Race to #1 Seed, San Antonio or Oklahoma City?

[DesignatedT]

2.5

:tu

[spurraider21]

Spurs 3 ahead in the loss column and currently hold the tiebreaker. Plus, back to back conference losses for OKC :tu

[BillMc]

:downspin:
2.5

[cd021]

BALL DON'T LIE. Spurs Up 2.5 Games with Parker likely back by weekend. 14 Game left.

[Ditty]

yes! yes! yes!

[cd021]

Back to Back losses by OKC has an extra kick to it. OKC has dropped to 33-12 in conference play (.733) While Spurs improve to 29-12 (.707) This could be a factor if the Spurs lose in OKC on April 4th. Spurs still could have tie breaker by having better conference record.

[cd021]

Love to hear OKC fans talk about how they don't get favorable calls their way. Durant walks in the paint, then kicks it to Westbrook for a drive and score. Gasol got his revenge though.

[exstatic]

Love to hear OKC fans talk about how they don't get favorable calls their way. Durant walks in the paint, then kicks it to Westbrook for a drive and score. Gasol got his revenge though.

In a recent game, Westbrook was driving the lane, the ball got pinned on his hip and he took another step and used his other hand to dislodge it, terminating his dribble, and he put it back down again with no travelling call.

OKC is the W.C. Golden Child of calls. There isn't even a second place finisher.

[TVI]

Lol @Thunderefs. 32 FT, and still they lose. S̶t̶a̶c̶k̶h̶o̶u̶s̶e̶ Chuckbrook with 20 points on 25 shots.

[exstatic]

Lol @Thunderefs. 32 FT, and still they lose. S̶t̶a̶c̶k̶h̶o̶u̶s̶e̶ Chuckbrook with 20 points on 25 shots.

:lol Is he not the single most over rated, over hyped player in the NBA?

[Duncanoypi]

Z-Bo was raped by Collison in the low post and the only call the ref gave was out of bounds in favor of Ref-KC.

[Obstructed_View]

:lol Is he not the single most over rated, over hyped player in the NBA?

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q228/GeneralPurpose/home/Spurstalk/LALaker.jpg

[spurraider21]

Lol @Thunderefs. 32 FT, and still they lose. S̶t̶a̶c̶k̶h̶o̶u̶s̶e̶ Chuckbrook with 20 points on 25 shots.


:lol Is he not the single most over rated, over hyped player in the NBA?


http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q228/GeneralPurpose/home/Spurstalk/LALaker.jpg

:lmao

by the way, how do you write text with a line going through it? its a hilarious tool i've always wanted to use

[exstatic]

Dunder were up 4 points with about 45 seconds left in regulation and blew it.

Choke-lahoma.

[TheGoldStandard]

I think OKC has been drinking there own Kool-aid, this is the second time I've seen Durant go to that swing through instant foul call and the defender wisely pulls his arms away to make him look like a punk. And of course westbrook likes to dribble the possession away. They don't move the ball around in winning time, they iso and teams with length can at least challenge Durant and Westbrook and that leaves them very vulnerable.

[Splits]

:lmao

by the way, <strike>how do you write text with a line going through it? </strike> its a hilarious tool i've always wanted to use

is this thing working?

No, it is not.

Can someone answer this question? I also tried <s/> but it didn't work. Raider is right, it's a hilarious tool (don't tell Mid)

[racm]

nvm

[Splits]

the shit don't work.

[Splits]

14 games to play and the Spurs are up 3 in the loss column. It would take an epic collapse to lose the top seed at this point, even losing on 4/4.

[DesignatedT]

14 games to play and the Spurs are up 3 in the loss column. It would take an epic collapse to lose the top seed at this point, even losing on 4/4.

Not really.

We have 7 games before we play OKC again. Those 7 games include - UTA, @HOU, DEN, LAC, MIA, @MEM, ORL.
OKC has 5 games before our game. Those 5 are - @ORL, POR, WAS, @MIN, MIL

If the Spurs go 5-2 in that tough stretch and OKC goes 5-0. That sets up the Spurs (on a b2b) vs OKC ( on 4 full days of rest) with the Spurs having a 1 game lead in the loss column. I predict OKC ties it up in the loss column on 4/4 if it plays out like this.

I can't believe they have 4 full days of rest before they get us at home and we are on a b2b and 4 in 5 nights. Pop should not even send his guys up to OKC IMHO

[TheGoldStandard]

OKC looks very one dimensional right now and Westbrook is hogging that ball, hopefully they'll drop a few more tight games that require there guys to play extended minutes.

[TheGoldStandard]

Not really.

We have 7 games before we play OKC again. Those 7 games include - UTA, @HOU, DEN, LAC, MIA, @MEM, ORL.
OKC has 5 games before our game. Those 5 are - @ORL, POR, WAS, @MIN, MIL

If the Spurs go 5-2 in that tough stretch and OKC goes 5-0. That sets up the Spurs (on a b2b) vs OKC ( on 4 full days of rest) with the Spurs having a 1 game lead in the loss column. I predict OKC ties it up in the loss column on 4/4 if it plays out like this.

I can't believe they have 4 full days of rest before they get us at home and we are on a b2b and 4 in 5 nights. Pop should not even send his guys up to OKC IMHO

The only game that should be in question will be the Miami game, I'd probably sit the guys the day before the OKC game so they'll be ready.

[DesignatedT]

The only game that should be in question will be the Miami game, I'd probably sit the guys the day before the OKC game so they'll be ready.

With the way the Spurs have looked recently I have no idea how you can come to that conclusion. Especially with the uncertainty around Parker still. It's going to take him awhile to get back to 100% and DEN, MEM and MIA are some of the hottest teams in the league. Mix in HOU and LAC around that and the Spurs could easily drop 2 games or more if they don't play well.

[cd021]

Lol @Thunderefs. 32 FT, and still they lose. S̶t̶a̶c̶k̶h̶o̶u̶s̶e̶ Chuckbrook with 20 points on 25 shots.

Somewhere Hollinger is shuddering at the inefficiency .

[cd021]

Z-Bo was raped by Collison in the low post and the only call the ref gave was out of bounds in favor of Ref-KC.

LMAFO. Short of the opposing team getting shanked the refs insist they play on while giving OKC the BOTD.

Z-BO needed a rape whistle. I'm sorry rape usually isn't funny but the joke had to be made.:lol

[cd021]

With the way the Spurs have looked recently I have no idea how you can come to that conclusion. Especially with the uncertainty around Parker still. It's going to take him awhile to get back to 100% and DEN, MEM and MIA are some of the hottest teams in the league. Mix in HOU and LAC around that and the Spurs could easily drop 2 games or more if they don't play well.

2.5 game buffer and tie breaker. Spurs can realistically go 4-2 or at the worst 3-3 and still go relatively unscathed.

[Seventyniner]

2.5 game buffer and tie breaker.

I thought this board had been through this before. The Spurs basically will lose the tiebreaker unless they somehow manage to win at OC to take the season series.

Right now the Spurs are 23-4 vs the East and the Thunder are 17-7. If the Spurs win even one of their three remaining games against the East (all at home against the Heat, Magic, and Hawks) then they will finish with a better record against the East than OC. That means a worse record against the West if they are tied. The Spurs can definitely lose the Miami game, and maaaaaybe the Atlanta game, but if the Spurs lose at home to Orlando, they'll have much bigger problems than a lack of homecourt.

[kaji157]

The only game that should be in question will be the Miami game, I'd probably sit the guys the day before the OKC game so they'll be ready.

Agreed, i would like Pop to let the subs play against Orlando. I think they can take it.

[cd021]

I thought this board had been through this before. The Spurs basically will lose the tiebreaker unless they somehow manage to win at OC to take the season series.

Right now the Spurs are 23-4 vs the East and the Thunder are 17-7. If the Spurs win even one of their three remaining games against the East (all at home against the Heat, Magic, and Hawks) then they will finish with a better record against the East than OC. That means a worse record against the West if they are tied. The Spurs can definitely lose the Miami game, and maaaaaybe the Atlanta game, but if the Spurs lose at home to Orlando, they'll have much bigger problems than a lack of homecourt.

Isn't the tie breaker among west conference record?

(-) Tie breaker not needed (better overall winning percentage)
(1) Division leader wins tie from team not leading a division
(2) Head-to-head won-lost percentage
(3) Division won-lost percentage
(4) Conference won-lost percentage
(5) W-L Percentage vs. Playoff teams, own conference
(6) W-L Percentage vs. Playoff teams, other conference
(7) Net Points, all games

In that case the Spurs are still very close to having the same record vs west teams.
.707 to .733 winning percentages. And thats assuming the Spurs won't win the @ OKC game. Lets not get a head of our selves just yet. Plus Last time We had no Kawhi & Jackson was playing with a fractured finger.

[Seventyniner]

Isn't the tie breaker among west conference record?

(-) Tie breaker not needed (better overall winning percentage)
(1) Division leader wins tie from team not leading a division
(2) Head-to-head won-lost percentage
(3) Division won-lost percentage
(4) Conference won-lost percentage
(5) W-L Percentage vs. Playoff teams, own conference
(6) W-L Percentage vs. Playoff teams, other conference
(7) Net Points, all games

In that case the Spurs are still very close to having the same record vs west teams.
.707 to .733 winning percentages. And thats assuming the Spurs won't win the @ OKC game. Lets not get a head of our selves just yet. Plus Last time We had no Kawhi & Jackson was playing with a fractured finger.

Perhaps I wasn't clear. The Spurs and Thunder play an equal number of games against the West (52) and East (30). Being 23-4 vs the East, the worst the Spurs can finish is 23-7. The best the Thunder can do vs the East is also 23-7 because they're 17-7 now.

So if the Spurs win any of their three remaining games against the East (vs MIA, vs ORL, vs ATL), which is quite likely, or if the Thunder lose any one of their remaining games against the East (@ORL, vs WAS, @MIL, @IND, vs NY, vs MIL), which is also decently likely, then the Spurs will have to finish with a better record vs the East.

This means that if the Spurs and Thunder finish the season tied, and the Thunder win the final matchup with the Spurs to even the season series at 2-2 (likely imo), then the Thunder will have a better record vs the West and thus win the tiebreaker. The division win-loss percentage tiebreaker is only for teams in the same division. It's a shame, too, because the Spurs are crushing the Southwest division this season.

What this boils down to is that you can't really pay attention to the conference record tiebreaker right now because in order for it to matter, the Spurs have to go 0-3 and the Thunder 6-0 in remaining games against the East.

[cd021]

Perhaps I wasn't clear. The Spurs and Thunder play an equal number of games against the West (52) and East (30). Being 23-4 vs the East, the worst the Spurs can finish is 23-7. The best the Thunder can do vs the East is also 23-7 because they're 17-7 now.

So if the Spurs win any of their three remaining games against the East (vs MIA, vs ORL, vs ATL), which is quite likely, or if the Thunder lose any one of their remaining games against the East (@ORL, vs WAS, @MIL, @IND, vs NY, vs MIL), which is also decently likely, then the Spurs will have to finish with a better record vs the East.

This means that if the Spurs and Thunder finish the season tied, and the Thunder win the final matchup with the Spurs to even the season series at 2-2 (likely imo), then the Thunder will have a better record vs the West and thus win the tiebreaker. The division win-loss percentage tiebreaker is only for teams in the same division. It's a shame, too, because the Spurs are crushing the Southwest division this season.

