Real OFFICIAL, First, not FAKE, GT: Kawhi @ Houston, 8:30 PM CT, 4:30 PM Riga Dec. 15

[hater]

Once berta, manure and gasoft sit we look like we could at least compete

[r0drig0lac]

Harden is my most hated player outside of the Warriors. He tends to get a lot of bs touch fouls.

I do not really care about Harden, but Morey did a great job putting a great team to his playing style

PATFO however...

[TheGreatYacht]

Good on Pop only giving Ginose the dying dog 6 minutes of playing time

[sasaint]

As much as I dislike Kyle, he could help. Spurs desperately need someone to fill in Gasol's minutes against teams like this. He is next to unplayable.

Basically, we must make a move now that trades are possible. But we prolly won't. This season is a lot like an episode of The Twilight Zone with Kawhi's old-man antics, Tony missing a lot of time...

[Budkin]

Bryn can shoot like a mofo

He’s been awesome this year.

[sasaint]

Harden is my most hated player outside of the Warriors. He tends to get a lot of bs touch fouls.

[Robz4000]

Freethrow shooting is still a massive issue with this team.

[bklynspursfan]

C'mon Patty

[TheGreatYacht]

Fatty Mills building houses with free throws now

[SAGirl]

At least there's light (or false hope) at the end of the tunnel, a tweet from yesterday.

941440334130802688
I don't think Pop will trade the guys who you really would need to trade though.

[Horse]

Senile hubie! Only pounding hardon takes is up the ass. He gets to the line but doesnt get fouled.

[SpurPadre]

With our ft shooting, we're better off not getting calls, tbh.

[r0drig0lac]

Joffrey is stupid...damn

[Robz4000]

:lmao Lauvergne

[ElNono]

Good call by Pop to save Manu for tomorrow...

[TimDunkem]

Jesus Christ, Mills. :lol

[SAGirl]

Lauvergne gets in the game just in time for the 4 pt play.

[SpurPadre]

Get that fucking Lannister off the court...

[daslicer]

I do not really care about Harden, but Morey did a great job putting a great team to his playing style

PATFO however...

Spare me the PATFO bitching. This was about Harden and his bs ref treatment he gets.

[TheGreatYacht]

Good call by Pop to save Manu for tomorrow...
Are there houses that need cleaning?

[TimDunkem]

:lmao Lauvergne

And this is our only backup big. :lmao

[bklynspursfan]

Gotta say BP3 is a pretty good defender. Defended Harden really well there, but in general

[ElNono]

Are there houses that need cleaning?

isn't Rodeo time soon?

[Robz4000]

I'm really starting to hate Murray.

[ElNono]

rofl Dejounte

[bklynspursfan]

Murray smh

[ElNono]

nigga gonna be on the doghouse for the next 3 years

[daslicer]

And certain posters wonder why Murray doesn't get a lot of minutes.

[sasaint]

isn't Rodeo time soon?

Wonder what our worst RRT record is...

[LakerHater]

Fuckn Jounte!

[TheGreatYacht]

Chris Paul is the MJ of Spurs killers.

If we played CP3, Barea, Reggie Jackson, Ray Allen, and Teletovic 82 times... we'd be the late 2000's Bobcats

[ismael-robert]

Dabom thread killed our team. Damn bat manu was this worth it?

[tholdren]

rofl Dejounte

Hes a retard

[sasaint]

Lost the third quarter, too, after I thought we might win it.

[RD2191]

Spurs would be in this if not for that shit 1st quarter.

[tholdren]

Lost the third quarter, too, after I thought we might win it.

Murray killed all hope of any type of win. But but but his rebounding... oh spurstalk

[bklynspursfan]

Bring him off the bench.

He's still playing limited minutes. No matter how you slice it, the dynamic of the team will change.

[daslicer]

Spurs would be in this if not for that shit 1st quarter.

That's pretty much I feel. Spurs are always able to get down to 17 and then the Rockets push back up to 20 plus.

[daslicer]

Capella is trying to go David Robinson on Lavergne.

[bklynspursfan]

Harden is my most hated player outside of the Warriors. He tends to get a lot of bs touch fouls.

It's disgusting

[hater]

Spurs making co3 d goat

[Robz4000]

He's still playing limited minutes. No matter how you slice it, the dynamic of the team will change.

If he comes off the bench it allows LMA to get it going on offense early along with Parker/Gay in the SL. That way when the Spurs let Kawhi do his thing it's with the bench unit against opposing benches and when he reaches his minute cap the Spurs still have something to turn to offensively. If they keep this current status quo up they very well may lose the next 4-5 games.

[tholdren]

Lol might as well take anyone from spurstalk over murray. Again, the talent in the nba that makes this guy a 1st rd pick. Just terrible.

