Injury Update: Duncan's Knee

[ace3g]

San Antonio Spurs @spurs
(https://twitter.com/spurs)INJURY REPORT: Tim Duncan (soreness, right knee) is out for tomorrow's Spurs-Magic game.

[RD2191]

Well fuck...

[apalisoc_9]

Its the magic at home, they will be able to handle their business. At this point, just have him rest till allstar and take the whole two weeks off. Manu needs a week rest too.

[spursistan]

he was't returning against the freaking Magic anyway..

[loveforthegame]

He's not returning before the all-star break imo.

[MultiTroll]

Would seem that chasing the Warriors is a waste and keeping #2 by staying ahead of Thunderef is what matters at this point.

So ya, rest any that need it.

[cjw]

Would seem that chasing the Warriors is a waste and keeping #2 by staying ahead of Thunderef is what matters at this point.

So ya, rest any that need it.

Agree that holding on to the 2 seed is paramount. The Thunder are only five back in the loss column, with one win already over SA (they play 4x). Assuming they split, next tiebreaker is conference record. Given they both have four losses in conference and OKC is five back, I would imagine OKC grabs the conference record tiebreaker even if Spurs split the season series.

Given how the Thunder are playing, it wouldn't surprise me to see them creep up to within a few games of the Spurs by the end of February.

Assuming Spurs-Warriors split, that would mean Spurs gaining a game in the standings (-3) and it's possible with enough of the W's losses coming in conference that they catch on a tiebreaker. Very unlikely either way.

Unfortunately the rest of the West is a train wreck with only 5 teams having a positive point differential and nobody's going to knock OKC out of the #3 spot.

[apalisoc_9]

The clipp show at 4 js probably better for the spurs. They play Golden state really well tbh.

[ElNono]

In the pregame vs Cavs the ESPN reporter commented that Pop said they're going to take it extra easy on that recovery time... basically shut him down until he feels good again, no rushing, etc...

[coachmac87]

So this pretty much means Spurs are going to rely heavily on TD-LMA come playoffs.

[SAGirl]

In the pregame vs Cavs the ESPN reporter commented that Pop said they're going to take it extra easy on that recovery time... basically shut him down until he feels good again, no rushing, etc...

Thanks for sharing that tidbit. I missed that.

It explains all the experimenting by Pop. He will need to figure something out with the guys we have for the big rotation.

[Horse]

Agree that holding on to the 2 seed is paramount. The Thunder are only five back in the loss column, with one win already over SA (they play 4x). Assuming they split, next tiebreaker is conference record. Given they both have four losses in conference and OKC is five back, I would imagine OKC grabs the conference record tiebreaker even if Spurs split the season series.

Given how the Thunder are playing, it wouldn't surprise me to see them creep up to within a few games of the Spurs by the end of February.

Assuming Spurs-Warriors split, that would mean Spurs gaining a game in the standings (-3) and it's possible with enough of the W's losses coming in conference that they catch on a tiebreaker. Very unlikely either way.

Unfortunately the rest of the West is a train wreck with only 5 teams having a positive point differential and nobody's going to knock OKC out of the #3 spot.

They just lost to the nets and very well may have lost to Houston if howard was not ejected.

[ace3g]

Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
(https://twitter.com/tom_orsborn)No update from Pop on Duncan's long-term status other than to say "we are exploring all possibilities." #Spurs (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Spurs)




hmmm

[spurs10]

Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
(https://twitter.com/tom_orsborn)No update from Pop on Duncan's long-term status other than to say "we are exploring all possibilities." #Spurs (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Spurs)




hmmm Wonder what that could possibly mean? Doesn't sound good at all...unless he means his return. :(

[Robz4000]

Starting to sound serious. Wish they'd just announce if Duncan is done for the season so we can adjust to lower expectations sooner.

[ace3g]

Yeah looking back, I think someone asked about holding him out till after the all star break.

[Nathan89]

That sounds awful.

[GSH]

He's not returning before the all-star break imo.

Said it in the first thread about his knee. If he stays out until after the AS break, he will have had exactly a month off, with the exception of 21 easy minutes against the Lakers. That's enough rest to be worthwhile.

[SAGirl]

Exploring all possibilities?
Including the possibility he doesn't play the rest of the season IMO.
In that case... we need a trade.
We are in trouble.
Panic!

[Robz4000]

Exploring all possibilities?
Including the possibility he doesn't play the rest of the season IMO.
In that case... we need a trade.
We are in trouble.
Panic!

There is no trade to be made. If Tim is out this team's ceiling is the second round.

[SAGirl]

There is no trade to be made. If Tim is out this team's ceiling is the second round.
And you are being generous.
If Tim is out and we don't get a defensive big man, we might be out in the first.

[Nathan89]

Now I have to watch that dud LMA get exposed.

[TD 21]

This isn't about "Pop not wanting to show his cards" or "Pop not wanting to give them a mental edge" or Duncan "not being necessary vs the Warriors". Something is clearly not right. He hasn't looked himself for a while now and it's past the point where it can be said that the primary reason for it, is his "role changing" or him "taking it easy".

Soreness might actually be worse than a (relatively minor) injury, because in his case, it's probably mileage related, as opposed something specific having happened. I wouldn't be surprised to see him shut down for a few weeks soon, but it's fair to wonder if this is going to linger through the remainder of the season.


He has had two bad games in a row, besides that, he had been playing just fine, look at the stats, you are overreacting. He probably was a little sore, because he has tendonitis, and Pop said, this game really isnt important in the grand scheme, no need to risk an injury, lets send you home for an extended rest and get you ready for the next game.


If it was anything serious do you really think Pop would have played him against the Lakers?


TD21 is known for his emotional, estrogen filled takes. Hasn't posted in like a week, but as soon as something he can spin as bad happens he logs in and pounds out a post through the tears.