What this boils down to is that you can't really pay attention to the conference record tiebreaker right now because in order for it to matter, the Spurs have to go 0-3 and the Thunder 6-0 in remaining games against the East.

You're confusing the hell out of me. So you're saying that OKC will even the series which will negate the season series ( I get that ), Then you say that the West conference record is negated because they play the same amount of games vs the west. ( thats where you're losing me.) I've never heard that two teams record vs an opposing conference will factor into a tie breaker. It doesn't say that on NBA.Com or Wikipedia. I am not sure where you're getting the vs. east conference record thing. It should not be a factor until it gets to the 6th scenario and even then its by east playoff teams not entire conferences.

[Spurs 4 The Win]

You're confusing the hell out of me. So you're saying that OKC will even the series which will negate the season series ( I get that ), Then you say that the West conference record is negated because they play the same amount of games vs the west. ( thats where you're losing me.) I've never heard that two teams record vs an opposing conference will factor into a tie breaker. It doesn't say that on NBA.Com or Wikipedia. I am not sure where you're getting the vs. east conference record thing. It should not be a factor until it gets to the 6th scenario and even then its by east playoff teams not entire conferences.

You must be slow, he broke it down very clearly

[Mel_13]

You're confusing the hell out of me. So you're saying that OKC will even the series which will negate the season series ( I get that ), Then you say that the West conference record is negated because they play the same amount of games vs the west. ( thats where you're losing me.) I've never heard that two teams record vs an opposing conference will factor into a tie breaker. It doesn't say that on NBA.Com or Wikipedia. I am not sure where you're getting the vs. east conference record thing. It should not be a factor until it gets to the 6th scenario and even then its by east playoff teams not entire conferences.

A team's overall record is the sum of their record v. the East and their record v. the West.

So, imagine two Western Conference teams with identical overall records. If team A has a better record against the East, then team B must have a better record against the West by the exact same margin.

In our real life scenario, the Spurs are a virtual lock to have a better record against the East than OKC. If the Spurs and OKC end the season with identical overall records, then it is a mathematical necessity that OKC's record v the West will be better than the Spurs' record v the West by the exact same margin that the Spurs' record v. the East is better than OKC's record v. the East.

Which means that if:

1. OKC wins the game on April 4th and
2. The Spurs finish with a better record v. the East and
3. The two teams end the season with identical overall records, then
4. OKC will get the #1 seed on the basis of better record against the West.

[Chinook]

You're confusing the hell out of me. So you're saying that OKC will even the series which will negate the season series ( I get that ), Then you say that the West conference record is negated because they play the same amount of games vs the west. ( thats where you're losing me.) I've never heard that two teams record vs an opposing conference will factor into a tie breaker. It doesn't say that on NBA.Com or Wikipedia. I am not sure where you're getting the vs. east conference record thing. It should not be a factor until it gets to the 6th scenario and even then its by east playoff teams not entire conferences.

Basically, the Spurs are more likely to win the first seed outright than be in some complicated scenario where they tie with OKC but win the tie-breaker. It would take a special type of collapse from both teams for that to happen. At that point, the Spurs and Thunder would have to worry about teams like Memphis and Denver catching them.

The main thing is that the Spurs can't afford a collapse down the stretch. They have a two-game cushion. That's it. If they win against OKC in two weeks, however, then it's pretty much a wrap.

[cd021]

You must be slow, he broke it down very clearly

His 2 comments weren't that clear. Mel_13 broke it down clearly.

[cd021]

A team's overall record is the sum of their record v. the East and their record v. the West.

So, imagine two Western Conference teams with identical overall records. If team A has a better record against the East, then team B must have a better record against the West by the exact same margin.

In our real life scenario, the Spurs are a virtual lock to have a better record against the East than OKC. If the Spurs and OKC end the season with identical overall records, then it is a mathematical necessity that OKC's record v the West will be better than the Spurs' record v the West by the exact same margin that the Spurs' record v. the East is better than OKC's record v. the East.

Which means that if:

1. OKC wins the game on April 4th and
2. The Spurs finish with a better record v. the East and
3. The two teams end the season with identical overall records, then
4. OKC will get the #1 seed on the basis of better record against the West.

I get it now. I didn't get why he kept referring to the record vs the east as a scenario. Appreciate the step by step.

[kaji157]

I have a question, isn´t the "(3) Division won-lost percentage" the first Tiebreaker before "(4) Conference won-lost percentage"?

In that case we have a better Division record than OKC as we are 12-2 and OKC is 7-5.

And another one, aren´t the real "Tiebreakers" the ones in NBA.com

Which are...

TIEBREAKER BASIS:
(-) Tie breaker not needed (better overall winning percentage)
(1) Division leader wins tie from team not leading a division
(2) Head-to-head won-lost percentage
(3) Conference won-lost percentage
(4) W-L Percentage vs. Playoff teams, own conference
(5) W-L Percentage vs. Playoff teams, other conference
(6) Net Points, all games

Source: http://www.nba.com/standings/

[ElNono]

I have a question, isn´t the "(3) Division won-lost percentage" the first Tiebreaker before "(4) Conference won-lost percentage"?

That's when both teams are on the same Division.

[Obstructed_View]

Way too much negative space talk by mentioning the record against the east. Confused the shit out of me too. :lol

[Seventyniner]

A team's overall record is the sum of their record v. the East and their record v. the West.

So, imagine two Western Conference teams with identical overall records. If team A has a better record against the East, then team B must have a better record against the West by the exact same margin.

In our real life scenario, the Spurs are a virtual lock to have a better record against the East than OKC. If the Spurs and OKC end the season with identical overall records, then it is a mathematical necessity that OKC's record v the West will be better than the Spurs' record v the West by the exact same margin that the Spurs' record v. the East is better than OKC's record v. the East.

Which means that if:

1. OKC wins the game on April 4th and
2. The Spurs finish with a better record v. the East and
3. The two teams end the season with identical overall records, then
4. OKC will get the #1 seed on the basis of better record against the West.

A better explanation than mine; I had to resort to a wall of text. :nope

[101A]

Basically, the Spurs are more likely to win the first seed outright than be in some complicated scenario where they tie with OKC but win the tie-breaker. It would take a special type of collapse from both teams for that to happen. At that point, the Spurs and Thunder would have to worry about teams like Memphis and Denver catching them.

The main thing is that the Spurs can't afford a collapse down the stretch. They have a two-game cushion. That's it. If they win against OKC in two weeks, however, then it's pretty much a wrap.

If the Spurs can win in OKC on the 4th in 5, while the Thunder are on an extended Siesta?

Then the Spurs don't need HCA in the playoffs.

[Chinook]

If the Spurs can win in OKC on the 4th in 5, while the Thunder are on an extended Siesta?

Then the Spurs don't need HCA in the playoffs.

That type of rest is overrated, if you ask me. A team like the Thunder don't really need it. If anything, it makes them rusty. If the Spurs cruise through the first three games in that stretch, then they may be better rested than one would think.

[bklynspursfan]

OKC up by 4 in Orlando. End of the 3rd. 70-66

[cd021]

My Focus right now is on the middle seeds Clippers, Memphis & Denver. They could be spoilers to they Spurs OKC rematch in the WCF. Personally I think we can beat each of those 3 but OKC has matchup problems with each of them. All 3 teams separated by 1/2 a game.

[bklynspursfan]

Durant got bailed out at the end of that game. Probably warrants a warning from the league, he fell , even though the replay showed Nelson made no contact with him

[Spurs 4 The Win]

My Focus right now is on the middle seeds Clippers, Memphis & Denver. They could be spoilers to they Spurs OKC rematch in the WCF. Personally I think we can beat each of those 3 but OKC has matchup problems with each of them. All 3 teams separated by 1/2 a game.

I think Memphis or Denver getting the 3 seed is the best case scenario. Either of those teams could take out OKC. The Clippers cant beat us or OKC so I would like them at the 4/5 position and take them if they somehow beat their first round opponent.

[bklynspursfan]

Blazers up 2 at the half in OKC

[Kidd K]

Durant got bailed out at the end of that game. Probably warrants a warning from the league, he fell , even though the replay showed Nelson made no contact with him

Key Thunder players will never be significantly sanctioned by the NBA any time in the near future. Wishful thinking dude.

Ibaka didn't even get ejected for his huge flagrant a couple weeks ago when punching Blake Griffin in the sack, much less get suspended like he absolutely should have.

And you think Durant will get a warning for flopping? :lol

[bklynspursfan]

Key Thunder players will never be significantly sanctioned by the NBA any time in the near future. Wishful thinking dude.

Ibaka didn't even get ejected for his huge flagrant a couple weeks ago when punching Blake Griffin in the sack, much less get suspended like he absolutely should have.

And you think Durant will get a warning for flopping? :lol

I know he won't. Just as I know Harden won't. I said it warrants a warning.

But CP3 was finally warned, so who knows. Maybe the chosen 1 will get one, one day

[Kidd K]

I know he won't. Just as I know Harden won't. I said it warrants a warning.

But CP3 was finally warned, so who knows. Maybe the chosen 1 will get one, one day

Yeah I see what you mean. We all know those guys should get warnings and suspensions for shit, but they just never do. Like when Perkins elbowed Al jefferson earlier this year. . .nothing. Then Ibaka punches Griffin in the balls (and there's no way it can be argued that was an accident. . .he reels back and punches him on purpose), all he got was a slap on the wrist flagrant 1.

Now Durant flops when he's not even touched (worst kind of flop possible), not even a warning. Meanwhile, Spurs get fined 250k for resting a few guys once. That Durant shit reminds me of the Bosh flop a couple years ago.

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/8028/boshflop.gif

[spurraider21]

Pretty cool that we lost and still have a 2 game advantage in the loss column and currently hold the tiebreaker

[Spur|n|Austin]

You're confusing the hell out of me. So you're saying that OKC will even the series which will negate the season series ( I get that ), Then you say that the West conference record is negated because they play the same amount of games vs the west. ( thats where you're losing me.) I've never heard that two teams record vs an opposing conference will factor into a tie breaker. It doesn't say that on NBA.Com or Wikipedia. I am not sure where you're getting the vs. east conference record thing. It should not be a factor until it gets to the 6th scenario and even then its by east playoff teams not entire conferences.

How did you not understand his explanation? I don't think it it could have been broke down any better.. Put the LSD down Hendrix. :lol :p: Though the record versus the East is irrelevant, and I understand how that was confusing.

[spurraider21]

Up 2 games against OKC, but in the next 11 days we have games against the Nuggets, Clippers, Heat, Grizzlies, and OKC (along with a home game vs Orlando in that stretch too). The Grizz without Gasol (provided he is still out at that point) look to be the weakest of that bunch, and the Clippers will definitely be beatable. They've looked pretty mortal. If we can take the OKC game, (which will be a toughie being that its in OKC), and even split the other games, we will be in solid shape to hold that 1 seed. While the Thunder have a pretty light schedule, the tiebreaker will be huge for us

[Fireball]

The Grizz without Gasol (provided he is still out at that point) look to be the weakest of that bunch

If he really has an abdominal tear Gasol could be out for quite a while. This stuff goes away slowly and like with a hamstring it is very risky to return too early ...

