Race To The # 1 Seed, Spurs Or Thunder?

[cd021]

Post All-star Break

San Antonio-15-1 (.937)

Indiana-11-7 (.611)

Miami 10-7 (4-7 in last 11 games) (.588) (.363)

Oklahoma City-8-6 (.571)

[HI-FI]

Post All-star Break

San Antonio-15-1 (.937)

Indiana-11-7 (.611)

Miami 10-7 (4-7 in last 11 games) (.588) (.363)

Oklahoma City-8-6 (.571)

damn that's impressive.

[Mel_13]

The Spurs would have to lose six more games than the Clippers over the remaining 14 games in order to be passed by them. A top 2 seed is all but a certainty. Taking clinched tiebreakers into account, magic numbers over potential WC playoff teams:

OKC 13
LAC 9
HOU 9
POR 7
GSW 5
DAL 2
MEM 2
PHX 2

With 13 games remaining:

OKC 12
LAC 8
HOU 8
POR 5
GSW 2
DAL 1
MEM 1
PHX 1

[Spursfanfromafar]

With 13 games remaining:

OKC 12
LAC 8
HOU 8
POR 5
GSW 2
DAL 1
MEM 1
PHX 1

Would be delighted if you restore your magic numbers thread with Spurs players' jerseys! Thanks.

[boutons_deux]

Spurs winning the post All Star Break championship

[Mel_13]

Would be delighted if you restore your magic numbers thread with Spurs players' jerseys! Thanks.

Thanks, but this thread will suffice for this season.

[boutons_deux]

Spurs just about where the other top teams are vs .500+ teams

24-14

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/type/expanded/group/1

[Horry Hipcheck]

Spurs just about where the other top teams are vs .500+ teams

24-14

http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/type/expanded/group/1

I took a peak at Hollinger's Playoff odds, just for fun, and the disparity between the two conferences is atrocious. Phoenix is in 9th right now. They're the 3 seed if they're in the East. Even Minnesota in 10th would be an Eastern 7 seed.

[heyheymymy]

not sure i want to face mem now that they edged ind but i know we would beat both dal and mem so it's a wash.

westbrook's MRI says he is fine, so thunder aren't going to miss him any. really hoping they toss one more game for a little buffer.

[exstatic]

not sure i want to face mem now that they edged ind but i know we would beat both dal and mem so it's a wash.

westbrook's MRI says he is fine, so thunder aren't going to miss him any. really hoping they toss one more game for a little buffer.

Memphis is nothing. They're our bitches. We're 17-2 since the 2011 debacle, including the playoff sweep last year. They had SO MANY things go perfectly right, I doubt they could have won that series 5 times if we played it 100 times.

[Mugen]

Spurs are going to have to go 4-0 during this next stretch to keep HCA throughout IMO. A loss this week and I think the Thunder overtake them.

That Raptor game was really big for OKC but hopefully they drop a winnable game and help SA out tbh.

[Blizzardwizard]

Memphis just reminds me of Gary Neal, in some good ways and some bad ways. Wouldn't mind playing them but would like to play someone else other than Hou or OKC given the opportunity.

[SpursFan86]

Welp, here's where shit gets interesting. Right now we have a 2-game lead over OKC. Here are our last 13 games:

PHI
DEN
@DEN
NOP (b2b)
@IND
GS
OKC (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=43121) (b2b)
MEM
@MIN
@DAL
PHO (b2b)
@HOU
LAL

Here's OKC's last 13 games:

DEN
@DAL (b2b)
SAC
UTA
SAS
@HOU (b2b)
@PHO
sac
@LAC (b2b)
NOP
@IND
@NOP (b2b)
DET

So both teams have pretty tough schedules ahead, but I'd say ours is a bit tougher. That bolded 8-game stretch is brutal. If we can win 5 of those 8 games, and then handle our business against the lesser teams outside of that stretch, I think we'll be in good shape. I think we beat Indiana. They've fallen off a lot, and they embarrassed us last time at home. I think our guys will come out ready to go and we will win.

OKC has to play road games against Dallas, Houston, and the Clippers...all on the 2nd night of back-to-backs.

What will really be huge will be the OKC/SA game obviously. Unfortunately, we'll be on the road and on the 2nd night of a back-to-back...so I'm not too confident about us winning that one. If we do though, it'll be HUGE for us.

It's going to come down to the wire. If we win 9 of those 13 games, OKC will have to win 11 of their 13, which will be pretty tough.

[cd021]

Memphis is nothing. They're our bitches. We're 17-2 since the 2011 debacle, including the playoff sweep last year. They had SO MANY things go perfectly right, I doubt they could have won that series 5 times if we played it 100 times.

I think you mean 7-2. Since Gasol came back they have the best defensive rating in the league and were 26-10 at one point heading into last week. Dallas would be the better 1st round opponent.

[exstatic]

I think you mean 7-2. Since Gasol came back they have the best defensive rating in the league and were 26-10 at one point heading into last week. Dallas would be the better 1st round opponent.

My bad 13-2. They're in our division, so 4 games each in 11-12, 12-13, a 4 game playoff last year, plus 3 games so far this year. We've lost 2 games total, out of 15 since that series.

[Chinook]

I want Portland to fall all the way to ninth for the sheer hilarity of it, but I'd also hate to see Phoenix rise to eight. They're another poor matchup for the Spurs, even though SA is a far superior team.

[cd021]

Welp, here's where shit gets interesting. Right now we have a 2-game lead over OKC. Here are our last 13 games:

PHI
DEN
@DEN
NOP (b2b)
@IND
GS
OKC (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=43121) (b2b)
MEM
@MIN
@DAL
PHO (b2b)
@HOU
LAL

Here's OKC's last 13 games:

DEN
@DAL (b2b)
SAC
UTA
SAS
@HOU (b2b)
@PHO
sac (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=2890)
@LAC (b2b)
NOP
@IND
@NOP (b2b)
DET

So both teams have pretty tough schedules ahead, but I'd say ours is a bit tougher. That bolded 8-game stretch is brutal. If we can win 5 of those 8 games, and then handle our business against the lesser teams outside of that stretch, I think we'll be in good shape. I think we beat Indiana. They've fallen off a lot, and they embarrassed us last time at home. I think our guys will come out ready to go and we will win.

OKC has to play road games against Dallas, Houston, and the Clippers...all on the 2nd night of back-to-backs.

What will really be huge will be the OKC/SA game obviously. Unfortunately, we'll be on the road and on the 2nd night of a back-to-back...so I'm not too confident about us winning that one. If we do though, it'll be HUGE for us.

It's going to come down to the wire. If we win 9 of those 13 games, OKC will have to win 11 of their 13, which will be pretty tough.

One thing to keep in mind is Westbrook resting on B2Bs. He has generally rested on the 1st game and played the 2nd games. That would mean he sits against the Spurs and plays Houston. That could significantly boost our chances of winning the #1 seed.

Having Green not be tied to Westbrook but instead play Jackson and focus our efforts on stopping Durant is big.

[Legacy]

Dragic will not be fun for us.

[HI-FI]

One thing to keep in mind is Westbrook resting on B2Bs. He has generally rested on the 1st game and played the 2nd games. That would mean he sits against the Spurs and plays Houston. That could significantly boost our chances of winning the #1 seed.

Having Green not be tied to Westbrook but instead play Jackson and focus our efforts on stopping Durant is big.
so is the no.1 seed that essential, to the point that Pop is actively pushing for it? D. Green sounded like they are more focused on health and rhythm, which is music to my ears, but I wonder if Pop is worried about getting HCA.

[Robz4000]

I want Portland to fall all the way to ninth for the sheer hilarity of it, but I'd also hate to see Phoenix rise to eight. They're another poor matchup for the Spurs, even though SA is a far superior team.

Portland won't choke enough to fall that far. However, I think Dallas might fall out and let Phoenix in unfortunately.

[cd021]

I want Portland to fall all the way to ninth for the sheer hilarity of it, but I'd also hate to see Phoenix rise to eight. They're another poor matchup for the Spurs, even though SA is a far superior team.

The Suns chances are pretty slim at the moment (Memphis also has a tough schedule but had the tie breaker vs. Phoenix) Their April schedule is murders row. 9 remaining games in 15 days. 6 of those are on the road 4 against playoff teams. including road games at Dallas, San Antonio and Memphis.

I do like Portland's odds to beat Houston in a tough 1st round match-up. Thats a 6 game series easy possibly a 7 gamer.

[Robz4000]

One thing to keep in mind is Westbrook resting on B2Bs. He has generally rested on the 1st game and played the 2nd games. That would mean he sits against the Spurs and plays Houston. That could significantly boost our chances of winning the #1 seed.

Having Green not be tied to Westbrook but instead play Jackson and focus our efforts on stopping Durant is big.

They'll reverse it for the Spurs. That game is far more important than the second against Houston.

[SpursFan86]

I personally think HCA is pretty important for us. Obviously I'd prefer a healthy/rested squad over anything, but HCA is big. OKC/LAC/Houston/Portland are all way better at home compared to on the road. Look at their home vs. away records and you'll see a huge difference in their performance.

I mean shit, look back to the Finals. If we have HCA over Miami, that game 7 is much more winnable.

Also, if we have the #1 seed, that means we'll play the winner of either Houston/Portland or Houston/GS. I think LAC can knock out OKC personally if those teams meet in the 2nd.

Memphis/Dallas --> Golden State/Portland --> LAC --> Finals...that's our ideal path IMO.

[SpursDynasty]

Duncan, Ginobili, Parker, and Popovich are the greatest players/coach core in the history of all U.S. pro sports.

Duncan is 37, Ginobili is 36, and Parker is 31, an "old" (minus Parker) core and in their 12th season together are sitting at the top the league still. Even Bird, McHale, and Parrish in their 12th year together only won a measly 51 games.

[cd021]

so is the no.1 seed that essential, to the point that Pop is actively pushing for it? D. Green sounded like they are more focused on health and rhythm, which is music to my ears, but I wonder if Pop is worried about getting HCA.

The Spurs are 0-6 dating back the WCF in OKC. If we were to get back to the Finals the Spurs (almost certainly) home court against Miami and possibly Indiana.

The odds of the Spurs beating OKC without home court is 40/60, at best. I'm not as worried about home court against Indiana. They could just as easily drop the next two games (@ Chicago and Miami).

The Spurs can easily rest its big 3 in the next week. I wouldn't be surprised to see Parker sit at home against Phili giving him 3 days off before Denver game. Then playing @ Denver 2 nights later. They come back home to play the Pelicans who are 12-23 on the road.

Denver is especially short handed. Hickson is out for the season along with McGee. There is a massive drop off in their 4-5 rotation with only Faried and Mosgov posting P.E.Rs above 12.

3 seasons ago Pop actually allowed the big 3 to play the last game of the season because there was a chance that they would finish with the best record in the league.

He has been known to say one thing and do another. I believe he wants home court through out. He won't up any of the big 3's minute.

[cd021]

I personally think HCA is pretty important for us. Obviously I'd prefer a healthy/rested squad over anything, but HCA is big. OKC/LAC/Houston/Portland are all way better at home compared to on the road. Look at their home vs. away records and you'll see a huge difference in their performance.

I mean shit, look back to the Finals. If we have HCA over Miami, that game 7 is much more winnable.

Also, if we have the #1 seed, that means we'll play the winner of either Houston/Portland or Houston/GS. I think LAC can knock out OKC personally if those teams meet in the 2nd.

Memphis/Dallas --> Golden State/Portland --> LAC --> Finals...that's our ideal path IMO.

The odds of it even getting to 7 games with the Spurs having home court would have been low. The Spurs were the superior team.

[HI-FI]

The Spurs are 0-6 dating back the WCF in OKC. If we were to get back to the Finals the Spurs (almost certainly) home court against Miami and possibly Indiana.

The odds of the Spurs beating OKC without home court is 40/60, at best. I'm not as worried about home court against Indiana. They could just as easily drop the next two games (@ Chicago and Miami).

The Spurs can easily rest its big 3 in the next week. I wouldn't be surprised to see Parker sit at home against Phili giving him 3 days off before Denver game. Then playing @ Denver 2 nights later. They come back home to play the Pelicans who are 12-23 on the road.

