2017 Playoffs (WC/R2) Game 1 Thread: rockets @ SPURS (8:30 PM CT/4:30 AM Riga/TNT)

[TheDoctor]

This thread is brought to you by Pop's Mysterious Ways.

Stately rivalry resumes as Rockets visit Spurs

The Associated PressApr 30 2017, 10:14 PM
SAN ANTONIO -- There will be a lot more on the line than pride and Lone Star State bragging rights when the San Antonio Spurs and the Houston Rockets meet for Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal playoff series on Monday at the AT&T Center.

The heated rivalry featured four meetings this season, and the Spurs won the final three by a combined 10 points. Two of San Antonio's victories in the series came in Houston, and three of the four games were decided by just two points.

The second-seeded Spurs advanced out of the first round by outlasting the seventh-seeded Memphis Grizzlies in a bruising six-game series.

Meanwhile, the third-seeded Rockets captured their first-round series against the sixth-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in five games, with the clinching game a 105-99 victory on Tuesday in Houston.
San Antonio won the deciding Game 6 against Memphis 103-96 on Thursday despite being down by six points midway through the fourth quarter.

MVP candidate Kawhi Leonard, who scored eight consecutive points to propel the Spurs into the lead, had 29 in the game and averaged 31 points in the series. He had three games of 30 or more points, including a 43-point effort in a Game 2 victory in San Antonio.

"Kawhi Leonard is, in my opinion, the best player in the league right now," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "He's the best two-way player and does it all with such class. It's impressive."
Tony Parker, San Antonio's venerable but rejuvenated point guard, added a series-high 27 points on 11-of-14 shooting in the final win against Memphis, which, as expected, was tough as nails.

"When you're in a position to close out a team, you have to do whatever it takes," Spurs center Pau Gasol said. "If you give them rhythm, give them confidence, then things can change. You want to try to go after the first opportunity, and that was Game 6. We understand how hard that is, but our mindset was to be aggressive."

In the Rockets' decisive Game 5, Houston guard James Harden overcame another poor shooting performance from the floor (8 of 25) and finished with a team-high 34 points. He was 16 of 17 from the free-throw line. Reserve guard Lou Williams totaled 22 points, while Patrick Beverley added 15 points and eight rebounds. Eric Gordon and Nene combined for 22 points off the bench as the Houston bench posted a 44-22 advantage.

"This team is improving throughout the postseason," Beverley said. "Our defense is kind of setting a tone. Last game, we kept an explosive team under 100 points. That always puts us in position to win basketball games. If you think about our defense, being where it is now, and our offense when it comes, the sky's the limit with this team.

"Attention to detail is critical, especially in the playoffs. Guys are locked in -- we're doing it together."
One of the keys to the Houston-San Antonio series will be the pace the Rockets are allowed to forge. The Spurs will make Houston work for everything it gets with their stifling defense, but if the Rockets can steal some possessions -- and make shots -- they can beat San Antonio.
"We have to really push the pace to see if we can get some open shots -- we have to play faster," Gordon said.

The Spurs and Rockets will meet in the playoffs for the fourth time. Houston won the three other postseason series -- most recently a six-game advancement in the 1995 Western Conference

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C-md4iLV0AAHcNl?format=jpg&name=large

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[$pursDynasty]

Take control of the series by sending a message tonight. Spurs in 5, gentleman's sweep!!!

[rastaspur]

No mercy

[TheDoctor]

No mercy

:flag:

[TheDoctor]

Salty fucks :lol

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[TheDoctor]

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[TheDoctor]

859026554785058817

[cutewizard]

gggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggooo ooooooooooo Spurs!

[bic50]

Salty fucks :lol

858875372234055680
Just shows their scared shitless of Kawhi

[RD2191]

Salty fucks :lol

858875372234055680

:lmao fukin faggots

[TheDoctor]

:lol
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[TheDoctor]

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[cutewizard]

Fearless Prediction:

The Spurs shall have an EASIER time with the Rockets than the Warriors with the Jazz.....................!!!

[szkorhetz]

859026554785058817
:wow
Those numbers. :claw

[UZER]

Salty fucks :lol

858875372234055680

The audacity to complain about anything when they have harden on their team. :lol

[TheDoctor]

855217935010455552

[bic50]

:wow
Those numbers. :claw
Apparently Kawhi has the lowest standards for a superstar according to cuckfans.

[TheDoctor]

D'Antoni struggling vs Pop is cool but Harden vs MVKawhi is what this Series is about. Let's stay on track here please and thank you.

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[LaMarcus Bryant]

We are going to blow them where the pampers is

[TheDoctor]

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[TheDoctor]

858528855908339712

[TheDoctor]

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[TheDoctor]

859056009020616704

[rastaspur]

858528855908339712

Hope the efficient numbers continue in round 2

[TheDoctor]

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[UNT Eagles 2016]

859020266562834433

#CoverThatSpread

[TheGreatYacht]

https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Bwndt1GZn8leRhauCXsIkg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjtzbT0xO3c9ODAw/http://media.zenfs.com/en/homerun/feed_manager_auto_publish_494/4d24c8555a932f53a52b182515126601
https://uproxx.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/duncan-harden.jpg?quality=100&w=650

[TheGreatYacht]

One of our best victory cigars :toast

http://nextimpulsesports.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/001372d8a0ca132b625f4a.jpg
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http://cdn.sportige.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Tracy-McGrady-e1369831118150.jpg

