Game Thread: Spurs @ Nuggets -- TUE. (2/13) - 9:30/C (5:30am Riga Time)

[SAGirl]

Spurs are fatigued and shorthanded, but White played 3 mins... smdh
and in the 4th Q at that.

[Darius Bieber]

Forbes is 1-19 in threes the last seven games.... LMAO at Spurs' three point specialists. :lmao

[NASpurs]

Fuck, even with the USANT, I think there's legit even money that Pop retires after this season.

Stop man, you're giving me hope.

[Keepin' it real]

The Argentineans hoping Manu comes out in an air cast to sign autographs.

[HI-FI]

Spurs are fatigued and shorthanded, but White played 3 mins... smdh
It takes a year for the corporate knowledge to kick in

[HarlemHeat37]

I hope Aldridge is legitimately injured, tbh..otherwise, these were 2 very winnable games that the Spurs desperately needed with a horrible schedule coming up(although it helps that Minnesota and OKC are also garbage)..

[SAGirl]

Fuck, even with the USANT, I think there's legit even money that Pop retires after this season.
You think he's checked out?
He looked upset as he left the court and might not have taken time outs or done substitutions bc he was stumped at what was going on.

[$pursDynasty]

Maybe Poop realized Wolves and Thunder both lost tonight, wants to keep them close to manipulate playoff matchups. If they both would have won tonight, more HOTS less Mills ( which means a win) but this allowed him to pseudo rest Tony...CIA

[vy65]

Still third in the West/SPAM/Documentaries and classiness/five rings faggot/etc etc

[sasaint]

I have no idea what Pop is up to at this point. Either he has decided on a semi-tank or he is clueless about which buttons to push anymore.

[HarlemHeat37]

Bryn Forbes should not be playing for a West playoff team..if you're like 6'2" and get picked on by other teams, you better be shooting 40% from 3..give White a shot..

[spurraider21]

-11 in the 4th quarter
-10 in the 4th yesterday

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Fuck, even with the USANT, I think there's legit even money that Pop retires after this season.

He’s been incredible over for us and we may never see another coach like him for this franchise ever again.

But it’s time to hang em up. This team needs a new voice and a new roster.

[BillMc]

Well, hell's bells.

[davidbowie]

this is just extra drama for the championship dvd.....

we got the west right where we want em

[ElNono]

Have to check, but I'm pretty sure the Spurs are under .500 when Manu doesn't play, tbh... hopefully his thing isn't serious...

[SAGirl]

I hope Aldridge is legitimately injured, tbh..otherwise, these were 2 very winnable games that the Spurs desperately needed with a horrible schedule coming up(although it helps that Minnesota and OKC are also garbage)..

+ 100
but sure Lamarcus isn't going to miss the All Star break.

[Slippy]

So last 8.30 min spurs could only score 9 points. PG play is killing this team.

[$pursDynasty]

Dabom any defense of Patty's play?

[SAGirl]

Have to check, but I'm pretty sure the Spurs are under .500 when Manu doesn't play, tbh... hopefully his thing isn't serious...
we get a lotto pick this year and Manu retires. He shouldn't stick around for a rebuild.

[ElNono]

we get a lotto pick this year and Manu retires. He shouldn't stick around for a rebuild.

On that note, neither should Kawhi, tbh.... it's tough

[dabom]

Dabom any defense of Patty's play?

8 points -2. Nah we didn't lose cause of him.

[sasaint]

Fuck, even with the USANT, I think there's legit even money that Pop retires after this season.

And go out on the sour note of this season? Nah.

[Chinook]

You think he's checked out?
He looked upset as he left the court and might not have taken time outs or done substitutions bc he was stumped at what was going on.

I think it's a combo of that, players not responding to him all year, and this shit with Kawhi and LMA (and maybe Green and Mills). The Spurs' culture is dead or at least dead in its old complacent form. No reason to stay any longer.

[TimDunkem]

this is just extra drama for the championship dvd.....

we got the west right where we want em

:lmao

[$pursDynasty]

I hope Aldridge is legitimately injured, tbh..otherwise, these were 2 very winnable games that the Spurs desperately needed with a horrible schedule coming up(although it helps that Minnesota and OKC are also garbage).. we could have won both games with less Mills

[LittleCriminal]

Dijon had been having a good game too up to that moment. I think he wanted to develop Dijon and see if he could handle it. But it was worse than Kyle last night.

So by ur shit logic, a somewhat rookie pg making mistakes is worse than a player making those same mistakes 4 years on the Spurs roster?? LOL GTFOH TROLL!!
Shit Pile Kyle fukkin sux.

[Chinook]

And go out on the sour note of this season? Nah.

It's looking like his wheels have fallen off. Most guys don't get to pick when they're done.

[DPG21920]

So last 8.30 min spurs could only 9 points. PG play is killing this team.

TP/Murray played damn good. Legs gave out. It was obvious. SA was massive underdogs in both these road games, especially this one.

Hope Manu is ok.

[NASpurs]

Kawhi can't wait to come back and bare the burden of this trash heap. He's eager and ready to go.

[Brunodf]

"Old Pop " would've called a TO the minute the Nuggets score 3 straight times tbh

He has given up.

[SAGirl]

I have no idea what Pop is up to at this point. Either he has decided on a semi-tank or he is clueless about which buttons to push anymore.
the summer signing sucked.
To be fair were they any better in this game or last night than any of the guys on rook or minimum deals?
No.
So he's stuck playing youth, all togehter, all at the same time and he might be overwhelmed. #Xfiles

[dabom]

Fathead still on the team? :lmao

[SAGirl]

"Old Pop " would've called a TO the minute the Nuggets score 3 straight times tbh

He has given up.
It was really suspicious when he let Manu TO the ball like 3 straight times, Pau fumble layups and such and not call a single timeout or substitution in the 2nd Q when they had a lead. He let the team last night make mistakes too without calling out substitutions or time outs. He could have won last nights game too.

[DPG21920]

It's looking like his wheels have fallen off. Most guys don't get to pick when they're done.

I don’t get this. Honestly I know there is drama but this rag tag team just gave Pop 2 great efforts on the road seriously undermanned.

Not only that, they could have quit after that brutal loss last night and didn’t.

[LittleCriminal]

POP needs to get rid of Shit Pile Kyle and Mills ASAP

[Chinook]

Fathead still on the team? :lmao

More worried about Fatbody being locked in for three years after this.

[dabom]

I don’t get this. Honestly I know there is drama but this rag tag team just gave Pop 2 great efforts on the road seriously undermanned.

Not only that, they could have quit after that brutal loss last night and didn’t.

I agree. What's with all the bitching. :lmao

[ElNono]

Can't wait for Jeff McDonald incisive questions for Pop, tbh...

"How's the wine in Colorado?"

[Darius Bieber]

Spurs have lost 5 of their last 6 games :lmao

[HarlemHeat37]

Can't wait for Jeff McDonald incisive questions for Pop, tbh...

"How's the wine in Colorado?"

This was a national TV game on TNT and it's Black history month..Pop has far bigger things lined up for the media, tbh..