[101A]

Up 2 games against OKC, but in the next 11 days we have games against the Nuggets, Clippers, Heat, Grizzlies, and OKC (along with a home game vs Orlando in that stretch too). The Grizz without Gasol (provided he is still out at that point) look to be the weakest of that bunch, and the Clippers will definitely be beatable. They've looked pretty mortal. If we can take the OKC game, (which will be a toughie being that its in OKC), and even split the other games, we will be in solid shape to hold that 1 seed. While the Thunder have a pretty light schedule, the tiebreaker will be huge for us

The Spurs have almost no shot at the game in OKC - 4th in 5; 4 days rest for the Thunder. Most likely, Pop WILL sit players.

[look_at_g_shred]

The Spurs have almost no shot at the game in OKC - 4th in 5; 4 days rest for the Thunder. Most likely, Pop WILL sit players.

Trap game for OKC?

[cd021]

Trap game for OKC?

No. Pop would likely sit Kawhi as well if he rests big 3. Kawhi has been playing through pain.

[cd021]

How did you not understand his explanation? I don't think it it could have been broke down any better.. Put the LSD down Hendrix. :lol :p: Though the record versus the East is irrelevant, and I understand how that was confusing.

LSD is a helluva a drug. To be fair though, dude who originally talked to me said that MEL comment better explained it (It was much more thorough) . I hadn't heard anyone use that way of projecting tie breakers before thats why it thru me for a second.

[cd021]

Been away since Sunday. Thanks for keeping this thread from getting dusty.

[cd021]

I know he won't. Just as I know Harden won't. I said it warrants a warning.

But CP3 was finally warned, so who knows. Maybe the chosen 1 will get one, one day

I was under the impression CP3 could do no wrong. I though i saw him walk on water once. Seriously the way TV analysts praise him is down right sickening.

[cd021]

Bulls threatening the 27 game streak of Miami. Up 9 with 5:30 left. Kind of had my heart set on Us ending it but Miami getting back to loosing is a great thing. We can make up some ground if we beat them on 3/31 as well.

[DesignatedT]

I'm really upset about that 4 games in 5 nights while OKC gets 4 full days off of rest. I support Pop resting his guys if he chooses to do so but it sucks the NBA sets the schedule up like that, especially when the Spurs are on TNT. Fuckin retarded.

[bklynspursfan]

I'm really upset about that 4 games in 5 nights while OKC gets 4 full days off of rest. I support Pop resting his guys if he chooses to do so but it sucks the NBA sets the schedule up like that, especially when the Spurs are on TNT. Fuckin retarded.

Only positive I could see, when we played the Clips after the all star break and they had a bunch of days off, we came out from the tip and started pouring it on early. If we can somehow jump on OKC in their building early on, it might work out in our favor.

[bklynspursfan]

Yeah I see what you mean. We all know those guys should get warnings and suspensions for shit, but they just never do. Like when Perkins elbowed Al jefferson earlier this year. . .nothing. Then Ibaka punches Griffin in the balls (and there's no way it can be argued that was an accident. . .he reels back and punches him on purpose), all he got was a slap on the wrist flagrant 1.

Now Durant flops when he's not even touched (worst kind of flop possible), not even a warning. Meanwhile, Spurs get fined 250k for resting a few guys once. That Durant shit reminds me of the Bosh flop a couple years ago.

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/8028/boshflop.gif

Yea man... Such a joke

[cd021]

I'm really upset about that 4 games in 5 nights while OKC gets 4 full days off of rest. I support Pop resting his guys if he chooses to do so but it sucks the NBA sets the schedule up like that, especially when the Spurs are on TNT. Fuckin retarded.

Someone pointed out that essentially their are 3 or 4 games that have to be played in 6 days every week (Normally only 4-6 teams play on Thursdays) creating a weird schedule for teams. Playing 4 games in 5 nights is a necessity to complete the NBA season. It just affects us more because are best players are fairly old.

[FromWayDowntown]

I'm really upset about that 4 games in 5 nights while OKC gets 4 full days off of rest. I support Pop resting his guys if he chooses to do so but it sucks the NBA sets the schedule up like that, especially when the Spurs are on TNT. Fuckin retarded.

Were you upset that the Spurs got the Thunder at home back in early March when the Thunder were on their 4th in 5 nights while the Spurs had 2 full days off before that game? It's actually a situation where things worked out pretty fairly for both teams.

For the Spurs, too, it's probably helpful that the 3rd game is a home game against Orlando; it might be that Pop uses that as a rest game, giving his guys 2 full days between Memphis and OKC while probably having a reasonable chance to win a home game against a bad team.

[DesignatedT]

Were you upset that the Spurs got the Thunder at home back in early March when the Thunder were on their 4th in 5 nights while the Spurs had 2 full days off before that game? It's actually a situation where things worked out pretty fairly for both teams.

2 days ≠ 4 days.


Anyway, I wasn't bitching necessarily just because it was the Spurs but just because it's pretty unfair in general. If 4 in 5 days is absolutely necessary then they should at least try to match up teams to play each other when they are in the same situation.

Just really goes back to my overall belief that the regular season should be shortened by around 8-10 games though.

[crc21209]

2 days ≠ 4 days.


Anyway, I wasn't bitching necessarily just because it was the Spurs but just because it's pretty unfair in general. If 4 in 5 days is absolutely necessary then they should at least try to match up teams to play each other when they are in the same situation.

Just really goes back to my overall belief that the regular season should be shortened by around 8-10 games though.

Exactly. Last I checked, 4 days rest > 2 days rest.....

[Fireball]

Exactly. Last I checked, 4 days rest > 2 days rest.....

4 days with no game ... thats too much for the young OKC guys to handle ... Westbrook will be eager to take at least 40 shots ...

[rmt]

4 days with no game ... thats too much for the young OKC guys to handle ... Westbrook will be eager to take at least 40 shots ...

Yeah, I actually think that OKC plays worse with rest. All that youth and exuberance just builds up, I guess. They play better every other day.

[DesignatedT]

Well, Metta World Peace being out for the first round is a pretty big blow to LA.

[mrjap2x]

Key Thunder players will never be significantly sanctioned by the NBA any time in the near future. Wishful thinking dude.

Ibaka didn't even get ejected for his huge flagrant a couple weeks ago when punching Blake Griffin in the sack, much less get suspended like he absolutely should have.

And you think Durant will get a warning for flopping? :lol
Any gifs/vids, I don't think NBA will put it in the highlights.

[cd021]

Well, Metta World Peace being out for the first round is a pretty big blow to LA.

If they play OKC Durant going to go for 40 per game. He's their best wing defender, which shows just how bad they are defensively.

[Sean Cagney]

If they play OKC Durant going to go for 40 per game. He's their best wing defender, which shows just how bad they are defensively.

Yeah LA and OKC would not be a pretty matchup right about now if it happened.

[Bruno]

The race for the 8th seed is kinda pathetic with Mavs, Lakers and Jazz not being able to play well on a consistent basis. At that stage, the 8th seed will go to the team that sucks less.

When you look at Spurs and OKC schedules, it's going to be difficult for Spurs to keep that first seed. Saying that, Spurs finishing at the 2nd or even at the 3rd seed isn't that of a big deal. Rockets and Warriors aren't really scary opponents for a first round of the playoffs.

[TheGoldStandard]

Need a fast forward button just to get us into the end of the season, it's dragging and this is why the season should be shortened by 10 games. It shouldn't take the last week of the regular season to solidify your spot in the conference, you have plenty of games for that.

[ErnestLynch]

TBH I'd rather play Houston than LA. Lakers are cryptonite to the Spurs in the playoffs. Spurs can beat OKC with or without HCA this year, I believe.

[Kidd K]

Any gifs/vids, I don't think NBA will put it in the highlights.

For the Blake Griffin punch or the Durant flop? Here's a gif of the Ibaka punch, can't find one quickly enough of Durant's flop.

http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/5134a63b6bb3f7c45f00002d/serge-ibaka-blake-griffin-punch.gif

[mrjap2x]

I guess the nba deleted all available clips in the net of durant's flop.

[bklynspursfan]

OKC bout to lose the the Wolves.

[DesignatedT]

Nice. Wolves with some help.

[JingleJangleJingle]

damn OKC is just falling off a cliff.

[RD2191]

the thunder could easily lose at Milwaukee tmrw night

[cd021]

Duncan refused to lose to night old man river with the game winner. Spurs up 2 1/2.

[FromWayDowntown]

SA magic number to win Southwest is 3 (SA has tiebreaker over MEM)

Magic number to clinch top 2 seed is 4 (LAC - #3 for now - has tiebreaker over SA)

Magic number to clinch #1 should be 8 (not assuming SA will own tiebreaker)

[Reck]

SA magic number to win Southwest is 3 (SA has tiebreaker over MEM)

Magic number to clinch top 2 seed is 4 (LAC - #3 for now - has tiebreaker over SA)

Magic number to clinch #1 should be 8 (not assuming SA will own tiebreaker)

Good info. Lots of games yet to be played though. :(

[DesignatedT]

Looks like Utah just moved back into #8 for the time being. Hope they stay there!

[DejuanorwhatDude]

Newb question here...1/2 game leads are by seasons end just as good as full games correct?

[Mel_13]

Newb question here...1/2 game leads are by seasons end just as good as full games correct?

There won't be any 1/2 games leads at season's end.

[FromWayDowntown]

Newb question here...1/2 game leads are by seasons end just as good as full games correct?

The half games indicate differences in the numbers of games each team has played. The Spurs are up 2.5 on OKC because they've played 1 less game than the Thunder have. I think the GB column is pretty much worthless in the NBA; the column to watch is the loss column. The true extent of a lead or deficit in the standings in the NBA is always about the loss column.

[boutons_deux]

Other than SA, Heat have an easy schedule. Spurs are 2L behind the Heat, so it looks like Heat will have Finals HCA.

[exstatic]

Other than SA, Heat have an easy schedule. Spurs are 2L behind the Heat, so it looks like Heat will have Finals HCA.

Heat can't rest, though. If they rest their big three in one game, they are essentially a lottery team. Sitting either LeBron or Wade makes them pretty ordinary. Playing their big three heavy minutes for three seasons and two deep playoff runs will catch up to them, and sooner than later.

[Mel_13]

Heat can't rest, though. If they rest their big three in one game, they are essentially a lottery team. Sitting either LeBron or Wade makes them pretty ordinary. Playing their big three heavy minutes for three seasons and two deep playoff runs will catch up to them, and sooner than later.

They'll get plenty of rest during the Milwaukee series.

[thunderup]

Tough one coming up. I hate the Heat as an OKC fan but a Spurs loss would help us a bit still with the upcoming game in OKC.

[DesignatedT]

Milwaukee closing the gap on OKC. Only down 2 now. Hopefully they can make it a game.

[TheGoldStandard]

This might be a huge meltdown by OKC to close out the season.

[thunderup]

This might be a huge meltdown by OKC to close out the season.

Right now we live and die by Russ's performance. Not exactly a thing to look forward to going forward but it is what it is. Against the Spurs and Heat, our heavy reliance on two players will be exposed. Even against teams like Denver I'm afraid of what's to come.

And lastly, a first round matchup with Houston is like playing with fire. James Harden will play every against us like it's game 7.

[Sean Cagney]

They'll get plenty of rest during the Milwaukee series.

LOL YEP.
I'm a big Utah and Dallas fan these days...

I hated Dallas for years with Terry etc., but this year or lately I agree lol. I can never be a fan, but if they or Utah keep LA out of the playoffs thats good so we can laugh.

