ESPN: NBA Lockdown - Who wins in a Spurs/Warriors playoffs matchup?

[DenialTwist]

Rondo, Curry's leg, Pop's a liar and virality vs. reality
Brian Windhorst, Ethan Sherwood Strauss and Tom Haberstroh discuss Rajon Rondo and size up the Warriors, Spurs and Hassan Whiteside.

http://espn.go.com/espnradio/play?id=14516502
It's right around the 24min mark.

Haberstroh talks about the BPI numbers, spurs analytics, and how great they are on defense. Strauss says the spurs are playing better than the Warriors right now but in a 7-game series in the playoffs, he doesn't think the Spurs can win because he doesn't know who Tony Parker can guard on the Warriors. Haberstroh doesn't think the spurs small ball lineup can beat warriors small ball (particularly how to defend Draymond Green at Center) and he thinks Parker won't be healthy at the end of the season. This has been mentioned before on other NBA pods. Windhorst also talks about Kawhi's offensive improvement this season, his stats in the month of December, and how he has a great opportunity to average 50/40/90 for the season. Last but not least Haberstroh talks about Pop's strategy to combat the three point shot and go against Moreyball.

[Robz4000]

The Spurs' best lineups to combat their small ball lineup don't involve Parker tbh. They sound more desperate to find ways the Spurs can't beat the Warriors than knowledgeable.

[spursistan]

thanks for the recap..not going to bother with an 1 hour podcast with that Warriors homer Strauss and his annoying voice..Him an Hassan are ESPN-"new media" version of Skip/Stephen A...

[timtonymanu]

Aldridge/Diaw/Leonard/Green/Ginobili imo.

[spurs10]

Aldridge/Diaw/Leonard/Green/Ginobili imo. Not bad!

[wildbill2u]

Aldridge/Diaw/Leonard/Green/Ginobili imo.

As much as I love and respect Manu, I don't think he still has the juice to play defense against the GSW first team.

[Nathan89]

As much as I love and respect Manu, I don't think he still has the juice to play defense against the GSW first team.

He can guard Barnes better than Tony Parker can guard any of their players.

[thiste]

Nice listen except for that doofus at the end

[lilbthebasedgod]

idk. Warriors in 7.

[SAGirl]

Op: Thanks for your summary. Podcasts are really not my favorite media as I prefer either video or reading, so I appreciate your summary very much.

It will be interesting to see Pop's strategies against them. I do think we will need Tony healthy and he will be a factor, more so this year because we do not have Cory Joseph and so far, Ray has not earned Pop's trust and he does not look to be a defender and hustle guy of the caliber of CoJo (and Pop didn't even play CoJo much in the playoffs).

Manu will not be run ragged with the starters and the second unit depends on his chemistry.

I suspect Simmons will play (although a rookie, he has been a huge positive factor in games), but the fact he's not a shooter limits his possibilities in half court sets, and if he plays I expect his role is limited, not a guy you want handling the ball under pressure, at least not yet.

It will be huge for us if Danny Green gets in a rhythm.

Draymond Green is going to meet up with Boris Diaw and that may be the key matchup. I also see a dose of LMA/Green.

All in all, I like our chances, but we do need the best version of Tony that we have seen this season.

[dabom]

I just listened to all of it. Its trash. Save your time. Serious. :lmao

[tmtcsc]

How is Golden State going to defend the Spurs bigger lineup? Spurs' new offense will allow for easier, higher percentage points in the paint. If Danny, Leonard and Mills are hitting from 3, GS will be toast.

The Spurs can make Curry and Thompson work for their points. I'm really not worried about GS at all. They are good, they have their system down but I think the Spurs' new changes will trump them. Of course, I'm biased and not in awe of what they're doing to sub par teams either. They haven't faced the Spurs.

This year's NBA teams are pretty ordinary and awful. There are 4 teams that have a chance to make it to the finals and only 3 that can win it.
Spurs, GSW, Cleveland, Chicago. If everyone remains healthy, I think the Spurs win it all.

[Kawhitstorm]

I suspect Simmons will play (although a rookie, he has been a huge positive factor in games), but the fact he's not a shooter limits his possibilities in half court sets, and if he plays I expect his role is limited, not a guy you want handling the ball under pressure, at least not yet.



The Cavs won 2 games in the Finals & lost one game in OT w/ an injured Iman Shumpert starting:lol, if he plays to his abilities Simmons is better than that version of Shumpert.:lol JR Smith was also the other starter & he wasn't better than the CURRENT version of Danny in the Finals (just on offense).:lol The issue might be Tony not being able to play defense like Delly.:lol

http://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2015-nba-finals-cavaliers-vs-warriors.html

As long as Kawhi dominates & shuts down Klay as he usually does against the Warriors, all will be fine.:toast

[tmtcsc]

You know who played a big part in Golden State's Finals wins? David Lee. He's not there anymore. Let's see how cocky Raymond Green and Iguadola are when they are forced to make big shots against the Spurs. Man, that team is becoming arrogant. Did anyone see Iguadola taking bows after Curry hit a 3? Can you imagine what Pop would do if he saw that sort of nonsense? Nah, Spurs are going to be fine. They do need to play some better competition though. Like I said, the league is weaker than I've seen it in years. Just a bunch of sub-par teams.

[Obstructed_View]

Maybe the Spurs don't win, but I have a lot more confidence in a defense-first team that spreads the ball around. Both teams healthy, I'd take the Spurs and like my chances.

[Emperor]

Alridge/Diaw/Kawhi/Green/Patty

[maverick1948]

IMO it is not how we adjust to small ball lineups but how they can adjust to handle our bigs inside. 2 6'11 and 2 6'9 who are being to play well together. Can Green at 6'7 stop any of those 4 for a full 7 games? Duncan schools Bogat every time they met. LMA is going to show Green the experience he has at blocking out on the boards. West has the savvy to handle Green. Diaw is going to get his against anybody. And I forgot 1 other player. FREE BOBAN. 7'3 will reach over him for rebounds. It's great when you can effect your opponent's game, but Green won't make anybody in the Spur front court adjust. They will make the Warriors adjust.
''

[AFMadison]

Lineup I wanna see against them... Just for fun
Boban/Aldridge/Kawhi/Green/Manu

[Spurtacular]

Warriors can win if Curry has a great series; anything less, and it's advantage Spurs.

[bklynspursfan]

Spurs in 6 again.

[BD24]

Remember in 2014 the discussion was "The Spurs can't combat the Heat's small ball lineup". :lol
Funny how its always the same narrative just insert new flavor of the year.

[YGWHI]

Haberstroh really thinks LMA/Boris can't defend Dray...

:lmao:lol:lmao:lol:lmao

[Sec24Row7]

PHX started 31-4 in 2004-2005

The media was on their jock even harder than GSW.

They got bounced.

Warriors aren't exactly 7 seconds or less PHX, but they are an uptempo team playing a style that is gimmicky.