[SAGirl]

:lol
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Boris what a troll lol love that guy. :lol
:bobo

[SAGirl]

Fearless Prediction:

The Spurs shall have an EASIER time with the Rockets than the Warriors with the Jazz.....................!!!
I am on board.
https://www.donaldbermanmaimonides.net/hop/hop-on-board.gif

[TheDoctor]

859082706113765376

[TheDoctor]

Sports Yahoo preview (Good read):
SAN ANTONIO SPURS vs HOUSTON ROCKETS (https://sports.yahoo.com/news/bdls-2016-17-nba-playoff-previews-san-antonio-spurs-vs-houston-rockets-2-162533541.html)

[NameLess Scrub]

This should be one of the games the Spurs should win, as it is in SA and the refs could be feeling the series out.

If the Spurs win, the bigger the win, the better the chances for Harden to go to the line a record breaking amount of times in the series.

[RD2191]

I don't think it'll be a close game tonight. I got a blowout going either way.

[MaNu4Tres]

This series is going to boil down to which four collectively play better:

Parker, Green, Mills, Manu

vs.

Beverly, Gordon, Lou, Ariza.

I have Rockets in 6.

Hope I'm wrong obviously.

[apalisoc_9]

This series is going to boil down to which four collectively play better:

Parker, Green, Mills, Manu

vs.

Beverly, Gordon, Lou, Ariza.

I have Rockets in 6.

Hope I'm wrong obviously.

Yup.

But I do think the Spurs can win the series even if our role players get outplayed slightly. Obviously that depends on Aldridge being a legit 18+ppg threat. I can see Leonard-Aldridge Combining for 50 in at least 4 out f 7.

Now if the role players plays similar to the memphis series...then we're done. Unless Parker somehow continues his play but that's super unlikely.

Spurs in 5.

[MaNu4Tres]

I don't think Aldridge scoring 20 points will be enough to overcome if the perimeter players outside of Kawhi get outplayed in all phases.

The offense of the bigs on both teams rely on the perimeter players ability to create, HOU has an advantage there. Yes, even LAs' O relies on others these days.

Now, which group of perimeter players will play better defense, or force opponents to take tougher shots? Which group of perimeter players can break down the defense and create optimal looks for others?

I give the edge to HOU.

Spurs will have to play a lot better basketball than they've played all year to move on. Which is certainly possible, but as of now, I give HOU a slight edge.

[BatManu20]

Zach Lowe picks the Rox in 6.


http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/19283344/zach-lowe-houston-rockets-vs-san-antonio-spurs-preview-nba-playoffs

[Chinook]

Zach Lowe picks the Rox in 6.


http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/19283344/zach-lowe-houston-rockets-vs-san-antonio-spurs-preview-nba-playoffs

He also thought they'd challenge the Warrior last year.

[peacemaker885]

Go Spurs Go! :flag:

[San Antonio Slayer]

The offense of the bigs on both teams rely on the perimeter players ability to create, HOU has an advantage there.
Gasol, Aldridge and to some extend Lee are capable to finish iso plays. Dedmon is surely capable to stop Nene in isolation plays. Spurs has the edge here, not Hou.

[r0drig0lac]

Spurs by 8

[MaNu4Tres]

Gasol, Aldridge and to some extend Lee are capable to finish iso plays. Dedmon is surely capable to stop Nene in isolation plays. Spurs has the edge here, not Hou.

Harden creates for bigs better than Kawhi.

Tony will have a harder time doing this because of Beverly ( they cancel out).

Gordon, Lou and Ariza are better creating off close outs and PnR than Mills, Green and Manu.

That's where HOUs' bigs have an advantage. They have better play makers setting them up for candy.

[San Antonio Slayer]

Harden creates for bigs better than Kawhi.

Tony will have a harder time doing this because of Beverly ( they cancel out).

Gordon, Lou and Ariza are better creating off close outs and PnR than Mills, Green and Manu.

That's where HOUs' bigs have an advantage. They have better play makers setting them up for candy.
Bigs don't need creative playmakers to set a post play iso, not pickandroll.

[San Antonio Slayer]

and I am very doubtful Nene and Capela can guard well enough pickandpop by LA and Pau.

[Chinook]

Harden creates for bigs better than Kawhi.

Tony will have a harder time doing this because of Beverly ( they cancel out).

Gordon, Lou and Ariza are better creating off close outs and PnR than Mills, Green and Manu.

That's where HOUs' bigs have an advantage. They have better play makers setting them up for candy.

But the Spurs' bigs have the advantage in that they're just better players than Houston's. Like by a lot.

[gambit1990]

simmons shows up more in this series, i think he plays good in houston.

[look_at_g_shred]

Who's going to challenge Pau's 3's ??

[look_at_g_shred]

ZBO > Hilario
Gasol > Capela / Anderson

[HarlemHeat37]

Who's going to challenge Pau's 3's ??

Hopefully nobody, since that would mean he's on the bench:lol

[TDomination]

All i know is that this will be an exciting series to watch. You can already feel the intensity of the interstate rivalry in the air and game 1 hasn't even started yet. Imagine once the games start.

But i believe the Spurs will prevail with their defense and Pop will once again beat Pringles in another classic once you play Pop, the fun for Pringles stops.

