Game Thread: Spurs vs Pacers -- Mon. (12/21) - 7:30PM CST (3:30AM Riga Time)

[Silver&Black]

:cry That Ball Movement :cry

[Johnny RIngo]

Diaw has been amazing tonight

[Ron Swanson]

Bobo!

[sasaint]

dammit Danny, gotta make those

Man, opponents will start dropping off him if he can't nail those WIDE open corner treys.

[SAGirl]

J.Simms showing up big without Manu!

[ElNono]

Bono won us this game, tbh

[NASpurs]

If Manu is truly injured and we get THIS JSimms, then Manu should take all the time he needs to recuperate. :lol

[UNT Eagles 2016]

Mean to tell me Indy is going to get gift wrapped ANOTHER freebie by the refs after the timeout? This reffing has been so one-sided it's not even practical... and AGAINST the home team :pctoss

[Robz4000]

:lol Duncan? When Duncan went out of the game the Pacers had 6 points more than halfway through the 1st quarter. When Duncan came back in, they had like 37 with 8 minutes left in the 2nd. You pay attention, the Turd Towers are just killing us on defense.

Duncan goes out, defense picks up. I love Tim but this just isn't his type of game.

[Fireball]

Simmons impressive on offense, but what bwas that on defense? he just ran under the basket and stayed there with nobody around him?

[Ron Swanson]

http://rack.0.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDEzLzA4LzEyL2YzL2Zpc3RwdW1wLmZlZWJmLmdpZgpwCX RodW1iCTEyMDB4OTYwMD4/80d8c90f/452/fist-pump.gif

[EVAY]

He was limping.
He had a play where he fell after (was it a kind of floater, I can't remember), didn't get back in the play, then curling, Monta Ellis bumped him.

Could be nothing, and Pop just being careful here in the 4th. He was clearly in pain though.

Yeah I had missed the hip thing. I sure hope it is nothing. Don't expect to see him again tonight, but maybe he can shake it off in a day or two.

[Ron Swanson]

Oh hi, Rachel.

[sasaint]

He was limping.
He had a play where he fell after (was it a kind of floater, I can't remember), didn't get back in the play, then curling, Monta Ellis bumped him.

Could be nothing, and Pop just being careful here in the 4th. He was clearly in pain though.

I remember the play - a long floater from the left baseline. I thought he didn't get up immediately because he thought he was fouled. But I missed the limping.

[ElNono]

Manu just banged up... He was sitting on the bench, so prob nothing major... Gonna hurt tomorrow though

[Kawhitstorm]

Can someone guard this horsetooth motherfucker

Jordan Hill is good at two things: Making open jumpers & offensive rebounds (b/c nobody cares to block him out). He is a terrible defender, got to see enough of him on the Lakers.

[SAGirl]

Diaw has been amazing tonight


Bobo!
Boris spectacular this game.
Kawhi has just been on another level too.

Overall though, at times we had like no energy out there.

[Uriel]

Is Kawhi Leonard already better than Tony / Manu were at their prime? He's already a top 5 player in the NBA—something neither of the other two have ever been.

[NASpurs]

Not surprised that Bono is at +15, nigga has been killing the Pacers

[GSH]

Bono won us this game, tbh

:tu

[Silver&Black]

What happened? Did Pop get a tech?

[Fireball]

Mean to tell me Indy is going to get gift wrapped ANOTHER freebie by the refs after the timeout? This reffing has been so one-sided it's not even practical... and AGAINST the home team :pctoss


sorry, but that was just plain stupid by Simmons ... refs are looking more closely at defensive 3 seconds and he does that shit?

[EVAY]

Bono won us this game, tbh


Absolutely

[Silver&Black]

Way to stick with it Simmons...

[r0drig0lac]

Simms!!!

[sasaint]

Pacers living off 2nd chance points:bang

Don' forget the third chance points!

[Johnny RIngo]

Green airballing it smh

[Silver&Black]

White Ball!!!

[NASpurs]

Manu gotta up from the bench kind of quick to argue that call, calm down Manu :lol

[Kawhitstorm]

Danny has turned into Keith Bogans:lol

[steeledl]

Fucking love Simmons... I feel like Green is actually feeling the pressure of having him on the team though

[Chris]

Green yikes

[james evans]

the Hill brothers are killing us tonight

[RD2191]

Defense has been slipping these last few games.

[TXstbobcat]

Tony!!!!! Great move

[Ron Swanson]

Tony!

[Silver&Black]

George Hill put in the spin cycle :lol

[sasaint]

Way to stick with it Simmons...

Didn't get rattled and stayed with the play. The guy is really growing! I love it!

[TXstbobcat]

West!!!!!!!

[EVAY]

Wow - you could tell TP enjoyed showing that move to GH.

[GSH]

Danny has turned into Keith Bogans:lol


He's really starting to remind me of Ime, when he just went blind.

[keeferob25]

Is Kawhi Leonard already better than Tony / Manu were at their prime? He's already a top 5 player in the NBA—something neither of the other two have ever been.