The spurs can play multiple styles of ball... who can enforce their will over a 7 game series and play the style that gives them the advantage?

That is... if we even meet... it's darn early to count chickens... after PHX started 31-4 they lost 7 straight...

[UNT Eagles 2016]

Warriors in 7


Tie game, Curry dribble drives, pump fakes... and is FOULED with 0.2 seconds to play! Sure looked like not much contact but he'll go to the line...

[100%duncan]

Spurs in 6 :wakeup

[TheGreatYacht]

Why do the Spurs have to adapt to those faggots? :lmao let them try that midget lineup

Lamarcus ain't Tristan Thompson, Green ain't JR Swisher, and Duncan ain't Mozgov...

Deeznuts Green got torched by 'Moose' Monroe. I'm tired of hearing about this bum and how he can guard players with actual skill sets lmao.

[TheGreatYacht]

Spurs in 6. MVParker will give torch Steph and then he'll give his wife another baby afterwards, per par.

[Raven]

warriors won't play smallball against us, they are not this dumb.

[SAGirl]

The Cavs won 2 games in the Finals & lost one game in OT w/ an injured Iman Shumpert starting:lol, if he plays to his abilities Simmons is better than that version of Shumpert.:lol JR Smith was also the other starter & he wasn't better than the CURRENT version of Danny in the Finals (just on offense).:lol The issue might be Tony not being able to play defense like Delly.:lol

http://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2015-nba-finals-cavaliers-vs-warriors.html

As long as Kawhi dominates & shuts down Klay as he usually does against the Warriors, all will be fine.:toast

You have a good point on Simmons specially.
2 3s tonight. He's showing he has the stroke. Dude is hungry.
The problem is TO and fouling, but in lineups when you don't channel stuff through him (we really shouldn't at this point, Pops doing that during development time my guess), he should just slash and do his thing. He will be fine. The fouling situation is him requiring experience. He does get some phantom calls, but he's so athletic and bouncy that guys do flop when they see him coming. I think he will be fine. After this past game (specially the 3 pt shooting) I am convinced.

[SAGirl]

IMO it is not how we adjust to small ball lineups but how they can adjust to handle our bigs inside. 2 6'11 and 2 6'9 who are being to play well together. Can Green at 6'7 stop any of those 4 for a full 7 games? Duncan schools Bogat every time they met. LMA is going to show Green the experience he has at blocking out on the boards. West has the savvy to handle Green. Diaw is going to get his against anybody. And I forgot 1 other player. FREE BOBAN. 7'3 will reach over him for rebounds. It's great when you can effect your opponent's game, but Green won't make anybody in the Spur front court adjust. They will make the Warriors adjust.
''
I had not thought about that factor. WE have bodies to keep throwing at him too. His run/gun style will leave him exhausted too. Its possible he doesn't have the legs to make 3s. I remember in the finals he went dry from 3, as did a few other guys.

[SpursFan86]

What worries me is having to get through OKC the round before...I don't think it's a given that we win against them, and if we do, it'll likely be a tough series that drains the team a good amount.

As for looking at the GS/SA matchup strictly in a vacuum, I think we match up with them better than any other team. I disagree with the idea that they're a "gimmicky" team (all they can do is shoot 3s, they don't play D, etc.), but I think our chances are good enough (as good as you can ask for considering how good GS is) given how the Spurs are starting to look. LMA is a good matchup against Draymond IMO - I don't think he's so slow that Draymond will blow past him, and he's big enough to exploit Green on the boards and in the post. Diaw is also another player who matches up well with their small ball and could very well be one of our most important players in a potential series.

I just hope Pop doesn't try forcing Duncan in situations. I love Timmy and I have no doubts he'll still be a big piece of this team in the playoffs, but I really don't think he should be playing much in a series against GS. I get that people think we should try forcing them to play big...but I really don't think that's the right solution, at least not with a Tim/LMA frontcourt. If the Spurs want to use their size as an advantage, go with Diaw/Aldridge. That's still a noticeable size advantage over GS's smallball duo of Barnes/Green, and it doesn't sacrifice too much spacing or mobility.

I also hope Pop doesn't stick with Parker if things start going south and it's looking like Parker is going to be 2015 Parker.

[Kawhitstorm]

IMO it is not how we adjust to small ball lineups but how they can adjust to handle our bigs inside. 2 6'11 and 2 6'9 who are being to play well together. Can Green at 6'7 stop any of those 4 for a full 7 games? Duncan schools Bogat every time they met. LMA is going to show Green the experience he has at blocking out on the boards. West has the savvy to handle Green. Diaw is going to get his against anybody. And I forgot 1 other player. FREE BOBAN. 7'3 will reach over him for rebounds. It's great when you can effect your opponent's game, but Green won't make anybody in the Spur front court adjust. They will make the Warriors adjust.
''

It pretty clear Pop isn't trying to beat them by defense but pound them inside. The strategy is to run them off the 3 point line & have the big sag off to protect the rim but Draymond/Curry can shoot as many mid range shots as they want ala Blake/CP3. The Clippers give the Spurs a hard time b/c Blake has become an automatic mid-range shoot but that isn't Draymond's game.

Basically, it's a mix of the strategy the Grizzlies used on offense before they started playing 4-on-5 when the Warriors stop guarding Tony Allen & one defense what the Cavs tried in the Finals before Delly got dehydrated plus Shumpert started falling apart physically.

[Kawhitstorm]

What worries me is having to get through OKC the round before...I don't think it's a given that we win against them, and if we do, it'll likely be a tough series that drains the team a good amount.



OKC's defense is terrible & Kawhi can neutralize Durant. Ibaka can't camp in the paint anymore b/c of LMA/West & Pop can go to Boban if Kanter is mauling Diaw. I won't take them seriously until they get someone better than freaking Andre Roberson to be their starting wingplayer.:lol

It's the Clippers the Spurs should avoid since Pierce is actually showing signs of life & Austin Rivers is actually much improve so he would feast on Patty.:lol

[timtonymanu]

OKC's defense is terrible & Kawhi can neutralize Durant. Ibaka can't camp in the paint anymore b/c of LMA/West & Pop can go to Boban if Kanter is mauling Diaw. I won't take them seriously until they get someone better than freaking Andre Roberson to be their starting wingplayer.:lol

It's the Clippers the Spurs should avoid since Pierce is actually showing signs of life & Austin Rivers is actually much improve so he would feast on Patty.:lol

This. Though the Clippers wouldn't be such a scary 2nd round matchup because Paul and Blake will be gassed per usual carrying the scrubs on their team.

[100%duncan]

Spurs in 6. MVParker will give torch Steph and then he'll give his wife another baby afterwards, per par.

Spurs winning 6 and the world finding out that Parker cucked curry on and off the court will be the greatest thing ever.

[Nathan89]

Draymond is only a concern of mine if he can maintain hitting a high percentage of 3's with the pressure of the playoffs and with all the work he's going to have to do on defense. I'm thinking he won't be able to.

