2017 Playoffs WCSF Game 4 Thread: Spurs @ Rockets (8:00 PM CT/4:00 AM Riga/TNT)

[DPG21920]

:cry Spurs defense - they are hitting everything.

[Ice009]

I think start Simmons next game. He's playing great.

[$pursDynasty]

Lee is garbage can't post up Williams

[jag]

"lee has the mismatch he wants"

shoots an air ball from 8 feet

:lmao holy fuck

[313]

Our Bigs :lmao

[spurtech09]

ugh terrible line up

[Arcadian]

:lol Lee and Anderson as the 4/5

[Mnky]

:lol Houston 100% against anderson..

:lol pop refusing to play simmons over manu..

Ruined my spurs in 5. Guess in 6.

[rastaspur]

Simmons showing something tonight.

[ace3g]

Amazing that Pop found minutes for Bertans against Grizz but not against Rockets...

[808]

Are they saving whi? Wtf

[KDKSpurs24]

Nobody can play defense

[spurtech09]

Rockets with 103 pts....

[FkLA]

Poop better not be waving the white flag already. Seriously

[100%duncan]

Pop has given up. Not even putting in kawhi for fucking kyle anderson

[Capt Bringdown]

Pop thrown in the towel?

[resistanze]

Game, wasn't disciplined enough on Houston's binary style of playing.

[Spurs21Fan4Ever]

Would any other coach have Lee in right now?

[313]

:lmao LeBron would be playing this whole fucking quarter.

Poop resting him for the offseason

[spurtech09]

Poop better not be waving the white flag already. Seriously

[GSH]

:lol Jonathon Simmons doesn't even know wtf he's doing. I think He's shooting with his eyes closed


Well then I wish the Spurs had a few more guys who could put up 17 points on 55% shooting with their eyes closed.

[baseline bum]

Why is Mills still in this game? Just put Anderson, Simmons, Aldridge, Forbes, and Joel Anthony in and let them play the rest of the game so no one important gets injured.

[noles1983]

fuck this defense

[DPG21920]

Poop better not be waving the white flag already. Seriously

It's over. Max rest Kawhi.

[jag]

Is that what I said?

They look great. Especially on defense.

[Leetonidas]

This defense is pathetic. What happened

[spursistan]

Tey can't stop a soul :lol...Pop with the subtle white flag...

[james evans]

is there anymore debate that Simmons is better than Green?

[poop]

Why no dedmon the whole series?? He can defend the paint

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Fuck this layup drill bullshit, Game 3 was such a fluke defensively.

[FkLA]

WTF is this idiot coach saving his main horses for?

[Lostwingman]

This is fucking embarrassing. We aren't doing shit unless we start stopping them defense.

[spurtech09]

I don't get these line ups......

[hoopdreams11]

f pop with this lineup we shouldn't see lee for the rest of the series with that miss

[Spurs21Fan4Ever]

David Lee's defense everyone.

[timtonymanu]

A layup drill against Shithead and David West. It's not rocket science, pop, you overrated trash

[GSH]

Why is Mills still in this game? Just put Anderson, Simmons, Aldridge, Forbes, and Joel Anthony in and let them play the rest of the game so no one important gets injured.


I went and found this quote from the last game. I should just put it in my sig. Mills is shit.


"Meanwhile, Mills misses the 3."


They should just record that and replay it over and over.

[DPG21920]

They look great. Especially on defense.

Is that what I said?

[SPURt]

Garbage D. Everything falling for Houston.

[$pursDynasty]

Lay up drill because Poop refuses to play his rim protector so he can play DLee

[spursistan]

Lebron played 46 minutes in Game 4 his team up 3-0 and this faggot resting a 25yo :lmao..

[spurtech09]

Why no dedmon the whole series?? He can defend the paintIts a mystery to me...

[james evans]

:lol Jonathon Simmons doesn't even know wtf he's doing. I think He's shooting with his eyes closed
well green needs to close his eyes when he shoots his WIDE OPEN 3s

[Ice009]

Like, where is Kawhi? If this fucker gives up for a second time in the playoffs, Pop MUST BE FIRED. MUST BE FIRED. You can't go giving up no matter what the score is in the playoffs.

[tbdog]

You can't play Dedmon in this lineup. He has no one to guard.

[daledondale]

Lee is fucking everything, rotations, rebounding, offense, dear lord.

[jag]

Why is Mills still in this game? Just put Anderson, Simmons, Aldridge, Forbes, and Joel Anthony in and let them play the rest of the game so no one important gets injured.

