Game Thread: Spurs vs Magic -- Mon. (2/1) - 7:30PM CST (3:30AM Riga Time)

[SAGirl]

hesitation took kyles shot away. Has to shoot if he's open.

[timtonymanu]

The bench won't beat the Dubs and Cavs though, in the playoffs, where it's all about the starters shining. LMA and Kawhi have to elevate their game by then, tbh.

Sure. But I'm only talking about this game. The Magic are a terrible team.

[loveforthegame]

Kawhi in for garbage time :tu

I'm surprised. He's played 23 minutes. That's a lot for a 24 year old.

[TheGreatYacht]

Now score more than 5 points on the road, Paddy

[SAGirl]

Uh, WE need talented young building blocks for the future.

Indeed, specially since we don't want to fall into a lottery team.

[RD2191]

Trash ass starters

[100%duncan]

:lmao how is that even a foul

[100%duncan]

Magic sucks so much the refs can even help them

[Kawhitstorm]

Porker:lmao

[spursistan]

Just bench Tony..not his night, tbh..

[TheGreatYacht]

Fucking refs. They won't call illegal Warriors screens and Curry push offs though

[Uriel]

Uh, WE need talented young building blocks for the future.
Of course we do, I didn't say that we don't.


But between Davis Bertans and Livio Jean-Charles, we already have plenty of talented combo forwards waiting in the pipeline. If trading Anderson can net us a veteran that will help us win now, we should at least consider it.

[RD2191]

Wtf kawhi

[SpurPadre]

Danny can still argue he's LDN except you just substitute Long with LIMP

[100%duncan]

Of course we do, I didn't say that we don't.


But between Davis Bertans and Livio Jean-Charles, we already have plenty of talented combo forwards waiting in the pipeline. If trading Anderson can net us a veteran that will help us win now, we should at least consider it.

LJC is a scrub. Bertans is questionable due to health. As much as I criticize Kyle I'll take him over both.

[SAGirl]

Ah good job Spurs. Going on hot streaks against one of the worst teams in the NBA.. Not gonna do that against any good teams.
WEll aren't we Mr cup is half empty tonight?

[spurs10]

Just bench Tony..not his night, tbh.. Wishful thinking!

[100%duncan]

Wish LMA can play like this against you know...

[100%duncan]

WEll aren't we Mr cup is half empty tonight?

That's his schtick

[spurs10]

Thank goodness for LMA!

[RD2191]

West

[SAGirl]

D.West hot shooting.

[RD2191]

Gawd dammit kawhi

[spurs10]

That's his schtick Yep and it is very weak!:lol

[100%duncan]

Leonard 2/7 from 3 tonight :td

[timtonymanu]

Aldridge dominating against lottery teams :tu

[spursistan]

Kawhi shooting plenty of short threes lately..

[LongtimeSpursFan]

Kawhi trying to star pad instead of running clock.

[SpurPadre]

Come on Pop, let LMA score one more basket!

[sasaint]

Of course we do, I didn't say that we don't.


But between Davis Bertans and Livio Jean-Charles, we already have plenty of talented combo forwards waiting in the pipeline. If trading Anderson can net us a veteran that will help us win now, we should at least consider it.

Those birds in the European bush are not as valuable as the one we have in the NBA hand. With his knees, Bertans may never come over.

[TheGreatYacht]

Wish LMA can play like this against you know...
They used him right tonight. Pop finally understood that he ain't Shitter

[100%duncan]

Aldridge dominating against lottery teams :tu

I dont get it tbh. He was beasting in Portland against the same guys but here he goes from hero to zero.

[loveforthegame]

Well you wanted Leonard to be a 3 and D guy. He's taken plenty the last two games. You should be happy.

[spursistan]

Watch Pop bench LMA..why 30 point-game?

[NASpurs]

Kawhi trying to star pad instead of running clock.

He learned from the Frenchie :tu

[Uriel]

Gotta get that lead up to 20.

[Kikoluna]

We are playing horrible. Very concerning. I don't see a style, game plan. Kinda free lancing. And I'm tired of these random line ups. Can we get some continuity

[100%duncan]

They used him right tonight. Pop finally understood that he ain't Shitter

Well posting him up against a shorter Green seemed like the logical thing to do. But yah, I was always an advocate of him and tp pick n pops.

[Kawhitstorm]

Kawhi shooting plenty of short threes lately..

I don't even remember him posting up tonight, he started the game w/ a 3 & kept chucking away.

[Pauleta14]

Wish LMA can play like this against you know...

No reason to believe he can't, they need to make him comfortable, he obviously isn't totally..

[100%duncan]

Watch Boban get a dunk then a poster posts a thread of how he can be an MVP in the future

[NASpurs]

Watch Pop bench LMA..why 30 point-game?

It'll help him to get over himself.

[spursistan]

Watch Pop bench LMA..why 30 point-game?

[TheGreatYacht]

Kawhi trying to star pad instead of running clock.
Pop pulled the plug

[loveforthegame]

They used him right tonight.

Now if he'd do the same for Leonard. :tu

[SpurPadre]

Watch Boban get a dunk then a poster posts a thread of how he can be an MVP in the future

And that he should've started the Dubs and Cavs games...lol, smh.

[Uriel]

Those birds in the European bush are not as valuable as the one we have in the NBA hand. With his knees, LJC may never come over.
Again, I'm not saying that Anderson isn't less valuable. All I'm saying is that if the opportunity arises for us to trade Anderson for a veteran that can help us win a championship this season, then we should consider it, since we already have potential Anderson-replacements waiting in the pipeline.

