Game Thread: 12/20 Spurs at Rockets 7 PM CST (8:00 EST, 3:00 AM Riga Time)

[BillMc]

First of a 3 game road trip. Let's beat a contender in the west. :ihit


It's late December, no reason to fear bearded men dressed in red.

[BillMc]

Rockets, Spurs put winning streaks on the line


HOUSTON -- It might be too early in the season to get ensnarled in the implications of one particular game, but given the recent trajectories of the San Antonio Spurs (http://www.espn.com/nba/team/_/name/sa/san-antonio-spurs) and Houston Rockets (http://www.espn.com/nba/team/_/name/hou/houston-rockets), their meeting on Tuesday at Toyota Center could feature plenty of intrigue.

The Spurs (22-5) have responded to their first road loss of the season (and chastisement from coach Gregg Popovich) on Dec. 8 at Chicago with four consecutive wins by an average margin of 16 points.
San Antonio and Houston split their two previous meetings this season, each winning on the road as part of a home-and-home last month. The teams will not meet again until March 6 in San Antonio, by which time the Southwest Division standings could look different.

Even with their early-season hiccups the Spurs remain a juggernaut, ranking in the top 10 in both offensive (sixth) and defensive (fourth) rating. And as another testament to their collective professionalism, the Spurs handled an emotional night centered on the jersey retirement of Tim Duncan with focus by dispatching the New Orleans Pelicans (http://www.espn.com/nba/team/_/name/no/new-orleans-pelicans) 113-100 on Sunday night prior to honoring "The Big Fundamental."

"I thought our physical effort was pretty good," Popovich said. "The mental effort was better than it has been. A lot of people participated and got involved, so that was good."

The Rockets (21-7) claimed their 10th consecutive victory on Saturday night with a white-knuckle win at Minnesota, rallying from a 17-point deficit in the second half, 11 points with just over a minute remaining, to win in overtime 111-109.

Playing the second half of a back-to-back on the road against a team that had three nights off, the Rockets had every reason to pack it in once the deficit swelled to double digits. But one attribute they have shown this season is a resiliency they lacked last year as they stumbled to a .500 finish.

James Harden (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3992/james-harden) scored 10 of his 28 points in overtime while Ryan Anderson (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3412/ryan-anderson) hit seven 3-pointers en route to 28 points.

"I'm so confident in this team," Harden said. "I don't ever see us out of a game. We score the ball so easily, so well."

The Rockets' exceptional 3-point shooting is an obvious asset, but their tenacity requires a deeper appreciation.

Unbeaten in December, the Rockets rank third in offensive rating (113.6 points per 100 possessions), second in defensive rating (98.4) and second in net rating (15.2) over 10 games this month. Opening the season without guard Patrick Beverley (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3964/patrick-beverley) qualified as early adversity. Houston is 15-2 since Beverley returned to action.

Now, the Rockets will be tested again, this time via the loss of center Clint Capela (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3102529/clint-capela), who suffered a left knee contusion against the Timberwolves. Capela, averaging 17.4 points, 11.8 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per 36 minutes, underwent an MRI on Monday, has been declared out for the Spurs game and reportedly for four to six weeks.


Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni has done a commendable job juggling the minutes of his big men, a collection that also includes veteran center Nene plus second-year power forward Montrezl Harrell (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2991055/montrezl-harrell).

With Capela sidelined for an indefinite span of games, that rotation shrinks and responsibilities will be greater for Nene and Harrell.
"Nothing changes for me," Harrell said. "I come out and do the same things that the teams needs me to do every night. I come in and play the game with a lot of energy, I come in and do all the little things they need me to do and it's as simple as that.
"It's unfortunate that we're missing a teammate that's definitely a huge part of our roll but it doesn't change anything with what I have to do."

[pookenstein]

Let's end these fuckers winning streak and put them in their place.
:flag:

[BillMc]

Let's end these fuckers winning streak and put them in their place.
:flag:
:toast

[BillMc]

http://www.poundingtherock.com/2016/12/20/14004730/game-preview-san-antonio-spurs-at-houston-rockets

Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs at Houston Rockets


The Spurs head to Houston to take on the soaring Rockets, winners of ten straight.

by BrunoPassos (http://www.sbnation.com/users/BrunoPassos)@brunosteps (http://www.twitter.com/brunosteps) Dec 20, 2016, 2:00am CST

Following a double-OT win in Oakland on December 1st, the Houston Rockets have torn through every opponent they’ve faced over the last three weeks, reeling off ten wins in a row and owning the second-best net rating in the league over that time (somehow, Toronto is still tops with +18.4 points per 100 possessions) while averaging an NBA-best 119.9 points per game.

San Antonio’s played Houston twice already this season, with each side stealing a narrow victory on the road. The scouting report remains roughly the same, although the Rox have Patrick Beverley back and will reportedly be without Clint Capela for an extended period of time.
That’ll likely mean Nene stepping into the starting lineup and more minutes for Montrezl Harrell, who’s been pretty good this year. This is a fairly deep Rockets team, but it looks like they’ll be really missing Donatas Motiejunas over the next month and a half.
MVP candidate (front-runner?) James Harden triple-doubled in both of his meetings with the Spurs, and he figures to get his numbers again tonight. The trick is making sure he doesn’t get as much help from his perimeter-bound teammates. It’s not an easy trick, mind you, but a trick nonetheless.



There’s a compelling debate about who the best team in Texas is right now, and this game could have playoff tie-breaker implications down the line. If you can cope with the anxiety of being under a perpetual hail of three-pointers, this should be another fun matchup to watch.
San Antonio Spurs (22-5) at Houston Rockets (21-7)

Dec. 20, 2016 | 7:00 CST
Watch: FSSW I NBA TV Listen: 1200 AM WOAI
Spurs injuries: None!
Rockets injuries: Clint Capela (leg)
Three-point defense

The Rockets took an NBA-record 61 threes against the Pelicans last Friday. They made 24 of them, also an NBA record. Over their ten-game winning streak, they’ve made 17 per contest (easily best in the league over that stretch), with guys like Ryan Anderson and Eric Gordon bombing away from well beyond the three-point line.
Three-point defense II

The Spurs are top 8 in the league in opponent three-point percentage, three-point attempts and three-pointers made. They should fare better than most teams in stopping Houston, but they’ve also been a bit fortunate in their two recent matchups. The Rockets shot just 10-of-30 and 15-of-47, respectively, good for a 32.5% clip.



The beginning of a four-games-in-six-nights stretch

I’m not sure how this will play into players resting, but it’s worth noting that the Spurs have a pretty rough slate of games ahead of them, leading up to a Christmas Day home meeting with the Bulls. From Houston, they’ll head to the West Coast for a back-to-back against the Clips (now, minus Blake Griffin) and Blazers before returning to SA.

Vegas line: Rockets by 1.
.

http://www.poundingtherock.com/2016/12/20/14004730/game-preview-san-antonio-spurs-at-houston-rockets

[Fireball]

Too bad Capella is not available :hat ... that will hurt their p&r game and rim protection

[BillMc]

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

[BillMc]

Highlights of the last 2 Spurs - Houston games:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yGPh24tI08


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30sV2J5Lf-k

[cutewizard]

Goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

SSSSSSSSSSSSSPPPPPPPPPPPPPPUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRRS SSSSSSSSSS

GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[cutewizard]

Also, may the Jazz win!!!!

[daledondale]

:flag:

[Chews]

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

I stopped when the man said he has to see if Kawhi can put his name in the same category as Paul George. :ihit

Go Spurs Go! Should be a fun game to watch!

[r0drig0lac]

great game

[Ice009]

I stopped when the man said he has to see if Kawhi can put his name in the same category as Paul George. :ihit

What tool said this?

[Leetonidas]

Spurs are 4th in drtg? Lolwat

[Chews]

What tool said this?

1:05 - 1:30. Dude in the middle, don't know his name.


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

[RD2191]

I stopped when the man said he has to see if Kawhi can put his name in the same category as Paul George. :ihit

Go Spurs Go! Should be a fun game to watch!

:lmao

[bklynspursfan]

What tool said this?

Dennis Scott haha.. He's living in the past I guess

[Ice009]

Dennis Scott haha.. He's living in the past I guess

I can't believe Dennis Scott would say that. And I actually liked Dennis - thought he wasn't a complete idiot. That's pretty stupid stuff from 3D.

[8FOR!3]

It's almost like Kawhi would have to win a Finals MVP for people to res-oh wait...

[TXstbobcat]

Give the Rockets their first December loss and end their winning streak!!!!!!! :flag:

[spurs10]

First of a 3 game road trip. Let's beat a contender in the west. :ihit


It's late December, no reason to fear bearded men dressed in red. Yeah The Spurs Are Comin' To Town! Ho, ho $#%ing, ho! :ihit
:flag:

[Spur|n|Austin]

I think this is going to be a really fun game to watch, GSG!!

[Cry Havoc]

Spurs are 4th in drtg? Lolwat

It's almost like the melodramatic asshats who constantly try to peddle an agenda here... don't actually know what they're talking about.

Are you shocked? I'm shocked. Really. :lol

[Darius Bieber]

I can see the Spurs losing to the Rockets tonight.. Rockets are always a bad matchup for the Spurs.

[spursistan]

I stopped when the man said he has to see if Kawhi can put his name in the same category as Paul George. :ihit

Go Spurs Go! Should be a fun game to watch!

How the fuck do these former players get/keep these analyst jobs? :lmao

[spursistan]

Let's end these fuckers winning streak and put them in their place.
:flag:

[Leetonidas]

It's almost like the melodramatic asshats who constantly try to peddle an agenda here... don't actually know what they're talking about.

Are you shocked? I'm shocked. Really. :lol

Honestly kinda because based on the eye test our D has seemed pretty bad most of the year so it's surprising spurs are actually 4th...either were trending up or the league outside of us plays awful defense :lol

[bklynspursfan]

I can't believe Dennis Scott would say that. And I actually liked Dennis - thought he wasn't a complete idiot. That's pretty stupid stuff from 3D.

Agreed. He also mentioned Chris Paul right after, so maybe he got his Paul's mixed up?

[Cry Havoc]

Honestly kinda because based on the eye test our D has seemed pretty bad most of the year so it's surprising spurs are actually 4th...either were trending up or the league outside of us plays awful defense :lol

Well, we used to do everything well on defense except maybe one or two things.

Now we do a lot of things well but a lot of things not nearly as well. But we have a fairly cohesive unit with a great overall scheme and buy in from everyone on the team (except maybe LMA but who knows what's going on in his head). That still puts us head and shoulders above most teams who are still learning what basic defense is.

If this were any other season of ball, we'd be title favorites or bare minimum to come out of the West. 22-5 is roughly 66-67 wins. But a 73 win team just picked up a top 5 player, and that's fucking stupid. Take the Warriors out of the West -- who is beating us? If the playoffs started sans Dubs I would take us over anyone and maybe give us a 40-50% chance of beating the Cavs. But we're being asked to compete with the most loaded team not just in NBA history but in American sports history. 4 all-stars in their prime and a guy off the bench who was Finals MVP. Not much you can do about that except hope they go real cold in the playoffs or maybe luck out with an injury to one of their stars.

[spursistan]

811277750845788161

[BillMc]

811277750845788161

Cheers for posting that.:toast Pop is pure class. All that bluster is just an act, he really is a caring dude.

[Ron Swanson]

:flag:

[TheGreatYacht]

Paul George isn't even a Top 25 player this season :lol

The most overrated player in history only behind Melo

[dabom]

Paul George isn't even a Top 25 player this season :lol

The most overrated player in history only behind Melo

Dude got cucked by Lebron when he slapped him. You knew he was a beta competitor. :lol

[TheGreatYacht]

Dude got cucked by Lebron when he slapped him. You knew he was a beta competitor. :lol
:lol

[Kawhitstorm]

I can't believe Dennis Scott would say that. And I actually liked Dennis - thought he wasn't a complete idiot. That's pretty stupid stuff from 3D.

Butler adding to the idiocy by stating Kawhi "worked out w/ Kirby" & Beadles not checkin' 'em when she's a Spurs homer.:lmao

[HarlemHeat37]

^^Why do you guys watch that garbage, tbh?:lol


Excited to see if Simmons can string 2 good games together..he's in his hometown tonight and has a tough assignment vs. the probable 6th man of the year..he has been one of the best bench perimeter defenders in the league, so far, should be a nice matchup..

[lefty20]

811361591996186624

[RD2191]

This is going to be a frustrating game to watch.

[RD2191]

:lol IT salty as hell

[Ron Swanson]

Danny :lol

[Kawhitstorm]

D-League Danny:lmao

[Robz4000]

Houston just waiting to get a big switched onto one of their guards and attacking the rim. It shouldn't be so effective against LMA but he's struggling every time.

[TheGreatYacht]

The sooner Green is gone the better

[Kawhitstorm]

Houston just waiting to get a big switched onto one of their guards and attacking the rim. It shouldn't be so effective against LMA but he's struggling every time.

Pop should just play one big at a time, Softridge shouldn't have a problem playing center against the Rockets since he doesn't have to bang w/ anyone.

[LoneStarState'sPride]

Fantastic anticipation by Kawhi

[bklynspursfan]

David Lee being vocal in the huddle there. I like it.

Btw, aside from a couple open 3s, we've defended it pretty well thus far. Our bench should be the difference in this game

[BillMc]

Pau's passing can be amazing.

[LoneStarState'sPride]

We got bad LMA this game.

Fucking great.

[boutons_deux]

LMA cold shooting tonight

[TheGreatYacht]

Turnobili misses a three and gives Harden three

[Robz4000]

:lmao calling that a shooting foul

[Kawhitstorm]

Turnobili:rolleyes

[sasaint]

LMA misses more bunnies... Sheesh.

[TheGreatYacht]

Is Poop purposely putting LMA on Harden and a midget on their bigs?

[r0drig0lac]

LMAlpha

[Robz4000]

Like what I've seen so far for the most part. Just need to box out better; should be a 6 point lead.

[FaM0us Skins]

LMA!

[Kawhitstorm]

Kawhi w/ 3 Kirby assists to LMA.:lol

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Not a bad start, Spurs just need to clean up the defensive rebounding and put a body on Decker.

[bklynspursfan]

Now lets see what happens when Haren goes to the bench. Aldridge rebounding nicely and being opportunistic thus far

[sasaint]

Pop should just play one big at a time, Softridge shouldn't have a problem playing center against the Rockets since he doesn't have to bang w/ anyone.

LMA needs his rest, anyway. So just go with Pau, Lee, Bertans and Deadman tonight.

[BillMc]

LMA looking good tonight

[LoneStarState'sPride]

More of that pls, LaSharkus.

[DarrinS]

Is Poop purposely putting LMA on Harden and a midget on their bigs?

Yes. That is Pop's plan.

Dumbass

[Ron Swanson]

Manu!

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Great defense on that play

Ahhh only to give it away damn

[LoneStarState'sPride]

MANU TRES

[sasaint]

That Manu pass to Mills! :lol

[SpursIndonesia]

Manu with no respect careless pass

[r0drig0lac]

c'mon manu

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Spurs just can't attack the rim whatsoever it feels like

[TheGreatYacht]

Get Lee the fuck outta there. We're getting killed on the boards

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Love you patty

[Robz4000]

:lmao this rebounding

[LoneStarState'sPride]

BAK3R'S MAN

[Ron Swanson]

And the Oscar goes to... Patrick Beverley.

[Robz4000]

Should be a 10+ point lead but this team has forgotten how to box out.

[r0drig0lac]

haha nice foul by Dedmon

[Kawhitstorm]

This game isn't for Lee, tbh. Bertans should be playing over him.

[TheGreatYacht]

Yes. That is Pop's plan.

Dumbass
Sarcasm, senile old fuck.

[sasaint]

And the Oscar goes to... Patrick Beverley.

Got the call and then both Beverly and D'Antoni still complained. :lol

[SpursIndonesia]

Dedmon should realize, if you are not playing for the Dubs or being Andrew Bogut, no movement whatsoever is allowed on a pick

[FaM0us Skins]

4 games in 6 days, 3 against teams that have already beaten us this season. Should be interesting.

[skin27]

We're lucky the rockets are not hitting their threes yet..

[Robz4000]

This game isn't for Lee/Dedmon/Pau, tbh.

Gasol can play against this team when Nene is on the court. They need at least one of them or they're gonna get doubled up on the boards.

[Kawhitstorm]

Gasol can play against this team when Nene is on the court. They need at least one of them or they're gonna get doubled up on the boards.

I'm fine w/ Pau playing as long as he isn't paired w/ LMA.

[TheGreatYacht]

Great IQ by Simmons on both of Lee's baskets

[FaM0us Skins]

offensive foul

[LoneStarState'sPride]

I see you, Lee.

[FaM0us Skins]

:claw

[Ron Swanson]

:lma

[FaM0us Skins]

Keep missing threes Rockets

[Robz4000]

We're lucky the rockets are not hitting their threes yet..

Spurs are defending the 3-point line well, they've only gotten 4-5 good looks.

[bklynspursfan]

We're lucky the rockets are not hitting their threes yet..

For sure. But most have been well defended. Probably 4 or 5 were open off scramble plays or in transition

[FaM0us Skins]

Nene will miss at least 1 FT

[bklynspursfan]

Spurs are defending the 3-point line well, they've only gotten 4-5 good looks.

I just replied to that with nearly the same response seconds later :tu

[SpursIndonesia]

If we can rebound a bit more decently, we would have been blowing these suckers in red.

[Robz4000]

Rockets are completely outhustling the Spurs on the glass which should not be happening with Capela out.

[r0drig0lac]

wow LMA

[sasaint]

For sure. But most have been well defended. Probably 4 or 5 were open off scramble plays or in transition

Unfortunately the long caroms are killing us.

[skin27]

Only problem so far is the offensive rebounds we give to them!!!

[SpursRulez4eVeR]

Sean can't stop shitting on Beverley:lol

[LoneStarState'sPride]

Aldridge better get a fucking rebound or so help me....

[sasaint]

Aldridge better get a fucking rebound or so help me....

Not sure it's in his job description.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

James Harden is a bit of a ****, isn't he?

[spursistan]

Rockets are just another cute little D'Antoni reg season team..Thinkin' you're going to win in the playoffs launching 40+ 3PT FG every game :lol

[Arcadian]

Mike Dantoni is such a bitch. Look at his face. It's just a face that's begging to be punched.

[SpursIndonesia]

Kawhi picks a shitty game to suck offensively

[TheGreatYacht]

Soft ass shit Aldridge

[spursistan]

Kawhi needs to wake the fuck up..

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Spurs are fucked, Rockets weren't going to shoot that poorly for the game and Spurs only up 4.

[LoneStarState'sPride]

Mike Dantoni is such a bitch. Look at his face. It's just a face that's begging to be punched.

Word.

[bklynspursfan]

Unfortunately the long caroms are killing us.

Yea. Some have been just the way the ball bounces, others have been hustle. They aren't going to take away everything, and fortunately they are doing a solid job taking away the 3

[Robz4000]

This team is so soft, god damn.

[skin27]

That's what I'm talking about!!! The rockets will hit their 3's sooner!!!:lol

[LoneStarState'sPride]

Aldridge back to throwing up garbage.

[DarrinS]

List of D'Antoni teams that have gone to the finals:

[TheGreatYacht]

Wtf Kawhi!!!!

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Spurs need to hit some 3's now


Thank you LDN

[Amuseddaysleeper]

You know, this is easily one of Gasol's better defensive games.


Would also like to see the Spurs throw up more lobs and get Dedmon back in there.

[sasaint]

Maybe Danny will bai us out with one of his 7/8 3-point barrages.

[LoneStarState'sPride]

Three straight triples from HOU smh.

Thank you, Danny.

[TheGreatYacht]

List of D'Antoni teams that have gone to the finals:
Clever.

Retard.

[skin27]

We have to counter their 3's with our own 3's/offense too!

[Kawhitstorm]

Pau getting a stop on a PnR:wow

[raybies]

good to see pop and dantoni back at it.

[Robz4000]

Spurs are getting completely outhustled. Kawhi really needs to pick it up on offense as well.

[BillMc]

Danny does a nice job on Harden even that 3 he hit was well contested.

[sasaint]

You know, this is easily one of Gasol's better defensive games.


Would also like to see the Spurs throw up more lobs and get Dedmon back in there.


:pop: "That would be taking unfair advantage of the absence of Capela."

[Kawhitstorm]

Spurs are getting completely outhustled. Kawhi really needs to pick it up on offense as well.

Kawhi is out there impersonating D-League Danny on offense.:lol

[Chews]

Now would actually be a good time to run the offense through Parker. Leonard seems to be out of rhythm... a couple good looks could help to get him in rhythm instead of giving him the ball and making him force up shots.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Spurs just can't keep the momentum going with some dumb shots to bail out Houston.

[TheGreatYacht]

Gasol doing Aldridge no favors bringing his guy to the paint on each lma postup

[TheGreatYacht]

Kawhi was an embarrassment that half

[bklynspursfan]

Greens shot is on. I think he loves playing in Houston.

Kawhi is playing poorly.. idc if he's not scoring, but hopefully his overall energy and decision making is there.

[r0drig0lac]

LDN is back

[Amuseddaysleeper]

And right on cue, LDN!

[boutons_deux]

holy crap, KL is sucking

[Robz4000]

Kawhi is really cancering it up on offense. Don't like all these fadeaways by LMA either; he needs to get back to bullying in the paint.

[sasaint]

Kawhi is out there impersonating D-League Danny on offense.:lol

Worse. Danny is hitting 3s.

Seriously, Kawhi is sleepwalking. Pretty disturbing.

[NASpurs]

I've been impressed by Pau's defense tonight.

[Kawhitstorm]

Worse. Danny is hitting 3s.

Seriously, Kawhi is sleepwalking. Pretty disturbing.

D-League Danny is the bad version of Danny.:wakeup

[Robz4000]

And yeah, LDN is the best player tonight for the Spurs.

[LoneStarState'sPride]

Decent close to the half.

[skin27]

We should take advantage of Danny's hot hand in the 2n half..

[BillMc]

Nice half on both sides of the court for Danny

[r0drig0lac]

MVPau with 10 boards

[SpursIndonesia]

Gasol doing Aldridge no favors bringing his guy to the paint on each lma postup

Yeah i see that too, the spacing is bad & LMA forces to the baseline too much. Give the Rox some credit though, they manage to foil our pick & pop game so far.

[sasaint]

Kawhi is really cancering it up on offense. Don't like all these fadeaways by LMA either; he needs to get back to bullying in the paint.

Unfortunately the fadeaways are the rule with LMA, and the bullying in the paint the exception.

[Chews]

Kawhi has 10 points on 8 shots... its the 4 turnovers that's troublesome.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Why is this game thread so dead? Big game against Houston and only 5 pages at halftime? Sheesh

[Vokun]

Kawhi cancering it up in the 1st half. Ball movement was so crisp to start the game and 2nd unit, then Kawhi thought he was Kirby and started ball hawking and chucking.

[spursistan]

Dogshit offensive performance by Kawhi..It must be the first time in his career he has 4 turnovers in one half, no? he really struggles with lanky and long defenders (Roberson, Mboute, Ariza ..)

[Robz4000]

Why is this game thread so dead? Big game against Houston and only 5 pages at halftime? Sheesh

Game threads have been dead all season all over the forum. If anyone needed a sign ST is dying this is it.

[LoneStarState'sPride]

Greens shot is on. I think he loves playing in Houston.


He always has a little sumn sumn for our friends up I-10 :lol

[Robz4000]

Dogshit offensive performance by Kawhi..It should be the first time in his career he has 4 turnovers in one half, no? he really struggles with lanky and long defenders (Roberson, Mboute, Ariza ..)

He's played well against Ariza plenty of times in the past. He's just making bad decisions all over the place on offense tonight. Doesn't help his 3-ball isn't going down tonight either.

[Mnky]

Glad I'm not the only one who felt kawhiso was staggering the offense. I like to have that option, but I feel it should come after the ball movement fails to create a shot first. Needs to do it towards the end of shot clock, if at all. Not to start a possession.

[SpursIndonesia]

Dogshit offensive performance by Kawhi..It should be the first time in his career he has 4 turnovers in one half, no? he really struggles with lanky and long defenders (Roberson, Mboute, Ariza ..)

Don't have the explosiveness to just blow by those defenders, their length bothers him a lot, and when the team offensive scheme/screening doesn't run crisply like tonight, not much help either to shake those defenders loose.

[TheGreatYacht]

Why is this game thread so dead? Big game against Houston and only 5 pages at halftime? Sheesh
They've been dead tbh.

fans aren't showing up to the games and forum lmao

[Seventyniner]

Hard to complain right now, though the Rockets have missed a ton of open threes.

[Kawhitstorm]

He's played well against Ariza plenty of times in the past. He's just making bad decisions all over the place on offense tonight. Doesn't help his 3-ball isn't going down tonight either.

He's being indecisive which is why he traveled twice.

[boutons_deux]

too many layups

[MI21]

Kawhi is dribble, dribble, dribble, dribble so far. Needs to be way more decisive.

Been surprised with Gasol's activity on D, the bar is low but he is competing out there.

[skulls138]

Unfortunately the fadeaways are the rule with LMA, and the bullying in the paint the exception.So much this! He has the capability but doesnt do it!

[Ice009]

Game threads have been dead all season all over the forum. If anyone needed a sign ST is dying this is it.

I thought timvp was supposedly coming back and had more time to spend here. I thought the site was going to be revitalized. Like you said, this site is starting to drop.

[TheGreatYacht]

Kawhi 2/8 and 4TO's

Spurs might need a hero

[Seventyniner]

Game threads have been dead all season all over the forum. If anyone needed a sign ST is dying this is it.

I blame DVRs more than anything else. I almost never watch games live anymore unless I'm at a sports bar.

[TheGreatYacht]

Stop with the LMA postups. For fucks sake

[BatManu20]

Lol Danny. Worst passing guard in the NBA :lol. Still my ninja though

[Ron Swanson]

Kawhi 2/8 and 4TO's

Spurs might need a hero

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/82/d4/92/82d4927e082dae08687adb77afa7a3a8.jpg

[skin27]

Here's the shitty start in 3rd quarter!!

[TheGreatYacht]

Gasol's lazy body language is contagious

[james evans]

is there something I don't know about? Why are the spurs freezing Leonard out of the Offense? Green just threw the ball away when Leonard was the closest to him at the top of the key and no one else is passing to him.

[Robz4000]

Even if the Spurs end up losing this game makes me feel good about a series against Houston. Unless this is the Kawhi we see in said series, of course.

[SpursRulez4eVeR]

Not even Kawhi can stop harden

[TheGreatYacht]

is there something I don't know about? Why are the spurs freezing Leonard out of the Offense? Green just threw the ball away when Leonard was the closest to him at the top of the key and no one else is passing to him.
Did you miss the first half?

[Perry Mason]

I thought timvp was supposedly coming back and had more time to spend here. I thought the site was going to be revitalized. Like you said, this site is starting to drop.


Shocking, really, that people don't want to come here and hear porker this and porker that; poop and kawhiso, blah blah.

[spursistan]

Feels like a two minute flurry of 3 pointers will turn the game for good in favor of the Rockets...Spurs just can't open up gap despite one brick after the other from HOU..

[Ron Swanson]

Det pass by MVPau

[Robz4000]

This team is so lazy and passive at times its unreal.

[r0drig0lac]

great pass

[Robz4000]

:lmao Gasol

[TheGreatYacht]

Gasoft.

[LoneStarState'sPride]

Should have put these fools away when we had the chance in the 2nd quarter.

[Ron Swanson]

This team is so lazy and passive at times its unreal.

If they would hustle after some rebounds, they could be up 15 right now.

[BatManu20]

Gasol's defense is just so awful

[Darius Bieber]

Gasol is such a lazy defender... hope they trade his ass.

[Ice009]

What a stupid, stupid foul. Come on golly wog Gasol. Dumb stuff.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Aldridge is so god damn soft

[LoneStarState'sPride]

godDAMNit, aldridge

[spursistan]

Pathetic lazy D from Pau..

[Amuseddaysleeper]

How long before the Spurs give up the lead?

[Ron Swanson]

Lee!

[spurspokesman]

This team has guard issues. Parker and green look like turnstiles at times smh.

[Ron Swanson]

Why do they have to let DeAngelo Williams do that to them?

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Rockets scoring in the paint at will, Spurs settling for contested jumpers.

[TheGreatYacht]

These bigs are insanely soft.

Dedmon should NOT be the last big to enter the game...

[Robz4000]

:lmao Lee you fuck

[skin27]

Keep fouling for and one..:rollin

[spursistan]

the lazy fouling of dunkers :lmao

[spurspokesman]

Aldridge putting in some solid work tonight

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Wow Spurs outshooting the Rockets 51% to 39% and only up 3 :depressed

[Robz4000]

What the fuck am I watching?

[skin27]

Leornard:lmao

[TheGreatYacht]

I wish Artest would've ended this faggot's career.

[spurspokesman]

Fucking ft shooting contest is all the NBA has become

[Perry Mason]

this rockets team is so faggy. hey, let's chuck and chuck and troll for fouls.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Fuck, it's all coming undone, come on fellas!

[Vokun]

LMFAO The Rockets game consist of chucking 3s and hoping for FTs. What a joke

[TheGreatYacht]

Kawhi getting exposed on both ends

[Robz4000]

Kawhi is fucking ass tonight

[Trill Clinton]

kawhi is playing sloppy asf

[Amuseddaysleeper]

This team is so god damn soft. Wouldn't be shocked if the Rockets never relinquish the lead for the rest of the night.

[skin27]

Lee missing bunnys!!!

[spurspokesman]

Soft as bigs forgot the words slam dunk

[Vokun]

Kawhi fucking sucks

[Darius Bieber]

This team is pathetic. Losing to a Rockets team without Capela while they're shooting less than 20% of threes. Just tank already.

[LkrFan]

Bin Harden putting in work. :tu

[DarrinS]

Kawhi getting exposed on both ends

Put TP on Harden.

[Vokun]

Any team that loses to the chucking Rockets have no shot at a chip tbh. If you can't defend such a one dimesional team, you aren't going anywhere

[DMC]

Harden is a scorer. I hope some of you (Fkla) see the difference between Harden and Kawhi where scoring is concerned. Kawhi is getting better and has his moments, but he's closer to Klay than he is to James and Klay is better than Kawhi at pure scoring. Kawhi is indecisive, has always been until he gets mad and shuts everyone out at which time he's a beast.

[TheGreatYacht]

Put TP on Harden.
If the Argentinian Mummy wasn't such a cancer, maybe he'd guard his own guy

[spursistan]

Spurs would have been up by 20 in any other pre-2015 year the way they've defended alongwith Rockets extra bricks...Team offense is just not explosive enough and they will come in undone in the playoffs..

[Ice009]

Pretty poor performance considering Capela isn't even playing. SOFT, SOFT, SOFT.

I don't really care about DeMarcus Cousins' attitude problems. I want someone on the team that isn't soft and that will get in people's faces and that WILL dominate inside.

[Trill Clinton]

run the offense through aldridge. the rockets bigs are ass.

[BillMc]

Any team that loses to the chucking Rockets have no shot at a chip tbh. If you can't defend such a one dimesional team, you aren't going anywhere

Warriors lost to the Rockets. So they have no shot either?

That said, we got this.

[r0drig0lac]

Any team that loses to the chucking Rockets have no shot at a chip tbh. If you can't defend such a one dimesional team, you aren't going anywhere

like as golden state

[DarrinS]

run the offense through aldridge. the rockets bigs are ass.

True

[Amuseddaysleeper]

What the fuck is up with this team's offense?

[still.focused]

A clearout or Kawhi post up would be nice
All this playmaking and trying to run offense is simply giving Harden the night off

[DMC]

But Leonard can get going, just remember that. Need to put in Jonathan "no D league please" Simmons with some of that slave rage to get some energy going.

[LkrFan]

Put TP on Harden.

:lmao

[BatManu20]

Stop fouling Harden on 3's you noobs

[LkrFan]

Simmons reaches, Bin Harden teaches. :)

[Robz4000]

:lmao this team is so retarded

[skin27]

Fucking fouls at the 3pt line:lmao

[Darius Bieber]

Fuck this pathetic ass Spurs team.

[TheGreatYacht]

The NBA banned floppers from receiving 3 FT's for flopping their arms up

I see that rule isn't being enforced today....

[Vokun]

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me 3 times, kill yourself

[r0drig0lac]

lmao

[Kawhitstorm]

Spurs would have been up by 20 in any other pre-2015 year the way they've defended alongwith Rockets extra bricks...Team offense is just not explosive enough and they will come in undone in the playoffs..

Nothing explosive about 90s ISO offense, even the Bulls were ass in the '97 & '98 Finals against the Jazz.:lol

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Just turned my TV off, fuck this team, worst Pop coached team since Duncan was drafted.

[spurspokesman]

Spurs timid lol

[BatManu20]

Simmons will not shoot a 3, no matter how open he is. Kills spacing.

[skin27]

Now the we can't hit anything and they aren't missing!!!

[Robz4000]

Spurs deserve to fucking lose. What a pathetic, lazy, low IQ effort from everyone.

[LkrFan]

Rockets announcers clowning the Spurs. 17-2 Rocket run. :toast

[Vokun]

Passed up 4 WIDE OPEN shots.