You accidentally named the best player for the Spurs this game as "no one important"

[timtonymanu]

Turning point of the series here. I'm already expecting Pop to play his way out of the series. Rockets in 6

[TheRemix]

Pop and his fucking lineups. We need a big protecting the paint

[DAF86]

Can somebody explain to me what does Lee provide on this matchup?

Defense? No
Shooting? No
Post up game? No
Size? No

I just don't see the point of playing him, tbh.

[DarrinS]

4th quarter starting lineup a white flag tbh.

[Keepin' it real]

All this with no Nene, foul trouble for Cap, and the beard sitting a long time ... the "others" stepping up for Hou. Sucks.

[tmtcsc]

Simmons is showing some spark on offense but the Spurs are back to the olè defense. No interior D. At this point, Spurs better bring their A game on Tuesday. Houston's bench seems to play better on the road. Fucking Spurs.

[Barfunk]

Pop should be held accountable for giving up. This is the fucking playoffs mother fucker.

[Holden_Caulfield]

i thought bertans would be perfect for this series....

[Spurminator]

David Lee is killing us. It's 4 on 5 with him out there.

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

:lol at all these faggots melting down.

[Floyd Pacquiao]

Pop is playing David Lee

[timtonymanu]

You can't play Dedmon in this lineup. He has no one to guard.

Neither can Lee yet he's in there

[spurtech09]

i thought bertans would be perfect for this series....Bertans and Dedmon

[808]

Can somebody explain to me what does Lee provide on this matchup?

Defense? No
Shooting? No
Post up game? No
Size? No

I just don't see the point of playing him, tbh.

Age

[daslicer]

Like, where is Kawhi? If this fucker gives up for a second time in the playoffs, Pop MUST BE FIRED. MUST BE FIRED. You can't go giving up no matter what the score is in the playoffs.

His grudges are what costs the Spurs. He's giving Dedmon the Nazr treatment. If they lose this series it's all on Pop.

[GSH]

"Meanwhile, Mills misses the 3."


They should just record that and replay it over and over.

[spurtech09]

so much fluke 3's

[tmtcsc]

Lol, Pop through in the towel.

[DAF86]

WTF? Kawhi stil not in :lol

[bklynspursfan]

The fickle posters of SpursTalk.. never change :lol

We always knew these guys it was about them and their ability to hit contested shots. They are tonight

[Snaq O'Meal]

Would any other coach have Lee in right now?

Poop has already made up his mind on the player choices to pound the rock with. Any adjustment is an admission of mistake by Poop, and he never makes mistakes.

[313]

:lmao now he plays dedman

Pop is a fucking jackass

[DPG21920]

I dont understand the meltdowns nor the surprise. If HOU is hitting 3's, contested or not, like they are tonight odds are they win.

If they are hitting and SA is down big, it's not a shock to see kawhi rested either.

[spurtech09]

Pop already tanking

[FkLA]

Is this crater faced senile fuck serious? There's 8 minutes left you fucking idiot.

[Capt Bringdown]

Rockets have been in control since the tip.

[100%duncan]

You can't play Dedmon in this lineup. He has no one to guard.

Not really. The plan is to funnel them into the paint since they dont shoot 2's. Dedmon is perfect for that. He also defends the switch better than any spurs big, a think I observed in the reg season.

[Ice009]

Lebron played 46 minutes in Game 4 his team up 3-0 and this faggot resting a 25yo :lmao..

Really, that's awesome. Now Lebron can actually get some rest with winning the series 4-0.

[Holden_Caulfield]

the fuck. he emptied the bench?

[jag]

Is that what I said?

Solid game all things considered. Can't ask for more.

[bklynspursfan]

Looks like Grizz/Spurs game 3 almost.

We'll take the next 2, and you guys can whine about the GS series

[DAF86]

Old faggot throwing the towel :lol

[testies]

yeah, play dedmond you fucks

[Amuseddaysleeper]

I dont understand the meltdowns nor the surprise. If HOU is hitting 3's, contested or not, like they are tonight odds are they win.

If they are hitting and SA is down big, it's not a shock to see kawhi rested either.

Problem is, this season more often than not the Rockets do hit at a decent clip from outside. Does not bode well for the Spurs and the defense from game 3 looks like an outlier.

[DarrinS]

8 minutes of garbage? I'm out

[100%duncan]

This fucking piece of shit coach just gave up after the 3rd quarter. I mean, I wasnt going to blame Pop for this game since no one came to play, but god damn really?

