Is Game 3 a must win?

[MannyIsGod]

I think it is. The Spurs will likely desperately need to recapture momentum. The split in Miami is perfectly fine and Miami came out with their backs against the wall like everyone thought they would but now the Spurs need to respond.

I really really really really really hope to see Manu come out and having a good game. We need it.

[SA210]

Yes

[dg7md]

Yes.

Manu doesn't need a good game as much as a serviceable one. He was a mess tonight and was the catalyst to the Heat's big runs that ended up putting a fork into us.

[SA210]

And manu has to still be hurt, seriously

[baseline bum]

Yeah, I think so. But I worry that we keep seeing Turnobili instead of Manu this playoffs.

[Nathan89]

Yes.

[The Reckoning]

spurs need to win all games at home tbh

[rascal]

And manu has to still be hurt, seriously

Always the excuse, that he is hurt.

[UZER]

Yes

[TE]

Yes. Miami is riding a wave of momentum into San Antonio. The Spurs beat themselves tonight. Plain and simple. They were right there late in third quarter. We just shitted the bed, tbh. This loss is on everyone not named Danny Green.

[SpursDynasty21]

As long as the Spurs win two out of three at home, I think they'll still have a chance.

[DapDaGenius]

Every game is a must win.

[ShoogarBear]

If only to stop the chatter about Miami backdoor sweeping every time they lose Game 1.

It's all going to boil down to turnovers and how the Spurs handles those traps. Tonight was the worst-case scenario.

[Warlord23]

Don't get your hopes up regarding Manu. He's been playing like this for months; can't expect him to suddenly play well against an elite perimeter D.

[davidbowie]

Yes. Every game is a must fuckin win. It's the finals dammit. There is nothing else.

[trypldubl]

YES

[dbreiden83080]

I think it is. The Spurs will likely desperately need to recapture momentum. The split in Miami is perfectly fine and Miami came out with their backs against the wall like everyone thought they would but now the Spurs need to respond.

I really really really really really hope to see Manu come out and having a good game. We need it.

Sadly it is.. Losing tonight was expected but the Heat didn't just win they whipped our ass in the 2nd half. The ceiling on their team is just higher than ours. Game 3 Manu has to show up and Tim needs to get his ass on the block and be Tim Fucking Duncan..

[timvp]

Yes.

[timtonymanu]

Yes.

The Spurs really have to win at least 2 out of 3 in San Antonio.

[Spursmania]

Turnobili playing for Miami. Lol... :depressed

[Chris16]

Yep.

The Spurs lose Game 3 the Heat will likely finish them off in 5. I honestly think the Heat wins Game 3 though, the Spurs are gonna continue to run out of fuel against the Heat's aggressive D as the series goes on.

[Russ]

Ain't no maybe so about it.

[chrhawk]

It doesn't matter in what order the Spurs do it. They just need to win two of three at home. A sweep would be great though I'm not holding my breath on that.

[noles1983]

manu can eat a dick, retire already

[lefty]

Manny are you fucking serious?

[Baam]

It's a backdoor sweep if they don't.

[Capt Bringdown]

If Miami wins a close game, no.
But after this blowout, absolutely yes.
We'll see if Parker's miracle shot was all the Spurs got.

[Arcadian]

:lol Is this even a distinction anymore? Every game in the fucking Finals is a must win...obviously.

[Keepin' it real]

I think it is.

So if the Spurs lose, we'll see the trophy presentation to the Heat for winning the series 2-1???

Uh, no.

[N0 LyF3 ScRuB]

Lol no it's not

[timmy2003]

Yes.

[MannyIsGod]

Yes. Miami is riding a wave of momentum into San Antonio. The Spurs beat themselves tonight. Plain and simple. They were right there late in third quarter. We just shitted the bed, tbh. This loss is on everyone not named Danny Green.

This is just flat out ridiculous. They Spurs aren't playing themselves. Give Miami some credit for the D they came out and played tonight. They hit shots when it mattered. The Spurs are playing the defending Champs. Its not going to be easy.

[Baam]

I really really really really really hope to see Manu come out and having a good game. We need it.

The stats say that Manu is much better with more days of rest, his level is only going downhill tbh.

[phxspurfan]

Miami could win in 5 if Spurs don't come out firing on all cylinders next game.

