Game 40: Spurs vs Blazers: Jan 17, 2014

[Sean Cagney]

:crybut but our defense is elite:cry

ANOTHER ASS WHIPPING by Portland on the Spurs. Nothing new here.

[phxspurfan]

Typical crunch time Turnobili tbh...

The one guy in the entire stadium you can't blame tonight is Manu.

[RD2191]

Spurs lose if they allow more than 100 tonight.
:wakeup

[Beaverfuzz]

We have the second best record in the league lol what the fuck is wrong with you all?

What's the record vs top 5 teams? It is a real concern.

[loveforthegame]

Leonard comes in now? Fuck off coach.

[Darius Bieber]

We have the second best record in the league lol what the fuck is wrong with you all?

Fool's Gold record tbh

[twincam]

I attended last year's game vs. Them. Embarrassing blowout. Nothing new indeed

[RD2191]

We have the second best record in the league lol what the fuck is wrong with you all?
See 2011

[Mugen]

tlong sold out Roy and Oden's knees for a decade of Spurs ownage tbh

[313]

Regular season. Stop cliff jumping, faggots.

[SpurPadre]

Technically we have beaten a top tier team in the warriors but they didn't take it seriously cuz the big three didn't play.

[Sean Cagney]

We have the second best record in the league lol what the fuck is wrong with you all?

Another loss to Portland and have not beaten a top team in the league, it's getting really old fast....... Now the SPURS will go beat some scrub teams up and lose to the next top 5 team they face whether at home or on the road. This is the pattern this year.

[Darius Bieber]

See 2011

[davidbowie]

I nearly pissed myself when Manu threw it to the ref LOL

[Mugen]

sup... hope the vasectomy went well, tbh...

sup Nono. one day at a time tbh. It Still Hurts.

[BatManu20]

Leonard comes in now? Fuck off coach.

[phxspurfan]

Yeah Manu, pad my fantasy stats

[SpursRock20]

Worst part about this loss is that mute was going to quit posting for a month if the Spurs won

[SanDiegoSpursFan]

Only thing I can do now is root for Gino to get 30!

[timmy2003]

Even though we're missing Danny Green and Tiago Splitter, I'm a little worried with how we haven't been able to beat a lot of the top-tier teams. This needs to change by March

We no longer have any superstar who can take over the game. Timmy is old and Tony is also in the downhill.

[313]

See 2011
We're a much different team than 2011. If you think this team is getting swept out of the first round then urine idiot.

[ElNono]

What's the record vs top 5 teams? It is a real concern.

who cares? They lost to bullshit teams too

[twincam]

Lol.....people getting all mad. Relax....its on!y one game

[Sean Cagney]

tlong sold out Roy and Oden's knees for a decade of Spurs ownage tbh

Memorial Day Miracle was bound to be something that would be owed to Portland one day and well the last 4 years or so HERE we have it. The Spurs can't beat that team to save their lives it seems, same game everytime they play them tbh.

[Mugen]

Boylen was terrible as well tbh

[davidbowie]

face it our last chance was last year it's over :(

[RD2191]

We're a Mich different team than 2011. If you think this team is getting swept out of the first round then urine idiot.
urine? really?

[Baam]

Lol END THIS GAME ALREADY

[timtonymanu]

Man I miss Bud.

Did Boylan even run any plays or have any strategies? :lol

[MVPCues]

Worst part about this loss is that mute was going to quit posting for a month if the Spurs won

:(

[Diego20]

Why Manu only played 24 minutes?

MB played 36 minutes and KL played 28 minutes. I don't understand that.

[boutons_deux]

spurs drop to 1-7 vs top teams, and can't even win at home

[McGusto55]

Becky and her fine ass

[BatManu20]

Portland is just a terrible matchup for us tbh. And they seem to shoot lights out every time we play.

[RD2191]

http://www.theclam.com/Video/List/Deads.gif

[ElNono]

Why Manu only played 24 minutes?

MB played 36 minutes and KL played 28 minutes. I don't understand that.

just another regular season game

[Sean Cagney]

spurs drop to 1-7 vs top teams, and can't even win at home
Like I said it's getting old fast this year. They will go out now and beat some scrub teams and some will say look at their record and then the next against a very good team they will lose and even at home if it is there.