Denver is especially short handed. Hickson is out for the season along with McGee. There is a massive drop off in their 4-5 rotation with only Faried and Mosgov posting P.E.Rs above 12.

3 seasons ago Pop actually allowed the big 3 to play the last game of the season because there was a chance that they would finish with the best record in the league.

He has been known to say one thing and do another. I believe he wants home court through out. He won't up any of the big 3's minute.

:tu the goods.
I'm always anal retentive about health, but I also realize that OKC gets such ridiculous home cooking that I don't like them with the no.1 seed.

[N0 LyF3 ScRuB]

The Spurs are 0-6 dating back the WCF in OKC.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqu1sVzOvVs

[letmk]

so is the no.1 seed that essential, to the point that Pop is actively pushing for it? D. Green sounded like they are more focused on health and rhythm, which is music to my ears, but I wonder if Pop is worried about getting HCA.

I don't think Pop does. Otherwise he would not have rested Timmy and Manu as usual.

[cd021]

I don't think Pop does. Otherwise he would not have rested Timmy and Manu as usual.

I'd argue that him sitting Duncan and Ginobili while playing Parker, can be seen as him going for the #1 seed. He is just being smart about it. Duncan and Ginobili sit at GSW and have 2 days rest for Phili (they may not even play the final 1 1/2 quarter) Parker could sit tonight and have all three healthy for a home and home against Denver.

[cd021]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqu1sVzOvVs

We tend to lose the close games at OKC. Spurs are 4-3 in San Antonio from the WCF to now.

[Mugen]

I'd sit Duncan/Parker against the Sixers. Maybe have someone else sit out in each of the home games against Denver and New Orleans. Gonna need the full squad @Denver IMO.

[Chinook]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqu1sVzOvVs

Um...that was in SA...

[crc21209]

I'd sit Duncan/Parker against the Sixers. Maybe have someone else sit out in each of the home games against Denver and New Orleans. Gonna need the full squad @Denver IMO.

I would sit Duncan/Parker against Philly too but I wonder if Pop would avoid that move against his good friend Brett Brown. Maybe Pop wouldnt want to offend Brown by sitting those two and sending the message that "We can beat your squad without 2 of our best players." Sort of a slap in the face move...

[Sean Cagney]

Um...that was in SA...

I was just going to say that too, he said IN OKC so yes you are right.

[exstatic]

I'd sit Duncan/Parker against the Sixers. Maybe have someone else sit out in each of the home games against Denver and New Orleans. Gonna need the full squad @Denver IMO.

I was thinking Parker/Diaw, since Timmy just sat with Manu on Saturday. Diaw looks gassed. Everything was hitting the front of the rim.

[FromWayDowntown]

Spurs should clinch First Round HCA with a win tonight over Philly and a Portland loss at Miami. That scenario would put the Spurs 10 full games up in the loss column over the Blazers (who currently hold the #5 spot) leave the Blazers with only 10 games remaining, obviously leaving the worst case scenario for the Spurs as a tie with the Blazers; the Spurs should ultimately hold that tiebreaker.

At the moment, of the teams that are between 5th and 9th in the standings, the Grizzlies also have a mathematical chance to catch the Spurs (though the Grizz would have to run the table and the Spurs would have to end on a 13 game losing streak for that to happen), but a Spurs win tonight would also leave them at least 12 games up on the Grizzlies in the loss column with 12 to go for both teams, and the Spurs already holding that tiebreaker.

The Spurs have already clinched a higher playoff seed than Golden State (which is 11 back in the loss column with 11 to go and has lost the tiebreaker), Dallas (which is 13 back with 11 to play), and Phoenix (which is 13 back with 12 to play).

[Chinook]

Spurs should clinch First Round HCA with a win tonight over Philly and a Portland loss at Miami. That scenario would put the Spurs 10 full games up in the loss column over the Blazers (who currently hold the #5 spot) leave the Blazers with only 10 games remaining, obviously leaving the worst case scenario for the Spurs as a tie with the Blazers; the Spurs should ultimately hold that tiebreaker.

At the moment, of the teams that are between 5th and 9th in the standings, the Grizzlies also have a mathematical chance to catch the Spurs (though the Grizz would have to run the table and the Spurs would have to end on a 13 game losing streak for that to happen), but a Spurs win tonight would also leave them at least 12 games up on the Grizzlies in the loss column with 12 to go for both teams, and the Spurs already holding that tiebreaker.

The Spurs have already clinched a higher playoff seed than Golden State (which is 11 back in the loss column with 11 to go and has lost the tiebreaker), Dallas (which is 13 back with 11 to play), and Phoenix (which is 13 back with 12 to play).

The Spurs haven't clinched the tie-break over Portland or GS yet.

[Dex]

The Spurs haven't clinched the tie-break over Portland or GS yet.

Spurs have won all three games against GSW, so there is no tie-breaker.

The season series against Portland is notched at 2-2, so it will go to Conference Record. The Spurs have 10 Conferences Losses with 11 conference games left, while the Blazers have 20 Conference Losses. So the Spurs need two more conference wins or conferences losses by PORT to secure the tiebreaker.

[Chinook]

Spurs have won all three games against GSW, so there is no tie-breaker.

The season series against Portland is notched at 2-2, so it will go to Conference Record. The Spurs have 10 Conferences Losses with 11 conference games left, while the Blazers have 20 Conference Losses. So the Spurs need two more conference wins to secure the season series from POR.

Season series is only the second tie-break. If the Rockets catch the Spurs while GS and Portland catch the Clips and OKC, respectively, they own the first tie-break.

[Dex]

While we are on the topic, the Magic Number for the Spurs to secure a better record than OKC is 12 with 13 games left to play.

[Dex]

Season series is only the second tie-break. If the Rockets catch the Spurs while GS and Portland catch the Clips and OKC, respectively, they own the first tie-break.

Touche. Highly unlikely (this is the Guests we are talking about here), but technically still possible.

[FromWayDowntown]

The Spurs haven't clinched the tie-break over Portland or GS yet.

Good point. I had forgotten about that. My point was a lot premature. My bad.

[poeticism707]

I personally think HCA is pretty important for us. Obviously I'd prefer a healthy/rested squad over anything, but HCA is big. OKC/LAC/Houston/Portland are all way better at home compared to on the road. Look at their home vs. away records and you'll see a huge difference in their performance.

I mean shit, look back to the Finals. If we have HCA over Miami, that game 7 is much more winnable.

Also, if we have the #1 seed, that means we'll play the winner of either Houston/Portland or Houston/GS. I think LAC can knock out OKC personally if those teams meet in the 2nd.

Memphis/Dallas --> Golden State/Portland --> LAC --> Finals...that's our ideal path IMO.

This.

[cd021]

Phoenix slides into the 8th seed. Dallas currently out of the playoffs. That likely won't hold. Phoenix has a very tough schedule in April.

[cd021]

Post All-star break records (updated to include tonight's games)

San Antonio-16-1 (.941)




Miami 11-7 (5-7 in last 12 games) (.611) (.416)

Oklahoma City-9-7 (.562)

Indiana-11-8 (.578)

[Mel_13]

With 13 games remaining:

OKC 12
LAC 8
HOU 8
POR 5
GSW 2
DAL 1
MEM 1
PHX 1

With 12 games remaining, magic numbers over potential WC playoff teams:

OKC 11
LAC 7
HOU 7
POR 3
GSW 1

[Captivus]

Can Dallas beat OKC tonight?

[SpursFan86]

Can Dallas beat OKC tonight?

Dallas won handily last time they played...and OKC played Denver last night. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

[cd021]

They'll reverse it for the Spurs. That game is far more important than the second against Houston.

Not so sure. They've been pretty consistent with sitting him on the 1st half of B2Bs last night was the 4th time they did that.

Its kind of pick your poison. They play @ Houston the following night. Sitting him against San Antonio and then having him fresh the following night actually makes some sense.

[cd021]

Dallas won handily last time they played...and OKC played Denver last night. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

That was without Westbrook but then again they did win big at OKC. If they do beat OKC that would be big. If that happens and the Spurs beat Denver, then the Spurs would carry a 3 game lead into the final 12 games.

[exstatic]

Not so sure. They've been pretty consistent with sitting him on the 1st half of B2Bs last night was the 4th time they did that.

Its kind of pick your poison. They play @ Houston the following night. Sitting him against San Antonio and then having him fresh the following night actually makes some sense.
They need our game more than the HOU game. They can throw the WC into a virtual tie by beating us. They get a win and a spurs loss rolled into one, as opposed to beating Houston and hoping someone else can knock us off.

[boutons_deux]

Tonight @Mavs could hoist themselves into 8th, and give Spurs 3L separation from OKC

[ace3g]

WESTERN
W (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/wins)
L (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/losses)
PCT (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/winPercent)
GB (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/gamesBehind)
HOME (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/homeWinPercent)
ROAD (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/roadWinPercent)
DIV (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/divisionWinPercent)
CONF (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/leagueWinPercent)
PF (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/avgPointsFor)
PA (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/avgPointsAgainst/order/false)
DIFF
STRK (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/streak)
L10


1
x - San Antonio (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/sa/san-antonio-spurs)
54
16
.771
-
27-8
27-8
9-3
31-10
105.3
97.5
+7.8
Won 14
10-0


2
Oklahoma City (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/okc/oklahoma-city-thunder)
52
18
.743
2
29-7
23-11
10-5
30-12
106.0
99.3
+6.7
Won 4
7-3


3
LA Clippers (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/lac/los-angeles-clippers)
50
21
.704
4 ½
31-5
19-16
9-4
29-12
107.5
100.4
+7.2
Won 2
9-1


4
Houston (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/hou/houston-rockets)
48
22
.686
6
28-7
20-15
9-4
26-17
106.8
101.8
+5.0
Won 4
7-3


5
Portland (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/por/portland-trail-blazers)
45
26
.634
9 ½
26-9
19-17
12-3
24-20
107.3
103.4
+3.9
Lost 2
3-7


6
Golden State (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/gs/golden-state-warriors)
44
27
.620
10 ½
23-12
21-15
9-5
24-18
103.5
98.9
+4.5
Lost 1
7-3


7
Memphis (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/mem/memphis-grizzlies)
42
28
.600
12
23-14
19-14
3-11
23-19
95.7
94.0
+1.7
Won 2
8-2


8
Phoenix (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/phx/phoenix-suns)
42
29
.592
12 ½
24-13
18-16
7-6
24-19
105.5
102.8
+2.7
Won 4
6-4


http://espn.go.com/i/blackdot.gif



Dallas (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/dal/dallas-mavericks)
42
29
.592
12 ½
23-12
19-17
9-5
22-19
104.6
102.3
+2.4
Lost 1
6-4

[N0 LyF3 ScRuB]

I think if we beat OKC head to head we should be in the clear. Remember, we need to finish one game ahead of OKC.. not tie. They have the tie breaker.

[SpursFan86]

I think if we beat OKC head to head we should be in the clear. Remember, we need to finish one game ahead of OKC.. not tie. They have the tie breaker.

Unfortunately, I'm not so confident about us being able to do so. We'll be playing Golden State the night before and then going into OKC to try and beat the Thunder on a back-to-back.

[N0 LyF3 ScRuB]

Unfortunately, I'm not so confident about us being able to do so. We'll be playing Golden State the night before and then going into OKC to try and beat the Thunder on a back-to-back.

Pop will probably play the big 3 in the Thunder game and rest him against GS... but I wouldn't be against or surprised if they play both.

[Mel_13]

Unfortunately, I'm not so confident about us being able to do so. We'll be playing Golden State the night before and then going into OKC to try and beat the Thunder on a back-to-back.

Look at the schedules of the two teams leading up to that game. Plus it's on TNT. Don't expect Tim and Manu to play in that game.

[SpursFan86]

Mavs down 1 going into the 2nd half. Let's hope they can stay in it and steal a W.

[heyheymymy]

hate this time of the year, you have to cheer for teams you hate. go mavs!

