Spurs vs. Warriors 1st Round..

[HarlemHeat37]

I'll go with Warriors in 5..wouldn't be shocking if Spurs win 2 home games, although it's probably unlikely..

Warriors lack explosion without Curry..they're a slow-paced team that lacks outside shooting and athleticism, which works in SA's favor..

We'll see if Iguodala and Livingston are washed up or were coasting, that will be a crucial part of this series, as they don't have any other reliable players on their bench..

[Seventyniner]

Warriors in 5 sounds right.

[Robz4000]

Dubs in 6.

[DarrinS]

Mercy sweep

[Keepin' it real]

https://media.makeameme.org/created/Warriors-Come-out.jpg

Spurs in 5.

[daslicer]

If the Spurs somehow manage not to get swept that will be an achievement.

[baseline bum]

Golden State is playing dogshit ball right now, so I think the Spurs squeak out a home win.

[SuperCam]

don't overthink this. Spurms are getting swept

[MannyIsGod]

We'll probably win 2. This isn't the worst matchup without them having Curry though. Steal a game in the first two and then I might be inclined to see an upset as possible. That seems unlikely as we havne't won on the road in months, though.

[Texas_Ranger]

Broom Broom

[DPG21920]

Is what it is, bring it on.

[kjhip1]

I’m sure we are good enough for at least one win in San Antonio. Call me optimistic, I’ll go further and say Warriors in 6.

[spursistan]

Might sneak one at home and that's about it..They will get toyed with in the other games: up 15-20 points at HF, and then GSW turn up the pressure on their pathetic offense..

[davidbowie]

we get blown out the first two
kawhi decides to return
we lose the two homes games by not as much
the end.

[SpurPadre]

Purposely injure Zaza and it's a win tbh.

[Brunodf]

Spurs in 6.

Their biggest advantage is coaching , if prime Pop shows up they are done tbh

[Seventyniner]

With Curry out we just need someone to Zaza KD and the Spurs suddenly can win it.

[BillMc]

Anyone know if it will be the Sat or Sunday game yet?

[TheDoctor]

C'mon guys, if Kawhi doesn't suit-up this gonna be a sweep.

Last time we had trouble beating the Showers w/o Raymond, Durant, Curry and Klay even us playing w/ a Full-Minus-Kawhi-Squad.

[HarlemHeat37]

It'll be interesting to see how Pop adjusts to last year's series..once Kawhi went down, the Warriors relentlessly swarmed Aldridge and he had no answers for it..

Their defense has fallen off, but is it because Draymond, Iguodala and Durant were saving it for the playoffs? Not that it matters, since the Spurs' offense sucks anyways:lol

[cd98]

Dubs in 4 and Spurs lose by double figures in every game.

[BillMc]

Spurs in 6 tbh

True fan here. :toast

[baseline bum]

Purposely injure Zaza and it's a win tbh.

Why? He sucks. Go and knock Durant out for the playoffs and we're talking.

[TheGreatYacht]

Can Fatty the Jamaican sled dog play better than he did last year against them? (3ppg 21% shooting)

[Chef Curry]

https://media.giphy.com/media/1PgPvWLfXGkCY/giphy.gif

[DarrinS]

Exactly what the Warriors needed, tbh

[cd98]

C'mon guys, if Kawhi doesn't suit-up this gonna be a sweep.

Last time we had trouble beating the Showers w/o Raymond, Durant, Curry and Klay even us playing w/ a Full-Minus-Kawhi-Squad.

Regardless. Kawhi is out of basketball shape.

[MannyIsGod]

It'll be interesting to see how Pop adjusts to last year's series..once Kawhi went down, the Warriors relentlessly swarmed Aldridge and he had no answers for it..

Their defense has fallen off, but is it because Draymond, Iguodala and Durant were saving it for the playoffs?

They've definitely been less motivated this year but I question whether these guys can flip a switch. They're not that kind of team mentally (if they were the'd have a threepeat)

[HarlemHeat37]

Exactly what the Warriors needed, tbh

This is true, as well:lol Spurs are their easiest matchup, good way to find their confidence..

GS has struggled heavily against athleticism..fortunately for them, this Spurs team doesn't even have a drop of it:lol

[tmtcsc]

SWEEP

WARRIORS IN 3.

[ElNono]

Spurs in 5, tbh... unless LMA gets hurt, then Spurs in 7

[davidbowie]

im predicting a monster bertans game

u heard it here first folks

[SpurPadre]

It'll be interesting to see how Pop adjusts to last year's series..once Kawhi went down, the Warriors relentlessly swarmed Aldridge and he had no answers for it..