[ElNono]

I think so. Before the series started I thought the only shot the Spurs had to win this was to steal one of the first two and win the 3 at home.

So far so good, but every home game is a must win.

[Sean Cagney]

YES, they have to win that game. If they got beaten bad in that game thats a serious problem! They need to do adjustments and some need to PLAY ALOT BETTER! Tim is one! Tony the other! Manu pshhhhhhhhhhh, wake up.

[Horry Hipcheck]

It's the Finals, every game is a must win.

[baseline bum]

I think so. Before the series started I thought the only shot the Spurs had to win this was to steal one of the first two and win the 3 at home.

So far so good, but every home game is a must win.

I think that's pretty ridiculous to think they'd get 3/3 at home. To win this series the Spurs are going to have to take another one in Miami I think.

[SA210]

Always the excuse, that he is hurt.

He is

[ballhog]

Refs let Miami do their suffocating/smothering D all night. Spurs hit shots early in the game, then couldn't do it. All those turnovers and misses lead to fast breaks and open shots. This game was not a shocker at all. Big 3 sucked for Spurs.

[MannyIsGod]

I think that's pretty ridiculous to think they'd get 3/3 at home. To win this series the Spurs are going to have to take another one in Miami I think.

Yeah I think so too. I don't think they win 3 in a row at home. The question is do you think they can win 3 out of 4 which is what essentially has to happen if they lose tomorrow. Tall order.

[carina_gino20]

It's the Finals, every game is a must win.

This. And with TD and Manu's time running out, even more so.

On a side note, I think it's stupid to have a 2-3-2 series format when the switch happens with just 1 day of rest.

[Capt Bringdown]

Context is everything. If Miami wins game 3 by a close margin, it's a wash.
But, considering it took a miracle shot for us to steal game 1 and we got completely dismantled in game 2, Miami should be seen to have the advantage in this series, even though we got the split.
I'm not optimistic at all.
Game 3 is the tell. Game 3 is the series.
-case closed

[Budkin]

No question... even though the Mavs lost game 3 and won the next 3. This isn't that Heat team.

[Darius Bieber]

Yes. All the pressure is on the Spurs now. I have a feeling they're gonna lose anyways.

[Budkin]

Context is everything. If Miami wins game 3 by a close margin, it's a wash.
But, considering it took a miracle shot for us to steal game 1 and we got completely dismantled in game 2, Miami should be seen to have the advantage in this series, even though we got the split.
I'm not optimistic at all.
Game 3 is the tell. Game 3 is the series.
-case closed

I think the Spurs respond with a huge effort. I could see us blowing them out ala Pacers Game 6.

[Budkin]

Refs let Miami do their suffocating/smothering D all night. Spurs hit shots early in the game, then couldn't do it. All those turnovers and misses lead to fast breaks and open shots. This game was not a shocker at all. Big 3 sucked for Spurs.

10/33 from big 3. Not gonna cut it.

[hater]

nope

Spurs do need to get 2 out of the next 3 thou

or Lebron is winning his 2nd

[boutons_deux]

game3 is a must win

then take 2 out of 3 in SA

and then 2 games in MIA.

Winning tonight was the Spurs best chance.

now it's all uphill, they can only win it in MIA

[ALVAREZ6]

I think it is. The Spurs will likely desperately need to recapture momentum. The split in Miami is perfectly fine and Miami came out with their backs against the wall like everyone thought they would but now the Spurs need to respond.

I really really really really really hope to see Manu come out and having a good game. We need it.
I think so. But honestly, the longer this series go the better Miami's chances are, so they're all basically must-wins from here on out; at least that should be the team's mentality.

And we're all hoping Manu can have a good game, but unfortunately his game is very limited, especially in this series. His body simply can't do the things it used to, and this Miami team plays excellent defense that can throw any player off rhythm.

It really sucks that the Spurs fucked this one up on a night where both Green and Leonard had great games. Those 2 are just as important to the team as Tony and Tim tbh, at least in this series. The Heat aren't going to let Tony light them up for 30, it's always going to be a team effort for wins. Many things have to go well for the Spurs to win any 1 game in this series, and a lot of that has to do with Green and Leonard defense and open 3s.

[easjer]

Yes.