[100%duncan]

No reason to believe he can't, they need to make him comfortable, he obviously isn't totally..

He certainly could in Portland. Just gotta find that rhythm I guess

[100%duncan]

OMG Pop not letting LMA crack 30 :lmao classic

[Kawhitstorm]

Wish LMA can play like this against you know...

He used his fadeaway/up-&-under as counters along w/ drives tonight rather than trying to force middle or pump faking.

[NASpurs]

I can't take any of these games against scrub teams seriously. Our team has some serious flaws that's more than likely due to the personnel of the team.

[100%duncan]

I can't take any of these games against scrub teams seriously. Our team has some serious flaws that's more than likely due to the personnel of the team.

Meh we're still better than the 28 teams in the league. But for sure aint beating Golden Gay with how we look right now.

[SAGirl]

Again, I'm not saying that Anderson isn't less valuable. All I'm saying is that if the opportunity arises for us to trade Anderson for a veteran that can help us win a championship this season, then we should consider it, since we already have potential Anderson-replacements waiting in the pipeline.
I don't think you are valuing him properly. He's pretty unique in his passing ability at his position.

[GSH]

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JDQXvh8i27Q/hqdefault.jpg

[timtonymanu]

Spurs win

[BatManu20]

Great 4th qtr. Good win. :tu

[SAGirl]

:flag:

[SAGirl]

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JDQXvh8i27Q/hqdefault.jpg
lol this was funny.
Elfrid payton?

[sasaint]

Again, I'm not saying that Anderson isn't less valuable. All I'm saying is that if the opportunity arises for us to trade Anderson for a veteran that can help us win a championship this season, then we should consider it, since we already have potential Anderson-replacements waiting in the pipeline.

No. First, his contract will not net us a veteran that could contribute. Second, neither of those Euroscrubs is anything like Kyle. Just, no.

[pgardn]

OMG Pop not letting LMA crack 30 :lmao classic

Is that a special number?

[BillMc]

Victory!:flag:

[FaM0us Skins]

107-92.

[Kikoluna]

39-8 , yet feel restless. The team is lacking style, passion.

[sasaint]

OMG Pop not letting LMA crack 30 :lmao classic

We obviously didn't need for him to crack 30.

[SAGirl]

somebody check on SAGirl (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=49524) :lol
:huddle::cheer:flag:

[BillMc]

If he ever gets big minutes in this league Kyle Anderson might wrack up some triple doubles.

[spurs10]

Was it my imagination that Tim is still limping? Hope it was my imagination! Good win!

[ElNono]

If he continues to play well in the minutes Pop gives him, we could market him as a talented, young building block for the future.

Other than trade filler, his contract just doesn't have enou8gh value to bring anything worthwhile in return on it's own, that's all I'm saying...

[BillMc]

Was it my imagination that Tim is still limping? Hope so! Good win!

I thought he looked pretty swift jumping off the bench and moving around.

Why do you hope he's still limping?

[BatManu20]

694364700079841281

[sasaint]

If he ever gets big minutes in this league Kyle Anderson might wrack up some triple doubles.

I would hate to see us get rid of Kyle. I think Pop is starting to figure out how to use him, and he is gaining a lot of confidence as a result. I've been saying that I expect him to be a big part of the Spurs TNG.

[Chinook]

Well posting him up against a shorter Green seemed like the logical thing to do.

Ugh. It really didn't. Height isn't an advantage in the low post. Weight is, but Draymond's low center of gravity means he doesn't get moved very easily.

[BatManu20]

694364793352761344

694364350044188672

[ceperez]

Was it my imagination that Tim is still limping? Hope it was my imagination! Good win!

Yeah... looked like he was limping. Not a good sign.

[LakerHater]

http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=media%2Fapphoto%2F299f8685fa1342058f0f6a7067 00ec44.jpg&w=458&h=589

[SAGirl]

If he ever gets big minutes in this league Kyle Anderson might wrack up some triple doubles.
Been doing that his whole young career. D'league stats 21 pts. 9 rebounds, 5 assists. Not saying he will score much as you saw he can clearly shoot, but likes to pass. Considering Pop's love for elite passers, he's a keeper.

[BatManu20]

694364494047395841

[spurs10]

I thought he looked pretty swift jumping off the bench and moving around.

Why do you hope he's still limping? Hoped it was my imagination, but I changed it to be clear!!! Re-read and said 'oops!'

[look_at_g_shred]

Yeah... looked like he was limping. Not a good sign.
Act like your knee is hurt

[100%duncan]

Ugh. It really didn't. Height isn't an advantage in the low post. Weight is, but Draymond's low center of gravity means he doesn't get moved very easily.

Yes it does, a simple post up fade away, shooting over the top etc would/should work with the player of LMA's offensive caliber. Instead he tried to do much by forcing it to the middle of the paint.

[BatManu20]

694364456327864320

[SAGirl]

I would hate to see us get rid of Kyle. I think Pop is starting to figure out how to use him, and he is gaining a lot of confidence as a result. I've been saying that I expect him to be a big part of the Spurs TNG.
I have been trying to convince everyone of his potential since the summer. This kid has been a winner at every stage. Everyone always doubts him and he comes up and flat out wins. At some point you shake your head and have to say, yea he's talented.

[BatManu20]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CaLgzBxVAAEB_MP.jpg:large

[spurs10]

Act like your knee is hurt I like that Bill Mc said he looked spry jumping off the bench. I'm obviously hoping for the best!

[SpurPadre]

Ugh. It really didn't. Height isn't an advantage in the low post. Weight is, but Draymond's low center of gravity means he doesn't get moved very easily.