[Sean Cagney]

spurs drop to 1-7 vs top teams, and can't even win at home
Like I said it's getting old fast this year. They will go out now and beat some scrub teams and some will say look at their record and then the next against a very good team they will lose and even at home if it is there.

[twincam]

Game factor tonight......drum roll.........mills

[gnsf0946]

Portland is just a terrible matchup for us tbh. And they seem to shoot lights out every time we play.

47% isn't really lights out, especially for Portland this season and with the way we play defense this season

[Barfunk]

Portland couldn't miss. 3 after 3. Duncan was awful as well.

[SanDiegoSpursFan]

Seems like the Spurs can't get the big 3 going in "statement" games. Usually one of them will under perform this season.

[bklynspursfan]

Miami made necessary changes and have 2 rings in a row to prove it.

They made no such changes, they simply turned up the intensity the last 2 years once the playoffs came around. We made the WCF 2 years ago and nearly won the finals last year in the tougher conference. These games against "elite" teams that guys obsess about literally mean nothing come playoff time.

[emanueldavidginobili]

Defense defense defense defense defense defense defense

[timmy2003]

Man I miss Bud.

Did Boylan even run any plays or have any strategies? :lol

Yea we simply relied on Marco to deliver some tough shots late in the game.

[Kidd K]

No reason to get all that upset over the game. No Green, no Splitter, Tony a little dinged up, Timmy had an off night., Mills jacked some bad shots which cost us a few possessions. Still nearly won. . .

Good news is Manu had a VERY good game against an actual good team for once and looked very healthy.

Also, yeah Manu threw away the possession which could've kept us in the game, but he was so good otherwise I ain't even mad at him.

[timtonymanu]

They made no such changes, they simply turned up the intensity the last 2 years once the playoffs came around. We made the WCF 2 years ago and nearly won the finals last year in the tougher conference. These games against "elite" teams that guys obsess about literally mean nothing come playoff time.

Truth.

Plus Splitter and Green are out. And Portland is a bitch ass team that mostly gets up for us. These games are always automatic L.

[RD2191]

No reason to get all that upset over the game. No Green, no Splitter, Tony a little dinged up, Timmy had an off night., Mills jacked some bad shots which cost us a few possessions. Still nearly won. . .

Good news is Manu had a VERY good game against an actual good team for once and looked very healthy.

Also, yeah Manu threw away the possession which could've kept us in the game, but he was so good otherwise I ain't even mad at him.
We nearly won the Finals. Nearly is worth shit, tbh.

[SpurPadre]

No self respecting title contender should be outscored by 6 points in the 4th quarter at home and after leading thru three. Pathetic

[timtonymanu]

Hopefully Portland draws Phoenix or Dallas in the 1st round. :lol

Two teams that are difficult matchups for them. Portland is looking like a 1st round exit, unless they draw us of course.

[spurs10]

Manu saw the ref cutting to basket!

[BatManu20]

424388080749928448

[ElNono]

We nearly won the Finals. Nearly is worth shit, tbh.

I don't know about that... I mean, if you ask me to be in our shoes or on the Lakeshow shoes, I'm happy where I am...

[Budkin]

Way too predictable an outcome. Portland fucking owns us.

[LakerHater]

Shaqtin

http://sinbapointforward.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/manu-pass.gif

[RD2191]

Home game with rest, no excuses. OKC beat Houston on the road without Westbrook.

[xellos88330]

Ugh.... Figures. After the fourth quarter I get up and pause the game to put my son to sleep. I finish tucking him in and then the Spurs fall apart. It is stuff like that that makes you wonder if you had kept watching the game would the outcome have been different. :P Kinda like those bud light commercials. LOL!!!

[ElNono]

Home game with rest, no excuses. OKC beat Houston on the road without Westbrook.

The Heat lost to washington... it happens

[HI-FI]

Manu with that game 6 style turnover.

[timtonymanu]

Home game with rest, no excuses. OKC beat Houston on the road without Westbrook.

I said Portland would end the winning after 3rd quarter streak and I was right! So I feel good in some regard. :(

[RD2191]

I don't know about that... I mean, if you ask me to be in our shoes or on the Lakeshow shoes, I'm happy where I am...
Don't get me wrong, it could be a lot worse. I appreciate what the Spurs do and have done and realize that it won't always be this good. I just think their title winning days are over. Guess we just gotta ride it out. Whatever happens happens.