Spurs in 6

[MaNu4Tres]

But the Spurs' bigs have the advantage in that they're just better players than Houston's. Like by a lot.

In what context? HOUs bigs fit extremely well w/ their personnel on the wings. Its all tied together.

Too bad this series isnt determined by a 1 on 1 post competition. I.E: First match to 21 : LA vs Nene. 2nd match to 21: Pau vs Capella. 3rd match to 21: Lee vs Ryno 4th match: Dedmon vs Harrell

HOU optimizes play creation from perimeter and Capella/ Nene just have to finish and play D. Theyve done well w the recipe this yr.

[HarlemHeat37]

Ya, Houston's team build is extremely impressive, tbh..I was waiting forever for Morey to go with the full analytical approach, rather than playing both sides like he had done in previous seasons(with antiquated coaches like McHale and pieces like Howard)

[look_at_g_shred]

Ya, Houston's team build is extremely impressive, tbh..I was waiting forever for Morey to go with the full analytical approach, rather than playing both sides like he had done in previous seasons(with antiquated coaches like McHale and pieces like Howard)
What do you think OKC did to push the rockets in almost every game?

[spursistan]

In what context? HOUs bigs fit extremely well w/ their personnel on the wings. Its all tied together.

Too bad this series isnt determined by a 1 on 1 post competition. I.E: First match to 21 : LA vs Nene. 2nd match to 21: Pau vs Capella. 3rd match to 21: Lee vs Ryno 4th match: Dedmon vs Harrell

HOU optimizes play creation from perimeter and Capella/ Nene just have to finish and play D. Theyve done well w the recipe this yr.


:tu..

Pretty much my fear how this series will play out: Houston is going to optimize its depth/system combo much better than SA. Kawhi going gangbusters might not even matter. It could be similar to the 2009 series between Orlando/Cavs..

[coachmac87]

Why do people on this board ignore the Rockets flaws? Yet try to magnify the Spurs??

[HarlemHeat37]

What do you think OKC did to push the rockets in almost every game?

OKC's defense wasn't anything special, Houston just missed a top of open 3s, which is obviously dangerous for a team that relies so heavily on shooting them..they didn't make more than 11 3s in any of the 5 games during the series..during the RS, they only had 20 games where they made 11 3s or less(7-13 record), compared to 62 games where they made more(48-14 record)..

Harden also shot very poorly from the field, he was bailed out heavily by the FT line..hopefully his ankle is still bothering him..

That's part of what makes this series so interesting..it could be Rockets in 5 just as easily as Spurs in 5 IMO..if they're missing jump shots like they did vs. OKC, they'll get beaten pretty easily..

[NameLess Scrub]

:tu..

Pretty much my fear how this series will play out: Houston is going to optimize its depth/system combo much better than SA. Kawhi going gangbusters might not even matter. It could be similar to the 2009 series between Orlando/Cavs..

Now that was a beautiful series (If you rooted for ORL :lol)

[BatManu20]

Maybe the lower-level seats won't be half-empty at the start of both halves tbh.

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[BatManu20]

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[HarlemHeat37]

I'm not a fan, but hopefully Simmons gets an opportunity and plays well in this series..the first alternative if Green and Manu struggle will be the Mills/Parker duo, but guarding Memphis' horrible wings is an entirely different game than going against Williams/Gordon:lol

[BatManu20]

859120336788484100

[Chinook]

In what context? HOUs bigs fit extremely well w/ their personnel on the wings. Its all tied together.

Too bad this series isnt determined by a 1 on 1 post competition. I.E: First match to 21 : LA vs Nene. 2nd match to 21: Pau vs Capella. 3rd match to 21: Lee vs Ryno 4th match: Dedmon vs Harrell

HOU optimizes play creation from perimeter and Capella/ Nene just have to finish and play D. Theyve done well w the recipe this yr.

You're giving them too much credit. Ryan Anderson is mostly a sopping vag. He may play above his head, but his head is currently at him being the fourth-best big if the fifth. Capela is a nice player, but he's also their Dedmon. Dude isn't even playing half the game now. He'll likely have a decent game defensively once or twice, but he's also foul-happy. I've always loved Nene, but his game isn't suited to Houston's style at all. He's an iso player. Sure, if the dude shoots fucking 88 percent like he did against Houston, then it's a concern. But as it is, I don't think he'll be any more than an option Houston has that they probably won't even want to take too much given their proclivities.

Yes, there are scenarios where you have Nene getting everything he wants, Anderson coming out of his career-long playoff slump and Capela goes full DeAndre. But those will likely be because the Spurs failed to guard Harden properly. Based on talent alone and ability to impose their will, the Spurs' front court has the massive advantage.

[BatManu20]

Half off PJ's tongiht


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[SAGirl]

Why do people on this board ignore the Rockets flaws? Yet try to magnify the Spurs??
I don't know about anyone else.. but I did not watch them... all season. I only watched our games against them and they didn't look crazy scary to me.
Kawhi on the other hand, is scary.
I am saying Spurs in 6 more out of the Spurs own flaws...

There are a bunch of cliffjumpers... but I guess if Houston is not making the 3 ball at a decent rate they will be dispatched rather easily IMO.

[BatManu20]

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[BatManu20]

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[apalisoc_9]

Maybe the lower-level seats won't be half-empty at the start of both halves tbh.

