If you were Pop..

[Mal]

Spurs are going to Memphis to try split games, I have no doubt about that. You cant sweep Memphis, they are good. From what I saw in game 2, Spurs were unstoppable as long as Parker was fresh. Alse we saw how good was Duncan, when he had fresh legs for OT. I was wondering, which game should Spurs, Parker and Duncan especially play more minutes. Saturday game or game 4 ? What`s your opinion on that matter ? I just asume that overplaying those guys in next games, could affect whole series in negative way.

[Spurs and Mavs fan]

Most definitely Game 3.

The team will have been well-rested.

No team has ever come back from an 0-3 deficit.

If there were ever a game in which to absolutely push the gas pedal, this would be it. Go for the 3-0 lead. Play as aggressively as possible. Give the Big Three lots of minutes.

[Brunodf]

Just play the best players(no Neal/Bonner/small ball) and don't double

[Spurs and Mavs fan]

In fact, if the Spurs gained a 3-0 series lead, they could compensate by resting the Big Three for most of Game 4.


A 3-0 series lead opens up all kinds of flexibility.

[Mark in Austin]

3 days off this far into the playoffs is rare. Swing for the fences Saturday.

[Spur|n|Austin]

Most definitely Game 3.

The team will have been well-rested.

No team has ever come back from an 0-3 deficit.

If there were ever a game in which to absolutely push the gas pedal, this would be it. Go for the 3-0 lead. Play as aggressively as possible. Give the Big Three lots of minutes.

I'm going to have to agree with the Mavericks fan here. Not his life choices, just his post.

[Spurs and Mavs fan]

Technically, the Spurs will have had nearly 4 days of rest, since Saturday's game is a night game.

[RD2191]

If the Spurs lose game 3 this series will go the distance. I hope they go for the kill in game 3.

[Spurs and Mavs fan]

A 3-0 series lead gives far more peace of mind than a 2-1 lead.

[Mal]

My first though was - go for 3-0, and get it done with 2 next games at most. But Spurs could "swing for fences" and still lose game. And this could affect whole series.

[Spurs and Mavs fan]

My first though was - go for 3-0, and get it done with 2 next games at most. But Spurs could "swing for fences" and still lose game. And this could affect whole series.

If the Spurs had only 2 days of rest, that would make sense, but they'll be going into Game 3 with nearly four days of rest.

I think the benefits of swinging for the fences far outweigh the drawbacks. I understand there's a risk of overtiring the Big Three, but there's a risk to everything.

[The Reckoning]

go for a sweep. imagine how much rest the Spurs will get if Indiana wins a couple.

[DAF86]

Just play the best players(no Neal/Bonner/small ball) and don't double

lol what? We are winning this series in big part thanks to all the doubling we're doing to their bigs.

[Andthentherewas21]

3-0 silences the media and puts a big dampener on the Grizz's comeback narrative of these playoffs (although obviously it wouldn't kill it). Also means the Spurs would probably be more relaxed playing in game 4. Now that may itself be problematic, but it could also help ensure better shooting by the Spur's role-players while in Memphis. Either way pretty sure the Spurs want to get game 3, its just going to depend on how the first 5 shots or so go and how the game is being called.

[Andthentherewas21]

go for a sweep. imagine how much rest the Spurs will get if Indiana wins a couple.

The same amount they would get if the Pacers got swept. Finals start June 6th regardless of how long either series goes.

[elec99]

Game 3. A memphis win in game 3 will allow them to grow more comfortable and may even make a game 4 victory all the more possible.
We'll be rested, they still wont know what a victory feels like, so 3 would be better.

[Das Texan]

If I were Pop I wouldnt play to lose like in the fourth quarter of Game 2.

[The Reckoning]

The same amount they would get if the Pacers got swept. Finals start June 6th regardless of how long either series goes.

ok so take the rest now or in preparation for the finals? a week of rest and practice sounds ideal.

[ffadicted]

If we take game 3, we sweep, if not, I can see memphis tying it 2-2 and this series going to 7 (maybe 6), and I want no part in this. Come out all cylinders firing after 3 days rest tbqhimho

[boutons_deux]

play every game to win.

Pop saved enough minutes during the season, and Spurs STILL get tired, so fuck that strategy.

[jaffies]

Reckoning is the only one with any sense so far.


Spurs are going to Memphis to try split games, I have no doubt about that.
What?? So Pop is going into Memphis to try to lose one game. Is that his gameplan? If you were to ask him that in the postgame, he wouldn't laugh at you, he'd make all the other journalists laugh at you.

You cant sweep Memphis, they are good.
Why not? Because they're "good"?

From what I saw in game 2, Spurs were unstoppable as long as Parker was fresh. Alse we saw how good was Duncan, when he had fresh legs for OT. I was wondering, which game should Spurs, Parker and Duncan especially play more minutes. Saturday game or game 4 ? What`s your opinion on that matter ? I just asume that overplaying those guys in next games, could affect whole series in negative way.
They have 3 days off, that's rest. Don't tell me that if game 3 or 4 is close that Pop is gonna sit Parker or Duncan or Ginobili in the late 4th quarter just to rest their legs. The Spurs are in Memphis to win BOTH games!