Do you think Pop would have played him against the Lakers if it was something serious?:lol

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=256473&page=3

[Robz4000]

And you are being generous.
If Tim is out and we don't get a defensive big man, we might be out in the first.


The bottom 4 teams in the WC playoff picture will be terrible. Spurs will beat any of those teams in 6 or less.

[loveforthegame]

I don't like the sound of that. Hopefully Pop is just being dramatic to the media.

[benefactor]

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=256473&page=3
Grats to you for having one of the balls of shit you toss at the wall stick.:tu

I still wasn't wrong about you being a girl though.

[myhc]

Our ceiling would be conference finals. I think we can still go toe to toe with OKC. We would get swept or go out in 5 against the Warriors.

[benefactor]

Btw...Charles Barkley has said it's worse than just rest too...so if that doesn't prove a blind squirrel finds a nut I don't know what does.:lol

[spursistan]

awful-sounding news :depressed..it is what is, and should be expected with body of 40- yr old.. the Spurs have done their best resting him this season, but shit happens..hopefully it doesn't snowball into a season-ender..We are in great shape record-wise, Pop will err on over-caution like he should..

[SAGirl]

Some context.
694318401267732480

[TD 21]

Grats to you for having one of the balls of shit you toss at the wall stick.:tu

I still wasn't wrong about you being a girl though.

:lol A grown male who doesn't have the balls to admit wrong, on a message board, without hurling childish insults.

As usual, you missed the point though. This wasn't about me being right, but about you idiots jumping on a more than reasonable take and not waiting for it to play out just because you didn't like the source.

[GSH]

Wonder what that could possibly mean? Doesn't sound good at all...unless he means his return. :(


Could be considering arthroscopic. If it's cleaning out cartilage, he could realistically be looking at 4-6 weeks and still come back.

Could be nothing but Pop doing what he does in interviews.

[tholdren]

It means nothing. Spurs don't need tim before the break anyway. More rest equals better minutes when it matters. If spurs have ro rely on tim as a number one to ring, then they are not going to ring. Relax don't do it
When you want to go to it

[DMC]

There goes our chance to win by more.

[SpursforSix]

Simmons ankle. Damn

[SpursforSix]

Nm

[EmantheSpursFan]

I currently had acl surgery this past Thursday at Sports Medicine and I asked Dr. Schmidt about Timmy and he told me that "we were just saving him for the playoffs." Take it for what it's worth but he didn't seem concerned at all. For those who don't know he is the surgeon who works closest with the Spurs and is a specialist for knee injuries. I'm not naïve enough to think he would tell an average patient but he didn't even flinch when asked about Tim. Take it for what it's worth it sure it's assuming a lot but it made me feel easy

[benefactor]

:lol A grown male who doesn't have the balls to admit wrong, on a message board, without hurling childish insults.

As usual, you missed the point though. This wasn't about me being right, but about you idiots jumping on a more than reasonable take and not waiting for it to play out just because you didn't like the source.
:lol a grown male that has ovaries instead of balls

I wasn't wrong. You whine like a girl just like you did when you first started posting here. Your takes have evolved and improved somewhat, but you'll never get rid of that big ass vagina between your legs.

[MultiTroll]

I currently had acl surgery this past Thursday at Sports Medicine and I asked Dr. Schmidt about Timmy and he told me that "we were just saving him for the playoffs." Take it for what it's worth but he didn't seem concerned at all. For those who don't know he is the surgeon who works closest with the Spurs and is a specialist for knee injuries. I'm not naïve enough to think he would tell an average patient but he didn't even flinch when asked about Tim. Take it for what it's worth it sure it's assuming a lot but it made me feel easy
Thank you.

[Thomas82]

So this pretty much means Spurs are going to rely heavily on TD-LMA come playoffs.

I kinda figured that anyway.

[SAGirl]

I currently had acl surgery this past Thursday at Sports Medicine and I asked Dr. Schmidt about Timmy and he told me that "we were just saving him for the playoffs." Take it for what it's worth but he didn't seem concerned at all. For those who don't know he is the surgeon who works closest with the Spurs and is a specialist for knee injuries. I'm not naïve enough to think he would tell an average patient but he didn't even flinch when asked about Tim. Take it for what it's worth it sure it's assuming a lot but it made me feel easy
Thanks for sharing.
I guess what that tells me is that it's just old age. It's not something that will get better. But it might be a reality check that it is the last season we enjoy watching him.

[SAGirl]

I currently had acl surgery this past Thursday at Sports Medicine and I asked Dr. Schmidt about Timmy and he told me that "we were just saving him for the playoffs." Take it for what it's worth but he didn't seem concerned at all. For those who don't know he is the surgeon who works closest with the Spurs and is a specialist for knee injuries. I'm not naïve enough to think he would tell an average patient but he didn't even flinch when asked about Tim. Take it for what it's worth it sure it's assuming a lot but it made me feel easy
Also, have a good recovery on your surgery.
:toast

[EmantheSpursFan]

I would imagine so. Maybe it's trial by fire for LA? I don't ever assume to know what pop is doing with rotations haha
I have seen LA grow since the debacle at golden state.

[EmantheSpursFan]

Thanks! ����
I would've been at the game tonight if I hadn't gotten injured so I'm hoping for a speedy recovery!

[tim_duncan_fan]

The bottom 4 teams in the WC playoff picture will be terrible. Spurs will beat any of those teams in 6 or less.
Looking the way we have the past 3 or 4 games, I wouldn't be so confident.

We couldn't deal with this Magic team at all. Patty caught fire to save us some embarrassment. God bless that man.

[Robz4000]

Looking the way we have the past 3 or 4 games, I wouldn't be so confident.

We couldn't deal with this Magic team at all. Patty caught fire to save us some embarrassment. God bless that man.

If this is going to be the case going forward, they need to blow it up ASAP. Pop and Parker have been an embarrassment.

