How far will the Spurs go if Tiago continues to outplay Tim tbh..

[freetiago]

now his 4th double double after having 0 in his previous playoff career :worthy::worthy::worthy:

I will say it is good to see Tim have some confidence in his jumpshot come back this series
he just flat out refused to shoot them for about the last quarter of the season and the first round
hes gone to it and hit a few this series

[SupremeGuy]

I don't care who outplays who as long as we continue playing like we have in the last two or three games.

[Malik Hairston]

Duncan's defense was great tonight IMO, best I've seen from him in a while..

I like that the Spurs aren't forcing anything to Tim, he's blending in with the offense and taking what the defense gives to him, while allowing Splitter to operate more on the interior..

[Chinook]

Splitter playing well has no downside. He's such a good defender that if he can score double digits it's almost impossible not to have him in during crunch-time. If he can score against smaller teams, the Spurs are going to hard for anyone to beat.

[Mugen]

No need to make Duncan work offensively when the Spurs are getting literally anything else they want out there tbh....

[apalisoc_9]

I thought duncan was pretty decent today on both ends of the floor..

[Chinook]

Coach Nick seems to think Splitter is just getting lucky against Aldridge.

[Malik Hairston]

Coach Nick seems to think Splitter is just getting lucky against Aldridge.

Coach Nick says a lot of stupid shit, tbh:lol..

[MI21]

You know Duncan is going to play at good level the entire playoffs so if Tiago is playing above that level, the Spurs are very good obviously.

[Chinook]

Coach Nick says a lot of stupid shit, tbh:lol..

:lol I know. Essentially, he's just saying that LA is just missing shots right now and that he was just on fire against Houston. To a certain extent, that's true, but it's no accident that Aldridge was destroying Diaw but went right back to missing once Splitter came back in.

[DesignatedT]

Duncan isn't being asked to play amazing. Barely touching the ball tbh. The Spurs are even less dependent on him then last year.

[T Park]

I wouldn't say Tiago is outplaying Duncan. He's playing well. As is Duncan.

[SpurPadre]

Tiago can continue to play his best basketball of his career and if we make it to the Finals again and we face the Heat once again, he still shouldn't warrant much playing time in that series.

[PingPong]

Coach Nick seems to think Splitter is just getting lucky against Aldridge.

Aldridge played worse this game than the first. Splitter is draining nigga's confidence. Weak minded, tbh.

[hater]

nowhere tbh

cause Splitter will be rendered useless if we make it to the Finals and face the Heat

the only 2 factors that would make it competitive vs. the Heat is MVParker and Kawhi at allstar level

those are the only 2 factors that would make spurs competitive

nothing else matters

but I am still behind Tiago for the lower rounds of the playoffs. Go spurs imo

[Beaverfuzz]

I don't care who outplays who as long as we continue playing like we have in the last two or three games.


tbh, this is correct.

[SpurPadre]

nowhere tbh

cause Splitter will be rendered useless if we make it to the Finals and face the Heat

the only 2 factors that would make it competitive vs. the Heat is MVParker and Kawhi at allstar level

those are the only 2 factors that would make spurs competitive

nothing else matters

but I am still behind Tiago for the lower rounds of the playoffs. Go spurs imo

Agreed. Just posted that, too. The Heat are Splitter-proof.

[Malik Hairston]

nowhere tbh

cause Splitter will be rendered useless if we make it to the Finals and face the Heat

the only 2 factors that would make it competitive vs. the Heat is MVParker and Kawhi at allstar level

those are the only 2 factors that would make spurs competitive

nothing else matters

but I am still behind Tiago for the lower rounds of the playoffs. Go spurs imo

Parker didn't play at an All-Star level vs. the Heat last year and the Spurs were still competitive:lol..

[PingPong]

I think Splitter will play better against Miami this year. If the Spurs get there.

[313]

No need to make Duncan work offensively when the Spurs are getting literally anything else they want out there tbh....this

No need for 4 down when we're dropping 70 a half and up 20

[HI-FI]

Parker didn't play at an All-Star level vs. the Heat last year and the Spurs were still competitive:lol..
it's hater, you just gotta let him fly....