That doesn't work for Dejuan Blair.

[BillMc]

I have been trying to convince everyone of his potential since the summer. This kid has been a winner at every stage. Everyone always doubts him and he comes up and flat out wins. At some point you shake your head and have to say, yea he's talented.

Kyle may be huge when Manu finally retires.

[SpurPadre]

Kyle may be huge when Manu finally retires.

Still too slow for my tastes and therefore, far from matchup-proof like Manu was in his prime.

[spurs10]

Kyle may be huge when Manu finally retires. He really looked good tonight! We needed him!

[Kawhitstorm]

That doesn't work for Dejuan Blair.

Nor did it work for Charles Barkley b/c it actually requires effort:lol

[sasaint]

I have been trying to convince everyone of his potential since the summer. This kid has been a winner at every stage. Everyone always doubts him and he comes up and flat out wins. At some point you shake your head and have to say, yea he's talented.

Not me. Do you not remember our exchanges in SL and pre-season? I have not been the overt champion you have, but I have been calling him and Simmons both "Spurs TNG" practically from the get-go.

[Kawhitstorm]

Still too slow for my tastes and therefore, far from matchup-proof like Manu was in his prime.

Larry Bird wasn't fast or a high leaper but he was an All-NBA defender b/c he had quick reflexes, very good anticipation, length & a high IQ along with putting an effort on the defensive end.

[Chinook]

Yes it does, a simple post up fade away, shooting over the top etc would/should work with the player of LMA's offensive caliber. Instead he tried to do much by forcing it to the middle of the paint.

Players have to get to "spots" to be effective. Aldridge wasn't going to move Green, so he couldn't get to his spots. And he couldn't get separation even when he did. Posting up smaller players is a mistake. It's much better to just face them up like Anderson does. The thought that short players are bad defending the post is nonsensical. It's much easier to push a box that's as tall as you than it is to push one of the same mass that's at mid-chest level. That's the reason why the Spurs didn't care when the Thunder kept trying to post Green with Durant.

[Chinook]

That doesn't work for Dejuan Blair.

I mean, it pretty much did. Dude was an offensive beast in the paint because his height meant he could get anyone off their spots.

[Kawhitstorm]

Players have to get to "spots" to be effective. Aldridge wasn't going to move Green, so he couldn't get to his spots. And he couldn't get separation even when he did. Posting up smaller players is a mistake. It's much better to just face them up like Anderson does. The thought that short players are bad defending the post is nonsensical. It's much easier to push a box that's as tall as you than it is to push one of the same mass that's at mid-chest level. That's the reason why the Spurs didn't care when the Thunder kept trying to post Green with Durant.

A better example is Durant vs. Chris Paul or Tony Allen since Danny didn't really guard him much & Durant wasn't trying to play bully-ball.

[Chinook]

I have been trying to convince everyone of his potential since the summer. This kid has been a winner at every stage. Everyone always doubts him and he comes up and flat out wins. At some point you shake your head and have to say, yea he's talented.

The Spurs have 15 talented players. Issue is getting the right mixes to take it all the way. Kyle is the best prospect the Spurs have, foreign or domestic. And I would hate trading him. But I'd even hate trading McCallum after his game tonight. So we'll just have to see where it goes. There's obviously no need to trade for anyone if the roster can keep up this level of play.

[SAGirl]

Not me. Do you not remember our exchanges in SL and pre-season? I have not been the overt champion you have, but I have been calling him and Simmons both "Spurs TNG" practically from the get-go.
I remember that. Although he didn't look like much earlier in the season, I knew Pop had him leashed. The kind of game he was playing before was not his game. I think Pop has finally unleashed him bc need him right now. Even if he doesn't play much postseason, right now its "all hands on deck."

[100%duncan]

Players have to get to "spots" to be effective. Aldridge wasn't going to move Green, so he couldn't get to his spots. And he couldn't get separation even when he did. Posting up smaller players is a mistake. It's much better to just face them up like Anderson does. The thought that short players are bad defending the post is nonsensical. It's much easier to push a box that's as tall as you than it is to push one of the same mass that's at mid-chest level. That's the reason why the Spurs didn't care when the Thunder kept trying to post Green with Durant.

You can post-up and face them up and shoot a jumper. Post-ups dont necessarily need to end in dribbling down to get a hook or a shot within 3 ft.

[Chinook]

A better example is Durant vs. Chris Paul or Tony Allen since Danny didn't really guard him much & Durant wasn't trying to play bully-ball.

Green guarded Durant as much as Leonard did. Do you not remember the 2014 WCF at all? Hell, even dabom can confirm that Leonard wasn't checking Durant late in that series.

[SAGirl]

The Spurs have 15 talented players. Issue is getting the right mixes to take it all the way. Kyle is the best prospect the Spurs have, foreign or domestic. And I would hate trading him. But I'd even hate trading McCallum after his game tonight. So we'll just have to see where it goes. There's obviously no need to trade for anyone if the roster can keep up this level of play.
I liked Ray's toughness... he was dedicated on defense. He allowed us to make that run.

[GSH]

lol this was funny.
Elfrid payton?


Yeah. I wanted to post it during the game, but you don't get to make fun of a guy if his team hands you the first home loss of the season. Had to wait until it was over. He reminded me of that commercial the minute I saw him.

[Chinook]

You can post-up and face them up and shoot a jumper. Post-ups dont necessarily need to end in dribbling down to get a hook or a shot within 3 ft.