[tbdog]

Neither can Lee yet he's in there

But Lee is by far the better offensive player, and we don't have enough guards to put out there.

[spurtech09]

Rockets are terrible 2 with all these 3's im sorry....there going in but wow terrible shot selection.

[bklynspursfan]

I dont understand the meltdowns nor the surprise. If HOU is hitting 3's, contested or not, like they are tonight odds are they win.

If they are hitting and SA is down big, it's not a shock to see kawhi rested either.

I wish more folks here had some common sense. No magical lineup will change that either. It is what it is

[tholdren]

wonder why spurs let them shoot threes again?

[Snaq O'Meal]

Pop already tanking

Pounding the rock removes the need for Plan B.

[Proxy]

what the fuck pop

[KDKSpurs24]

Pop gave up on the game.. What the fuck kind of coach is he?

[FkLA]

I mean this team was down 15 in the first half and got back in the game. Why in the fuck would this moron why the towel with a quarter left?

[GSH]

Well hell... Reggie has figured out that the Rockets need to make 3's. Fucking amazing analysis there.

[td4mvp21]

Pop :lol

The Spurs are still in a pretty good position with 2 out of the next 3 at home, but I can't think of anything that would be more symbolic of Pop's HORRIFIC coaching decline than a series loss to D'Antoni.

[100%duncan]

Solid game all things considered. Can't ask for more.

Aldridge did fine imo

[Horse]

What the fuck why did pop give up? If there's any team
you can come back against it's houston

[spurtech09]

Refs are garbage too

[timtonymanu]

People scoffing like we're guaranteed the next 2. This Rockets team can easily stay hot the rest of this series.

[daslicer]

I dont understand the meltdowns nor the surprise. If HOU is hitting 3's, contested or not, like they are tonight odds are they win.

If they are hitting and SA is down big, it's not a shock to see kawhi rested either.

Pretty much this. The Rox have hit a ton of contested 3's. Don't know what you can do about that.

[TheRemix]

Fucking pop..you gotta play greedy and do what it takes too win. Not give the rockets life and give them any momentum heading into the next game

[Darius Bieber]

Worst coach in the NBA by far. Giving up on a playoff game.

[DPG21920]

Spurs did some things fine and others not so much. The missed FT, first half TO's and poor 3PT shooting did them in. However, HOU shooting damn near 50% from 3 is not all on SA.

SA won battle of boards again, shot a solid % overall and held HOU to very few FT.

[tbdog]

Not really. The plan is to funnel them into the paint since they dont shoot 2's. Dedmon is perfect for that. He also defends the switch better than any spurs big, a think I observed in the reg season.

But who is Dedmon guarding? There is only one, and during that second unit run, he had no one to mark.

[noles1983]

This team is aids

[GSH]

I mean this team was down 15 in the first half and got back in the game. Why in the fuck would this moron why the towel with a quarter left?


That's what you do in the 4th quarter. You're not the best coach in history - you wouldn't understand.

[Holden_Caulfield]

is pop retarded?

[spurtech09]

Nothing is going right tonight

[mclinejr]

I guess Pop figures that Houston is not going to miss. It still sucks to see a whole quarter potentially wasted.

[NameLess Scrub]

Told you we were at the mercy of their offense. They're just making the shots tonight.

Ryan decides to give a chance to mid range, makes 2 baskets :lol

Told you guys Rockets in 6

[ace3g]

10 missed FTs...

[jag]

Aldridge did fine imo

Spurs looked great out there, tbh. Especially Aldridge. Good Defense as well.

[spurtech09]

I guess pop wanted to lose tonight.

[Darius Bieber]

Rockets win the next two easily. Trash ass team.

[FkLA]

Yo fuck this faggot coach, seriously. It's one thing to lose and another to not be allowed to compete. This motherfucker seriously gave up after 3 quarters.

[bic50]

Told you we were at the mercy of their offense. They're just making the shots tonight.

Ryan decides to give a chance to mid range, makes 2 baskets :lol

Told you guys Rockets in 6
Garbage fan

[ace3g]

Game is out of reach and still no time for Bertans...

[Quiet Strength]

There's no way pop wanted to win tonight.

[Ibleedslvrnblk]

I guess Pop figures that Houston is not going to miss. It still sucks to see a whole quarter potentially wasted.

Not wasted. Give the young guys experience. Have to look atbigger picture. A lot of main players shitting the bed. Someone needs to step up...