[SAGirl]

It's looking like his wheels have fallen off. Most guys don't get to pick when they're done.
Kiwi's injury pushed him over the edge? He must be stressed. That follows on the heels of a summer in which Lamarcus asked to be traded.
They really might have needed to make some moves and they didn't. AT some point the run was going to end.

[dabom]

More worried about Fatbody being locked in for three years after this.

Been saying it for years now, fathead blows and should stop seeing fucking minutes. :lmao

Back to back losses on fathead.

[Chinook]

I don’t get this. Honestly I know there is drama but this rag tag team just gave Pop 2 great efforts on the road seriously undermanned.

Not only that, they could have quit after that brutal loss last night and didn’t.

That's all something to be impressed about early in the year or whatever. But SA wins these games the last few years. The RRT is when the team comes together, but it's just falling apart. Regardless, the Spurs aren't going to quit because they don't have a lot of quitters on their team. But they damned sure don't have an edge anymore. Can't keep making excuses for a team that is flat and incompetent this much. Pop knows that, which is why he's been freaking out much more than usual this year.

[ElNono]

This was a national TV game on TNT and it's Black history month..Pop has far bigger things lined up for the media, tbh..

:lol

[timtonymanu]

Bryn Forbes should not be playing for a West playoff team..if you're like 6'2" and get picked on by other teams, you better be shooting 40% from 3..give White a shot..

Finally, never saw what was so special about Bryn.

[DPG21920]

That's all something to be impressed about early in the year or whatever. But SA wins these games the last few years. The RRT is when the team comes together, but it's just falling apart. Regardless, the Spurs aren't going to quit because they don't have a lot of quitters on their team. But they damned sure don't have an edge anymore. Can't keep making excuses for a team that is flat and incompetent this much. Pop knows that, which is why he's been freaking out much more than usual this year.

I don’t think they were flat at all.

[dabom]

That's all something to be impressed about early in the year or whatever. But SA wins these games the last few years. The RRT is when the team comes together, but it's just falling apart. Regardless, the Spurs aren't going to quit because they don't have a lot of quitters on their team. But they damned sure don't have an edge anymore. Can't keep making excuses for a team that is flat and incompetent this much. Pop knows that, which is why he's been freaking out much more than usual this year.

No LMA or Kawhi, what the fuck do you expect when our best players are out. :lmao

[Barfunk]

Welp

[Chinook]

Kiwi's injury pushed him over the edge? He must be stressed. That follows on the heels of a summer in which Lamarcus asked to be traded.
They really might have needed to make some moves and they didn't. AT some point the run was going to end.

It's also the way Simmons and Dedmon left. The way Green has hired a new agent. The potential that Mills' deal was a way to mollify Mills' resentment over 2014. A lot of cracks.

[Barfunk]

This was a national TV game on TNT and it's Black history month..Pop has far bigger things lined up for the media, tbh..
:lol good one

[dabom]

Chinook squirming when Green got a new agent. :lol

[spurraider21]

That's all something to be impressed about early in the year or whatever. But SA wins these games the last few years. The RRT is when the team comes together, but it's just falling apart. Regardless, the Spurs aren't going to quit because they don't have a lot of quitters on their team. But they damned sure don't have an edge anymore. Can't keep making excuses for a team that is flat and incompetent this much. Pop knows that, which is why he's been freaking out much more than usual this year.
its easy to fall apart when you're missing your 2 best players... i dont think you can really look at the results and say its because pop lost the team. he doesn't have the horses and he's squeezing good games out of the guys

[Chinook]

I don’t think they were flat at all.

You think Pop did that line-sub because everyone was playing great?

[LittleCriminal]

Been saying it for years now, fathead blows and should stop seeing fucking minutes. :lmao

Back to back losses on fathead.

I agree with this assessment...

[DPG21920]

You think Pop did that line-sub because everyone was playing great?

I think there is a difference in “flat” and momentary lapses. I agree they were flat in that moment, but I’m talking as a whole.

[HI-FI]

Strong words from Pop coming up, get ready for the teaching moment.

[spurraider21]

i know it does us no good to say "we're losing because we're injured" but there's also coming to grips with the reality of the situation. of all the major team sports, basketball is the one where one player can have the most impact on the court/field. and we're missing 40% of our starting lineup, and the best 40% by a significant margin.

[Chinook]

its easy to fall apart when you're missing your 2 best players... i dont think you can really look at the results and say its because pop lost the team. he doesn't have the horses and he's squeezing good games out of the guys

That's giving him credit for all the good and excusing all the bad. With their two best guys, they have an overwhelming talent advantage and really don't require remarkable coaching to beat teams like Denver. These are the (regular-season) games where Pop makes his money. Them looking completely inept, especially down the stretch, is not something that is typical of a Spurs team missing their stars. They're just being out-executed, and that is a coaching issue.

[John B]

That’s it. Next time I see the Spurs play should have all the players back. Was just buying time... I really hope :toast

[dabom]

That's giving him credit for all the good and excusing all the bad. With their two best guys, they have an overwhelming talent advantage and really don't require remarkable coaching to beat teams like Denver. These are the (regular-season) games where Pop makes his money. Them looking completely inept, especially down the stretch, is not something that is typical of a Spurs team missing their stars. They're just being out-executed, and that is a coaching issue.

No they don't. :lmao

And on the road. Where role players play worse, and our team is made up of said role players. :lol

[Chinook]

I think there is a difference in “flat” and momentary lapses. I agree they were flat in that moment, but I’m talking as a whole.

No one worth their salt should line-sub for "momentary lapses" though. You call a time-out and talk to them. Taking guys out like that messes up the flow for the rest of the half and shouldn't be done lightly.

[spurraider21]

That's giving him credit for all the good and excusing all the bad. With their two best guys, they have an overwhelming talent advantage and really don't require remarkable coaching to beat teams like Denver. These are the (regular-season) games where Pop makes his money. Them looking completely inept, especially down the stretch, is not something that is typical of a Spurs team missing their stars. They're just being out-executed, and that is a coaching issue.
you're asking guys like anderson, murray, forbes, mills, bertans to close games... when in most circumstances, in any competitive playoff environment, it would be kawhi, aldridge, and even manu.

besides mills, none of those guys have really been counted on in consequential moments like they're suddenly being asked to, and their inexperience is showing. it's not all that surprising, though yes its frustrating watching leads evaporate in 4th quarters. but when shit hits the fan, they dont have the stabilizing force of an LMA bucket or a kawhi stop

[SAGirl]

Game that can easily be won, HOTS having a good game, but let's let Patty who is shitting the bed, crap the game away. Damn Poop are you tanking?
a legit non troll question at this point.

[HarlemHeat37]

The announcers kept saying that Pop wins with anybody..the national media and non-Spurs fans keep pushing this narrative, as well, like we're still in 2014:lol..it should be evident by now that he's no longer the coach that can make role players look better than what they actually are, nor does he get "system wins" anymore..

That's fine, I don't expect coaches to win without high-end talent, but when are people going to stop pushing this narrative? Pop is just like any other coach now, he needs stars to win games..