[SpurPadre]

Can we get Cliff Paul from All State instead of Brandon Paul, tbh?

[ElNono]

If he comes off the bench it allows LMA to get it going on offense early along with Parker/Gay in the SL. That way when the Spurs let Kawhi do his thing it's with the bench unit against opposing benches and when he reaches his minute cap the Spurs still have something to turn to offensively. If they keep this current status quo up they very well may lose the next 4-5 games.

But you would never do that to Duncan, and Kawhi is the franchise, not the other guys... I rather send LMA to the bench and if he whines, get rid of him, tbh

[Ice009]

If he comes off the bench it allows LMA to get it going on offense early along with Parker/Gay in the SL. That way when the Spurs let Kawhi do his thing it's with the bench unit against opposing benches and when he reaches his minute cap the Spurs still have something to turn to offensively. If they keep this current status quo up they very well may lose the next 4-5 games.

I'm going to have to agree. Maybe play him off the bench if this minute restriction shit goes on for a long time.

For the record, I am for a minute restriction, but not for a whole month or anything that long. He's not coming off of a major injury like Rudy Gay or TP, but since he is coming back from a long layoff, he does need a bit of a minute restriction. I just hope Pop doesn't freaking go overboard with it.

[TheGreatYacht]

Can we get Cliff Paul from All State instead of Brandon Paul, tbh?
Warriors FO wouldn't give us Curry's mouthpiece for that scrub

[Robz4000]

But you would never do that to Duncan, and Kawhi is the franchise, not the other guys... I rather send LMA to the bench and if he whines, get rid of him, tbh

You still have the same problem with everyone deferring to Kawhi who can only go for 15-20 mins a night for the forseable future. If they start off games with that mentality they'll keep it the whole game.

[TimDunkem]

Lol might as well take anyone from spurstalk over murray. Again, the talent in the nba that makes this guy a 1st rd pick. Just terrible.

According to you, you can take his place since there's no talent in the NBA. Better get Pop on the phone. :lol

[Snaq O'Meal]

Lol might as well take anyone from spurstalk over murray. Again, the talent in the nba that makes this guy a 1st rd pick. Just terrible.

You can thank PATFO for making Murray a first round pick when every other team backed off.

[tholdren]

According to you, you can take his place since there's no talent in the NBA. Better get Pop on the phone. :lol

According to you hes a talent.... lol youre not very smart

[bklynspursfan]

If he comes off the bench it allows LMA to get it going on offense early along with Parker/Gay in the SL. That way when the Spurs let Kawhi do his thing it's with the bench unit against opposing benches and when he reaches his minute cap the Spurs still have something to turn to offensively. If they keep this current status quo up they very well may lose the next 4-5 games.

Sounds like you want Kawhi to come off the bench permanently.. LMA can learn to get going with Kawhi. He had chances tonight, he just couldn't hit crap.

And there's no way they lose the next 4-5 games. I know you overreact a lot, but they aren't dropping consecutive home games against a lottery team (who they just lost to) and a team riddled with injures.

[LakerHater]

Harden & Paul still in

[bklynspursfan]

Joff is playing well

[boutons_deux]

Will the Spurs win just one quarter?

[daslicer]

Lavergne is looking somewhat decent.

[r0drig0lac]

my nigga bertans

[ElNono]

You still have the same problem with everyone deferring to Kawhi who can only go for 15-20 mins a night for the forseable future. If they start off games with that mentality they'll keep it the whole game.

you're going to have that problem no matter what, the question is if you can make LMA more productive instead of apathetic...

[Robz4000]

Sounds like you want Kawhi to come off the bench permanently.. LMA can learn to get going with Kawhi. He had chances tonight, he just couldn't hit crap.

And there's no way they lose the next 4-5 games. I know you overreact a lot, but they aren't dropping consecutive home games against a lottery team (who they just lost to) and a team riddled with injures.

Not permanently, until he gets his legs and the minute restriction is gone. Kawhi and LMA flourishing together is this team's only chance of copening with the Dubs/Rockets.

[bklynspursfan]

Another missed foul call. Smh

[SAGirl]

San Antonio bench making a run. this is precisely what I meant when I said playmaking and defense was underrated and missed. sometimes you can't score bc you can't stop anybody and don't get anything easy.

[Spurtacular]

2-1-1 on 1-4 FG. What a line from Parker! Dude's carrying us!

[TimDunkem]

According to you hes a talent.... lol youre not very smart

According to you, you can take his place. :lol

[daslicer]

These refs are garbage. They are giving the Rox every benefit of the doubt when it comes to touch fouls but for the Spurs they don't call nothing.

