch.

The Thunder playing Regular Season Style would be the ones on the verge of elimination.

[Southwest Texas Fan]

I'm a believer it isn't over till the fat lady sings, until the final buzzer of game six, seven whatever it takes I'm in I believe.

[benefactor]

Win or lose we had a great season. This series stings as it is, especially after winning the first 2 relatively easily. But it shouldn't cloud a great season, tbh.
I'll probably feel like this at some point next week. For now I'm going to drink...and drink some more.

[DontStopBelieving]

I will say though that Pop fucking with the rotations THAT much may have cost us the entire season. Thats the one thing ( and parker being a pussy ) that has pissed me off..

[Obstructed_View]

Not any longer than the list in the Pistons series in '05. We can still do this.

Nope, Pop's too busy fucking around with lineups and minutes. When Gary Neal is completely flustered, you've got nobody to count on in the supporting cast.

[DPG21920]

Yeah but the Spurs wouldn't lose if they were playing their way. Their way of playing included beating the ish out of the other team. It was an impossibility for the Spurs to lose without a collapse.

Not true. Not against an OKC team that is peaking too, growing and learning how to win. It would have been a battle throughout the game for 4 quarters vs a curbstomping for 3 straight games essentially.

[timvp]

Damn, I loved this damn team. It's hard to fathom it could be over in less than 48 hours.

/emo

[noles1983]

Alex Kennedy ‏@AlexKennedyNBA

Stephen Jackson: "I definitely believe. You know me, I'm not submitting to nothing. We're going to win. They won tonight, we can do it too."

Sadly Jax and Manu are the only non quitters on this mentally weak team.

[DPG21920]

Yeah but the Spurs wouldn't lose if they were playing their way. Their way of playing included beating the ish out of the other team. It was an impossibility for the Spurs to lose without a collapse.

Hell, screw collapsing. What about just not having your coach completely shit the bed?

[jestersmash]

Blowing a 2-0 lead twice so far in the Big 3 era. Damn...

[LakerHater]

Its over, If they cant defend home court, they aint gonna win on the road!

[polandprzem]

What was the bright spot?

[polandprzem]

There is none

[Silverheart80]

I'm all in for Game 6.

Takes four wins to claim a series, not three.

Believe.

[DatBoyGood]

Anyone else see duncans postgame interview. said "hes ready to go out there and lace up and play again". I hope he is.

[ShoogarBear]

:lol What reporter is going to have the balls to ask Pop about those first-half rotations?

[DPG21920]

This is what I have to give them props for. All year long they were the team with the fewest assists and the most turnovers. It's like all of a sudden they decided, "oh, that's how you're really supposed to play" and flipped the switch.

The Thunder playing Regular Season Style would be the ones on the verge of elimination.

Spurs deciding to the opposite :lol

Hey, we lead the league in the fewest TO's, let's change that!

[Capt Bringdown]

I would love to see the stats on a team that swept the first two rounds, won 20 straight & that had never had lost 3 straight all year in the context of this 2-0 collapse. Has any dominant team like the above ever collapased like this?

Spurs are delivering the goods to their critics tonight. I can't see any other superstar will such pitiful sad-sack body language as TD. I don't Phil Jackson pulling all those bush-league panic moves in the 1st quarter.

OKC is perhaps the better team, but the Spurs have characteristically found ways to underachieve when it matters. All wishbone and no backbone.

[polandprzem]

We can only pray that Thunder will fall, but the tendency is not on spurs side

[ploto]

Sadly Jax and Manu are the only non quitters on this mentally weak team.

Interesting how Jax said once again that Pop had to yell at them to get them to play hard when he should not have to do so.

[Spursfanfromafar]

Yeah but the Spurs wouldn't lose if they were playing their way. Their way of playing included beating the ish out of the other team. It was an impossibility for the Spurs to lose without a collapse.

True. But the Thunder are out-Spuring the Spurs.