859141412906037250

these better be XXL

[BatManu20]

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[BatManu20]

Series hasnt even started and they're already complaining.

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[coachmac87]

I don't know about anyone else.. but I did not watch them... all season. I only watched our games against them and they didn't look crazy scary to me.
Kawhi on the other hand, is scary.
I am saying Spurs in 6 more out of the Spurs own flaws...

There are a bunch of cliffjumpers... but I guess if Houston is not making the 3 ball at a decent rate they will be dispatched rather easily IMO.

"Rockets offense is so explosive.." Ignore Spurs #1 defense

"Kawhi has to do too much" Harden has higher usage rate

"Spurs offense is crap" Ignores Houstons defense

"Rockets have a better system" Pop OWNS Dantoni


Just a few tbh lol

[TheDoctor]

these better be XXL

:lol

[BatManu20]

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[BatManu20]

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[bic50]

Series hasnt even started and they're already complaining.

859139451452358658
We can thank fizdale for that.

[MaNu4Tres]

But those will likely be because the Spurs failed to guard Harden properly. Based on talent alone and ability to impose their will, the Spurs' front court has the massive advantage.

I don't think I'm giving them too much credit at all. I think their bigs rely on others to set them up to finish jumpers (Anderson) or around the basket ( Nene, Capella). Just like the bigs on the Spurs rely on others to set them up.

What does impose their will exactly mean?

Does it mean go to LA/Pau in 4 down? If so, both have been mediocre at best shooting 43% from all post options all year. If Spurs rely on that with volume, they will lose. Yes, LA could get his, but it will take inefficient volume to do so.

This series comes down to overall perimeter play on both ends: Tony, Green, Mills, Manu vs. Bev, Gordon, Ariza, Lou.

If you want to force feed LA for him to get his 30 points on 24 shots, while Rockets shoot 38% from the 40-45 3s they are going to take on the other end, the Spurs will lose.

This series is on the Spurs' wings/guards ( outside of Kawhi), they will have to outplay the Rockets on both ends. If they can't, Spurs will lose.

The area where Spurs bigs could have an advantage is on the offensive glass because of the injection of Kawhi crashing... but if Kawhi crashes the glass to help LA/Gasol/Lee the transition D becomes very vulnerable.

[bic50]

these better be XXL
:lmao

[MaNu4Tres]

By the way, I got Rockets +6 tonight and Under 214 for you degenerates.. tbh.

[BatManu20]

859168310214107136

[apalisoc_9]

By the way, I got Rockets +6 tonight and Under 214 for you degenerates.. tbh.

damn..that's a good line.

but i'm always impressed with people making totals bet. it seems pretty unpredictable in a playoff setting.

[Chinook]

I don't think I'm giving them too much credit at all. I think their bigs rely on others to set them up to finish jumpers (Anderson) or around the basket ( Nene, Capella). Just like the bigs on the Spurs rely on others to set them up.

You've said this twice, and it hasn't made sense either time. Almost all bigs score buckets off assists. Aldridge has an absurdly low rate (57 percent) compared to the Houston bigs (Nene 84 Capela 83, Harrell 79, Anderon 36 on twos but 97 on threes so probably mid-80s total). The other bigs for the Spurs are in the 70 range), so you can try to include them. But LMA is definitely not in that category.

Anyway, the idea that no one on the Spurs can adequately feed the bigs is absurd. Even guys like Green do just fine. Manu, Tony and Pau are all great at it, with Kawhi and Mills improving.


What does impose their will exactly mean?

It surprises people when they see exactly how big LMA is. The dude doesn't need to iso all the time to impose his will. The rebounding advantage that the Spurs had with Aldridge on the court against Memphis was staggering. He should clean up the glass even better this time around. Pau's skill level is probably the highest of any big in the series. His ability to make the right passes to prevent the offense from stalling could be huge. Dedmon is the best defensive big on either team, and Lee's really hard to keep from scoring. They're just a more superlative bunch.


If you want to force feed LA for him to get his 30 points on 24 shots, while Rockets shoot 38% from the 40-45 3s they are going to take on the other end, the Spurs will lose.

I hate the stat "shots". By itself, I can't comment on 30/24. But if that's a stand in for possessions, you take that every day of the freaking week. That's an ORtg of 125, waaaaay better than Houston will accomplish. However, if you think it'll be something more like 36 possessions, then maybe you have a point. But shots by itself won't show what kind of game Aldridge has.


This series is on the Spurs' wings/guards ( outside of Kawhi), they will have to outplay the Rockets on both ends. If they can't, Spurs will lose.

Yeah, no. The Spurs are front-court oriented. They don't have to win the back-court too. There are a ton of scenarios where the Spurs have a forgettable performance from Parker, Green and Mills and still win.

[MaNu4Tres]

You've said this twice, and it hasn't made sense either time. Almost all bigs score buckets off assists. Aldridge has an absurdly low rate (57 percent) compared to the Houston bigs (Nene 84 Capela 83, Harrell 79, Anderon 36 on twos but 97 on threes so probably mid-80s total). The other bigs for the Spurs are in the 70 range), so you can try to include them. But LMA is definitely not in that category.

Anyway, the idea that no one on the Spurs can adequately feed the bigs is absurd. Even guys like Green do just fine. Manu, Tony and Pau are all great at it, with Kawhi and Mills improving.