[YGWHI]

Some context.
694318401267732480

In context, asking until the AS break, it doesn't sound that bad.

[spurs10]

Thanks! ����
I would've been at the game tonight if I hadn't gotten injured so I'm hoping for a speedy recovery! Get well soon!

[spurs10]

In context, asking until the AS break, it doesn't sound that bad. It doesn't sound bad if the answer is addressing his return and not his condition and rehabilation!

[Spurs 4 The Win]

Looking the way we have the past 3 or 4 games, I wouldn't be so confident.

We couldn't deal with this Magic team at all. Patty caught fire to save us some embarrassment. God bless that man.

Lmao, the cliffjumping is unbearable, grow a pair, best start in franchise history and all of the sudden we cant even get past the first round in 6 games :lol

This is like in 2014 when everyone was cliffjumping right before the all star break and saying we had no shot at getting revenge on the Heat, put on your big boy pants and buckle up, its a long season of ups and downs and Pop will make sure we are peaking at the right time like always

[GSH]

I currently had acl surgery this past Thursday at Sports Medicine and I asked Dr. Schmidt about Timmy and he told me that "we were just saving him for the playoffs." Take it for what it's worth but he didn't seem concerned at all. For those who don't know he is the surgeon who works closest with the Spurs and is a specialist for knee injuries. I'm not naïve enough to think he would tell an average patient but he didn't even flinch when asked about Tim. Take it for what it's worth it sure it's assuming a lot but it made me feel easy


I have no reason to doubt you, and I hope your rehab goes well. The privacy laws on healthcare are rigid as hell, and a doctor could seriously get his ass kicked for revealing any health-related information about a patient. I don't think his response means any more than Pop's quotes - unfortunately.

At Tim's age, something like an ACL would definitely be the end of his career. If they found something like that, I feel like they would have made an announcement by now. There wouldn't be anything to gain by prolonging it. I could see something like a small bit of floating cartilage, and they're waiting till the inflammation goes down, to see if he can finish the season without arthroscopic. It could also be just normal wear and tear inflammation, and Pop really does want to let him heal fully, so he hopefully won't be fighting it the rest of the way.

I don't know any more than anyone else. But if it was really bad news, I think we'd already know about it. At least that's what I'm going to tell myself.

[spurs10]

I have no reason to doubt you, and I hope your rehab goes well. The privacy laws on healthcare are rigid as hell, and a doctor could seriously get his ass kicked for revealing any health-related information about a patient. I don't think his response means any more than Pop's quotes - unfortunately.

At Tim's age, something like an ACL would definitely be the end of his career. If they found something like that, I feel like they would have made an announcement by now. There wouldn't be anything to gain by prolonging it. I could see something like a small bit of floating cartilage, and they're waiting till the inflammation goes down, to see if he can finish the season without arthroscopic. It could also be just normal wear and tear inflammation, and Pop really does want to let him heal fully, so he hopefully won't be fighting it the rest of the way.

I don't know any more than anyone else. But if it was really bad news, I think we'd already know about it. At least that's what I'm going to tell myself. I'm going with you! :bobo

[BillMc]

In context, asking until the AS break, it doesn't sound that bad.
:toast

[Cowboys_Wear_Spurs]

Tim's fine. He won't come back til after that AS break is MHO.

Pop is using this time for LMA and West to get their shit together in the Spurs system, while testing the waters with a small ball lineup of KA/LMA and LMA/Diaw.

Spurs already know what they have in Tim. They need to know what they have in those other guys at this point as far as lineups and matchups go.

[Spur|n|Austin]

Let Tim's knee rest, the Spurs are fine against most competition without him. Personally I say bring him back after the ASG.

[MultiTroll]

I was at Olmos Perk this morning and a guy who works on Matt Bonners car said Bonner said he thinks Tim will be able to jump 12" higher after this rest.

[Brazil]

There is 0 downside to shut him down for after the ASG... we should probably think about the same for Manu and TP

[spursistan]

694628566382673920

[Sean Cagney]

There is 0 downside to shut him down for after the ASG... we should probably think about the same for Manu and TP
Do you honestly think they can sit all three of those guys and not lose the 2nd seed? I know health is #1 and key here for the playoffs but sitting all three until then would be a high risk IMO, but would it pay off later? That one is tricky and I doubt they do it but I would not doubt they sit here or there.

[spursistan]

The Mother of All trap Games coming up: the Pelicans...

BatManu20 (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=33095) get your ass in here and open GT..i have bad feeling about this one..No TD and these fuckers turn to world beaters against us..

[SAGirl]

Tim was limping badly last game in a cutscene. IMO, let the man rest.
Manu and Tony?
Minutes management. Develop other guys. Maybe sit one for one game and the other, for the other. Although Pop prefers to go all in, in one game, then rest everyone the other, so we shall see.
If LMA and Kawhi are beasting, we can get enough production from others to support them IMO.

[spurs10]

The Mother of All trap Games coming up: the Pelicans...

BatManu20 (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=33095) get your ass in here and open GT..i have bad feeling about this one..No TD and these fuckers turn to world beaters against us.. Calling BatManu20! :clap

[Brazil]

Do you honestly think they can sit all three of those guys and not lose the 2nd seed? I know health is #1 and key here for the playoffs but sitting all three until then would be a high risk IMO, but would it pay off later? That one is tricky and I doubt they do it but I would not doubt they sit here or there.

well we have 5 games ahead on loss column over Thunder, +3... schedule till ASG



Tomorrow

vs

https://ssl.gstatic.com/onebox/media/sports/logos/basketball_nba_new_orleans_pelicans_56x42.pngPelic ans


11:30 PM











Sat, Feb 6

@

https://ssl.gstatic.com/onebox/media/sports/logos/basketball_nba_dallas_mavericks_56x42.pngMavericks


12:30 AM











Sat, Feb 6

vs

https://ssl.gstatic.com/onebox/media/sports/logos/basketball_nba_la_lakers_56x42.pngLakers


11:30 PM











Tue, Feb 9

@

https://ssl.gstatic.com/onebox/media/sports/logos/basketball_nba_miami_heat_56x42.pngHeat


11:00 PM











Wed, Feb 10

@

https://ssl.gstatic.com/onebox/media/sports/logos/basketball_nba_orlando_magic_56x42.pngMagic




10:00 PM



Play everybody less Tim against Pelicans, get the W, Lakers is a win even without those 3, then we have 3 games away... you can probably snitch 1 without them... still ahead of Thunder

[Robz4000]

Spurs gonna lose tomorrow regardless of who plays. Pelicans are the Spurs' daddies.