[rasuo214]

I would love to see the GSW even dare to play Dray @ 5 and Barnes @ 4 against the Spurs. Diaw would destroy Barnes.

[ceperez]

Op: Thanks for your summary. Podcasts are really not my favorite media as I prefer either video or reading, so I appreciate your summary very much.

It will be interesting to see Pop's strategies against them. I do think we will need Tony healthy and he will be a factor, more so this year because we do not have Cory Joseph and so far, Ray has not earned Pop's trust and he does not look to be a defender and hustle guy of the caliber of CoJo (and Pop didn't even play CoJo much in the playoffs).

Manu will not be run ragged with the starters and the second unit depends on his chemistry.

I suspect Simmons will play (although a rookie, he has been a huge positive factor in games), but the fact he's not a shooter limits his possibilities in half court sets, and if he plays I expect his role is limited, not a guy you want handling the ball under pressure, at least not yet.

It will be huge for us if Danny Green gets in a rhythm.

Draymond Green is going to meet up with Boris Diaw and that may be the key matchup. I also see a dose of LMA/Green.

All in all, I like our chances, but we do need the best version of Tony that we have seen this season.

That's why I keep emphasizing the importance of developing Jonathon Simmons ever since the beginning of the season. I don't think the size of Mills or Parker is going to cut it against GSW small ball lineup.

I think Simmons is developing rapidly, I just hope that Anderson is also ready come playoff time. Lately, his shooting percentages have been sky high.

[ceperez]

It pretty clear Pop isn't trying to beat them by defense but pound them inside. The strategy is to run them off the 3 point line & have the big sag off to protect the rim but Draymond/Curry can shoot as many mid range shots as they want ala Blake/CP3. The Clippers give the Spurs a hard time b/c Blake has become an automatic mid-range shoot but that isn't Draymond's game.

Basically, it's a mix of the strategy the Grizzlies used on offense before they started playing 4-on-5 when the Warriors stop guarding Tony Allen & one defense what the Cavs tried in the Finals before Delly got dehydrated plus Shumpert started falling apart physically.

The Cavs seem to know how to play the GSW into a low scoring affair. I haven't watched enough to figure out what they do, but they seem to be able to do it.

[Kawhitstorm]

The Cavs seem to know how to play the GSW into a low scoring affair. I haven't watched enough to figure out what they do, but they seem to be able to do it.

They force Draymond to be a scorer (although they run him off the 3 point line) & refuse to leave Curry/Klay open even it means switching a point guard onto a center.

[DenialTwist]

What worries me is having to get through OKC the round before...I don't think it's a given that we win against them, and if we do, it'll likely be a tough series that drains the team a good amount.

As for looking at the GS/SA matchup strictly in a vacuum, I think we match up with them better than any other team. I disagree with the idea that they're a "gimmicky" team (all they can do is shoot 3s, they don't play D, etc.), but I think our chances are good enough (as good as you can ask for considering how good GS is) given how the Spurs are starting to look. LMA is a good matchup against Draymond IMO - I don't think he's so slow that Draymond will blow past him, and he's big enough to exploit Green on the boards and in the post. Diaw is also another player who matches up well with their small ball and could very well be one of our most important players in a potential series.

I just hope Pop doesn't try forcing Duncan in situations. I love Timmy and I have no doubts he'll still be a big piece of this team in the playoffs, but I really don't think he should be playing much in a series against GS. I get that people think we should try forcing them to play big...but I really don't think that's the right solution, at least not with a Tim/LMA frontcourt. If the Spurs want to use their size as an advantage, go with Diaw/Aldridge. That's still a noticeable size advantage over GS's smallball duo of Barnes/Green, and it doesn't sacrifice too much spacing or mobility.

I also hope Pop doesn't stick with Parker if things start going south and it's looking like Parker is going to be 2015 Parker.

That's exactly what I was thinking. One of the beat writers said this last month. If the Spurs end up with the 2 seed, they will definitely meet either OKC or the Clippers before they ever face the Warriors. It's a battle of attrition. Warriors will have HCA and will probably face the Rockets, Jazz or Grizzlies again so their path will be less stressful that's for sure. But that's the advantage of HCA.

[spurs10]

If we keep playing the way we are and simply split with the Dubs, then we have to win one game and they have to lose one game for us to tie. It's entirely possible we are going to be in the hunt for the 1 seed. So far it looks like the 2 seed , but its only 37 games.

[Joseph Kony]

Warriors need to be more concerned with how their small lineup is going to defend Aldridge/Diaw/Leonard because they will get murdered by the Spurs if they try to go big, imo

[tbdog]

I would love to see the GSW even dare to play Dray @ 5 and Barnes @ 4 against the Spurs. Diaw would destroy Barnes.

Diaw destroys Draymond. People don't know this. As good as Draymond is a defending bigs, he cannot guard Diaw. If you could go back and watch last season games against the warriors, you will see the warriors were forced to double Diaw. And we all know, you cant double Diaw. That is what I am noticing more this season - teams are not doubling Diaw because he just makes the right pass.

[popdagreat]

bench wise what would be the rotations against theirs?

[Uriel]

I don't understand how they can postulate that the Warriors' smallball lineup will give the Spurs fits when it is widely recognized throughout the NBA that it is precisely the Spurs' twin towers frontcourt that is best equipped to handle that.

[Fireball]

I don't understand how they can postulate that the Warriors' smallball lineup will give the Spurs fits when it is widely recognized throughout the NBA that it is precisely the Spurs' twin towers frontcourt that is best equipped to handle that.

Warriors small ball will kill the Spurs when we play our Twin Towers ... TD and LMA cannot offset 5 guys shooting threes

[Uriel]

Warriors small ball will kill the Spurs when we play our Twin Towers ... TD and LMA cannot offset 5 guys shooting threes
LMA has enough length and mobility to guard quicker players out on the perimeter while TD anchors the defense in the middle. And on the opposite end, the Dubs will get demolished on the boards and in the post.

The best way to counter the Warriors' small ball is to punish their smalls by playing our bigs. That's why the Spurs have chosen to counteract the league trend of teams getting smaller by getting even bigger.

[Fireball]

LMA has enough length and mobility to guard quicker players out on the perimeter while TD anchors the defense in the middle. And on the opposite end, the Dubs will get demolished on the boards and in the post.

The best way to counter the Warriors' small ball is to punish their smalls by playing our bigs. That's why the Spurs have chosen to counteract the league trend of teams getting smaller by getting even bigger.

Well, two different opinions ... I think we have more of a chance with Diaw instead of TD or LMA ... with Kawhi in there this is still a big lineup, but more versatile to deal with the Dubs

[rasuo214]

Diaw destroys Draymond. People don't know this. As good as Draymond is a defending bigs, he cannot guard Diaw. If you could go back and watch last season games against the warriors, you will see the warriors were forced to double Diaw. And we all know, you cant double Diaw. That is what I am noticing more this season - teams are not doubling Diaw because he just makes the right pass.