Manu in 2004-2005 won the GOLD medal and championship. He had a TOP FIVE player of alltime in his prime and its arguable that he outperformed him for an entire playoff run in 2005. And he was the best performing player against one of the stingiest defenses of the last 20 years. In 2007-2008 he had metrics that rivaled KOBE BRYANT and that dude won MVP. Kawhi hasn't done any of that so far. Lets cool our heels a bit.

[james evans]

and jordan hill scores again haha

[Johnny RIngo]

Danny has turned into Keith Bogans:lol

seriously, it's bizarre seeing him miss the kind of shots that he was easily making last year

[Silver&Black]

:worthy: MVPARKER

[Chris]

MVParker

[Ron Swanson]

Holy shit!

[TXstbobcat]

Tony wow!!!!!!!

[r0drig0lac]

MVParker!!!

[sasaint]

TONEEEE!!!

[SAGirl]

Tony having a party twice!

[EVAY]

Wow!!! TP in a fight with GH

[steeledl]

MY FUCKING NIGGA!!

[tholdren]

He's really starting to remind me of Ime, when he just went blind.
SHHHHHHH, chump will be offended if you say this aloud.

[RD2191]

The ham taking over! Get the fuck out of the baconators way!

[Uriel]

Of course Danny finally drains one.

[NASpurs]

Of course Danny made that :lol

[Nathan89]

MY FUCKING NIGGA!!

My nigga Tp

[313]

MVParker :wow

[TheGreatYacht]

MVParker making sure they don't comeback :wow

[UNT Eagles 2016]

Popabitch dumb timeout wiping Green's open 3 off the board :bang

[Fireball]

Pop again kills a Danny 3 with a timeout

[resistanze]

Parker's been injecting a healthy dose of baby fetuses.

[coachmac87]

Danny Green sucks at basketball

[SpurPadre]

Any word on Manu?

[UNT Eagles 2016]

What happened? Did Pop get a tech?

Illegal defense tech

[Nathan89]

Simmons has been really impressive tonight. KA handed his playing time over on his first possession when he let Bud cut right by him.

[Blizzardwizard]

MVParker :cry

[sasaint]

Wow - you could tell TP enjoyed showing that move to GH.

Yeah, me, too! :toast

[DMC]

DPOY doing DPOY things.

[GSH]

Pop calling an alley-oop out of a timeout?

[steeledl]

My nigga Tp

No Nathan

[EVAY]

Is Kawhi Leonard already better than Tony / Manu were at their prime? He's already a top 5 player in the NBA—something neither of the other two have ever been.

Not sure about ages exactly. TP was in the discussion for MVP twice - last time in 2013. Manu was an international star before coming to the NBA. Not sure if it is really useful to try the comparisons

[TXstbobcat]

Any word on Manu?

Manu back in

[james evans]

Manu in 2004-2005 won the GOLD medal and championship. He had a TOP FIVE player of alltime in his prime and its arguable that he outperformed him for an entire playoff run in 2005. And he did it against one of the stingiest defenses of the last 20 years. Kawhi hasn't done any of that so far. Lets cool our heels a bit.
to be fair, let's tell the whole story about that finals. Duncan was being held by the best defensive big man in the nba and at times by wallace as ginobli was being guarded by Prince, whos defense has been overrated since the 2004 finals when kobe shot out the Lakers. just like Parker being guarded by boobie gibson and the cavs pgs in 2007.

[Silver&Black]

Good to see Gino back in the game tbqh...

[SAGirl]

Manu back in.
:hungry:

[RD2191]

Parker hero balling

[TXstbobcat]

Tony!!!!!!!!!

[Silver&Black]

MVParker....too easy.

[GSH]

Holy shit!!! Tony found the fountain of youth. WTF was that?

[Fireball]

Timmy will come in ... I do not understand Pop ... he should Aldridge finish the game

[RD2191]

MVParker....too easy.
Settle down. :lol

[steeledl]

LMFAO Parker in God mode

[RD2191]

Kawhi though

[TXstbobcat]

Manu333333333333333

[Ron Swanson]

Manu for 3!

[Silver&Black]

Parker hero balling

:lol Settle Down

[loveforthegame]

Dagger.

[sasaint]

Good to see Gino back in the game tbqh...

I'm breathing a lot easier!

[james evans]

put Boban in

[EVAY]

Good to see Gino back in the game tbqh...

Yes it is!!!!!

[SAGirl]

Tony dancing like its 2012!

[r0drig0lac]

dagger

[bic50]

I'm really excited about simmons. What a pick up

[313]

Manuuuu333

[RD2191]

LMFAO Parker in God mode
Yeah, 12 points. Watch out Kawhi.

[SpurAddict561]

I think his hip is o....k

Manu treś

[TheDoctor]

MANU3ssss

[SpurPadre]

LOL, Kawhi making PG-13 look rated G.

[RD2191]

:lol Settle Down
:wakeup

[Uriel]

Ballgame.

[UNT Eagles 2016]

Keep them under 100... protect our court... don't give them 14 points in the next few minutes guys :ihit

[Fireball]

Play Boban tbh

[TMTTRIO]

Surprised Manu's out there after getting hurt. He needs to be shut down. Simmons could get more experience.