[Darius Bieber]

The Heat lost to washington... it happens
Heat are also the defending champs.. This board would be so much more positive if the Spurs could close out games.

[Mikeanaro]

The Heat lost to washington... it happens
Come on man, this time there are no excuses.

[SpursFan86]

The Heat lost to washington... it happens

Not that I'm disagreeing with the whole "it's only one regular season game" logic...but at some point it's disheartening that we haven't beat any great teams. It's not just the fans who have brought it up. The players themselves have mentioned it being frustrating as well.

[bklynspursfan]

Truth.

Plus Splitter and Green are out. And Portland is a bitch ass team that mostly gets up for us. These games are always automatic L.

Right. And while they can't stop guys like Lillard/Aldridge, they match up better than what we had going against them tonight. Against a team like Portland you know what you're going to get. The hope is that come playoff time (if they meet) there's enough footage to see what works/what doesn't work and just know that the overall intensity and focus is increased. I mean there were several plays tonight where guys were just lazy fighting through screens and leaving a guy like Matthews or Williams open.

Just let Aldridge go Amare on us, I think after a couple matchups they probably know they won't be able to do to him what they did to Love/Dirk recently. Let him go nuts and score 30-40. Defending the 3 has to be the priority against these guys.

[Frankie23]

I can't understand how the Spurs managed to lose this game up to 4 pts in the last 8 minutes and being in the bonus.
Well, i guess the lack of experience of our couching staff affect us. Manu entered the game too late and our defense sucks.
Tony and Timmy were off tonight..

[RD2191]

I said Portland would end the winning after 3rd quarter streak and I was right! So I feel good in some regard. :(
I said if the Spurs allowed more than 100 they would lose, I was hoping I'd be wrong. :lol

[ElNono]

Don't get me wrong, it could be a lot worse. I appreciate what the Spurs do and have done and realize that it won't always be this good. I just think their title winning days are over. Guess we just gotta ride it out. Whatever happens happens.

Maybe they are... but today we played well, and the excuse was there before the game even started, with Tony being banged up and already missing two guys... all in all, we competed against a team that has always been a bad matchup to us... last season we lost to them by like 20 at home... and they didn't even make the playoffs, while we reached the Finals...

[bklynspursfan]

Ugh.... Figures. After the fourth quarter I get up and pause the game to put my son to sleep. I finish tucking him in and then the Spurs fall apart. It is stuff like that that makes you wonder if you had kept watching the game would the outcome have been different. :P Kinda like those bud light commercials. LOL!!!

Literally, I felt responsible for some games cause I failed to follow an exact routine :lol

[td4mvp21]

It's one thing to lose to these teams on the road, a back-to-back, or even by 1-3 points. It's another to lose 5 straight against IND, HOU, OKC & POR at home, three of which by 10+ points and a fourth by 9.

[timmy2003]

Way too predictable an outcome. Portland fucking owns us.

Yes and that's why the game was so depressing to watch.

[ElNono]

Not that I'm disagreeing with the whole "it's only one regular season game" logic...but at some point it's disheartening that we haven't beat any great teams. It's not just the fans who have brought it up. The players themselves have mentioned it being frustrating as well.

I'm sure it's frustrating to the players. I think every loss is, they're competitive as fuck. But it's a process. You won't hear any of them say they're quitting or the season is over... today was improvement in some areas... there's time to break through

[bklynspursfan]

I can't understand how the Spurs managed to lose this game up to 4 pts in the last 8 minutes and being in the bonus.
Well, i guess the lack of experience of our couching staff affect us. Manu entered the game too late and our defense sucks.
Tony and Timmy were off tonight..

They didn't attack nearly as much as they should have

[SupremeGuy]

What a bunch of cliff divers, tbh.

We're missing two of our best defenders, playing with experimental lineups, and still winning a ton of games. AND it's barely January. Step away from the ledge...

[LakerHater]

"They finished and made shots down the stretch, we just couldn't make stops." - Coach Pop

[sammy]

Manu with that game 6 style turnover.

GTFO! Typical blame Manu when he was the only one who came to play! Everyone else played like shit!

[Mikeanaro]

Where the hell was Kawhi... our future star...

[timtonymanu]

I'm sure it's frustrating to the players. I think every loss is, they're competitive as fuck. But it's a process. You won't hear any of them say they're quitting or the season is over... today was improvement in some areas... there's time to break through

It was just a season ago when the Spurs were losing every road game to end the season, looking broken from the Jack drama, and heading into the playoffs with low expectations. I do get frustrated that we are losing to these teams right now, but if last season taught me anything, it's that the regular season means nothing.