[Brazil]

Spurs gonna lose tomorrow regardless of who plays. Pelicans are the Spurs' daddies.

:lol no... Spurs with an easy win tbh

[Robz4000]

:lol no... Spurs with an easy win tbh

Who's out for them atm?

[timtonymanu]

Who's out for them atm?

Gordon and then Pondexter, who's out for the season. Tyreke's is also injured, but knowing the Spurs luck with injured players from other teams, he'll play.

[SAGirl]

Our issue against the Pelicans will be rebounding. We had quite a few guys who didn't play well against Orlando, if they show up (looking at Kawhi and Tony) we have ourselves a ballgame.

[Robz4000]

Gordon and then Pondexter, who's out for the season. Tyreke's is also injured, but knowing the Spurs luck with injured players from other teams, he'll play.

If Tyreke plays, Pelicans by 20. If not, Pelicans by 15.

[Robz4000]

Our issue against the Pelicans will be rebounding. We had quite a few guys who didn't play well against Orlando, if they show up (looking at Kawhi and Tony) we have ourselves a ballgame.

Problem is even if the Spurs play well and do everything right, the Pelicans still have flukey games and win in the end.

[timtonymanu]

If Tyreke plays, Pelicans by 20. If not, Pelicans by 15.

How many 3's does Ryan Anderson make? Hopefully 5-6. I need it for my fantasy team.

[Hoops Czar]

Tim's fine. He won't come back til after that AS break is MHO.

Pop is using this time for LMA and West to get their shit together in the Spurs system, while testing the waters with a small ball lineup of KA/LMA and LMA/Diaw.

Spurs already know what they have in Tim. They need to know what they have in those other guys at this point as far as lineups and matchups go.

You'd have to be mentally retarded, if after 48 games, you're still trying to figure out the system. Maybe you meant so Spurs fans could figure out what they have in Aldridge. In 9 years, he's guided Portland passed the 1st round of the playoffs one (1) time. At best, he's a stat padding third option. It doesn't mean the Spurs can't win with him but, if they're relying on him to be a difference maker as the everyday one or two option, fans are going to be sorely disappointed.

[Robz4000]

How many 3's does Ryan Anderson make? Hopefully 5-6. I need it for my fantasy team.

Same here. If the Spurs are gonna lose regardless I hope it's 10.

[Budkin]

Spurs gonna lose tomorrow regardless of who plays. Pelicans are the Spurs' daddies.

This. They are going to push our shit in per par. They simply own us.

[spurs10]

This. They are going to push our shit in per par. They simply own us. If we play like we played the second and third quarter last night we will be murdered. However I think they are still reeling from the big losses on the road. Spurs will protect home-court! They never lose when I'm there...of course they haven't lost when anyone been there this year!! :ihit

[ceperez]

You'd have to be mentally retarded, if after 48 games, you're still trying to figure out the system. Maybe you meant so Spurs fans could figure out what they have in Aldridge. In 9 years, he's guided Portland passed the 1st round of the playoffs one (1) time. At best, he's a stat padding third option. It doesn't mean the Spurs can't win with him but, if they're relying on him to be a difference maker as the everyday one or two option, fans are going to be sorely disappointed.

Let's hope he can change his stripes.

Spurs have absolutely zero chance of winning the champions if he plays like he's been playing.

[Robz4000]

You'd have to be mentally retarded, if after 48 games, you're still trying to figure out the system. Maybe you meant so Spurs fans could figure out what they have in Aldridge. In 9 years, he's guided Portland passed the 1st round of the playoffs one (1) time. At best, he's a stat padding third option. It doesn't mean the Spurs can't win with him but, if they're relying on him to be a difference maker as the everyday one or two option, fans are going to be sorely disappointed.

If all LMA can do is be a third option then the Spurs are out in the first round. The reason Portland failed to go anywhere in the playoffs during LMA's tenure is due to the general lack of talent/depth/coaching those teams had outside their core. While he isn't good enough to carry a team by himself LMA is mire than capable enough of being a 1A/1B option on a stacked roster like this season's Spurs (provided he isn't declining, of course).

[GSH]

Do you honestly think they can sit all three of those guys and not lose the 2nd seed? I know health is #1 and key here for the playoffs but sitting all three until then would be a high risk IMO, but would it pay off later? That one is tricky and I doubt they do it but I would not doubt they sit here or there.


One thing was certain after the first meeting with the Dubs - the Spurs aren't going to beat them unless something changes. So what's going to change? The only thing the Spurs have control over is the roster. They can bring in another player, and/or make sure they are rested come playoff time. Maybe if GS keeps chasing history, they will be worn out by then. I'm pretty sure the difference between the 2 and 3 seed will be where they play the first game against OKC. So resting the old Big 3 shouldn't be totally out of the question.

[Hoops Czar]

If all LMA can do is be a third option then the Spurs are out in the first round. The reason Portland failed to go anywhere in the playoffs during LMA's tenure is due to the general lack of talent/depth/coaching those teams had outside their core. While he isn't good enough to carry a team by himself LMA is mire than capable enough of being a 1A/1B option on a stacked roster like this season's Spurs (provided he isn't declining, of course).