[SAGirl]

Timmy will come in ... I do not understand Pop ... he should Aldridge finish the game
Sometimes there is no understanding Pop, but I can't argue with his record this season, despite so many new guys and roles...
He's going with who he trusts.

[Silver&Black]

:wakeup

:danceclub

[TheDoctor]

Enrique showing off those crossovers just to stay tomorrow all day in bed with tons of ice on his hamstring

[Johnny RIngo]

to be fair, let's tell the whole story about that finals. Duncan was being held by the best defensive big man in the nba and at times by wallace as ginobli was being guarded by Prince, whos defense has been overrated since the 2004 finals when kobe shot out the Lakers. just like Parker being guarded by boobie gibson and the cavs pgs in 2007.

Manu was legit in 2005. He killed it in every playoff series that year. Should also be noted that Duncan was hobbled with an ankle injury throughout those playoffs that more than likely affected his play vs the Pistons.

[Kawhitstorm]

He's really starting to remind me of Ime, when he just went blind.

Ime wasn't a starter though

[GSH]

As badly as Danny shot the ball tonight, he's still shot it a lot better than Paul George. 1-7 for Danny vs 1-14 for George.

George played 33:28 so far, and Kawhi played 33:30. Think it's related?

[313]

This team is starting to look like the one we expected, just not until later in the season :tu

[hitmanyr2k]

I remember a couple of years ago Paul George started out red hot the first month and then the rest of the year he was dreadful shooting the ball. He's starting to repeat that trend this year.

[SpurPadre]

I came in late to this, is there a reason why LMA hasn't played the entire quarter?

[EVAY]

Yeah, 12 points. Watch out Kawhi.

Oh come on, Rob - no one is taking anything away from Kawhi - TP having a far better season this year and moving so much better than he did last year is noteworthy, so people are noting and being happy about it.

Zero people on this board are suggesting that TP is more important to the Spurs scoring right now than Kawhi.

Chill, man

[TXstbobcat]

This should be time to release the Boban!!!!

[SAGirl]

Surprised Manu's out there after getting hurt. He needs to be shut down. Simmons could get more experience.
He might yet come back (Simmons I mean).
This game getting away from Pacers right now.

[Ron Swanson]

Dat pass

[Silver&Black]

My nigga Parker stat padding now...:lol

Nice save Kawhi.

[loveforthegame]

That Leonard save, behind the back pass, and Parker 3.

[keeferob25]

to be fair, let's tell the whole story about that finals. Duncan was being held by the best defensive big man in the nba and at times by wallace as ginobli was being guarded by Prince, whos defense has been overrated since the 2004 finals when kobe shot out the Lakers. just like Parker being guarded by boobie gibson and the cavs pgs in 2007.

Get your point but I stated the best PERFORMING player. Duncan was the most VALUABLE player that series but it was ugly for him because of his task. Manu ran wild on Detroit. Its almost exactly the deal with the early Spurs vs Lakers duels. KOBE was the one that "killed" us because he was able to run wild on our D as we mostly focused our defensive strength (our frontcourt) on defending Shaq. Shaq was never really the guy that "killed" us...it was kobe. Kawhi has had one series (really three games) against a team that was overrated and on the end of a long run to where he was the lead performer. Manu, again, faced a MUCH better team and defense and killed them.

[steeledl]

LMFAO. Parker fucking Rachel tonight

[313]

Three straight busted plays turn into buckets :lol

[sasaint]

Surprised Manu's out there after getting hurt. He needs to be shut down. Simmons could get more experience.

I think many of us loved seeing Manu back in the game to show that his hip is okay, but get him out after the dagger trey, and let Simmons play.

[james evans]

HERE COMES BOBAN!!!!!

[Uriel]

Boban's in. Took long enough.

[Silver&Black]

#BobanUnleashed

[SpurPadre]

Manu back in

Yeah, good to see him withstanding hits and bumps better than usual.

[FaM0us Skins]

LOL, Kawhi making PG-13 look rated G.
:lol

[Johnny RIngo]

Boban sighting

[tholdren]

Danny Green Ballin

[TheDoctor]

Damn PG hammered Kawhi in that play. Still no call, wtf?

[RD2191]

Oh come on, Rob - no one is taking anything away from Kawhi - TP having a far better season this year and moving so much better than he did last year is noteworthy, so people are noting and being happy about it.

Zero people on this board are suggesting that TP is more important to the Spurs scoring right now than Kawhi.

Chill, man
:lolrelax, I'm trying to bait someone into an argument.

[TheGreatYacht]

LMFAO. Parker fucking Rachel tonight
:lmao

[Silver&Black]

WTF are we doing? Let Boban shoot the damn ball...:pctoss

[Ron Swanson]

Whitey blowing layups

[TXstbobcat]

Boban!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ron Swanson]

Boban with the touch

[EVAY]

:lolrelax, I'm trying to bait someone into an argument.

:tu

[james evans]

BOBAN WITH THE FOOTWORK!!!

[FaM0us Skins]

Boban!

[313]

Boban McBuckets

[steeledl]

Boban!

[RD2191]

Man, Kawhi bricked some 3s tonight. His percentage is going to take a hit.