[cd021]

The Spurs are entering their toughest part of their schedule

Spurs- 3/31-4/8/2014
Toughest Stretch-5 games in 9 days-@ Pacers, Golden State, @ OKC, Memphis, @ Minnesota

(B2B @ Pacers, GSW)

Thunder 4/3-4/9/2014
Toughest Stretch:-5 games in 7 days. San Antonio, @ Houston @ Phoenix, @ Sacramento, @ L.A. Clippers,

(B2B: San Antonio, @ Houston/ @ Sacramento, @ L.A. Clippers)

[B2Bs for OKC are especially important due to Westbrook generally sitting the 1st half of B2Bs]

Both teams could very easily finish 3-2.

[SpursFan86]

Even when Fisher isn't playing the Spurs, he finds a way to fuck us.

Mavs up 2 with 3 minutes left.

[james evans]

why do we struggle with the thunder more than the mavs?

[loveforthegame]

Dallas doing everything to give it away.

[SpursFan86]

I. Fucking. Hate. Derek. Fisher. I swear this dude won't retire without blocking one more Spurs title.

[james evans]

Dallas doing everything to give it away.
it is beyond my knowledge how fisher is continued to be left open at the end of games by any team.

[loveforthegame]

Durant dagger.

[ThePop]

Thank you Westbrook.

[james evans]

YES!!! I'm shocked westbricke didn't kick his leg out on that shot

[SpursFan86]

Fuck! That Dirk shot was so close to going in. To overtime we go...

[Austin_Toros]

This thread has become a Thunder-Mavs game thread. Go Mavs btw.

[BillMc]

I. Fucking. Hate. Derek. Fisher. I swear this dude won't retire without blocking one more Spurs title.

+ 1billion.

[SpursFan86]

Mavs pulling away in OT...up 7 with a little over a minute left!

[heyheymymy]

DIAF FISH

[james evans]

thank you marion. i noticed that popovich isn't resting timmy as much as he did last season during the regular season throwing games as he normally does. i think he has somewhat learned his lesson. everything isn't always "just a regular season game"

[james evans]

durant looks for the foul after damn near every shot. he's a spoiled bitch

[james evans]

yep, that's game

[SpurPadre]

Shit, I guess I have to say this but thank you Mavs. Maybe they'll be worthy of getting swept in the first round by us. Dream big, Dirk!

[RD2191]

Rodl butler

[KawhiLeonard]

anyone else think durant in a couple of years could be the next Austin Daye?

[exstatic]

They won because I turned it off altogether. Every time I would switch over, OKC would go on a 6 or 8 point run, and KD would be livin' at the line. So, I shut it off. Ballgame.

[SpursFan86]

Thanks, Mavs. If we win tomorrow vs. Denver we'll have a 3 game lead on OKC.

[crc21209]

Man, if the damn Raptors wouldnt have choked the other night against the Thunder the Spurs would've been up 4 games in the L column...

[crc21209]

The Spurs are entering their toughest part of their schedule

Spurs- 3/31-4/8/2014
Toughest Stretch-5 games in 9 days-@ Pacers, Golden State, @ OKC, Memphis, @ Minnesota

(B2B @ Pacers, GSW)



Thunder 4/3-4/9/2014
Toughest Stretch:-5 games in 7 days. San Antonio, @ Houston @ Phoenix, @ Sacramento, @ L.A. Clippers,

(B2B: San Antonio, @ Houston/ @ Sacramento, @ L.A. Clippers)

[B2Bs for OKC are especially important due to Westbrook generally sitting the 1st half of B2Bs]

Both teams could very easily finish 3-2.

Nice. The Thunder dont have such an easy schedule left. @Houston, @Phoenix, and @Clippers is pretty tough.

[timtonymanu]

Magic number: 10

[heyheymymy]

They won because I turned it off altogether. Every time I would switch over, OKC would go on a 6 or 8 point run, and KD would be livin' at the line. So, I shut it off. Ballgame.

thanks, from those of us that are superstitious.

[Robz4000]

Spurs can only afford one loss in that stretch tbh. They go 4-1 they get the #1 overall seed, and that's only if they win the next three.

[Mel_13]

The Spurs are entering their toughest part of their schedule

Spurs- 3/31-4/8/2014
Toughest Stretch-5 games in 9 days-@ Pacers, Golden State, @ OKC, Memphis, @ Minnesota

(B2B @ Pacers, GSW)

Thunder 4/3-4/9/2014
Toughest Stretch:-5 games in 7 days. San Antonio, @ Houston @ Phoenix, @ Sacramento, @ L.A. Clippers,

(B2B: San Antonio, @ Houston/ @ Sacramento, @ L.A. Clippers)

[B2Bs for OKC are especially important due to Westbrook generally sitting the 1st half of B2Bs]

Both teams could very easily finish 3-2.

That B2B for the Spurs is GSW/@OKC

[Mel_13]

With 12 games remaining, magic numbers over potential WC playoff teams:

OKC 11
LAC 7
HOU 7
POR 3
GSW 1

Updated after tonight's games.

With 12 games remaining, magic numbers over potential WC playoff teams:

OKC 10
LAC 7
HOU 7
POR 2
GSW 1

[cd021]

Assuming Spurs take care of business tomorrow a 3 game lead. Spurs should at the very least have about a 2 game lead heading into the showdown in OKC.

[Mel_13]

They won because I turned it off altogether. Every time I would switch over, OKC would go on a 6 or 8 point run, and KD would be livin' at the line. So, I shut it off. Ballgame.

So you won't be watching a Spurs-OKC WCF?

[Mugen]

Thanks, Mavs. If we win tomorrow vs. Denver we'll have a 3 game lead on OKC.

Ditto tbh.

[cd021]

Interesting KD stats:

Kevin Durant- 3pt Shooting

Home:-44.3% (5.6 3PT Attempts)
Away:-36.5% (6.2 3PT Attempts)

In Wins [51 Wins]-45.3% 3pt (5.5 3PT Attempts)
In Losses [18 Losses]-29.7 % 3pt (7.1 3PT Attempts)

Vs Spurs (3 Games)

33.3% (5.0 3PT Attempts)

[Captivus]

At some point OKC also will want to rest players before the POs.
Eventually OKC will have to choose between continuing to try to get the 1st seed or settle with the 2nd.
The key here are the Clippers, and looking at their schedule is likely that they will lose a few games. If this happens, theres a higher chance OKC starts resting and stops trying to get the 1st seed.
(OMG...my english is getting worst).

LAC Schedule:
NOP
DAL
HOU
MIN
PHO
DAL
LAK
OKC
SAC
DEN
POR

[tmtcsc]

I think the Spurs will secure home court advantage throughout the playoffs. That being said, they are the best team in the league and it doesn't really matter where they lace them up. Spurs win.

[boutons_deux]

"(OMG...my english is getting worst)."

use the comparative "worse" than your other English :)

[look_at_g_shred]

Our winning streak will stop at 15. I bet the big three don't even travel with the team to Denver.

[superbigtime]

The OKC game is huge obviously

[DesignatedT]

Of course OKC gets 4 days rest before playing the Spurs while the Spurs are on a second game of a b2b with the first game being GS. Spurs already at a huge disadvantage for that game before the ball is even thrown up.

[letmk]

At some point OKC also will want to rest players before the POs.
Eventually OKC will have to choose between continuing to try to get the 1st seed or settle with the 2nd.
The key here are the Clippers, and looking at their schedule is likely that they will lose a few games. If this happens, theres a higher chance OKC starts resting and stops trying to get the 1st seed.
(OMG...my english is getting worst).


LAC Schedule:
NOP
DAL
HOU
MIN
PHO
DAL
LAK
OKC
SAC
DEN
POR

They don't have the luxury to settle on #2 seed. Clippers has a very legitimate chance to surpass them esp. when they have one more game to play against each other.

[Mugen]

That OKC game is a scheduled loss tbh. But as I've stated before, Spurs win these next 3 games and they're in good shape. 10 games to go with a 3 game advantage is a pretty decent lead for HCA.

[boutons_deux]

"At some point OKC also will want to rest players before the POs. "

esp Westbroke and his broken right knee

[Captivus]

"(OMG...my english is getting worst)."

use the comparative "worse" than your other English :)

Worse...I knew that. Damn!

[Captivus]

They don't have the luxury to settle on #2 seed. Clippers has a very legitimate chance to surpass them esp. when they have one more game to play against each other.

I agree, but before they play OKC they have to win against DAL (2 times), HOU and PHO. Lets see what happens.

[TD 21]

I still think the Thunder end up taking it right at the end. Injuries/minute limitations or not, they're due for a good stretch and the Spurs are due for a poor one, partially due to the schedule and partially due to how they'll navigate such schedule.

[cd021]

"At some point OKC also will want to rest players before the POs. "

esp Westbroke and his broken right knee




Westbrook is already sitting 1st halfs of B2Bs and cannot exceed 32 mpg. I don't think they are going to sit Durant until the final game or two. They don't seem worried about him wearing down, he's playing 38+ mpg.

[Mel_13]

With 12 games remaining, magic numbers over potential WC playoff teams:

OKC 10
LAC 7
HOU 7
POR 2
GSW 1

With 11 games remaining, magic numbers over potential WC playoff teams:

OKC 9
HOU 6
LAC 5
POR 1

[spurraider21]

we play in OKC in a b2b situation... if the team has it in them to win that game, its pretty much over right there imo

[ace3g]

WESTERN
W (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/wins)
L (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/losses)
PCT (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/winPercent)
GB (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/gamesBehind)
HOME (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/homeWinPercent)
ROAD (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/roadWinPercent)
DIV (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/divisionWinPercent)
CONF (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/leagueWinPercent)
PF (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/avgPointsFor)
PA (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/avgPointsAgainst/order/false)
DIFF
STRK (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/streak)
L10


1
x - San Antonio (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/sa/san-antonio-spurs)
56
16
.778
-
28-8
28-8
9-3
33-10
105.7
97.6
+8.1
Won 16
10-0


2
x - Oklahoma City (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/okc/oklahoma-city-thunder)
53
19
.736
3
30-7
23-12
10-5
31-13
106.0
99.5
+6.6
Won 1
7-3


3
LA Clippers (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/lac/los-angeles-clippers)
51
22
.699
5 ½
31-5
20-17
9-4
30-13
107.4
100.4
+7.0
Won 1
8-2


4
Houston (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/hou/houston-rockets)
49
22
.690
6 ½
29-7
20-15
9-4
26-17
107.0
101.7
+5.3
Won 5
7-3


5
Portland (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/por/portland-trail-blazers)
47
27
.635
10
26-9
21-18
12-3
24-20
106.6
102.6
+4.0
Won 2
5-5


6
Golden State (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/gs/golden-state-warriors)
44
27
.620
11 ½
23-12
21-15
9-5
24-18
103.5
98.9
+4.5
Lost 1
7-3


7
Memphis (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/mem/memphis-grizzlies)
43
28
.606
12 ½
23-14
20-14
3-11
24-19
95.6
93.9
+1.7
Won 3
8-2


8
Phoenix (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/phx/phoenix-suns)
43
29
.597
13
24-13
19-16
7-6
24-19
105.4
102.7
+2.7
Won 5
7-3


http://espn.go.com/i/blackdot.gif



Dallas (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/dal/dallas-mavericks)
43
30
.589
13 ½
24-13
19-17
9-5
23-20
104.9
102.6
+2.3
Lost 1
6-4

[Mel_13]

With 11 games remaining, magic numbers over potential WC playoff teams:

OKC 9
HOU 6
LAC 5
POR 1

With 10 games remaining, magic numbers over potential WC playoff teams:

OKC 8
HOU 5
LAC 4

[cd021]

Records (Post All-star Break) (Including tonight)

Spurs-18-1 (.947)

Clippers 14-4 (.777)

Heat-12-8 (.600)

Thunder 10-7 (.588)

Pacers-12-9 (.571)

[spurraider21]

You can stop keeping track of magic numbers for HOU and LAC, seriously

:lol

[Captivus]

I just notice the following fix:
The Spurs play Saturday, Monday, Wednesday and then Thursday against OKC...meanwhile..
OKC plays Sunday and rest until Thursday.
Good one Stern!

I just wish OKC loses tomorrow so that there's a chance Pop rests all the starters against OKC.
The last FUCK YOU Stern from the Spurs.
PLEASE!

[weeks]

no way man. i want to wreck OKC regardless. fuck that team


but it's just a regular season game so who knows what pop will do.