I think the Spurs have solidified themselves as a top 2 seed in the west. They should make quick work of whomever they face in the 1st round. A 2nd round match up vs OKC could get interesting but the Spurs should still prevail with HCA as long as the Spurs don't play down to the level of their competition (circa 2015). This really comes down to beating GS in the WCFs. If the ball movement doesn't improve and if they can't find a way to incorporate more three's into the offense, they don't stand much of a chance. LMA's #'s are actually very similar to his career #'s with the exception of USG% and shot attempts. I don't what more he can do to improve his game. The Spurs aren't going to beat elite teams by hitting a bunch of mid range jumpers.

Depth and defense has always been the root of the problem in Portland but, you can't complain too much about their starting lineup.... Batum, Matthews, Aldridge and Liliard. That lineup alone should have been good enough to get to the second round more than once. And I always thought Spurstalk loved Terry Stotts ads a head coach?

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Pelicans don't have Ish Smith anymore who kills us as well.

Spurs could still be a 2nd round exit but should be able to hang onto the second seed.

[hater]

LMAloha or bust tbqh

[hater]

Seriously if this team is depending on a 40 year old mummy to be considered a true contender. Then we might as well tank the season :lmao

[baseline bum]

All the games before the allstar break are pretty winnable, so no reason to rush Tim back when he can get another 2 1/2 weeks rest.

[Robz4000]

I think the Spurs have solidified themselves as a top 2 seed in the west. They should make quick work of whomever they face in the 1st round. A 2nd round match up vs OKC could get interesting but the Spurs should still prevail with HCA as long as the Spurs don't play down to the level of their competition (circa 2015). This really comes down to beating GS in the WCFs. If the ball movement doesn't improve and if they can't find a way to incorporate more three's into the offense, they don't stand much of a chance. LMA's #'s are actually very similar to his career #'s with the exception of USG% and shot attempts. I don't what more he can do to improve his game. The Spurs aren't going to beat elite teams by hitting a bunch of mid range jumpers.

Depth and defense has always been the root of the problem in Portland but, you can't complain too much about their starting lineup.... Batum, Matthews, Aldridge and Liliard. That lineup alone should have been good enough to get to the second round more than once. And I always thought Spurstalk loved Terry Stotts ads a head coach?

Exactly, LMA has been fine so far as a 1A/1B option (though not against most elite teams yet). We'll see how many threes they take once their shooters start hitting more consistently, but it's looking like the midrange game will be their bread and butter this year. As for Portland, a good SL wasn't gonna be enough to get to the second round in the West the past four or five years (unless you're OKC), and Stotts is considered overrated and gimmicky here on ST.

[skulls138]

I think the Spurs have solidified themselves as a top 2 seed in the west. They should make quick work of whomever they face in the 1st round. A 2nd round match up vs OKC could get interesting but the Spurs should still prevail with HCA as long as the Spurs don't play down to the level of their competition (circa 2015). This really comes down to beating GS in the WCFs. If the ball movement doesn't improve and if they can't find a way to incorporate more three's into the offense, they don't stand much of a chance. LMA's #'s are actually very similar to his career #'s with the exception of USG% and shot attempts. I don't what more he can do to improve his game. The Spurs aren't going to beat elite teams by hitting a bunch of mid range jumpers.Its a conundrum for sure. The SL, unlike the bench, isnt a well oiled machine with parts that compliment each other yet. Both Parker and LMA require the ball to feel like they are of use to the team, but that makes KL as third option, and he is our MVP so far. Id like to have the SL be an antithesis to GS and pound it inside and slow the game down but that doesnt suit TP's game and we need him. I think we have to count on Duncan being the one to right the ship. Hes the calm center and inspirational leader. With him back we could be like the 1999 version of ourselves with twin towers. With that strategy we dont have to stop people on D, just funnel them into our bigs.

[Sean Cagney]

One thing was certain after the first meeting with the Dubs - the Spurs aren't going to beat them unless something changes. So what's going to change? The only thing the Spurs have control over is the roster. They can bring in another player, and/or make sure they are rested come playoff time. Maybe if GS keeps chasing history, they will be worn out by then. I'm pretty sure the difference between the 2 and 3 seed will be where they play the first game against OKC. So resting the old Big 3 shouldn't be totally out of the question.
Pop will rest them periodically or one at a time IMO, Tim is first and then the other two probably here or there or even a week or so later in the year. I trust he knows what he is doing here. I doubt he rests all three at once for a few games but here or there he will.

[Cowboys_Wear_Spurs]

You'd have to be mentally retarded, if after 48 games, you're still trying to figure out the system. Maybe you meant so Spurs fans could figure out what they have in Aldridge. In 9 years, he's guided Portland passed the 1st round of the playoffs one (1) time. At best, he's a stat padding third option. It doesn't mean the Spurs can't win with him but, if they're relying on him to be a difference maker as the everyday one or two option, fans are going to be sorely disappointed.

Much like against the Magic and also against the Rockets. I hardly want to take advice from a fuckin idiot that doesn't even watch Spurs games. It takes most Vets a year to figure out how to function in the Spurs system.

LMA was brought to SA for his offensive prowess in the low/high post. After the Magic game, he really looks like he has found his comfort zone. His D has already approved this year. Now it's just his offense that needs to get on par. LMA isn't leading any team to a championship a the leader of said team, but he sure hell can put up 20-25 points a night while shooting 55%-60% from the field. And that is why I mean by getting his shit together.

[ceperez]

Much like against the Magic and also against the Rockets. I hardly want to take advice from a fuckin idiot that doesn't even watch Spurs games. It takes most Vets a year to figure out how to function in the Spurs system.

LMA was brought to SA for his offensive prowess in the low/high post. After the Magic game, he really looks like he has found his comfort zone. His D has already approved this year. Now it's just his offense that needs to get on par. LMA isn't leading any team to a championship a the leader of said team, but he sure hell can put up 20-25 points a night while shooting 55%-60% from the field. And that is why I mean by getting his shit together.