It surprises people when they see exactly how big LMA is. The dude doesn't need to iso all the time to impose his will. The rebounding advantage that the Spurs had with Aldridge on the court against Memphis was staggering. He should clean up the glass even better this time around. Pau's skill level is probably the highest of any big in the series. His ability to make the right passes to prevent the offense from stalling could be huge. Dedmon is the best defensive big on either team, and Lee's really hard to keep from scoring. They're just a more superlative bunch.



I hate the stat "shots". By itself, I can't comment on 30/24. But if that's a stand in for possessions, you take that every day of the freaking week. That's an ORtg of 125, waaaaay better than Houston will accomplish. However, if you think it'll be something more like 36 possessions, then maybe you have a point. But shots by itself won't show what kind of game Aldridge has.



Yeah, no. The Spurs are front-court oriented. They don't have to win the back-court too. There are a ton of scenarios where the Spurs have a forgettable performance from Parker, Green and Mills and still win.

Where did I say the guards/wings can't feed the bigs? Wrong.. never said that. And LA did get 43% of his points off ISO/in the post but fact is he still shot 43% from post up opportunities all year. THAT IS NOT GOOD.

Spurs will lose this series if Spurs rely too much on front court initiated offense. LA's value is on the glass(? Geeze I hope so, he's been piss poor on the glass all year), on D and finishing plays at a high percentage. He's simply not an effective option in the post to warrant increased volume.

Nothing you say will change my opinion on that.

[pgardn]

I don't think I'm giving them too much credit at all. I think their bigs rely on others to set them up to finish jumpers (Anderson) or around the basket ( Nene, Capella). Just like the bigs on the Spurs rely on others to set them up.

What does impose their will exactly mean?

Does it mean go to LA/Pau in 4 down? If so, both have been mediocre at best shooting 43% from all post options all year. If Spurs rely on that with volume, they will lose. Yes, LA could get his, but it will take inefficient volume to do so.

This series comes down to overall perimeter play on both ends: Tony, Green, Mills, Manu vs. Bev, Gordon, Ariza, Lou.

If you want to force feed LA for him to get his 30 points on 24 shots, while Rockets shoot 38% from the 40-45 3s they are going to take on the other end, the Spurs will lose.

This series is on the Spurs' wings/guards ( outside of Kawhi), they will have to outplay the Rockets on both ends. If they can't, Spurs will lose.

The area where Spurs bigs could have an advantage is on the offensive glass because of the injection of Kawhi crashing... but if Kawhi crashes the glass to help LA/Gasol/Lee the transition D becomes very vulnerable.


You've said this twice, and it hasn't made sense either time. Almost all bigs score buckets off assists. Aldridge has an absurdly low rate (57 percent) compared to the Houston bigs (Nene 84 Capela 83, Harrell 79, Anderon 36 on twos but 97 on threes so probably mid-80s total). The other bigs for the Spurs are in the 70 range), so you can try to include them. But LMA is definitely not in that category.

Anyway, the idea that no one on the Spurs can adequately feed the bigs is absurd. Even guys like Green do just fine. Manu, Tony and Pau are all great at it, with Kawhi and Mills improving.



It surprises people when they see exactly how big LMA is. The dude doesn't need to iso all the time to impose his will. The rebounding advantage that the Spurs had with Aldridge on the court against Memphis was staggering. He should clean up the glass even better this time around. Pau's skill level is probably the highest of any big in the series. His ability to make the right passes to prevent the offense from stalling could be huge. Dedmon is the best defensive big on either team, and Lee's really hard to keep from scoring. They're just a more superlative bunch.



I hate the stat "shots". By itself, I can't comment on 30/24. But if that's a stand in for possessions, you take that every day of the freaking week. That's an ORtg of 125, waaaaay better than Houston will accomplish. However, if you think it'll be something more like 36 possessions, then maybe you have a point. But shots by itself won't show what kind of game Aldridge has.



Yeah, no. The Spurs are front-court oriented. They don't have to win the back-court too. There are a ton of scenarios where the Spurs have a forgettable performance from Parker, Green and Mills and still win.

http://i65.tinypic.com/ogm355.jpg

[Chinook]

Where did I say the guards/wings can't feed the bigs? Wrong.. never said that. And LA did get 43% of his points off ISO/in the post but fact is he still shot 43% from post up opportunities all year. THAT IS NOT GOOD.

The Spurs don't have a problem getting the ball to their bigs. It doesn't matter that they aren't Harden. So the idea that the bigs are a wash because they both need someone to feed them the ball is even more dead than it had been prior.


Spurs will lose this series if Spurs rely too much on front court initiated offense. LA's value is on the glass(? Geeze I hope so, he's been piss poor on the glass all year), on D and finishing plays at a high percentage. He's simply not an effective option in the post to warrant increased volume.

There's value beyond scoring efficiency. Playing in the post can dictate how the opponent defends. If Capela can't guard Aldridge, the Rockets will either have to bench their best rim-protector (thereby making everyone's job easier) or double (and Memphis doubled, so I don't want to hear that teams know LMA is inefficient and won't send help; they will), which again makes everyone's job easier.

Of course, you keep trying to force this conversation into post-ups, when that's just one of many ways LMA and the other can impose their will, even just talking about scoring. Put-backs, duck-ins, good-enough shooting from midrange (or threes from Pau), rolls from Lee and Dedmon. None of those plays require great perimeter performances, and they are still helpful to an offense.