Yes. But you can't do that if you have a disadvantage in the post, which LMA does. He can't get good face-up position by posting, since he can't move Green.

[SpurPadre]

I mean, it pretty much did. Dude was an offensive beast in the paint because his height meant he could get anyone off their spots.

His rebounding on both ends wasn't as good as draft analysts had hoped. He was once pegged as a Rodman-type rebounder on both ends and it just didn't work out that way. He was pushed around on the other end of the court.

[Kawhitstorm]

You can post-up and face them up and shoot a jumper. Post-ups dont necessarily need to end in dribbling down to get a hook or a shot within 3 ft.

LMA doesn't tend to face up & shoot jumpers like Dirk unless it's on a catch & shoot or off an escape dribble, he prefers to bump defenders to get separation/rhythm then shoot his patented right shoulder fadeaway. He's more like Celtics KG than Dirk when it comes to his offense.

Besides rushing shots, his issue against Draymond was that he was hell bent on bullying his way to the middle w/ 3-4 dribbles as if he was prime Z-Bo instead of shooting his fadeaway.:lol

[sasaint]

I remember that. Although he didn't look like much earlier in the season, I knew Pop had him leashed. The kind of game he was playing before was not his game. I think Pop has finally unleashed him bc need him right now. Even if he doesn't play much postseason, right now its "all hands on deck."

I posted a response to another poster that I believe Pop has finally seen enough of Kyle in the multiplicity of games/situations/positions in his experimentation that he is getting a grasp on how he ultimately wants to use him. And Kyle has seen so many different scenarios that he is gaining quite a bit of confidence.

[SpurPadre]

Nor did it work for Charles Barkley b/c it actually requires effort:lol

It didn't work as far as getting a ring but it did work in terms of him getting to the HOF. He was an intense player who played as if he had a Napolean complex and stood up to guys much bigger than him, beating them in 50/50s constantly. He may be an idiot as an analyst but the dude was a baller.

[GSH]

I have been trying to convince everyone of his potential since the summer. This kid has been a winner at every stage. Everyone always doubts him and he comes up and flat out wins. At some point you shake your head and have to say, yea he's talented.


I'm glad you reminded us. I had completely forgotten that you were an Anderson supporter - and I'm sure most other people had forgotten, too. :)


I've always said that I think Anderson will develop into a solid contributor. He went through a spell a while back where he looked like he was regressing. And I still have to be convinced that he's ready (yet) to handle top-tier NBA competition. But that doesn't take anything away from what he did tonight. Right now I hope you're right, and he'll be far enough along to get decent minutes in the playoffs this year. That would mean that he's continued to get better, and the Spurs can use any help they can get.

[SpurPadre]

Larry Bird wasn't fast or a high leaper but he was an All-NBA defender b/c he had quick reflexes, very good anticipation, length & a high IQ along with putting an effort on the defensive end.

That's true but he didn't play against a league with that many ultra-athletic players like in today's league. It also helped that he was a natural shooter, unlike Slow-Mo.

[sasaint]

His rebounding on both ends wasn't as good as draft analysts had hoped. He was once pegged as a Rodman-type rebounder on both ends and it just didn't work out that way. He was pushed around on the other end of the court.

Blair?

[Kawhitstorm]

It didn't work as far as getting a ring but it did work in terms of him getting to the HOF. He was an intense player who played as if he had a Napolean complex and stood up to guys much bigger than him, beating them in 50/50s constantly. He may be an idiot as an analyst but the dude was a baller.

Barkley put minimal effort on defense ("Nothing good happens when you play defense"-Barkley)

[SpurPadre]

Blair?

Yep.

[SpurPadre]

Barkley put minimal effort on defense ("Nothing good happens when you play defense"-Barkley)

Except for defensive rebounding, of which he was good at in terms of boxing out and is a part of defense. But I get what you mean.

[sasaint]

Yep.

Blair didn't have height to use... He was much more like an unathletic, unmotivated Barkley.

[SAGirl]

I'm glad you reminded us. I had completely forgotten that you were an Anderson supporter - and I'm sure most other people had forgotten, too. :)


I've always said that I think Anderson will develop into a solid contributor. He went through a spell a while back where he looked like he was regressing. And I still have to be convinced that he's ready (yet) to handle top-tier NBA competition. But that doesn't take anything away from what he did tonight. Right now I hope you're right, and he'll be far enough along to get decent minutes in the playoffs this year. That would mean that he's continued to get better, and the Spurs can use any help they can get.
Ready per se? no, but you have to face those guys like he did Kevin Love, and get better. I liked that by the way, he was overmatched? of course, but so was kawhi leonard first time he faced Lebron. I can just imagine, Kawhi being so young has to be the first one to encourage him to be brave and not get intimidated by anybody.

[GSH]

I mean, it pretty much did. Dude was an offensive beast in the paint because his height meant he could get anyone off their spots.


Blair was never able to be consistent on the offensive end. I swear, I think he had ADD. Sometimes he just sort of drifted off.

He was a rebounding machine when he first showed up. Pop joked in an interview about leaving him alone, and letting him do what he does naturally. But in the end, I think they tried to force Blair to be something that he wasn't. I know his rebounding numbers steadily declined for some reason, and bounced after he left.

[SAGirl]

That's true but he didn't play against a league with that many ultra-athletic players like in today's league. It also helped that he was a natural shooter, unlike Slow-Mo.
You will just have to be convinced by Kyle just flat out balling. . . which he will continue to do. May struggle some games but all youngsters in the league struggle. Its called growing up and developing.