I'm hoping that LMA steps up his game, however, never in his entire career has he shot 55%-60% from the field.

To make matters worse, he has shot at a lower percentage in the playoffs (44%) than in the regular season (48%).

To put everything in perspective only 10 teams in this regular season have shot below 44%.

In short, it isn't enough for LMA to play like he used to play. He has to step up his game. If he shoots 44% in the playoffs and even scores 30+ points a game, the Spurs will absolutely lose!

An 11 %points improvements is just not within reality.

[Texas_Ranger]

well we have 5 games ahead on loss column over Thunder, +3... schedule till ASG



Tomorrow

vs

https://ssl.gstatic.com/onebox/media/sports/logos/basketball_nba_new_orleans_pelicans_56x42.pngPelic ans


11:30 PM











Sat, Feb 6

@

https://ssl.gstatic.com/onebox/media/sports/logos/basketball_nba_dallas_mavericks_56x42.pngMavericks


12:30 AM











Sat, Feb 6

vs

https://ssl.gstatic.com/onebox/media/sports/logos/basketball_nba_la_lakers_56x42.pngLakers


11:30 PM











Tue, Feb 9

@

https://ssl.gstatic.com/onebox/media/sports/logos/basketball_nba_miami_heat_56x42.pngHeat


11:00 PM











Wed, Feb 10

@

https://ssl.gstatic.com/onebox/media/sports/logos/basketball_nba_orlando_magic_56x42.pngMagic




10:00 PM



Play everybody less Tim against Pelicans, get the W, Lakers is a win even without those 3, then we have 3 games away... you can probably snitch 1 without them... still ahead of Thunder

Damn, we play the Mavs and the Lakers on the same day. FUCK YOU NBA!!

:rollin

[Cowboys_Wear_Spurs]

I'm hoping that LMA steps up his game, however, never in his entire career has he shot 55%-60% from the field.

To make matters worse, he has shot at a lower percentage in the playoffs (44%) than in the regular season (48%).

To put everything in perspective only 10 teams in this regular season have shot below 44%.

In short, it isn't enough for LMA to play like he used to play. He has to step up his game. If he shoots 44% in the playoffs and even scores 30+ points a game, the Spurs will absolutely lose!

An 11 %points improvements is just not within reality.

He can in the Spurs system because of the spacing it provides him. He shot 9-13 in both the Rockets and Magic games. That is 70%. Hell, he even shot 7-11, 63%, against the Cavs. But in the Spurs system he should be shooting around 55% most nights. Look at my earlier post, I thought LMA should be shooting 55% back then after he was fully acclimated to the Spurs system.

This is what I project and suspect LMA should be shooting now that he has stepped up his offensive game. It might be overly optimistic but the motion offense and Spurs ball movement should get LMA the ball in his sweet spots and also with no double teams. Since Duncan has been out, LMA shooting % has drastically increased. He is becoming more aggressive and demanding the ball more.

It's a small sample size, but LMA is finally showing how effective he can be when being properly utilized in the Spurs system.

[Brazil]

Damn, we play the Mavs and the Lakers on the same day. FUCK YOU NBA!!

:rollin

:lol wtf

[MultiTroll]

I was having coffee at Barrio Barista on Culebra Road and the electrician for Patty Mills said Tim will be out vs the Mavericks.

[BillMc]

Damn, we play the Mavs and the Lakers on the same day. FUCK YOU NBA!!

:rollin

:lol Yeah, no way we should have to play 1 and a half NBA teams on the same night.

[ceperez]

He can in the Spurs system because of the spacing it provides him. He shot 9-13 in both the Rockets and Magic games. That is 70%. Hell, he even shot 7-11, 63%, against the Cavs. But in the Spurs system he should be shooting around 55% most nights. Look at my earlier post, I thought LMA should be shooting 55% back then after he was fully acclimated to the Spurs system.

This is what I project and suspect LMA should be shooting now that he has stepped up his offensive game. It might be overly optimistic but the motion offense and Spurs ball movement should get LMA the ball in his sweet spots and also with no double teams. Since Duncan has been out, LMA shooting % has drastically increased. He is becoming more aggressive and demanding the ball more.

It's a small sample size, but LMA is finally showing how effective he can be when being properly utilized in the Spurs system.

West has a career season in terms of fg%, 57%. You are right about the last 3 games, let's see if he can keep it up.

[Hoops Czar]

Much like against the Magic and also against the Rockets. I hardly want to take advice from a fuckin idiot that doesn't even watch Spurs games. It takes most Vets a year to figure out how to function in the Spurs system.

LMA was brought to SA for his offensive prowess in the low/high post. After the Magic game, he really looks like he has found his comfort zone. His D has already approved this year. Now it's just his offense that needs to get on par. LMA isn't leading any team to a championship a the leader of said team, but he sure hell can put up 20-25 points a night while shooting 55%-60% from the field. And that is why I mean by getting his shit together.

The sad part here is you really have no idea what you're watching. LMA isn't adjusting to the Spurs system, the Spurs system is adjusting to LMA. I would like to think you of all people should know that the so called Spurs system isn't about fitting square pegs in round holes. It's made up of players and those said players make up the system. The Spurs have essentially gone from an uptempo, passing offense to a halfcourt ISO offense. They used to eat ISO teams for breakfast and now, they've essentially become one.