[Spurs and Mavs fan]

What?? So Pop is going into Memphis to try to lose one game. Is that his gameplan? If you were to ask him that in the postgame, he wouldn't laugh at you, he'd make all the other journalists laugh at you.


I think what Mal means is something like this: Every team will tell you that their goal is to win every game, but realistically no team can win every game. Therefore, a very realistic goal would be to go into Memphis with a split, thus returning home to San Antonio with a commanding 3-1 series lead.

If the Spurs sweep 4-0, wonderful. But I think almost everyone would be grateful for a 3-1 series lead as the Spurs headed back to the AT&T Center.

[Mal]

What?? So Pop is going into Memphis to try to lose one game. Is that his gameplan? If you were to ask him that in the postgame, he wouldn't laugh at you, he'd make all the other journalists laugh at you.

No, Pop is going to Memphis to try to win one game...



Why not? Because they're "good"?

They have 3 days off, that's rest. Don't tell me that if game 3 or 4 is close that Pop is gonna sit Parker or Duncan or Ginobili in the late 4th quarter just to rest their legs. The Spurs are in Memphis to win BOTH games!

smh, Not sitting them in crucial time.... You can set rotation like in regular season close games with couple minutes more. I`m worried about Parker and Duncan being forced to play close to 40 minutes. That what I meant by overplaying them..

[LittleCriminal]

I'd put Blair in street clothes and put Baynes in a uniform.

[Brunodf]

lol what? We are winning this series in big part thanks to all the doubling we're doing to their bigs.
Spurs barely doubled in those games, and if Bayless/Pondexter start game 3(like was rumored) doubling isn't a good idea...

[jaffies]

No, Pop is going to Memphis to try to win one game...
Well, I guess we disagree there.


smh, Not sitting them in crucial time.... You can set rotation like in regular season close games with couple minutes more. I`m worried about Parker and Duncan being forced to play close to 40 minutes. That what I meant by overplaying them..
Oh. Pop is the best in the league at managing minutes, he has been for several years. If he's managing minutes, the big 3 will have nearly the exact same amount of minutes in games 3 and 4, barring a blowout or a close game late in the 4th.

[Mal]

Oh. Pop is the best in the league at managing minutes, he has been for several years. If he's managing minutes, the big 3 will have nearly the exact same amount of minutes in games 3 and 4, barring a blowout or a close game late in the 4th.

Parker was very tired in game 2. He had 42 minutes. Spurs offense was good, when Parker was active. And Spurs couldnt afford Parker being tired in 4th quater that`s all.

[Budkin]

Spurs have a history of getting annihilated in Game 3s on the road after they have taken a 2-0 lead. Hopefully they are too rested and focused to allow that to happen this time. Oh, and as for the media, I'm sure if we do go up 3-0 the media will start playing up the Boston Red Sox thing and saying "if anyone can do it, it's the Grizzlies!"

[jaffies]

Parker was very tired in game 2. He had 42 minutes. Spurs offense was good, when Parker was active. And Spurs couldnt afford Parker being tired in 4th quater that`s all.
True. Hope he can save some energy.
To my other point of going to mem to win both games, I guess what I'm saying is: if the spurs win game 3, Pop isn't going to just forfeit game 4.

[polandprzem]

It's playoffs

pop does not give a shit about splits, you have to win 4 games as quick as possible. No woulda coulda resting games

[Kidd K]

3-0 silences the media and puts a big dampener on the Grizz's comeback narrative of these playoffs (although obviously it wouldn't kill it). Also means the Spurs would probably be more relaxed playing in game 4. Now that may itself be problematic, but it could also help ensure better shooting by the Spur's role-players while in Memphis. Either way pretty sure the Spurs want to get game 3, its just going to depend on how the first 5 shots or so go and how the game is being called.

That's exactly why I'm sure the refs will inject their dicks into the game Saturday. The NBA doesn't want Memphis losing game 3. They want the story. The refs will likely be out in full force favoring Memphis for both games 3 and 4.

Just like against the Thunder, it wasn't just game 6. It was really games 3-6. Game 6 was just the worst one.

[DesignatedT]

Expect Zbo and Gasol to play a lot better at home. Those two will also get the whistle at home. But if the Spurs are knocking down threes then they can easily steal a game. If the Spurs are struggling with their shots then it could be tough.

[tesseractive]

Spurs are going to Memphis to try split games, I have no doubt about that. You cant sweep Memphis, they are good.
Winning four games any decent team is incredibly hard. But that's not how it works -- they only have to win one game right now, and it's not hopelessly difficult to win 1 game. They need to focus on winning game 3 and ignore any other games. Then, regardless of how game 3 ends, they will need to focus on winning game 4.