And credit due to Miami, of course, but come on - leaving Neal in that long, leaving Manu in that long? Playing hot potato with the ball? Settling for jumpers? Timmy's stupid shot selection? That wasn't all Miami.

[Venti Quattro]

Is this even a question? Lol

[wildshoe]

i have a good feeling whoever wins game 3 wins the series, both of these teams biggest weaknesses i think is streaky shooting and mental toughness. too much momentum towards any one side will probably cause the other team to collapse.

[timvp]

The 2-3-2 format sucks right now for the Spurs. It's good if you come home 0-2 to give you a better chance of getting back into it.

But, damn, winning three straight against the Heat? That's a taaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllllllllllllllll llllllll task :pctoss

[Creation88]

Since 2-3-2 format began in 1985, the Game 3 winner of a tied NBA Finals series goes on to win the series 92.3% of time (12-1).

yes.

[Spurs21Fan4Ever]

Of course it is. Spurs, especially Parker and Manu, need to relax. They looked like panicked rookies tonight.

[ffadicted]

Have Miami won 3 games?

no? Then no it's not

[Solid D]

Not necessarily. In 2011, the Heat and Mavs split the first 2 in Miami, then Miami went up 2-1 in Dallas only to lose the next 3 to the Mavs. Adjustments get made and stuff happens. It's not a must win fir the Spurs but it would be great to get the confidence and momentum swinging back their way with a win.

[baseline bum]

The 2-3-2 format sucks right now for the Spurs. It's good if you come home 0-2 to give you a better chance of getting back into it.

But, damn, winning three straight against the Heat? That's a taaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllllllllllllllll llllllll task :pctoss

I never understood people who think the 2-3-2 is good for road teams; it's such an enormous advantage to the home team getting 6 and 7 at home. But I guess you deserve that edge by going balls out in the regular season.

[eds]

Is this even a question? Lol

[Duncan2177]

What's up with the quitters on this board? And you call yourselves spurs fans? :lol

[baseline bum]

Not necessarily. In 2011, the Heat and Mavs split the first 2 in Miami, then Miami went up 2-1 in Dallas only to lose the next 3 to the Mavs. Adjustments get made and stuff happens. It's not a must win fir the Spurs but it would be great to get the confidence and momentum swinging back their way with a win.

If the Spurs were playing the 2011 Heat I might agree that Game 3 isn't a must win. Unfortunately they're not.

[ElNono]

I think that's pretty ridiculous to think they'd get 3/3 at home. To win this series the Spurs are going to have to take another one in Miami I think.

I think it's going to be difficult, but I don't see them winning again in Miami. So under that premise, they would need to win all 3 at home.

That was my series prediction anyways.

[Capt Bringdown]

But, damn, winning three straight against the Heat? That's a taaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllllllllllllllll llllllll task :pctoss

Winning 2 straight appears to be an impossibility against the heat. 3? fuggetabout it.

[therealtruth]

I think that's pretty ridiculous to think they'd get 3/3 at home. To win this series the Spurs are going to have to take another one in Miami I think.

I think it's possible but Pop's going to need to make the adjustments. He didn't need to make too many adjustments last series and kept the same gameplan. But I think this series will be like the Warriors. He will need to adjust to the Heat. We can't leave their shooters open. We have to take care of the ball. We have to find a way for Parker to be effective.

[therealtruth]

The Spurs were probably due for a loss anyway. But at the same time they've got some adjustments to make to give them the best chance at winning game 3.

[AFBlue]

Yep

[Juggity]

Game 3 is absolutely a must win. In fact, if the Spurs lose game 3, I can't see them even realistically taking the series to seven games.

They must come out with true urgency, but not recklessness.

[crc21209]

Context is everything. If Miami wins game 3 by a close margin, it's a wash.
But, considering it took a miracle shot for us to steal game 1 and we got completely dismantled in game 2, Miami should be seen to have the advantage in this series, even though we got the split.
I'm not optimistic at all.
Game 3 is the tell. Game 3 is the series.
-case closed

GTFO here. It didnt take a "miracle" shot for the Spurs to win Game 1. They won the game themselves in the 4th and would've been up 2 even if Tony missed that bank shot. They were up 1 with 3 mins to go in the 3rd qtr and then got hit by Miami's run. I wouldn't say Miami has "dominated" both games like you're saying because that is a completely false statment..