[sasaint]

Boban's touch completely belies his hulking size.

[Ron Swanson]

Waiting for the Boban fastbreak Eurostep.

[SAGirl]

Boban can play!

[TXstbobcat]

24 - 5 :flag:

[SanDiegoSpursFan]

I don't think winning a head-to-head match-up makes one player better than another.

That being said, Kawhi > George.

[GSH]

:lolrelax, I'm trying to bait someone into an argument.


LOL... yeah, because that shit always improves things around here.

[Fireball]

again fucking entertaining 1.5 minutes with Boban on the floor ...

[EVAY]

14 point defeat. Keeps the average difference at about the same.

[TXstbobcat]

6 wins in a row for the Spurs. :flag:

[Silver&Black]

Spurs win 106-92 to improve their record to 24-5.

:flag:

http://i.imgur.com/2GUj8xE.png

:worthy: Kawhi in the 3rd
:worthy: Parker in the 4th
:pctoss Danny Green the entire fucking game

[SAGirl]

Boban's touch completely belies his hulking size.
Agreed.
Sometimes it still surprises me when it goes in, that is why he's so exciting in a way.

[Uriel]

Fake you Budinger, ruining our point differential:flipoff:flipoff

[steeledl]

Paul George getting roasted around the interwebs.

[-21-]

PG pulling a Kobe, goes 1/14.

[FaM0us Skins]

Spurs win!

[kuato]

Boban 2 points, 2 rebounds, 1 block in less than 2 minutes

[tholdren]

PG pulling a Kobe, goes 1/14.
and most likely has 2x the FG% of Danny Green

[loveforthegame]

Leonard: 24pts, 6rbs, 5as, 3stls all the while mostly holding George to 1-14 shooting.

Not bad at all. :tu

[tim_duncan_fan]

Victory.

[GSH]

and most likely has 2x the FG% of Danny Green

Actually, exactly 1/2 the FG% of Danny. 1-14 vs 1-7

[SpurPadre]

I don't think winning a head-to-head match-up makes one player better than another.

That being said, Kawhi > George.

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSZkRRvxO5NnYr2aZVDuEfm-1meUPmSj6T7sCt-K0uuBvUClsfPb7JWSe4 "You're tripping. Kawhi sucks."

[Fireball]

Boban 2 points, 2 rebounds, 1 block in less than 2 minutes

that should be enough to keep the NBA lead in player efficiency rating in December :lol

[RD2191]

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSZkRRvxO5NnYr2aZVDuEfm-1meUPmSj6T7sCt-K0uuBvUClsfPb7JWSe4 "You're tripping. Kawhi sucks."
"System player" :lol

[SAGirl]

Spurs win 106-92 to improve their record to 24-5.

:flag:

http://i.imgur.com/2GUj8xE.png

:worthy: Kawhi in the 3rd
:worthy: Parker in the 4th
:pctoss Danny Green the entire fucking game
Boris with the super mega +22

/smh those who wanted him traded in the offseason for a 4th wing.
4th wing Simmons looking great and more confident each game.
I think he's at the point where he should stay in the rotation for real to get more experience, but also chemistry with guys.
He's won the spot fair and square.

Time for Boban and Anderson to keep pounding that rock and getting better. Hopefully there will be plenty of garbage time to come for them to keep working on their stuff.

Kawhi/Tony coming up with buckets and plays. I think both are playing at all-star level this season TBH.

Lamarcus not closing out the game, just bc Tim is better at protecting the rim I think and Boris was having a monster game and better against small ball teams.

Otherwise, forgettable game. For some stretches we really seemed to coast, particularly in the first half.

Danny still cold, and making bad decisions at times. He had some good defensive moments this game though.

[TheGreatYacht]

This team is insanely stacked. And to think this team starts peaking around the end of the Rodeo Road trip...

[Ice009]

Leonard: 24pts, 6rbs, 5as, 3stls all the while mostly holding George to 1-14 shooting.

Not bad at all. :tu

The system player! Not a bad game against the guy Durant said he'd pick.

[kuato]

that should be enough to keep the NBA lead in player efficiency rating in December :lol

Boban is already an stat monster!!! :P

[SpurPadre]

"System player" :lol

KD used to be a classy dude when he came out of college but quickly turned into a whiny asshole.

[TheDoctor]

I remember a couple of years ago Paul George started out red hot the first month and then the rest of the year he was dreadful shooting the ball. He's starting to repeat that trend this year.

Could it be fatigue?

[SAGirl]

Leonard: 24pts, 6rbs, 5as, 3stls all the while mostly holding George to 1-14 shooting.

Not bad at all. :tu
That is an MVP candidate right there TBH.

[313]

Boban 2 points, 2 rebounds, 1 block in less than 2 minutes
:worthy: Duncan's successor

[GSH]

Spurs came close to evening up the rebound deficit they had. Outscored the Pacers in the paint 62-38.

[LakerHater]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CWzP1zoVAAAzU6B.png

[tholdren]

Actually, exactly 1/2 the FG% of Danny. 1-14 vs 1-7

I was meaning that even though he went 1/14 he still has a better FG % (year) than danny... because danny shoots like a girl... who has no arms.