[DPG21920]

No one worth their salt should line-sub for "momentary lapses" though. You call a time-out and talk to them. Taking guys out like that messes up the flow for the rest of the half and shouldn't be done lightly.

This is a wild situation though. It was a teaching moment for a bunch of guys that would not normally start. But I can see how one could think how you think; I just think there is another side as well and it takes not filling in the blanks with the worst outcome with unknown variables.

[DPG21920]

The announcers kept saying that Pop wins with anybody..the national media and non-Spurs fans keep pushing this narrative, as well, like we're still in 2014:lol..it should be evident by now that he's no longer the coach that can make role players look better than what they actually are, nor does he get "system wins" anymore..

That's fine, I don't expect coaches to win without high-end talent, but when are people going to stop pushing this narrative?

They are third in the West without Kawhi. He’s getting wins.

[spurraider21]

The announcers kept saying that Pop wins with anybody..the national media and non-Spurs fans keep pushing this narrative, as well, like we're still in 2014:lol..it should be evident by now that he's no longer the coach that can make role players look better than what they actually are, nor does he get "system wins" anymore..

That's fine, I don't expect coaches to win without high-end talent, but when are people going to stop pushing this narrative? Pop is just like any other coach now, he needs stars to win games..
they've come pretty fuckin close for 2 straight road games without kawhi/LMA. its not like they're just getting crushed like the suns do

[sasaint]

It's looking like his wheels have fallen off. Most guys don't get to pick when they're done.

But plenty of guys who are done hang on longer.

[Chinook]

you're asking guys like anderson, murray, mills, bertans to close games... when in most circumstances, in any competitive playoff environment, it would be kawhi, aldridge, and even manu.

Yes, and you'd get a blow-out win, like a team as talented as the Spurs when healthy is wont to get. This was a pretty standard game for RRT. They come out of these games with wins most years. Pop would sit the Big Three on the second night of a B2B and the others would get them a win. Parker/Green/Anderson/Bertans/Gasol with guys like Mills and Murray tossed in aren't a playoff rotation, but they're the type that's gotten wins for SA more often than not in years past.

[TheGreatYacht]

They are third in the West without Kawhi. He’s getting wins.
Taking Aldridge's credit now? This is why players don't want to play for Poop. Because of faggots like you.

[LittleCriminal]

WTF joffery???
24min 26pts 11reb 3ast...

[Brunodf]

The announcers kept saying that Pop wins with anybody..the national media and non-Spurs fans keep pushing this narrative, as well, like we're still in 2014:lol..it should be evident by now that he's no longer the coach that can make role players look better than what they actually are, nor does he get "system wins" anymore..

That's fine, I don't expect coaches to win without high-end talent, but when are people going to stop pushing this narrative? Pop is just like any other coach now, he needs stars to win games..
They don't watch the Spurs, only look at the team record

[HarlemHeat37]

They are third in the West without Kawhi. He’s getting wins.

They are exactly where I would expect them to be with literally the easiest schedule in the NBA and the most continuity of any team in the West..

[dabom]

WTF joffery???
24min 26pts 11reb 3ast...

He played legit. Some solid screens on DM early on too. Even before the announcers were on his nuts, I thought he was playing good. :lol

[Slippy]

TP/Murray played damn good. Legs gave out. It was obvious. SA was massive underdogs in both these road games, especially this one.

Hope Manu is ok.

Would of preffered more of tony for stability . DJ had more TO's than assists. Spurs are regularly blowing 4th quarters. Patty & Dj struggle to run da show & make too many mistakes when the pressure is on. Wish pop would prioritize wiinning over growing pains. Unless he really is tanking which i hope not

[Brunodf]

WTF joffery???
24min 26pts 11reb 3ast...
He's a rookie, would be unfair to the other guys to give him more minutes #equality

[SAGirl]

Going to be a long flight home. Worst RRT in our history.....by a long shot.
I mean when Pop rests Lamarcus so he's ready for the all star game. they play 37 year old Pau as the only big pretty much all night last night on a close draining loss... he didn't have it. Many guys were tired. The young legs had it for a while but it was an up and down game at a really fast pace and Dijon is basically a rook. Does he know how to control tempo, call plays, set up something adequately. No.

This was predetermined. It wasn't as embarrassing bc they had a hot shooting night. It easily could have been and looked worse.

[spurraider21]

Yes, and you'd get a blow-out win, like a team as talented as the Spurs when healthy is wont to get. This was a pretty standard game for RRT. They come out of these games with wins most years. Pop would sit the Big Three on the second night of a B2B and the others would get them a win. Parker/Green/Anderson/Bertans/Gasol with guys like Mills and Murray tossed in aren't a playoff rotation, but they're the type that's gotten wins for SA more often than not in years past.
this squad is substantially less experienced than previous years where the spurs were notoriously old/veteran. you dont have guys like diaw, splitter, marco anymore. its a younger cast that is still learning on the fly. murray/bertans weren't rotation players a year ago, and anderson barely got minutes

its basically pau and danny at this point, and danny has been shit. im not going to blame danny's poor play on pop :lol

[dabom]

this squad is substantially less experienced than previous years where the spurs were notoriously old/veteran. you dont have guys like diaw, splitter, marco anymore. its a younger cast that is still learning on the fly. murray/bertans weren't rotation players a year ago, and anderson barely got minutes

its basically pau and danny at this point, and danny has been shit. im not going to blame danny's poor play on pop :lol

Forbes too.

[SAGirl]

Seems the only one who realizes Jokic is an atrocious defender and attacks the rim every time is Joffrey.
Joff had been rested all season for this game tbh.

[spurraider21]

Forbes too.
yeah and patty went from microwave to toaster

[Chinook]

this squad is substantially less experienced than previous years where the spurs were notoriously old/veteran. you dont have guys like diaw, splitter, marco anymore. its a younger cast that is still learning on the fly. murray/bertans weren't rotation players a year ago, and anderson barely got minutes

its basically pau and danny at this point, and danny has been shit. im not going to blame danny's poor play on pop :lol

I'm confused as to why Parker, Manu (for the first six or seven quarters of this B2B) and Mills wouldn't factor into your calculus for vets. Anyways, you have Cory, Nando and others stepping up in those days. It's not like it wasn't young and bit players back then, too.

And because it's in my contract, I have to point out that Danny hasn't sucked for a couple of weeks now. He's shooting like 50 percent from three since Pop benched him.

[dabom]

yeah and patty went from microwave to toaster

Well we didn't lose cause of him. So...

[$pursDynasty]

Joff had been rested all season for this game tbh.
first time he looked like the younger David Lee he was advertised as. Hopefully it isn't a one off.

