Miami to sit LeBron and Wade tonight

[Kuestmaster]

http://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/3/31/4167970/miami-heat-choosing-to-sit-lebron-james-dwyane-wade

Payback?

[Kuestmaster]

Matthew R Tynan matthew_Tynan

Dwyane Wade out: right ankle sprain... LeBron James out: right hamstring sprain. Official, says Heat PR.

[benstanfield]

More like solidarity. Either Stern fines them $250,000 or he looks like an Ultimate Fuckboy

[Johnsyounger]

if this is true, it is awesome.

[ThePop]

:lol

[Das Texan]

wtf is a hamstring sprain?


:lol

[007nites]

:lol :lol :lol

[Poolboy5623]

This ought to be interesting..

[Mel_13]

More like solidarity. Either Stern fines them $250,000 or he looks like an Ultimate Fuckboy

+1. Riles with the tip of the cap to Pop and the extended middle finger to Stern.

[shyne]

Nice move by spo, he learned it from the best.

[look_at_g_shred]

It is on National Television wonder what Sterns excuse will be..

[shyne]

Ya pop and riles are good friends wouldn't doubt it if they had this planned for months.

[exstatic]

:lol
No substantial sanctions forthcoming from the substantial sterntastic suckup.

[Chinook]

More like solidarity. Either Stern fines them $250,000 or he looks like an Ultimate Fuckboy

I don't think so. I feel that it's payback. The Heat are not going to get fined, since they listed injuries. Also, I think this is a slap in the face of the Spurs since the people who bought tickets to see James and Wade are going to be disappointed. Also, the Spurs don't get to try defensive strategies out on James and Wade.

[siraulo23]

Pop trolled :lol

[NASpurs]

I would love nothing more than a shitstorm from at least the local media to get some response from Stern. I would love to see that asshole back peddle some.

[Spur|n|Austin]

They will have to be fined as well, listing injuries or not. We better **** these clowns tonight.

[Spur Bank]

Also, I think this is a slap in the face of the Spurs since the people who bought tickets to see James and Wade are going to be disappointed.
This is very legitimate. Ticket prices for tonight's game have been INSANE. Nosebleed seats were almost $200 each on Stubhub.

Sure am glad I didn't buy them now!

[Mel_13]

I would love nothing more than a shitstorm from at least the local media to get some response from Stern. I would love to see that asshole back peddle some.

If every local media outlet in San Antonio raised the biggest shitstorm they could muster, it wouldn't amount to a fart in the wind by the time it reached New York.

[Spur|n|Austin]

Heat also sitting Chalmers.

[Mugen]

:lol Go F Yourself, David.

[siraulo23]

I would love nothing more than a shitstorm from at least the local media to get some response from Stern. I would love to see that asshole back peddle some.

But but, theyre injured not resting... And theyre with the team not in miami :lol

[exstatic]

I don't think so. I feel that it's payback. The Heat are not going to get fined, since they listed injuries. Also, I think this is a slap in the face of the Spurs since the people who bought tickets to see James and Wade are going to be disappointed. Also, the Spurs don't get to try defensive strategies out on James and Wade.

The league set this up as a win for them by bringing in Stern's favorite bagman, Joey Awful. Not sure what they have to gain by wasting that advantage and probably pissing off Stern just to get back at SA. Now if pissing off the league was their goal all along.... :lol

[Mel_13]

Heat also sitting Chalmers.

That's what proves that this is solidarity with Pop and an eff you to Stern. Chalmers=Green.

[benstanfield]

Whatever. Another win on OKC.

[siraulo23]

This sucks tbh, but I don't blame spo and the heat

Pop had this coming

I rather lose to a competitive game vs full heat team than win against them minus lebron and wade etc...

[szkorhetz]

Fuck that shit. I hope they will be fined too.

[KaiRMD1]

So now the question is will the Heat receive substantial sanctions? Stern covered his ass by saying the one pop did was too early in the season so the Heat won't get fined.