I don't remember how Diaw did when defended against Draymond but I do know that Diaw gives them issues. I'm curious to see how the Warriors plan on defending the Spurs. If they go small ball Pop can bring in Diaw, if they try to go with Bogut and Dray we can counter with either LMA and TD or LMA and DWest then who defends Diaw when he comes in? Barnes would get abused.

For the Spurs it comes down to where do we hide Parker. I kind of hope the Warriors start Iggy to try and contain Kawhi because I would rather the Warriors try and exploit Iggy on Parker vs Barnes on Parker.

[rasuo214]

Well, two different opinions ... I think we have more of a chance with Diaw instead of TD or LMA ... with Kawhi in there this is still a big lineup, but more versatile to deal with the Dubs

I think it's a mistake to out small ball the Warriors. If the they trot out Curry/Klay/Iggy/Barnes/Dray then Pop should counter with Parker/Green/Kawhi/Diaw/LMA or TD

The one team that has bothered the Warriors were the Bucks and it was because of their length.

[TheGreatYacht]

Spurs winning 6 and the world finding out that Parker cucked curry on and off the court will be the greatest thing ever.
Tony and Patty own Steph, shit Spurs own them at Oracle too tbh. You can just go to last year, Parker's worst season.


http://youtu.be/T_C0TKtoF0A

We'll see how Parker looks after the rest

[r0drig0lac]

warriors won't play smallball against us, they are not this dumb.

agree

[tbdog]

I don't remember how Diaw did when defended against Draymond but I do know that Diaw gives them issues. I'm curious to see how the Warriors plan on defending the Spurs. If they go small ball Pop can bring in Diaw, if they try to go with Bogut and Dray we can counter with either LMA and TD or LMA and DWest then who defends Diaw when he comes in? Barnes would get abused.

For the Spurs it comes down to where do we hide Parker. I kind of hope the Warriors start Iggy to try and contain Kawhi because I would rather the Warriors try and exploit Iggy on Parker vs Barnes on Parker.

Spurs can even go with Leonard on Draymond. Here me out. It stops the Draymond and Curry pick n role very effectively. I don't expect to see this all game. But perhaps for important possessions, end of quarters type of thing.

[Fireball]

I think it's a mistake to out small ball the Warriors. If the they trot out Curry/Klay/Iggy/Barnes/Dray then Pop should counter with Parker/Green/Kawhi/Diaw/LMA or TD

well, that is exactly what I said ...

[G-Dawgg]

On the contrary... I think Parker is going to be a very big asset to us in a series vs the Warriors. If Popovich is smart he'll go to Parker early and often and make Curry chase him around on defense. It'll be a long hard and tiring series for Curry if he has to shoulder most of the Warrior's offensive load and work very hard covering Parker on defense as well. I think Parker could be very key in a 7 game series versus Golden State.....

[Emperor]

On the contrary... I think Parker is going to be a very big asset to us in a series vs the Warriors. If Popovich is smart he'll go to Parker early and often and make Curry chase him around on defense. It'll be a long hard and tiring series for Curry if he has to shoulder most of the Warrior's offensive load and work very hard covering Parker on defense as well. I think Parker could be very key in a 7 game series versus Golden State.....

Hell yes, that's what i'm hoping for too. Look for Parker to be extra aggressive right from the start to drain Curry's energy and to hopefully get him into early foul trouble.

[rasuo214]

well, that is exactly what I said ...

Sorry I misread what you said, but we agree. :toast

[DMC]

Spurs are making a valiant effort to field a competitive team. The dichotomy between SA who's franchise pillar is likely to retire and LA who's franchise pillar has already announced is notable. One team believes honoring their vet means trying to compete while the other team thinks honoring theirs means a pope like procession through the country. So the Spurs will be competitive all year, and the post season will almost be like a different season in which team dynamics will change. Spurs might have a hard time with the Clippers again and never see Golden State. They might not get past the Rockets. If they do meet Golden State, I expect it will be in the WCF. I don't know how that will play out, but I don't think anyone here has the key to beating a team that only has 2 losses by the middle of January. Sometimes you just run up against an irresistible force.

[UNT Eagles 2016]

Spurs are making a valiant effort to field a competitive team. The dichotomy between SA who's franchise pillar is likely to retire and LA who's franchise pillar has already announced is notable. One team believes honoring their vet means trying to compete while the other team thinks honoring theirs means a pope like procession through the country. So the Spurs will be competitive all year, and the post season will almost be like a different season in which team dynamics will change. Spurs might have a hard time with the Clippers again and never see Golden State. They might not get past the Rockets. If they do meet Golden State, I expect it will be in the WCF. I don't know how that will play out, but I don't think anyone here has the key to beating a team that only has 2 losses by the middle of January. Sometimes you just run up against an irresistible force.
:rollin

[G-Dawgg]

Spurs are making a valiant effort to field a competitive team. The dichotomy between SA who's franchise pillar is likely to retire and LA who's franchise pillar has already announced is notable. One team believes honoring their vet means trying to compete while the other team thinks honoring theirs means a pope like procession through the country. So the Spurs will be competitive all year, and the post season will almost be like a different season in which team dynamics will change. Spurs might have a hard time with the Clippers again and never see Golden State. They might not get past the Rockets. If they do meet Golden State, I expect it will be in the WCF. I don't know how that will play out, but I don't think anyone here has the key to beating a team that only has 2 losses by the middle of January. Sometimes you just run up against an irresistible force.

Absolutely agree, it also nice to hear everybody's opinions once in a while and not just fuck with each other all the time..

[houston spurs fan]

How about we play them 4 times this year first tbh.

[UZER]

This. Though the Clippers wouldn't be such a scary 2nd round matchup because Paul and Blake will be gassed per usual carrying the scrubs on their team.

Being gassed is a non issue when they play SA. Pop gives them plenty of rent in game.

[DMC]

:rollin
We didn't get past the Clippers last year who didn't get past the Rockets. It's a fair assessment.

[UNT Eagles 2016]

We didn't get past the Clippers last year who didn't get past the Rockets. It's a fair assessment.

Lockets this year don't have McHale, they have that drunk point guard, Howard doesn't give a rat's ass, that was last year, we have Aldridge this year instead of Shitter, etc

[ceperez]

Spurs are making a valiant effort to field a competitive team. The dichotomy between SA who's franchise pillar is likely to retire and LA who's franchise pillar has already announced is notable. One team believes honoring their vet means trying to compete while the other team thinks honoring theirs means a pope like procession through the country. So the Spurs will be competitive all year, and the post season will almost be like a different season in which team dynamics will change. Spurs might have a hard time with the Clippers again and never see Golden State. They might not get past the Rockets. If they do meet Golden State, I expect it will be in the WCF. I don't know how that will play out, but I don't think anyone here has the key to beating a team that only has 2 losses by the middle of January. Sometimes you just run up against an irresistible force.