[spurraider21]

Well we didn't lose cause of him. So...
that's a really low standard for a 50 million dollar player :lmao

[SAGirl]

Maybe Poop realized Wolves and Thunder both lost tonight, wants to keep them close to manipulate playoff matchups. If they both would have won tonight, more HOTS less Mills ( which means a win) but this allowed him to pseudo rest Tony...CIA
Frankly the moment it was announced that Lamarcus was going to sit out these two games... these were two losses in my book.
They were surprisingly good scoring to keep these games close but I really didn't expect them to win it, they don't have rim protectors, Pau can't defend a PnR to save his life and there is nothing Pop can do bc he can's switch, he can't hedge, he doesn't contest on Jokic's 3s... I mean that is just one aspect of it. JOLO was surprisingly effective scoring but he also gave up layups after layups... they made runs and couldn't get stops.

Pop has to start by looking at himself and what he thought he would get out of these lineups. He has needed an extra big all season, but no. I mean they did better than I thought they would if I am honest.

[Slippy]

Finally, never saw what was so special about Bryn.

Forbes hasnt been special for awhile now. Time to move on from him. Spots mins is all he deserves for rest of the season.

[DPG21920]

I'm confused as to why Parker, Manu (for the first six or seven quarters of this B2B) and Mills wouldn't factor into your calculus for vets. Anyways, you have Cory, Nando and others stepping up in those days. It's not like it wasn't young and bit players back then, too.

And because it's in my contract, I have to point out that Danny hasn't sucked for a couple of weeks now. He's shooting like 50 percent from three since Pop benched him.

Doesn't the Danny thing provide a counterpoint to your views

[sananspursfan21]

Can't wait for Jeff McDonald incisive questions for Pop, tbh...

"How's the wine in Colorado?"

Has to switch to beer there soooooo I’m sure he hates it

[DPG21920]

Taking Aldridge's credit now? This is why players don't want to play for Poop. Because of faggots like you.

People here crapped on LMA all last year.

[SAGirl]

Dabom any defense of Patty's play?
no.. he's going to deflect on Kyle who also had a bad game.
He did play 35 minutes last night and led the team in scoring which is very unlikely taking a humbling loss and was looking drained... while patty played 22 and went scoreless.

this is a game Paddy should have shown up some of that leadership but no...

Dabom=Paddy is the man.

[SAGirl]

On that note, neither should Kawhi, tbh.... it's tough
Dude can't wipe his own ass yet... thus why we are having this discussion. so :wakeup

[SAGirl]

?
More worried about Fatbody being locked in for three years after this.
Fatbody?

oh the wombat...

[SAGirl]

I don’t get this. Honestly I know there is drama but this rag tag team just gave Pop 2 great efforts on the road seriously undermanned.

Not only that, they could have quit after that brutal loss last night and didn’t.
I agree they gave effort. Made too many mistakes. Tonight they looked tired specially in the 4th...

[SuperCam]

963656818072473600

typical Spur media sycophant. in a town like Boston or Philly or New York the media actually holds teams and coaches accountable and calls them out. Meanwhile in SA they behave like 24/7 team employee semen shielders that only make excuses :lol

[HarlemHeat37]

Nuggets are undefeated at home against teams on a back-to-back, tbh..obvious loss..yesterday's loss was the real killer, blowing a late double-digit lead..

[BatManu20]

963658610076258306

[SAGirl]

That's all something to be impressed about early in the year or whatever. But SA wins these games the last few years. The RRT is when the team comes together, but it's just falling apart. Regardless, the Spurs aren't going to quit because they don't have a lot of quitters on their team. But they damned sure don't have an edge anymore. Can't keep making excuses for a team that is flat and incompetent this much. Pop knows that, which is why he's been freaking out much more than usual this year.

You can be more poignant and look at the timing of Lamarcus choosing to have this elective procedure. Pop had already given up on this trip when he sent LMA to get that procedure done in the middle of the RRT. It's flat obvious that this year the RRT didn't have the meaning of prior seasons without Kiwi and LMA. They are aiming to try to gel when hopefully they have their guys back after the ASB... so this didn't have the meaning of years past. If anything it was an opportunity for the young legs to get some burn and see what they have and that was it. They are too undermanned in their frontcourt to win and their frontcourt was the team's strength. They were weirdly built for the frontcourt to be their strength while having way too many guards, some of them extremely undersized and not enough legit wings (and the one they signed BP3, sucks). With this roster, what can you expect? What can Pop expect for that matter?

The roster imbalances are even more exposed. Were you expecting them to win with how Pau has looked in many (not just these ones) in many recent games. Prior to this game he was in negative territory. The team has been losing with Pau on the court. Wouldn't surprise me if that is why he was benched. He could only play 11 minutes against GSW and was terrible for all of them and he has not had any good recent games that I can recall, neither has Mills for that matter.

I didn't expect these games to be won. In fact JOLO was better than I thought possible in this game. Minus his 4th Q meltdown in the last game Kyle was better against the Jazz than I thought he was going to be. This game Murray and DAvis were on fire, several guys stepped up... Tony actually had one of his hottest scoring nights in recent games that I can recall. It just wasn't enough bc they couldn't get stops when they needed bc Pau can't defend a PNR, Davis was perhaps too tired and is not a stellar rim protector, Kyle looked tired to me in this game too and so on. And let's not even mention Mills getting signed and you really could play White in his stead and not miss him.

Frankly, yea I thought these games went about as expected or actually better than I thought. I didn't think they'd have enough talent to win... Perhaps better lineup management could have swung things differently in the 4th Q specially. It seemed to me Pop is developing the young guys and so this is what you get.

[SAGirl]

It's also the way Simmons and Dedmon left. The way Green has hired a new agent. The potential that Mills' deal was a way to mollify Mills' resentment over 2014. A lot of cracks.
I see your point about that.
the chemistry and the actual togetherness that they had is not the same.
Timmy retired. I think that explains a lot.

Kiwi is not the same kind of leader, and LMA wanted to be traded, by definition he wasn't and could not have been a leader (disgruntled as he privately was) last year.

Manu has said many many times this season, they really don't know who they are. They are looking for an identity all year and they lack talent too. They obviously miss Kawhi and if you take LMA from them, this is what you get... but I totally see what you are saying.

[SAGirl]

That's giving him credit for all the good and excusing all the bad. With their two best guys, they have an overwhelming talent advantage and really don't require remarkable coaching to beat teams like Denver. These are the (regular-season) games where Pop makes his money. Them looking completely inept, especially down the stretch, is not something that is typical of a Spurs team missing their stars. They're just being out-executed, and that is a coaching issue.
good points Chinook.
I didn't look it at it from that point of view...

Frankly what no one will say is that the 67 win and 61 win seasons Pop rested guys a lot... heck how do you think Kyle and Simmons and Boban and such got at least half their minutes each year. They still won bc Pop was very strategic with when he was resting etc.

This is uncharted territory for him with him having to rely on subs for an entire season and it's not relying on subs to give you Manu, Tony and Mills minutes, but to give you minutes in kawhi's, Gay's, and Lamarcus stead that is a tall task... specially if it's all season and not handpicked games.