Role players playing way above their depth - check.

Big 3 being clutch and delivering the goods when it matters - check.

Superb pick and roll play and terrific ball movement. - check.

Shooting Guard coming off the bench and running offense as good as or better than the point guard - check.

Sixth man hitting impossible momentum-breakers even when confronted with terrific defense - check.

Coach adjusting during the series and during in-games - check.

Defense finally gelling and playing well even against mis-matches and switches - check.

The Thunder are just doing what the Spurs were doing in the 20 game winning streak and doing it better than the Spurs are ..in the 3 game losing streak.

All I hope and wish for is a chess game between the best version of the Spurs and the Thunder and for the original to better than the upcoming copy.

[Russo21]

We got this shit. Can't wait for game 6 it's gonna be a ripper. Go Fucken Spurs Go

[polandprzem]

All good things from reg season has fallen



From big rotation and minutes to whole offensive philosophy. This plus the struggles of Green and Neal killing spurs to death in this series. Killing to death.

tbh

[jestersmash]

Wonder if we should give Patty Mills some burn as the backup PG for game 6.

Pop's clearly shown he's willing to completely fucking with the rotation, sometimes to the team's detriment.

[Obstructed_View]

Interesting how Jax said once again that Pop had to yell at them to get them to play hard when he should not have to do so.

Except that it didn't work. How many guys have completely disappeared of that deep rotation from just a week ago?

[ShoogarBear]

I would love to see the stats on a team that swept the first two rounds, won 20 straight & that had never had lost 3 straight all year in the context of this 2-0 collapse. Has any dominant team like the above ever collapased like this?

How about a team in 2004 that won 17 straight, swept the first round, and then collapsed after being up 2-0 . . . :depressed

[GrandeDavid]

Damn, I loved this damn team. It's hard to fathom it could be over in less than 48 hours.

/emo

Well, they'll probably all be back next season, and they should be able to win their division, at least one series and maybe surprise. It's good that Kawhi, Splitter and Green got experience this playoffs, even though it ended pretty miserably for Tiago and Danny. Still, it's experience and can serve as motivation. Maybe they've got one more run during what very well may be Duncan's last season.

[ElNono]

Sometimes you have to recognize when they're the better team. We had a heck of a season, though.

[Russ]

Well, going into these playoffs, I wanted the Spurs to get a legit chance at winning a fifth championship. I didn't want any injuries to be an excuse again. I didn't want any fluke .4-esque happenings. I wanted this team to get a legitimate chance to win another one.

The basketball gods have complied and the Spurs have been given a fair shake. No excuses. No 'what ifs'. If the Spurs can't pull out a miraculous win Game 6, at least they had one final glorious run that wasn't interrupted by anything out of their control.

Good game, Thunder. You earned this win. Win once more and you've earned your trip to the Finals.

As for the Spurs, yes, this hurts. This is sad. It seems like a couple minutes ago that everything was going so, so right. But there's good news. You're still alive. Get over this depression and give it one more go with every ounce of your souls.

Believe.

My sentiments exactly. No excuses. No what ifs.

Even Joey Crawford has stayed the hell away. :toast

[InK]

You're still alive

Bringing this up kinda tells how gutted you are man, i personally haven't had this feeling of emptiness and pure rage invoked by a sporting event in almost a decade. If they at least folded in the 3rd or 4th and just played like pussies the entire game id have a much easier way of processing it, but they had to make that run.........why why why...........bleh......