[Darius McCrary]

nowhere tbh

cause Splitter will be rendered useless if we make it to the Finals and face the Heat

the only 2 factors that would make it competitive vs. the Heat is MVParker and Kawhi at allstar level

those are the only 2 factors that would make spurs competitive

nothing else matters

but I am still behind Tiago for the lower rounds of the playoffs. Go spurs imo

Yes, parker and Kawhi. Nothing to do with Green dropping 3's at a record-setting pace.

[DesignatedT]

Tiago has looked like he's taken great strides this year asserting his will I guess you could call it. Playing him more minutes vs the heat could happen if he shows he can consistently take advantage of what the heat throw at him, knowing it will be a mismatch in his favor. Like I said, he has been better at that all year this season and does look stronger and more patient down low.

[sexinthatsx]

nowhere tbh

cause Splitter will be rendered useless if we make it to the Finals and face the Heat

the only 2 factors that would make it competitive vs. the Heat is MVParker and Kawhi at allstar level

those are the only 2 factors that would make spurs competitive

nothing else matters

but I am still behind Tiago for the lower rounds of the playoffs. Go spurs imo

You forgot another factor: Boris Diaw. If he keeps up this level of play throughout the playoffs, he can be huge against the Heat... can cover Bosh on the 3 point line and in the paint. And make some big shots.

[SpurPadre]

I think Splitter will play better against Miami this year. If the Spurs get there.

I wouldn't feel comfortable in taking that chance again...unless there happens to be garbage time.

[phxspurfan]

:lol I know. Essentially, he's just saying that LA is just missing shots right now and that he was just on fire against Houston. To a certain extent, that's true, but it's no accident that Aldridge was destroying Diaw but went right back to missing once Splitter came back in.

This. Splitter is just a bad matchup for Aldridge. He's tall enough to guard LA, quick enough and smart enough, to throw different things at him, and then he's long enough to box LA out and grab the board. Diaw isn't big enough to guard LA.

[Malik Hairston]

Splitter is the best individual defender in the frontcourt in the league, tbh..he'll never receive the credit, though, as the perception of an unathletic, European that doesn't block shots isn't favourable in a league that hypes DeAndre Jordan as an elite defender:lol..

[freetiago]

Splitter actually does have regular season success vs Miami
in the playoffs I thought he was getting fouled a lot on those blocks and Pop lost confidence in him early
in one game he had him start on DWade and he fell for a pumpfake in the first 20 seconds so he took him out and barely played him the rest of the game

[z0sa]

Splitter is the best individual defender in the frontcourt in the league, tbh..he'll never receive the credit, though, as the perception of an unathletic, European that doesn't block shots isn't favourable in a league that hypes DeAndre Jordan as an elite defender:lol..

I agree for the most part.. but how do you even begin to argue this with even some of the more hardcore fans, much less a casual fan..

[Chinook]

Splitter was great defensively against the Heat in the Finals. That's why Miami changed their lineup. He just didn't do enough on the other end. That's why him scoring better these playoffs is so encouraging.

[Nathan89]

now his 4th double double after having 0 in his previous playoff career :worthy::worthy::worthy:

I will say it is good to see Tim have some confidence in his jumpshot come back this series
he just flat out refused to shoot them for about the last quarter of the season and the first round
hes gone to it and hit a few this series

There is no way in hell Tiago is going to be more useful than Tim if we play the Heat.

[DrunkTXLabrat]

Timmy isn't getting any younger. I don't think it's a shock to see him less involved on the offensive end. Kinda reminds me of when 50 became more of a defensive presence and Timmy was doing the scoring.

[BillMc]

We will go farthest if they BOTH play well!

[Chief]

he's 38 !

[PingPong]

Better Tim saving himself against that crazy caveman. His offense isn't really needed right now. He's doing his job.

[Mhak]

Tiago needs to use the backboard when he shoots tbh!! All his shots are pure luck IMO. Other than that his defense is superb!

[DMC]

If Splitter is that good, Tim comes back next year and averages about 20 minutes a night every other game.

[therealtruth]

Splitter was great defensively against the Heat in the Finals. That's why Miami changed their lineup. He just didn't do enough on the other end. That's why him scoring better these playoffs is so encouraging.