[NASpurs]

If every local media outlet in San Antonio raised the biggest shitstorm they could muster, it wouldn't amount to a fart in the wind by the time it reached New York.

:lol true

[Mugen]

:lol OKC

[Spur|n|Austin]

This sucks tbh, but I don't blame spo and the heat

Pop had this coming

I rather lose to a competitive game vs full heat team than win against them minus lebron and wade etc...

F that, I'd always rather win than lose, no matter the circumstances.

[DeadlyDynasty]

:lolthink of all those poor beans that were pulling double duty selling roadside churros...only to pay $160 to watch Shane Battier and Mike Miller

[timtonymanu]

^ :lol

[TE]

:lolthink of all those poor beans that were pulling double duty selling roadside churros...only to pay $160 to watch Shane Battier and Mike Miller

:lmao

[007nites]

:lolthink of all those poor beans that were pulling double duty selling roadside churros...only to pay $160 to watch Shane Battier and Mike Miller

hahaha

[siraulo23]

:lol

[Mel_13]

:lolthink of all those poor beans that were pulling double duty selling roadside churros...only to pay $160 to watch Shane Battier and Mike Miller

Screw 'em. They're the same ones that show up in Kobe jerseys to the Laker games. If the Lakers play the Spurs in the 1st round, I'll be able to pay for next year's season tickets from those idiots.

[Cane]

Screw 'em. They're the same ones that show up in Kobe jerseys to the Laker games. If the Lakers play the Spurs in the 1st round, I'll be able to pay for next year's season tickets from those idiots.

And screw the Spurs ticket season holders that give their tickets away to Lakers/Heat fans

[SURGE]

Great news for SPURS now they to take care of business so they can rest for tomorrow's showdown with Memphis

[George Gervin's Afro]

I'll take the win

[pgardn]

More like solidarity. Either Stern fines them $250,000 or he looks like an Ultimate Fuckboy
And that is a beautiful place for Stern to find himself if true.

[Budkin]

Chalmers too now. Thanks Miami, we need every win we can get. :tu

[jiggy_55]

So now the question is will the Heat receive substantial sanctions? Stern covered his ass by saying the one pop did was too early in the season so the Heat won't get fined.

One of the main reasons was that Pop sent the players home. They had to be in attendance I believe. That's the excuse Stern will use anyways.

[pgardn]

:lolthink of all those poor beans that were pulling double duty selling roadside churros...only to pay $160 to watch Shane Battier and Mike Miller

Tough Tacos...

[Mel_13]

One of the main reasons was that Pop sent the players home. They had to be in attendance I believe. That's the excuse Stern will use anyways.

He'll make his excuses, but he'll still appear to be a huge hypocrite.

[therealtruth]

The only way the Spurs win is by blowing them out.

[Spur Bank]

Tom Haberstroh on Twitter--
Pop jokingly on LJ/Wade out: "What kind of s--- is that!? Are you kidding me!? Who would think of something like that?!

[Spurs Brazil]

great news, beat them and keep the lead on the Thunder

When we get to the finals we'll see James and Wade

[Mel_13]

Tom Haberstroh on Twitter--
Pop jokingly on LJ/Wade out: "What kind of s--- is that!? Are you kidding me!? Who would think of something like that?!

lol at people thinking that Pop's getting trolled. Between Pop and Riles, Stern has been thoroughly played.

[DJR210]

I spent 400$ on my fucking tickets!! I'm hiring Wayne Wright and I'm gonna sue.

[mercos]

Miami should not be fined. The Spurs shouldn't have been fined either. I honestly don't believe the team payed a dime of that fine, and that it amounted to a PR stunt to allow Stern to save face against Pop. No way Holt pays that fine when a simple appeal would have had it wiped away. Stern had no case. It does seem like Riley and company are either showing solidarity with Pop or basically giving us a win because we gave them one. Tactically, it makes no sense to rest their guys tonight, as they could pretty much wrap up home court advantage in a potential finals. With home teams as good as San Antonio and Miami, that could be a huge deal.