[TheGreatYacht]

Pop still giving it to these smelly small penis cauc refs. Love it

[tholdren]

Another missed foul call. Smh

Thunderrefs. Out with murray in with a run

[SpurPadre]

Warriors FO wouldn't give us Curry's mouthpiece for that scrub

:lol

[bklynspursfan]

Not permanently, until he gets his legs and the minute restriction is gone. Kawhi and LMA flourishing together is this team's only chance of copening with the Dubs/Rockets.

How will they flourish if you want them to play apart? We've already played nearly 30 games, they need as much time to get as possible. This out of sync stuff is normal stuff that you'd see to start a season. Problem is, we're in December, but with Kawhi coming back, it is kind of a reset button scenario.

[tholdren]

According to you, you can take his place. :lol

According to me anyone here could.

[AFMadison]

San Antonio bench making a run. this is precisely what I meant when I said playmaking and defense was underrated and missed. sometimes you can't score bc you can't stop anybody and don't get anything easy.
Imagine if we still had Simmons too

[sasaint]

If he comes off the bench it allows LMA to get it going on offense early along with Parker/Gay in the SL. That way when the Spurs let Kawhi do his thing it's with the bench unit against opposing benches and when he reaches his minute cap the Spurs still have something to turn to offensively. If they keep this current status quo up they very well may lose the next 4-5 games.

Tbh, I expected Kawhi to come off the bench for the first few games after his return.

[ElNono]

We're going to cut the lead to 10, have all the momentum and Poop will call a timeout and put the starters again... lose by 20 then

[Budkin]

Harden & Paul still in

That’s what regular season players and coaches do.

[TimDunkem]

According to me anyone here could.

According to you the best talent isn't even playing in the NBA. :lol

[SpurPadre]

I have to say this is one of Lannister's best games of the season, tbh.

[daslicer]

I have to say this is one of Lannister's best games of the season, tbh.

Hoping he can build on it.

[Robz4000]

you're going to have that problem no matter what, the question is if you can make LMA more productive instead of apathetic...

It's not as big an issue with the bench since as the game wears on they'll mix and match with the starters who should already be in a rhythm. It'd also take a nice load off Manu's shoulders and let him play off ball much more. Like I said, it isn't a permanent deal, just until Kawhi is ready to play 30+ mins.

[tholdren]

According to you the best talent isn't even playing in the NBA. :lol
Yep

[BatManu20]

Wish BP3 would've taken Harden's ACL with him tbh.

[Robz4000]

Did BP3 just Pat Bev Harden's knee?

[TimDunkem]

Yep

You're not very smart.

[hater]

Lol hardon

[daslicer]

Forbes with the stupid play. Lavergne had a good post up opportunity and Forbes made the stupid pass.

[LakerHater]

That's wht they get for havin ur stars in a blue out!!

[ElNono]

:lol Rockets announcers having the GALL to call Manu the biggest flopper

[UZER]

:lol harden. Can't stand watching that dude play. It's about the refs with him on every single play.

[davi78239]

That's not a flagrant. Come on

[SpurPadre]

Hoping he can build on it.

Yeah, it would be worth it to reward him with more minutes tomorrow.

[tholdren]

You're not very smart.

Murray is in while someone else is not.... mills is in yet someone else is not.... there are 2

[daslicer]

:lol At the dumbass commentator saying "Harden goes to the line a lot He must being getting hacked a lot."

[Robz4000]

How will they flourish if you want them to play apart? We've already played nearly 30 games, they need as much time to get as possible. This out of sync stuff is normal stuff that you'd see to start a season. Problem is, we're in December, but with Kawhi coming back, it is kind of a reset button scenario.

They have plenty of time to do so when Kawhi is ready for normal minutes after XMas/New Years. At this point it's about not falling back below the other teams in the standings. Falling down to the fourth seed or worse is very possible right now.

[TheGreatYacht]

:lol Rockets announcers having the GALL to call Manu the biggest flopper
They aren't wrong son. Dude watches too much libertadores

[LakerHater]

Lauvergne sucks

[TimDunkem]

Murray is in while someone else is not.... mills is in yet someone else is not.... there are 2

Tell me why you're not the one out there since there's no talent in the league.

[BatManu20]

941890569470730245

[SAGirl]

Murray showing his potential :tu

[tholdren]

Tell me why you're not the one out there since there's no talent in the league.

You are saying that no one out of the nba is as talented as those 2?

[TimDunkem]

You are saying that no one out of the nba is as talented as those 2?
No. I'm asking you why you're not in the league since there's no talent in it according to you.

[bklynspursfan]

They have plenty of time to do so when Kawhi is ready for normal minutes after XMas/New Years. At this point it's about not falling back below the other teams in the standings. Falling down to the fourth seed or worse is very possible right now.