[ace3g]

WESTERN
W (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/wins)
L (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/losses)
PCT (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/winPercent)
GB (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/gamesBehind)
HOME (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/homeWinPercent)
ROAD (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/roadWinPercent)
DIV (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/divisionWinPercent)
CONF (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/leagueWinPercent)
PF (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/avgPointsFor)
PA (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/avgPointsAgainst/order/false)
DIFF
STRK (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/streak)
L10


1
x - San Antonio (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/sa/san-antonio-spurs)
57
16
.781
-
29-8
28-8
10-3
34-10
105.6
97.4
+8.2
Won 17
10-0


2
x - Oklahoma City (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/okc/oklahoma-city-thunder)
53
19
.736
3 ½
30-7
23-12
10-5
31-13
106.0
99.5
+6.6
Won 1
7-3


3
x - LA Clippers (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/lac/los-angeles-clippers)
52
22
.703
5 ½
31-5
21-17
9-4
31-13
107.5
100.4
+7.1
Won 2
8-2


4
Houston (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/hou/houston-rockets)
49
23
.681
7 ½
29-8
20-15
9-4
26-18
107.0
101.9
+5.1
Lost 1
6-4


5
Portland (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/por/portland-trail-blazers)
47
27
.635
10 ½
26-9
21-18
12-3
24-20
106.6
102.6
+4.0
Won 2
5-5


6
Golden State (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/gs/golden-state-warriors)
45
27
.625
11 ½
24-12
21-15
9-5
25-18
103.4
98.9
+4.6
Won 1
7-3


7
Phoenix (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/phx/phoenix-suns)
44
29
.603
13
25-13
19-16
7-6
24-19
105.5
102.5
+3.0
Won 6
8-2


8
Memphis (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/mem/memphis-grizzlies)
43
29
.597
13 ½
23-14
20-15
3-11
24-20
95.6
94.0
+1.6
Lost 1
7-3


http://espn.go.com/i/blackdot.gif



Dallas (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/dal/dallas-mavericks)
44
30
.595
13 ½
25-13
19-17
9-5
24-20
104.9
102.6
+2.4
Won 1
6-4

[cd021]

Updated to include tonight's games (3/29/2014)

Spurs-19-1 (.950)

Clippers 15-4 (.789)

Heat-13-8 (.619)

Thunder 10-7 (.588)

Pacers-12-9 (.571)

[exstatic]

Sean was speculating that if we took care of business Monday and Wednesday, that certain people might not even get on the airplane Wednesday after the game to go to OKC.

[N0 LyF3 ScRuB]

National Basketball Association


NBA
W (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/type/expanded/sort/wins/group/1)
L (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/type/expanded/sort/losses/group/1)
PCT (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/type/expanded/group/1/order/false)
GB (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/type/expanded/sort/gamesBehind/group/1)
3 PTS
OR LESS
10 PTS
OR MORE
VS.
.500 AND ABOVE
VS. BELOW
.500
OT


x - San Antonio (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/sa/san-antonio-spurs)
57
16
.781
-
7-0
32-9
24-14
33-2
2-0


x - Oklahoma City (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/okc/oklahoma-city-thunder)
53
19
.736
3 ½
9-4
29-7
26-14
27-5
3-1


y - Indiana (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/ind/indiana-pacers)
52
21
.712
5
3-3
28-13
20-15
32-6
4-0


x - LA Clippers (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/lac/los-angeles-clippers)
52
22
.703
5 ½
4-3
26-9
26-14
26-8
2-1


y - Miami (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/mia/miami-heat)
50
22
.694
6 ½
8-5
25-7
22-12
28-10
2-3


Houston (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/hou/houston-rockets)
49
23
.681
7 ½
7-5
29-9
24-17
25-6
2-2


Portland (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/por/portland-trail-blazers)
47
27
.635
10 ½
6-9
22-12
20-21
27-6
4-2


Golden State (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/gs/golden-state-warriors)
45
27
.625
11 ½
10-6
24-8
19-22
26-5
2-2


Phoenix (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/phx/phoenix-suns)
44
29
.603
13
2-8
18-6
16-22
28-7
1-2


Memphis (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/mem/memphis-grizzlies)
43
29
.597
13 ½
8-4
16-11
18-22
25-7
2-2


Dallas (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/dal/dallas-mavericks)
44
30
.595
13 ½
9-9
21-10
17-23
27-7
1-3


x - Toronto (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/tor/toronto-raptors)
41
31
.569
15 ½
3-7
22-5
16-21
25-10
1-6


x - Chicago (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/chi/chicago-bulls)
40
32
.556
16 ½
6-5
21-18
15-21
25-11
3-2


Brooklyn (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/bkn/brooklyn-nets)
38
33
.535
18
7-3
15-17
16-19
22-14
3-4


Washington (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/wsh/washington-wizards)
38
35
.521
19
4-9
14-13
13-22
25-13
4-7


Minnesota (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/min/minnesota-timberwolves)
36
35
.507
20
3-5
24-14
12-25
24-10
2-1


Charlotte (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/cha/charlotte-bobcats)
35
38
.479
22
6-7
16-19
14-25
21-13
3-3


New Orleans (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/no/new-orleans-pelicans)
32
41
.438
25
7-8
9-19
10-33
22-8
5-0


Denver (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/den/denver-nuggets)
32
41
.438
25
7-4
15-23
17-26
15-15
0-2


Atlanta (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/atl/atlanta-hawks)
31
41
.431
25 ½
8-8
12-15
9-30
22-11
4-1


New York (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/ny/new-york-knicks)
30
43
.411
27
2-7
16-21
8-26
22-17
2-3


Cleveland (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/cle/cleveland-cavaliers)
29
45
.392
28 ½
7-3
9-25
11-29
18-16
5-2


Detroit (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/det/detroit-pistons)
26
47
.356
31
2-5
16-23
10-28
16-19
0-4


Sacramento (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/sac/sacramento-kings)
25
48
.342
32
3-7
12-23
12-31
13-17
4-2


LA Lakers (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/lal/los-angeles-lakers)
24
48
.333
32 ½
5-5
9-27
9-33
15-15
0-1


Boston (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/bos/boston-celtics)
23
49
.319
33 ½
4-9
8-20
6-32
17-17
1-1


Utah (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/utah/utah-jazz)
23
50
.315
34
5-4
9-34
7-37
16-13
1-1


Orlando (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/orl/orlando-magic)
21
52
.288
36
5-7
10-25
6-29
15-23
2-5


Philadelphia (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/phi/philadelphia-76ers)
16
57
.219
41
6-3
3-43
6-32
10-25
4-1


Milwaukee (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/mil/milwaukee-bucks)
14
59
.192
43
3-4
4-29
2-34
12-25
1-6

[spurs1990]

I'd be ok with that...getting to 19 and then conceding to the okcheats and the nba's rigged schedule.

[cd021]

Spurs +49 in back 2 back wins

Duncan-48 minutes
Parker-41 minutes
Ginobili-39 minutes

[cd021]

Spurs

25-7 (.781) in 2013 (in 32 games)

32-9 (.780) Since January, 1st 2014 (in 41 games)

24-3 (.888) Since February 1st, 2014 (27 games)

[Hoops Czar]

Houston unintentionally, intentionally tanking for the 4th seed.

[Mel_13]

With 10 games remaining, magic numbers over potential WC playoff teams:

OKC 8
HOU 5
LAC 4

With 9 games remaining, magic numbers over potential WC playoff teams:

OKC 7
HOU 3
LAC 3

5-4 over the last nine games clinches a higher seed over 4 of the 5 teams that can still finish ahead of the Spurs. 5-4 will be enough to clinch over OKC as long as the Thunder don't finish 9-1 or 10-0.

[Mel_13]

Houston unintentionally, intentionally tanking for the 4th seed.

I doubt that the injuries to Howard and Beverly are faked or exaggerated, but looking ahead to the second round would be a bad play for Houston if they find themselves playing the Warriors in Round 1.

[letmk]

National Basketball Association


NBA
W (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/type/expanded/sort/wins/group/1)
L (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/type/expanded/sort/losses/group/1)
PCT (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/type/expanded/group/1/order/false)
GB (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/type/expanded/sort/gamesBehind/group/1)
3 PTS
OR LESS
10 PTS
OR MORE
VS.
.500 AND ABOVE
VS. BELOW
.500
OT


x - San Antonio (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/sa/san-antonio-spurs)
57
16
.781
-
7-0
32-9
24-14
33-2
2-0


x - Oklahoma City (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/okc/oklahoma-city-thunder)
53
19
.736
3 ½
9-4
29-7
26-14
27-5
3-1


y - Indiana (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/ind/indiana-pacers)
52
21
.712
5
3-3
28-13
20-15
32-6
4-0


x - LA Clippers (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/lac/los-angeles-clippers)
52
22
.703
5 ½
4-3
26-9
26-14
26-8
2-1


y - Miami (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/mia/miami-heat)
50
22
.694
6 ½
8-5
25-7
22-12
28-10
2-3


Houston (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/hou/houston-rockets)
49
23
.681
7 ½
7-5
29-9
24-17
25-6
2-2


Portland (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/por/portland-trail-blazers)
47
27
.635
10 ½
6-9
22-12
20-21
27-6
4-2


Golden State (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/gs/golden-state-warriors)
45
27
.625
11 ½
10-6
24-8
19-22
26-5
2-2


Phoenix (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/phx/phoenix-suns)
44
29
.603
13
2-8
18-6
16-22
28-7
1-2


Memphis (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/mem/memphis-grizzlies)
43
29
.597
13 ½
8-4
16-11
18-22
25-7
2-2


Dallas (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/dal/dallas-mavericks)
44
30
.595
13 ½
9-9
21-10
17-23
27-7
1-3


x - Toronto (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/tor/toronto-raptors)
41
31
.569
15 ½
3-7
22-5
16-21
25-10
1-6


x - Chicago (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/chi/chicago-bulls)
40
32
.556
16 ½
6-5
21-18
15-21
25-11
3-2


Brooklyn (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/bkn/brooklyn-nets)
38
33
.535
18
7-3
15-17
16-19
22-14
3-4


Washington (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/wsh/washington-wizards)
38
35
.521
19
4-9
14-13
13-22
25-13
4-7


Minnesota (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/min/minnesota-timberwolves)
36
35
.507
20
3-5
24-14
12-25
24-10
2-1


Charlotte (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/cha/charlotte-bobcats)
35
38
.479
22
6-7
16-19
14-25
21-13
3-3


New Orleans (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/no/new-orleans-pelicans)
32
41
.438
25
7-8
9-19
10-33
22-8
5-0


Denver (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/den/denver-nuggets)
32
41
.438
25
7-4
15-23
17-26
15-15
0-2


Atlanta (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/atl/atlanta-hawks)
31
41
.431
25 ½
8-8
12-15
9-30
22-11
4-1


New York (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/ny/new-york-knicks)
30
43
.411
27
2-7
16-21
8-26
22-17
2-3


Cleveland (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/cle/cleveland-cavaliers)
29
45
.392
28 ½
7-3
9-25
11-29
18-16
5-2


Detroit (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/det/detroit-pistons)
26
47
.356
31
2-5
16-23
10-28
16-19
0-4


Sacramento (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/sac/sacramento-kings)
25
48
.342
32
3-7
12-23
12-31
13-17
4-2


LA Lakers (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/lal/los-angeles-lakers)
24
48
.333
32 ½
5-5
9-27
9-33
15-15
0-1


Boston (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/bos/boston-celtics)
23
49
.319
33 ½
4-9
8-20
6-32
17-17
1-1


Utah (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/utah/utah-jazz)
23
50
.315
34
5-4
9-34
7-37
16-13
1-1


Orlando (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/orl/orlando-magic)
21
52
.288
36
5-7
10-25
6-29
15-23
2-5


Philadelphia (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/phi/philadelphia-76ers)
16
57
.219
41
6-3
3-43
6-32
10-25
4-1


Milwaukee (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/mil/milwaukee-bucks)
14
59
.192
43
3-4
4-29
2-34
12-25
1-6





Based on this data only, does it implicate that the Spurs are very lucky (7-0 for 3-point-or-less games) and not as good as the record indicates?

[N0 LyF3 ScRuB]

Based on this data only, does it implicate that the Spurs are very lucky (7-0 for 3-point-or-less games) and not as good as the record indicates?