[Obstructed_View]

How about a team in 2004 that won 17 straight, swept the first round, and then collapsed after being up 2-0 . . . :depressed

Seriously, that vomit emoticon doesn't begin to describe...:lol

[siraulo23]

OKC slowing down Parker significantly decided this series

Spurs season is over once Thunders switched the pnr on Splitter totally eliminating him :depressed:, and Green choking/cold streak shooting the 3

Still a great season for the spurs, nobody in their wildest dreams expected the spurs to have the no.1 seed in the west and be in Final 4 of the POs

As you said, this time no excuses, the spurs were healthy when it mattered but just not enough against this OKC team, the better team won

Kind of sucks ending the season losing 4 straight in a backdoor sweep fashion, especially after that 20 game winning streak

Props to OKC, and what a road to the NBA Finals, eliminating Mavs/Lakers/Spurs who have represented the West in the NBA Finals for however many years in a row

[Cant_Be_Faded]

How about a team in 2004 that won 17 straight, swept the first round, and then collapsed after being up 2-0 . . . :depressed

The parallels are downright eerie.

The body language, the mental midgetry, the all around collapse

Its all 2004. Only thing missing is the game 6 that's a no contest beat down

[ploto]

How about a team in 2004 that won 17 straight, swept the first round, and then collapsed after being up 2-0 . . . :depressed

I have been thinking about 2004 all week. The last time I saw a Spurs team so dominant at the end of the season, it ended in game 6 on the road.

[GrandeDavid]

So, when do the Olympics start?

[roycrikside]

Harden was the MVP of the game. Our defense had some positive moments when he wasn't there. When he was in the game, we couldn't stop them at all. And the SOB just will not miss a fucking shot when it matters. Leonard should've closed out on him hard when that shot clock was running out and made him drive. We had help inside and the shot clock was running down. Alas.

You can't allow 50% shooting AND have 21 turnovers and beat these guys.

Spurs are gonna have to play a perfect game to win Game 6. They'll have to be like 15 points better than OKC because the refs will be super intimidated and will give them that much as a gift. We really need them to miss some jumpers.

[dbreiden83080]

Bonner played a grand total of 50 seconds...


Get that to 00:00 for game 6...

[Obstructed_View]

So Parker's really that easy to stop? Why the fuck didn't anyone else think to do this like fifteen games ago?

[timvp]

Well, they'll probably all be back next season, and they should be able to win their division, at least one series and maybe surprise. It's good that Kawhi, Splitter and Green got experience this playoffs, even though it ended pretty miserably for Tiago and Danny. Still, it's experience and can serve as motivation. Maybe they've got one more run during what very well may be Duncan's last season.

Meh, if the Spurs lose Wednesday the Big 3 era is over. This was the final kick to try to get one more. Duncan was able to turn back the clock but he's holding on by the skin of his teeth right now. Ginobili too is operating on guts more than anything.

Hell of a got damn run. Glad that the Big 3 got a lot of love over the last month. But damn ... it's over*.

















*Game 6 pending

[Budkin]

I'm tired of seeing bright spot threads. We should have won this shit in 5 but are playing like a bunch of scared little pussies. They can win game 6 if the just play Spurs basketball but it's hard for me to believe they can now.

[Obstructed_View]

The last gasp was making it Parker's team. Maybe someone should tell him there's an olympic berth on the line for game 6.

[Budkin]

I'm tired of seeing bright spot threads. We should have won this shit in 5 but are playing like a bunch of scared little pussies. They can win game 6 if the just play Spurs basketball but it's hard for me to believe they can now. I'm trying to believe, I really am.

[slayermin]

One thing we cannot discount is that we are not facing a grizzled former championship team. The Thunder are still trying to figure it out and maybe, just maybe they have a hiccup left within them. Plus they have pressure and they're due for a loss on their home court.

[emanueldavidginobili]

Damn I wish we played with some kind of urgency for 4 quarters and won the game. Manu played incredible..its just sad that we lost he just did not want to lose that game and knew how important of a game it was, while TP..who I have lost some respect from him because him falling to the ground 24/7 and complaining to the refs non stop he needs to play tough out there like he did some what on defense against westbrook. Parker better give it his all in game 6, everyone better. The Thunder hit some tough tough shots tonight, and they're are very young team, the Spurs can win this game, everyone giving up its pretty funny, all the Spurs have to do is win ONE game, they lost 3 in a row do you really think we cant win one game, come on guys, its not going to be easy but they can do it.