The Spurs have the defense to prevent Houston from dictating the terms of the game. If the Spurs' perimeter outplays Houston's, it's a sweep, not just the only chance they have to win.

[MaNu4Tres]

The Spurs don't have a problem getting the ball to their bigs. It doesn't matter that they aren't Harden. So the idea that the bigs are a wash because they both need someone to feed them the ball is even more dead than it had been prior.


.

Again I never said that. I just said the bigs from both teams rely on perimeter players setting them up for jumpers or bunnies around the rim. Can LA and Pau score on their own, sure, but its a low efficient option. The team and them are at their best offensively when they are just finishing plays.

Of course Spurs wings/guards can get the ball to their bigs. Its not hard, especially in 4 down. But I think its a fact that Harden does create better for his teammates than Kawhi. And I don't think its far fetched to have the opinion that Gordon, Lou, Bev are better in the PnR and better at creating off hard close outs than Manu, Green and Mills. Not saying Manu, Mills, Green CANT do that, its just Gordon, Bev, Ariza and Lou do it BETTER at this stage of their careers.

[RD2191]

I'm always fukin sick during the playoffs. :pctoss

[apalisoc_9]

i have a cert 201 ADM exam a month from now paid by my employee and it sucks its happening with the playoffs..

i'm totally going to bomb that exam.

playoff basketball :lol

[NASpurs]

So we got Harlan and Reggie Miller tonight? Greaaat....

[illusioNtEk]

Spurs Sweep

[Robz4000]

So we got Harlan and Reggie Miller tonight? Greaaat....

Fuck. Is the game on FSSW?

[Nathan89]

PlayBertans

[NASpurs]

Fuck. Is the game on FSSW?

Fat ball on my FSSW channel (well on the guide at least). Fuck.

[Darius Bieber]

FSSW does not cover playoff games after the first round.

[Robz4000]

Fat ball on my FSSW channel. Fuck.

I love baseball but :pctoss...

[NASpurs]

I love baseball but :pctoss...

Well I just assumed we're getting Harlan and Miller since Marv Albert and Grant Hill (*edit* my bad) are doing the Cavs game tonight. I also noticed that TNT are showing games tomorrow so hopefully it means that those two are doing the GSW game tomorrow meaning they're not in San Antonio tonight. Who knows though.

[ace3g]

859196600794701824

[atoyotagaspedal]

Wow lebron literally drank a beer at the game:rolleyes

[DPG21920]

I hope my league pass works.

[marinoman]

Lee is starting, damn. I should've known pop wouldn't start bertans

[Chinook]

Lee is starting, damn. I should've known pop wouldn't start bertans

Yes, you really should have.

[100%duncan]

Yes, you really should have.

:lol omg what is with people expecting a not that special rookie to start a playoff game? It hasnt happened with pop since 2002.

[Robz4000]

Was hoping he'd go back to Dedmon. Spurs are gonna ge murdered in the PnR tonight.

[weeks]

i really want to watch this series go down. it's been too long since we played the rockets

[ace3g]

859214566349209600

[Keepin' it real]

:lol omg what is with people expecting a not that special rookie to start a playoff game? It hasnt happened with pop since 2002.

Oh, you don't know.

[Horse]

Harden creates for bigs better than Kawhi.

Tony will have a harder time doing this because of Beverly ( they cancel out).

Gordon, Lou and Ariza are better creating off close outs and PnR than Mills, Green and Manu.

That's where HOUs' bigs have an advantage. They have better play makers setting them up for candy.

I disagree Conley is very good defensively and obviously Memphis overall is way better. I also seem to remember atleast one game this season Tony lit Houston up.

[Ron Swanson]

:flag:

[NASpurs]

CIA Poop keeping a lid on Dedmon's offseason contract even if it means throwing a series. :hat

[DPG21920]

Anyone have a quick fix as to why my iPad won't play video streams while I'm in Europe? I think the wi-fi here is strong enough.

[ace3g]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C-yMrHdXYAE8T2k.jpg:large

[SpursIndonesia]

How about the refs tonight, Malloy, Mauer, & co, what's their prognosis ?

[100%duncan]

Oh, you don't know.

A 26 year old shooter is not special bruh :lol

[Keepin' it real]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C-yMrHdXYAE8T2k.jpg:large

:lol
Cartoonists man!

[playbonner15]

Dejounte posing with Harden and fans - he made it fam

[SpursIndonesia]

Murray seems a bit taller than the Beard, but damn he's still so skinny, does he gain any weight at all this season ? :lol

[Keepin' it real]

A 26 year old shooter is not special bruh :lol

More minutes for said 26 year old shooter = :lobt2:

[RD2191]

:flag:

[playbonner15]

Murray seems a bit taller than the Beard, but damn he's still so skinny, does he gain any weight at all this season ? :lol Kenyan diet built for speed :lol

[Robz4000]

How about the refs tonight, Malloy, Mauer, & co, what's their prognosis ?

Mayer and Malloy are pretty damn bad. Just hope the Spurs can win in a blowout otherwise they may swing the game.

[DaDakota]

This series is going to be epic.

Rockets vs Spurs have met 3 times all time in the playoffs.

Rockets 3, Spurs 0

:)

Let's hope that continues, but I think you guys are certainly the favorites.

DD

[RD2191]

This series is going to be epic.

Rockets vs Spurs have met 3 times all time in the playoffs.