[Kawhitstorm]

That's true but he didn't play against a league with that many ultra-athletic players like in today's league. It also helped that he was a natural shooter, unlike Slow-Mo.

Forwards during Bird's era: Dominique, Pippen, Rodman, Worthy, Dr J, Dantley, King, English, Cummings, Barkley, Chambers.

[Kawhitstorm]

Except for defensive rebounding, of which he was good at in terms of boxing out and is a part of defense. But I get what you mean.

Kevin Love wasn't accused of being a great defender when he was leading the league in rebounds.:lol

[pgardn]

Forwards during Bird's era: Dominique, Pippen, Rodman, Worthy, Dr J, Dantley, King, English, Cummings, Barkley, Chambers.

Good call.

Man I had forgot about those guys. Chambers was hell to deal with. English could throw in 50 at any moment and King even more so. Man that is a tough group of forwards.

[GSH]

to be brave and not get intimidated by anybody.


Toughness is always in short supply. If he steps it up in that department, it will go a long w ay. Not that he's soft. Just saying that the Spurs need some "nasty", and that would raise KA's stock a lot.

[SpurPadre]

Forwards during Bird's era: Dominique, Pippen, Rodman, Worthy, Dr J, Dantley, King, English, Cummings, Barkley, Chambers.

They were great athletes of course but you pretty much named them all. The rest were Bonner-types in terms of athleticism and speed.

[SAGirl]

Toughness is always in short supply. If he steps it up in that department, it will go a long w ay. Not that he's soft. Just saying that the Spurs need some "nasty", and that would raise KA's stock a lot.
He is competitive I will tell you that, but obviously the NBA is a whole other league and the playoffs a whole other ballgame. Will have to develop balls like ElNono said. Still young, so not going to go all Nostradamus here, but he won't shrink from the moment IMO, unless it involves FT :lol

[SpurPadre]

Kevin Love wasn't accused of being a great defender when he was leading the league in rebounds.:lol

No but that kept him from being a completely shit defender like sandwich boy.

[SpurPadre]

You will just have to be convinced by Kyle just flat out balling. . . which he will continue to do. May struggle some games but all youngsters in the league struggle. Its called growing up and developing.

I'll root for the kid but he has no business being anywhere near the court against the Dubs, Thunder, and other ultra-athletic teams. Not now.

[LakerHater]

Orlando got 54 PIP compared to Spurs 34

[SpurPadre]

Blair didn't have height to use... He was much more like an unathletic, unmotivated Barkley.

That is what I was driving at, tbh.

[SAGirl]

I'll root for the kid but he has no business being anywhere near the court against the Dubs, Thunder, and other ultra-athletic teams. Not now.

Like I told someone else, not going to go all Nostradamus, so who knows?
But you saw Bonner against OKC the year we won the title.
Don't be so quick to say nay either.

[SpurPadre]

Like I told someone else, not going to go all Nostradamus, so who knows?
But you saw Bonner against OKC the year we won the title.
Don't be so quick to say nay either.

Which I maintain was vastly overblown. Bonner averaged 15 minutes those two games as a decoy. Diaw getting more minutes and playing starters minutes the last two games against OKC was the REAL key.

[sasaint]

Orlando got 54 PIP compared to Spurs 34

Hello, LMA, rim protector extraordinaire!

[SAGirl]

Which I maintain was vastly overblown. Bonner averaged 15 minutes those two games as a decoy. Diaw getting more minutes and playing starters minutes the last two games against OKC was the REAL key.
And I will not argue the point, since Diaw really was the key player and I agree with you on that, but the point is Bonner did play, and so may Kyle.

[SAGirl]

Hello, LMA, rim protector extraordinaire!
there were backcuts (Simms got hit twice, will get tongue-lashed by Pop in film session)... and at one point a whole layup line. Also offensive rebounding. I saw Kyle boxing out religiously, but others were not so disciplined. Whenever he didn't have Aaron Gordon, the man went for the Oboard. It will be an issue unfortunately. It will require a wholewide team effort to compensate for the lack of timmy. We are definitely very vulnerable.

[SpurPadre]

And I will not argue the point, since Diaw really was the key player and I agree with you on that, but the point is Bonner did play, and so may Kyle.

I do see that Kyle's ceiling is much higher than Bonner's, so there's that! LOL. Really, I'm not giving up on the kid and have noticed he's looking more and more comfortable.

[Kawhitstorm]

They were great athletes of course but you pretty much named them all. The rest were Bonner-types in terms of athleticism and speed.

The rest: Mailman, Ralph Sampson, McHale, Jerome Kersey, Buck Williams, Kiki Vandeweghe, Larry Nance (Bonner types:lmao..........I'm not even mentioning role players like Orlando Woolridge)

[sasaint]

there were backcuts (Simms got hit twice, will get tongue-lashed by Pop in film session)... and at one point a whole layup line. Also offensive rebounding. I saw Kyle boxing out religiously, but others were not so disciplined. Whenever he didn't have Aaron Gordon, the man went for the Oboard. It will be an issue unfortunately. It will require a wholewide team effort to compensate for the lack of timmy. We are definitely very vulnerable.

Failing to box out is simply inexplicable at this level. Frankly, it was the only reason I ever got playing time as a 6'2" center (that's right) in high school; I could box out better than anybody else on the team. Obviously a skill that is near and dear to my heart, and when I see pros failing to exert that effort (which is all it is), I really go UNT.

Allowing backdoor cuts is a close second on my list of offenses.

[SAGirl]

Failing to box out is simply inexplicable at this level. Frankly, it was the only reason I ever got playing time as a 6'2" center (that's right) in high school; I could box out better than anybody else on the team. Obviously a skill that is near and dear to my heart, and when I see pros failing to exert that effort (which is all it is), I really go UNT.