I just don't get it, if Kawhi comes off the bench, when he returns to the SL, it's back to Square 1 with the chemistry stuff between them.

And maybe they do fall to 4, it won't last. The fact that we stayed this close in the standings without Kawhi was a big deal, I bet most here had us much worse playing without him.

[bklynspursfan]

Lauvergne sucks

He's been quite good tonight, wrong game to say that lol

[LakerHater]

Harden & Paul not even on the bench

[bklynspursfan]

Paul passing up a 3 to get Murray a 3. Know your personnel homey

[tholdren]

No. I'm asking you why you're not in the league since there's no talent in it according to you.

So then you agree. Thats what i thought

[SpurPadre]

If that fuckhead brown goes for another three, flagrant foul his ass.

[sasaint]

BP3 has passed up 2 straight treys I wish he had taken. He has been shrinking since the start of the season.

[TimDunkem]

So then you agree. Thats what i thought

Avoiding the question. Your desperation has been noted.

[SAGirl]

once the Houston garbage time comes in, there isn't anything much to get away from it since they are just loafing around and spending the shot clock. Still a good game by Murray

[james evans]

at what point is Popovich gonna be forced to resign?

[tholdren]

once the Houston garbage time comes in, there isn't anything much to get away from it since they are just loafing around and spending the shot clock. Still a good game by Murray

Youre dumber than shit tbh

[SAGirl]

BP3 has passed up 2 straight treys I wish he had taken. He has been shrinking since the start of the season.
I have seen him do that before too.
Honestly, I think that is the reason he has been sat in favor of Forbes. Defensively he's obviously more impactful, but he does pass up a lot of shots.

[daslicer]

I like seeing the smug looks on Kawhi and Kyle's face as they walk off the court. Seems like they don't think much about this loss.

[SpurPadre]

Just a bad 1st quarter and Kawhi needs to get his legs under him. We'll be alright.

[daslicer]

If that fuckhead brown goes for another three, flagrant foul his ass.

I did notice he was trying to pad his stats in garbage time.

[tholdren]

I have seen him do that before too.
Honestly, I think that is the reason he has been sat in favor of Forbes. Defensively he's obviously more impactful, but he does pass up a lot of shots.

Ban this retard

[SAGirl]

I like seeing the smug looks on Kawhi and Kyle's face as they walk off the court. Seems like they don't think much about this loss.

Actually I think they have a lot of chemistry and are confident the team will get it together. I liked seeing that instead of the face of defeat.

It wasn't the young players that shat this game up.

[SpurPadre]

I did notice he was trying to pad his stats in garbage time.

Yeah and smirking too. Oh well, we'll beat that ass next time.

[BillMc]

Well that was a fun as a root canal. Onto Dallas.

[sasaint]

I just don't get it, if Kawhi comes off the bench, when he returns to the SL, it's back to Square 1 with the chemistry stuff between them.

And maybe they do fall to 4, it won't last. The fact that we stayed this close in the standings without Kawhi was a big deal, I bet most here had us much worse playing without him.

Playing off the bench he would have his time staggered with the starters. Experience, just less time - and not at the start of games.

[bklynspursfan]

I like seeing the smug looks on Kawhi and Kyle's face as they walk off the court. Seems like they don't think much about this loss.

He's not sweating this loss like this forum does. He's a bad man, and once he's full strength and this team is clicking , he knows the deal

[Robz4000]

I just don't get it, if Kawhi comes off the bench, when he returns to the SL, it's back to Square 1 with the chemistry stuff between them.

And maybe they do fall to 4, it won't last. The fact that we stayed this close in the standings without Kawhi was a big deal, I bet most here had us much worse playing without him.

It's not about chemistry right now, it's about winning the games they're supposed to win and padding the W column while the schedule is rather weak. You also have other teams starting to gain their chemistry and play better like Minny and Denver (who just got their best player back after a couple weeks off). A lengthy losing streak may put the Spurs in a situation like 2015 all over again.

[sasaint]

Well that was a fun as a root canal. Onto Dallas.

I must have had more root canals than you. At least I get anesthesia...

[BillMc]

I must have had more root canals than you. At least I get anesthesia...
:lol

[sasaint]

It's not about chemistry right now, it's about winning the games they're supposed to win and padding the W column while the schedule is rather weak. You also have other teams starting to gain their chemistry and play better like Minny and Denver (who just got their best player back after a couple weeks off). A lengthy losing streak may put the Spurs in a situation like 2015 all over again.

To tweak your comment: It's about continually improving chemistry without sacrificing Ws.