[xTovar210]

We need El Martillo Tejano

[BatManu20]

Watch Miami still win lol.

[jimbo]

More like solidarity. Either Stern fines them $250,000 or he looks like an Ultimate Fuckboy

He's got a lot of copouts to it though, wouldn't surprise me if he used one.

"they notified the league in advance"

"they didn't send the players home"

"real injuries"

"Spurs had done it multiple times already"

"NBA TV :lol (Stern didn't fine against Portland which was on NBA TV)"

[HI-FI]

:lolthink of all those poor beans that were pulling double duty selling roadside churros...only to pay $160 to watch Shane Battier and Mike Miller
:lol

lol at people thinking that Pop's getting trolled. Between Pop and Riles, Stern has been thoroughly played.
I hope you're right. I'm a huge fan of both Pop and Riles. I know they're cool with each other. Part of me is wondering if its a way to get back our ticket buyers since we supposedly screwed over theirs, but like you said, the Chalmers addition adds a hilarious angle to it. Besides I don't think it was the ticket buyer angle that pissed off Stern it was the networks.

[manufan10]

lol at people thinking that Pop's getting trolled. Between Pop and Riles, Stern has been thoroughly played.

Yeah, I didn't understand those responses either.

[timvp]

Awesome :lmao

[SayTown]

This is just going to build up anticipation for a Spurs Heat Finals

[Brunodf]

Good

[pgardn]

I spent 400$ on my fucking tickets!! I'm hiring Wayne Wright and I'm gonna sue.

Should have gone w/ The Texas Hammer.

He could have earned you $ 25.13

[timvp]

It looks like the Spurs should own the tiebreaker if the Spurs and Heat end up with the same record. The Spurs are 23-4 against the East. The Heat are 24-5 against the West. If the Spurs win tonight, that'd make it 24-4 vs. 24-6.

Assuming, of course, the rules didn't change regarding Finals tiebreaker since the last time I looked it up.

[Mel_13]

It looks like the Spurs should own the tiebreaker if the Spurs and Heat end up with the same record. The Spurs are 23-4 against the East. The Heat are 24-5 against the West. If the Spurs win tonight, that'd make it 24-4 vs. 24-6.

Assuming, of course, the rules didn't change regarding Finals tiebreaker since the last time I looked it up.

You only count games against playoff teams in the other conference. The outcome of the LA/Utah race could come into play. Miami has one loss v. Utah.

[wut]

First off, I called this in the other thread. Spoelstra is a very arrogant irrational man, he was very insulted by the previous meeting that took away his spotlight win that Stern served on a platter to him in the form of a carefully orchestrated schedule that had the Spurs going into Miami against all odds. Spoelstra has been highly critical of Pop sitting players towards the end of the season in the past, which further insulted him when Pop didn't even bring his players in the previous meeting, making Spoelstra believe Pop was doing this on PURPOSE.

Spoelstra thinks he's being cunning by making this move to get back at Pop....but he's a minnow in a sharks game.

[Budkin]

Honestly just Spo using Pop's strategy. Don't give them any film to study.

[Reck]

:lol at the listed "injuries."

Only Stern would buy that and that's because of vested interest.

[mabrignani]

imitation is the sincerest form of flattery

[phxspurfan]

Wow, even more respect for Riley. Dude is a boss.

[Spurs and Mavs fan]

Wow. Suddenly the Spurs should be significantly favored to win this one.

[wut]

Anyone want to take bets/laughs that Pop will decide to sit Parker, Duncan and Kawhi? :lol

[szkorhetz]

it's a fucking joke..

Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat 9m
Heat starters are Lewis, Bosh, Haslem,. Miller and Cole

[Embedded]

Will Stern comment on this? He will probably say that this was within the guidelines of the league. But what about people that paid ridiculous money? When WE sat our stars we almost won. So now there's going to be a ton of pressure on us to win.

[exstatic]

First off, I called this in the other thread. Spoelstra is a very arrogant irrational man, he was very insulted by the previous meeting that took away his spotlight win that Stern served on a platter to him in the form of a carefully orchestrated schedule that had the Spurs going into Miami against all odds. Spoelstra has been highly critical of Pop sitting players towards the end of the season in the past, which further insulted him when Pop didn't even bring his players in the previous meeting, making Spoelstra believe Pop was doing this on PURPOSE.

Spoelstra thinks he's being cunning by making this move to get back at Pop....but he's a minnow in a sharks game.
Spo doesn't call the shots like Pop does. He can't do this without Riley's OK. He's not the president of basketball operations like Pop is, Riley is.

[wut]

Will Stern comment on this? He will probably say that this was within the guidelines of the league. But what about people that paid ridiculous money? When WE sat our stars we almost won. So now there's going to be a ton of pressure on us to win.
What goes around, comes around they will say.

[SpursDynasty]

Spurs would have won this one with James/Wade playing anyway, who cares.

[wut]

Spo doesn't call the shots like Pop does. He can't do this without Riley's OK. He's not the president of basketball operations like Pop is, Riley is.

Yes, I would not be surprised at all if the thoughts and comments of Spoelstra are just a mimic of his bosses'. We all know Riley is the puppet-master in that franchise. Who knows, maybe they're running with this to try to create ratings for a future match up.

[szkorhetz]

I hope Baynes will get some minutes.

[TD 21]

it's a fucking joke..

Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat 9m
Heat starters are Lewis, Bosh, Haslem,. Miller and Cole

It is. I don't know why anyone would think this is anything but pettiness on the Heat's part (not sure why they'd throw Bosh to the wolves though).

In terms of the game, this leaves them with literally one primary ball handler, in Cole, who might go the full 48. Pop should utilize Joseph as the backup PG and have him hound him full court, to further wear him down. Better yet, if Parker could get him in early foul trouble, they'd be forced to go with Allen/Miller playing PG in tandem.

As big a a letdown as this is or has the potential to be, they've got to end this early. The Grizzlies game was looming as a potential throwaway game, but now they've got a legit shot to get both. If they can do that, then throwing the Thunder game becomes even more likely than it already is.

[Seventyniner]

The Spurs better win now, and by more than 5 points.

I love the symmetry of the siuation, but the Heat should have sat Bosh too.

[DesignatedT]

Well it looks like Pop will go for this win and then sit everyone tomorrow @MEM in my opinion.

[Mal]

:lmao Do your shit mister Stern

[eric365]

:lol

Too bad we won't see theses 2 greats team play each other unless spurs advance to the Finals

[TheyCallMePro]

This is 100% payback and nothing more. But the Heat won't be fined because they learned from Pops mistake and listed their players as legitimately injured. Pop did not do the same. He was too honest, and even admitted before the game that it was because of the Spurs schedule and not because of any kind of injury. This is what happens in life and why people are forced to lie. Because other people's pride can't handle the truth and they see it as an affront to them rather than a sacrifice on your part. Stern really showed how immature he was when he fined the Spurs, and he knows it. There's no chance he'll rekindle that storm by fining the Heat. I'm sure ESPN and the media will catch on though and call him out on his BS.

[BillMc]

I can't decide if this is gamesmanship from Riles/Spo or a sign of solidarity from them against Stern. Could be either...

[wut]

Here's the honest truth:

When the Spurs sat their starters it was due to a 4th game in 5 nights (double back to back games in span of 5 days), while the Heat rested for those 5 days previous.

Both Heat and Spurs have had EQUAL rest for tonight's game.

Given these facts, Miami just looks bitter and pathetic....otherwise they just don't like fair fights.