[RD2191]

What a bunch of cliff divers, tbh.

We're missing two of our best defenders, playing with experimental lineups, and still winning a ton of games. AND it's barely January. Step away from the ledge...
When do the excuses stop? tbh. The Spurs have zero signature wins this season, not to mention they're getting their shit pushed in at home.

[ElNono]

It was just a season ago when the Spurs were losing every road game to end the season, looking broken from the Jack drama, and heading into the playoffs with low expectations. I do get frustrated that we are losing to these teams right now, but if last season taught me anything, it's that the regular season means nothing.

Pretty much... I can't see Tony pulling games like these in the playoffs*



*unless some Lebron guy has him on lockdown

[TheGoldStandard]

The body language of the players at the end of the game showed that they gave it heart but the coaching rotation was complete Shit.. pop getting tossed screwed things up but was funny to see him get tossed during the time out, lol 56 didn't want anything to do with him.

Aldridge was just on, couldn't touch him in the 2nd half.

I had to stand up and clap at the end of the game. Everyone played hard.

[davidbowie]

I've been betting against the spurs when they play top tier teams. It's my fault guys. I'm sorry.

[ElNono]

When do the excuses stop? tbh. The Spurs have zero signature wins this season, not to mention they're getting their shit pushed in at home.

What's a regular season "signature win", tbh? beating the Bobcats count as much as beating the Thunder...

[RD2191]

Maybe they are... but today we played well, and the excuse was there before the game even started, with Tony being banged up and already missing two guys... all in all, we competed against a team that has always been a bad matchup to us... last season we lost to them by like 20 at home... and they didn't even make the playoffs, while we reached the Finals...
Lillards first season with the team, to be fair. And seasons don't always translate to the next, and by your logic how sad is it that we can't beat a team that didn't even make the playoffs last year at home?

[SpurPadre]

What a bunch of cliff divers, tbh.

We're missing two of our best defenders, playing with experimental lineups, and still winning a ton of games. AND it's barely January. Step away from the ledge...
Lol@ using splitter as an excuse. He's solid for what he is but Portland is a bad match up for him. He would've been a launch pad for Aldridge dunks just like he was against the heat.

[ElNono]

Lillards first season with the team, to be fair. And seasons don't always translate to the next, and by your logic how sad is it that we can't beat a team that didn't even make the playoffs last year at home?

Even before Lillard, the Spurs have lost 14 out of the last 19 games they've played against Portland. They're just a bad matchup for us, and the Spurs never had to gameplan for them (they've been missing the playoffs almost every season). For some reason they get up to play against us. That's fine. I'll worry if we meet them in the playoffs.

[HI-FI]

I'm sure it's frustrating to the players. I think every loss is, they're competitive as fuck. But it's a process. You won't hear any of them say they're quitting or the season is over... today was improvement in some areas... there's time to break through

this is true, Spurs are coasting a lot, but last year you also said Manu sucking ass in the regular season was a non issue.

[timtonymanu]

Lillards first season with the team, to be fair. And seasons don't always translate to the next, and by your logic how sad is it that we can't beat a team that didn't even make the playoffs last year at home?

Blazers are the new Bucks for the Spurs.

Last season: 1-2 against them
2011-2012: 2-1 (rare year, but the Blazers were really really bad. Lakers level of chemistry)
2010-2011: 1-3
2009-2010: 0-3
2008-2009: 1-3

Yeah we suck against them.

[AntiChrist]

Portland is a damn good team. Tip your hat. Experience didn't beat pure talent tonight.

[ElNono]

this is true, Spurs are coasting a lot, but last year you also said Manu sucking ass in the regular season was a non issue.

Well, you won't hear me saying they'll "flip the switch". They either will figure out by the time the season is over or not. Last season they sucked hard the last two weeks and the same cliff jumping was going on... they ended up in the Finals... so you gotta take it with a grain of salt, and hope they get better and better. FWIW, as I told rob, during that two week span we lost by 20+ to Portland at home (which didn't make the playoffs)

[spurraider21]

Tha fuck happened? I had to stop losing the game when it was 87-86 good guys :lol

[AntiChrist]

Tim's shot from the elbow is starting to annoy me.