[Budkin]

Damn the Spurs schedule is just fucking brutal. I'll be amazed if we hold on to the number one seed.

[Splits]

And lastly, a first round matchup with Houston is like playing with fire. James Harden will play every against us like it's game 7.

I could see this realistically happening. It would take a lot of things going the Rockets way and a horrible (per par) Westchuck shooting performance but I dont think Houston is intimidated by K Mart

[Obstructed_View]

And lastly, a first round matchup with Houston is like playing with fire. James Harden will play every against us like it's game 7.

Interesting point. A lot of things would have to go right for Houston to actually win it, but that series could be really fun to watch.

[Spurs and Mavs fan]

I really, really want to see Spurs vs. Lakers in the first round. It's always great to see the Spurs defeat the Lakers in a playoff series - but that's something that hasn't happened in 10 years..............

I do not want to see Spurs vs. Jazz or Spurs vs. Mavs. Not that those teams are particularly good, but rather, simply because I want to see Spurs vs. Lakers.

[rascal]

Damn the Spurs schedule is just fucking brutal. I'll be amazed if we hold on to the number one seed.

They should easily hold on.

[cd021]

Losing the heat without James, Wade And Chalmers is a massive blow to our #1 seed hopes. We'd have to win @ Memphis, Orlando, & @ OKC just to stay ahead of OKC who is 1 1/2 back in the West. Chances of catching Miami for the best record in the league is very unlikely now.

[dbreiden83080]

Losing the heat without James, Wade And Chalmers is a massive blow to our #1 seed hopes. We'd have to win @ Memphis, Orlando, & @ OKC just to stay ahead of OKC who is 1 1/2 back in the West. Chances of catching Miami for the best record in the league is very unlikely now.


They are still 2 up in the loss column and OKC just lost to the wolves.. OKC has Pacers 2nd of back to back after Spurs, Utah, Knicks and Warriors left..

[Sean Cagney]

Losing the heat without James, Wade And Chalmers is a massive blow to our #1 seed hopes. We'd have to win @ Memphis, Orlando, & @ OKC just to stay ahead of OKC who is 1 1/2 back in the West. Chances of catching Miami for the best record in the league is very unlikely now.

Yeah I said this too, losing today was a huge blow to that #1 seed IMO being out schedule coming up. Spurs are in some trouble there. If they can't get it then it's not meant to be and they weren't good enough so no excuses, if they lose it then it is what it is. IF THEY can win it tomorrow then they might have a shot, if they lose and OKC wins forget it IMO.
They should easily hold on.

Thats not a given anymore. They need to win a few more first.

[Budkin]

Losing the heat without James, Wade And Chalmers is a massive blow to our #1 seed hopes. We'd have to win @ Memphis, Orlando, & @ OKC just to stay ahead of OKC who is 1 1/2 back in the West. Chances of catching Miami for the best record in the league is very unlikely now.


There's simply no positive way to spin tonight's loss. None.

[Johnny RIngo]

The Heat, Thunder, Knicks, and Nuggets are all playing great basketball right now and peaking at the right moment. Meanwhile, we've been terrible the last two weeks, with gutless Parker disappearing in every fourth quarter and having to rely on our 37 year old HOFer to bail us out every time.

[thunderup]

The Heat, Thunder, Knicks, and Nuggets are all playing great basketball right now and peaking at the right moment. Meanwhile, we've been terrible the last two weeks, with gutless Parker disappearing in every fourth quarter and having to rely on our 37 year old HOFer to bail us out every time.
We are far from peaking partner. We've been struggling in games. I'd chalk it up to inconsistency.

[cd021]

They are still 2 up in the loss column and OKC just lost to the wolves.. OKC has Pacers 2nd of back to back after Spurs, Utah, Knicks and Warriors left..


I'd expect OKC to go 4-1 or 3-2 at the absolute worst. They simply don't lose games like those. The Spurs have to beat @ Memphis @ OKC

[thunderup]

One game back!

[Johnny RIngo]

OKC gots this. This Spurs team is in a downward spiral - similar to the 2011 Spurs.

[Budkin]

No way in hell the Spurs can win it now. We're going to get bent over at OKC and then our schedule still blows.

[Spurish]

I've been a long time reader of this board even if I rarely post...now I know some ppl are in full panic mode following our last 2 losses, Manu likely out for play offs, our tough schedule etc..however, putting all those emotions aside, and looking at current standings in West, I cannot help but see that the path to WCF seems 'easier' if we are 2nd seed rather than first.

As it stands, it looks like 3-8 seeds will be along these lines:

3. Denver
4. LAC
5. Memphis
6. Golden State
7. Houston
8. LAL (they have home-heavy schedule remaining, can't see them missing out on playoffs).

Lakers, regardless of how pathetic they played this season are still the Lakers and should they make the playoffs, with all their starpower + playoff reffing, they will be a tough matchup nonetheless...these 2 (LAL+OKC) were the pre-season favourites to come out of the West so it's better to have one KO the other early on.... I would rather have OKC deal with them then winner of Memphis/LAC and whoever comes out of that bracket will bloodied and beaten up...the trio of Denver/Houston/Golden State, while not a walkover by any stretch of imagination, pales in comparison and matchups favour us a little more there...I know people don't want to concede HCA to OKC in the case of WCF repeat, but it may not even matter should they not manage to emerge out of that bracket...I would very much prefer to keep our key players healthy and concede #1 seed and let the chips fall as they may, what do you think?

[Budkin]

So assuming we beat Orlando (not a sure thing) and then lose to OKC, race will be tied right?

[Budkin]

One game back!

thunderup, is Russ seriously your favorite player on the team?

[Robz4000]

So assuming we beat Orlando (not a sure thing) and then lose to OKC, race will be tied right?

Nah, tiebreaker after head-to-head is record against the WC, and Spurs would be two games in the loss column back. If Spurs lose to OKC, then they fall to the 2 more than likely for good.

[thunderup]

thunderup, is Russ seriously your favorite player on the team?

:lol He's quickly becoming my least favorite player. If that makes any sense.

[Budkin]

:lol He's quickly becoming my least favorite player. If that makes any sense.

Totally. I don't know how you can be a Thunder fan and not like Durant the best. Guy is goddamn incredible.

[BatManu20]

Looks likely that OKC will have the pleasure of sending the Lakers home in the 1st round :(

[spurs10]

So assuming we beat Orlando (not a sure thing) and then lose to OKC, race will be tied right?

No we'd still be up 1/2 a game....

[BermudaSooner]

No way in hell the Spurs can win it now. We're going to get bent over at OKC and then our schedule still blows.

I wish I had your confidence....or lack of it.

Looking forward to a great game Thursday night..I will be there. Look for me...the one in Thunder Blue..

[BermudaSooner]

I've been a long time reader of this board even if I rarely post...now I know some ppl are in full panic mode following our last 2 losses, Manu likely out for play offs, our tough schedule etc..however, putting all those emotions aside, and looking at current standings in West, I cannot help but see that the path to WCF seems 'easier' if we are 2nd seed rather than first.

As it stands, it looks like 3-8 seeds will be along these lines:

3. Denver
4. LAC
5. Memphis
6. Golden State
7. Houston
8. LAL (they have home-heavy schedule remaining, can't see them missing out on playoffs).

Lakers, regardless of how pathetic they played this season are still the Lakers and should they make the playoffs, with all their starpower + playoff reffing, they will be a tough matchup nonetheless...these 2 (LAL+OKC) were the pre-season favourites to come out of the West so it's better to have one KO the other early on.... I would rather have OKC deal with them then winner of Memphis/LAC and whoever comes out of that bracket will bloodied and beaten up...the trio of Denver/Houston/Golden State, while not a walkover by any stretch of imagination, pales in comparison and matchups favour us a little more there...I know people don't want to concede HCA to OKC in the case of WCF repeat, but it may not even matter should they not manage to emerge out of that bracket...I would very much prefer to keep our key players healthy and concede #1 seed and let the chips fall as they may, what do you think?


As a Thunder fan, I want to avoid Denver, so I think that is a bigger deal than HCA vs the Spurs. Putting it another way, if Denver were to slip to the 4 seed, I'd be happier with a 2 seed than with Denver sitting at the 3 and that 2nd round match-up looming.

[rmt]

No we'd still be up 1/2 a game....

The important thing is the tied loss column - then conference record (which OKC leads) comes into effect. But yes, Spurs will still have the lead because they will have played 1 more game than OKC.

[rmt]

As a Thunder fan, I want to avoid Denver, so I think that is a bigger deal than HCA vs the Spurs. Putting it another way, if Denver were to slip to the 4 seed, I'd be happier with a 2 seed than with Denver sitting at the 3 and that 2nd round match-up looming.

Would you please comment on why OKC has problems with DEN (3 losses iirc)?

[Budkin]

I wish I had your confidence....or lack of it.

Looking forward to a great game Thursday night..I will be there. Look for me...the one in Thunder Blue..

:lol I'll make sure I keep an eye out for ya.

[BermudaSooner]

Would you please comment on why OKC has problems with DEN (3 losses iirc)?

Good question. In the game in Denver back on March 1st the Nuggest bench outscored the Thunder bench 71-11. In the last game where the Thunder never looked good, Russ and KD had great games point games, but took a lot of shots. I think KD was 0-6 from 3 or something. In the game in January, both KD and Russ went for over 30..although that was 2OT.

I don't know...maybe it all comes down to when Russell blocked the Nugget's mascot's half court shot. That was hilarious...but kind of a shitty thing to do, and we haven't won against them since!

[cd021]

The Heat, Thunder, Knicks, and Nuggets are all playing great basketball right now and peaking at the right moment. Meanwhile, we've been terrible the last two weeks, with gutless Parker disappearing in every fourth quarter and having to rely on our 37 year old HOFer to bail us out every time.

Don't tell me you're one of those fans who doesn't think Parker is clutch. You must have closed your eyes for most of the season.

[Chris16]

Don't tell me you're one of those fans who doesn't think Parker is clutch. You must have closed your eyes for most of the season.

He's 50-50, he'll either make it or he won't.

[cd021]

He's 50-50, he'll either make it or he won't.

Parkers cold blooded. Dude apparently didn't think so. Annoys me, is all.

[Hoops Czar]

They've been bad since the break and it's going to cost them HCA against the Thunder unless OKC coughs up a lung losing to inferior competition. The Spurs have a much tougher schedule to close out the season.

[Beaverfuzz]

Looks likely that OKC will have the pleasure of sending the Lakers home in the 1st round :(

You misspelled Utah.

[Killakobe81]

He's 50-50, he'll either make it or he won't.

If he realy is 50-50 that is great most clutch stats are lower than 50% and great players go on streaks of "clutch" no one not MJ, Kobe, Bird etc is automatic in teh clutch, it just seems that way because they seem to make some dramatric ones (playoffs national TV games)

PArker is clutch just on a clutch cold streak lately ... trust me I dont liek Frenchy but dont get why he gets so much criticism here. At one point there were folks arguing MVP and first team aLL NBA for PArker but now he is NOT clutch?! MAkes no sense tbh ... which is it? truth is PArker is not a MVP but he is not some unclutch star (think Malone or KG) either ...