Spurs and Warriors have had a very easy schedule. Spurs, Warriors, Cavs, Thunder have barely played against each other. I think its like 17 games where they meet each other and only like 3 have been played.

[BillMc]

How about we play them 4 times this year first tbh.

[picnroll]

Spurs and Warriors have had a very easy schedule. Spurs, Warriors, Cavs, Thunder have barely played against each other. I think its like 17 games where they meet each other and only like 3 have been played.

... and GW's games against the big 4 are much more evenly spread through the remainder of the season. Spurs are really packed toward the end of the season. Good thing Spurs have a lot of depth because I cant't see Pop playing the main group heavy minutes that time of the season.

[BatManu20]

HCA is huge tbh.

[boutons_deux]

HCA is huge tbh.

yep, and Pop is totally wrong to say otherwise

[BD24]

Diaw destroys Draymond. People don't know this. As good as Draymond is a defending bigs, he cannot guard Diaw. If you could go back and watch last season games against the warriors, you will see the warriors were forced to double Diaw. And we all know, you cant double Diaw. That is what I am noticing more this season - teams are not doubling Diaw because he just makes the right pass.
This. Bobo skull fucked Draymond last year, it was awesome to watch. Have hated that piece of shit since his msu days

[SAGirl]

That's why I keep emphasizing the importance of developing Jonathon Simmons ever since the beginning of the season. I don't think the size of Mills or Parker is going to cut it against GSW small ball lineup.

I think Simmons is developing rapidly, I just hope that Anderson is also ready come playoff time. Lately, his shooting percentages have been sky high.

I think Simmons is coming along faster than anyone (coaches included) thought he might. His athleticism is elite, so even if skillwise he wasn't quite there, he was going to be able to make athletic plays. Luckily, his skills have been improving too, he's handling the ball better, he's avoiding traps or going into them aware of where guys are (that pass to Bonner last night?!!!). He has been shooting the 3 without hesitation and making a good %, and he can keep in front of guys. He still needs to be careful not to foul too much, bc of his energy (although he has terrific body control for a guy with such springs), but some calls against him were also 50/50. He has frankly looked like between these games and the playoffs he'll be fine.

He's ahead of Anderson in the rotation, so he's prioritized. Pop is still going to play Anderson though, not ahead of him or in close games maybe, but those who don't want to see him at all will be disappointed, bc Pop is developing him and likely, he and Simmons will be a bench tandem when Manu retires.

For GSW, I only see Simmons playing. We'll need minutes from a 4th wing to give Manu a breather and Danny is so limited. I don't see Anderson in the playoffs. Pop has only played him lately against the weaker teams, and he's clearly still improving and developing, but minutes for him are limited anyways by virtue of needing to prioritize Simmons and he won't see minutes against tough competition and playoff teams, therefore he won't be ready.

I keep thinking the same thing about Boban, although his minutes need to come from somewhere else and he's not affected by the wing rotation situation. If Pop doesn't play him for a few minutes against elite teams it is difficult to see him in the playoffs bc Pop won't trust him. So right now, maybe Boban and Anderson are really being developed for next season, and Simmons will see some action in the playoffs more out of necessity for some minutes.

[SAGirl]

On the contrary... I think Parker is going to be a very big asset to us in a series vs the Warriors. If Popovich is smart he'll go to Parker early and often and make Curry chase him around on defense. It'll be a long hard and tiring series for Curry if he has to shoulder most of the Warrior's offensive load and work very hard covering Parker on defense as well. I think Parker could be very key in a 7 game series versus Golden State.....
I think this reason is precisely why Tony has been very aggressive agaisnt GSW like the highlight video TGY posted above. I remember some ppl complaining that it was a selfish game by Tony ignoring Kawhi and such last season, but that particular game it was strategy.

It actually broke a streak of however many games by Curry making at least one 3. In that game he attempted 7 and made none. It was probably a combination of the defense, but also simple misses. It was early in the season and he got tired, missed many shots he should have made. I keep saying yes we'll need Tony.

[SAGirl]

Spurs might have a hard time with the Clippers again and never see Golden State.
Clippers are trouble for us for sure. They have a weak bench and we should wreck them, over a long series, their starters should get tired.. but Kawhi's impact defensively against them is next to null since they don't rely on wings that much... Yea JJ Reddick can score but he does so out of screens and he's rather tiring Danny out. Pop's strategy of fouling Jordan is a :bang that lets the starters rest and it backfires.

[spursistan]

HCA is huge tbh.

it really is..and i don't how it 's become fashionable to downplay it by some media types who point to decline of refereeing bias and such...it took the Spurs playing near perfect basketball in Miami twice for that 2014 title team to only go 5-5 on the road in that run..It is obvious clear that the chances for a Mills/Green to go 4-5 from 3PT happen to be within the confines of AT&T center..

if the Spurs are still within 3-4 games off the Warriors by end of RTT, i would try to go for HCA throughout if i'm Pop..

[ceperez]

I think Simmons is coming along faster than anyone (coaches included) thought he might. His athleticism is elite, so even if skillwise he wasn't quite there, he was going to be able to make athletic plays. Luckily, his skills have been improving too, he's handling the ball better, he's avoiding traps or going into them aware of where guys are (that pass to Bonner last night?!!!). He has been shooting the 3 without hesitation and making a good %, and he can keep in front of guys. He still needs to be careful not to foul too much, bc of his energy (although he has terrific body control for a guy with such springs), but some calls against him were also 50/50. He has frankly looked like between these games and the playoffs he'll be fine.

He's ahead of Anderson in the rotation, so he's prioritized. Pop is still going to play Anderson though, not ahead of him or in close games maybe, but those who don't want to see him at all will be disappointed, bc Pop is developing him and likely, he and Simmons will be a bench tandem when Manu retires.

For GSW, I only see Simmons playing. We'll need minutes from a 4th wing to give Manu a breather and Danny is so limited. I don't see Anderson in the playoffs. Pop has only played him lately against the weaker teams, and he's clearly still improving and developing, but minutes for him are limited anyways by virtue of needing to prioritize Simmons and he won't see minutes against tough competition and playoff teams, therefore he won't be ready.

I keep thinking the same thing about Boban, although his minutes need to come from somewhere else and he's not affected by the wing rotation situation. If Pop doesn't play him for a few minutes against elite teams it is difficult to see him in the playoffs bc Pop won't trust him. So right now, maybe Boban and Anderson are really being developed for next season, and Simmons will see some action in the playoffs more out of necessity for some minutes.

Simmons attempted four 3 point attempts, my concern was that he would become a afraid to do so (despite having a good percentage). What is promising is that he took them even when he wasn't open!

He made a lot of good defensive plays but kept getting called by refs biased against his game. Pop should figure out how he should play so he doesn't get called.

Spurs need to keep their players fresh all the way to the finals. To do that, you either sweep opponents or you spread minutes. Who plays will depend on matchups.

Boban is a liability against quicker players and players that can shoot. Howard, Jordan, Bogut are the kind of players that Boban should be decent playing against.