[duncan2k5]

So what I gather from reading the thread... Spurs were down by a LOT before Murray even got on the court... But somehow the loss is his fault... Dude has serious impact from the bench

[daslicer]

Actually I think they have a lot of chemistry and are confident the team will get it together. I liked seeing that instead of the face of defeat.

It wasn't the young players that shat this game up.

That's what I was implying in the earlier post.

[bklynspursfan]

Playing off the bench he would have his time staggered with the starters. Experience, just less time - and not at the start of games.

I mean his minutes literally were staggered. He started , played a few mins, then came out. Then he closed with the bench for a few mins at the end of the 1st , it's the same thing.

If LMA can't get going cause Kawhi is in there, then that's a much bigger issue. He had some attempts early and couldn't capitalize. He took the first 2 shots of the game, and he was 1-3 when Kawhi was subbed out 4-5 mins in. Kawhi was 2-2. LMA needs to take it upon himself to be assertive

[cjw]

It's not about chemistry right now, it's about winning the games they're supposed to win and padding the W column while the schedule is rather weak. You also have other teams starting to gain their chemistry and play better like Minny and Denver (who just got their best player back after a couple weeks off). A lengthy losing streak may put the Spurs in a situation like 2015 all over again.

No, it’s about chemistry. The wins will come. Still well above 50 win pace. They’ll have to play Rockets or Warriors in round 2 no matter what as long as they don’t fall to the 7 seed. And if they do? They’ll draw the Rockets or Warriors a round earlier, whom they have to beat anyway, and will get a better pick to boot.

tl;dr - they’re not passing either GS or HOU in the standings, and likely will have to win two series on the road. So build that chemistry.

[duncan2k5]

The ppl who are saying Kawhi is the reason we are losing and needs to come off the bench shouldn't breed

[daslicer]

He's not sweating this loss like this forum does. He's a bad man, and once he's full strength and this team is clicking , he knows the deal

Agreed.

[Robz4000]

No, it’s about chemistry. The wins will come. Still well above 50 win pace. They’ll have to play Rockets or Warriors in round 2 no matter what as long as they don’t fall to the 7 seed. And if they do? They’ll draw the Rockets or Warriors a round earlier, whom they have to beat anyway, and will get a better pick to boot.

tl;dr - they’re not passing either GS or HOU in the standings, and likely will have to win two series on the road. So build that chemistry.

They have to lock in that third seed first. The Guests, T'Pups, and Nuggs are on the Spurs' heels and have the type of offenses built for this era and either have improved defenses to pad their records (Guests, Nuggets) or immense talent to win games as the season wears on (T'Pups).

[bklynspursfan]

It's not about chemistry right now, it's about winning the games they're supposed to win and padding the W column while the schedule is rather weak. You also have other teams starting to gain their chemistry and play better like Minny and Denver (who just got their best player back after a couple weeks off). A lengthy losing streak may put the Spurs in a situation like 2015 all over again.

So you think they were supposed to win tonight?

They do need chemistry, they aren't going to drop too much I think you're a little too paranoid honestly. These next few games are very winnable.

They have always worried about their quality of play vs worrying about what other teams may be doing or the standings. If they gel and play at a high level, everything will take care of itself

[sasaint]

I mean his minutes literally were staggered. He started , played a few mins, then came out. Then he closed with the bench for a few mins at the end of the 1st , it's the same thing.

If LMA can't get going cause Kawhi is in there, then that's a much bigger issue. He had some attempts early and couldn't capitalize. He took the first 2 shots of the game, and he was 1-3 when Kawhi was subbed out 4-5 mins in. Kawhi was 2-2. LMA needs to take it upon himself to be assertive

But that always seems to be the issue with LMA. Excepting the start of this season, game to game the question is: will he or won't he? All minutes are not the same, though (to answer your other point). If the team were to start better, they might actually gain momentum instead of digging themselves into a hole.

[Robz4000]

The ppl who are saying Kawhi is the reason we are losing and needs to come off the bench shouldn't breed

Welp, the fact you disagree helps my take tbh.

[bklynspursfan]

But that always seems to be the issue with LMA. Excepting the start of this season, game to game the question is: will he or won't he? All minutes are not the same, though (to answer your other point). If the team were to start better, they might actually gain momentum instead of digging themselves into a hole.

Idk man. I think LMA needs to figure it out. We all appreciate how he's played, but if he's just going to turn back into passive mode with Kawhi back? Idk.

And bringing Kawhi off the bench might help him start better, but who's to say when he plays with Kawhi again he doesn't go back to being passive? He's gotta figure it out. Kawhi even when not scoring can affect the game in so many ways. His attention alone should help LMA operate with more space

[duncan2k5]

Welp, the fact you disagree helps my take tbh.