[Capt Bringdown]

I wouldn't say Miami has "dominated" both games like you're saying because that is a completely false statment..

Bully for you. I didn't say that either. Anything else you're confused about?

[BatManu20]

Yep. Spurs aren't winning 3 straight games against this team. If they lose Game 3, they're toast.

[InRareForm]

i hate the term must win

[TD 21]

Not necessarily. In 2011, the Heat and Mavs split the first 2 in Miami, then Miami went up 2-1 in Dallas only to lose the next 3 to the Mavs. Adjustments get made and stuff happens. It's not a must win fir the Spurs but it would be great to get the confidence and momentum swinging back their way with a win.

This isn't '11. The Heat are much better now than they were then and there's no chance of beating them three straight.

Game three is absolutely a must win.

[2centsworth]

Must win for both teams.

[crc21209]

Bully for you. I didn't say that either. Anything else you're confused about?

You sure did make it sound like it. You were basically saying Miami has dominated the series in both games so far and that it took a "miracle shot" for the Spurs to win 1 game...

[SpurOutofTownFan]

it was good they've got blown out so now they understand how they need to play going forward. 3 more games

[Solid D]

If the Spurs were playing the 2011 Heat I might agree that Game 3 isn't a must win. Unfortunately they're not.


This isn't '11. The Heat are much better now than they were then and there's no chance of beating them three straight.

Game three is absolutely a must win.

I respect your opinions. I've just watched way too many series in sports and they can take twists and turns.
I like to play out the string and see what happens. If the Heat win game 3, I'm going to watch the remainder of the series and not give up on them. I'm a realist and know the Heat are favored, but stuff happens. I'm not a fatalist. Special moments and special plays are made and so I won't be calling any game a must win until it's a potential close-out game.
I will watch every game regardless of what happens Tuesday - full bore, all-out, no-quit competition.

[lefty]

Manny are you fucking serious ?

[Rapper]

Fortunately we stole game 1 and now we need our crowd at AT&T center to give them more energy and momentum

FANS its your time!!!!

[Agloco]

I think it is. The Spurs will likely desperately need to recapture momentum. The split in Miami is perfectly fine and Miami came out with their backs against the wall like everyone thought they would but now the Spurs need to respond.

I really really really really really hope to see Manu come out and having a good game. We need it.

I'll go one further and say that all of them are must wins. I don't see the Spurs taking another game in Miami.

[HtownFan(GoSpurs)]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tbca9yXVACQ

Epic music...

[DJR210]

And manu has to still be hurt, seriously

At what point do we stop with the injury excuse and admit to diminished skills?

[DMC]

These are stupid questions. Everyone of the games is a must win, or none of them are. You have to win 4 games to win the title, so you MUST WIN 4 games. I get the point of the question, but really... if you lose game 4 it's no worse than losing game 3. So it's not a "must win" in the sense that it's over if you don't because of some momentum mumbo jumbo, but it is a "must play better" game. If Miami blows us out again in game 3, it's probably over. Spurs need to play better. But if they don't, then none of these games are "must win" because the Spurs just hit their ceiling. They aren't as good as the Heat unless they are firing on all cylinders and the Heat aren't. End of story.

[spurs10]

Bully for you. I didn't say that either. Anything else you're confused about? I'm confused by the line it took "a miracle shot" to win game one. You did watch the game? It wasn't the game winner in case you are confused.

[DeadlyDynasty]

Yes, Miami will not lose consecutive games at any point. Drop Game 3, and you're fucked.

[baseline bum]

These are stupid questions. Everyone of the games is a must win, or none of them are. You have to win 4 games to win the title, so you MUST WIN 4 games. I get the point of the question, but really... if you lose game 4 it's no worse than losing game 3. So it's not a "must win" in the sense that it's over if you don't because of some momentum mumbo jumbo, but it is a "must play better" game. If Miami blows us out again in game 3, it's probably over. Spurs need to play better. But if they don't, then none of these games are "must win" because the Spurs just hit their ceiling. They aren't as good as the Heat unless they are firing on all cylinders and the Heat aren't. End of story.

You're ignoring the pressure the Spurs will feel if they blow game 3 at home. This series really isn't winnable without taking 2 of the 3 home games.