[jag]

Either way this is just a contest to see who gets the privilege of getting bukakked 4 straight times by Golden State.

[jbspurs]

Too much Anderson in the 4th..

[ElNono]

at least we got home court back... but if they're drilling 3s like nobody's business, it's gonna look grim... gotta win at home

[spurtech09]

If some way the Spurs make it to the third round I can see Warriors scoring in the mid 200's against this lousy defense.

[Ibleedslvrnblk]

There's no way pop wanted to win tonight.

I don't think the players did either based in their play...

[Robz4000]

Spurs had a great chance to win this game, then Poo reared his ugly fucking head. Sick of this shit.

[Crazymaddopeyo]

Not scared, Rockets literally have to shoot almost perfect to beat the Spurs. If any team gets lucky with their shots like that you won't win. I don't see them shooting like that three times in best of seven.

[mclinejr]

Not wasted. Give the young guys experience. Have to look atbigger picture. A lot of main players shitting the bed. Someone needs to step up...

Good point.

[DarrinS]

Rockets win the next two easily. Trash ass team.

^posts with butt plug in, tbh

[Spurminator]

Dedmon not showing much that makes me want to give him more minutes.

[bklynspursfan]

Spurs had a great chance to win this game, then Poo reared his ugly fucking head. Sick of this shit.

They were down like 18. Where the hell was the "great chance"???

[SAGirl]

Pop gave up on this game too early... :td

[DPG21920]

Pop has not been amazing or anything but HOU is a damn good team that is the 3rd seed. SA got HC advantage back and it's best of 3 w/ 2 at home.

[Budkin]

Game is out of reach and still no time for Bertans...

Wouldn't be fair

[Robz4000]

at least we got home court back... but if they're drilling 3s like nobody's business, it's gonna look grim... gotta win at home

They started drilling wide-open threes due to Gasol/LMA being unable to close out. If he goes small after that starts happening Spurs are in this game.

[808]

If some way the Spurs make it to the third round I can see Warriors scoring in the mid 200's against this lousy defense.

:lol

[SAGirl]

Dedmon not showing much that makes me want to give him more minutes.
Yes.. I am doubting they even reup him tbh what a downfall

[Horse]

So fucking frustrating. So much of this is self-inflicted. Just don't get how they come out so satisfied and then pop just gives up. There really is nothing scary about this fucking faggot rocket team.

[jag]

Spurs had a great chance to win this game, then Poo reared his ugly fucking head. Sick of this shit.

I don't see how this is on Pop, tbh. Even though you really want to work that angle.

The first unit got blown off the court to begin the game. And then again to begin the 2nd half.

[GSH]

Capela with only 5 fouls. :lol

[Crazymaddopeyo]

Pop fucked up, so did the players. Atrocious defense. I mean I kind of like that he makes them sit and think about how shitty they played but I guess they should've been in.

[Robz4000]

They were down like 18. Where the hell was the "great chance"???

When he called TO after Harden drains that three in LMA's face to put Houston up 11.

[Spurs21Fan4Ever]

I feel anyone think Rockets will shoot like this again is crazy. Yeah they're getting too many open threes but they've made so many lucky contested threes and meanwhile the Spurs have been ice cold.

[Budkin]

If some way the Spurs make it to the third round I can see Warriors scoring in the mid 200's against this lousy defense.

Dubs will sweep either one of our shitty teams.

[Ibleedslvrnblk]

No one on this Spurs team should.shoot threes

[bklynspursfan]

Bobby Brown!

[Nathan89]

I just want LMA to get some fucking trade value.

[GSH]

They started drilling wide-open threes due to Gasol/LMA being unable to close out. If he goes small after that starts happening Spurs are in this game.

The game was lost when they had no bigs, and our bigs were to ball-less to press the advantage.

[Lostwingman]

Honestly if our gameplan is "hope the other team isn't making 3s" then this entire playoffs is just a wash. I hope we can dig some kind of gameplan out that doesn't have us bent over behind the arc.

[spurtech09]

I just want LMA to get some fucking trade value.sounds like a good idea

[Ibleedslvrnblk]

Spurs have had a long tradition of shitting the bed in the 3rd. I mean forever! I wonder what they do at half??

[rasuo214]

Pop is 21-29 42 percent in game 4
Other games 142-72 66.4 percent

21-30 in Game 4s now.

[Strategic]

Dedmon trying his best Westbrook on that free throw rebound

[bklynspursfan]

When he called TO after Harden drains that three in LMA's face to put Houston up 11.