[HI-FI]

not a good game from Timmy, not that I can really ever complain about him, but just not a good game. Aldridge was on fire and the refs were terrible imo.

[AntiChrist]

Probably a blowout if not for Manu's 3rd quarter. Suck it, haters.

[SpurPadre]

Probably a blowout if not for Manu's 3rd quarter. Suck it, haters.
Yeah but more likely a spurs win had mills not decided to don blazers gear again.

[AntiChrist]

not a good game from Timmy, not that I can really ever complain about him, but just not a good game. Aldridge was on fire and the refs were terrible imo.

Aldridge is a stud. Tough assignment for Boris (or anyone).

[AntiChrist]

Yeah but more likely a spurs win had mills not decided to don blazers gear again.

Lol, at least he has the balls to shoot. I can't stand the hesitant open shooter.

[timtonymanu]

Really though, the whole team played terribly outside of Manu and we are missing Splitter and Green and the game was still in reach.

Portland had their usual contributors.

[ElNono]

tbh, Aldrige is soft and not as good a shooter as, say, Dirk in his prime... I doubt the Spurs will play the Blazers in the playoffs, but if they did, I think the way we defend him would be very different. More double-teams from Batum's guy, not letting him get to his spot, etc...

[timtonymanu]

Yeah but more likely a spurs win had mills not decided to don blazers gear again.

Patty's chucking was awful tonight. Gary Neal would be smiling. I don't know if it's just cause he's facing his old team, but he seemed determined in lighting them up instead of playing smart. Part of the blame goes to Boylan for the worst coaching job on the Spurs in years.

[HI-FI]

Patty's chucking was awful tonight. Gary Neal would be smiling. I don't know if it's just cause he's facing his old team, but he seemed determined in lighting them up instead of playing smart. Part of the blame goes to Boylan for the worst coaching job on the Spurs in years.

i'm going to give Boylen somewhat of a pass because it's his first game, and Pop had a right to get livid about the calls, they were terrible. still Boylen deserves a D. I knew when Kawhi was sitting out it was over.

[AntiChrist]

tbh, Aldrige is soft and not as good a shooter as, say, Dirk in his prime... I doubt the Spurs will play the Blazers in the playoffs, but if they did, I think the way we defend him would be very different. More double-teams from Batum's guy, not letting him get to his spot, etc...

What makes you say he's soft? Played pretty physical tonight, even though it was against senior citizens.

[SupremeGuy]

When do the excuses stop? tbh. The Spurs have zero signature wins this season, not to mention they're getting their shit pushed in at home.We have 31 signature wins.

[LakerHater]

Manu Ginobili on the Spurs 1-8 record against elite teams: “I guess, at the moment, we are not ready to beat them.”

[ElNono]

What makes you say he's soft? Played pretty physical tonight, even though it was against senior citizens.

He's a softie. His defense is basically getting out of the way (and letting Lopez handle the tough assignments), and on offense is jumpshot and more jumpshot. He's never been known to be a physical guy. This is why adding Lopez was important for them, they always were getting destroyed inside.

[timtonymanu]

Manu Ginobili on the Spurs 1-8 record against elite teams: “I guess, at the moment, we are not ready to beat them.”

Totally forgot we beat GS twice so it should be 2 wins. Curry missing the 1st game was countered with the Big 3 missing the 2nd game. I don't know if Houston is considered elite though.

[Kidd K]

We nearly won the Finals. Nearly is worth shit, tbh.

Nearly winning the title is the second best thing that could happen in a season. Compare and contrast to shitty bottom of the barrel eastern conference teams, or formerly good teams who SUCK right now like the Celtics and Lakers. Or teams with crippled stars like the Bulls.

You can't seriously be so spoiled and jaded as to act like not winning a title means the season wasn't worth watching, that it somehow means the team is worth shit, and that their chances going forward are also shit. Then again maybe you just are that spoiled.

[cd021]

He's a softie. His defense is basically getting out of the way (and letting Lopez handle the tough assignments), and on offense is jumpshot and more jumpshot. He's never been known to be a physical guy. This is why adding Lopez was important for them, they always were getting destroyed inside.

They are a poor defensive team. You're acting if Lopez is Hibbert. Most star big men don't guard each other. Duncan seldom guarded Garnett until late in games. Its to save energy/ keep from getting into foul trouble.