Anderson seems to have mastered scoring on top of smaller players. I however don't see any playoff bound teams with small SFs. The only scenario I see him playing is if Tony and Patty get torched continuously by a Livingston like player. You would think Anderson would sub for KL, but in the last game it was Simmons guarding Hayward. Anderson just doesn't have the speed to keep up with a quality SF.

Simmons likely has solidified himself in a position in the 2nd unit. The value of a player that can take it to the ring, shoot the 3 and defend quick guards cannot be understated.

[spursistan]

OKC's defense is terrible & Kawhi can neutralize Durant. Ibaka can't camp in the paint anymore b/c of LMA/West & Pop can go to Boban if Kanter is mauling Diaw. I won't take them seriously until they get someone better than freaking Andre Roberson to be their starting wingplayer.:lol

It's the Clippers the Spurs should avoid since Pierce is actually showing signs of life & Austin Rivers is actually much improve so he would feast on Patty.:lol
Spurs fans are underestimating (a) our defensive troubles vs Clips, which are by design for most part (b) LAC ability to bloody the Warriors ( i think that's 6 hard-fought game series at minimum.. it is just that that Clippers only fizzle in late minutes while OKC D will get carved up by the Dubs throughout)

[TheGreatYacht]

Lmao @ people thinking HCA will determine the series. Does Curry even have a winning record against the Spurs at home? Beat them twice there in the playoffs, beat em with Patty dropping a couple of 30pt+ games, A Belinelli led-team with no big 3 also smacked them, last year early in the season Spurs blew them out by double digits thanks to Parker.

It's Golden State who should be worried about playing in San Antonio, because Spurs are taking one or two in their court.

[SpursBig3s]

That's exactly what I was thinking. One of the beat writers said this last month. If the Spurs end up with the 2 seed, they will definitely meet either OKC or the Clippers before they ever face the Warriors. It's a battle of attrition. Warriors will have HCA and will probably face the Rockets, Jazz or Grizzlies again so their path will be less stressful that's for sure. But that's the advantage of HCA.


Houston is only 1.5 games behind Memphis, they could easily overtake them for the 6th seed, which would have them most likely play OKC 1st round, and us playing Memphis first. That would be much more ideal for us. OKC will win, but I bet Houston takes them to 6 games, they have just as much talent as OKC does maybe

[SpursBig3s]

On the contrary... I think Parker is going to be a very big asset to us in a series vs the Warriors. If Popovich is smart he'll go to Parker early and often and make Curry chase him around on defense. It'll be a long hard and tiring series for Curry if he has to shoulder most of the Warrior's offensive load and work very hard covering Parker on defense as well. I think Parker could be very key in a 7 game series versus Golden State.....


I like this idea, but wouldn't Golden State counter that by hiding Curry on Danny and then have Klay or Barnes guard Parker? That's what I'm worried about. FWIW, I don't think either of those 2 players can check Kawhi all game

[Kawhitstorm]

I like this idea, but wouldn't Golden State counter that by hiding Curry on Danny and then have Klay or Barnes guard Parker? That's what I'm worried about. FWIW, I don't think either of those 2 players can check Kawhi all game

Yeah, the Warriors usually put Klay on Tony & Curry on Danny. This season, Curry has been adamant about wanting to guard his own man which is how he got in early foul trouble against the Clippers trying to guard Paul. :lol

If Tony isn't at the top of his game, it's best to go at Barnes who is an average wing defender. I would be against trying to postup LMA against Draymond since he would probably have more success pounding them on the offensive glass.

[SAGirl]

680525125469499392

[ceperez]

I like this idea, but wouldn't Golden State counter that by hiding Curry on Danny and then have Klay or Barnes guard Parker? That's what I'm worried about. FWIW, I don't think either of those 2 players can check Kawhi all game

Spurs game plan will need to be to tire out either Curry or Draymond Green. If Curry is indeed on Green, then Green has to start running around.

I don't know how effective Diaw with Green defending. That is something I would like to see. If Diaw can score on Green easily then it's going to be very difficult for GSW to win. Take out Green because of foul trouble and GSW can't function.

[EVAY]

Spurs game plan will need to be to tire out either Curry or Draymond Green. If Curry is indeed on Green, then Green has to start running around.

I don't know how effective Diaw with Green defending. That is something I would like to see. If Diaw can score on Green easily then it's going to be very difficult for GSW to win. Take out Green because of foul trouble and GSW can't function.

:tu

[CGD]

If Parker is clicking like he has been this year, then who are the WARRIORS going to hide CURRY on?

[DenialTwist]

Lmao @ people thinking HCA will determine the series. Does Curry even have a winning record against the Spurs at home? Beat them twice there in the playoffs, beat em with Patty dropping a couple of 30pt+ games, A Belinelli led-team with no big 3 also smacked them, last year early in the season Spurs blew them out by double digits thanks to Parker.

It's Golden State who should be worried about playing in San Antonio, because Spurs are taking one or two in their court.

Because the spurs' path to the Finals will be more brutal. Spurs will face Clippers and OKC before they ever meet GS. GS will probably face Rockets or Jazz first. Sucks because I wanted OKC to face the Warriors first, let them neutralize Durant and Westbrook.

[TheDoctor]

...If the Spurs end up with the 2 seed, they will definitely meet either OKC or the Clippers before they ever face the Warriors. It's a battle of attrition. Warriors will have HCA and will probably face the Rockets, Jazz or Grizzlies again so their path will be less stressful that's for sure. But that's the advantage of HCA.

Spurs 2nd round is vs LAC or OKC, not both. The Worriers will also have to play one of them (LAC/OKC) in the 2nd round.

1st round is gonna be a warm-up for both (SAS/GSW) teams . 2nd round will be hella tough for either of them.

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

Diaw/West/Aldridge/Duncan/Boban

[DMC]

Lockets this year don't have McHale, they have that drunk point guard, Howard doesn't give a rat's ass, that was last year, we have Aldridge this year instead of Shitter, etc
Nothing you said changes anything. McHale was a shitty coach.

[DMC]

680525125469499392

The Spurs bench stands out so much because the starters typically come out dragging ass. It's a great bench, no doubt, but when Tony is running the point and Tim is taking those 18' wide open 2's and clanking them, or Tony dribbles 16 seconds off the shot clock, half of that getting across the half court line, then there's a switch and suddenly there's 2.3 seconds on the clock with an out of bounds play, that shit drags the team down. They have to work too hard on offense to get anything because Pop goes Tony ball which only works if Tony can score. Tony passing the ball is no better than Patty Mills the chucker passing the ball, probably worse. That's why Manu is such a breath of fresh air, quick, decisive ball movement that doesn't allow the defense time to set up. I realize it's a speed change intentionally but LMA, Kawhi and Green don't need to be in a grind it out game for 12 points in the quarter. That won't work against the Clippers anyhow.