Exactly. The Heat were about to lose that series if they couldn't get Splitter of the floor. The ironic thing is that Spoelstra claimed their defense wasn't good enough and then started Mike Miller. The issue is they couldn't score against us. I believe they didn't even crack 80 in game 3 even with all the garbage time. I would have still liked to see if Splitter could have guarded DWade. I think Pop pulled him too early in game 4. He's quick enough to stay with alot of guard and they could have zoned up against him but that's basically what they were already doing against him and Lebron.

Interestingly the 2011 Spoelstra would have probably stayed with Haslem and lost the series. He stuck with Mike Bibby as bad as he was.

[DrunkTXLabrat]

I think they can go as far as they went when Big Dave was getting old. I'm loving this beautiful spurs basketball.

i smell a rematch with the heat. The championship. TImmy and Manu retirement. And the twin tower/big 3 torch being taken by Parker, Leonard, Splitter.

:::knocking on wood::::

[DrunkTXLabrat]

#rattlesnakeomen

[Spur|n|Austin]

it's hater, you just gotta let him fly....

Yes.

[Baam]

Exactly. The Heat were about to lose that series if they couldn't get Splitter of the floor. The ironic thing is that Spoelstra claimed their defense wasn't good enough and then started Mike Miller. The issue is they couldn't score against us. I believe they didn't even crack 80 in game 3 even with all the garbage time. I would have still liked to see if Splitter could have guarded DWade. I think Pop pulled him too early in game 4. He's quick enough to stay with alot of guard and they could have zoned up against him but that's basically what they were already doing against him and Lebron.

Interestingly the 2011 Spoelstra would have probably stayed with Haslem and lost the series. He stuck with Mike Bibby as bad as he was.


That's the worst take ever posted on this website... Splitter was the worst player of the Finals, he was so shitty it was unbelievable, had the worst plus minus by such a margin that Duncan couldn't even get decent rest... Splitter lost the Finals by himself, but then again the Tiago loving hypocrites don't have anything to say about that save for excuses and some more excuses...

[Chinook]

That's the worst take ever posted on this website... Splitter was the worst player of the Finals, he was so shitty it was unbelievable, had the worst plus minus by such a margin that Duncan couldn't even get decent rest... Splitter lost the Finals by himself, but then again the Tiago loving hypocrites don't have anything to say about that save for excuses and some more excuses...

People don't have to say anything about your assertion because it's unfounded. Splitter's Game Three was actually really good, which is why Spo changed his lineup. Do you really think that he would have done so had Splitter been such an obvious negative? You'd think he would have stayed big to keep Splitter on the floor so the Heat could continue to exploit them.

[ezau]

If the Spurs ever face OKC in the WCF, what do you guys think of Splitter guarding Durant for stretches? I think Splitter has the foot speed and length to really bother Durant.

[Chinook]

If the Spurs ever face OKC in the WCF, what do you guys think of Splitter guarding Durant for stretches? I think Splitter has the foot speed and length to really bother Durant.

:lol Nope. It's one thing for Tiago to switch onto a guard in the PnR. It's another for him to go one-on-one with the second-best player in the world. He could guard Butler just fine, though.

[ezau]

:lol Nope. It's one thing for Tiago to switch onto a guard in the PnR. It's another for him to go one-on-one with the second-best player in the world. He could guard Butler just fine, though.

Fair enough.

[Brunodf]

That's the worst take ever posted on this website... Splitter was the worst player of the Finals, he was so shitty it was unbelievable, had the worst plus minus by such a margin that Duncan couldn't even get decent rest... Splitter lost the Finals by himself, but then again the Tiago loving hypocrites don't have anything to say about that save for excuses and some more excuses...
1/10. Splitter/Duncan lineup outscored the Heat by 20 points per 100.

Thats why every smart person realized that not playing big after game 3 was a mistake...

[Baam]

1/10. Splitter/Duncan lineup outscored the Heat by 20 points per 100.

Thats why every smart person realized that not playing big after game 3 was a mistake...