So you're saying we are a better team without Kawhi? This answer should be interesting...

[SAGirl]

Spursue desperately need to find another big. Gasol has looking unplayable against the Dubs and Rockets this season.
I am guessing Spurs will completely play just guards and forwards at some point. We are already seeing some of it.

The only thing that is misleading about the whole thing is that Pop has already seen that the 2 big combo doesn't work. He even had better and more plentiful bigs last year to make that work and he didn't.

So he decided to go a different direction with roster construction, but his team hasn't been whole or fully healthy. Kawhi is just getting back right now and they miss Kyle tbh. I know he's not like this savior (not even Kawhi is, this is a team thing), but in terms of what lineups Pop can play or wants to play, yea not having everyone affects the team. Until January when hopefully everyone in minutes restriction is off it and they dont have anyone in the injured list hopefully (Kyle included), we just really won't know what this looks like.

Good opportunity for the young players to earn playing time is what I am seeing.

Now, what happens to Pop's vets that can't play in certain matchups?

[Robz4000]

So you think they were supposed to win tonight?

They do need chemistry, they aren't going to drop too much I think you're a little too paranoid honestly. These next few games are very winnable.

They have always worried about their quality of play vs worrying about what other teams may be doing or the standings. If they gel and play at a high level, everything will take care of itself

Not tonight, but depending so much on Kawhi knowing he could only play 15 mins early on didn't help. They lost tonight due to their poor first quarter. If not for that they would've had a chance.

They've played this kind of game against the Rockets a couple times before and have come back to win (or just barely lose). The difference was Kawhi was able to play heavy minutes. Since he couldn't tonight the Spurs should've gone to LMA much more. Instead they let Kawhi do his thing and when he couldn't in the second half Houston ballooned the lead again.

[RD2191]

Spurs are pretty much a lock for the 3 seed. We might not be contenders but we've always been consistent at least. The Spurs have been losing to top teams and beating up on scrub teams for as long as I can remember. The playoffs will be where we see what the team is made of. At this point we just need to get there with a fully healthy roster and let the chips fall where they may.

[Robz4000]

So you're saying we are a better team without Kawhi? This answer should be interesting...

Learn to read posts better imo.

[SAGirl]

That's what I was implying in the earlier post.
oh sorry I missed that. I only read the last couple of posts and have missed quite a lot of the earlier ones. apologies for the confusion.

[daslicer]

Spurs are pretty much a lock for the 3 seed. We might not be contenders but we've always been consistent at least. The Spurs have been losing to top teams and beating up on scrub teams for as long as I can remember. The playoffs will be where we see what the team is made of. At this point we just need to get there with a fully healthy roster and let the chips fall where they may.

That's my mentality. I said last week the Rox and Warriors are on pace to win 60 plus games and that it would be nearly impossible to catch them. Spurs have to develop better chemistry and find a way that both LMA and Kawhi can play at a high level together.

[BatManu20]

And lost his last 2.

941895621593595904

941895881321779201

[sasaint]

Idk man. I think LMA needs to figure it out. We all appreciate how he's played, but if he's just going to turn back into passive mode with Kawhi back? Idk.

And bringing Kawhi off the bench might help him start better, but who's to say when he plays with Kawhi again he doesn't go back to being passive? He's gotta figure it out. Kawhi even when not scoring can affect the game in so many ways. His attention alone should help LMA operate with more space

"Needs to"... "Should"... But "will" he? I really have serious doubts.

[bklynspursfan]

"Needs to"... "Should"... But "will" he? I really have serious doubts.

Me too. But maybe he'll prove us wrong. We shouldn't bench the guy who we know will bring it for a guy who may or may not bring it.

[SpurPadre]

The ppl who are saying Kawhi is the reason we are losing and needs to come off the bench shouldn't breed

They're Trump supporters, tbh.

[sasaint]

Me too. But maybe he'll prove us wrong. We shouldn't bench the guy who we know will bring it for a guy who may or may not bring it.

Bottom line is you gotta do what you gotta do to win games. I not only have doubts about LMA individually but with the creaky offense that is the result of Pop's employing an offense centered on two high usage players who need the ball to operate.

[daslicer]

It will be interesting to see how many wins it will take the Rox or Warriors to get the number 1 seed. It seems like both teams want the 1 seed badly. I get the feeling whoever gets the 1 seed won't be determined until the last week of the season. It wouldn't surprise me if both teams get around 67 wins.

[BatManu20]

I think the Spurs are going to be a lock for the 3rd seed. Going through both the Rox and then Golden State b2b for a shot at CLE would be an incredibly difficult task. The odds are def stacked against us. But that's why you play the game. If we're healthy, fuck 'em, bring 'em on.