He is legit, a lethal jumper and can score in the post as well.

[cd021]

It would have been interesting if we went small ball

Duncan
Leonard
Ginobil
Belineilli
Parker

pack as much offense on the floor as possible. Rely on Duncan and Leonard to make plays on D and securing the glass.

[timtonymanu]

Marco's man went off on the Spurs again.

This is why Danny Green is important. Belinelli's defense is awful and can easily be exposed. I hope he isn't the starter still when Green returns.

Green's offensive struggles >> Belinelli's defensive struggles

[ElNono]

They are a poor defensive team. You're acting if Lopez is Hibbert. Most star big men don't guard each other. Duncan seldom guarded Garnett until late in games. Its to save energy/ keep from getting into foul trouble.

He is legit, a lethal jumper and can score in the post as well.

No, I'm not acting like he's Hibbert, but for a team like Portland, a team that didn't even could make the playoffs last season *with* LMA, Lillard, Matthews and Batum, it's the perfect fit, because he addressed a huge need for them. Same thing with Mo Williams off the bench. LMA is an extremely talented player, but he isn't prime Dirk.

[timtonymanu]

Aldridge had Hickson next to him the last two years and Aldridge was terrible on defense. Hickson being poor on that end is well is a reason Portland dumped him even though he had a career year last season.

[AntiChrist]

He's a softie. His defense is basically getting out of the way (and letting Lopez handle the tough assignments), and on offense is jumpshot and more jumpshot. He's never been known to be a physical guy. This is why adding Lopez was important for them, they always were getting destroyed inside.

Well, he's definitely no prime Duncan, but, with a killer jump shot like that, why wouldn't you use it?

He probably could've been coached to be a great defender, but he's been in Portland.

[LakerHater]

Batum on Ginobili: "I would love to play like this when I'm 36. He's one of my favorite players of all time..."

[ElNono]

Well, he's definitely no prime Duncan, but, with a killer jump shot like that, why wouldn't you use it?

He probably could've been coached to be a great defender, but he's been in Portland.

Oh, I'm not saying he shouldn't use it. I suspect he's still gonna drop 20pts on your ass regardless of the shenanigans you throw at him. But you gotta minimize the damage and let the other guys beat you. The playoffs have always been that way.

[AntiChrist]

Batum on Ginobili: "I would love to play like this when I'm 36. He's one of my favorite players of all time..."



Just shows that he's an intelligent player (unlike most fans).

[AntiChrist]

Oh, I'm not saying he shouldn't use it. I suspect he's still gonna drop 20pts on your ass regardless of the shenanigans you throw at him. But you gotta minimize the damage and let the other guys beat you. The playoffs have always been that way.

I'm not a huge fan of the jump shooting big man, but it sure is a pain in the ass to defend. BTW, those other guys did beat us. That one guy (Washington?) was shooting daggers at the end.

[ElNono]

I'm not a huge fan of the jump shooting big man, but it sure is a pain in the ass to defend. BTW, those other guys did beat us. That one guy (Washington?) was shooting daggers at the end.

regular season... Mo Williams always killed us in Utah, then disappeared in the playoffs... not that they can't pull it off, but you gotta see it to believe it.

[SpurSwag]

It is getting really disheartening seeing us lose to great team after great team, and I'm sure the players are even more frustrated. All the cliff jumping is definitely unwarranted and as always some members on here are just naturally bandwagoners and quite frankly huge bitches, but there is an issue that needs to be addressed. We desperately need a mobile defensive 4 to guard the likes of lamarcus and bosh when boris can't. We also really need Duncan to get back to where he was last year, he's close but he isn't all the way there yet. It's been encouraging to see him get back to that level slowly over the course of the season, and all I can ask is he get there by playoff time.

[apalisoc_9]

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=228022&p=7078265#post7078265

[TheGoldStandard]

Well, at least we'll spank the Bucks.

[SpurPadre]

Totally forgot we beat GS twice so it should be 2 wins. Curry missing the 1st game was countered with the Big 3 missing the 2nd game. I don't know if Houston is considered elite though.
The first warriors game doesn't count cuz curry didn't play and the dubs vastly underestimated the b team in the second game and took the night off basically.

[cd021]

No, I'm not acting like he's Hibbert, but for a team like Portland, a team that didn't even could make the playoffs last season *with* LMA, Lillard, Matthews and Batum, it's the perfect fit, because he addressed a huge need for them. Same thing with Mo Williams off the bench. LMA is an extremely talented player, but he isn't prime Dirk.