"It takes most Vets a year to figure out how to function in the Spurs system..... LMA was brought to SA for his offensive prowess in the low/high post. After the Magic game, he really looks like he has found his comfort zone." What an odd couple of sentences. So, every time LMA has a big game against weak competition, he's finding his comfort zone? And every time he shits the bed against elite competition, he needs to adjust and get comfortable in the system? So which is it? Do you know how many times it's been said he's finding his comfort zone only to see reality come crashing down around him in the next game? Lma isn't the high usage player he was in Portland so there's no chance of him averaging 20-25 points a night in a Spurs uniform. However, it would be nice if he actually showed up in big games every once in a while. What I mean by this is, it isn't important that he goes on scoring spree against teams the Spurs are going to pound anyway. If the Spurs want a puncher's chance at reclaiming the NBA championship, LMA is going to have to show up in games that actually matter.

[T_L_P]

Starting to sound serious. Wish they'd just announce if Duncan is done for the season so we can adjust to lower expectations sooner.

Done for the season? Come on man.

[Spur|n|Austin]

Done for the season? Come on man.

[ceperez]

The sad part here is you really have no idea what you're watching. LMA isn't adjusting to the Spurs system, the Spurs system is adjusting to LMA. I would like to think you of all people should know that the so called Spurs system isn't about fitting square pegs in round holes. It's made up of players and those said players make up the system. The Spurs have essentially gone from an uptempo, passing offense to a halfcourt ISO offense. They used to eat ISO teams for breakfast and now, they've essentially become one.

"It takes most Vets a year to figure out how to function in the Spurs system..... LMA was brought to SA for his offensive prowess in the low/high post. After the Magic game, he really looks like he has found his comfort zone." What an odd couple of sentences. So, every time LMA has a big game against weak competition, he's finding his comfort zone? And every time he shits the bed against elite competition, he needs to adjust and get comfortable in the system? So which is it? Do you know how many times it's been said he's finding his comfort zone only to see reality come crashing down around him in the next game? Lma isn't the high usage player he was in Portland so there's no chance of him averaging 20-25 points a night in a Spurs uniform. However, it would be nice if he actually showed up in big games every once in a while. What I mean by this is, it isn't important that he goes on scoring spree against teams the Spurs are going to pound anyway. If the Spurs want a puncher's chance at reclaiming the NBA championship, LMA is going to have to show up in games that actually matter.

I agree entirely here that he can't just show up against lightweight opponents. He has to show up against the "real pros".

Honestly, he started out the season out off shape, he's looks in better shape now, but nowhere near the kind of shape you see in Leonard or even Duncan. I would even venture to say that Diaw is in better shape than Aldridge. You can see it in how the two run and how how the two get up above the ground. Aldridge definitely has lost a lot of lift since his early days.

[WeNeedLength]

Michael C. WrightESPN Staff Writer http://a.espncdn.com/i/columnists/wright_michael_m.jpg
As usual, David West will start Wednesday against the New Orleans Pelicans in place of Tim Duncan, per San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. Popovich said he wasn't sure whether Duncan would travel with the team to Dallas for Friday's game against the Mavericks. :depressed

[spursistan]

Michael C. WrightESPN Staff Writer

http://a.espncdn.com/i/columnists/wright_michael_m.jpg
As usual, David West will start Wednesday against the New Orleans Pelicans in place of Tim Duncan, per San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. Popovich said he wasn't sure whether Duncan would travel with the team to Dallas for Friday's game against the Mavericks.

Looks like there is slim chance Timmy might play before ASG break..it is basically day-to-day thing..

[littlecoyotecoin]

The sad part here is you really have no idea what you're watching. LMA isn't adjusting to the Spurs system, the Spurs system is adjusting to LMA. I would like to think you of all people should know that the so called Spurs system isn't about fitting square pegs in round holes. It's made up of players and those said players make up the system. The Spurs have essentially gone from an uptempo, passing offense to a halfcourt ISO offense. They used to eat ISO teams for breakfast and now, they've essentially become one.

"It takes most Vets a year to figure out how to function in the Spurs system..... LMA was brought to SA for his offensive prowess in the low/high post. After the Magic game, he really looks like he has found his comfort zone." What an odd couple of sentences. So, every time LMA has a big game against weak competition, he's finding his comfort zone? And every time he shits the bed against elite competition, he needs to adjust and get comfortable in the system? So which is it? Do you know how many times it's been said he's finding his comfort zone only to see reality come crashing down around him in the next game? Lma isn't the high usage player he was in Portland so there's no chance of him averaging 20-25 points a night in a Spurs uniform. However, it would be nice if he actually showed up in big games every once in a while. What I mean by this is, it isn't important that he goes on scoring spree against teams the Spurs are going to pound anyway. If the Spurs want a puncher's chance at reclaiming the NBA championship, LMA is going to have to show up in games that actually matter.

So, all graphs with a positive sloping trend are always linear, and never more complicated, with backing and filling, then? All stocks, growth models, etc, are linear?

No. He can, both, be getting more and more comfortable, and still shit the bed, especially against better teams, and still be on a positive trajectory.

[Cowboys_Wear_Spurs]

The sad part here is you really have no idea what you're watching. LMA isn't adjusting to the Spurs system, the Spurs system is adjusting to LMA.

What an odd couple of sentences. So, every time LMA has a big game against weak competition, he's finding his comfort zone? And every time he shits the bed against elite competition, he needs to adjust and get comfortable in the system? Lma isn't the high usage player he was in Portland so there's no chance of him averaging 20-25 points a night in a Spurs uniform.

This shows that you have just recently be watching the Spurs. I have been watching them for NEARLY 30 YEARS. Spurs system isn't adjusting to LMA. Spurs are integrating the Old Spurs system with the new one, you know, the one where the Spurs didn't have any players that could consistently post up in the paint, so the Spurs reverted to small ball play. Spurs aren't adjusting to just LMA. Diaw, Kawhi, West, KA, LMA, etc. have all been noticeably posting up more the past 3 weeks. Why???? Because Pop knows that is the one thing the Spurs will have the advantage over GS. Pop is meshing the old system with the new. And the past two games, you are seeing positive effects from it.