That says a lot about Tims greatness when he carried the worst player of the series on either team... Was there a player with a worse plus minus than Tiago in the Finals?

Also playing small is not a choice when you are as one dimensional as Tiago, that's on him not on Pop.

[Brunodf]

That says a lot about Tims greatness when he carried the worst player of the series on either team... Was there a player with a worse plus minus than Tiago in the Finals?

Also playing small is not a choice when you are as one dimensional as Tiago, that's on him not on Pop.
:rollin Its on him that his coach choose to change the gameplan that was working:rollin

[Kidd K]

*Looks at Tim Duncan's playoff stats this year*

16/8.5/1.5, 2 BPG, only 0.5 TO and 2.3 FPG,. Shooting 56% from the field.


Since Duncan is playing great, highly efficient basketball, if Tiago outplays that I'd say we win a title. Now if only Tiago knew how to block a shot on help defense we might have something here. 0.2 BPG for a 7 footer is embarrassing.

[spurraider21]

That says a lot about Tims greatness when he carried the worst player of the series on either team... Was there a player with a worse plus minus than Tiago in the Finals?

Also playing small is not a choice when you are as one dimensional as Tiago, that's on him not on Pop.
How did you like his defense against Dirk in round 1?

[therealtruth]

*Looks at Tim Duncan's playoff stats this year*

16/8.5/1.5, 2 BPG, only 0.5 TO and 2.3 FPG,. Shooting 56% from the field.


Since Duncan is playing great, highly efficient basketball, if Tiago outplays that I'd say we win a title. Now if only Tiago knew how to block a shot on help defense we might have something here. 0.2 BPG for a 7 footer is embarrassing.

Blocks aren't everything as long as he can contest enough to force the miss at the rim.

[Cowboys_Wear_Spurs]

Splitter has been the Spurs best low post defender for the past 3 years. When Splitter is out, the Spurs drop to like 15-20 in Def eff. When he comes back they were top 3 yet again.

Duncan is more the general that sits back and orchestrates the defense, controls the glass and can provide that Offensive spark when NEEDED. Splitter is the Spurs' best low post defender and best at setting the PNR on offense. Both our invaluable for the Spurs to succeed.

Duncan did an excellent job yesterday keeping Lopez off the glass yesterday. Most of Lopez's 7 Off rebounds were him tipping the ball towards the basket or getting blocked by Duncan. His 3-10 shooting pretty much said it all. Tiago has been outrebounding Duncan b/c Duncan has been mostly just boxing out Lopez while Tiago swoops in for the rebound. Truth is, they play extremely well together.

[tmtcsc]

What? Just...what?

[Tuddy]

If he's crashing the glass against smaller lineups we're gonna be tough to stop

[look_at_g_shred]

When we need Tim to take over, he will. Right now, with how our team is playing, we don't need him to be dominant.

[Chinook]

*Looks at Tim Duncan's playoff stats this year*

16/8.5/1.5, 2 BPG, only 0.5 TO and 2.3 FPG,. Shooting 56% from the field.


Since Duncan is playing great, highly efficient basketball, if Tiago outplays that I'd say we win a title. Now if only Tiago knew how to block a shot on help defense we might have something here. 0.2 BPG for a 7 footer is embarrassing.

Splitter is an outstanding rim-protector. He doesn't need to block shots when he can force misses while not getting out of position.

[silverblk mystix]

nowhere tbh

cause Splitter will be rendered useless if we make it to the Finals and face the Heat

the only 2 factors that would make it competitive vs. the Heat is MVParker and Kawhi at allstar level

those are the only 2 factors that would make spurs competitive

nothing else matters

but I am still behind Tiago for the lower rounds of the playoffs. Go spurs imo




Actually, this just proves how Pop is the biggest obstacle to a title.


If Splitter continues this play (in Portland he will foul out tbh)...

and the spurs were to actually go as far as the finals again...


the Genius coach will still shit his pants and bench Splitter.

Instead of saying - this is who we are and these are the players that brung us this far -

he will "overthink" and say

"oh shit - we better go small!"

[PingPong]

I think Splitter is getting more rebounds because Pop unleashed him in the offensive board.

[Kidd K]

Blocks aren't everything as long as he can contest enough to force the miss at the rim.