[DMC]

Sometimes there is no understanding Pop, but I can't argue with his record this season, despite so many new guys and roles...
He's going with who he trusts.
I've said it plenty of times but bears repeating: Pop could be the CotY every year. He should be this year if it holds up, but how can you be better than Kerr coaching via telephone and that record? lol

[sasaint]

Paul George getting roasted around the interwebs.

He might just as easily be toasted after our rematch. The guy can play, and he will play with a chip on his shoulder next meeting.

[SAGirl]

Could it be fatigue?
I think as he starts hot, teams focus on stopping him, the offense doesn't help him get good looks.

If you remember our kawhi started cold, but he got an easy dish from Tim, dunked, and got rolling. Not all his looks were forced... Obviously, the man is talented, but he has help.

I think the Pacers don't do enough to get P.George some looks, everything was tough this game. YOu have to give credit to Kawhi of course, but since the question was in general... just my take.

[313]

that should be enough to keep the NBA lead in player efficiency rating in December :lol
:lol

[RD2191]

KD used to be a classy dude when he came out of college but quickly turned into a whiny asshole.
Yeah, I'm a big UT basketball fan so he used to be a fav player of mine. But then his attitude started to turn so screw him. :lol

[sasaint]

That is an MVP candidate right there TBH.

After a poor, 2/8 start he ended up 10/19, although his 3 point % took a hit.

[Budkin]

Still can't believe we traded Paul George tbh...

[GSH]

I've said it plenty of times but bears repeating: Pop could be the CotY every year.

Nuh uh. Sometimes the Spurs lose games. And when they do, this place explodes with calls for him to be fired. How can the COTY get that many demands for firing?

[Kawhitstorm]

Is Kawhi Leonard already better than Tony / Manu were at their prime? He's already a top 5 player in the NBA—something neither of the other two have ever been.

The current version of PRIME Manu is a motivated Harden with less FTAs & PRIME Tony is Kyrie Irving. You could argue Kawhi is better than Kyrie/Harden w/ less FTAs

[sasaint]

Nuh uh. Sometimes the Spurs lose games. And when they do, this place explodes with calls for him to be fired. How can the COTY get that many demands for firing?

:lol

[timtonymanu]

KD used to be a classy dude when he came out of college but quickly turned into a whiny asshole.

Well it's gotta suck having to be 2nd to LeBron and now he's going to be 2nd to Kawhi.

[james evans]

Boban 2 points, 2 rebounds, 1 block in less than 2 minutes
what is he averaging per 48 . That shit has to be unreal

[ceperez]

Leonard: 24pts, 6rbs, 5as, 3stls all the while mostly holding George to 1-14 shooting.

Not bad at all. :tu

What happened to George???? Wasn't Paul George a guy running for MVP this season. Complete shutdown.

[SpurPadre]

Well it's gotta suck having to be 2nd to LeBron and now he's going to be 2nd to Kawhi.
True. :lol

[SpurPadre]

Why did LMA only log 27 minutes while sitting out the last quarter?

[Arcadian]

KawhiVP sighting tonight

[sasaint]

Boris with the super mega +22

/smh those who wanted him traded in the offseason for a 4th wing.
4th wing Simmons looking great and more confident each game.
I think he's at the point where he should stay in the rotation for real to get more experience, but also chemistry with guys.
He's won the spot fair and square.

Time for Boban and Anderson to keep pounding that rock and getting better. Hopefully there will be plenty of garbage time to come for them to keep working on their stuff.

Kawhi/Tony coming up with buckets and plays. I think both are playing at all-star level this season TBH.

Lamarcus not closing out the game, just bc Tim is better at protecting the rim I think and Boris was having a monster game and better against small ball teams.

Otherwise, forgettable game. For some stretches we really seemed to coast, particularly in the first half.

Danny still cold, and making bad decisions at times. He had some good defensive moments this game though.

Seemed like Boris scored even more than 14. Game MVP. Go Simmons, nice game! He keeps progressing like this and he will be a good rotation player - sooner rather than later!

[steeledl]

Why did LMA only log 27 minutes while sitting out the last quarter?

Just sort of worked out that way.... Had a group of players start playing well together in the 4th and Pop road the hot hand. LMAlpha was set to come back in but we hit a big 3 to stretch the lead even further. Pacers called a timeout... and Pop went to Boban

[SAGirl]

Seemed like Boris scored even more than 14. Game MVP. Go Simmons, nice game! He keeps progressing like this and he will be a good rotation player - sooner rather than later!

I think so, on both counts.

I am going to sidetrack
/rant on

There is also no Simmons vs. Anderson for me. It annoys me that people see them competing like that (used to be Cojo vs. Mills--nothing to be done about that I guess). But for me, I would not enjoy watching the team do well if it required others to do bad, or if my guy wasn't playing well.

In the end, basketball is a team sport and you need all your horses to win. One guy can't do it all alone. My favorite player in the Spurs originally (I have been following the team for just 3 years was Boris)... still love him bc he's a team player. Cares zero for stats. As I became familiar with the team I started appreciating different guys, and really different guys bring very many different things, even flawed guys brought positives.