[G-Dawgg]

I like this idea, but wouldn't Golden State counter that by hiding Curry on Danny and then have Klay or Barnes guard Parker? That's what I'm worried about. FWIW, I don't think either of those 2 players can check Kawhi all game

Also, I don't think Thompson or Barnes have the quickness to keep up with chasing Parker around screens all series. I think parker could have a huge series against Golden State.

[YGWHI]

680525125469499392

I can see some problem with Livingston post ups on Patty/Manu...Anyway, it's just a minor problem. Boris-Manu-Patty-West-Simms-Boban is a dangerous unit.

[SAGirl]

I can see some problem with Livingston post ups on Patty/Manu...Anyway, it's just a minor problem. Boris-Manu-Patty-West-Simms-Boban is a dangerous unit.
I see Simms on Livingston. Is there anyone to hide Patty in their bench. Austin Rivers also owns Patty. Tbh, Patty is a defensive sieve. His saving grace is all the loose balls, hustle plays and energy plays, but it doesn't seem to me like he can present much resistance to guys bigger than him.

[YGWHI]

I see Simms on Livingston.

Kyle can bother Livingston post-ups moves with his length more than Simms...who knows how Pop will play Simms/Kyle against the Warriors.

Jonathon's working his way into the regular rotation now, but we watched in the last game against Utah that they can play together, and it's a long season.

[SAGirl]

Kyle can bother Livingston post-ups moves with his length more than Simms...who knows how Pop will play Simms/Kyle against the Warriors.

Jonathon's working his way into the regular rotation now, but we watched in the last game against Utah that they can play together, and it's a long season.

You are right on that, and they are very different players who are both good passers.

I think one of the reasons Simms played his minutes tonight was that he provided better defense than Patty.

I hope Kyle keeps on the aggressive mindset he's shown lately. We'll see. Manu is likely to get rested for games. Hoping he comes through for us.

[cd021]

As much as I love and respect Manu, I don't think he still has the juice to play defense against the GSW first team.

He would probably be guarding Iggy in that situation. He has always been a good off bad defender, i think he would be fine. In that lineup he would probably have more trouble creating with the warriors length. I would expect Thompson to guard him in that scenario.

I like that particular hypothetical lineup.

[Obstructed_View]

If the Spurs go small when GS does, they lose in five games.

[SAGirl]

If the Spurs go small when GS does, they lose in five games.
What did you think of that lineup Pop trotted out: Tony, Simmons, Danny, Kawhi, LMA.
Pop later subbed Manu for Simmons.
I have my suspicion Pop is actually going to match up.
Which means, rookie Simmons may play a larger role than one would expect. We won't see much Tim (20 mins?). Has he been turned into Tiago?
Boris/WEst will be needed to post up and punish whoever matches up with them.

[Spurtacular]

What did you think of that lineup Pop trotted out: Tony, Simmons, Danny, Kawhi, LMA.
Pop later subbed Manu for Simmons.
I have my suspicion Pop is actually going to match up.
Which means, rookie Simmons may play a larger role than one would expect. We won't see much Tim (20 mins?). Has he been turned into Tiago?
Boris/WEst will be needed to post up and punish whoever matches up with them.

it's an interesting thought; but probably over-stated at best. Pop relied on Duncan more than anyone in the Clips series. Timmy has some slight natural regression; but Pop still relies on him in big games to a good extent. Also, Pop puts trust in a limited amount of players in a playoff series and in rookies. I think where I agree is I can see Pop going deeper than he has in the past; but then again, this is arguably the deepest bench yet.

[sasaint]

it's an interesting thought; but probably over-stated at best. Pop relied on Duncan more than anyone in the Clips series. Timmy has some slight natural regression; but Pop still relies on him in big games to a good extent. Also, Pop puts trust in a limited amount of players in a playoff series and in rookies. I think where I agree is I can see Pop going deeper than he has in the past; but then again, this is arguably the deepest bench yet.

IMHO that is probably under-stated at best. Timmy has shown real inconsistency this year, and his mid-range shot is, well, shot. At the end of last season, I did not expect to see as much slippage as we have seen on offense, although he is still a great defensive asset - the anchor of the defense, still.

[SAGirl]

it's an interesting thought; but probably over-stated at best. Pop relied on Duncan more than anyone in the Clips series. Timmy has some slight natural regression; but Pop still relies on him in big games to a good extent. Also, Pop puts trust in a limited amount of players in a playoff series and in rookies. I think where I agree is I can see Pop going deeper than he has in the past; but then again, this is arguably the deepest bench yet.
My comment was more than anything concerning the matching. Timmy against Clippers is a necessity bc they have 2 traditional big men. Not all teams do that, that is when Timmy is ? to me.

[Obstructed_View]

What did you think of that lineup Pop trotted out: Tony, Simmons, Danny, Kawhi, LMA.
Pop later subbed Manu for Simmons.
I have my suspicion Pop is actually going to match up.
Which means, rookie Simmons may play a larger role than one would expect. We won't see much Tim (20 mins?). Has he been turned into Tiago?
Boris/WEst will be needed to post up and punish whoever matches up with them.

I'm not concerned about lineups. I've seen him go small this season. I've seen Tony and Patty in the backcourt as well, and I liked all of them because they were used situationally. I think small lineups have their place, but Pop has allowed teams to dictate what he does with small lineups, taking the Spurs away from their own strengths, including benching a healthy center rotation for the playoffs. I'm absolutely sure that Steve Kerr remembers it and will try to make it happen. What I'm not sure of is if Pop will take the bait.

[Spurtacular]

IMHO that is probably under-stated at best. Timmy has shown real inconsistency this year, and his mid-range shot is, well, shot. At the end of last season, I did not expect to see as much slippage as we have seen on offense, although he is still a great defensive asset - the anchor of the defense, still.

TD's not in games to make mid range jumpers. Even at the height of his powers, that was not an optimal shot. He can give them block offense in grind out games and is a force on defense and the boards at an all-star level. The idea of him going down to 20 minutes or less in the playoffs is not likely at all.

[Spurtacular]

I can see some problem with Livingston post ups on Patty/Manu...Anyway, it's just a minor problem. Boris-Manu-Patty-West-Simms-Boban is a dangerous unit.

A hot Curry is the one thing the Spurs have to worry about. If he's not bringing it, Spurs in 4.

[sasaint]

TD's not in games to make mid range jumpers. Even at the height of his powers, that was not an optimal shot. He can give them block offense in grind out games and is a force on defense and the boards at an all-star level. The idea of him going down to 20 minutes or less in the playoffs is not likely at all.

I like your optimism, however, I wouldn't place any bets on Timmy's court time come the playoffs. The guy is a legend, and proven many of us wrong on a couple of occasions in the past. Nothing Timmy does will surprise me. Having said that, I don't know if Tim will average 20+ minutes in the playoffs. I think Boban is a potential Warrior-killer, and I hope he is capable of contributing at a high level and Pop will give him the time to so contribute.