[SAGirl]

you're asking guys like anderson, murray, forbes, mills, bertans to close games... when in most circumstances, in any competitive playoff environment, it would be kawhi, aldridge, and even manu.

besides mills, none of those guys have really been counted on in consequential moments like they're suddenly being asked to, and their inexperience is showing. it's not all that surprising, though yes its frustrating watching leads evaporate in 4th quarters. but when shit hits the fan, they dont have the stabilizing force of an LMA bucket or a kawhi stop
I just have to highlight... the fact Mills is even in the conversation with those guys in rook/minimum deals as guys that were discombobulated tells you all you need to know. You could have taken him out and it didn't matter. He's no stabilizing force. Neither was Pau unfortunately and so I will complain about those deals.

[UnWantedTheory]

Yes, and you'd get a blow-out win, like a team as talented as the Spurs when healthy is wont to get. This was a pretty standard game for RRT. They come out of these games with wins most years. Pop would sit the Big Three on the second night of a B2B and the others would get them a win. Parker/Green/Anderson/Bertans/Gasol with guys like Mills and Murray tossed in aren't a playoff rotation, but they're the type that's gotten wins for SA more often than not in years past.
I believe the difference between then and now, is that we did not solely rely on "the others" like we must now due to our injuries and age.

[Fireball]

The Spurs team is not good enough to go far in the playoffs. But ranting over the last games against Utah and Denver is just silly. In both games they exceeded my expectations ... first they nearly come out on top of the hottest NBA team right now although missing Kawhi, LMA and Rudy Gay ... I mean these guys were supposed to give the Spurs 50 points a night. Then they play Denver on a b2b and the Nuggets also are on a good run recently. Again the Spurs played a good game, but in the second half the altitude just got them ... I mean they were exhausted as I have ever seen them. Manu injured himself and just proved Pop right that he should not play b2bs anymore. The Spurs cannot overcome the talent gap while having so much injuries ... its just not possible.

[DAF86]

At least we know that Aldridge-ball isn't winning ball, though.

Yeah, the Spurs losing in Denver without Leonard, Aldridge and Gay surely proves that Aldridge ball is indeed winning ball. :lol

Also, still missing the point of that thread. I thought people were a little bit smarter here, tbh.

[TimDunkem]

Yeah, the Spurs losing in Denver without Leonard, Aldridge and Gay surely proves that Aldridge ball is indeed winning ball. :lol

Also, still missing the point of that thread. I thought people were a little bit smarter here, tbh.

I mean, I thought it was pretty obvious that you were simply saying that mid-range post-up fadeaway jumpers weren't effective so he would have to be a defensive minded, opportunistic scorer ala Old Timmy D to give us the best chance to win.

This is why I don't like this roster (against the best teams) to begin with. Kawhiso gives us the best chance to win but it isn't neccesarily a good thing right now given how injury prone he seems to be.

Just my two cents.

[DAF86]

That flaming faggot DAF86 might be the worst poster on the board and thats saying a lot.

"BP3 > Simmons"
"Start Bertans"
"LMA ball is loser ball"

Suck my dick, you bitch ass troll. :lol

[DAF86]

I mean, I thought it was pretty obvious that you were simply saying that mid-range post-up fadeaway jumpers weren't effective so he would have to be a defensive minded, opportunistic scorer ala Old Timmy D to give us the best chance to win.

This is why I don't like this roster (against the best teams) to begin with. Kawhiso gives us the best chance to win but it isn't neccesarily a good thing right now given how injury prone he seems to be.

Just my two cents.

Pretty much, tbh.

[sasaint]

I mean, I thought it was pretty obvious that you were simply saying that mid-range post-up fadeaway jumpers weren't effective so he would have to be a defensive minded, opportunistic scorer ala Old Timmy D to give us the best chance to win.

This is why I don't like this roster (against the best teams) to begin with. Kawhiso gives us the best chance to win but it isn't neccesarily a good thing right now given how injury prone he seems to be.

Just my two cents.

My two cents: I believe that is exactly the miscalculation that PATFO made when they signed him, and why working out an offense that LMA buys into has been such a source of friction. He is simply not willing to "get his" in the opportunistic way Old Timmy did. LMA has always had his turn-around, fadeaway game, and as Pop learned last summer, he ain't interested in changing.

[John B]

Our role players exceeded my expectations the last two games. It was up to Kawhi, LMA and starters to finish the games. And if they come back healthy after the ASG, I really think we got a good chance, granted they get enough playing time to gel together.

[TD 21]

My two cents: I believe that is exactly the miscalculation that PATFO made when they signed him, and why working out an offense that LMA buys into has been such a source of friction. He is simply not willing to "get his" in the opportunistic way Old Timmy did. LMA has always had his turn-around, fadeaway game, and as Pop learned last summer, he ain't interested in changing.

Aldridge still has two working knees, which makes him a superior shot creator to a post prime Duncan (who was obviously still a better all around player). He also sees the absence of a single dynamic, play making guard. If they had one of them plus a healthy Leonard, he'd have no choice but to be more of a finisher/spacer.

[sasaint]

Aldridge still has two working knees, which makes him a superior shot creator to a post prime Duncan (who was obviously still a better all around player). He also sees the absence of a single dynamic, play making guard. If they had one of them plus a healthy Leonard, he'd have no choice but to be more of a finisher/spacer.

So, you think LMA's game is the result of his lacking Kawhi and, say, a prime Tony? But don't you think his game was the same back in Portland?

[BackHome]

Not trying to hate but Mills has been playing like crap the last couple of games. He is taking 3 point shoots when he is not set I don’t know why Pop hasn’t told him to stop. Even Sean ****** has mentioned when Patty has his two feet set he should shoot if not pass the ball.

I still don’t understand his and Gasol contracts. They just don’t make much basketball sense.

[TD 21]

So, you think LMA's game is the result of his lacking Kawhi and, say, a prime Tony? But don't you think his game was the same back in Portland?

No, I'm saying despite generally despising it stars generally adapt when they're playing with equal or greater stars. We've seen countless examples (Allen and to a lesser extent Garnett with Celtics; Bosh and to a lesser extent Wade with Heat; Love with Cavaliers, etc.). He also just so happens to be the easiest type to transition into more of a finisher/spacer role: a big who can shoot.

Spurs fans need to realize, Aldridge is the typical star and the big 3 were the outliers. The former wants to win on his terms, while the latter wanted to win on any terms.

[sasaint]

No, I'm saying despite generally despising it stars generally adapt when they're playing with equal or greater stars. We've seen countless examples (Allen and to a lesser extent Garnett with Celtics; Bosh and to a lesser extent Wade with Heat; Love with Cavaliers, etc.). He also just so happens to be the easiest type to transition into more of a finisher/spacer role: a big who can shoot.

Spurs fans need to realize, Aldridge is the typical star and the big 3 were the outliers. The former wants to win on his terms, while the latter wanted to win on any terms.

THAT'S certainly true. And I think it is apparent that Tim was the real key. We are groping right now.

[Chinook]

Yeah, the Spurs losing in Denver without Leonard, Aldridge and Gay surely proves that Aldridge ball is indeed winning ball. :lol

Also, still missing the point of that thread. I thought people were a little bit smarter here, tbh.