LMA shot 7-11 against the Cavs and most of that came in the 1st half. Pop only played him just over 7 minutes in the 2nd half. Why??? Because Pop saw what LMA can do. He pulled him and let other guys get their shot at the Cavs. Pop didn't care to win that game. He wanted game film for the playoffs to see who matches up well and what worked. I admit that LMA stunk against the Warriors and should have owned Green as he has in the past. He even said he was BAD. And you have seen a transformation from him since then.

And LMA avg. 20-25 ppg. THAT IS TOTALLY IMPOSSIBLE.

[MultiTroll]

I was at Players Club off of Beitel Rd doing a shot off Cindys stomach when a waitress said she heard Tim is out for the Mavs game.

[coachmac87]

210 Podcast: Duncan has bone bruise in knee

Check out my podcast

https://soundcloud.com/210-podcast/210-podcast-2-03-16

[Spurs 4 The Win]

210 Podcast: Duncan has bone bruise in knee

Check out my podcast

https://soundcloud.com/210-podcast/210-podcast-2-03-16

Dont have time to listen, any details besides it being a bone bruise?

[coachmac87]

Dont have time to listen, any details besides it being a bone bruise?

Expected to be out until All-Star break

[Spurs 4 The Win]

Expected to be out until All-Star break

Good news, he could use a break anyways, kinda like when parker just took a month off in 2014 to refresh

[bklynspursfan]

695653515180412928

[TheDoctor]

OG

[spursistan]

696119779174719490

Reassuring news :toast..Need team captain for the Rodeo trip..

[SAGirl]

Good news!!!!!:flag:

[T Park]

keep him out till the Orlando game. Ill be in town on business and will be going :)

[spursistan]

696192081757237248

Team captain itching to play and cover some sorry asses on D :cry

[SAGirl]

Wow TD:worthy::worthy:

Also... I don't know if you caught this within Tony's words, but the day TD has an injury that will take a long time to recover from.. seems like he will retire.

[BatManu20]

696198579216494596

[wingster]

Going to leave?
I don't like the way that sounds.

[EVAY]

Wow TD:worthy::worthy:

Also... I don't know if you caught this within Tony's words, but the day TD has an injury that will take a long time to recover from.. seems like he will retire.

I interpreted it to mean that Tim couldn't stand it (not playing) any more because TIM thinks he can. Pop, being Pop, is holding him out longer. It's just Tony saying Timmy is frustrated and wanting Pop to let him play again.

But did you notice when Tim was walking off the court tonight he looked like he was limping noticeably? I mean I realize that he doesn't walk all that well normally any more, but it looked worse than normal to me.

All these guys want to play more and earlier than Pop wants them to play. But Pop knows their limitations better than they do. Look at what happened last year when Parker was insisting he was able to play even though he still had that hamstring. He was terrible, and FINALLY Pop made him sit.

All these guys want to play every night and think they CAN play every night.

[SAGirl]

I interpreted it to mean that Tim couldn't stand it (not playing) any more because TIM thinks he can. Pop, being Pop, is holding him out longer. It's just Tony saying Timmy is frustrated and wanting Pop to let him play again.

But did you notice when Tim was walking off the court tonight he looked like he was limping noticeably? I mean I realize that he doesn't walk all that well normally any more, but it looked worse than normal to me.

All these guys want to play more and earlier than Pop wants them to play. But Pop knows their limitations better than they do. Look at what happened last year when Parker was insisting he was able to play even though he still had that hamstring. He was terrible, and FINALLY Pop made him sit.

All these guys want to play every night and think they CAN play every night.
Yea I noticed it this game and our last home game too and I agree with you on Tony. Last season he kept making attempts to come back to play while he wasn't ready and it just caused his injury to nag him all through the season and it probably even made it a longer recovery. Also these guys when they are injured will be a shell of themselves, not to mention overcompensate some other way and injure something else.

I would hold him out until after the ASG... I think his knee is just old age though too, and will always bother him to a degree... but I saw somewhere it was a bone bruise and those are delicate, bc it could turn into a bone fracture (in the knee can you imagine?). Spurs practices are nothing like the pounding of real games too.

If I recall Boban had that bone bruise and they made him sit out the Euro tournament plus most of TC.

[Spurs 4 The Win]

Going to leave?
I don't like the way that sounds.

Its a joke, I swear some of you people...

[ace3g]

San Antonio Spurs @spurs
(https://twitter.com/spurs)INJURY REPORT: Duncan (soreness right knee) is questionable for tomorrow. Bonner (left calf strain) & Ginobili (surgical recovery) are out

[spursistan]

696814660574670848

Sounds like Timmy will play in one game of Miami/Orl trip.

[BatManu20]

Yea sounds like he's going to play. Will be rusty but it'll be good to have him back.

[spursistan]

696819734965325824
696823020053073920

[loveforthegame]

I don't care if it's just 5 minutes I can't wait to see him on the court again. :tu

[NameLess Scrub]

Just throw him into the fridge 'til april

[phxspurfan]

Playing him would be a mistake

[ace3g]

OT: On tonight's episode of The X-Files, Mulder is studying a crime scene, looks up and notices the angle of the security cam, determines the killer is "about Tim Duncan height" lol

[SpursIndonesia]

696814660574670848

Sounds like Timmy will play in one game of Miami/Orl trip.

Put all of our weight & focus in the very winnable game in Orlando, and treat the game against Miami as experimental one, a win would be great but basically a scheduled loss.

[spurs10]

OT: On tonight's episode of The X-Files, Mulder is studying a crime scene, looks up and notices the angle of the security cam, determines the killer is "about Tim Duncan height" lol Right on!

[Spur|n|Austin]

Playing him would be a mistake

Yep. Rest him until at least after the ASB.

[ace3g]

OT: On tonight's episode of The X-Files, Mulder is studying a crime scene, looks up and notices the angle of the security cam, determines the killer is "about Tim Duncan height" lol


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCfjlbda0NY