No it indicates we are clutch in those type of situations..

[letmk]

No it indicates we are clutch in those type of situations..

Of course I would like to think that's because the Spurs are clutch. Just my gut feeling that OKC's 9-4 and Miami's 8-5 are more "real." Like tie-breaks in tennis, great players may have 2-1 ratio (or somewhat better) record, but not in Spurs' 7-0 territory. I'm just afraid that it would be evened out eventually, esp. during the playoffs.

[spursfaninla]

Of course I would like to think that's because the Spurs are clutch. Just my gut feeling that OKC's 9-4 and Miami's 8-5 are more "real." Like tie-breaks in tennis, great players may have 2-1 ratio (or somewhat better) record, but not in Spurs' 7-0 territory. I'm just afraid that it would be evened out eventually, esp. during the playoffs.

Probabilities say you are right, Spurs are slightly "lucky" with their close games. But they rarely lose by more than 10, and they beat a lot of teams by more than 10 according to the above stats. That is why point margin is a good predictor of playing strength: if you beat teams by an average of many points, they have not chance to get lucky and steal a win.

Spurs are +13 average margin of victory the last 25% of the season per ESPN hollinger rankings. Next best is clippers with about 9. After that you have some teams with about 5-6. Spurs are not just winning on this streak, they are steam-rolling.

[boutons_deux]

"That is why point margin is a good predictor of playing strength"

"my" best indicator of (playoff) team strength is road record, and nobody's even close to Spurs' RR.

[Galileo]

It really isn't a race. The Spurs would need to beat the Thunder outright to be the #1 seed because they lost the season series. They aren't geting the #1 seed without Parker. Lastly, sloppy offense + mediocre defense = no chance. The Thunder would literally have to fall apart completely. The Spurs need to concentrate, holding on to the #2 seed because it's far from a lock.

:lmao

[Galileo]

Thunder already won the season series tbh. Need to see a bit more of OKC to decide now that they've lost Porkins, but as of now I think they get the #1 seed.

:lmao :lmao

[Robz4000]

:lmao :lmao

Their D has gone to shit without Porkins and Sefolosha. However, that said:

:lol arrogant Spur fan

[ElNono]

Rob trying to :downspin: that shit... :lol

[Hoops Czar]

Why not? Spurs fans have been spinning that shit for the first half of the season whenever injuries occurred. At least he didn't say those games don't count because OKC wasn't full strength.

[Chinook]

Doesn't really seem like it needed spinning, Hoop. The Spurs are clearly clicking well after they got healthy. It's hard to rag on people making excuses when they end up being right.

[Gummi Clutch]

I don't think the thunder can catch up unless the spurs implode.

[Robz4000]

Not gonna count my tacos until they have it locked up tbh.

[Hoops Czar]

Doesn't really seem like it needed spinning, Hoop. The Spurs are clearly clicking well after they got healthy. It's hard to rag on people making excuses when they end up being right.

And OKC clearly isn't healthy, which is the biggest reason they've fallen off the pace. It's not a matter of being right or wrong. It's OK to use the injury excuse when it's the Spurs but dismiss it when it's some other contender.

[Chinook]

And OKC clearly isn't healthy, which is the biggest reason they've fallen off the pace. It's not a matter of being right or wrong. It's OK to use the injury excuse when it's the Spurs but dismiss it when it's some other contender.

Don't believe anyone's dismissed the injury excuse as it relates to OKC. You were among those who acted like an injured and out-of-sync Spurs team was going to last all season. No one thinks OKC won't be a really tough out in the WCF.

[ElNono]

It really isn't a race. The Spurs would need to beat the Thunder outright to be the #1 seed because they lost the season series. They aren't geting the #1 seed without Parker. Lastly, sloppy offense + mediocre defense = no chance. The Thunder would literally have to fall apart completely. The Spurs need to concentrate, holding on to the #2 seed because it's far from a lock.


It's not a matter of being right or wrong.

:spin

[ElNono]

Not gonna count my tacos until they have it locked up tbh.

true, although I would say the #2 seed is certainly a lock at this point...

[Robz4000]

true, although I would say the #2 seed is certainly a lock at this point...

Easily. Hell, the Spurs will have the #2 overall seed at the least.

[HI-FI]

it's going to be an interesting finish. I could see the Thunder make a strong push for the top spot, but they might wear themselves down in the process.

I'm grateful Spurs are in a very interesting position, they have breathing room to make a more balanced decision. I also like what Pop has to say on this, that health and rhythm are paramount.

[ElNono]

Ultimately if you're champ-worthy, you have to be able to win on the road... just how it is... the whole seeding thing is pretty overrated, IMO

[cd021]

Ultimately if you're champ-worthy, you have to be able to win on the road... just how it is... the whole seeding thing is pretty overrated, IMO

That is generally true but Spurs haven't won in OKC since Kawhi was a rookie. 0-6 there. Plus Durant has been particularly lethal at home, hitting nearly 45% of his 3's. I'd expect more even calls in San Antonio than in OKC.

[cd021]

Updated to include tonight's games (3/30/2014)

Spurs-19-1 (.950)

Clippers 15-4 (.789)

Heat-13-8 (.619)

Thunder 11-7 (.611)

Pacers-12-10 (.545)

[ElNono]

That is generally true but Spurs haven't won in OKC since Kawhi was a rookie. 0-6 there. Plus Durant has been particularly lethal at home, hitting nearly 45% of his 3's. I'd expect more even calls in San Antonio than in OKC.

So you're saying we're 0-0 in the playoffs against them since they traded Harden? Looks pretty even to me...

[cd021]

So you're saying we're 0-0 in the playoffs against them since they traded Harden? Looks pretty even to me...

Fair enough. OKC probably isn't as good as they were now while we are better than the '11 team. I'm still unconvinced that the Spurs can win more than a game in OKC.

The Thunders defense has slipped recently and several players in their rotation are liabilities on that end (Butler and Fisher, who are used to close out game) When they get Perkins and Sef. back there defense should improve but their offense may slip a bit. Perkins ORtg is just 82/100, While he does a good job of guarding Duncan in the post, his lack of offense allows for other teams to ignore him.

Sef. has regressed as a shooter (33% 3pt)and Butler is hitting only 35% of his 5 3pt attempts. Thats 2 rotation player who can't shoot consistently from deep.

As for the Spurs, Diaw can draw Ibaka several feet further out of the paint. The Spurs offense is more diverse with less reliance on Parker. The series would be a toss up if Spurs have home court and probably 40/60 if OKC has home court.

[ElNono]

Fair enough. OKC probably isn't as good as they were now while we are better than the '11 team. I'm still unconvinced that the Spurs can win more than a game in OKC.

The Thunders defense has slipped recently and several players in their rotation are liabilities on that end (Butler and Fisher, who are used to close out game) When they get Perkins and Sef. back there defense should improve but their offense may slip a bit. Perkins ORtg is just 82/100, While he does a good job of guarding Duncan in the post, his lack of offense allows for other teams to ignore him.

Sef. has regressed as a shooter (33% 3pt)and Butler is hitting only 35% of his 5 3pt attempts. Thats 2 rotation player who can't shoot consistently from deep.

As for the Spurs, Diaw can draw Ibaka several feet further out of the paint. The Spurs offense is more diverse with less reliance on Parker. The series would be a toss up if Spurs have home court and probably 40/60 if OKC has home court.

Fisher is gonna be a PITA... that's the only thing I'm 100% sure in a possible series... but I rather not look too far ahead and enjoy our team right now... they're playing the best I've ever seen them play, IMO. I'll worry about an OKC playoff matchup when and if we get there...

[cd021]

Bogut likely out for the game on 4/1 in San Antonio

http://tracking.si.com/2014/03/30/warriors-andrew-bogut-groin-injury/?BHT-f1610c98-e63b-4ff0-aaa9-a0807a955125


David Lee appears questionable. He missed the last 2 games but will be on their road trip



http://www.sportsinjuryalert.com/2014/03/warriors-david-lee-and-andrew-bogut.html (http://www.sportsinjuryalert.com/2014/03/warriors-david-lee-and-andrew-bogut.html)



Spurs could face GSW without both starting big men. Jackson started Speights and O'neal against the Knicks last night.

[Hoops Czar]

Don't believe anyone's dismissed the injury excuse as it relates to OKC. You were among those who acted like an injured and out-of-sync Spurs team was going to last all season. No one thinks OKC won't be a really tough out in the WCF.


Injuries can be very fickle in nature. I wouldn't go as far as to say they're healthy at all. Parker is a shell of his former self, Green has inflammation of the foot that could linger affecting his versatility and mobility on the defensive end going forward and Ginobili is a ticking time bomb. Not sure when meaningless regular season games all of a sudden became meaningful. My hunch is probably when the win streak hit 10 or possibly the Miami victory. It changes yearly, sometimes daily. I guess it's meaningful when the Spurs win and meaningless when they lose. Kind of like injuries, when they lose a big game, it's because so and so was out but when the Spurs win while sitting their regulars, it's all about the depth. In any event, its tough to gauge how good the Spurs are because of the lack of parity in the NBA. The depth serves its purpose during the regular season but when the rotation shrinks and minutes are cut, they will still be dependent on the big three. If TP can't revert back to his former self, the Spurs don't stand much of a chance in a series against a team like the Thunder. Parker can't guard Westbrook; Mills can't guard Jackson; Nobody can guard Durant. I'm not sure what you're expecting from the cavalry, but the only ones I trust outside the big three are Diaw, Manu and Leonard. As good as Mills and Belinelli are on the offensive end, they can be just as detrimental on the defensive end. The Spurs can't trade points with the opposing team. That's what got them in trouble in 2012. I'm also not getting caught up in win streaks. They were on cruise control in 2012 until the backdoor sweep. Conversely, in 2013, they backed their way into the playoffs and were a free throw away from winning a championship. It is what it is.

[cd021]

Fisher is gonna be a PITA... that's the only thing I'm 100% sure in a possible series... but I rather not look too far ahead and enjoy our team right now... they're playing the best I've ever seen them play, IMO. I'll worry about an OKC playoff matchup when and if we get there...

Agreed. Finish the season out strong and build on the success in the playoffs. As long as we lay waste to four teams in en route to our 5th.

[ElNono]

Agreed. Finish the season out strong and build on the success in the playoffs. As long as we lay waste to four teams in en route to our 5th.

This Spurs team is still one of the best I've seen even if they don't ring... they just play a phenomenal, very enjoyable type of basketball...

[ElNono]

Not sure when meaningless regular season games all of a sudden became meaningful. My hunch is probably when the win streak hit 10 or possibly the Miami victory. It changes yearly, sometimes daily. I guess it's meaningful when the Spurs win and meaningless when they lose. Kind of like injuries, when they lose a big game, it's because so and so was out but when the Spurs win while sitting their regulars, it's all about the depth. In any event, its tough to gauge how good the Spurs are because of the lack of parity in the NBA.

It really isn't rocket science... sometimes the team is clicking and playing well, and sometimes the team isn't clicking and not playing well... they had some shitty games even during this streak (ie: Sacto game) even if they won, but overall, you have to be playing very well to win 17 games in a row by an average margin of 16pts... would it translate to the playoffs? Who knows. I suspect every team heading into the playoffs would rather be in our shoes than losing to the Cavs. I'm in agreement that the playoffs are a different type of game, but I like where we're ranked defensively (#4 right now), and I think we can have a good run.

Overall, it's not a stretch to say the Spurs have found their groove, even though there's still areas to improve, like TP, and most importantly, health (which might be related, not sure yet). They're not an unbeatable team, but they're certainly a contender, and no other team in the West has looked as good in the past month or so.

[Sean Cagney]

That is generally true but Spurs haven't won in OKC since Kawhi was a rookie. 0-6 there. Plus Durant has been particularly lethal at home, hitting nearly 45% of his 3's. I'd expect more even calls in San Antonio than in OKC.

Easily and I have said this to fans saying if we get #2 we are still fine which is not true! If they get a game 7 in OKC forget it, calls and so on will all go their way. Spurs need the #1 seed and do not fool yourselves otherwise fans! NONE. I agree with you fully.
IThat's what got them in trouble in 2012. I'm also not getting caught up in win streaks. They were on cruise control in 2012 until the backdoor sweep. Conversely, in 2013, they backed their way into the playoffs and were a free throw away from winning a championship. It is what it is.
Last year caught me off guard man, I thought when they backed in last year they had no shot at all and they go and almost win the title! In 012 I was sure they had it but they flamed out. I will wait and see.