[daslicer]

I think the Spurs are going to be a lock for the 3rd seed. Going through both the Rox and then Golden State b2b for a shot at CLE will be an incredibly difficult task. The odds are def stacked against us. But that's why you play the game. If we're healthy, fuck 'em, bring 'em on.

That's pretty much how I feel. Spurs have nothing to lose.

[SAGirl]

The rockets shot 25 Ft to the Spurs 13.. that surely makes a difference.

[BackHome]

This teams seems to have an identity crisis is it an ISO team or a Passing team or a Three Point team or throw it Down Low team? I just don’t see Kawhi and LMA working out they both need the ball and want a volume of shots. They have great players on the team but not sure about team playing chemistry

[daslicer]

This teams seems to have an identity crisis is it an ISO team or a Passing team or a Three Point team or throw it Down Low team? I just don’t see Kawhi and LMA working out they both need the ball and want a volume of shots. They have great players on the team but not sure about team playing chemistry

That's the challenge the Spurs will have to find a solution to . They have the whole entire season to figure out how to make it work especially now since they are pretty much locked in to being the 3 seed. We'll find out come playoff time if it's possible for them to co-exist and play at a high level together.

[SAGirl]

If he comes off the bench it allows LMA to get it going on offense early along with Parker/Gay in the SL. That way when the Spurs let Kawhi do his thing it's with the bench unit against opposing benches and when he reaches his minute cap the Spurs still have something to turn to offensively. If they keep this current status quo up they very well may lose the next 4-5 games.
This makes sense.
Bc it makes sense Pop will not try it. He won't disrespect Kawhi like that, fuel all the reports of the bad chemistry between Lamarcus and him, etc. and he started Tony without much trouble.

[TimDunkem]

This teams seems to have an identity crisis is it an ISO team or a Passing team or a Three Point team or throw it Down Low team? I just don’t see Kawhi and LMA working out they both need the ball and want a volume of shots. They have great players on the team but not sure about team playing chemistry
They're not a passing team, clearly - and their two best passers are old men who can't bring it every night - so Kawhi needs better shooters around him for one, and not just shooters who do only that. Guys like Mills, Forbes, Bertans, etc, who do only one thing on their best nights are not enough against GS and possibly the Rockets.

We need more guys like Gay and - sigh - even Anderson who can play multiple positions, compete on both ends, and make plays. Standing around while Kawhi and LMA force the ball into the basket while the other team bombards us with 3's is not enough.

[tenbeersbold]

Yup saw Hardens FT attempts and knew it was a dud game

[SAGirl]

It's not as big an issue with the bench since as the game wears on they'll mix and match with the starters who should already be in a rhythm. It'd also take a nice load off Manu's shoulders and let him play off ball much more. Like I said, it isn't a permanent deal, just until Kawhi is ready to play 30+ mins.
It makes a lot of sense.

[SAGirl]

Paul passing up a 3 to get Murray a 3. Know your personnel homey
:lol

that was funny. Paul needs to be a more aggressive shooter. He can shoot. This is not a guy who can't shoot at all.

[skulls138]

Not worried. Kawhi JUST got back and towards the end of second quarter, LMA and Kawhi WERE working well together. They were making a serious dent into Houstons lead. For instance, Kawhi drove to the basket, missed, and LMA cleaned it up. Unfortunately Houston started the second half strong and that was all she wrote. What I'm saying is they showed they can work together but c'mon, Kawhi just got back.

[SAGirl]

But that always seems to be the issue with LMA. Excepting the start of this season, game to game the question is: will he or won't he? All minutes are not the same, though (to answer your other point). If the team were to start better, they might actually gain momentum instead of digging themselves into a hole.
Something to think about...
But I missed the start of the game when they got in the hole due to the Philly/OKC triple overtime transmission where I live... Pau didn't look he against them though, and Danny and Tony didn't appear to be playing well either.

[SAGirl]

Bottom line is you gotta do what you gotta do to win games. I not only have doubts about LMA individually but with the creaky offense that is the result of Pop's employing an offense centered on two high usage players who need the ball to operate.

that's a problem. I suppose we will see in the playoffs where everything is decided, but guys who can both score dominantly but also make others better, blend in without problem. Durant blended in with the cupcakes with no problem and CP3 and Harden have blended in.

Guys who need the ball to score one on one and don't pass unless they see a double or triple impeding their progress (as a last resort), tend to have more trouble blending in together (OKC and Spurs), maybe take longer to figure things out.

[Darius Bieber]

Sorry guys, I forgot to reverse jinx by not saying "Rockets by 40+". This loss is on me.

[LakerHater]

damn, 0-2 with kawhi... Trade him!