So its the timeout that costed us? We aren't hitting 3s tonight, even good looks. They are hitting bad/good looks. I dont think a timeout was changing that .

Green/Patty/Pau, etc... we needed more.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

I feel anyone think Rockets will shoot like this again is crazy. Yeah they're getting too many open threes but they've made so many lucky contested threes and meanwhile the Spurs have been ice cold.

Houston has been doing this all season. They shot really well in Game 1 as well. Spurs need to play Game 3 like defense just to win by 11. If Rockets win game 5 this series is over and the Spurs will have choked in the playoffs once again.

[NASpurs]

There's still a game on? I bailed out after that Anderson buzzer beater to end the third, feels like an eternity :lol

[Horse]

All it takes against this fucks is all out effort. We came out like they were gonna just hand it over.

[$pursDynasty]

I have never been more disgusted at Spurs as I am at Pau, DLee, and Pop tonight.

[Ibleedslvrnblk]

There's still a game on? I bailed out after that Anderson buzzer beater to end the third, feels like an eternity :lol

Spurs up.by 5 with 30 seconds left. You missed the most amazing comeback ever. The Deadmon dunk from.center started it off...

[duncan2k5]

They started drilling wide-open threes due to Gasol/LMA being unable to close out. If he goes small after that starts happening Spurs are in this game.

THIS!!!!!!!!!! Stop SWITCHING!!! go UNDER all Harden screens!

[GSH]

Green/Patty/Pau, etc... we needed more.



Orrr... Pop should have played the guys who at least have some stones. I'd live or die with guys who at least don't play soft.

[SAGirl]

Pop has not been amazing or anything but HOU is a damn good team that is the 3rd seed. SA got HC advantage back and it's best of 3 w/ 2 at home.
You are right.

[$pursDynasty]

Pau wouldn't take the ball inside consistently if Rox coach was defending him.

[808]

All it takes against this fucks is all out effort. We came out like they were gonna just hand it over.

The whole team looked content with splitting in Houston. Never seen any frustration in their faces

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Spurs did some things fine and others not so much. The missed FT, first half TO's and poor 3PT shooting did them in. However, HOU shooting damn near 50% from 3 is not all on SA.

SA won battle of boards again, shot a solid % overall and held HOU to very few FT.

Yet we got annihilated, which is scary. I know when Houston hits from outside they're tough to beat but the problem is that more often than not the Rockets DO hit from outside. It's not random for them to shoot well. Spurs did such a nice job in Game 3 and completely regressed in Game 4.

[rasuo214]

The game was lost when they had no bigs, and our bigs were to ball-less to press the advantage.

Spurs get into massive hole by playing big in the 1st quarter.

Make a comeback in the 2nd by mostly playing small.

Come out in the 3rd quarter (against a smaller Rockets team) playing big.

4th quarter = white flag.

[Capt Bringdown]

All those easy buckets early in the paint enabled the Rockets 3 point barrage. LMA, Pau and/or Lee aren't stopping anyone at the rim.

[Robz4000]

So its the timeout that costed us? We aren't hitting 3s tonight, even good looks. They are hitting bad/good looks. I dont think a timeout was changing that .

Green/Patty/Pau, etc... we needed more.

He should've benched one of Gasol/LMA and subbed in Simmons to better close out and give the Spurs another slasher/finisher. Houston had no answer for Simmons tonight.

[DPG21920]

Houston has been doing this all season. They shot really well in Game 1 as well. Spurs need to play Game 3 like defense just to win by 11. If Rockets win game 5 this series is over and the Spurs will have choked in the playoffs once again.

Nothing you say is rooted in fact but i love it anyways.

[SpurPadre]

I fucking hate every little step Bobby Brown takes

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Nothing you say is rooted in fact but i love it anyways.

:lol cheers :toast

[DarrinS]

So nice to wait all day for these late games, only to have a Pop quit after 3 quarters.

[Ibleedslvrnblk]

So nice to wait all day for these late games, only to have a Pop quit after 3 quarters.

What did you expect to happen? A totally 360 from everyone? This team is KL based and he would have had to score 40 in the fourth. Not worth it. Move on....

[GSH]

Spurs get into massive hole by playing big in the 1st quarter.

Make a comeback in the 2nd by mostly playing small.

Come out in the 3rd quarter (against a smaller Rockets team) playing big.

4th quarter = white flag.