Rockets 3, Spurs 0

:)

Let's hope that continues, but I think you guys are certainly the favorites.

DD

:wakeup

[playbonner15]

Damn those highlights vs GSW got me hyped! I wish the team gets there though

[marinoman]

:lol omg what is with people expecting a not that special rookie to start a playoff game? It hasnt happened with pop since 2002.
It's not that he's special or unspecial it's just the need to go small. Like in 2011 it was obvious to everyone but pop and the media splitter should've started not Bonner. But I guess pops gonna pop

[100%duncan]

It's not that he's special or unspecial it's just the need to go small. Like in 2011 it was obvious to everyone but pop and the media splitter should've started not Bonner. But I guess pops gonna pop

It doesnt matter. He's not that good to make a stubborn pop suddenly change his mind

[DaDakota]

Look, you guys complaining about Pop being stubborn when we had years of Kevin McHale....would trade coaches any time you like.

DD

[Robz4000]

:lol Chuck and dem big ole San Antonio women

[RD2191]

:lmao churros

[Ron Swanson]

Chuck :lol

[Robz4000]

:tu Chuck picked against the Spurs. Usually bodes well.

[UNT Eagles 2016]

Baron Davis and Chuck are queer fucks

[Darius Bieber]

REGGIE MILLER FUCK

[Ron Swanson]

Shut the fuck up, Reggie.

[ace3g]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C-yQggAXsAA08Tu.jpg:large

[NASpurs]

Fuck I was right :lol

[RD2191]

REGGIE MILLER FUCK

[mclinejr]

Thanks for the love as always Shaq.

[Keepin' it real]

https://cdn.meme.am/instances/70490413.jpg

[100%duncan]

reggie miller jesus fuck

[TheRemix]

Great we get to hear reggie miller downplay the spurs all game long..

[UNT Eagles 2016]

GSG :flag:

1.

FTR.


:flag: :flag: :flag:

[Ice009]

I take it there is no more local commentators in the playoffs from this point on?

[FkLA]

:flag: :claw

[Ron Swanson]

:claw

[ace3g]

Kawhi!!!

[Keepin' it real]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C-yQggAXsAA08Tu.jpg:large

We stacked!!!

[RD2191]

:claw

[TheRemix]

Lol empty seats...

[RD2191]

:lol pop

[Robz4000]

Lee already getting raped

[NASpurs]

That faggot behind the Rockets bench is already annoying me.

[Darius Bieber]

James Harden vs OKC series from three = 24%.
Nails his first against the Spurs per par

[itzsoweezee]

David Lee is not playable against the rockets starting lineup. What the fuck is Popovich doing?

[bklynspursfan]

That was a 3 second violation they missed on Capella.

[NASpurs]

Poop getting mad at Lee :lmao gtfo, what do you expect

[spursistan]

Our bigs gonna get torched in this series by JH :lol..

[100%duncan]

How do rocket cucks get lower bowl seats. WTF San antonio

[Keepin' it real]

Pop sensing the game slipping away.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Well what a surprise when you start David Lee.

[SpursIndonesia]

Lee's chewed like a cheap gum by Pop. Nice D my friend. :lol

[UNT Eagles 2016]

Shit start per par

[Chinook]

The hell was Lee supposed to do there? It was a mistake not to switch the 3/5 PnR earlier, but David should let Harden shoot a contested three.

[testies]

just start dedmon and BBC their ass on the boards

[spursistan]

Poop starting Lee and befuddled by the results :lmao

[HarlemHeat37]

Why the fuck is Pop getting in Lee's face? You decided to start that scrub, what did you expect?:lol

[Splits]

I missed it, what did Lee do?

[RD2191]

Pop sensing the game slipping away.

:lol

[DaDakota]

That was a 3 second violation they missed on Capella.

We won't call that if we don't call Kawhi and his moving pivot foot and Harden's 3 ish steps....

:)

DD

[UNT Eagles 2016]

Lee shouldn't start this series, why are we going with 2 bigs I don't know? Just go with 2 SF 1 SG 1 PG 1 big, tbh.

[FkLA]

Watch this inefficient fuck start hitting everything against the Spurs like the last game.

[ace3g]

Pop wanted Lee to start, get exposed, and give Dedmon confidence by immediately bringing him in the game.

[Splits]

Pop sensing the game slipping away.

Needs to bench the starters immediately with a line change.

[RD2191]

We won't call that if we don't call Kawhi and his moving pivot foot and Harden's 3 ish steps....

:)

DD

Permaban.

[itzsoweezee]

The hell was Lee supposed to do there? It was a mistake not to switch the 3/5 PnR earlier, but David should let Harden shoot a contested three.

The pnr defense is the issue. The game just started and he's already confused

[100%duncan]

We won't call that if we don't call Kawhi and his moving pivot foot and Harden's 3 ish steps....

:)

DD

Dude it's 2017 you dont have to sign your name

[cutewizard]

Any working links guys??

[timtonymanu]

Pop is such a moron sometimes

[RD2191]

Nice aggression, Lee.

[Ron Swanson]

Lee missing FTs

[cutewizard]

Omg, our cable is not featuring it today, my goodness

any working links guys, pls

[RD2191]

WTF Lee

[bklynspursfan]

Lee is unplayable after 1:20 secs? Lets give it a little time folks

[UNT Eagles 2016]

I missed it, what did Lee do?

pissed away both fucking free throws

[RD2191]

Here we go

[Ron Swanson]

Danny got put on his ass.