[cd021]

If he realy is 50-50 that is great most clutch stats are lower than 50% and great players go on streaks of "clutch" no one not MJ, Kobe, Bird etc is automatic in teh clutch, it just seems that way because they seem to make some dramatric ones (playoffs national TV games)

PArker is clutch just on a clutch cold streak lately ... trust me I dont liek Frenchy but dont get why he gets so much criticism here. At one point there were folks arguing MVP and first team aLL NBA for PArker but now he is NOT clutch?! MAkes no sense tbh ... which is it? truth is PArker is not a MVP but he is not some unclutch star (think Malone or KG) either ...

Personally, "Clutchness" is massively overrated. Hitting back to back 3's to cut a 10 point deficit to 4 with 10 minutes left in the 4th on the road is obviously clutch. The same as shot made within the final minute of a game. Points count the same in every situation of a 48 minute game, contrary to Skip Bayless laughable "Lebron no clutch gene James" theory.

Parker is a fantastic closer whether he scores 10 points and 4 assists in the final quarter or finds Green for a 3 to push a 1 point lead to 4 with 29 seconds left. Either way he is clutch as they come.

[thunderup]

Game tonight. I cannot wait. :hungry:

[Fireball]

Game tonight. I cannot wait. :hungry:

And you have good reason to. Spurs are banged up and stand little chance playing in Oklahoma. Your crowd will be in playoff mode ...

[Bruno]

With a spurs win today, they will have 2 less losses and have the tie breaker. With only 6 games left, they would be in a great situation to keep the first seed.

A loss would put both teams tied at 20 losses and OKC will have the tie breaker.

Even if this game is the 4th in 5 days for Spurs, Pop has managed minutes in a way that the key players should be fresh for it so it should be a fun game.

And at the end, I'm not sure if I want Spurs to keep that first seed. HCA in a 7 games series is overrated and, with, at best, a limited Ginobili, Spurs would be vulnerable in the first round. After being healthy and fresh, having the easiest opponent in the first round should be Spurs biggest priority and I'm not really sure who would be easier between the 7th and the 8th seed.

[thunderup]

And you have good reason to. Spurs are banged up and stand little chance playing in Oklahoma. Your crowd will be in playoff mode ...

Pop has carefully managed yalls team to the point that yall can compete with anybody despite the obvious injuries. If yall guys jump out to a sizable lead of 8+ yall will control the game and eek out a win. We have been inconsistent as of late and I believe we'll come out flat since we haven't played in forever.

Anyhow goodluck to you and your team partner. God bless.

[kobyz]

just a clarification, if we lose tonight to OKC and OKC also win tomorrow against Pacers it will make both teams with the same record, who will hold the number 1 seed in that situation?

[objective]

I would rather have 8th. Houston is just the type of team to upset the Spurs. Especially with a hobbled Ginobili. The Spurs have nobody to check Harden. And the team as a whole puts up threes like no one else, and Green and Neal love leaving shooters open. Asik can tie Duncan up. Donatas can be a tough cover. I just have bad feelings about meeting the Rockets.

[exstatic]

just a clarification, if we lose tonight to OKC and OKC also win tomorrow against Pacers it will make both teams with the same record, who will hold the number 1 seed in that situation?

OKC. They would have the better Western Conference record by two games in the loss column. If we lose tonight, they have the inside track. We'd have to finish one game ahead of them to take the top spot.

[Fireball]

Pop has carefully managed yalls team to the point that yall can compete with anybody despite the obvious injuries. If yall guys jump out to a sizable lead of 8+ yall will control the game and eek out a win. We have been inconsistent as of late and I believe we'll come out flat since we haven't played in forever.

Yeah, I hope the Thunder are a little too anxious to be on the court again. But anything other than a 20+ lead is not sizeable enough for the Spurs, as they too have been very inconsistent the last few weeks. Hopefully no new injuries occur ... still looking forward to the game as well.

[TheGoldStandard]

Its 8 in the morning and I'm already excited for this game tonight.

[dbreiden83080]

I'd rather Pop start shutting them down for health and give the 1 seed to OKC. Looking at the seeding i don't think it really matters. First round match up with Houston is tough but Spurs should win in 6. After that it is probably Denver another tough series but if they get the 1 seed it is a first round match up with the Lakers and probably Clips or Memphis in 2nd round. The path is tough nomatter what and i don't want the Spurs to beat themselves to death just for 1 extra Home game vs OKC. They had HC last year and lost.. I'd rather start shutting it down after tonight and be somewhat healthy..

[BermudaSooner]

Its 8 in the morning and I'm already excited for this game tonight.

Me too...can't wait to get to the stadium!

[Budkin]

All I'm interested in is seeing if Parker can adjust to their defense.

[kaji157]

As the seeding is right now, let´s forget the first round because i think Spurs OKC can beat any 7 or 8th seeds easilly.
Looking at the other teams, if playoffs started right now, #1 seed would get a second round against either LAC or MEN, while #2 would ge DEN or GS.
As of now #2 seed seems better.

[cd021]

I would rather have 8th. Houston is just the type of team to upset the Spurs. Especially with a hobbled Ginobili. The Spurs have nobody to check Harden. And the team as a whole puts up threes like no one else, and Green and Neal love leaving shooters open. Asik can tie Duncan up. Donatas can be a tough cover. I just have bad feelings about meeting the Rockets.

Some of thats the scheme the spurs run. Green is forced to chase shooters off the 3 point line. Neal is just bad defensively. The Rockets can't upset the spurs in a 7 game series. You saw what Parker did to those Phoenix teams when he was still becoming a star. I'd expect nothing less than 25pts, 7 assists per game from Parker. Duncan, in the past, would have been bothered by long armed defenders (Camby, Rasheed & Ben Wallace Etc.) But he is shooting more and more from the 15-18 ft range. And is agile enough to pump and drive in the paint for a better shot. His post offense isn't nearly as important to Duncan's offense as it has been.

[Johnny RIngo]

lol at having to rely on beating the Thunder in OKC to keep homecourt. We could have locked this shit up if we actually played competent basketball down the stretch against the Grizzlies/Heat scrubs/Rockets. Now the Thunder are going to have a cakewalk opponent in the first round while SA has to play the Rockets.

[bklynspursfan]

OKC is in Indiana tomorrow. And we're home against Atlanta Saturday, then off till Wednesday. OKC has NY on Sunday. They need to win games just like we do

[cd021]

lol at having to rely on beating the Thunder in OKC to keep homecourt. We could have locked this shit up if we actually played competent basketball down the stretch against the Grizzlies/Heat scrubs/Rockets. Now the Thunder are going to have a cakewalk opponent in the first round while SA has to play the Rockets.

What part of holding a decisive tiebreaker in a very close race do you find the most funny? We could have been up 2.5 games with an additional game (tie-breaker) with 7 games left.

[cd021]

OKC is in Indiana tomorrow. And we're home against Atlanta Saturday, then off till Wednesday. OKC has NY on Sunday. They need to win games just like we do

Here's hoping the Pacers can get a W and Melo go for 50 again.

[thunderup]

We have two tough games coming up. I remain confident though.

1/2 game back now.

[thunderup]

Tied baby :)

[Budkin]

Hah there's no way Spurs are getting top seed with these injuries.

[rascal]

The number 2 seed will be an easier road for the Spurs. OK City will not even make it to the WCF if they get the number 1 seed.

[bklynspursfan]

Hah there's no way Spurs are getting top seed with these injuries.

OKC has NY, then in Utah and then in GS. Small chance we get the 1 seed but if they drop a few games, who knows

[TheGoldStandard]

1 or 2 is a pretty fair seeding, 1 would have been better and not going to say oh well this is the better of the 2 but 2 is still not shabby.

[Budkin]

The number 2 seed will be an easier road for the Spurs. OK City will not even make it to the WCF if they get the number 1 seed.

Who exactly is going to beat them?

[TheGoldStandard]

Who exactly is going to beat them?

Had Ty Lawson stayed healthy then it would have been a very winnable series. As it stands it should be fairly interesting should Denver get out of the 1st round.

[Sean Cagney]

Had Ty Lawson stayed healthy then it would have been a very winnable series. As it stands it should be fairly interesting should Denver get out of the 1st round.Gallanari is out now for the year as well, so you can forget about that right now.

[rascal]

Who exactly is going to beat them?

Whoever they meet in the 2nd round.

[cd021]

Tied baby :)

Enjoy you're #1 seed. You aren't making it to the finals this year.

[cd021]

Spurs Clinch home court in 1st round with W tonight. (Hey In the preseason we were picked by some to finish behind OKC, LAL, LAC & DEN)

#2 aint' bad, with an half decent shot of ending up with the #1 seed. Assuming Parker & Manu are done for the regular season and Kawhi & Duncan sit the final 3 games of course.

[FromWayDowntown]

Spurs Clinch home court in 1st round with W tonight. (Hey In the preseason we were picked by some to finish behind OKC, LAL, LAC & DEN)

#2 aint' bad, with an half decent shot of ending up with the #1 seed. Assuming Parker & Manu are done for the regular season and Kawhi & Duncan sit the final 3 games of course.

That's true -- if for no other reason -- than that a win tonight clinches the division for the Spurs and division champs are guaranteed top 4 seeds.

Technically, I think the Spurs wrap up a Top 2 seed (and guaranteed home court through 2 rounds) if they win tonight and Houston finds a way to grab a win in Denver.

[DesignatedT]

The Spurs will know how to approach the last 3 games of the season by next Sunday. The Spurs should approach the next two games (@DEN and SAC) like normal and try to win both. If they do so then they will sit back and see what OKC does in their next 4 games. (NYK, @UTA, @GS, @POR) If OKC drops a game or two here and the Spurs take care of their first two games then they are still very much in the hunt for the 1 seed. They can then decide how they want to approach the last 3 games (@LAL, @GS, MIN). If OKC doesn't lose a game out of those 4 then the Spurs will likely pack it in and get some extra rest before the playoffs.

[cd021]

The Spurs will know how to approach the last 3 games of the season by next Sunday. The Spurs should approach the next two games (@DEN and SAC) like normal and try to win both. If they do so then they will sit back and see what OKC does in their next 4 games. (NYK, @UTA, @GS, @POR) If OKC drops a game or two here and the Spurs take care of their first two games then they are still very much in the hunt for the 1 seed. They can then decide how they want to approach the last 3 games (@LAL, @GS, MIN). If OKC doesn't lose a game out of those 4 then the Spurs will likely pack it in and get some extra rest before the playoffs.

This.

[spurs10]

The Spurs will know how to approach the last 3 games of the season by next Sunday. The Spurs should approach the next two games (@DEN and SAC) like normal and try to win both. If they do so then they will sit back and see what OKC does in their next 4 games. (NYK, @UTA, @GS, @POR) If OKC drops a game or two here and the Spurs take care of their first two games then they are still very much in the hunt for the 1 seed. They can then decide how they want to approach the last 3 games (@LAL, @GS, MIN). If OKC doesn't lose a game out of those 4 then the Spurs will likely pack it in and get some extra rest before the playoffs.
Hear, hear!!

[rascal]

I would rather have 8th. Houston is just the type of team to upset the Spurs. Especially with a hobbled Ginobili. The Spurs have nobody to check Harden. And the team as a whole puts up threes like no one else, and Green and Neal love leaving shooters open. Asik can tie Duncan up. Donatas can be a tough cover. I just have bad feelings about meeting the Rockets.