[Splits]

Winning 2 of 3 at home is the "must" situation to have a shot at the series because the chances of any team going into Miami and winning games 6 & 7 is about the only statistical "not going to happen". All of the other scenarios are plausible, including beating them back to back, or even 4, 5, & (6 or 7). But like most of the other posters have pointed out, "must win" is a dumb notion fans should typically stay away from. And saying the 2011 Heat team is nothing like this year's team is also stupid, same core makeup and we could easily do what Dallas did (drop game 3 at home to go down 2-1 and win 3 straight).

[Budkin]

I think it is. The Spurs will likely desperately need to recapture momentum. The split in Miami is perfectly fine and Miami came out with their backs against the wall like everyone thought they would but now the Spurs need to respond.

I really really really really really hope to see Manu come out and having a good game. We need it.

Manu is due for one more amazing game, hopefully two. The fans will have him fired up for Game 3. I have a feeling the Ditka thread will be bumped.

[Budkin]

Yes, Miami will not lose consecutive games at any point. Drop Game 3, and you're fucked.

They're due.

[Budkin]

Yeah I think so too. I don't think they win 3 in a row at home. The question is do you think they can win 3 out of 4 which is what essentially has to happen if they lose tomorrow. Tall order.

No, but I think if they leave SA up 3/2 they have a great chance to win one of the next 2. Game 7 be damned.

[DFLORY]

What the fuck??!! No we can prob drop a couple more by 29 before we should worry. Fuck me.

[Splits]

What the fuck??!! No we can prob drop a couple more by 29 before we should worry. Fuck me.

http://thumbpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Diving-Fails-4.gif

[TE]

This is just flat out ridiculous. They Spurs aren't playing themselves. Give Miami some credit for the D they came out and played tonight. They hit shots when it mattered. The Spurs are playing the defending Champs. Its not going to be easy.
Saying that the Spurs beat themselves is probably a little overboard...

Yeah some credit goes to Miami for doing the necessary adjustments on defense. That said, 16 TO's of which some were just plain stupid miscues (forced passes that had no chance of reaching a roller or cutter to the basket, overdribbling, forcing the issue when it just wasn't there) falls into the beating themselves category imo.

btw, is it me or was Tony really winded throughout the game? I hope the guy wasn't partying too much in South Beach...:lol

[100%duncan]

Yes. Yes. Yes.

Tell that to Pop and Manu though.

[MilesTeg]

Of course it isn't. If we lose, we'll feel like shit, but we'll still have a decent chance. When a series is tied 1-1, it's never a must-win.

However game 4 will be a must-win for whoever loses the next game.

[AchillesHeel]

yessir

[GrandeDavid]

The 2-3-2 format sucks right now for the Spurs. It's good if you come home 0-2 to give you a better chance of getting back into it.

But, damn, winning three straight against the Heat? That's a taaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllllllllllllllll llllllll task :pctoss

I don't think venue matters so much for this particular Spurs team, with their seasoned, veteran core. Ditto for Miami. I am kind of throwing home anything out the window in this series. I would be surprised if the Spurs won the next three games in San Antonio and would be equally surprised if Miami were to do the same in San Antonio or Miami. I agree that three straight against Miami would be a tall task, but at least we know the Spurs can win in Miami. Its not like having to go on the road against the Lakers late in a series in 2001 or 2002.

[SA210]

At what point do we stop with the injury excuse and admit to diminished skills?

When he's 100%

[DMC]

You're ignoring the pressure the Spurs will feel if they blow game 3 at home. This series really isn't winnable without taking 2 of the 3 home games.

I don't see how they can possibly feel more pressure than they do right now to be honest. I think the pressure thing is overrated. I think coaches and fans feel pressure, but the players are just playing basketball and they either bring it or they don't. Like I've said, these guys are playing on house money, the pressure is on Miami. Spurs have had a very successful season win or lose, and Miami will be a complete failure (to most) if they lose.

[Spurs and Mavs fan]

The Mavericks trailed the Heat 2-1 in the 2011 NBA Finals and still eventually won the series.

Game 3 isn't a must win, but should it be lost, then Game 4 probably is.

[Mugen]

I don't think it's a must win. The Spurs do need to win 2 out of 3 at home though.

FWIW, I think they win tomorrow and game 5.