[Mikeanaro]

Easily and I have said this to fans saying if we get #2 we are still fine which is not true! If they get a game 7 in OKC forget it, calls and so on will all go their way. Spurs need the #1 seed and do not fool yourselves otherwise fans! NONE. I agree with you fully.
You are right, game 7 with thunderefs at full erection must be avoided at all cost.

[Sean Cagney]

You are right, game 7 with thunderefs at full erection must be avoided at all cost.

WE NEED HC, PERIOD!

[FromWayDowntown]

As we get closer to the end, there's a very real possibility that the Spurs could get Dallas in the first round (of course) and a realistic possibility (particularly if the Spurs hang on to the #1 seed) that if they advance to the WCSF, they'll face the winner of Houston's first round series.

If things go the right ways and the Spurs play well enough to win their first series, they could have a chance to reach the West Finals without ever having to leave Texas.

[boutons_deux]

WE NEED HC, PERIOD!

If Spurs win it with HCA throughout, they will get dissed with "Spurs can't win a championship with HCA"

[Dex]

If Spurs win it with HCA throughout, they will get dissed with "Spurs can't win a championship with HCA"

I'll take it.

[ElNono]

I just don't get this attitude of "don't get excited about your team" when they're playing really well. If Spursfan can't be excited of how their team looks, then what does Laker/Bobcat fan do? Go drown in a pool?

Being a pessimist/debbie downer is the easiest thing. You basically always have the greatest odds (only 2 out of 16 reach the conference finals, 1 out of 16 win it all), and the excuses are exactly the same ("westbrook was injured", "Butler has always been a playoff choker", etc).

[Mugen]

I just don't get this attitude of "don't get excited about your team" when they're playing really well. If Spursfan can't be excited of how their team looks, then what does Laker/Bobcat fan do? Go drown in a pool?

Being a pessimist/debbie downer is the easiest thing. You basically always have the greatest odds (only 2 out of 16 reach the conference finals, 1 out of 16 win it all), and the excuses are exactly the same ("westbrook was injured", "Butler has always been a playoff choker", etc).

hopefully tbh.

[cd021]

As we get closer to the end, there's a very real possibility that the Spurs could get Dallas in the first round (of course) and a realistic possibility (particularly if the Spurs hang on to the #1 seed) that if they advance to the WCSF, they'll face the winner of Houston's first round series.

If things go the right ways and the Spurs play well enough to win their first series, they could have a chance to reach the West Finals without ever having to leave Texas.

And potentially play OKC that's about a 3 hour flight (6 +hours round trip)

[Dex]

For the record:

Magic Numbers after all games 3/30/14, 9 games remaining:

Thunder - 7
Pacers - 4
Heat - 4
Rockets - 3
Clippers - 3

[Seventyniner]

what does Laker/Bobcat fan do? Go drown in a pool?

Troll the NBA forum evidently.

[Chinook]

Injuries can be very fickle in nature. I wouldn't go as far as to say they're healthy at all. Parker is a shell of his former self, Green has inflammation of the foot that could linger affecting his versatility and mobility on the defensive end going forward and Ginobili is a ticking time bomb. Not sure when meaningless regular season games all of a sudden became meaningful. My hunch is probably when the win streak hit 10 or possibly the Miami victory. It changes yearly, sometimes daily. I guess it's meaningful when the Spurs win and meaningless when they lose. Kind of like injuries, when they lose a big game, it's because so and so was out but when the Spurs win while sitting their regulars, it's all about the depth. In any event, its tough to gauge how good the Spurs are because of the lack of parity in the NBA. The depth serves its purpose during the regular season but when the rotation shrinks and minutes are cut, they will still be dependent on the big three. If TP can't revert back to his former self, the Spurs don't stand much of a chance in a series against a team like the Thunder. Parker can't guard Westbrook; Mills can't guard Jackson; Nobody can guard Durant. I'm not sure what you're expecting from the cavalry, but the only ones I trust outside the big three are Diaw, Manu and Leonard. As good as Mills and Belinelli are on the offensive end, they can be just as detrimental on the defensive end. The Spurs can't trade points with the opposing team. That's what got them in trouble in 2012. I'm also not getting caught up in win streaks. They were on cruise control in 2012 until the backdoor sweep. Conversely, in 2013, they backed their way into the playoffs and were a free throw away from winning a championship. It is what it is.

Damn, that wall of text...

The regular season is important for a few things, seeding being among them. Galileo was busting your chops for assuming the Spurs had no chance of winning the 1-seed. I think his arrogance is misplaced, but that doesn't mean there's anything you can spin. You were wrong, as even if the Thunder take the top seed, there's most certainly been a race. There's no shame in making a bad prediction; I do it all the time.

The other issue you're bringing up is that the Spurs may not win the West in the playoffs. I agreed with that. The 1-seed has failed to win the West the past three seasons. The playoffs are a different animal. If you want to argue that the Spurs are still underdogs to OKC in a potential WCF, that's certainly worth discussion. But that had little bearing on this thread.

[Chinook]

For the record:

Magic Numbers after all games 3/30/14, 9 games remaining:

Thunder - 7
Pacers - 4
Heat - 4
Rockets - 3
Clippers - 3

The Spurs winning tonight would be a three-game reduction of their magic number on the Pacers. Tonight wraps up SA's Eastern schedule, and a win would make them 24-6. The Pacers would be 17-12 against the West if they lose tonight. So the Spurs would clinch the tie-break.

Incidentally, the Spurs have locked up the tie-break against Miami, as the Heat already have eight losses to the West, and the Spurs can have at most seven losses to the East. The magic number for Miami is thus three and not four.

Finally, the Clippers number is four and not three, but as soon as Houston's number falls to zero, the Clippers' number will decrease by one.

[spurraider21]

none of the numbers are really relevant outside of OKC at this point, and that has shrunk to 6 with us still having 8 games left. its a foregone conclusion that we'll get at least 3-5 the rest of the way, so all those small magic numbers are basically a wrap

[HI-FI]

I just don't get this attitude of "don't get excited about your team" when they're playing really well. If Spursfan can't be excited of how their team looks, then what does Laker/Bobcat fan do? Go drown in a pool?

Being a pessimist/debbie downer is the easiest thing. You basically always have the greatest odds (only 2 out of 16 reach the conference finals, 1 out of 16 win it all), and the excuses are exactly the same ("westbrook was injured", "Butler has always been a playoff choker", etc).
agree 100%. but this is ST, where negativity and narcissism is common and almost celebrated.

As long as the team plays with a sense of confidence or belief, I just try to enjoy the experience and hope for the best.

[heyheymymy]

none of the numbers are really relevant outside of OKC at this point, and that has shrunk to 6 with us still having 8 games left. its a foregone conclusion that we'll get at least 3-5 the rest of the way, so all those small magic numbers are basically a wrap


still wish okc would toss one more so i can relax

[cd021]

Post All-star break Records

Updated to include tonight's games (3/31/2014)

Spurs-20-1 (.952)

Clippers 16-4 (.800)

Heat-14-8 (.636)

Thunder 11-7 (.611)

Pacers-12-11 (.521)

[exstatic]

still wish okc would toss one more so i can relax

Their next game is with US on Thursday. Fucking NBA.

[exstatic]

Post All-star break Records

Updated to include tonight's games (3/31/2014)

Spurs-20-1 (.952)

Clippers 16-4 (.800)

Heat-14-8 (.636)

Thunder 11-7 (.611)

Pacers-12-11 (.521)

It's ridiculous how well the Clips are playing, and they're LOSING GROUND. :lol

[crc21209]

Their next game is with US on Thursday. Fucking NBA.

That's such BS. The last game they've played was last night at home. Before Thursday's game, the Spurs will have traveled to Indy, played a game, flown back to SA, play against Golden State on Wednesday, and then play the next night in OKC.

[cd021]

still wish okc would toss one more so i can relax

Best bet is the stretch of 4/3-4/9

Spurs, @ Rockets (B2B), @ Phoenix, @ Sacramento, @ Clippers

The Rockets will be without Beverly and D12 though.

They do play @ Indiana and 2 games against the Pelicans

They have 3 B2Bs in 11 days. Westbrook will sit out 3 of those 6 games.

[heyheymymy]

Best bet is the stretch of 4/3-4/9

Spurs, @ Rockets (B2B), @ Phoenix, @ Sacramento, @ Clippers

The Rockets will be without Beverly and D12 though.

They do play @ Indiana and 2 games against the Pelicans

They have 3 B2Bs in 11 days. Westbrook will sit out 3 of those 6 games.

love your breakdowns, thanks for the reply.

[SpurPadre]

Their next game is with US on Thursday. Fucking NBA.

True but we play the Dubs Wednesday who also play the Mavs the day before so there's a good chance we blow them out early with key players playing under 30 mins. each to gear up for OKC.

[cd021]

Spurs have a favorable chance of beating GSW back in San Antonio. Bogut will sit and Lee is questionable. GSW will also be playing on the 2nd half of a back to back (@ Dallas the night before).

[Mugen]

I'm usually always in favor of resting guys whenever Pop sees fit especially in nationally televised scheduled losses. But I want Pop to gun for the W against the Thunder. I'm talking a full lineup and playoff rotation. The players have earned a chance to compete against arguably their biggest rivals and they should get it.

I'd rest Duncan against the Warriors (where he really isn't needed) and limit TP/Manu's minutes. I want that OKC game bad tbh.

[Dex]

Magic Numbers after all games, 3/31/14, 8 games remaining:

Thunder - 6
Heat- 3
Rockets - 2
Clippers - 2
Pacers - 1

The Thunder still have matchups with the Rockets and Clippers, and the Heat still face the Pacers once more....meaning the Spurs are guaranteed 3 points on the board somewhere.

If the Spurs can pick up a win against the Thunder on Thursday, it's pretty much a wrap.

[Chinook]

Heat are 2 and Clips are 3.

[exstatic]

I'm usually always in favor of resting guys whenever Pop sees fit especially in nationally televised scheduled losses. But I want Pop to gun for the W against the Thunder. I'm talking a full lineup and playoff rotation. The players have earned a chance to compete against arguably their biggest rivals and they should get it.

I'd rest Duncan against the Warriors (where he really isn't needed) and limit TP/Manu's minutes. I want that OKC game bad tbh.
I'm not sure Pop is inclined to give TNT/NBA that kind of showdown with the shit schedule imbalance leading up to the game. Sean has hinted over the last two or three telecasts that if we take care of business against Indy(already done)/GS, certain players may not get on the plane afterwards.

[Mouth is Bleeding]

Spurs have a favorable chance of beating GSW back in San Antonio. Bogut will sit and Lee is questionable. GSW will also be playing on the 2nd half of a back to back (@ Dallas the night before).

Bogut out is good. Lee out helps GSW. They're better without him.

He could be the ultimate empty-stats player.

[SpursFan86]

Bogut out is good. Lee out helps GSW. They're better without him.

He could be the ultimate empty-stats player.

Not really. While I agree Lee isn't as good as his numbers might suggest, do you really think they're better having to start Speights and make their already shaky bench even worse?

Without Bogut AND Lee, their frontcourt will be pretty diminished. Festus Ezeli is still out. They'll have to start Speights and O'Neal, and then who are their other bench bigs? Hilton Armstrong? I guess Draymond Green could play a small-ball PF. We should be able to get a win @ home against them on Wednesday.

[Sean Cagney]

If Spurs win it with HCA throughout, they will get dissed with "Spurs can't win a championship with HCA"

Who cares? I will take the HC and let them say that rather than let OKC get it and then have to go through there to get to the finals. OKC will be tough, we need it.

[SpursFan86]

Also, one thing to watch regarding the OKC game on Thursday: there's a good chance Westbrook won't play. Brooks has been resting Westbrook on the front end of back-to-backs so far as opposed to the 2nd game. If he continues with that strategy that means Westbrook would be out on Thursday and playing against Houston on Friday, which is obviously good for us. Brooks isn't Pop though...I could see Westbrook telling Brooks he wants to play against the Spurs and Brooks giving in to him.