Without last year, a letdown in game 3 would be a distinct possibility. But after all the guys had last year's experience, I expect the Spurs to play game 3 like it's a game 7. And then to come right back and give everything they have to win game 4 all over again.

[therealtruth]

Trying to get a split is not playing with the appropriate fear. That's what the Spurs did last year. In fact it's been common for them to get blown out in game 3 after winning the first two at home. The next game is always the most important game and the Spurs need to approach game 3 with that approach. There's only 10 teams that have come back from 2-0 and the Spurs are on that list twice as losers.

[Seventyniner]

Nobody on the Spurs is aiming for a split. They're going to go all out to win game 3. Then, win or lose, they'll go all out to win game 4. Period.

Edit: I quoted tesseractive without realizing it! Good point, tesseractive. :toast

[Kidd K]

I'd say game 3, but the refs may take that out of Pop's hands if they force Duncan to sit with 3 foul calls in 30 seconds like they did in game 2.

[100%duncan]

Go all out in game 3. But you really don't have to overplay the big 3 tbh. Just don't use shitty rotations and you're good.

[DAF86]

Spurs barely doubled in those games, and if Bayless/Pondexter start game 3(like was rumored) doubling isn't a good idea...

I agree that if Bayless/Pondexter start game 3 doublng wouldn't be as effective but you're blind if you say the Spurs weren't doubling, they were doubling even before the ball got to the bigs.

[Obstructed_View]

Spurs are going to Memphis to try split games, I have no doubt about that. You cant sweep Memphis, they are good.

Pop's going to Memphis to win the game on Saturday. There's no thought of the next game. You can't sweep someone until you win game 3.

If the Spurs win game 3, they're not looking to sweep, they're looking to put away a dangerous team by winning the game.

[GSH]

Spurs are going to Memphis to try split games, I have no doubt about that. You cant sweep Memphis, they are good. From what I saw in game 2, Spurs were unstoppable as long as Parker was fresh. Alse we saw how good was Duncan, when he had fresh legs for OT. I was wondering, which game should Spurs, Parker and Duncan especially play more minutes. Saturday game or game 4 ? What`s your opinion on that matter ? I just asume that overplaying those guys in next games, could affect whole series in negative way.


I laughed, just picturing a reporter saying something like this to Pop in an interview. Oh, holy shit, he would just eviscerate you.

You know what they call a competitor who doesn't believe that he/she can win? The loser. Why in the hell would the Spurs go into Memphis thinking about splitting? If they can't win the first one, what would make them think they could win the second? And if they win the first one, what would make them think they couldn't win the second?

A closeout game on the road is the toughest game to win. But ALL it would take for the Spurs to win Game 4, if they win Game 3, is to have a decent night shooting 3's. They can win a lot of other ways, but if the guys are hitting 3's, I don't think Memphis has a chance. If the Spurs keep the rebounding close, and don't give up a boatload of second chance points? Memphis probably has to have a special shooting night to win. If Tony's leg is closer to healed by Game 4, and Tim hits a lot of the shots he's been missing? Memphis' bench would likely have to have a huge night, much bigger than our bench, for them to win.

No, I guarantee you, neither Pop nor any of the Spurs' players are thinking about a split. If they leave Memphis up 3-1, I'm sure they will feel pretty good about their chances. But it absolutely won't be any part of their strategy. If you think Pop would rest the Big 3 in a closeout game, so they could be rested for the next closeout game, you don't know anything about Pop. The playoffs are Win or Go Home, and Pop knows that as well as anyone who ever coached.

[GSH]

Spurs are going to Memphis to try split games, I have no doubt about that. You cant sweep Memphis, they are good. From what I saw in game 2, Spurs were unstoppable as long as Parker was fresh. Alse we saw how good was Duncan, when he had fresh legs for OT. I was wondering, which game should Spurs, Parker and Duncan especially play more minutes. Saturday game or game 4 ? What`s your opinion on that matter ? I just asume that overplaying those guys in next games, could affect whole series in negative way.


Obviously the Spurs didn't hold back tonight. Tim and Tony both played 44 minutes, give or take. In the post-game, someone asked Pop a question about the Finals, and he said "we still have Game 4 here on Monday"... there is no past, there is no future after that, there's only Game 4.

A lot of people talk about taking one game at a time, but these Spurs are really locked in to that.

[Mal]

Obviously the Spurs didn't hold back tonight. Tim and Tony both played 44 minutes, give or take. In the post-game, someone asked Pop a question about the Finals, and he said "we still have Game 4 here on Monday"... there is no past, there is no future after that, there's only Game 4.

A lot of people talk about taking one game at a time, but these Spurs are really locked in to that.

That was hell of a win. Pop went hard on Duncan and Parker, both with around 40 minutes. But that was different. Game wasnt so intense.
Will see how this affects them. I think that after such win, players rest a lot better.

Memphis showed that they were going to let Spurs win that game, even after leading by 18 pts. With that win, Pop can do whatever he could with managing minutes for older guys, but best thing to do would be to wrap this series asap.