Yeah, but everything should have changed when Nene went to the locker room, and Capela went to the bench. You're comparing apples and... well fucking not apples. When our bigs can't post up their 1 and 2 guards, why have bigs at all? That should have been when the Spurs finally took the lead.

[daslicer]

I fucking hate every little step Bobby Brown takes

Every time I hear that name I think of the late Whitney Houston's husband.

[SpurPadre]

I hate when Pop tanks games and waves the white flag but there was no way we were winning tonight after they exploded in the 3rd quarter.

[sasaint]

This playoff performance is gonna get Simmons paid. Maybe not by the Spurs, but by someone.

Yep. Tonight sealed it.

[kaji157]

Well it's 2 of 3 with 2 at home and Houston already had two Hot shooting games while the spurs had only one.

[SpurPadre]

I just hope we win in 6 and get some modicum of rest against the Golden State Assholes.

[rasuo214]

Yeah, but everything should have changed when Nene went to the locker room, and Capela went to the bench. You're comparing apples and... well fucking not apples. When our bigs can't post up their 1 and 2 guards, why have bigs at all? That should have been when the Spurs finally took the lead.

The Spurs should have came out small in the 3rd to match the Rockets. Not only will this help in defending the 3 but it'll also keep Lee out of the rotation.

[sasaint]

I think start Simmons next game. He's playing great.

No need to replace Murray. Keep the Juice on the second unit for some... juice. But you can park Manu on the bench next game.

[SAGirl]

So fucking frustrating. So much of this is self-inflicted. Just don't get how they come out so satisfied and then pop just gives up. There really is nothing scary about this fucking faggot rocket team.
I have to ask the long term Spurs fan. I had never b4 known Pop to give up on playoff games so early with a lot of time left.... once in Grizz series (game 3) and once here. Is that common for him or should we consider him losing some fire or something.

[sasaint]

Lee is garbage can't post up Williams

You think LMA could?

[Rito3d30]

After 3rd quarter, thought the game was pretty much over
not much of a chance to recover such deficit with the rockets shooting like that

[DPG21920]

I have to ask the long term Spurs fan. I had never b4 known Pop to give up on playoff games so early with a lot of time left.... once in Grizz series (game 3) and once here. Is that common for him or should we consider him losing some fire or something.

A little math for those questioning the decision:

861413860246532096

[GSH]

The Spurs should have came out small in the 3rd to match the Rockets. Not only will this help in defending the 3 but it'll also keep Lee out of the rotation.


Well you sort of moved the goal post there. Mid-way through the second quarter (somewhere in there) Nene had gone to the locker room, and Capela went to the bench with 3 fouls. That's when the Spus' bigs should have had a field day. They could/should have had a lead at the half.

Capela was off the bench to start the third. It's a totally different situation. Bottom line, our bigs are too fucking weak to post up guards. I don't give a shit what happened later, that stretch should have been advantage Spurs. And it wasn't.

[$pursDynasty]

You think LMA could?
LMA finally realized they were guarding him with smurfs and started to take it inside. Something Pau never figured out.

[ElNono]

A little math for those questioning the decision:

861413860246532096

well, that's debatable though... how many of those he emptied the bench early? this modus operandi isn't new for him, tbh

[SAGirl]

Yeah, but everything should have changed when Nene went to the locker room, and Capela went to the bench. You're comparing apples and... well fucking not apples. When our bigs can't post up their 1 and 2 guards, why have bigs at all? That should have been when the Spurs finally took the lead.

It doesn't look good for the next round should they get there, but we already knew that. Encouraging games by Murray and Simmons but that's about it.

also it's sad Dedmon flamed out this early in the postseason. One could say him not playing and playing bad when he does is a loss for the team.

[$pursDynasty]

GSH is right, the fact that our 4 & 5 can't dominate their 1 & 2 inside cost us the game, period.

[rasuo214]

Well you sort of moved the goal post there. Mid-way through the second quarter (somewhere in there) Nene had gone to the locker room, and Capela went to the bench with 3 fouls. That's when the Spus' bigs should have had a field day. They could/should have had a lead at the half.

Capela was off the bench to start the third. It's a totally different situation. Bottom line, our bigs are too fucking weak to post up guards. I don't give a shit what happened later, that stretch should have been advantage Spurs. And it wasn't.

Not changing the goal posts at all, just stating that the team plays better when they've gone small against the Rockets and you're only supporting my point when the bigs are incapable of taking advantage of the size difference.