[Fabbs]

btw, is it me or was Tony really winded throughout the game? I hope the guy wasn't partying too much in South Beach...:lol
From the start.

[gameFACE]

Yes. Technically it's no. But you don't want to play from behind to the Heat. Do not give them an upper hand.

[DJR210]

When he's 100%

LMAO, don't hold your breath homie.

[TheGreatYacht]

Jeff McDonald - "In 2-3-2 series tied 1-1, the winner of Game 3 has won 11 of 12 series."

The Spurs have to win Game 3. Game 3 is the most important game of the seires. If the Spurs lose Game 3, then they lose home court advantage and the series is pretty much over no matter how many games it goes to. So yeah, the Spurs better fight for their lives and play with urgency and a lot of energy on defense, just like the Heat did on Game 2.

[Big Empty]

Every game in the playoffs is a must win

[TheGreatYacht]

Every game in the playoffs is a must winI agree but certain games become "must wins" depending on the circumstances. For instance, if the Spurs win Game 3 then that means that Game 5 will become the "must win." The reason I think all this is because the Heat have yet to lose consecutive games in these playoffs just like the Spurs.

If it were up to me, I would say that every single one of our home game is a "must win" but winning three straight games on this 2-3-2 format is difficult to achieve. The only teams to have ever won all three home games in the 2-3-2 format are the 1991 Chicago Bulls and the 2004 Detroit Pistons. I think the Spurs are capable of doing so if the refs don't interfere the let the game play their course.

[SA210]

LMAO, don't hold your breath homie.

Nah, just have faith in a man who is largely responsible for a few Championships.

[TDomination]

Yes, spurs will be ready.

[AchillesHeel]

I agree but certain games become "must wins" depending on the circumstances. For instance, if the Spurs win Game 3 then that means that Game 5 will become the "must win." The reason I think all this is because the Heat have yet to lose consecutive games in these playoffs just like the Spurs.

If it were up to me, I would say that every single one of our home game is a "must win" but winning three straight games on this 2-3-2 format is difficult to achieve. The only teams to have ever won all three home games in the 2-3-2 format are the 1991 Chicago Bulls and the 2004 Detroit Pistons. I think the Spurs are capable of doing so if the refs don't interfere the let the game play their course.


Miami won all 3 last year, btw.

[DesignatedT]

Spurs have to win 2 out of 3 at home.

[Spur|n|Austin]

Yep, it definitely is.

[sjacquemotte]

spurs need to win all games at home tbh
First two for sure. If it goes back to Mia were they need both games, then I don't think statistically it will happen. Good news is Spurs lost and the Heat didn't beat them. The Big 3 were bad in all categories. I don't think the Heat are going to play that perfect of a game again (i.e. turnovers, 3's, rebounds)

[ohmwrecker]

Is a pig's pussy pork?

[therealtruth]

The Mavericks trailed the Heat 2-1 in the 2011 NBA Finals and still eventually won the series.

Game 3 isn't a must win, but should it be lost, then Game 4 probably is.

You also forget the Mavs kept making adjustments and that's what eventually won the series for them. If they had kept playing the same gameplan from games 1-2 they would have lost the series. Pop has to make adjustments now. The players don't even believe in the defensive gameplan anymore.

[Baseline]

Without a doubt it is. Especially in the 2-3-2 format.

[KaiRMD1]

Isn't every game a must win?

[Blake]

I don't think it's a must win. The Spurs do need to win 2 out of 3 at home though.
.

+this

[Blake]

Isn't every game a must win?

Game 2 wasn't

[dbreiden83080]

When he's 100%

So in the offseason we can check in on him and see if he wants to play a pick up game...

[Obstructed_View]

Absolutely. Now that the Heat have rediscovered Ray Allen and Mike Miller the Spurs are in danger of that same ass-whipping every game. Probably time to go to the Phoenix "no threes" strategy.

[DarrinS]

Absolutely. Now that the Heat have rediscovered Ray Allen and Mike Miller the Spurs are in danger of that same ass-whipping every game. Probably time to go to the Phoenix "no threes" strategy.

That's why I want Green and Leonard to push 40 min in this game.

[Spurs and Mavs fan]

Isn't every game a must win?


No.

The 2005 Spurs and 2010 Lakers all lost three games in the Finals and still won the series...........