Ok. most of these points i agree with. However they allowed 109.2 points per 100 possessions last season, this season they allow 107.2 points per 100 possessions. They jumped from 26th to 20th in defense.

The major difference in between those teams are Robin Lopez and JJ Hickson. Lopez is a very solid center but far from a defensive anchor.

He is actually slightly worse in defensive rating than Hickson was (considered to be a train wreck last season). Of the 6 players that have played 900 minutes for them he has an defensive rating of 107.

Offensively they blow the doors off teams (105.8 per 100 possessions last season to 113.9 this season) improving from 15th to 1st in offense. Lopez is 2nd on the team in offensive rating, so he does have a major impact on that end.

They aren't built for the postseason, based on those numbers. Teams like them seem to hit a brick wall on offense and struggle to compete as their defense isn't good enough to stop anyone.


Of the 8 teams that made the semi's last season the worst was 8th in defensive rating (The Bulls).

[cd021]

The first warriors game doesn't count cuz curry didn't play and the dubs vastly underestimated the b team in the second game and took the night off basically.

I never understood that logic. If it counts as a win or a loss it counts. It was still close and they were above .500 in both games.

[TheGoldStandard]

Portland can play in a half court set but they rely heavily on perimeter play to keep them in games, this will do them in eventually in the playoffs.

[SpurPadre]

I never understood that logic. If it counts as a win or a loss it counts. It was still close and they were above .500 in both games.
The fact that it was still close makes it even embarrassing. Curry is the heart and soul of that team.

[Sean Cagney]

Well, at least we'll spank the Bucks.

Yep after losing to a good team we will go beat the hell out of a garbage team again! Seems the story of this year.

[crc21209]

The Blazers are just like the damn Rockets. Rely too much on the 3 ball and the jumpshot itself. Aldridge is just a soft jump shooter and will rarely look to post up. He's a Dirk-ish type player. Bellinelli's defense tonight on Matthews was terrible, and one of the main reasons we lost tonight. Green is a huge piece to have when a guy like Matthews is going off. Green can go from guarding PG's like Curry and Lillard to SG/SF's like Harden and Matthews.

[dorrrr]

OMG WHY THE HELL JEFF AYRES IS STILL PLAYING?!???????

[TampaDude]

Still almost beat them without Green or Splitter. Not worried about any team in the West come playoff time, tbh.

GO SPURS GO!!!!!

[cd021]

The fact that it was still close makes it even embarrassing. Curry is the heart and soul of that team.

Yes. And us beating them without Duncan Parker and Ginobili doesn't make up for that. On any given night any team can beat any team. The Heat were beaten 3 games in a row by the Knicks, Nets & Wizards. As long as we won, there is little shame in how we win or lose.

[wut]

OMG WHY THE HELL JEFF AYRES IS STILL PLAYING?!???????

Because we are incredibly weak at the 4 and 5 spots even with Duncan.

[AztecSpur]

Where the hell was Kawhi... our future star...


THIS, and as a Kawhi fan myself, if even Pop is putting Mills & Belinelli in at the end of games ahead of KL as it seems to be lately, KL's stock is leaning more towards a Journeyman than a Star.

[TheGoldStandard]

Kawhi might end up being the one that got away ifbthe spurs don't adjust there system to include kawhi more. I agree Kawhi needs to he more aggressive, needs to act like an alpha but that's not his personality, he's quiet and laid back. Coaches can preach and coach him up but they can't turn him into a man he has to do that on his own.

[Baam]

Where is he going? Teams won't throw max offers at someone who looks like Gerald Wallace 1.1...

[apalisoc_9]

THIS, and as a Kawhi fan myself, if even Pop is putting Mills & Belinelli in at the end of games ahead of KL as it seems to be lately, KL's stock is leaning more towards a Journeyman than a Star.

don't worry man, KL is getting his.

The real worry is if he's had enough in SA..He knows he's not going to develop here as evidence with his last interview.

So long as he doesn't accept offers from terrible ball clubs, he is going to be an all-star like player.

[apalisoc_9]

THIS, and as a Kawhi fan myself, if even Pop is putting Mills & Belinelli in at the end of games ahead of KL as it seems to be lately, KL's stock is leaning more towards a Journeyman than a Star.

don't worry man, KL is getting his.