[sasaint]

I have to ask the long term Spurs fan. I had never b4 known Pop to give up on playoff games so early with a lot of time left.... once in Grizz series (game 3) and once here. Is that common for him or should we consider him losing some fire or something.

The way this game was going, I applaud him for giving some young guys some long (even if garbage) minutes and, mostly for conserving Kawhi et al's energy.

[SAGirl]

A little math for those questioning the decision:

861413860246532096
Wow thats tragic. I remember games Pop gave up on in 2014 but the blowouts we are talking about were almos 30 pts or something. Ah well on to the next one. This one was going to be hard.

[GSH]

BTW - Manu took a hard elbow shot to the ribs (or just below) when Anderson came down on top of him. He came back in the game, but it sure looked like he was still uncomfortable. I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't play next game. That would begin to tighten the rotation a bit.

[FkLA]

A little math for those questioning the decision:

861413860246532096

I don't give a fuck about that stat. Unlikely doesn't mean impossible. The team was down 15 in the first half and was back in the game midway through the 2nd. They've had numerous comebacks this whole season. Let them fight.

[UZER]

A little math for those questioning the decision:

861413860246532096

Wait, doesn't that prove that Pop concedes games too early?

[BillMc]

I am not usually critical of Pop but he pulled the starters early for my taste.

[GSH]

A little math for those questioning the decision:

861413860246532096


I don't give a fuck about that stat. Unlikely doesn't mean impossible. The team was down 15 in the first half and was back in the game midway through the 2nd. They've had numerous comebacks this whole season. Let them fight.


I wonder what the math said about Miami being down by 5 with 20 seconds left in Game 6 against the Spurs? The math doesn't mean shit in the playoffs. You compete.

[SAGirl]

I am not usually critical of Pop but he pulled the starters early for my taste.
Me too... though I am critical of Pop plenty... I was wondering if it was just me this time though... Thanks for cthe candid opinion.

[BillMc]

Me too... though I am critical of Pop plenty... I was wondering if it was just me this time though... Thanks for cthe candid opinion.

I can only think that Pau is old, Kawhi over-worked, and LMA may be nursing an injury, and he made a poker move i.e. if the chance of winning the hand is long, cut your losses and fold. Win the next hand. (Or in our case 2 of the next 3 hands).

[FkLA]

I wonder what the math said about Miami being down by 5 with 20 seconds left in Game 6 against the Spurs? The math doesn't mean shit in the playoffs. You compete.

No shit. GOAT coach imo but I can't believe people defend this type of crap from him. A simple 6-0 run and you're back in the game.

This type of shit leaves a worse taste in my mouth than Game 4 at MEM or Game 1 vs HOU. I can only imagine how frustrated players must feel.

[SAGirl]

I can only think that Pau is old, Kawhi over-worked, and LMA may be nursing an injury, and he made a poker move i.e. if the chance of winning the hand is long, cut your losses and fold. Win the next hand. (Or in our case 2 of the next 3 hands).
Makes sense... :toast

[BillMc]

Makes sense... :toast
:toast

[cjw]

No shit. GOAT coach imo but I can't believe people defend this type of crap from him. A simple 6-0 run and you're back in the game.

This type of shit leaves a worse taste in my mouth than Game 4 at MEM or Game 1 vs HOU. I can only imagine how frustrated players must feel.

Not to fully excuse what he did, but Kawhi had played 30 minutes heading into the fourth and if he starts the fourth, he's not playing the whole quarter. Aldridge had played the lions share of minutes in the third after being in foul trouble. That said, what he trotted out there was embarrassing.

When within 14 with 8 or so to go, THAT's when you bring in Kawhi for a few minutes to see if you can chip away. If not, you can pull him and still keep him at 33-34 minutes.

[Fireball]

benching the starters this early is tough to watch ... but I also cannot remember a playoff series with such a tight schedule ... only 1 day rest between all the first six games

anyway ... no win situation tonight for the Spurs ... lets hope for some extra energy back in SA

[SAGirl]

Not to fully excuse what he did, but Kawhi had played 30 minutes heading into the fourth and if he starts the fourth, he's not playing the whole quarter. Aldridge had played the lions share of minutes in the third after being in foul trouble. That said, what he trotted out there was embarrassing.