[TheGoldStandard]

Lets just win 3 straight and be done with it. We don't need to be expecting to win every other game, lets finish it off while we can. No more triple teaming James, just let him take contested shots and stick with a defender and rotate quick on screens. OH and stop being soft on offense. Too many fade away jumpers and settling for shitty shots.

[TheGreatYacht]

That's why I want Green and Leonard to push 40 min in this game.I don't understand why Pop takes out a certain player when he has a hot hand, like Danny Green yesterday. I can understand him resting Duncan because of his age or having a bad night but Pop is so fixated on playing people certain minutes including role players. This is nonsense. It's the NBA finals. Go out there and play some of our guys 40 minutes if necessary. The Spurs came from a 10 day rest there's no excuse to be conserving people's minutes.

[Obstructed_View]

I don't understand why Pop takes out a certain player when he has a hot hand, like Danny Green yesterday. I can understand him resting Duncan because of his age or having a bad night but Pop is so fixated on playing people certain minutes including role players. This is nonsense. It's the NBA finals. Go out there and play some of our guys 40 minutes if necessary. The Spurs came from a 10 day rest there's no excuse to be conserving people's minutes.
Agreed. There's an excellent chance that Timmy may just be ready to use up whatever he's got for the next five games. No sense in saving anyone.

[TheGoldStandard]

I don't understand why Pop takes out a certain player when he has a hot hand, like Danny Green yesterday. I can understand him resting Duncan because of his age or having a bad night but Pop is so fixated on playing people certain minutes including role players. This is nonsense. It's the NBA finals. Go out there and play some of our guys 40 minutes if necessary. The Spurs came from a 10 day rest there's no excuse to be conserving people's minutes.

Its as if he intentionally wants to play shitty at times or have lulls in the offense. Oh you're shooting well so lets stick you on the bench to get cold and out of rhythm and we'll go with this guy. Danny can go at least 37 to 40 minutes given his role, he's not on LeBron and he spreads the floor but we'd rather have Neal and Manu playing those minutes.. for the life of me I don't see why Neal is in this series at all, he gives up height, defense and his not reliable on offense.

[Spurs and Mavs fan]

I hope Neal, Ginobili and Bonner play fewer than 5 minutes.

And I hope Green, Parker, Leonard, Duncan, all play 40-45 minutes.

[TheGoldStandard]

I hope Neal, Ginobili and Bonner play fewer than 5 minutes.

And I hope Green, Parker, Leonard, Duncan, all play 40-45 minutes.

This just in Gary Neal is starting..

[DJR210]

Nah, just have faith in a man who is largely responsible for a few Championships.

LMAO again. This is the typical "what Manu did 8 years ago argument". Bro, I am a die hard Spurs fan, and I wish the best for Manu and the team. But lets be honest for a second.. What Manu did for us 5 or more years ago doesn't mean SHIT in these playoffs. Faith is what you have in God, not a basketball player. His decline is no fluke, his time has come just like all the great ones before him.

His mileage has MORE than caught up w/ him. At this point he cannot even be relied upon to bring the ball up court. Last night was not the first time he looked that out of control handling the ball. His ability to split the defenders is gone.

This is a man who has played DEEP into the playoffs almost every year since 02', not to mention his National Team duties. The guy has a SHIT ton of damage to his body from the years of throwing his it around. He has been injured dozens of times over the years. He is not the same type of low impact, efficient style player that Duncan is which is why the two are at opposite ends of the productivity spectrum today.

The guy is a born winner, is highly intelligent/experienced, and I thank him for all he has done for San Antonio, but his body has simply given up on him. I think it's fair to stop referring to San Antonio as having a "Big Three" unless you plan on replacing Manu w/ Kawhi.

[siraulo23]

if the spurs wanna win in 5

yes

[The_Coyote]

The Spurs should absolutely approach tomorrow and every game from here on out as a must win.

But playing by (highly arbitrary) numbers, I'd say that as of today, the Spurs have a 30-40% chance of winning this series; those odds decrease to 10-15% tomorrow with a loss and increase to 60-70% with a win.

[maverick1948]

Yes. Every game is a must fuckin win. It's the finals dammit. There is nothing else.

I AGREE

[therealtruth]

That's why I want Green and Leonard to push 40 min in this game.

The Spurs have to take any advantage they can get including their youth.