Houston has enough to push the Spurs to the max games but the Spurs will come out on top in the end. Houston just isn't ready to take the next step to beat a team like the Spurs.

[bklynspursfan]

Knicks hanging in early on despite Melo having 2 fouls early.

[boutons_deux]

both teams shooing playoff %ages of 50%+

what %age have the Spurs shot in Last10 or more?

[ace3g]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/boxscore?gid=2013040725 to keep track of OKC/Knicks game

[cd021]

Knicks up 9 At halftime Melo slacking with just 15 points.

[bklynspursfan]

Knicks up 9 early in the 4th

[DesignatedT]

Knicks chokin.

[ace3g]

JR Smith > Westbrick right now

[DesignatedT]

There we go JR

[bklynspursfan]

Knicks up 7 with less than a minute to go! :)

[bklynspursfan]

This is why I said the #1 seed is not out of the question. even though we lost some games, OKC still has to take care of business. Their next game is Tuesday in Utah where they lost by 15 last time

[DesignatedT]

The Spurs need to win Wednesday. If they lose that then it becomes very difficult to get the 1.

[ace3g]

just like that 1 game lead over OKC

[TVI]

LOL @ Chokelahoma

[exstatic]

Go to your room. Mommy has some things for daddy to do.

http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.1203034.1353039858!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_635/jr-smith-knicks.jpg
http://funny-videos-chart.com/wp-content/pictures/img_176566_sprint-nba-pajamas-commercial-with-kevin-durant.jpg

[SenorSpur]

It was really pleasing to see how the Knicks took the game to OKC, in a physical brand of basketball that is usually representative of an Eastern Conference team. At the same time, it was troubling to remember how the Spurs wilted under pressure from OKC - not just this past week either.

The takeaway for me is that OKC is beatable by teams like the Heat and the Knicks. However, they still remain a bad matchup for the Spurs. Despite the brilliance of Duncan, the Spurs are not going to outphysical the Thunder. I'm just convinced the Spurs have the stuff to beat them in a 7-game series - if they even get that far.

[cd021]

J.R Smith Honorary spur for the day (making him 60% more likely to get injured).

[hommeaetage]

It was really pleasing to see how the Knicks took the game to OKC, in a physical brand of basketball that is usually representative of an Eastern Conference team. At the same time, it was troubling to remember how the Spurs wilted under pressure from OKC - not just this past week either.

The takeaway for me is that OKC is beatable by teams like the Heat and the Knicks. However, they still remain a bad matchup for the Spurs. Despite the brilliance of Duncan, the Spurs are not going to outphysical the Thunder. I'm just convinced the Spurs have the stuff to beat them in a 7-game series - if they even get that far.

The thing is the Knicks' bench/role players came in and did their job in the game, can we say the same about the Spurs? What I took from this game is they will have to overcome the bad calls because the amount of free throws OKC is getting is ridiculous. It was mind boggling to see a player like Melo could not even get the respect from the refs. Really sad how this league has become

[spurs1990]

Damn remember when we traded Brent Barry for jr smith.

[SenorSpur]

The thing is the Knicks' bench/role players came in and did their job in the game, can we say the same about the Spurs? What I took from this game is they will have to overcome the bad calls because the amount of free throws OKC is getting is ridiculous. It was mind boggling to see a player like Melo could not even get the respect from the refs. Really sad how this league has become

It's true. Yet Melo and Chandler personally killed the offensive glass. I don't want to cannonize the Knicks performance, but they are no slouches. And they did sweep the season series from the Spurs too. I wonder what, if anything, is going through Pop mind after watching this performance?

[exstatic]

It was really pleasing to see how the Knicks took the game to OKC, in a physical brand of basketball that is usually representative of an Eastern Conference team. At the same time, it was troubling to remember how the Spurs wilted under pressure from OKC - not just this past week either.

The takeaway for me is that OKC is beatable by teams like the Heat and the Knicks. However, they still remain a bad matchup for the Spurs. Despite the brilliance of Duncan, the Spurs are not going to outphysical the Thunder. I'm just convinced the Spurs have the stuff to beat them in a 7-game series - if they even get that far.

No Manu, no Jack, Tony playing on one leg. Take away the Knicks top two offensive creators, say Melo and JR Smith and see how they do. :lol

You act like we didn't split with them, minus Manu or Tony every game.

[Kidd K]

Chokelahoma really stepping on their dick by losing immediately after beating a hobbled Spurs team to take the #1 seed.

Spurs' schedule is still a little tougher after today though, so we're still likely going to need OKC to choke away another game or two if we're to keep it.

[TampaDude]

Thanks, Knicks!

Thanks, Clippers!

GO SPURS GO!!!!!

[Bruno]

The game against Lakers next Sunday might be a fun one.

[Hoops Czar]

No Manu, no Jack, Tony playing on one leg. Take away the Knicks top two offensive creators, say Melo and JR Smith and see how they do. :lol

You act like we didn't split with them, minus Manu or Tony every game.

No Patty, No Aron, Bonner playing like shit. Yeah, I'm not really sure what you're getting at. Manu's played like shit for over a month and Jack has played like shit all season. If your using the excuse two more able bodies would have been nice, fine. But don't act like having those two players on the court would have made the difference between a win and a loss.

Fyi, neither Melo or JR are creators, they're scorers.

[Johnny RIngo]

Don't really care about seeding. We basically have the 2nd seed locked up, at this point, and I don't think the Thunder are impossible to beat without homecourt. I'm more concerned about Parker/Ginobili getting healthy and Duncan resting enough the rest of the way to avoid any major injury. No one's beating the Heat this year from the Western Conference anyway. Just got to hope New York can upset them.

[Floyd Pacquiao]

Would rather have 2nd seed tbh...easier/less physical bracket imho

[Sean Cagney]

Would rather have 2nd seed tbh...easier/less physical bracket imho

I would not worry, I pretty much think the Spurs will end up with that #2 seed being Tony is out basically until the playoffs. I don't see us beating LA in LA when they are desperate for a win, nor do I see us beating the Nugz on their floor.

[Hoops Czar]

I would not worry, I pretty much think the Spurs will end up with that #2 seed being Tony is out basically until the playoffs. I don't see us beating LA in LA when they are desperate for a win, nor do I see us beating the Nugz on their floor.
That's news to me. I didn't realize Parker was out until the playoffs. When did this happen?

[Sean Cagney]

That's news to me. I didn't realize Parker was out until the playoffs. When did this happen?

Well maybe not till the playoffs, but I see him sitting a few more with what 5 games left? Thats not much left so I think POP will start sitting some now and focusing on health moreso than the #1 seeding. I doubt Parker plays too much from now till the end of the season with there being only 5 left and him banged up. Manu probably will sit until then, not much of a loss though right now being he was not fully healthy and he was sucking anyways. Spurs probably end up with the #2 seed with all that factored in.

[Poolboy5623]

With okc losing at home, the spurs ars back in the driver seat for the #1 seed...they need to go for it, w/o sacrificing the health of certain players.

[exstatic]

Well maybe not till the playoffs, but I see him sitting a few more with what 5 games left? Thats not much left so I think POP will start sitting some now and focusing on health moreso than the #1 seeding. I doubt Parker plays too much from now till the end of the season with there being only 5 left and him banged up. Manu probably will sit until then, not much of a loss though right now being he was not fully healthy and he was sucking anyways. Spurs probably end up with the #2 seed with all that factored in.

He was a bit banged up, but it wouldn't surprise me to see him back Wednesday. That would give him 5 days off to heal what were mostly bumps and bruises.

[Bruno]

I'm curious to see how hard OKC will try to win their game against Utah tomorrow:
- A win would put them closer to the first seed but would put Lakers at the 8th seed.
- A loss would make it more likely for them to finish second but would give Utah a good chance of holding to the 8th seed.

At the end, it will depend on how much they want to avoid Lakers and want to have HCA over Spurs in a potential WCF. Lakers are a dysfunctional team that OKC has beaten a lot lately but they are also a sleeping giant with a scary upside.

[chapnis]

I'm curious to see how hard OKC will try to win their game against Utah tomorrow:
- A win would put them closer to the first seed but would put Lakers at the 8th seed.
- A loss would make it more likely for them to finish second but would give Utah a good chance of holding to the 8th seed.

At the end, it will depend on how much they want to avoid Lakers and want to have HCA over Spurs in a potential WCF. Lakers are a dysfunctional team that OKC has beaten a lot lately but they are also a sleeping giant with a scary upside.

They're coming off a tough loss I think they'll try win.

[Rapper]

#1 is not the issue all i concern most is can timmy be named DPOY

[hater]

I'm curious to see how hard OKC will try to win their game against Utah tomorrow:
- A win would put them closer to the first seed but would put Lakers at the 8th seed.
- A loss would make it more likely for them to finish second but would give Utah a good chance of holding to the 8th seed.

At the end, it will depend on how much they want to avoid Lakers and want to have HCA over Spurs in a potential WCF. Lakers are a dysfunctional team that OKC has beaten a lot lately but they are also a sleeping giant with a scary upside.

Okc is a horrible matchup for lakers. If anything imo okc preffers face the lakers over utah.

[exstatic]

Okc is a horrible matchup for lakers. If anything imo okc preffers face the lakers over utah.

I don't think either team presents any problems for OKC. If they really hate the Lakers, they could basically knock them out of the playoffs tonight. LAL would be virtually two games back with Utah having the tie-breaker, and LAL would still have us and GSW on the schedule.

[therealtruth]

I don't think either team presents any problems for OKC. If they really hate the Lakers, they could basically knock them out of the playoffs tonight. LAL would be virtually two games back with Utah having the tie-breaker, and LAL would still have us and GSW on the schedule.

SB doesn't play the same games Pop does. His guys try to win every game like it's their last. You've got to give him credit his team rarely has letdowns or pathetic performances. Meanwhile the Spurs are due for a couple of pathetic performances each playoffs.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

I think OKC definitely wants HCA over the Spurs. They will probably go all out and beat Utah

[TD 21]

I'm curious to see how hard OKC will try to win their game against Utah tomorrow:
- A win would put them closer to the first seed but would put Lakers at the 8th seed.
- A loss would make it more likely for them to finish second but would give Utah a good chance of holding to the 8th seed.

At the end, it will depend on how much they want to avoid Lakers and want to have HCA over Spurs in a potential WCF. Lakers are a dysfunctional team that OKC has beaten a lot lately but they are also a sleeping giant with a scary upside.

Why would they want to avoid the Lakers, though? They match up extremely well with them and they hate them (not that you need extra motivation in the playoffs, but it can't hurt) to boot. They also never get injuries and never have to worry about fatigue either, so expect to see them going all out for the win, as always.

And I think they're smart enough to know that if the Spurs could somehow get to them healthy and in rhythm, the series would be a virtual tossup. That being the case, a game 7 at home would be huge, especially when you consider that they're the most ref reliant team since the O'Neal led Lakers.

[exstatic]

Why would they want to avoid the Lakers, though? They match up extremely well with them and they hate them (not that you need extra motivation in the playoffs, but it can't hurt) to boot. They also never get injuries and never have to worry about fatigue either, so expect to see them going all out for the win, as always.

And I think they're smart enough to know that if the Spurs could somehow get to them healthy and in rhythm, the series would be a virtual tossup. That being the case, a game 7 at home would be huge, especially when you consider that they're the most ref reliant team since the O'Neal led Lakers.