When within 14 with 8 or so to go, THAT's when you bring in Kawhi for a few minutes to see if you can chip away. If not, you can pull him and still keep him at 33-34 minutes.
Him playing Lee at the 5 in that stretch was brutal. KA was the one trying to contest shots at the rim... he's not q shot blocker... Lee was worse bc he didn't even come in and help. Then Dedmon played and we see why he didn't play the entire series and has been benched. The amount of mistakes he made were comical and tragic.

again it's a shame Dedmon is unplayable at this point. The Spurs top defense featured at least 15-20 minutes of Dedmon. When those are absorbed by Lee it's brutal.

[GSH]

I can only think that Pau is old, Kawhi over-worked, and LMA may be nursing an injury, and he made a poker move i.e. if the chance of winning the hand is long, cut your losses and fold. Win the next hand. (Or in our case 2 of the next 3 hands).


Yeah, well I'm not voting for him to be coach again next year. So take that for data.

[Ice009]

A little math for those questioning the decision:

861413860246532096

Haven't the Spurs won a playoff game or two being down by that many points in the 4th? I mean, not starting the 4th down 15, but being down by 14,15 at some point during the quarter. I don't remember how much we were down by, but game 1 against Goldenstate 2013, weren't we down 14-15 points with 4 minutes or so left and then came back to win it in OT?

I don't ever agree with giving up in a playoff game. Miami didn't give up in game 6, they were on the verge of getting blown out and Pop rests everyone to start the 4th, while Miami plays Lebron from the get-go. I don't like Pop's coaching at all. I don't give up. Fuck that. Anyone who takes that approach shouldn't be coaching a team that is looking to win a Championship. That's not what champions do. Champions don't ever give up. Pop is a chump. More and more do I not agree with what that guy does.

[GSH]

KA was the one trying to contest shots at the rim... he's not q shot blocker... Lee was worse bc he didn't even come in and help. Then Dedmon played and we see why he didn't play the entire series and has been benched. The amount of mistakes he made were comical and tragic.

again it's a shame Dedmon is unplayable at this point. The Spurs top defense featured at least 15-20 minutes of Dedmon. When those are absorbed by Lee it's brutal.


A week ago, you were piling on Pop for benching Dedmon when he had that "look of intensity in his eyes". One week later, he's totally unplayable? C'mon.
I would have liked to see Pop bring in Simmons, Dedmon, and Bertans and just let them play enforcer-type ball. The crowd in Houston would go ape-shit, D'Antoni would go ape-shit, and the Rockets would lose their offensive rhythm in the chaos. But Pop is never going to do that. Instead, we have a 7-foot center who can't post up guards - even when they don't have a legit big man on the floor to help.


When he got inserted in the 2nd half he looked like a man possessed. He played decent for him while he was in, but it was nice to see that, bc at the time LaMarucs and Gasol were being pushed around and passive.


Yes. The team needed that fire to counter the crowd's bullshit. Shame on Pop for wanting to change that. Dude had a hard time finding the right buttons to push all series long.


Agreed. I was disappointed in Pops coaching. He was bailed out by MVP Kawhi and MVParjer, who played like its 2013, and one wonders how long he can sustain that. Anyways, let's not forget Pop threw a playoff game.
Glad for the team they advanced but Pop wasn't stellar with game adjustments.

[Nathan89]

Pop has been giving up for years. I think that plays into those results.

[Spurs da champs]

Kyle Anderson was getting torched in the 3rd.

[SAGirl]

A week ago, you were piling on Pop for benching Dedmon when he had that "look of intensity in his eyes". One week later, he's totally unplayable? C'mon.
I would have liked to see Pop bring in Simmons, Dedmon, and Bertans and just let them play enforcer-type ball. The crowd in Houston would go ape-shit, D'Antoni would go ape-shit, and the Rockets would lose their offensive rhythm in the chaos. But Pop is never going to do that. Instead, we have a 7-foot center who can't post up guards - even when they don't have a legit big man on the floor to help.
I don't remember piling on Pop about Dedmon specifically.
I wasn't a happy camper he threw away game 3 benching everyone with 22 minutes to go in the game.

More than anything I am lamenting the fact Dedmon got a chance here and didn't that play well, again the TO, missed rebounds, etc. Just not solid enough play to make one think he's going to get out of the doghouse. And I do think it's a loss for the Spurs in general he has fallen out of the rotation.

I HAVE been noisy about not liking Pops Lee-Love of late. I think Spurs still need the rim protection Dedmon brings. I just can't make a noisy case in his favor when he's playing poorly out there.

[Crazymaddopeyo]

Anyone one notice last night Reggie was wearing the Pop and Sager enamel pin someone posted on here before. https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1196/3606/products/InterviewProduct_1024x1024.png?v=1459118889