[Rapper]

It hurts , it really hurts

[timvp]

Man, there's no way I can rewatch that game.


Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeiiiiiiiii

[Mugen]

Man, there's no way I can rewatch that game.


Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeiiiiiiiii

:lol Don't.

The only thing you're going to see is that Duncan should have shot it :(

[mytespurs]

Damn, I loved this damn team. It's hard to fathom it could be over in less than 48 hours.

/emo

What's so hard to stomach is that they played so well for so long and to go out like this is hard to take; I know it occurred one other time but I was hoping lightening would not strike twice but.....it's not looking good but we have to keep hope alive right? :depressed

[therealtruth]

So Parker's really that easy to stop? Why the fuck didn't anyone else think to do this like fifteen games ago?

Because Pop just got CIA'd.

[DPG21920]

Timvp, is Pop overrated or a great coach who has a few fatal flaws that are being exposed? Or neither? Or both?

[timvp]

Timvp, is Pop overrated or a great coach who has a few fatal flaws that are being exposed? Or neither? Or both?

That's tough to say. I think in general he's overrated. And he'd be the first to admit that. Every NBA coach who survives in the league more than two years needed some sort of luck. Pop came to a situation where David Robinson embraced him and then he landed Duncan in the draft and basically got a free ride for 20 years or however long it's been.

I would probably still classify him as a great coach but there are probably hundreds of other people who could have had similar success. Again, even Pop would agree with that sentiment.

That said, there are probably 1000 times more coaches who wouldn't have gotten four championships out of what Pop had. Add in Pop's job as a GM and the overall foundation he laid for this team and he's been very valuable and worthy of most of his praise.

But do I think he's a basketball genius who is the only coach on earth capable of doing what he did in any given year? No.

[therealtruth]

Spurs are delivering the goods to their critics tonight. I can't see any other superstar will such pitiful sad-sack body language as TD. I don't Phil Jackson pulling all those bush-league panic moves in the 1st quarter.

OKC is perhaps the better team, but the Spurs have characteristically found ways to underachieve when it matters. All wishbone and no backbone.

Phil Jackson was 47-0 when winning the first game of a series. That's what's so frustrating with Pop. If you have the favored team or win the first game finish the deal.

[polandprzem]

Man, there's no way I can rewatch that game.


Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeiiiiiiiii

Esp that Harden 3 pointer when Gino refused to double team him with 4 secs on shotclock when Harden was facing the other way

[Obstructed_View]

I see no appropriate fear, just regular old fear.

[DPG21920]

So fuk Pop. Thanks Timvp!

[Salty]

You can't fix the Thunder playing so well, but you can fix several of the problems we're having.

Turnovers.

Missing wide-open shots.

Role players not stepping up.

Doesn't mean we're gonna fix any of these things before Game 6, but they're still fixable, nonetheless.

[therealtruth]

3-3 in the span of - what - 30 seconds? Ridiculous.

On the one hand, he is a former 3 point shooting champ so maybe it shouldn't come as a surprise. On the other hand, it stings a little when someone who usually averages 2.2 PPG kills you like that in the span of seconds.

That's the problem with making Neal a PG. Cook just worries about catching and shooting while Neal has to do more.

[baseline bum]

About the only bright spot would be the butthurt coming out of Seattle if OKC wins it all.

[therealtruth]

The Spurs need more athleticism.

[LakerHater]

Spurs need a big man, Splitter aint it!

[SamoanTD]

Punchers chance is all the spurs got but sometimes that's all you need one GREAT game and we have a shot. Game 6 is the end all be all for the mighty spurs go out swinging.

[mytespurs]

Thumbsup to those who still believe :toast :toast :toast! u r better fans than I am at this point......