[timtonymanu]

Also, one thing to watch regarding the OKC game on Thursday: there's a good chance Westbrook won't play. Brooks has been resting Westbrook on the front end of back-to-backs so far as opposed to the 2nd game. If he continues with that strategy that means Westbrook would be out on Thursday and playing against Houston on Friday, which is obviously good for us. Brooks isn't Pop though...I could see Westbrook telling Brooks he wants to play against the Spurs and Brooks giving in to him.

OKC would be getting 4 days off before they face us. I'm sure Brooks will make this b2b an exception for Westbrook. I'm fairly certain he will play against us instead of Houston. It's a huge game for both our teams, standings-wise.

[Mouth is Bleeding]

Not really. While I agree Lee isn't as good as his numbers might suggest, do you really think they're better having to start Speights and make their already shaky bench even worse?

Without Bogut AND Lee, their frontcourt will be pretty diminished. Festus Ezeli is still out. They'll have to start Speights and O'Neal, and then who are their other bench bigs? Hilton Armstrong? I guess Draymond Green could play a small-ball PF. We should be able to get a win @ home against them on Wednesday.

Yeah it's the Draymond Green small ball lineups where they reach another level.

[Budkin]

Pretty telling that we've won 18 in a row and the Thunder are still nipping at our heels. It's going to be tough beating them *with* homecourt. We can't afford to lose it.

[Mugen]

Pretty telling that we've won 18 in a row and the Thunder are still nipping at our heels. It's going to be tough beating them *with* homecourt. We can't afford to lose it.

The Spurs were like 4 games back when the streak started. Three games up with 8 left games to play is a pretty decent lead heading into April. The Thunder have been very average since the All Star break tbh.

[spurraider21]

we have 8 games left, okc has 9, and the magic number is 6... its pretty good odds tbh.

i don't see the spurs doing worse than 5-3, so unless okc runs the table that would be good enough

[TheWriter]

Pretty telling that we've won 18 in a row and the Thunder are still nipping at our heels. It's going to be tough beating them *with* homecourt. We can't afford to lose it.

Considering the Spurs were multiple games behind when the streak started, there's nothing telling about that.

What's really telling is that Philly lost 26 straight and didn't have the worst record in the NBA when they finally won a game.

[spurs10]

Pretty telling that we've won 18 in a row and the Thunder are still nipping at our heels. It's going to be tough beating them *with* homecourt. We can't afford to lose it. If we beat GS we are 4 games up on OKC, lose that game and we are still 3 games up.

[superbigtime]

The OKC game just might be irrelevant once the Spurs/Warriors game is over. Then Pop can rest the big 3 in OKC with BS injuries and piss off the OKCrack fans. . Go Spurs Go!

[mando6599]

Don't you all think Pop will play everyone at full strength on Thursday? I think so b/c we have got to show that we can compete with OKC since we've lost all 3 matches already this year. That being said, Pop may not want to show all his moves to Brooks prior to the playoffs, if indeed we end up facing OKC in the WCF.

[look_at_g_shred]

After last night's game, I still think Boris is going to be the key to us making it back to the finals and potentially winning it all. No one really game plans us going to Diaw in the low block for a few possessions. Man it was so sweet last night seeing Diaw dominate. His success makes our offense open up even more. It makes us pretty much un-guardable.

[Dex]

Heat are 2 and Clips are 3.

Spurs own the tie-breaker on the Clips, but haven't earned it against Miami yet. Am I missing something?

[Chinook]

Spurs own the tie-breaker on the Clips, but haven't earned it against Miami yet. Am I missing something?

Yes. The Spurs have clinched the tie-break with Miami. The Heat have eight losses to the West, while the Spurs have finished with six losses to the East. And until Houston can't win the division, the Spurs have not won the tie-break with the Clippers.

EDIT: Actually, the Clips also come out favorably in a three-way tie with the Spurs and either Houston or OKC. So the Spurs just have to put them away on their own.

[Mel_13]

Yes. The Spurs have clinched the tie-break with Miami. The Heat have eight losses to the West, while the Spurs have finished with six losses to the East.

The tie-break with Miami has yet to be determined. Record against the opposing conference is not the determining factor. It's actually:

"Better winning percentage against teams eligible for playoffs in opposite conference (including teams that finished the regular season tied for a playoff position)."

The Spurs have clinched that tie-break with Indiana regardless of how things finish, but Miami can finish with a better record than Spurs on that basis.

See the tie-break rules at the bottom of this page:

http://www.nba.com/standings/team_record_comparison/conferenceNew_Std_Div.html?ls=iref:nba:gnav

[Dex]

Yes. The Spurs have clinched the tie-break with Miami. The Heat have eight losses to the West, while the Spurs have finished with six losses to the East. And until Houston can't win the division, the Spurs have not won the tie-break with the Clippers.

EDIT: Actually, the Clips also come out favorably in a three-way tie with the Spurs and either Houston or OKC. So the Spurs just have to put them away on their own.

Gotcha. I am admittedly basing my numbers on the assumption that Spurs are going to take the Division, which I know aren't TRUE magic numbers.

[Dex]

The tie-break with Miami has yet to be determined. Record against the opposing conference is not the determining factor. It's actually:

"Better winning percentage against teams eligible for playoffs in opposite conference (including teams that finished the regular season tied for a playoff position)."

The Spurs have clinched that tie-break with Indiana regardless of how things finish, but Miami can finish with a better record than Spurs on that basis.

See the tie-break rules at the bottom of this page:

http://www.nba.com/standings/team_record_comparison/conferenceNew_Std_Div.html?ls=iref:nba:gnav



(4) Better winning percentage against teams in own conference.
(5) Better winning percentage against teams eligible for playoffs in own conference (including teams that finished the regular season tied for a playoff position).

So they don't use the fourth or fifth tie-breaks for teams from the opposite conference?

[Chinook]

The tie-break with Miami has yet to be determined. Record against the opposing conference is not the determining factor. It's actually:

"Better winning percentage against teams eligible for playoffs in opposite conference (including teams that finished the regular season tied for a playoff position)."

The Spurs have clinched that tie-break with Indiana regardless of how things finish, but Miami can finish with a better record than Spurs on that basis.

See the tie-break rules at the bottom of this page:

http://www.nba.com/standings/team_record_comparison/conferenceNew_Std_Div.html?ls=iref:nba:gnav

Thanks, Mel. My apologies, Dex .

Right now, the teams each have four losses to the playoff teams in the other conference. If New York makes it in, the Spurs get a fifth loss, while if the Grizzlies can grab a win next week, the Heat get a fifth loss.

[Mel_13]

So they don't use the fourth or fifth tie-breaks for teams from the opposite conference?

Right.

[Chinook]

Actually, Mel_13 , everything I can find says it's just record against the opposing conference, and not against playoff teams. There were many articles about it three years ago when SA and Chicago finished tied or almost tied, but probably the most credible is this hangtime article:

http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2011/03/29/home-court-in-finals-up-for-grabs/

[Dex]

Right.

Good to know. :tu Thanks.

[Dex]

Actually, I think Chinook may be right. A lot of different sources are saying that the Finals don't follow the same tie-breaker basis as the one outlined at http://www.nba.com/standings/playoff_picture.html#tbb.

According to this article:

http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22748484/28464214


The official NBA tiebreakers have a complex and thorough system which would actually lead to a Bulls advantage were they put into play. However, as ESPN pointed out, and a league release confirmed, the Finals operate on a different structure. First tiebreaker is, of course, head-to-head record, the second record against opposing conference, and the third a random drawing.


What boggles the mind is that if this is really the case, I can't seem to find a lick of official documentation from the league about it.

Can you imagine HCA for the Finals coming down to a gottamn drawing?

[Chinook]

Actually, I think Chinook may be right. A lot of different sources are saying that the Finals don't follow the same tie-breaker basis as the one outlined at http://www.nba.com/standings/playoff_picture.html#tbb.

According to this article:

http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22748484/28464214



What boggles the mind is that if this is really the case, I can't seem to find a lick of official documentation from the league about it.

Thanks for the further confirmation. Yeah, it's weird that they can't just write that one sentence somewhere to confirm it. I posted the Hangtime article, since I though the league would correct their own blogger if he was wrong.

[Mel_13]

Actually, Mel_13 , everything I can find says it's just record against the opposing conference, and not against playoff teams. There were many articles about it three years ago when SA and Chicago finished tied or almost tied, but probably the most credible is this hangtime article:

http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2011/03/29/home-court-in-finals-up-for-grabs/


Actually, I think Chinook may be right. A lot of different sources are saying that the Finals don't follow the same tie-breaker basis as the one outlined at http://www.nba.com/standings/playoff_picture.html#tbb.

According to this article:

http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22748484/28464214



What boggles the mind is that if this is really the case, I can't seem to find a lick of official documentation from the league about it.

Can you imagine HCA for the Finals coming down to a gottamn drawing?


Thanks for the further confirmation. Yeah, it's weird that they can't just write that one sentence somewhere to confirm it. I posted the Hangtime article, since I though the league would correct their own blogger if he was wrong.

Thanks for all that. Now I remember a similar discussion in 2011. Sad that you can't go to the NBA's official site and get a definitive answer.

[cd021]

love your breakdowns, thanks for the reply.

Appreciate that.

[SpursFan86]

Golden State/Dallas game went into OT. Golden State should hopefully be nice and tired going into tomorrow night's game:tu

[SpursFan86]

Wow. Curry just an insane step-back jumper to win the game in OT. That was huge for them...if they lost tonight's game and then lost to us tomorrow, they would've been in serious danger of missing the playoffs.

[ace3g]

WESTERN
W (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/wins)
L (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/losses)
PCT (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/winPercent)
GB (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/gamesBehind)
HOME (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/homeWinPercent)
ROAD (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/roadWinPercent)
DIV (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/divisionWinPercent)
CONF (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/leagueWinPercent)
PF (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/avgPointsFor)
PA (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/avgPointsAgainst/order/false)
DIFF
STRK (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/streak)
L10


1
x - San Antonio (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/sa/san-antonio-spurs)
58
16
.784
-
29-8
29-8
10-3
34-10
105.6
97.1
+8.4
Won 18
10-0


2
x - Oklahoma City (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/okc/oklahoma-city-thunder)
54
19
.740
3 ½
31-7
23-12
11-5
32-13
106.2
99.4
+6.7
Won 2
8-2


3
x - LA Clippers (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/lac/los-angeles-clippers)
53
22
.707
5 ½
31-5
22-17
9-4
32-13
107.6
100.5
+7.1
Won 3
8-2


4
Houston (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/hou/houston-rockets)
49
24
.671
8 ½
29-8
20-16
9-4
26-18
106.8
102.0
+4.9
Lost 2
5-5


5
Portland (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/por/portland-trail-blazers)
48
27
.640
10 ½
27-9
21-18
12-3
25-20
106.6
102.6
+4.1
Won 3
6-4


6
Golden State (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/gs/golden-state-warriors)
46
28
.622
12
24-13
22-15
9-5
26-18
103.4
99.0
+4.4
Won 1
6-4


7
Memphis (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/mem/memphis-grizzlies)
44
30
.595
14
23-14
21-16
3-11
25-21
95.6
94.1
+1.5
Won 1
6-4


8
Phoenix (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/phx/phoenix-suns)
44
30
.595
14
25-13
19-17
7-7
24-20
105.4
102.6
+2.7
Lost 1
8-2


http://espn.go.com/i/blackdot.gif



Dallas (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/dal/dallas-mavericks)
44
31
.587
14 ½
25-14
19-17
9-5
24-21
105.1
102.8
+2.3
Lost 1
6-4

[SpurPadre]

Wow. Curry just an insane step-back jumper to win the game in OT. That was huge for them...if they lost tonight's game and then lost to us tomorrow, they would've been in serious danger of missing the playoffs.

They still might but it's hard to imagine. They've had tough injuries and since they're not as deep or as good as us, they haven't handled those setbacks as well as they would've liked. They're also dealing with their coach making an ass out of himself and putting himself over the team lately. They're due for an ass whipping tomorrow, tbh.