Utah is an easier match up for anyone than the Lakers are. LA has bigs as good as or better than Utah's AND Kobe and Nash.

[cd021]

Utah is an easier match up for anyone than the Lakers are. LA has bigs as good as or better than Utah's AND Kobe and Nash.

I'd take Jefferson over Gasol today. Gasol bad play is compounded by clashes with the coach over playing time, playing the wrong position in their offense (I.E playing out of the post frequently) This season he has been nothing short of average. Splitter has a significantly higher P.E.R than him.


Jefferson-20.6
Splitter-18.6
Gasol-15.8

Howard numbers have been down this season and playing with Kobe hasn't helped. Instead of feeding the post when their down, he starts chucking. Limiting Dwight to boarding his misses and blocking shots (though he fouls more than he actually blocks which makes it virtually useless).

Jefferson & Milsap are a better tandem based off this season only. Their not more talented but are producing at a better rate.

P.E.R
Howard-19.3
Millsap-20.3

Kobe's Defense has been horrid this season. It says alot when Zack Lowe opens an entire article on how bad a 17 year vets Defense has gotten. His he scoring efficiently but is a liability on the other end.

[exstatic]

I'd take Jefferson over Gasol today. Gasol bad play is compounded by clashes with the coach over playing time, playing the wrong position in their offense (I.E playing out of the post frequently) This season he has been nothing short of average. Splitter has a significantly higher P.E.R than him.


Jefferson-20.6
Splitter-18.6
Gasol-15.8

Howard numbers have been down this season and playing with Kobe hasn't helped. Instead of feeding the post when their down, he starts chucking. Limiting Dwight to boarding his misses and blocking shots (though he fouls more than he actually blocks which makes it virtually useless).

Jefferson & Milsap are a better tandem based off this season only. Their not more talented but are producing at a better rate.

P.E.R
Howard-19.3
Millsap-20.3

Kobe's Defense has been horrid this season. It says alot when Zack Lowe opens an entire article on how bad a 17 year vets Defense has gotten. His he scoring efficiently but is a liability on the other end.

Even though he's a TOSB, Utah doesn't have anyone remotely as good as Kobe, or Nash for that matter. The bigs are a wash, or at least close enough to NOT offset LA's advantage at the skill positions.

[cd021]

Even though he's a TOSB, Utah doesn't have anyone remotely as good as Kobe, or Nash for that matter. The bigs are a wash, or at least close enough to NOT offset LA's advantage at the skill positions.

Thats fair. But its says a lot about how underrated continuity is. The Jazz have had relatively little turnover since the beginning of last season and are playing together. The Lakers have had to integrate Jameson, Howard, Nash, Clark into a team that made the playoffs last season.

[rascal]

I'd take Jefferson over Gasol today. Gasol bad play is compounded by clashes with the coach over playing time, playing the wrong position in their offense (I.E playing out of the post frequently) This season he has been nothing short of average. Splitter has a significantly higher P.E.R than him.


Jefferson-20.6
Splitter-18.6
Gasol-15.8

Howard numbers have been down this season and playing with Kobe hasn't helped. Instead of feeding the post when their down, he starts chucking. Limiting Dwight to boarding his misses and blocking shots (though he fouls more than he actually blocks which makes it virtually useless).

Jefferson & Milsap are a better tandem based off this season only. Their not more talented but are producing at a better rate.

P.E.R
Howard-19.3
Millsap-20.3

Kobe's Defense has been horrid this season. It says alot when Zack Lowe opens an entire article on how bad a 17 year vets Defense has gotten. His he scoring efficiently but is a liability on the other end.

The Lakers can turn it up when the playoffs start, Utah can't.

[cd021]

The Lakers can turn it up when the playoffs start, Utah can't.

Keep Thinking that. They are lucky to be in the position to be in the playoffs Utah & Houston both struggled and the Lakers strung a few wins together. The Lakers are a bad defense that will be amplified once teams trim their rotation and use only their best players. And their Kobe centric offense isn't going to be able to save them when playing against Elite Defenses (IE. Spurs & Thunder) Both aren't getting out of the 1st round so what ever playoff switch is essentially useless.

[Baseline]

The Lakers can turn it up when the playoffs start, Utah can't. Five Lakers plus three refs is always tough to beat. We've seen it year after year, and if the Lakers get in, this year won't be any different.

[rascal]

Keep Thinking that. They are lucky to be in the position to be in the playoffs Utah & Houston both struggled and the Lakers strung a few wins together. The Lakers are a bad defense that will be amplified once teams trim their rotation and use only their best players. And their Kobe centric offense isn't going to be able to save them when playing against Elite Defenses (IE. Spurs & Thunder) Both aren't getting out of the 1st round so what ever playoff switch is essentially useless.

Spurs are not an elite defense. They will be exposed again like last year, same team, same roster as last year don't expect any better results. Weak interior defense with no rim protection or shot blocking presence. Duncan is solid, Splitter stinks and the rest of the frontline is even worse.

[rascal]

Keep Thinking that. They are lucky to be in the position to be in the playoffs Utah & Houston both struggled and the Lakers strung a few wins together. The Lakers are a bad defense that will be amplified once teams trim their rotation and use only their best players. And their Kobe centric offense isn't going to be able to save them when playing against Elite Defenses (IE. Spurs & Thunder) Both aren't getting out of the 1st round so what ever playoff switch is essentially useless.

The Spurs better pray for weak opponents (Utah) like they got last year because they won't go very far playing the tougher teams in the west.

[rascal]

Five Lakers plus three refs is always tough to beat. We've seen it year after year, and if the Lakers get in, this year won't be any different.

I don't think the lakers have enough time to pull it together, too many injuries but had they been healthy all year their size would have destroyed the Spurs. But they are capable of giving the Spurs a hard fought battle unlike Utah who may only win a game in the entire series.

[rascal]

Keep Thinking that. They are lucky to be in the position to be in the playoffs Utah & Houston both struggled and the Lakers strung a few wins together. The Lakers are a bad defense that will be amplified once teams trim their rotation and use only their best players. And their Kobe centric offense isn't going to be able to save them when playing against Elite Defenses (IE. Spurs & Thunder) Both aren't getting out of the 1st round so what ever playoff switch is essentially useless.

This spurs team has done crap the last two years in the playoffs. They are 2-2 in their last 4 series losing the only tough series they had. Beating an 8th seed Utah and an injured Clippers team is all that they accomplished in the playoffs the last two years with the number 1 seed.

I am not impressed with this current Spurs roster. All they have proven is they can win in the regular season but when faced with a tough playoff matchup this team has done nothing but fold.

[TD 21]

Utah is an easier match up for anyone than the Lakers are. LA has bigs as good as or better than Utah's AND Kobe and Nash.

Fair enough, but I don't buy for a second that the Thunder are more concerned with whether they face the Jazz or Lakers in the 1st round than they are with getting the 1 seed.

[cd021]

Spurs are not an elite defense. They will be exposed again like last year, same team, same roster as last year don't expect any better results. Weak interior defense with no rim protection or shot blocking presence. Duncan is solid, Splitter stinks and the rest of the frontline is even worse.


:lmao3rd in defensive efficiency isn't good enough? We were 11th last season and went 50-16. Seriously do some research man. Parker is a great defender for a pg, Duncan is clearly the DVOP Splitter when paired with Duncan produces an above average Defense. Diaw can be effective in stretches by defending stretch 4's or switching on the P&R. Leonard's length allows him to jump the passing lanes for steals while seldom getting burned.

Greens D fluctuates but is usually pretty good. Duncan by the way is averaging 2.6 bpg. in 29 minutes while seldom fouling. I'd suggest traveling to Pounding the rock to read a 4 part series on Duncan's D and the how the Spurs benefit from it. Theirs also an article on SI.com about Duncan & The Spurs improved D.

[cd021]

The Spurs better pray for weak opponents (Utah) like they got last year because they won't go very far playing the tougher teams in the west.

The only team in the west that would be favored to beat a healthy spurs squad would be OKC. The Clippers aren't as great as their record. The Spurs pack the paint, force Blake to take Jumpers and shut down Lob City. Memphis doesn't have the offense to compete. Denver's X Factor is out for the season. Lawson is battling plantar fasciitis ,a problem for a quick guard. Faried & McGee both struggle to create offense for themselves as well. The Lakers can't defend. Gasol is no more than average this season. Dwight lacks explosiveness to be the force he was 2 seasons ago. Metta is fresh off crutches, Blake & Nash look like they are on crutches defending anyone who is even moderately faster or more athletic than them.

Utah is a scrappy team who is shockingly good at home (29-10, .740) they have a ton of length with Milsap, Jefferson, Kantor, & Favors. They may get swept again but they are going to battle to the nail.

OKC is a push if the spurs are healthy. Westbrook has a tendency of taking shots from Durant, limiting his effectiveness. Martin has struggled of late and the bench has suffered because of it.

[cd021]

This spurs team has done crap the last two years in the playoffs. They are 2-2 in their last 4 series losing the only tough series they had. Beating an 8th seed Utah and an injured Clippers team is all that they accomplished in the playoffs the last two years with the number 1 seed.

I am not impressed with this current Spurs roster. All they have proven is they can win in the regular season but when faced with a tough playoff matchup this team has done nothing but fold.

Spurs fan huh? Your logic is illogical. Losing while having the number 1 seed the last two seasons doesn't make them a regular season team. How many 1 seeds when a superbowl recently? The Bulls had the # 1 seed last two seasons and didn't win either (Rose got hurt obviously but Manu was playing with a broken arm against Memphis). The Spurs roster has struggled but has still 5 games left and could finish with a 62-20 record. Check the point diffential in that OKC series we last by a net total of -29 in a 6 game series meaning an extremely close series that didn't go our way. The Spurs have a significantly different rotation this playoffs as opposed to the Memphis series.

Differences
De Colo Replaced Hill
Leonard Replaced Jefferson
Green Replaced Ginobili (in the starting lineup, Manu replace Neal as backup SG)
Splitter Replaced McDyess
Diaw/Jackson Replaced Blair/ Bonner as back up PF-C

We can agree thats a massive rotation overhaul.

Parker has improved off an MVP season last year. Duncan is just as productive at nearly 37 as he was at 28 and a better defender and rebounder to boot. Leonard is capable of going for 20 on any given night. Manu is capable of doing the same and has been assisting a career best rate.

Splitter can provide a lift as a double-double capable big. Green is the best shooter on the team and is more than capable of hitting 5 or 6 3's when he's feeling it. De Colo, & Jackson have played better of late and factor in Diaw who is better suited as a bench big man and the spurs have a strong playoff roster. Depth, Versatility, Top tier talent, Youth, and players who are capable of a big game at given game.

Parker/De Colo
Green/Ginobili/Neal
Leonard/Jackson
Duncan/Diaw/Jackson
Splitter/Diaw


There are five players with a P.E.R of at least 16.5 (the league average is 15) out of a 9 of 10 man rotation. (Parker & Duncan both are in the top 7 in P.E.R) Splitter is at 18.6 which is well above average as well.