Allowing backdoor cuts is a close second on my list of offenses.
Failing to box out was the one reason earlier in the season that D.West got on my nerves. I knew he was out of position and lacked real size/length to contest shots or block shots, but he wasn't disciplined boxing out. Diaw for example is more disciplined on that, his boxing out allows others to get the board. Kyle is fairly disciplined, whenever I saw him, he was boxing out a big, but the other was free, so its an issue. I can't recall the biggest offenders, i think just teamwide, different guys failed at different points to box out. Not saying Kyle was perfect, but he was the one consistent guy I remember seeing boxing out somebody.

[LakerHater]

Hello, LMA, rim protector extraordinaire!

:lol

[SpurPadre]

The rest: Mailman, Ralph Sampson, McHale, Jerome Kersey, Buck Williams, Kiki Vandeweghe, Larry Nance (Bonner types:lmao..........I'm not even mentioning role players like Orlando Woolridge)

I still say today's league has vastly more athletic players than back then, not necessarily better, but way more athletic.

[skulls138]

Failing to box out is simply inexplicable at this level. Frankly, it was the only reason I ever got playing time as a 6'2" center (that's right) in high school; I could box out better than anybody else on the team. Obviously a skill that is near and dear to my heart, and when I see pros failing to exert that effort (which is all it is), I really go UNT.

Allowing backdoor cuts is a close second on my list of offenses.Yeah, cant stand losing the rebounding game. I cant celebrate LMA's points and shot blocking with only four rebounds while the other team getting so many offensive ones. LMA is getting paid to do everything a big man should. Good game by LMA but more rebounding and boxing out please.

[GSH]

I'll root for the kid but he has no business being anywhere near the court against the Dubs, Thunder, and other ultra-athletic teams. Not now.


We'll see what we see, but I agree with that. Of course, none of our other players had any business on the court with the Dubs in that first game. Like I said above, the Spurs need all the help they can get against them, so I hope SAGirl is right, and he steps up.

[BatManu20]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CaL15ayUUAAOilW.jpg:large

[Kawhitstorm]

I still say today's league has vastly more athletic players than back then, not necessarily better, but way more athletic.

Forget the forwards, let's evaluate the league in general:

-Jordan/Hakeem/Drexler at their physical peaks :lmao
-David Thompson before he became a complete junky:lmao
-6'9" point guard:lmao
-Pre injury Ewing:lmao
-Darryl Dawkins:lmao
-Spud Webb:lmao
-80s Sixers/Celtics:lmao
-Showtime Lakers:lmao
-Doug Moe Nuggets:lmao
-Pre-Bad Boys Pistons:lmao
-Prime Moses:lmao
-Teams averaging 120 point :lmao

[GSH]

Orlando got 54 PIP compared to Spurs 34


That's a big, big deal, too. The Spurs have virtually no post threat right now. At least not against legit big men. And with defenses being able to help off Danny (because he couldn't hit water if he fell out of a boat) the paint has become a very unfriendly place.

[BatManu20]

694374749573492736

[BatManu20]

694374304880922624

[BatManu20]

694364692626685952

[BatManu20]

694324424871247872

[BatManu20]

694368828571004928

[BatManu20]

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

[BatManu20]

694385922003963904

[BatManu20]

694390968074678274

[BatManu20]

San Antonio SpursVerified account ‏@spurs (https://twitter.com/spurs) 2h2 hours ago (https://twitter.com/spurs/status/694390610547978240)San Antonio, TX (https://twitter.com/search?q=place%3A3df4f427b5a60fea)
Stat of the Night: With LaMarcus Aldridge scoring 28 tonight, we improved to a perfect 14-0 when Aldridge eclipses the 20-point plateau

[skulls138]

Wow, Id think averaging 26.2 per game would be top 5.

[All Mighty Janitor]

Now if he'd do the same for Leonard. :tu

[BatManu20]

694380073957335040

[All Mighty Janitor]

Yeah, cant stand losing the rebounding game. I cant celebrate LMA's points and shot blocking with only four rebounds while the other team getting so many offensive ones. LMA is getting paid to do everything a big man should. Good game by LMA but more rebounding and boxing out please.

One of the reasons these games have been so close is us getting out rebounded. It is also very hard to have a good defense without defensive rebounding. It seemed like there was a concerted effort to push the ball, so much so that more than a couple of times people forgot the ball. We need more of a team rebounding effort to make up for Tim's absence. Kawhi can definitely help more in this department and he can still push the ball. I hope we make the adjustment.

[BatManu20]

694395540851855360

[BatManu20]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CaMJvXoUMAAXsz_.jpg:large

[BatManu20]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKSSI7Kwavo

[SAGirl]

694385922003963904
Thanks for sharing all these BatManu!
This will go unheralded for Ray unless I mention it bc he wasn't scoring or having highlights but that unit that made a run had Patty/Ray/Danny/Kyle/D.West. Patty got super hot like we all know he can do (but hasn't done often in the season), and Kyle had several plays for other guys as well as getting aggresive for himself, but the defense in that stretch was better than with other groups bc guys were switching and communicating generally well, and Ray Mc did an outstanding job on Victor Oladipo.

That is good news for our PG situation.