[wut]

This is 100% payback and nothing more. But the Heat won't be fined because they learned from Pops mistake and listed their players as legitimately injured. Pop did not do the same. He was too honest, and even admitted before the game that it was because of the Spurs schedule and not because of any kind of injury. This is what happens in life and why people are forced to lie. Because other people's pride can't handle the truth and they see it as an affront to them rather than a sacrifice on your part. Stern really showed how immature he was when he fined the Spurs, and he knows it. There's no chance he'll rekindle that storm by fining the Heat. I'm sure ESPN and the media will catch on though and call him out on his BS.
agree with this 100%....Stern will want to ignore this one, and the media doesn't really care about the Spurs to make their point last anything over 1 day of talking points.

[bbarry]

Why do idiots think they should be fined? At least they show up to the arena.

[exstatic]

Here's the honest truth:

When the Spurs sat their starters it was due to a 4th game in 5 nights (double back to back games in span of 5 days), while the Heat rested for those 5 days previous.

Both Heat and Spurs have had EQUAL rest for tonight's game.

Given these facts, Miami just looks bitter and pathetic....otherwise they just don't like fair fights.

Heat have no threats in the East to their 1 seed. Rest your guys in a game you may well lose anyway. If you go full strength and lose, you're hesitant to rest guys later for fear of dropping into a tie.

[bbarry]

And why the hell are idiots getting all butthurt and irate about this?

[Brazil]

Idk why spo keeps Bosh for this game

[exstatic]

Why do idiots think they should be fined? At least they show up to the arena.

So? What material difference does that make? So they're there in a suit. If it's about the fans paying to see them play, they're still NOT.

[wut]

agree with that statement exstatic. How would it be different if Pop took a timeout and removed his starters within 1 min of play? There is ONE big difference and that's what the league rules state...and Stern is a lawyer, so just saying. But I hear your argument....fans still getting screwed, but perhaps it's less the fault of coaches having to make these decisions, and more the product of the leagues scheduling.

[polandprzem]

Bosh looks injured to me as well. Why is he playing?

[Thread]

You richly deserve each other. Only pussies & assholes hold players out.

[Slutter McGee]

I am actually thrilled...Now I can watch the Rangers game and Game of Thrones without trying to juggle 3 channels.

Slutter McGee

[exstatic]

agree with that statement exstatic. How would it be different if Pop took a timeout and removed his starters within 1 min of play? There is ONE big difference and that's what the league rules state...and Stern is a lawyer, so just saying. But I hear your argument....fans still getting screwed, but perhaps it's less the fault of coaches having to make these decisions, and more the product of the leagues scheduling.

Just as an FYI, I don't care that Miami is doing this. I was not in favor of holding our guys out or taking the TO and pulling them. My position is just that what Miami is doing is materially identical to what SA did before. To me, it matters not that Miami's players are in the building.

[Josepatches_]

Wade was injured (knee). He missed 2 or 3 games last week and he didn't look healthy when he came back

LeBron didn't play in the 4th quarter of the last game while starters were on the court.

True or false they have a good excuse so they can't be fined.

[polandprzem]

they do not have any b2bs

[Obstructed_View]

It is on National Television wonder what Sterns excuse will be..

Stern fined the Spurs because it was "for an early season game that was the team's only regular-season visit to Miami". None of those are the case now.

[LarryDavid]

Stern fined the Spurs because it was "for an early season game that was the team's only regular-season visit to Miami". None of those are the case now.

Half true. "...The team also did this without informing the Heat, the media, or the league office in a timely way".

[rascal]

Just as an FYI, I don't care that Miami is doing this. I was not in favor of holding our guys out or taking the TO and pulling them. My position is just that what Miami is doing is materially identical to what SA did before. To me, it matters not that Miami's players are in the building.

At least Miami listed their players on an injury report.

[Sean Cagney]

Spurs should be fined for losing that game at home TBH.