In the end, I see a little of Boris in Anderson and that is why I love him. Doesn't take any bit of my enjoyment away from seeing Simmons come into his own.

I am really, really excited to see this team gel and get better each game. As much as some guys are spectacular at times, really when they play well together, is when we are just a freaking monolith.

Anyways,
off my rant.
:flag:

[ace3g]

ESPN Stats & Info (https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo)
@ESPNStatsInfo (https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo)


Since Tim Duncan's rookie season (1997-98) @spurs (https://twitter.com/spurs/) have 44 different win streaks of 6+ gamesThey have ONE 6-game losing streak in that span

[Kawhitstorm]

What happened to George???? Wasn't Paul George a guy running for MVP this season. Complete shutdown.

Teams are loading up on him & he isn't a good enough playmaker to make them pay which has resulted in turnover or forced shots.

[skulls138]

Didnt think KA was that bad but Simmons came with more urgency and his game gives something instantaneously which is needed when you play short minutes. I dont think its a bad on KA just a good on Simmons. I think KA is being groomed for the future where as Simmons can help now.

[SAGirl]

Didnt think KA was that bad but Simmons came with more urgency and his game gives something instantaneously which is needed when you play short minutes. I dont think its a bad on KA just a good on Simmons. I think KA is being groomed for the future where as Simmons can help now.
Agree with you Skulls.

[sasaint]

You are so right about Boris. He seems completely oblivious to stats. Given his age, I said earlier in the year that I thought he might retire after this year. But with his game he might be around for several more years. He is so crafty. And he is a basketball chameleon, constantly adapting and finding a way to make a strong contribution - 3-point threat to post-up assassin.

Actually, I know that you hope both Simmons and Kyle are a part of Spurs TNG (as I do). Pop's handling of Kyle is making me question whether he is still very high on the guy, though. I caught a glimpse of Kyle in the game (2nd quarter, IIRC), and then he was gone. A poster said he made a defensive error and got the hook after 45 seconds, but I missed the sequence. Pop has a zero level tolerance approach with Kyle that is a head scratcher.

[Kawhitstorm]

Get your point but I stated the best PERFORMING player. Duncan was the most VALUABLE player that series but it was ugly for him because of his task. Manu ran wild on Detroit. Its almost exactly the deal with the early Spurs vs Lakers duels. KOBE was the one that "killed" us because he was able to run wild on our D as we mostly focused our defensive strength (our frontcourt) on defending Shaq. Shaq was never really the guy that "killed" us...it was kobe. Kawhi has had one series (really three games) against a team that was overrated and on the end of a long run to where he was the lead performer. Manu, again, faced a MUCH better team and defense and killed them.

Wade/T-Mac/LeBron used to destroy Tayshaun b/c they took advantage of his footspeed or lack-thereof just like Manu. Kobe meanwhile settled for jumpers:lol & didn't have success shooting over Tayshaun's length, there is a reason why the guy holds all the futility records in league history.

[Kawhitstorm]

Pop's handling of Kyle is making me question whether he is still very high on the guy, though. I caught a glimpse of Kyle in the game (2nd quarter, IIRC), and then he was gone. A poster said he made a defensive error and got the hook after 45 seconds, but I missed the sequence. Pop has a zero level tolerance approach with Kyle that is a head scratcher.

Pop is treating Fathead like he used to treat Tiago/Danny when they were new faces on the roster. On the other hand, Simmons is off the leash like rookie year Blair & Roger Mason:lol. Boban is getting that spot duty like Baynes.

[ace3g]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CWzgpR1UYAAf32n.jpg

[steeledl]

\
Actually, I know that you hope both Simmons and Kyle are a part of Spurs TNG (as I do). Pop's handling of Kyle is making me question whether he is still very high on the guy, though. I caught a glimpse of Kyle in the game (2nd quarter, IIRC), and then he was gone. A poster said he made a defensive error and got the hook after 45 seconds, but I missed the sequence. Pop has a zero level tolerance approach with Kyle that is a head scratcher.

The problem is that he doesn't do anything well and he is super timid/scared and plays with little energy or aggression offensively. He is a warm body to throw out there and eat up minutes when he is focused but when he is making mistakes and having mental lapses on defense he is pretty unplayable because he isn't going to get it back for you on the other end. I think that is the main reason pop doesn't tolerate him making any defensive mistakes while he gives Simmons a longer leash as he can contribute on both sides of the court.

[UNT Eagles 2016]

I came in late to this, is there a reason why LMA hasn't played the entire quarter?

ruptured ACL

[SAGirl]

You are so right about Boris. He seems completely oblivious to stats. Given his age, I said earlier in the year that I thought he might retire after this year. But with his game he might be around for several more years. He is so crafty. And he is a basketball chameleon, constantly adapting and finding a way to make a strong contribution - 3-point threat to post-up assassin.

Actually, I know that you hope both Simmons and Kyle are a part of Spurs TNG (as I do). Pop's handling of Kyle is making me question whether he is still very high on the guy, though. I caught a glimpse of Kyle in the game (2nd quarter, IIRC), and then he was gone. A poster said he made a defensive error and got the hook after 45 seconds, but I missed the sequence. Pop has a zero level tolerance approach with Kyle that is a head scratcher.