[gambit1990]

don't really like taking photos during the game but caught that david west dunk last night. was sitting a few rows ahead of the iceman.
http://s18.postimg.org/g61zq10vt/IMG_0610.jpg

[From Downtown]

Thanks for sharing all these BatManu!
This will go unheralded for Ray unless I mention it bc he wasn't scoring or having highlights but that unit that made a run had Patty/Ray/Danny/Kyle/D.West. Patty got super hot like we all know he can do (but hasn't done often in the season), and Kyle had several plays for other guys as well as getting aggresive for himself, but the defense in that stretch was better than with other groups bc guys were switching and communicating generally well, and Ray Mc did an outstanding job on Victor Oladipo.

That is good news for our PG situation.
What I've always noticed when Ray has played is that he CAN defend...which is rare for somebody coming from the Kings :lol
His athletism is also quite underrated and he's generally a good scorer
He still struggles running the offense and sending him to Austin every now and then to improve that part of his game is the best thing to do
I see potential in him and I think he could develop into a pretty nice player

[SAGirl]

What I've always noticed when Ray has played is that he CAN defend...which is rare for somebody coming from the Kings :lol
His athletism is also quite underrated and he's generally a good scorer
He still struggles running the offense and sending him to Austin every now and then to improve that part of his game is the best thing to do
I see potential in him and I think he could develop into a pretty nice player
In our team, I see him playing off other guys. Ray was just terrible and inadequate running an NBA offense earlier in the season, but the dleague has helped him to learn to play off others and off the ball. I like him in that role, which he can do well bc he is not afraid to shoot from 3 and is athletic enough to cut quick to the basket. He doesn't have length, but is a strong guard, not slim by any means, and he's dedicated on defense. I liked what I saw from him. But I like him off the ball and picking his spots like he did in the ORL game, when Kyle was the one really directing the offense.

[taps]

unless it involves FT
a true Spur.

[From Downtown]

In our team, I see him playing off other guys. Ray was just terrible and inadequate running an NBA offense earlier in the season, but the dleague has helped him to learn to play off others and off the ball. I like him in that role, which he can do well bc he is not afraid to shoot from 3 and is athletic enough to cut quick to the basket. He doesn't have length, but is a strong guard, not slim by any means, and he's dedicated on defense. I liked what I saw from him. But I like him off the ball and picking his spots like he did in the ORL game, when Kyle was the one really directing the offense.
Now him becoming Patty Mills with better defense would help us immensely,he has like 30 games to do it :lol

[dabom]

Green guarded Durant as much as Leonard did. Do you not remember the 2014 WCF at all? Hell, even dabom (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=47543) can confirm that Leonard wasn't checking Durant late in that series.

Green guarded Durant for like 2 games. Kawhitstorm

[ElNono]

don't really like taking photos during the game but caught that david west dunk last night. was sitting a few rows ahead of the iceman.
http://s18.postimg.org/g61zq10vt/IMG_0610.jpg

nice seats!

[Kawhitstorm]

Green guarded Durant as much as Leonard did. Do you not remember the 2014 WCF at all? Hell, even dabom (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=47543) can confirm that Leonard wasn't checking Durant late in that series.


Green guarded Durant for like 2 games. Kawhitstorm (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=49655)

Kawhi switched onto Westbrook for an EXTENDED period in Gm 5 (b/c Danny got his lunch eaten in Gm 3/4), the first play being Westbrook driving down the lane for a highlight dunk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uu4-OKnmDw. At the end of Gm 6, Kawhi switched back onto Durant:
https://youtu.be/UOciqm1QApA?t=149

[dabom]

Kawhi switched onto Westbrook for an EXTENDED period in Gm 5 (b/c Danny got his lunch eaten in Gm 3/4), the first play being Westbrook driving for a tomahawks dunk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uu4-OKnmDw. At the end of Gm 6, Kawhi switched back onto Durant:
https://youtu.be/UOciqm1QApA?t=149

You stupid fuck. :lmao

LOOK WHO’S GUARDING WESTBROOK
Just in case anyone is wondering Russell Westbrook’s status as a ballplayer, don’t forget what Popovich did in Game 5. Pop assigned his best defender, Kawhi Leonard, a prototype on slowing Durant, to guard Westbrook. And the Spurs stayed with that for much of the game.
Think about that. The Spurs were willing to take their chances with Danny Green or even Ginobili on Durant, and ask Leonard to curtail Westbrook.
The maneuver worked to some degree, in this way. Westbrook got up just 12 shots in 30:48. He still played superbly – 21 points on 6-of-12 shooting, seven assists, three steals, four rebounds. But the way Westbrook is playing, more than 12 shots wouldn’t be a bad thing.

http://newsok.com/article/4866497




17
17
2014-05-27 (http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/201405270OKC.html)
25-196
OKC (http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/OKC/2014.html)

SAS (http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SAS/2014.html)
W (+13)
1
45:29
12
24
.500
2
5
.400
14
14
1.000
1
4
5
10
5
1
3
4
40
38.0
+14


18
18
2014-05-29 (http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/201405290SAS.html)
25-198
OKC (http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/OKC/2014.html)
@
SAS (http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SAS/2014.html)
L (-28)
1
30:48
6
12
.500
2
6
.333
7
9
.778
0
4
4
7
3
0
2
3
21
20.1
-16



19 less points 1 less block 2 less steals 3 assist less 1 rebound less 5 free throws less +14 to -16. Shut up clown. I like how people post that video like it means shit. 1 possession sample size. GTFO. :lmao

[dabom]

That's the Kawhi treatment if I've ever seen it. :lmao

[dabom]

Getting blown out they don't play the fourth. :lmao

[dabom]

No 2012 repeat. :lmao

[dabom]

Kawhi was the MVP of game 5 tbh.