It's ridiculous that you think you made a point in that thread. Everyone knew what you meant and just thought it was silly. THIS is the value of Aldridge, not how he'd fit with in a superstar trio. He raises the team's talent level considerably, gets his own shots and overpowers all but the best big-man defenders. Despite what you and the folks who made your "point" years before your thread wanted to believe, the Warriors avoided playing anyone but centers on Aldridge all game. Pace-and-space modern bigs can't guard him, and it forces teams to play traditional lineups. That benefit gets complete ignored by the 2D folks who only look at straight stats when making judgements, as does the basic alternative of Aldridge being replaced with a guy like Capela. The Spurs would be a lottery team with even fewer paths to a title had you gotten what you wanted with LMA being traded.

[TD 21]

It's ridiculous that you think you made a point in that thread. Everyone knew what you meant and just thought it was silly. THIS is the value of Aldridge, not how he'd fit with in a superstar trio. He raises the team's talent level considerably, gets his own shots and overpowers all but the best big-man defenders. Despite what you and the folks who made your "point" years before your thread wanted to believe, the Warriors avoided playing anyone but centers on Aldridge all game. Pace-and-space modern bigs can't guard him, and it forces teams to play traditional lineups. That benefit gets complete ignored by the 2D folks who only look at straight stats when making judgements, as does the basic alternative of Aldridge being replaced with a guy like Capela. The Spurs would be a lottery team with even fewer paths to a title had you gotten what you wanted with LMA being traded.

A combination of match-ups (it made no sense for the immobile Pachulia to guard Bertans) and sparring Green the physical grind of guarding one of the most overpowering bigs in the league, in a meaningless regular season game that they knew beforehand they'd win comfortably. He hasn't hesitated to have Green be the primary Aldridge defender in the past and wouldn't in a playoff series, particularly if Spurs made it competitive.

[DAF86]

It's ridiculous that you think you made a point in that thread. Everyone knew what you meant and just thought it was silly. THIS is the value of Aldridge, not how he'd fit with in a superstar trio. He raises the team's talent level considerably, gets his own shots and overpowers all but the best big-man defenders. Despite what you and the folks who made your "point" years before your thread wanted to believe, the Warriors avoided playing anyone but centers on Aldridge all game. Pace-and-space modern bigs can't guard him, and it forces teams to play traditional lineups.

Tell me one instance in which this happened. :lol


That benefit gets complete ignored by the 2D folks who only look at straight stats when making judgements, as does the basic alternative of Aldridge being replaced with a guy like Capela. The Spurs would be a lottery team with even fewer paths to a title had you gotten what you wanted with LMA being traded.

With Kawhi out and no other player capable of handling 1st option responsabilities, of course Aldridge is gonna be more needed than a Capela. But on a team correctly structured, with at least two perimeter oriented stars, a bigman like Capela is much more useful if your plan is to compete for championships.

BTW, do you remember when you laughed at my comment about the days of two traditional bigmen being over? Yeah, not so funny now, huh?

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Yeah, the Spurs losing in Denver without Leonard, Aldridge and Gay surely proves that Aldridge ball is indeed winning ball. :lol

Also, still missing the point of that thread. I thought people were a little bit smarter here, tbh.

You are absolutely right in that Aldridge isn't winning ball. You absolutely CAN NOT win a title with Aldridge as your second best player. He's a third option player at best if you're serious about a title run.

[SAGirl]

Our role players exceeded my expectations the last two games. It was up to Kawhi, LMA and starters to finish the games. And if they come back healthy after the ASG, I really think we got a good chance, granted they get enough playing time to gel together.
Great point of view. :tu

[Chinook]

Tell me one instance in which this happened. :lol

It just happened in the GS game when the Warriors kept a center on the court the whole game as to avoid Draymond guarding LMA.


With Kawhi out and no other player capable of handling 1st option responsabilities, of course Aldridge is gonna be more needed than a Capela. But on a team correctly structured, with at least two perimeter oriented stars, a bigman like Capela is much more useful if your plan is to compete for championships.

That's like saying Rubio is more useful on a team with a ton of shooters. Sure, if you have everything set up for them then it's possible for a role-player to out perform a star. That's the misunderstanding people have when comparing players using stats. It's the classic generalist-specialist debate that has long been a thing in ecology but that sports is just now trying to figure out.


BTW, do you remember when you laughed at my comment about the days of two traditional bigmen being over? Yeah, not so funny now, huh?

No. I'm pretty sure you made that up, seeing as I wanted LMA to play center next to Terrance Jones years ago and got slammed for not wanting Miles Plumlee and Cole Aldrich instead.

[r0drig0lac]

Tell me one instance in which this happened. :lol



With Kawhi out and no other player capable of handling 1st option responsabilities, of course Aldridge is gonna be more needed than a Capela. But on a team correctly structured, with at least two perimeter oriented stars, a bigman like Capela is much more useful if your plan is to compete for championships.

BTW, do you remember when you laughed at my comment about the days of two traditional bigmen being over? Yeah, not so funny now, huh?

nice post

[Chinook]

A combination of match-ups (it made no sense for the immobile Pachulia to guard Bertans) and sparring Green the physical grind of guarding one of the most overpowering bigs in the league, in a meaningless regular season game that they knew beforehand they'd win comfortably. He hasn't hesitated to have Green be the primary Aldridge defender in the past and wouldn't in a playoff series, particularly if Spurs made it competitive.

In Game One last year, Kerr absolutely went away from Draymond guarding LMA, because Draymond couldn't do it. It was to such a point that Draymond himself started yelling for a switch any time he was on Aldridge. People forget that it wasn't just Kawhi dominating the Warriors in that game. That's even more true given that Green is not their primary scorer and doesn't have to be "saved" like that.

[TheGreatYacht]

Nook is handling scrubs, I see

[DAF86]

It just happened in the GS game when the Warriors kept a center on the court the whole game as to avoid Draymond guarding LMA.



That's like saying Rubio is more useful on a team with a ton of shooters. Sure, if you have everything set up for them then it's possible for a role-player to out perform a star. That's the misunderstanding people have when comparing players using stats. It's the classic generalist-specialist debate that has long been a thing in ecology but that sports is just now trying to figure out.



No. I'm pretty sure you made that up, seeing as I wanted LMA to play center next to Terrance Jones years ago and got slammed for not wanting Miles Plumlee and Cole Aldrich instead.

The fuck son? Golden State last season didn't change it's rotation one bit and the Rockets were happily letting Aldridge go one on one on Harden without doubling because that's what they wanted, for the Spurs to post up.

And lastly, I can't believe you are denying that last thing. I don't know in which thread it was and I'm too lazy to do a hard search but I will see if I can find it with a quick one. :lol

[DAF86]

Nook is handling scrubs, I see

You are on the semen slurping business now? :lol

[HarlemHeat37]

You are on the semen slurping business now? :lol

:lol

[HarlemHeat37]

Our role players exceeded my expectations the last two games. It was up to Kawhi, LMA and starters to finish the games. And if they come back healthy after the ASG, I really think we got a good chance, granted they get enough playing time to gel together.