[ace3g]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/boxscore;_ylt=Agwkqi6srrezZFonboijCKi8vLYF;_ylu=X3 oDMTFxN2FyaHNrBG1pdANTUE9SVFMgU2NvcmV0aGluZyBOQkEE cG9zAzI3BHNlYwNNZWRpYVNwb3J0c1Njb3JldGhpbmc-;_ylg=X3oDMTFoNjVvZWVyBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRw c3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANuYmEEcHQDc2VjdGlvbnM-;_ylv=3?gid=2013040926

8 pt game

[rascal]

The only team in the west that would be favored to beat a healthy spurs squad would be OKC. The Clippers aren't as great as their record. The Spurs pack the paint, force Blake to take Jumpers and shut down Lob City. Memphis doesn't have the offense to compete. Denver's X Factor is out for the season. Lawson is battling plantar fasciitis ,a problem for a quick guard. Faried & McGee both struggle to create offense for themselves as well. The Lakers can't defend. Gasol is no more than average this season. Dwight lacks explosiveness to be the force he was 2 seasons ago. Metta is fresh off crutches, Blake & Nash look like they are on crutches defending anyone who is even moderately faster or more athletic than them.

Utah is a scrappy team who is shockingly good at home (29-10, .740) they have a ton of length with Milsap, Jefferson, Kantor, & Favors. They may get swept again but they are going to battle to the nail.

OKC is a push if the spurs are healthy. Westbrook has a tendency of taking shots from Durant, limiting his effectiveness. Martin has struggled of late and the bench has suffered because of it.

The Spurs are not as great as their record. That has been proven over the last two years, they folded the first time they got tested in the playoffs, it is the same roster as last year.

[rascal]

Utah is a scrappy team who is shockingly good at home (29-10, .740) they have a ton of length with Milsap, Jefferson, Kantor, & Favors. They may get swept again but they are going to battle to the nail.



Utah stinks. That is why most in here are praying to land Utah in the first round.

[cd021]

The Spurs are not as great as their record. That has been proven over the last two years, they folded the first time they got tested in the playoffs, it is the same roster as last year.

Same roster different rotation. I shouldn't have to explain the difference. Splitter is starting over Diaw. Duncan & Splitter on court together are excellent on both sides of the basketball.

Neal is out of the rotation, Blair, & Bonner are as well. Green, Leonard & Splitter are seeing bigger minutes. De Colo is out backup PG. That's a lot of changes compared to last season. Also Jackson & Diaw have training camp + full season under their belt both are key bench players.


Green, Splitter, & Leonard are have played bigger roles and have been successful in those roles. Green & Splitter can be inconsistent but Splitter is still 3rd in the NBA in FG%. Green is shooting over 44% 3pt thats almost 9% above league average. Leonards scoring has jumped since just before the all star break. With a healthy big 3 and any one of these 3 players capable of going off during any post season game.

http://stats.nba.com/teamLineups.html?TeamID=1610612759&Season=2012-13&sortField=FG_PCT&sortOrder=DES&PerMode=Totals&MeasureType=Advanced

Parker/Green/Leonard/Duncan/Splitter

Offensive Rating-106.7 (Mark would rank 7th in NBA)
Defensive Rating-88.8 (Mark would rank 1st in NBA ,League best is 96.1 by OKC)

Offensive Rating-based on 100 offensive possessions. The further number away from 100 the better
Offensive Rating-based on 100 defensive possessions. The closer number to 100 the better

That lineup wouldn't have been together last season let alone playing at such a high level. Green was the behind Manu & Neal in the rotation to start the season and Splitter was the backup Center and seldom played with Duncan.

[cd021]

Utah stinks. That is why most in here are praying to land Utah in the first round.

Most here just hate the Lakers that much. Having the highest payroll in the NBA and missing the postseason is an epic fail. A Kobe, Nash, D12, Gasol team miss the playoffs. No would have guessed that was even a possibility. Utah when you're fighting for the last spot in the post season you aren't going to be a great team anyway.

[cd021]

The Spurs are not as great as their record. That has been proven over the last two years, they folded the first time they got tested in the playoffs, it is the same roster as last year.

You don't win games by accident. TBH we let several slip away with poor play (@ Utah 1st game, @ Portland 1st game, @Houston 2nd game, @Miami, Miami) Spurs have 3rd best record vs +500 teams (.658) Only Miami & have better records. We should have already cleared 60 wins a week ago.

Just cause you lose in the playoffs doesn't mean you're not as good as you're record thats just ridiculous. Memphis was a physical squad was more athletic we lost, OKC won 3 close games and blew us out in another. Show your work before you come up with such wild conclusions.

[DesignatedT]

At this point, I would continue to sit Tony and play the rest of the guys against SAC to at least lock up the #2 seed. After that, I would leave at least Duncan and Parker at home for the 2 game road b2b (@LAL, @GS). Make sure Tony is healthy for the playoffs and give Tim some extra rest for the playoffs. After that 2 game road trip I would then play everybody who is healthy enough to play in the home game vs MIN to give the team 1 warm-up game before the playoffs start.

This whole "build momentum" crap is retarded. The Spurs aren't going to build any momentum if Manu and Diaw are still out. Might as well sit everyone and make sure they are healthy at this point.

It's definitely not an ideal situation to be in going into the playoffs but the Spurs were dealt a shit hand with injuries down the stretch. Hopefully they can play the whole team (Tony, Manu, Diaw, everyone) in that home finale against MIN and let some of the guys knock off some rust before the playoffs.

I say shut down Tony until the MIN game and then shutdown Duncan until the MIN game after Friday.

[therealtruth]

At this point, I would continue to sit Tony and play the rest of the guys against SAC to at least lock up the #2 seed. After that, I would leave at least Duncan and Parker at home for the 2 game road b2b (@LAL, @GS). Make sure Tony is healthy for the playoffs and give Tim some extra rest for the playoffs. After that 2 game road trip I would then play everybody who is healthy enough to play in the home game vs MIN to give the team 1 warm-up game before the playoffs start.

This whole "build momentum" crap is retarded. The Spurs aren't going to build any momentum if Manu and Diaw are still out. Might as well sit everyone and make sure they are healthy at this point.

It's definitely not an ideal situation to be in going into the playoffs but the Spurs were dealt a shit hand with injuries down the stretch. Hopefully they can play the whole team (Tony, Manu, Diaw, everyone) in that home finale against MIN and let some of the guys knock off some rust before the playoffs.

I say shut down Tony until the MIN game and then shutdown Duncan until the MIN game after Friday.

That kind of feeling helpless and losing mentality leads to playoff losses. Hoping TP, Manu, Diaw will save the day isn't the recipe for being successful. I'm not saying they won't help but it's detrimental if the team has the attitude that they can't do anything to help themselves. They need to look inwards to figure it out.

[DesignatedT]

That kind of feeling helpless and losing mentality leads to playoff losses. Hoping TP, Manu, Diaw will save the day isn't the recipe for being successful. I'm not saying they won't help but it's detrimental if the team has the attitude that they can't do anything to help themselves. They need to look inwards to figure it out.

Feeling helpless and losing mentality? huh?

Not sure what you are getting at with this. We are missing are main pieces right now. You better be hoping that TP and Manu save the day because its this teams only hope. This is the equivalent of the Heat being without Lebron and Wade and people freaking out because they look bad. The Spurs need to get healthy. I was all for playing the season out and maybe havin a shot at getting the 1 seed but now it just seems pointless. There's no momentum to be made if different guys are hurt every night. You might as well just sit and rest everyone until they can ALL get on the court together. Rushing people back from injuries makes zero sense to me right now.

[crc21209]

Well...it's looking more and more like we're going to be the #2 seed. OKC is beating the crap out of Golden State right now, and I think that's the only possible game they could've lost on their remaining schedule. So, would we prefer Houston or Golden State now?

[hater]

who cares. at least that's settled. Time to tank and rest for the playoffs.

I don't think anyone is beating OKC btw

[spurs1990]

And their reward is Bryant and a resurgent Lakers team. Then another tough Mem or Clippers in the 2nd.

[crc21209]

So what are the pros and cons to facing Houston or GS?

Houston

Pros
1. Dead crowd, usually filled with Spurs fans throughout the crowd.
2. Inexperienced young team
3. More of an offensive team and don't really play much D

Cons
1. James Harden will get his and get ALOT of calls in a series.
2. Young team that has nothing to lose and can get hot from 3


Golden State

Pros
1. Inexperienced and young team.
2. Outside of Curry, Jack, and Thompson, they can struggle to score
3. No real inside presence
4. Another offensive minded team that plays little defense

Cons
1. Curry can get hot in a hurry (50+ point performance in the Garden this season)
2. Young guards can get hot from 3 in a hurry
3. Rabid home crowd

[thunderup]

Yall should just rest your starters and call up d-league players to finish the season. We aren't going to lose the #1 seed.

Yall can use the rest.

[Budkin]

Yall should just rest your starters and call up d-league players to finish the season. We aren't going to lose the #1 seed.

Yall can use the rest.

Agreed.

[crc21209]

thunderup on cue showing up when his team is doing good....:rolleyes :lol

[InRareForm]

Blair going to lose 5 pounds this week.

[timtonymanu]

The 2 seed is starting to look more appealing at this point. Going through Houston/GS and possibly a depleted Nuggets team in the 2nd round seems easier than going through the Lakers and having to deal with MEM/LAC in the 2nd round.

[timtonymanu]

Give me the Warriors over the Rockets. With how vulnerable we look lately, I feel like James Harden can defeat us by himself.

[Mugen]

Give me the Warriors over the Rockets. With how vulnerable we look lately, I feel like James Harden can defeat us by himself.

I'd rather face the Rockets. Shorter travel time, shittier crowd support, and good practice for when playing RefKC tbh.

Wouldn't mind knocking Harden out after last year's WCF as well.

[spurs1990]

If I'm not mistaken the Spurs haven't played either since the early 1990s.

I recall the Houston debacle in '95.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Spurs could do a revenge tour in the West:

Rockets, Grizzlies, Thunder

[Bruno]

OKC will likely keep that first seed. Their remaining schedule is easy with a game at Portland today followed by two home games against Kings and Bucks.

If I'm Spurs and if OKC beat Portland today, I won't even try to beat Lakers this Sunday. I way rather put Lakers in Thunder's lap for the first round than Utah. Even with all their flaws, Lakers >>>>>> Utah. Spurs just shouldn't help OKC to get the easiest road possible before a possible WCF rematch.

[crc21209]

OKC will likely keep that first seed. Their remaining schedule is easy with a game at Portland today followed by two home games against Kings and Bucks.

If I'm Spurs and if OKC beat Portland today, I won't even try to beat Lakers this Sunday. I way rather put Lakers in Thunder's lap for the first round than Utah. Even with all their flaws, Lakers >>>>>> Utah. Spurs just shouldn't help OKC to get the easiest road possible before a possible WCF rematch.

Agreed. The Spurs shouldnt play anyone important in the last 2 road games at LA and at Golden State. Let them play a little in the season finale against the T'Wolves to gear up for the playoffs. And yeah...help LA land that 8 seed as well...

[rascal]

Lining up perfect for the Spurs with the easier teams, just like last year. The Spurs will need all the help they can get because they really are not that good of a playoff team and I expect them to fall to the first tough opponent they face, likely now in WCF again.

[TJastal]

Spurs could do a revenge tour in the West:

Rockets, Grizzlies, Thunder

:lol

[spurraider21]

Lining up perfect for the Spurs with the easier teams, just like last year. The Spurs will need all the help they can get because they really are not that good of a playoff team and I expect them to fall to the first tough opponent they face, likely now in WCF again.
everybody doubting CIA pop :hat