[dabom]

Look man. This is old news. You can't change history.

[Kawhitstorm]

You stupid fuck. :lmao

LOOK WHO’S GUARDING WESTBROOK
Just in case anyone is wondering Russell Westbrook’s status as a ballplayer, don’t forget what Popovich did in Game 5. Pop assigned his best defender, Kawhi Leonard, a prototype on slowing Durant, to guard Westbrook. And the Spurs stayed with that for much of the game.
Think about that. The Spurs were willing to take their chances with Danny Green or even Ginobili on Durant, and ask Leonard to curtail Westbrook.
The maneuver worked to some degree, in this way. Westbrook got up just 12 shots in 30:48. He still played superbly – 21 points on 6-of-12 shooting, seven assists, three steals, four rebounds. But the way Westbrook is playing, more than 12 shots wouldn’t be a bad thing.

http://newsok.com/article/4866497




17
17
2014-05-27 (http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/201405270OKC.html)
25-196
OKC (http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/OKC/2014.html)

SAS (http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SAS/2014.html)
W (+13)
1
45:29
12
24
.500
2
5
.400
14
14
1.000
1
4
5
10
5
1
3
4
40
38.0
+14


18
18
2014-05-29 (http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/201405290SAS.html)
25-198
OKC (http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/OKC/2014.html)
@
SAS (http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SAS/2014.html)
L (-28)
1
30:48
6
12
.500
2
6
.333
7
9
.778
0
4
4
7
3
0
2
3
21
20.1
-16



19 less points 1 less block 2 less steals 3 assist less 1 rebound less 5 free throws less +14 to -16. Shut up clown. I like how people post that video like it means shit. 1 possession sample size. GTFO. :lmao

WTF are you talking about? :downspin:

All I stated was that DANNY got his lunch eaten by Westbrook in Gm 3/4 thus Pop made the switch in Gm 5 & I REMEMBER it b/c Westbrook drove down the lane for a dunk the moment Kawhi switched onto him. I also clearly remember Durant fumbling the ball w/ switched back onto him at the END of Gm 6.

You need to work on your reading comprehension b/c you are posting with your emotions.......as always. :sleep

[dabom]

Kawhi switched onto Westbrook for an EXTENDED period in Gm 5 (b/c Danny got his lunch eaten in Gm 3/4), the first play being Westbrook driving down the lane for a highlight dunk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uu4-OKnmDw. At the end of Gm 6, Kawhi switched back onto Durant:
https://youtu.be/UOciqm1QApA?t=149

:lmao

[Kawhitstorm]

Look man. This is old news. You can't change history.

Chinook (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8404084#post8404084) still has his panties in bunches b/c I insulted his boyfriend (Danny):lol

[dabom]

Chinook (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8404084#post8404084) still has his panties in bunches b/c I insulted his boyfriend (Danny):lol

:lol

[Chinook]

Kawhitstorm, you are one of the worst posters on this site most of the time. This is one of those times.

First, Durant never forced Leonard to switch onto him in Game Six. Green was taking his lunch all game, and the three TOs he forced on Durant in the third quarter in that game was a huge reason for the comeback. Here is a short video of that comeback where you can see how KD posting up Green turned out.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLqeBO5yR-0

Second, Pop changing defensive assignments had nothing to do with Green on Westbrook. He changed them to allow for the team to switch the 1/3 PnR that OKC was using to kill the Spurs. The reason why it was so damaging was because the Spurs had Parker on Russ. When the Thunder ran the PnR, Parker couldn't switch onto Durant, and Leonard didn't want to give KD a lane by hedging on Westbrook. This let Russ run free or caused miscommunications that led to open Durant jumpers.

By putting Leonard on Westbrook, Pop was essentially daring Brooks to run the PnR, which would have switched Kawhi on Durant. Brooks decided to try iso-ball, and the results didn't work out. Westbrook had a good Game Six, but his Game Five was lackluster, due mainly to OKC players missing WIDE OPEN shots. (The role-players seriously shot like 20 percent on open jumpers in that game.) And Durant had no advantage in the post against Green, scoring like four points on seven ended possessions including three TOs. Newsflash: This result is why I want Pop to put Kawhi on Draymond.

Third, Westbrook didn't "eat Danny's lunch" in Game Five. And you know what, Krewboy? He didn't eat Parker's either. Tony actually had a mad-underrated defensive series, though he did let Jackson go off against him early in the series. Russ scored 21 of his points in Game Four in effective garbage time. This is the breakdown:

21 Points
6 makes
4 misses
8 FTs

Contrast that with the first 30 minutes of the game, when Green and Parker were actually checking him:

19 points
6 makes
8 misses
6 FTs

And that's just box-score stuff. I broke that all down in other threads. Green and Parker combined to hold Westbrook to 10 points on 13 possessions in Game Four, which is actually better than Leonard's allowed 14 on 13 in Game Five. http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=233435&page=3

Maybe instead of assuming that I'm just some Green fanboy who's constantly trying to pump him up, you consider that I might be such a big fan of his BECAUSE he's a really good player. The 10-game stretch between Game Five of the Portland series through Game Three of the Finals against the Heat is arguably the most dominant stretch of perimeter defense in post-season franchise history. Yes, better than anything Bowen ever did, and yes, better than any stretch that Kawhi has had so far. It was incredible. That was why people consider Green's contract to be a bargain. That you don't understand that is why you make stupid proposals and then act like a four-year-old when I point out how bad those proposals are.

[gambit1990]

nice seats!
:toast

[dabom]

:toast

SO many people missing against the magic. :frying: