GameThread: Thu Mar 23 2017 - grizz @ SPURS 7:30PM CT/ 8:30PM ET / 2:30AM RigaT

[DarrinS]

This is TP's best defensive game all season

All of Conley's pts came when he was on the bench

Low bar, tbh. But he has put in a lot of effort on that end.

[GSH]

Umm, you realize the lead was blown with Mills in and as soon as TP came back in the lead balloons back up.


They can argue about why it happened, but that's exactly when it happened.

[sasaint]

I hope so. We need this in the playoffs.

We HAVE to have this. :toast

[TheGreatYacht]

Low bar, tbh. But he has put in a lot of effort on that end.
:wow

[DPG21920]

LMA vs Gasol has been bad a** tonight. Both playing great.

[SpursIndonesia]

Umm, you realize the lead was blown with Mills in and as soon as TP came back in the lead balloons back up.

Yeah, right now, Mills is -3 while Hero is +10, clearly TP has been more effective tonight, especially defensively.

[RD2191]

MVPorker

[$pursDynasty]

HOTS with a dagger

[DPG21920]

It's also funny to see how Mills and TP, and TP and Kawhi and TP and LMA all smile and get pumped up.

[resistanze]

HotS

[FkLA]

This is how you get LMA his shots. Naturally, throughout the game. None of this force feed him 5 times in a row BS.

[PopTheGOAT]

Weird game for us

[Hoops Czar]

PaWOW nail in coffin.

[sasaint]

Umm, you realize the lead was blown with Mills in and as soon as TP came back in the lead balloons back up.

I realize that Tony is apparently LMA's security blanket. Since they have been together the last three games, LMA has improved steadily.

[DPG21920]

Yeah, right now, Mills is -3 while Hero is +10, clearly TP has been more effective tonight, especially defensively.

It's because TP runs the offense better. Sure, him hitting more shots would be great but even some of his misses are when he's collapsing the defense in the paint so good things can still happen.

But it's also dumb to just look at misses (although making shots is huge). You have to look at good shot vs bad shot.

[Robz4000]

These refs are jokes.

[GSH]

WFT? Seriously? THAT is a foul on their end of the floor? Fucking disgrace.

[Horse]

Maybe the worst officiated game I've ever seen

[DPG21920]

I realize that Tony is apparently LMA's security blanket. Since they have been together the last three games, LMA has improved steadily.

It's really been that way all year. LMA is getting the same damn wide open looks but he was just not shooting well. But ya, TP and LMA clearly are the best pairing and he literally spoon feeds LMA perfectly most of the time.

[Robz4000]

Game isn't over.

[RD2191]

Bullshit

[DPG21920]

F*ck off refs.

[Ron Swanson]

HOTS dagger

[RD2191]

Whi to TP!

[FkLA]

Hero doing what he loves most--playing hero.

[DPG21920]

Every Spur is literally having to play defense with that arms up we aren't touching them stance because of the calls.

TP having such a good game and I dont care about his %.

[GSH]

Pretty damn heroic in these last couple of minutes.

[TheCultOfPersonality]

Parker for 3. Tre Bien. Unfortunately.

[Robz4000]

Clutch shot Tony!

[$pursDynasty]

Gambit that is another Parker dagger

[resistanze]

HotS

[r0drig0lac]

Kawhigod and MVParker

[$pursDynasty]

Hero doing what he loves most--playing hero.
And he saved us

[GSH]

Kawhi is blowing pretty hard on the bench. He's worked for everything he's gotten tonight.

[TheGreatYacht]

Gambit that is another Parker dagger
Parker causing that man to bald smh. Might shave the mullet soon

[RD2191]

That play was all Kawhi but props to TP, clutch 3.

[MultiTroll]

Could Porker learn to pass like Kwa just did to him?

Wow nice creation and pass Kwa. :toast

[Robz4000]

Spurs aren't going to get out of the first round strictly because of officiating tbh. I've been saying it for two years now: the Spurs haven't gotten consistent officiating since the 2014 title.

[Robz4000]

Son of a fucking bitch.

[DPG21920]

WTF is with Troy Daniels hitting so many 3's against SA. I know he can shoot but seriously

[Chinook]

David Lee not taking shit from Pop.

[$pursDynasty]

Refs must have money on Harden or Westbrook for MVP letting Kiwi get mauled

[FkLA]

lol at Deadmon's putting them to sleep reaction

[SPURt]

Lee getting ear raped by Pop

[Robz4000]

No team in the West fears the Spurs, this is some ridiculous confidence.

[PopTheGOAT]

I know the Grizzlies aren't any good. Not sure why they're so annoying vs us

[sasaint]

It's really been that way all year. LMA is getting the same damn wide open looks but he was just not shooting well. But ya, TP and LMA clearly are the best pairing and he literally spoon feeds LMA perfectly most of the time.

I think it is more than Tony's spoon feeding him perfectly. LMA's shooting percentage has been in the toilet - guarded, unguarded, no matter. But with Tony on the floor - whether Tony is feeding him or not - LMA is playing a game of "horse" and sinking even the high difficulty shots. It is literally like Tony IS LMA's confidence.

[DPG21920]

Strong game from Kawhi all things considered. This was a very good test for him going into the playoffs.

[FkLA]

TP having such a good game and I dont care about his %.

You've turned into a Kobefan.

[GSH]

Did Danny look like he was running funny coming off the floor?

[sasaint]

I know the Grizzlies aren't any good. Not sure why they're so annoying vs us

Not merely annoying- tough as nails and the refs' darlings.

[spurs1990]

Captain Hook Kawhi Leonard

[Robz4000]

Happy for the win, but all things considered my confidence in the Spurs come playoff time continues to wane.

[DarrinS]

Meh, w

[$pursDynasty]

I think it is more than Tony's spoon feeding him perfectly. LMA's shooting percentage has been in the toilet - guarded, unguarded, no matter. But with Tony on the floor - whether Tony is feeding him or not - LMA is playing a game of "horse" and sinking even the high difficulty shots. It is literally like Tony IS LMA's confidence.
Saint maybe he is

[sasaint]

Kawhi is blowing pretty hard on the bench. He's worked for everything he's gotten tonight.

And been worked over for everything he's gotten!

[midnightpulp]

Happy for the win, but all things considered my confidence in the Spurs come playoff time continues to wane.

Agreed. Not enough firepower. This team is built for old school playoff basketball, though, so if we can force the Warriors/Clippers whoever into our game, we have a shot.

[BillMc]

Victory!:flag:

[spurs1990]

Happy for the win, but all things considered my confidence in the Spurs come playoff time continues to wane.

All the more reason to enjoy/gloat about the regular season especially when they're sitting on a 55-16 record.

[GSH]

Happy for the win, but all things considered my confidence in the Spurs come playoff time continues to wane.


I don't think the Grizz can play any better than they did tonight, or shoot any better, or get any more friendly whistles. The Spurs don't miss 8 FT's, and it's a double digit win.

[FkLA]

I think it is more than Tony's spoon feeding him perfectly. LMA's shooting percentage has been in the toilet - guarded, unguarded, no matter. But with Tony on the floor - whether Tony is feeding him or not - LMA is playing a game of "horse" and sinking even the high difficulty shots. It is literally like Tony IS LMA's confidence.

You've got to be kidding me. :lol

[Horse]

Not merely annoying- tough as nails and the refs' darlings.
The question is why do these fucks get all the calls against us. While they beat us up without a whistle.

[sasaint]

Saint maybe he is

It is eerie. Reminds me of the movie, "The Mighty."

[TD 21]

Happy for the win, but all things considered my confidence in the Spurs come playoff time continues to wane.

Yeah, this was their response to what they considered a must win (which in this case, was code for knock them down a peg before they start to actually believe they can beat us in a series) game, against a should be clearly inferior opponent?

Even though it was briefly tied, it never really felt in doubt, but it was also far from emphatic. What's worse, it's not the least bit surprising.

When's the last time they blew someone out? And I don't mean pulled away at the end, but had to mostly max out the minutes that each player plays.

[sasaint]

The question is why do these fucks get all the calls against us. While they beat us up without a whistle.

Good question for Pop for anybody with the huevos to ask him. :wow

[TheGreatYacht]

I think it is more than Tony's spoon feeding him perfectly. LMA's shooting percentage has been in the toilet - guarded, unguarded, no matter. But with Tony on the floor - whether Tony is feeding him or not - LMA is playing a game of "horse" and sinking even the high difficulty shots. It is literally like Tony IS LMA's confidence.

You've got to be kidding me. :lol
Not sure what is funny....

844169442984714245

[sasaint]

Yeah, this was their response to what they considered a must win (which in this case, was code for knock them down a peg before they start to actually believe they can beat us in a series) game, against a should be clearly inferior opponent?

Even though it was briefly tied, it never really felt in doubt, but it was also far from emphatic. What's worse, it's not the least bit surprising.

When's the last time they blew someone out? And I don't mean pulled away at the end, but had to mostly max out the minutes that each player plays.

Have they done what you are talking about this season?

[Robz4000]

I don't think the Grizz can play any better than they did tonight, or shoot any better, or get any more friendly whistles. The Spurs don't miss 8 FT's, and it's a double digit win.

They've shot like this in all three games so far this season, but tonight Gasol was actually pretty terrible shooting-wise (even Conley was inefficient despite tearing the Spurs apart at times). Spurs have also been missing freebies pretty regularly the past few months. I've also gone on and on about terrible officiating for the Spurs for a few years now. Nothing about tonight really gives me confidence about this team. In my head and on paper I see the Spurs beating the Grizz in 5, but I feel like it'll be a 6/7 game series that goes either way.

Better than playing OKC/LAC whom I just can't see the Spurs beating.

[sasaint]

Not sure what is funny....

844169442984714245

Thanks for the eye-popping stats. Just gotta hope that Tony stays healthy for the rest of the season - for BOTH of their sakes. :toast

[pgardn]

Tough win.

If we can get guys to hit shots when KL is doubled in the frkn middle of the floor it is very helpful.
Memphis really does not respect us trying that crap.

[Robz4000]

Yeah, this was their response to what they considered a must win (which in this case, was code for knock them down a peg before they start to actually believe they can beat us in a series) game, against a should be clearly inferior opponent?

Even though it was briefly tied, it never really felt in doubt, but it was also far from emphatic. What's worse, it's not the least bit surprising.

When's the last time they blew someone out? And I don't mean pulled away at the end, but had to mostly max out the minutes that each player plays.

Not in a while; the Kings game was never really in doubt other than in the first quarter, but it was the fucking Kings. They just haven't been playing well as a whole since New Years. Kawhi playing at an MVP level (and LMA/Parker looking good for the first half of January) kept them afloat, but they just haven't looked like an elite team since the turn of the calendar year.

[FkLA]

Not sure what is funny....

844169442984714245

Quite a ways off from his percentage being in the "toilet" without Rique and him hitting everything including "horse" shots when he's in bc he's his :cry lucky charm :cry.

[sasaint]

They've shot like this in all three games so far this season, but tonight Gasol was actually pretty terrible shooting-wise (even Conley was inefficient despite tearing the Spurs apart at times). Spurs have also been missing freebies pretty regularly the past few months. I've also gone on and on about terrible officiating for the Spurs for a few years now. Nothing about tonight really gives me confidence about this team. In my head and on paper I see the Spurs beating the Grizz in 5, but I feel like it'll be a 6/7 game series that goes either way.

Better than playing OKC/LAC whom I just can't see the Spurs beating.

Best case scenario: Grizz beat us black and blue and we win.
Worst case scenario: Grizz beat us black and blue and we lose.

[DPG21920]

Weird - TP isn't supposed to be the clutch 3PT ace:

845107259571163138

[Robz4000]

Have they done what you are talking about this season?

In the early third of the season they had 10+ blowout wins including against the Dubs (where they had a double digit lead from the end of the first on). Hell, they had that impressive wire-to-wire blowout win at Utah, at Denver, against Toronto, etc (the latter two with Tony and LMA looking the best they have all year) as well.

[midnightpulp]

Quite a ways off from his percentage being in the "toilet" without Rique and him hitting everything including "horse" shots when he's in bc he's his :cry lucky charm :cry.

C'mon, son. A ball handling, probing PG is just naturally a better fit alongside a jumpshooting big than a Microwave type player. Patty is better suited alongside players like Diaw and Lee.

[FkLA]

Weird - TP isn't supposed to be the clutch 3PT ace:

845107259571163138

Makes sense. Super low volume and they're wide open corner threes. The good shooters on the team shoot a higher volume and higher difficulty.

[DPG21920]

Quite a ways off from his percentage being in the "toilet" without Rique and him hitting everything including "horse" shots when he's in bc he's his :cry lucky charm :cry.

Umm. Not sure how to break this to you, but 44% vs 49% is a massive gulf. 44% is not a very good percentage to shoot and what's even crazier is that with TP not only is % a lot higher but its on much larger sample size as well.

[DPG21920]

Makes sense. Super low volume and they're wide open corner threes. The good shooters on the team shoot a higher volume and higher difficulty.

Except they don't. In the clutch Tp leads the team in %. The fact it's a small sample (will be for everyone in that situation) doesn't mean he should be making them :lol

[Robz4000]

C'mon, son. A ball handling, probing PG is just naturally a better fit alongside a jumpshooting big than a Microwave type player. Patty is better suited alongside players like Diaw and Lee.

Bobo is a player this team is dearly missing this year. While last year Bobo wasn't great, during his time here he gave the Spurs an added dimension with a big that could penetrate/dribble-drive and kick the ball out. Kinda wish he continued to suck with Utah so maybe they'd buy him out and he could return to SA.

[FkLA]

C'mon, son. A ball handling, probing PG is just naturally a better fit alongside a jumpshooting big than a Microwave type player. Patty is better suited alongside players like Diaw and Lee.

Has nothing to do with MVPaddy. Not sure why he's always on your mind. Re-read the guys post. Dude literally calls him LMA' s lucky charm.

[sasaint]

In the early third of the season they had 10+ blowout wins including against the Dubs (where they had a double digit lead from the end of the first on). Hell, they had that impressive wire-to-wire blowout win at Utah, at Denver, against Toronto, etc (the latter two with Tony and LMA looking the best they have all year) as well.

Those early season games seem like a long time ago. It seems like Tony/LMA played their best combined game tonight. Gotta hope they can both stay healthy and build on tonight for the rest of the season.

[FkLA]

Except they don't. In the clutch Tp leads the team in %. The fact it's a small sample (will be for everyone in that situation) doesn't mean he should be making them :lol

Of course they shoot more. If you really think guys like Green or Kawhi don't have significantly more than 12 attempts in those situations, I don't know what to tell you.

[Robz4000]

Those early season games seem like a long time ago. It seems like Tony/LMA played their best combined game tonight. Gotta hope they can both stay healthy and build on tonight for the rest of the season.

Nah, those two games against TOR/DEN were clearly their best; they combined to either score or assist on half the Spurs' points in those games.

[Ditty]

Wasn't the prettiest game, but the Spurs continue to find ways to win close games. They execute well and turn on the defense when they need too. That's something that will help us in the playoffs as almost every game 2nd round going forward is going to be a close/grind it out game.

[TheGreatYacht]

Bobo is a player this team is dearly missing this year. While last year Bobo wasn't great, during his time here he gave the Spurs an added dimension with a big that could penetrate/dribble-drive and kick the ball out. Kinda wish he continued to suck with Utah so maybe they'd buy him out and he could return to SA.
Diaw has been done since 2014 son, tbh. No thanks

[FkLA]

Umm. Not sure how to break this to you, but 44% vs 49% is a massive gulf. 44% is not a very good percentage to shoot and what's even crazier is that with TP not only is % a lot higher but its on much larger sample size as well.

His post was hyperbole. The percentages show an improvement. They don't show the hyperbole he was spewing.

[Robz4000]

Diaw has been done since 2014 son, tbh. No thanks

He's looked good with Utah after a poor start iirc. Wouldn't want him for $8mil, but he'd be a lot better than Joel Anthony.

[midnightpulp]

Has nothing to do with MVPaddy. Not sure why he's always on your mind. Re-read the guys post. Dude literally calls him LMA' s lucky charm.

Has everything to do with :lol

You guys want him starting for some stupid ass reason, so you look for anything to prove he'd be a better fit with the starters. The lucky charm description was a bit overboard, but his perception was correct. LMA is more compatible with Tony than House. Tony is also more compatible with Green.

[SAGirl]

I have to wonder Pop closing games with Patty with any combo of Tony or Manu, etc.

It would make me think Patty would be a priority for Pop in the offseason.

[SAGirl]

He's looked good with Utah after a poor start iirc. Wouldn't want him for $8mil, but he'd be a lot better than Joel Anthony.
As much as I used to like Boris he fell off last season and has continued that free fall pretty bad in Utah. I haven't watched. Ugh if him but he's one of Utahs worst guys this season.

[GSH]

As much as I used to like Boris he fell off last season and has continued that free fall pretty bad in Utah. I haven't watched. Ugh if him but he's one of Utahs worst guys this season.


The Spurs wouldn't have won the '14 Championship without Boris. He got his new contract that offseason, and went into semi-retirement. He and West were a disaster last year, but I think his numbers were even worse in '15. I like Boris and what he brought to the Spurs, but it really looked like he got his ring and his walking around money and started his retirement countdown.

[rastaspur]

I will pass on boris at this point as well. He is close to being put out to the pasture.

[SpursIndonesia]

C'mon, son. A ball handling, probing PG is just naturally a better fit alongside a jumpshooting big than a Microwave type player. Patty is better suited alongside players like Diaw and Lee.

Yupz, the FG shooting percentage says it all, LMA is a role player level without TP, and all star level player alongside him.

[GSH]

As much as I used to like Boris he fell off last season and has continued that free fall pretty bad in Utah. I haven't watched. Ugh if him but he's one of Utahs worst guys this season.


Don't forget that we got rights to Olivier Hanlan when we sent Boris to Utah. So we got that going for us.

[TampaDude]

Grit. Grind. Spurs.

Next!

[Thomas82]

Good to finally get a W against this team.

[TheDoctor]

Good to finally get a W against this team.
Never in doubt tbh

[$pursDynasty]

Grit. Grind. Spurs.

Next!
maybe this will be good for the Spurs championship aspirations. obviously riding a 20 game win streak into the playoffs didn't work, and obviously having an insane point differential didn't work (last year) so maybe all of this battle testing, close games is the better route to go???

[8FOR!3]

The Spurs wouldn't have won the '14 Championship without Boris. He got his new contract that offseason, and went into semi-retirement. He and West were a disaster last year, but I think his numbers were even worse in '15. I like Boris and what he brought to the Spurs, but it really looked like he got his ring and his walking around money and started his retirement countdown.


Yeah I have no doubt that he still enjoys playing basketball, but I think after ringing he doesn't care enough to stay in shape and be a legit contributor to anyone anymore.

[TheGreatYacht]

Don't forget that we got rights to Olivier Hanlan when we sent Boris to Utah. So we got that going for us.
RC Buford is the master negotiator. Only Trump closes deals better! We will eventually get tired of winning!

[skulls138]

RC Buford is the master negotiator. Only Trump closes deals better! We will eventually get tired of winning!Perhaps you havent watched the news today.

[TheGreatYacht]

Perhaps you havent watched the news today.
Trump didn't create Trumpcare . This is Paul Ryan's fault! If Donald had made it, the bill would've been the best stack of papers since the Bible. Believe me!