True, but rejections cause a mentally depressing effect on the opponent sometimes too. Like sneaking a rattlesnake in their locker room :lmao I swear to God if it comes out after the season that someone did that on purpose :lmao

[hater]

Parker didn't play at an All-Star level vs. the Heat last year and the Spurs were still competitive:lol..

:rolleyes the stupidity is strong in this one

Parker won game 1 and made a step back fade away, proceeded to steal the ball and mame a contested 3 to put spurs up witb 50 seconds to go in game 6. Then Manu and Pop crashed the bus :lol

[hater]

Yes, parker and Kawhi. Nothing to do with Green dropping 3's at a record-setting pace.

Why do you think Green was getting wide open looks professor?

[hater]

You forgot another factor: Boris Diaw. If he keeps up this level of play throughout the playoffs, he can be huge against the Heat... can cover Bosh on the 3 point line and in the paint. And make some big shots.

Obviously Diaw and the rest of the gang have to contribute and of course Manu has to avoid joining the Heat organization mi-series.

[Chinook]

Why do you think Green was getting wide open looks professor?

Yeah, 'cause it's not like Leonard wasn't being guarded by PGs and Mike Miller most of the time...

[hater]

Yeah, 'cause it's not like Leonard wasn't being guarded by PGs and Mike Miller most of the time...

Leonard's shot was shit last season. Lets hope his shot is for real this season. Or we have no chance

[Chinook]

Leonard's shot was shit last season. Lets hope his shot is for real this season. Or we have no chance

I agree with that to a large extent. The Heat may have fallen off a bit, but make no mistake: The Spurs would have to play even better than they did last year to win a Miami rematch. I doubt James goes cold so much again, and even though Parker being healthy would make a huge difference, the Heat aren't going to leave Green open nearly as much as they did before. The Spurs are going to have to get more "honest" buckets, and Leonard would be one of the players who would be most responsible for getting them, along with Ginobili.

[hater]

I agree with that to a large extent. The Heat may have fallen off a bit, but make no mistake: The Spurs would have to play even better than they did last year to win a Miami rematch. I doubt James goes cold so much again, and even though Parker being healthy would make a huge difference, the Heat aren't going to leave Green open nearly as much as they did before. The Spurs are going to have to get more "honest" buckets, and Leonard would be one of the players who would be most responsible for getting them, along with Ginobili.

Agree. Heat were a bit shellshocked last Finals. They didnt face a coach like Pop before. This time around they will be ready. I repeat MvParker and allstar Kawhi will be essential to even be competitive this time around.

[sexinthatsx]

I agree with that to a large extent. The Heat may have fallen off a bit, but make no mistake: The Spurs would have to play even better than they did last year to win a Miami rematch. I doubt James goes cold so much again, and even though Parker being healthy would make a huge difference, the Heat aren't going to leave Green open nearly as much as they did before. The Spurs are going to have to get more "honest" buckets, and Leonard would be one of the players who would be most responsible for getting them, along with Ginobili.

not giving Green open looks might be a good thing... less double teams and drifting defenders on the big 3. Also, because Belinelli is not exactly the best at defense, a lot of the Heat players are shooters that rotate around the 3 point line. As long as Belinelli can stick with the defender to defend the 3 point shot, he will get some playing time and he will be able to contribute by making some big 3's on the offensive end.

[DesignatedT]

Ehh it's hard to say for certain. Spurs wouldn't play it out exactly the same and neither would Miami. Acting like you know is pointless.

[Chinook]

not giving Green open looks might be a good thing... less double teams and drifting defenders on the big 3. Also, because Belinelli is not exactly the best at defense, a lot of the Heat players are shooters that rotate around the 3 point line. As long as Belinelli can stick with the defender to defend the 3 point shot, he will get some playing time and he will be able to contribute by making some big 3's on the offensive end.

Yes. That's closer to how Dallas defended the Spurs. I think it's good for the Spurs' offense for Green to draw his man, but with Danny scoring something like 90 points in the first five games in the series, it's hard to say that missing his production would really hurt. However, one good thing is that Leonard is shooting so well nowadays that the Heat would to suffer if they were to try to help off him instead of Green. So that's another reason why a healthy Parker and an in-rhythm Leonard are so important.

[ohmwrecker]

Tim is smart enough to realize that if Tiago is playing great, he doesn't need to compete with his own teammate. Tim will do the whatever he needs to do to cover the deficit. If he needs to rebound and play d, then that's what he will do. It's the team philosophy and no one carries it out better than Duncan.

[Chinook]

Ehh it's hard to say for certain. Spurs wouldn't play it out exactly the same and neither would Miami. Acting like you know is pointless.

Of course. All I'm saying is that since the teams would be more familiar with each other, I doubt the Spurs would be able to exploit the same holes in Miami's defense as they did last year. That doesn't even address the idea that Green would probably not be on fire for so long or that Miami would be so slow to adjust if he were.

[DesignatedT]

Miami breezing through the playoffs certainly doesn't help though. Gosh what a joke.

[rascal]

I think Splitter will play better against Miami this year. If the Spurs get there.

Splitter fears LeBron.

[hater]

Splitter fears LeBron.

And Lebron fears Kawhi tbh.

[Malik Hairston]

:rolleyes the stupidity is strong in this one

Parker won game 1 and made a step back fade away, proceeded to steal the ball and mame a contested 3 to put spurs up witb 50 seconds to go in game 6. Then Manu and Pop crashed the bus :lol

Are you really arguing that Tony Parker played like an All-Star in the Finals last year, tbh?:lol..

[hater]

I said MVParker. as in most valuable player in the team

given the fact that the etire Heat defensive strategy was concentrated on stopping Parker and he still managed to win game 1 and clinch game 6, I'd say Parker was by far the MVP of the Spurs. but there are some idiots that will argue against it and say Danny green was our MVP :lmao :lmao :lmao

[DAF86]

I said MVParker. as in most valuable player in the team

given the fact that the etire Heat defensive strategy was concentrated on stopping Parker and he still managed to win game 1 and clinch game 6, I'd say Parker was by far the MVP of the Spurs. but there are some idiots that will argue against it and say Danny green was our MVP :lmao :lmao :lmao

If shit would have ended in 6 Duncan would have gotten the MVP, tbh.

[hater]

If shit would have ended in 6 Duncan would have gotten the MVP, tbh.

fair point and a possibility, but I say Parker would have gotten that MVP. he was the one that stole home court and sealed the deal in game 6 after all.

[DAF86]

fair point and a possibility, but I say Parker would have gotten that MVP. he was the one that stole home court and sealed the deal in game 6 after all.

Tony: 15.7 ppg, 41 FG%, 6.4 APG, 1.9 RPG, 0.1 BPG, 1.0 SPG.
Tim: 18.9 PPG, 49 FG%, 1.4 APG, 12.1 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 0.9 SPG.

Shit wasn't really that close, tbh.

[hater]

Tony: 15.7 ppg, 41 FG%, 6.4 APG, 1.9 RPG, 0.1 BPG, 1.0 SPG.
Tim: 18.9 PPG, 49 FG%, 1.4 APG, 12.1 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 0.9 SPG.

Shit wasn't really that close, tbh.

your numbers are misleading as they are including the fateful game 7 that would have never happend. and I don't fuly disagree with you.

and yet Lebron didn't switch onto Duncan by the tail end of the series

[sexinthatsx]

Miami breezing through the playoffs certainly doesn't help though. Gosh what a joke.

I seriously think Bulls would've had a better chance against Heat and gave them a struggle instead of the lowly Nets. Just Adamn Silver taking another page from Sterns playbook and matching up two bigger market teams now that the Knicks are out of the playoff picture.

[sexinthatsx]

Also, if the Spurs get to the finals, I can't wait to see Kawhi Leonard post-up Lebron James and give him a taste of his own medicine.

[SpurSwag]

You know Duncan is going to play at good level the entire playoffs so if Tiago is playing above that level, the Spurs are very good obviously.

Exactly, it bodes really well for us if tiago can play better than Tim Duncan.

[elemento]

I don't think he has been outplaying Timmy, but he has been amazing defensively, not doubt.