If we don't overthink it, it's simple, one guy is more developed than the other at this point. Anderson is still a developing young player that is not going to contribute much offensively, and Pop doesn't want him to. (Or at least Pop didn't want him to originally, lately Kyle has been more aggressive, there were too many games where he was just too passive.) But he's still developing and therefore will be up and down offensively and not contribute much. Precisely because of that, you can't let him get away with the slightest issue defensively.

On the other hand, Simmons is a developed athlete with a game that is growing with experience, and able to make an offensive impact right away. Since he is a factor offensively, you can maybe let him get away with one or two mistakes before you need to do something about it.

Beyond that, I think Kyle was really not meant to play real minutes in this game. Simmons was ready to sub in the 1st Q and then Pop surprised us giving the nod to Kyle in the 2nd bc the match up was with Budinger, a tall bench SF guy. So Kyle got the nod over Simmons just on defensive reasons alone. Then in the first play, the very first play he got in the game, the poor guy (Kyle) gets hit with a backcut by Budinger and a score. If the only reason you are playing is for defense and you don't do your job you will get subbed out. End of story for Kyle.

[SpurPadre]

Just sort of worked out that way.... Had a group of players start playing well together in the 4th and Pop road the hot hand. LMAlpha was set to come back in but we hit a big 3 to stretch the lead even further. Pacers called a timeout... and Pop went to Boban

Thanks.

[sasaint]

If we don't overthink it, it's simple, one guy is more developed than the other at this point. Anderson is still a developing young player that is not going to contribute much offensively, and Pop doesn't want him to. (Or at least Pop didn't want him to originally, lately Kyle has been more aggressive, there were too many games where he was just too passive.) But he's still developing and therefore will be up and down offensively and not contribute much. Precisely because of that, you can't let him get away with the slightest issue defensively.

On the other hand, Simmons is a developed athlete with a game that is growing with experience, and able to make an offensive impact right away. Since he is a factor offensively, you can maybe let him get away with one or two mistakes before you need to do something about it.

Beyond that, I think Kyle was really not meant to play real minutes in this game. Simmons was ready to sub in the 1st Q and then Pop surprised us giving the nod to Kyle in the 2nd bc the match up was with Budinger, a tall bench SF guy. So Kyle got the nod over Simmons just on defensive reasons alone. Then in the first play, the very first play he got in the game, the poor guy (Kyle) gets hit with a backcut by Budinger and a score. If the only reason you are playing is for defense and you don't do your job you will get subbed out. End of story for Kyle.

Good points. Just seems like Pop has gotten harder and harder on Kyle, but perhaps that is just my perception - compounded by Pop's growing confidence in Simmons. Whatever, I am looking forward to a lot of Kawhi/Simmons athletic pairings in the future. And I believe Kyle will find his niche.

[DMC]

Nuh uh. Sometimes the Spurs lose games. And when they do, this place explodes with calls for him to be fired. How can the COTY get that many demands for firing?

Ask George Karl and Avery Johnson.

[SAGirl]

Good points. Just seems like Pop has gotten harder and harder on Kyle, but perhaps that is just my perception - compounded by Pop's growing confidence in Simmons. Whatever, I am looking forward to a lot of Kawhi/Simmons athletic pairings in the future. And I believe Kyle will find his niche.

I believe Simmons has the makings of a two way player, able to impact both aspects of the floor, offensively and defensively.

Obviously initially, due to lack of experience he had defensive mistakes, but he was able to make an immediate impact offensively. So I would not label him an offensive player, but initially regardless of his defense, he had an offensive impact right away, and will only get better.

Kyle, on the other hand, doesn't have much of an impact offensively therefore you need to be strict with him defensively.
Everyone needs to have a role to get playing time. It's ironic, because defense was not Kyle's strong suit ever, but he's improved. Basically, despite it not necessarily being a srtength of his, his playing time depends on how good he is defensively. If he's good defensively he will get playing time that will allow him to be better and improve in all other areas.

He will get chances in the future, but you could say their roles have reversed. Kyle will now play when there are injuries, foul trouble, Manu is resting, or someone is really, really laying out an egg, or if there is a matchup problem that J.Simms can't handle. If he keeps working hard he will make the most of his chances.

[LakerHater]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CWzmHEKUEAAE8F_.jpg

[BatManu20]

679157254692593664

[BatManu20]

679152014173999104

[BatManu20]

This is a pretty remarkable stat.

679146484017836032

[BillMc]

ESPN Stats & Info (https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo)
@ESPNStatsInfo (https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo)


Since Tim Duncan's rookie season (1997-98) @spurs (https://twitter.com/spurs/) have 44 different win streaks of 6+ gamesThey have ONE 6-game losing streak in that span

:bobo

[timtonymanu]

This is a pretty remarkable stat.

679146484017836032

:tu

He probably won't see much time on Curry but I am looking forward t that next game.

[BillMc]

Victory!:bobo

[Kawhitstorm]

:tu

He probably won't see much time on Curry but I am looking forward t that next game.