[timtonymanu]

Of course they hit 3s against our defense

[Darius Bieber]

Rockets shot like shit against OKC... Nails first two threes here lmao

[100%duncan]

david lul

[UNT Eagles 2016]

Permaban.

yeah, get this queer out of our thread, wtf?

[bklynspursfan]

We won't call that if we don't call Kawhi and his moving pivot foot and Harden's 3 ish steps....

:)

DD

Lol.. how about Kawhi's vs Hardens rip thru

[RD2191]

:lmao

[cutewizard]

fuck the rockts, hahahaha

[timtonymanu]

This team does not look good at all

[TheRemix]

Haha thats one

[Robz4000]

Well there's one BS foul

[UNT Eagles 2016]

Chickenshit Flop #1

[bklynspursfan]

I hate that call so much.

[cutewizard]

gggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggooooooooo oooooooo Spurs!

[ace3g]

First SMH foul

[Ron Swanson]

Harden is going to get that shit all series. Gotta be careful.

[Darius Bieber]

Rockets gonna win this series easily.... And more Rockets fans in the AT&T Center than Spur fans lmao

[testies]

that call is ruining basketball

[GSH]

Pop's pissed at everybody... except himself. :lol

[urunobili]

If LDN doesn't hit his threes tris thin ain't going to wurk

[weeks]

it begins.

[Robz4000]

This team does not look good at all

They continue to miss wide-open looks. Pop looks spooked too with this early sub for Manu.

[100%duncan]

:lol danny you stupid fuck even I would stop fouling harden like that

[DAF86]

C'min Danny, I'm sure that shit was ine of the things more stressed before tje behin of this series.

[cutewizard]

Lamarcus, please go inside man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[RD2191]

Manu

[Holden_Caulfield]

11 pts allowed in 3 mins lol

[ace3g]

Manu!!

[GSH]

Manu did a nice job cutting off Beverly - twice.

[bklynspursfan]

Gotta hit that TP

[redzero]

I could have sworn that the Spurs scored four times.

[Darius Bieber]

Thats game

[testies]

you dont see that bullshit in FIBA

[spurraider21]

:lmao starting lee

[UNT Eagles 2016]

That was goaltending... Bitch

[GSH]

Wow, Pop yelling at Lee, "Get your ass out!!!"

[RD2191]

Clear the bench, this is going to get ugly.

[timtonymanu]

Yeah Spurs look outmatched already and Parker back to scrub mode. Also senile Pop wtf do you expect playing so many old fossils?

[Robz4000]

Welp, my biggest fear going into this series coming true: Spurs still can't hit open/easy shots.

[itzsoweezee]

Popovich is a fucking moron. Jesus Christ, this dude constantly outsmarts himself.

[ElNono]

hockey sub coming right up

[DAF86]

Totally unprepared to start the series. Inexcusable.

[hater]

Damn this could be a sweep loss :lol

[UNT Eagles 2016]

Harden is going to get that shit all series. Gotta be careful.

Those calls would suddenly disappear if they were to play the Dubfaggots, tbh.

[daslicer]

This feels a lot like the '06 Mavs series with Pop starting Lee. What a dumbass idea by Pop.

[FkLA]

Expected shitty start. We'll see if they can get their shit together yet again.

[weeks]

terrible start.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Again, Spurs allowing a layup drill out there. Horrible offense too just isn't going to get it done.

Zero answer for Harden.

[DarrinS]

Hope the defense gets better

[100%duncan]

Im pissed at how many rocket fans are there in the lower bowl :lol holy shit this city is full of CUCKS

[ElNono]

:pop: "They made shots"

[mclinejr]

Thats game

Solid prediction. Just like all your other ones.

[Chinook]

Pop has no one to blame but himself. People don't need two timeouts called so quickly. They don't need you to tell them to stop playing bad D.

[DPG21920]

David Lee sucking big time is not unexpected. TP with a brilliant move but have to finish those. HOU off to a tremendous start but things always calm down.

[Raven]

lol pop with the dumbest ideas ever... playing david lee in a serious game :lmao:lmao:lmao

[RD2191]

We look like shit

[Pauleta14]

Pop is really nervous...

[Ice009]

FUCKING POP GOING OFF ON LEE. YOU STUPID FUCK, HE SHOULDN'T HAVE EVEN BEEN STARTING. FANS HERE KNOW IT, BUT THIS DUMB SHIT STARTS HIM AND THEN RIPS INTO HIM. Fucking scrub coach.

I will trade Pop for D'Antoni Rockets fans. You want to make that trade, I'll do it, right now.

[DAF86]

I could have sworn that the Spurs scored four times.

That scrub Lee missed 2 freebies.

[loveforthegame]

2 shots for Leonard both with the clock running down. :td

[timtonymanu]

Aldridge can't score on Anderson ffs

[urunobili]

It's over... :pctoss

[NASpurs]

Weren't the Spurs down like 15 points at some point in every game against the Rockets this season? Per the norm it seems.

[bklynspursfan]

Pau smh

[Ron Swanson]

LMA needs to be aggressive. This isn't Memphis.

[bklynspursfan]

Dammit manu. Give it back to Pau

[RD2191]

Kawhi needs to run the point.