It's not over til it's over........though it feels like it's over......:-(

[Spurs da champs]

Spurs need a big man, Splitter aint it!

An American to, no more with this Euro trash!

[ChumpDumper]

There are some what-if's: What if the Spurs didn't choke after playing so well? What if they don't turn the ball over like they never have? What if they don't lose 3 games straight for the first time all season during the WCF? What if they don't sulk and show terrible body language in the first half of a home WCF game 5? What if their coach doesn't panic and make some of the most mind-boggling moves you have ever seen?Kind of silly what-ifs tbh.

[ViceCity86]

:lol What reporter is going to have the balls to ask Pop about those first-half rotations?

Gregg Doyel has the balls,but none of the pussies in the SA media does.
http://www.cbssports.com/nba/story/19247969/popovich-duncan-spurs-had-best-change-or-okc-will-take-finals-trip

[ViceCity86]

The Spurs need more athleticism.

on the frontline.

[ViceCity86]

Spurs need a big man, Splitter aint it!

A big man short.That's been the theme since 2007.

[temujin]

1999-2012.

At the end, Spurs played some of the best basketball I have ever seen.

When I want to show someone how basketball is supposed to be played I'll show any of the last 40 games, bar the last 3 (4 on Wednesday).

Playing every other day in this series just did it.

Thurders are a junior Spurs team.

And now on watching Manu at the Olimpics for one last stand.

[temujin]

An American to, no more with this Euro trash!

yeah, bring in Serge Ibaka.

[therealtruth]

A big man short.That's been the theme since 2007.

Splitter showed flashes earlier in the season. He was altering and blocking shots. He had a low post game and could dominate shorter players. Now he's strictly a pick and roll player and the Thunder have eliminated that. I put the blame on Pop for stunting his development. Pop opted to play more Blair/Bonner when they can't even help us now.

[mudyez]

I still dont get how switching all picks can eliminate pick and rolls.

[AnthonyM]

Man, there's no way I can rewatch that game.


Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeiiiiiiiii

Try working at a TV station...being the morning producer for the show...and having to watch the video and then write the recap to the game for the show.

:cry

Seriously, though. It sucked. And I don't live in SA, so I don't have any fellow Spurs fans to share my sorrow.

:cry

[1Parker1]

The more I think about it--the more I think the loss of this series falls on Pop. A team that has won 20 straight games and something like 28 out of their last 31 games, doesn't just lose 4 straight in the playoffs WCF because some role players are not hitting their shots.

Brooks made a lot of adjustments after his team had it's back against the wall in Game 2. He found a way for them to start playing team ball, to get Parker in check, to counter the Spurs weaknesses defensively and he didn't panick and stuck with his big man rotation of Perkins and Collison.

Meanwhile, I didn't see too many adjustments from Pop in Game 4 and let's not even go into his rotations in the 1st quarter of Game 5. And the one adjustment he did make--moving Ginobili into the starting lineup, reaks of desperation.

A team with a healthy Ginobili, Parker, and Duncan and decent role players should not be losing FOUR STRAIGHT in the playoffs. Against anybody. Period. Especially given how well they had been playing before this.

[sehui]

We can't blame anyone.

All the players played to their potential and best.

Tony didn't play well because he doesn't do well against big physical frontcourt teams. A 30 yr old PG who thrives in the paint who doesn't have a reliable jumpshot?

Manu and Timmy at 34 and 36 played at their best. You can't really ask anymore from them.

Our roster for the most part are nobodies who have had career years due to the Spurs systems. Talent-wise, there's a reason why a lot of them weren't drafted or bounced around so much.

It's been proven that Bonner comes cold every postseason, but we have to play him as he's one of our only bigs, and the 'stretch' factor to spread the floor and give other players more room.

Pop has done an excellent job this season to grant us the number 1 seed and give confidence to our entire roster. If we weren't number 1 we probably would have lost already by now.