[cd021]

GSWs final 8 Games

@ SA, Sac, Utah, Den, @ L.A.L, @ Por, Min, @ Den

they should easily make the postseason even if they lose tomorrow.

They have no business finishing any less 7-1 or at worst 6-2 in their final 8. Considering they have a 2 game lead PHX and Memphis, they should be a lock for the playoffs.

PHX still seems unlikely to make the playoffs.

[letmk]

GSWs final 8 Games

@ SA, Sac, Utah, Den, @ L.A.L, @ Por, Min, @ Den

they should easily make the postseason even if they lose tomorrow.

They have no business finishing any less 7-1 or at worst 6-2 in their final 8. Considering they have a 2 game lead PHX and Memphis, they should be a lock for the playoffs.

PHX still seems unlikely to make the playoffs.

I just checked Suns' schedule. Man, that's more than brutal. I can only favor them in the last game against SAC.

[cd021]

Race to for Final playoff spots (7th and 8th seed)

tie breakers are extremely important given how similar the 3 teams records are. Memphis and Phoenix are 44-30 while Dallas is 44-31

Memphis leads Phoenix in season series (3-0 w/1 remaining)

Dallas leads Memphis (3-0, with a @ Memphis on the final night of the season)

Dallas and Phoenix split (1-1 with a final game @ Dallas on 4/12)


4/14 Memphis @ Phoenix

4/16 Dallas @ Memphis

Phoenix has the toughest schedule of the three (They have 9 games in 14 days, 6 games against +.500 teams, 5 on the road)

[cd021]

I just checked Suns' schedule. Man, that's more than brutal. I can only favor them in the last game against SAC.

Yeah, they have an uphill battle for sure...

5 road games against teams with +.500 home records in 14 days is insane

the 3 home games are against teams that all have at-least a .550 road record

[heyheymymy]

not sure where i want dal, phx and mem. i think dal or mem would be toughest for okc, and i worry about phx after they ran out on us, but i know not to put too much leverage into that loss.

[cd021]

If Lee is out tonight they could go with a 3 SF lineup. Rick Carlisle apparently prepared his team for a lineup of Curry, Thompson,Iggy, Green and Barnes (From ESPN)

I didn't watch the Dallas game, so I'm not sure if they used that lineup or not.

If they were to that route we could see a Parker, Green, Ginobili/Belinelli, Leonard and Diaw lineup to close the game (again, if they go that route)

[cd021]

Houston now just 1 game a head of Portland for the 4th spot (big, because they'd play in the second round)

Houston still seems a lock for a 1st round home court advantage. 2 of their final 8 games are against teams +.500. San Antonio is the 2nd to final game, we could easily rest our guys against them.

The Rockets also have won the season series against Portland 3-1.

[ace3g]

WESTERN
W (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/wins)
L (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/losses)
PCT (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/winPercent)
GB (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/gamesBehind)
HOME (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/homeWinPercent)
ROAD (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/roadWinPercent)
DIV (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/divisionWinPercent)
CONF (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/leagueWinPercent)
PF (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/avgPointsFor)
PA (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/avgPointsAgainst/order/false)
DIFF
STRK (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/streak)
L10


1
y - San Antonio (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/sa/san-antonio-spurs)
59
16
.787
-
30-8
29-8
10-3
35-10
105.6
97.0
+8.6
Won 19
10-0


2
x - Oklahoma City (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/okc/oklahoma-city-thunder)
54
19
.740
4
31-7
23-12
11-5
32-13
106.2
99.4
+6.7
Won 2
8-2


3
x - LA Clippers (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/lac/los-angeles-clippers)
53
22
.707
6
31-5
22-17
9-4
32-13
107.6
100.5
+7.1
Won 3
8-2


4
Houston (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/hou/houston-rockets)
49
25
.662
9 ½
29-8
20-17
9-4
26-18
106.8
102.0
+4.7
Lost 3
5-5


5
Portland (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/por/portland-trail-blazers)
49
27
.645
10 ½
27-9
22-18
12-3
26-20
106.8
102.7
+4.2
Won 4
6-4


6
Golden State (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/gs/golden-state-warriors)
46
29
.613
13
24-13
22-16
9-5
26-19
103.2
99.2
+4.1
Lost 1
5-5


7
Phoenix (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/phx/phoenix-suns)
44
30
.595
14 ½
25-13
19-17
7-7
24-20
105.4
102.6
+2.7
Lost 1
8-2


8
Dallas (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/dal/dallas-mavericks)
44
31
.587
15
25-14
19-17
9-5
24-21
105.1
102.8
+2.3
Lost 1
6-4


http://espn.go.com/i/blackdot.gif



Memphis (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/mem/memphis-grizzlies)
44
31
.587
15
23-14
21-17
3-11
25-22
95.5
94.2
+1.3
Lost 1
6-4

[SpursFan86]

Phoenix pulling away from LAC right now...up 17 near the end of the 3rd quarter. If they win, they'll be within 1 game of Golden State and the Clippers will be 2 games ahead of Houston.

[Mel_13]

Phoenix pulling away from LAC right now...up 17 near the end of the 3rd quarter. If they win, they'll be within 1 game of Golden State and the Clippers will be 2 games ahead of Houston.

And the Spurs will clinch a top-2 seed in the WC.

Just a 7 point game now. A Phoenix loss will leave Memphis, Dallas, and Phoenix tied at 44-31.

[SpursFan86]

And the Spurs will clinch a top-2 seed in the WC.

Just a 7 point game now. A Phoenix loss will leave Memphis, Dallas, and Phoenix tied at 44-31.

Yeah, looks like I spoke too soon. 3 point Phoenix lead with about 5 minutes left in the 4th.

[Dex]

Phoenix showing us why the wouldn't be such a bad first round matchup.

[Dex]

Dragic 2/11?

Why doesn't that Slovenian asshole pull that shit against us?

[Mel_13]

Dragic 2/11?

Why doesn't that Slovenian asshole pull that shit against us?

9-28 in two games against the Spurs this season.

[Chinook]

And the Spurs will clinch a top-2 seed in the WC.

Just a 7 point game now. A Phoenix loss will leave Memphis, Dallas, and Phoenix tied at 44-31.

Seems moot now, but the Spurs could still lose a three-way tie-break with OKC and LAC. Even if the Clips lose, the Spurs do not clinch a top-2 seed.

[Mel_13]

Seems moot now, but the Spurs could still lose a three-way tie-break with OKC and LAC. Even if the Clips lose, the Spurs do not clinch a top-2 seed.

:yield

[Dex]

:cry I feel like the Spurs are never gonna clinch anything. :cry

[Mel_13]

Suns lose. Phoenix, Memphis, and Dallas are all 44-31. Spurs play all three between Sunday and next Friday.

[Mugen]

:lol Suns

The Spurs play seeds 7-9 once before the playoffs. Will be interesting to see if Pop does any maneuvering to get a particular team in the that 8th seed. Then again, the Spurs are rolling so hard right now that sitting the Big 3 isn't even a guaranteed loss tbh.

[Chinook]

:yield

:lol

Sorry. I just find tie-breaks really interesting.

Turns out I was wrong, though. Had the Clippers lost, the Spurs WOULD have clinched a top-2 seed, because the Clippers could not have both forced and won the tie-break. The only way for them to win would be for OKC to lose to the Spurs tomorrow. But that would have given the Spurs their final magic number. To force a three-way tie, the Thunder would have needed to win tomorrow, but that would have given OKC the H2H tie-break by themselves (5-3 OKC, 4-3 LAC, 2-5 SA). So the Clips would have gotten third after OKC moved on.

Ironically, LAC now can still win a three-way tie-break. But yes, you were right. That's what I get for popping off.

[Mel_13]

:lol

Sorry. I just find tie-breaks really interesting.

Turns out I was wrong, though. Had the Clippers lost, the Spurs WOULD have clinched a top-2 seed, because the Clippers could not have both forced and won the tie-break. The only way for them to win would be for OKC to lose to the Spurs tomorrow. But that would have given the Spurs their final magic number. To force a three-way tie, the Thunder would have needed to win tomorrow, but that would have given OKC the H2H tie-break by themselves (5-3 OKC, 4-3 LAC, 2-5 SA). So the Clips would have gotten third after OKC moved on.

Ironically, LAC now can still win a three-way tie-break. But yes, you were right. That's what I get for popping off.

:lol

[cd021]

Record Post-All star Break (as of 4/3/14)

Spurs-21-1 (.954)

Clippers 17-4 (.809)

Heat-15-8 (.652)

Thunder 11-7 (.611)

Pacers-13-11 (.541)

(Italicized are updated to include the games from 4/2)

[Richie]

Suns lose. Phoenix, Memphis, and Dallas are all 44-31. Spurs play all three between Sunday and next Friday.

This race is making the end of season excellent viewing. Every night at least one of them is playing a good team and there's been some great games lately.

[Horry Hipcheck]

:cry I feel like the Spurs are never gonna clinch anything. :cry

They clinched their 20th division title tonight.

[sharkenleo]

They clinched their 20th division title tonight.

And they should clinch the NBA Championship in oh, about 2 1/2 months. :lobt2::toast

[TampaDude]

And they should clinch the NBA Championship in oh, about 2 1/2 months. :lobt2::toast

:toast

[SpursFan86]

So we need 5 wins in our last 7 games to clinch the 1st seed and HCA throughout the playoffs. If we lose to both OKC (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=43121) and @Houston, we'll need to win out in the rest of our games to get that number. Not a guarantee, but certainly doable. I'd also be pretty surprised if OKC wins out from this point, so I have a feeling we'll only need 3 or 4 wins.

edit: btw, why when I type "@ OKC" without the space, does OKC get bolded and the @ sign disappears?

[will_spurs]

So we need 5 wins in our last 7 games to clinch the 1st seed and HCA throughout the playoffs. If we lose to both OKC (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=43121) and @Houston, we'll need to win out in the rest of our games to get that number. Not a guarantee, but certainly doable. I'd also be pretty surprised if OKC wins out from this point, so I have a feeling we'll only need 3 or 4 wins.

Indeed the whole point is that we don't need 5 wins: we need any combination of 5 Spurs wins or OKC losses.

[Dex]

So we need 5 wins in our last 7 games to clinch the 1st seed and HCA throughout the playoffs. If we lose to both OKC (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=43121) and @Houston, we'll need to win out in the rest of our games to get that number. Not a guarantee, but certainly doable. I'd also be pretty surprised if OKC wins out from this point, so I have a feeling we'll only need 3 or 4 wins.

edit: btw, why when I type "@ OKC" without the space, does OKC get bolded and the @ sign disappears?

It's a feature of the message board.

If you type @, followed by a username, it will bold the username and notify them that they were mentioned in a thread. For example, SpursFan86

Apparently, there must be a user named "OKC".

[Chinook]

The Spurs magic number for the Clips is now 1 due to SA's loss. If LAC loses tonight, the Spurs clinch a top-two seed in the West.

[TampaDude]

The Spurs magic number for the Clips is now 1 due to SA's loss. If LAC loses tonight, the Spurs clinch a top-two seed in the West.

Let me get this straight...we lose and our magic # goes DOWN? WTF?

[Chinook]

Let me get this straight...we lose and our magic # goes DOWN? WTF?

Funny, right? Essentially, there's finally no way the Clippers can win a tie-break with the Spurs now that OKC beat them.

[TampaDude]

Funny, right? Essentially, there's finally no way the Clippers can win a tie-break with the Spurs now that OKC beat them.

Crazy... :dizzy

[cd021]

Record Post-All star Break (as of 4/4/14)

Spurs-21-2 (.913)

Clippers 17-5 (.772)

Heat-15-8 (.652)

Thunder 12-7 (.631)

Pacers-13-11 (.541)

(Italicized are updated to include the games from 4/3)

[ElNono]

so we locked a top 2 seed?

[HI-FI]

The Spurs magic number for the Clips is now 1 due to SA's loss. If LAC loses tonight, the Spurs clinch a top-two seed in the West.
bing bing bang popcorn

[cd021]

Kind of a catch .22 if the Clippers would have won, they would have been a game back with a showdown in Staples coming up. That would give the Clippers a great chance of grabbing the 2 seed and having home court in the semis vs. the Thunder.


On the other hand, Dallas is the easiest opponent to the 3 teams. But now they're 7th and Memphis is 8th.