[spurs10]

Sorry guys, I forgot to reverse jinx by not saying "Rockets by 40+". This loss is on me. :lol

[Fireball]

well, that went as expected ... I think if we leave Pau and TP on the bench against Hou we have a chance

[DenialTwist]

well, that went as expected ... I think if we leave Pau and TP on the bench against Hou we have a chance

That is never going to happen. Pop loves Parker and Gasol in the starting lineup even though it’s painfully obvious those two are unplayable against the Warriors and Rockets. 4 points from the starting backcourt is utterly pathetic and sad considering the Rockets starting backcourt scored 56. I can only imagine how many points a Warriors starting backcourt will score against the spurs. Probably 60. :bang

[duncan2k5]

They're not a passing team, clearly - and their two best passers are old men who can't bring it every night - so Kawhi needs better shooters around him for one, and not just shooters who do only that. Guys like Mills, Forbes, Bertans, etc, who do only one thing on their best nights are not enough against GS and possibly the Rockets.

We need more guys like Gay and - sigh - even Anderson who can play multiple positions, compete on both ends, and make plays. Standing around while Kawhi and LMA force the ball into the basket while the other team bombards us with 3's is not enough.

I keep seeing ppl say this... We were 7th in assists last year...

[duncan2k5]

On top of that, the warriors shot 4more shots per game than us last year, and Steph shot one attempt more than Kawhi... Similar in rates all things considering, so to imply Kawhi shot attempts are the reason we are struggling and he needs to go be a 3D player can only be things said by LaMarcus himself with burner accounts... No logical human would say Kawhi needs to take a backseat to LMA

[duncan2k5]

Then the idiot that said Parker needs to show Kawhi how to be a man... Clearly forgot how timid Parker used to be in his 20s....how he stopped going in the paint VS the Lakers in 04 after a couple hard fouls, then we lost 4 straight...

[Ice009]

Aso, why would Kawhi not be playing the next game? He only played 17 minutes. How in the heck can he not handle another 15 minutes tomorrow? Shouldn't they be trying to get his conditioning up?

He is getting babied like crazy. Are the Spurs going to now go through this low minute no back to backs process every time someone gets hurt? What other team does it like this? or has done it like this?

I know the Sixers have done something similar with Joel Embiid, but he's been out for 2 years beforehand so I understand them being cautious with him, but I don't recall any other teams doing this ultra low minute restriction with no back to backs at all.

[UZER]

Aso, why would Kawhi not be playing the next game? He only played 17 minutes. How in the heck can he not handle another 15 minutes tomorrow? Shouldn't they be trying to get his conditioning up?

He is getting babied like crazy. Are the Spurs going to now go through this low minute no back to backs process every time someone gets hurt? What other team does it like this? or has done it like this?

I know the Sixers have done something similar with Joel Embiid, but he's been out for 2 years beforehand so I understand them being cautious with him, but I don't recall any other teams doing this ultra low minute restriction with no back to backs at all.

Because Pop has become the most ridiculously over conservative coach of all time when it comes to injuries.

[UZER]

Yup saw Hardens FT attempts and knew it was a dud game

I can't stand watching Hardens style of play. Actually playing against him has got to be super frustrating, to point you want to punch the dude in the face.

Barely touch him...foul. Don't even touch him...foul. Give him a legit good foul...he will roll around the floor holding his knee to make sure the refs go even more out of their way to protect him. It's pathetic.

His entire game play is based on the whistle. And that's how he's designed his game.

[TE]

Was at the game yesterday.

Eye test being there first-hand: the Spurs played ultra conservative. Timid as fuck on defense, all the while missing defensive assignments.

I don't get how any fan of a basketball team can enjoy the brand of basketball this Rockets team puts out there. 3's, drive and kicks, fouls. Gross. Such an ugly brand of basketball that predictably folds ultimately in series' with real competition.

This Houston team will be an easy out once again in the playoffs.

[boutons_deux]

no intensity, not in Spurs nor coaching, offense totally shit, The Ugly Game

[r0drig0lac]

no intensity, not in Spurs nor coaching, offense totally shit, The Ugly Game

not is a coincidence, rockets are currently a better team

[George Gervin's Afro]

Well that was fun...

[ernest787]

I love over-reaction Spurstalk.

Your best player was back for his second game and was on a minutes restriction. The best PG on the team is coming off a major injury that should have had him out until the second half of the season, and has only played a handful of games.

ANNNNNNND... you were playing the hottest team in the league right now.

This was a loss before the game started.

That said... I still can't wait for that Rudy / LMA / Kawhi line up. We got another glimpse of it in 2nd quarter. Those 3 are going to take a bit to get used to one another, but the length, passing, and ability of each player to go 1 on 1 when need be is going to be nasty.