Klay has been running his mouth about being the "best SG in the league" thus Kawhi will gladly take the challenge of making his life miserable.

[timtonymanu]

Klay has been running his mouth about being the "best SG in the league" thus Kawhi will gladly take the challenge of making his life miserable.

:lol saw that too. Klay runs his mouth a lot for someone who was a non factor in all their playoff runs.

[k_nguyen93]

Shaka Smart was sitting with RC during the game and supposedly visited the locker room afterwards. Would love to see Wingstop incorporate a bit of Havoc defense for the playoffs.

[BillMc]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7qM7SYAstw&feature=youtu.be

[BillMc]

blob:https%3A//vine.co/4b6b578f-1f48-4a99-bc18-0f64efb3a14a

[Spurtacular]

Klay has been running his mouth about being the "best SG in the league" thus Kawhi will gladly take the challenge of making his life miserable.

Officially, Harden plays SG. So, he's wrong. But a lot of 3's in the league can pretty well shut him down as well.

Edit: I doubt I'd take Klay over Hayward either.

[Spurtacular]

Someone re-watch the game and tell me how many open looks PG missed. He claims his 1-14 wasn't much to do with KL.

[skulls138]

The problem is that he doesn't do anything well and he is super timid/scared and plays with little energy or aggression offensively. He is a warm body to throw out there and eat up minutes when he is focused but when he is making mistakes and having mental lapses on defense he is pretty unplayable because he isn't going to get it back for you on the other end. I think that is the main reason pop doesn't tolerate him making any defensive mistakes while he gives Simmons a longer leash as he can contribute on both sides of the court.But they knew that when they got him. Not the scared timid part, but the lack of specialization. Pop cant "plug him in" to fill a particular need except defensive rebounding maybe, and when youre third string youve got to be able to make a difference quickly. Simmons doesnt have one particular skill either except energy which WILL make a difference quickly. KA can be like a b-ball genius but we got enough of them for now

[SAGirl]

Spurtacular Someone posted that already above... few posters before this. He said only 4-5 shots were contested by Kawhi.

P.G. might have been more accurate to say it was the Spurs defense in general... with Kawhi backed up by a team of guys that switched onto him or something.

[Robz4000]

Why did LMA only log 27 minutes while sitting out the last quarter?

Pop wised up and made an in-game adjustment; Spurs were better playing small and went with Diaw/West or Duncan/Diaw.

[Fireball]

I think PG got by KL quite easily, but just could not make shots ... of course KL is so good at recovering he still bothers your shot but KL was not really able to stay in front of PG13

[ceperez]

But they knew that when they got him. Not the scared timid part, but the lack of specialization. Pop cant "plug him in" to fill a particular need except defensive rebounding maybe, and when youre third string youve got to be able to make a difference quickly. Simmons doesnt have one particular skill either except energy which WILL make a difference quickly. KA can be like a b-ball genius but we got enough of them for now

???? WTF ????

[ceperez]

I believe Simmons has the makings of a two way player, able to impact both aspects of the floor, offensively and defensively.

Obviously initially, due to lack of experience he had defensive mistakes, but he was able to make an immediate impact offensively. So I would not label him an offensive player, but initially regardless of his defense, he had an offensive impact right away, and will only get better.

Kyle, on the other hand, doesn't have much of an impact offensively therefore you need to be strict with him defensively.
Everyone needs to have a role to get playing time. It's ironic, because defense was not Kyle's strong suit ever, but he's improved. Basically, despite it not necessarily being a srtength of his, his playing time depends on how good he is defensively. If he's good defensively he will get playing time that will allow him to be better and improve in all other areas.

He will get chances in the future, but you could say their roles have reversed. Kyle will now play when there are injuries, foul trouble, Manu is resting, or someone is really, really laying out an egg, or if there is a matchup problem that J.Simms can't handle. If he keeps working hard he will make the most of his chances.

Great take. Right now both player have improved defensively, but Simmons has better impact offensively. Both players are equally effective though, but with the Spurs there are plenty of efficient players. Furthermore, KA really is like Boris Diaw but without the athleticism so its just going to be a struggle for him to be stay in the court when there are other better players. In contrast, Simmons is just a different kind of player that nobody else in the bench has his kind of talents.

[steeledl]

?
Great take. Right now both player have improved defensively, but Simmons has better impact offensively. Both players are equally effective though, but with the Spurs there are plenty of efficient players. Furthermore, KA really is like Boris Diaw but without the athleticism so its just going to be a struggle for him to be stay in the court when there are other better players. In contrast, Simmons is just a different kind of player that nobody else in the bench has his kind of talents.

I don't think so.

[BatManu20]

679318841676066816

[BatManu20]

679308558219870209

[BatManu20]

679307955175448581

[Boogie Munster]

Game was awesome. Leonard and Diaw fat ass beasted. Really liked the renovations done at the center. Less lines for beer and a bit better food selections. Seats weren't so bad and the screen was tits. Still shitty to see at least 40-50 empty seats in the front. I was behind the basket.

[BatManu20]

679356497248276480

[BatManu20]

679146090944454656