[ceperez]

Spurs are in trouble against the Warriors if they can't lower the 3 point shooting percentage. The Warriors will attempt more 3 point attempts and as a consequence will have a higher effective FG (eFG%) percentage. That sill win them close games and that may be more than enough to win the entire series.

The problem against defending 3 point shooters it that the can keep a team always in the game. Just look at the game against the Knicks. Spurs were up 12 points with less than 4 minutes to go. Spurs ending up having to win the last play.

[TD 21]

If the Spurs go small when GS does, they lose in five games.

I said the same thing earlier in the season. Not only are they not out small balling them, but if the plan was/is to play a small ball series, then the construction of this roster makes no sense.

I don't know if it was just his opinion or what, but Parker said after last game, that (to paraphrase) it was good practice playing small because they're going to need to play small a lot against some of the elite teams.


All this talk about matching their small lineup is overstated. Maybe if, over a few games, it's clear the Spurs are winning the battle of regular rotations, they'll lean more heavily on it or other small lineups, but that lineup doesn't play together as much as many seem to think.

Should they do so and it causes problems, then adjust how much Duncan plays, especially alongside Aldridge, but going in, the big that should lose minutes is West. He's least likely to punish their smalls on the block and/or glass and lacks the mobility to defend them.



I see Simms on Livingston. Is there anyone to hide Patty in their bench. Austin Rivers also owns Patty. Tbh, Patty is a defensive sieve. His saving grace is all the loose balls, hustle plays and energy plays, but it doesn't seem to me like he can present much resistance to guys bigger than him.

Mills will guard Barbosa. Ginobili/Simmons should be interchangeable on Livingston/Iguodala, but who knows if Simmons figures into the rotation. If they do as they should and stay big, they can essentially play a three wing rotation.

[SAGirl]

I don't see the staying big and it's just based on observations of Pop strategies. If he intended to force anyone to adjust he would have tried that already. So far I have seen him stay small, try Anderson at the 4 very early in the season, now he's just added Simmons and rotated Kawhi to the 4. He's also gone to Diaw aggressively and West to a degree. He's split up Td and LMA.

Obviously a lot of this is due diligence, experimenting, early season mixing and matching of lineups to have an idea who works and who doesn't. But one thing I haven't seen is 2 twin towers when teams go ultra small, specially in close games.

[TD 21]

I don't see the staying big and it's just based on observations of Pop strategies. If he intended to force anyone to adjust he would have tried that already. So far I have seen him stay small, try Anderson at the 4 very early in the season, now he's just added Simmons and rotated Kawhi to the 4. He's also gone to Diaw aggressively and West to a degree. He's split up Td and LMA.

Obviously a lot of this is due diligence, experimenting, early season mixing and matching of lineups to have an idea who works and who doesn't. But one thing I haven't seen is 2 twin towers when teams go ultra small, specially in close games.

When I say staying big, I don't necessarily mean playing Duncan and Aldridge together for extended minutes, I just mean playing two traditional bigs together at almost all times. It's the best way to maximize their talent, play to their strengths and minimize their weaknesses. Going away from that, especially going in, essentially concedes that they have to play on their terms. That's a bad message to send.

And let's be clear: It's the Warriors who have to prove themselves to the Spurs, not the other way around. The Spurs have dominated them head to head, beat them in the only series they've played and have far more pedigree.

[ElNono]

I think Boris is our wildcard here... he can post up almost anybody if they dare to go too small...

[ceperez]

I think Boris is our wildcard here... he can post up almost anybody if they dare to go too small...

Well, we don't know how well Boris will do posting up against Draymond Green. Will he be better than LMA?

They only choice may be to have Boris with LMA and force the weaker GSW defender to guard LMA or Boris.

By just having one big, the Warriors gamble that the opposing team post player isn't efficient enough against Green. Mosgov of the Cavs scored a ton of points against the Warriors, unfortunately he wasn't efficient enough.

Honestly, GSW is a nightmare matchup.

[100%duncan]

LMA/TD Boris Kawhi Green/Manu Parker/Mills is the lineup to beat golden state with Boris and the PG position being the most important imo

[ElNono]

Well, we don't know how well Boris will do posting up against Draymond Green. Will he be better than LMA?

They only choice may be to have Boris with LMA and force the weaker GSW defender to guard LMA or Boris.

By just having one big, the Warriors gamble that the opposing team post player isn't efficient enough against Green. Mosgov of the Cavs scored a ton of points against the Warriors, unfortunately he wasn't efficient enough.

Honestly, GSW is a nightmare matchup.

Boris-LMA, Boris-West, Boris-TD... Pop used to counter Miami's small ball with Boris-Tiago or Boris-TD... he liked to call it "medium ball". Boris is just so versatile when he's engaged.

[Darius McCrary]

I'm not concerned about lineups. I've seen him go small this season. I've seen Tony and Patty in the backcourt as well, and I liked all of them because they were used situationally. I think small lineups have their place, but Pop has allowed teams to dictate what he does with small lineups, taking the Spurs away from their own strengths, including benching a healthy center rotation for the playoffs. I'm absolutely sure that Steve Kerr remembers it and will try to make it happen. What I'm not sure of is if Pop will take the bait.

2006's playoff lineup still haunts my fucking dreams

[Obstructed_View]

2006's playoff lineup still haunts my fucking dreams

Yep, you know it's always in the back of my mind when I talk about Pop or small lineups.

[ceperez]

LMA/TD Boris Kawhi Green/Manu Parker/Mills is the lineup to beat golden state with Boris and the PG position being the most important imo

Parker/Mills??? WTF, who are either of those two supposed to guard?

[100%duncan]

Parker/Mills??? WTF, who are either of those two supposed to guard?

Iguodal, barnes, those spotting uo in the corner. even curry for only small bits of mins

Ive read your takes, simmons wont be that man come playoff time against gsw. Too early

[DenialTwist]

Parker/Mills??? WTF, who are either of those two supposed to guard?

Exactly.

[SnakeBoy]

Kyle can bother Livingston post-ups moves with his length more than Simms...who knows how Pop will play Simms/Kyle against the Warriors.

Jonathon's working his way into the regular rotation now, but we watched in the last game against Utah that they can play together, and it's a long season.

In the playoffs Pop will most likely have both of them playing the bench with their butts.

[ceperez]

Kyle can bother Livingston post-ups moves with his length more than Simms...who knows how Pop will play Simms/Kyle against the Warriors.

Jonathon's working his way into the regular rotation now, but we watched in the last game against Utah that they can play together, and it's a long season.

The open question really is, who is on the court come crunch time?

GSW will field Curry, Igoudala, Thompson, Barnes and Green. That's their small ball line up.

Spurs will field (???), Green, Leonard, Diaw(Duncan?), Aldridge

That ??? hopefully isn't some undersized 6'2" or less guard who can't defend the 3. The most logical choice though seems to be Manu.

The offense however should flow through either Leonard or Diaw. Honestly, it looks like a toss up as to who wins. Spurs need to play ridiculously efficient to win.