The real worry is if he's had enough in SA..He knows he's not going to develop here as evidence with his last interview.

So long as he doesn't accept offers from terrible ball clubs, he is going to be an all-star like player.

[TheGoldStandard]

What are the chances that we will ever see Malcolm Thomas touch the floor this year

[wildchild]

What are the chances that we will ever see Malcolm Thomas touch the floor this year

Zero :depressed (even if Bonner is out)

[wildchild]

Kendall Marshall's success doesn't convince Pop.

[wildchild]

Where is he going? Teams won't throw max offers at someone who looks like Gerald Wallace 1.1...

Max offers? I don't know but young SF who can defend elite top players, rebound, pass, play in low post, score, I'm sure that he's incredibly valuable and a lot of rebuilding teams (Sixers, Pelicans) would love to have him

[wildchild]

Kawhi might end up being the one that got away if the spurs don't adjust there system to include kawhi more. I agree Kawhi needs to he more aggressive, needs to act like an alpha but that's not his personality, he's quiet and laid back. Coaches can preach and coach him up but they can't turn him into a man he has to do that on his own.

The coach's job isn't change the personalities of his players, but if the coach has a young player with supposed excessive shyness and doesn't involve him, doesn't build his confidence and eliminate his doubts, hesitation, fear of messing up, and doesn't realize how make him more comfortable in team offense, it isn't a personality problem, it's coach's fault.

It will be hard for a young player to start acting like an alpha next games, when the coach benched him last game and sends the message "Kawhi, you're expendable, you aren't important to us, we don't need you"

[TheGoldStandard]

Max offers? I don't know but young SF who can defend elite top players, rebound, pass, play in low post, score, I'm sure that he's incredibly valuable and a lot of rebuilding teams (Sixers, Pelicans) would love to have him

Yup, if Tiago Splitter can get 36 Mil from us and supposedly had interest from other teams Kawhi will get a 40 or 50 mil offer.

[TheGoldStandard]

The coach's job isn't change the personalities of his players, but if the coach has a young player with supposed excessive shyness and doesn't involve him, doesn't build his confidence and eliminate his doubts, hesitation, fear of messing up, and doesn't realize how make him more comfortable in team offense, it isn't a personality problem, it's coach's fault.

It will be hard for a young player to start acting like an alpha next games, when the coach benched him last game and sends the message "Kawhi, you're expendable, you aren't important to us, we don't need you"

I agree that the coaching staff has to get the ball into his hands but there is something wrong with a player who pulls up half the time they have anyone in front of them, they have to have that confidence that they can either beat their defender and get the ball to the basket or draw a foul but Kawhi just hesitates. Same thing with his hesitation to take open 3 point shots in certain spots. We all get on Parker for going Heroball but there are very people in our lineup that will just jack up shots when we need to create. Mills will chuck and Manu will go all out, Belli on screens will let it fly. Coaches has to express that he needs to shoot the ball but when he gets it he needs to let it fly. I don't care if he goes 3/15 as long as he's learning from those shot attempts

[apalisoc_9]

I agree that the coaching staff has to get the ball into his hands but there is something wrong with a player who pulls up half the time they have anyone in front of them, they have to have that confidence that they can either beat their defender and get the ball to the basket or draw a foul but Kawhi just hesitates. Same thing with his hesitation to take open 3 point shots in certain spots. We all get on Parker for going Heroball but there are very people in our lineup that will just jack up shots when we need to create. Mills will chuck and Manu will go all out, Belli on screens will let it fly. Coaches has to express that he needs to shoot the ball but when he gets it he needs to let it fly. I don't care if he goes 3/15 as long as he's learning from those shot attempts

Guards have the option to chuck because they have the ball and dictate the offense..Kawhi is not a guard..the only way for him to chuck is to deviate totally from the system...NOt going to happen..he's going to get benched.

[TheGoldStandard]

Guards have the option to chuck because they have the ball and dictate the offense..Kawhi is not a guard..the only way for him to chuck is to deviate totally from the system...NOt going to happen..he's going to get benched.

Taking smart shots will not get you benched but his lack of even trying doesn't lead me to believe that he has confidence in himself. The offense might not be geared towards him but he will never know what he is capable of or the coaches if he just doesn't take that risk. Pop is stubborn and sometimes it takes standing up to him in order to get a fair shake.