Spurs' role players(Green, Kyle, Manu, Parker, Mills, Bertans, Murray) are top tier, tbh..their metrics match up well with virtually any other team in the league..they could use better shooting(although this is tough with the lack of creators) and a better big man, but their overall impact matches up well with most teams..

This forum seems to believe that the role players are the problem, but the reality is that the Spurs are lacking at least one more high-end piece, which would ideally be a guard..the Warriors have Klay Thompson and Draymond to compliment Curry/Durant and the Rockets have Capela and Gordon around Paul/Harden..there's really nothing special about Ariza/Tucker/Mbah a Moute/Anderson/Nene or washed-up Iguodala and Livingston/West/Casspi/Young/Bell..

Spurs have a huge gap in talent between Leonard/Aldridge and the role players, though, there's nothing in-between..the talent issue and roster imbalance would all be solved with a high-end 3rd option guard like Kemba Walker..

[Chinook]

The fuck son? Golden State last season didn't change it's rotation one bit and the Rockets were happily letting Aldridge go one on one on Harden without doubling because that's what they wanted, for the Spurs to post up.

And lastly, I can't believe you are denying that last thing. I don't know in which thread it was and I'm too lazy to do a hard search but I will see if I can find it with a quick one. :lol

The Warriors went away from their "death lineup" until Kawhi went out and they could triple-team LMA. As far as Houston goes, mentioning them is weird because a) They totally tried to play big until Nene got hurt and Capela proved to be incompetent in trying to check Aldridge and b) they lost pretty handily once the Aldridge got used to going at Harden without hitting him too hard and getting called for a charge.

I'm not completely denying that I laughed at a post in which you said something to that effect. We've disagreed on a number of things over the years. However, I have never insisted that LMA be a power-forward for the team. You've accused me multiple times of having that stance, but pretty much since Tim got hurt the final time, I've been keen on the team just getting the best guy next to him they could (while upgrading at the guard spot), whether that be a center or a small-ball big.

[Chinook]

Spurs have a huge gap in talent between Leonard/Aldridge and the role players, though, there's nothing in-between..the talent issue and roster imbalance would all be solved with a high-end 3rd option guard like Kemba Walker..

Yeah, getting that third player while keeping Green, LMA and Kawhi was worth potentially making a Billy King deal. I just can't think of anyone besides Walker who could fulfill that role. Anyone remotely talented enough is making too much money to be viable.

[SAGirl]

Spurs' role players(Green, Kyle, Manu, Parker, Mills, Bertans, Murray) are top tier, tbh..their metrics match up well with virtually any other team in the league..they could use better shooting(although this is tough with the lack of creators) and a better big man, but their overall impact matches up well with most teams..

This forum seems to believe that the role players are the problem, but the reality is that the Spurs are lacking at least one more high-end piece, which would ideally be a guard..the Warriors have Klay Thompson and Draymond to compliment Curry/Durant and the Rockets have Capela and Gordon around Paul/Harden..there's really nothing special about Ariza/Tucker/Mbah a Moute/Anderson/Nene or washed-up Iguodala and Livingston/West/Casspi/Young/Bell..

Spurs have a huge gap in talent between Leonard/Aldridge and the role players, though, there's nothing in-between..the talent issue and roster imbalance would all be solved with a high-end 3rd option guard like Kemba Walker..
Good points and they have been brought up b4. It strains the thought why they haven gone in that pursuit and instead reupped a really washed up Pau and a highly overpriced small microwave. One has to think MJ was a bit delusional in his package demands for Walker.

[HarlemHeat37]

Yeah, getting that third player while keeping Green, LMA and Kawhi was worth potentially making a Billy King deal. I just can't think of anyone besides Walker who could fulfill that role. Anyone remotely talented enough is making too much money to be viable.

Walker is literally the only decent option among players who could realistically be traded..the only other options I could imagine are a declining Jrue Holiday on a 25/year contract(isn't even that good anymore, either) or a washed-up Eric Bledsoe..neither is appealing, whatsoever..

I just don't really understand what their plan was in regards to roster construction at the PG position..Parker has been finished since 2015, was there really not a future plan in motion other than Chris Paul?(not counting Irving, since he wasn't even expected to be available)

With Parker as the only PG who can run an offense, a project in Murray and just having spent 50 million on Mills, I don't understand their plan or direction at the deepest position in the league..

[SAGirl]

Yeah, getting that third player while keeping Green, LMA and Kawhi was worth potentially making a Billy King deal. I just can't think of anyone besides Walker who could fulfill that role. Anyone remotely talented enough is making too much money to be viable.
It’s viable if you send some summer deals away... and reevaluate everything and everyone else. We shall see what happens this summer. I’d like to see everyone healthy and see what happens.

[spurraider21]

Walker is literally the only decent option among players who could realistically be traded..the only other options I could imagine are a declining Jrue Holiday on a 25/year contract(isn't even that good anymore, either) or a washed-up Eric Bledsoe..neither is appealing, whatsoever..

I just don't really understand what their plan was in regards to roster construction at the PG position..Parker has been finished since 2015, was there really not a future plan in motion other than Chris Paul?(not counting Irving, since he wasn't even expected to be available)

With Parker as the only PG who can run an offense, a project in Murray and just having spent 50 million on Mills, I don't understand their plan or direction at the deepest position in the league..
none of us outside of dabom and clipper nation have been able to make any sense of the mills signing. it completely went against every indicator... the drafting of murray and derrick white, the grooming of forbes.

at this point i think the team truly believes Murray is the answer going forward, with Mills just being an overpriced change of pace.

[callo1]

Bertans with Mills = horrid defense which ended up losing the game for the Spurs.

I know injuries have wreaked havoc on lineups, but those two should never be on the floor together in that situation we saw closing the game last night.

If Mills isn't scoring (which he hasn't been), he is a massive defensive liability.

[spurraider21]

i like bertans, but that attempt to draw a charge late in the game was laughable

[SAGirl]

963777329779556352
Pop taking this approach tells me he understood perhaps everyone was really beat up physically and tired.. and the team may be in a fragile state. He didn't come out blasting on anyone.

[TD 21]

In Game One last year, Kerr absolutely went away from Draymond guarding LMA, because Draymond couldn't do it. It was to such a point that Draymond himself started yelling for a switch any time he was on Aldridge. People forget that it wasn't just Kawhi dominating the Warriors in that game. That's even more true given that Green is not their primary scorer and doesn't have to be "saved" like that.

Aldridge has had plenty of inefficient performances with Green as the primary defender. Aldridge dominating him in game 1 is different than the notion that this would prevent them from playing lineups without a traditional big. Reality is, they've played less of Green at center lineups this season for 2 reasons: 1) To spare him the physical pounding of playing up a position and 2) Iguodala and Livingston have fallen off a cliff, which explains in part why it's been less effective.

In a potential series vs Spurs, if they think the best course of action is more Green at center lineups, I don't think they'd hesitate to go it. Their good at rotating out of double teams, Aldridge is a sub par passer and despite a plethora of shooters, Spurs have struggled making wide open shots all season (mired in the 20s in wide open 3%).