We played well in game 5, but we lost. We weathered the storm and almost came back. We just have to play even better game 6. There's no one to blame, we've known our issues and faults for over 4+ years now gentlemen.

[TampaDude]

Just stop turning the ball over 20 times a game and they'll be fine.

[gilmor]

We can't blame anyone.

All the players played to their potential and best.

Tony didn't play well because he doesn't do well against big physical frontcourt teams. A 30 yr old PG who thrives in the paint who doesn't have a reliable jumpshot?

Manu and Timmy at 34 and 36 played at their best. You can't really ask anymore from them.

Our roster for the most part are nobodies who have had career years due to the Spurs systems. Talent-wise, there's a reason why a lot of them weren't drafted or bounced around so much.

It's been proven that Bonner comes cold every postseason, but we have to play him as he's one of our only bigs, and the 'stretch' factor to spread the floor and give other players more room.

Pop has done an excellent job this season to grant us the number 1 seed and give confidence to our entire roster. If we weren't number 1 we probably would have lost already by now.

We played well in game 5, but we lost. We weathered the storm and almost came back. We just have to play even better game 6. There's no one to blame, we've known our issues and faults for over 4+ years now gentlemen.

Very well said..

[therealtruth]

The more I think about it--the more I think the loss of this series falls on Pop. A team that has won 20 straight games and something like 28 out of their last 31 games, doesn't just lose 4 straight in the playoffs WCF because some role players are not hitting their shots.

Brooks made a lot of adjustments after his team had it's back against the wall in Game 2. He found a way for them to start playing team ball, to get Parker in check, to counter the Spurs weaknesses defensively and he didn't panick and stuck with his big man rotation of Perkins and Collison.

Meanwhile, I didn't see too many adjustments from Pop in Game 4 and let's not even go into his rotations in the 1st quarter of Game 5. And the one adjustment he did make--moving Ginobili into the starting lineup, reaks of desperation.

A team with a healthy Ginobili, Parker, and Duncan and decent role players should not be losing FOUR STRAIGHT in the playoffs. Against anybody. Period. Especially given how well they had been playing before this.

Exactly. SB made adjustments and then his players bought in and played harder. Pop hasn't made any adjustments that have worked for the players to buy in. His convenient excuse is the players just didn't play good enough. He has to make adjustments that work to get the players more confident.

[therealtruth]

Just stop turning the ball over 20 times a game and they'll be fine.

This also. Alot of the turnovers are unforced. The Spurs have shown a complete disregard for the ball. That's not the signs of a championship team.

[cheguevara]

I don't know about bright spots but there was one huge wetspot on Green's shorts

[therealtruth]

On the bright side of things if the Spurs figure out their second quarter problems they could probably win the series. I think it has something to do with Pop's ridiculous rotations.

[objective]

Pop has been overrated. How many series have the Spurs ever won as underdogs? Not many if any come immediately to mind. Every title they've won, they were the favorites.

But how many series have the Spurs lost as favorites?

[hater]

But how many series have the Spurs lost as favorites?

No team with Blair and Bonner and Green and Neal is favorite past the 2nd round.

[therealtruth]

Pop has been overrated. How many series have the Spurs ever won as underdogs? Not many if any come immediately to mind. Every title they've won, they were the favorites.

But how many series have the Spurs lost as favorites?

I agree. That's why I rate Phil Jackson higher. He's 47-0 when he wins the first game plus he's won a couple of series he probably had no business winning. Once you win those first two games the odds are actually against you losing the series. Pop looks like this will be another time he's blown a pretty good lead.

[spurraider21]

Can people stop blaming pop for sitting players in early foul trouble

[T Park]

05 they were slight under dogs to the Suns and the Pistons.

07 they were underdogs to the Suns then too.

[Goran Dragic]

Maybe in 2007 they were underdogs to the Suns, but no way in 2005. Everyone knew the Suns had almost no chance at winning that series in 2005.