[Chinook]

Aldridge has had plenty of inefficient performances with Green as the primary defender.

Not really. LMA was dropping huge games on them even when he was in Portland. He averaged 21 points on 47-percent shooting in games against Draymond since 2014-2015 began (so during this era of Warriors dominance). He averaged 1.8 trips to the line and 1.8 TOs in those games. This is leaving out the WCF entirely, because Draymond wasn't the primary defender, Leonard wasn't playing and the Warriors triple-teamed LMA. In general, the Warriors have moved away from letting Draymond defend bigs one-on-one they don't have to do so with guys like Durant able to help, and due to a number of bigs going off on Green like Gasol and Cousins.

In a match-up against the Spurs where LMA is the main offensive threat, you'll see what we saw in most of the WCF. In a series where Kawhi is the primary threat, we'll see what we saw in the first two quarter. It's significantly harder to scramble your defense around stopping a second option.

[TD 21]

Not really. LMA was dropping huge games on them even when he was in Portland. He averaged 21 points on 47-percent shooting in games against Draymond since 2014-2015 began (so during this era of Warriors dominance). He averaged 1.8 trips to the line and 1.8 TOs in those games. This is leaving out the WCF entirely, because Draymond wasn't the primary defender, Leonard wasn't playing and the Warriors triple-teamed LMA. In general, the Warriors have moved away from letting Draymond defend bigs one-on-one they don't have to do so with guys like Durant able to help, and due to a number of bigs going off on Green like Gasol and Cousins.

In a match-up against the Spurs where LMA is the main offensive threat, you'll see what we saw in most of the WCF. In a series where Kawhi is the primary threat, we'll see what we saw in the first two quarter. It's significantly harder to scramble your defense around stopping a second option.

That's more like Aldridge's typical numbers than "huge games" and I was referring more to in his Spurs tenure.

It is harder, but I still think they'd go that route before going away from playing a specific lineup. Only an idiot lets an inferior team dictate the terms and not only that, but the second you give in to that, you just told both teams that you think the inferior team is capable of winning the series.

[cd021]

In Game One last year, Kerr absolutely went away from Draymond guarding LMA, because Draymond couldn't do it. It was to such a point that Draymond himself started yelling for a switch any time he was on Aldridge. People forget that it wasn't just Kawhi dominating the Warriors in that game. That's even more true given that Green is not their primary scorer and doesn't have to be "saved" like that.

I don't think that was the reason. Green was guarding Pau because of his pick and pop ability from 3, I believe it was specifically mentioned during one of the telecasts that Kerr didn't want Zaza to have to cover a 3pt shooter. Zaza is a capable LMA defender so having him spend his 14-16 minutes a game guarding Aldridge saves Green the trouble.





Aldridge has had plenty of inefficient performances with Green as the primary defender. Aldridge dominating him in game 1 is different than the notion that this would prevent them from playing lineups without a traditional big. Reality is, they've played less of Green at center lineups this season for 2 reasons: 1) To spare him the physical pounding of playing up a position and 2) Iguodala and Livingston have fallen off a cliff, which explains in part why it's been less effective.

In a potential series vs Spurs, if they think the best course of action is more Green at center lineups, I don't think they'd hesitate to go it. Their good at rotating out of double teams, Aldridge is a sub par passer and despite a plethora of shooters, Spurs have struggled making wide open shots all season (mired in the 20s in wide open 3%).




Agreed.

Prior to the most recent game vs. GSW I was concerned with Aldridge against GSW but Aldridge looked comfortable going at Zaza and didn't force it when he got double -I don't think he had a turnover after having 5 in the first game of the WCF last season, most of which occurred after Kawhi went down. Starting Bertans makes LMA's life easier, IMO, because it almost guarantees that Zaza is Aldridge's primary defender to start but I expect Draymond to play around 25-30 mpg at center.

LMA can't back down Green and is susceptible to strips but Green can't keep Aldridge off the offensive glass and is susceptible to duck ins where he can get buried underneath the basket. I also think the running pick and roll with Aldridge actually diving to the rim can do some damage against Draymond at center lineups with a spread floor around him.

[cd021]

Not really. LMA was dropping huge games on them even when he was in Portland. He averaged 21 points on 47-percent shooting in games against Draymond since 2014-2015 began (so during this era of Warriors dominance). He averaged 1.8 trips to the line and 1.8 TOs in those games. This is leaving out the WCF entirely, because Draymond wasn't the primary defender, Leonard wasn't playing and the Warriors triple-teamed LMA. In general, the Warriors have moved away from letting Draymond defend bigs one-on-one they don't have to do so with guys like Durant able to help, and due to a number of bigs going off on Green like Gasol and Cousins.

In a match-up against the Spurs where LMA is the main offensive threat, you'll see what we saw in most of the WCF. In a series where Kawhi is the primary threat, we'll see what we saw in the first two quarter. It's significantly harder to scramble your defense around stopping a second option.

The point about Aldridge going off in the first 2 + quarters of game 1 of the WCF with Kawhi is a valid one, GSW was clearly more concerned with stopping Kawhi than containing Aldridge and as a result he had 20 points before Kawhi went down and 8 points and 3 turnovers in the final 20 minutes of the game.

With Kawhi going off, Aldridge had more single coverage looks, and dominated

[tbdog]

And what we know is that GSW don't have anyone to mark LMA one on one.

[TD 21]

I don't think that was the reason. Green was guarding Pau because of his pick and pop ability from 3, I believe it was specifically mentioned during one of the telecasts that Kerr didn't want Zaza to have to cover a 3pt shooter. Zaza is a capable LMA defender so having him spend his 14-16 minutes a game guarding Aldridge saves Green the trouble.



Agreed.

Prior to the most recent game vs. GSW I was concerned with Aldridge against GSW but Aldridge looked comfortable going at Zaza and didn't force it when he got double -I don't think he had a turnover after having 5 in the first game of the WCF last season, most of which occurred after Kawhi went down. Starting Bertans makes LMA's life easier, IMO, because it almost guarantees that Zaza is Aldridge's primary defender to start but I expect Draymond to play around 25-30 mpg at center.

LMA can't back down Green and is susceptible to strips but Green can't keep Aldridge off the offensive glass and is susceptible to duck ins where he can get buried underneath the basket. I also think the running pick and roll with Aldridge actually diving to the rim can do some damage against Draymond at center lineups with a spread floor around him.

If/when healthy, Bertans becomes Gay/Anderson, though the match-ups will stay the same.

I doubt Green plays that much center period, let alone vs Spurs.

Aldridge slipping and diving when Green is at center works, if they trap Leonard in P-n-R, which would require him repeatedly torching them in it first. If that happens, they'd undoubtedly help off of whichever of Murray or Parker is in (if Anderson is in, he'd be another candidate), which would mean a small/wing rotating to protect the rim vs Aldridge.

To prevent this, they could just switch, have Durant/Iguodala guard Aldridge momentarily and then help off of one of the aforementioned names.