Their defense has fallen off, but is it because Draymond, Iguodala and Durant were saving it for the playoffs? Not that it matters, since the Spurs' offense sucks anyways:lol

I think Danny will at least guard Klay well...I like that match up at least.

[baseline bum]

I'm just hoping for a Game 4 win so Manu can be sent off with a W.

[SuperCam]

This will honestly be the least competitive series of the entire playoffs first round. spur will lose in 4 games by a combined margin of -50. this isn't a schtick post, i'll wager via bitcoin broker

[paperboy77]

F KL! Here's Jimmy Butler back after knee surgery and didn't "ball out" but provided leadership. Agree with the other poster comparing KL to Brandon Roy... at least Roy tried to play. That dude gave every drop he had from what i saw. Our guy won't play cuz he's "sore"? WTF! If he wants out that's a real shitty way of doing it. Maybe his uncle is telling him that Spurs let him do the HEB commercials that make him look dumb and not hip. Don't know what it is (cuz he won't say!) but he's a weak ass MFer! I still hope he comes back though.

Lol the 41 year old hustling for the ball cuz our 26 yr old star is "sore"! --- pic someone posted here.

Spurs still upset GS though. It'll have to be a Pop masterpiece that Kerr can't solve. That and GS will underestimate SA and rush Curry back to no avail. GSG!

[phxspurfan]

dubs in 7

[mexicanjunior]

Dubs in 4 and Spurs lose by double figures in every game.

This...

[SpurPadre]

I'm just hoping for a Game 4 win so Manu can be sent off with a W.

Man, either way, that's going to be so sad to see him walk off the court after that Game 4.

[TheGreatYacht]

Seriously praying Green breaks a leg out there.... either one would be fine

[davidbowie]

manu deserves a better exit than a sweep

[Emperor]

Kawhi got the perfect opportunity to come back now. No Curry this time, now the tables are turned.

[DAF86]

Now it would be the perfect moment for Kawhi to pull a Willis Reed, tbh. Spurs on full strength would beat the Curryless Warriors. Oh, well. :depressed

[BillMc]

Man, either way, that's going to be so sad to see him walk off the court after that Game 4.

Win or lose what makes you think this is finally it? He's been doing this for the last 5 years.

[Arcadian]

It's hard to imagine the Spurs winning a game.

[paperboy77]

Regardless. Kawhi is out of basketball shape.

Not buying it. Jimmy Butler is now back from knee surgery and logged 23, 23 and 42 minutes in the PO clincher.

[DPG21920]

It'll be interesting to see how Pop adjusts to last year's series..once Kawhi went down, the Warriors relentlessly swarmed Aldridge and he had no answers for it..

Their defense has fallen off, but is it because Draymond, Iguodala and Durant were saving it for the playoffs? Not that it matters, since the Spurs' offense sucks anyways:lol

I don’t know how you can adjust really? I mean, I think you have to stick with 3 guard lineups and Bertans as the 4. Have to have “shooters” even if they aren’t doing to well with Forbes/Mills/Danny/Bertans. Kyle is needed though and has to break out vs Durant on defense.

[SpurPadre]

Win or lose what makes you think this is finally it? He's been doing this for the last 5 years.

I think Kawhi's shenanigans have taken a toll on Manu's patience. He's way too old to deal with that immaturity for another 82 game season, IMO.

[HarlemHeat37]

I don’t know how you can adjust really? I mean, I think you have to stick with 3 guard lineups and Bertans as the 4. Have to have “shooters” even if they aren’t doing to well with Forbes/Mills/Danny/Bertans. Kyle is needed though and has to break out vs Durant on defense.

Not being afraid to shoot is one, as Chinook said in the game thread..

[BillMc]

I think Kawhi's shenanigans have taken a toll on Manu's patience. He's way too old to deal with that immaturity for another 82 game season, IMO.

You're probably right. When we were 60+ win teams the two previous years he can stay to play for championships. Now, Kawh-gate has lowered the bar considerably. Why would a legend like Manu want to stay for that?

[DAF86]

I don’t know how you can adjust really? I mean, I think you have to stick with 3 guard lineups and Bertans as the 4. Have to have “shooters” even if they aren’t doing to well with Forbes/Mills/Danny/Bertans. Kyle is needed though and has to break out vs Durant on defense.

Bertans won't see minutes unless shit goes south fast (so yeah, he will probably play some).

Pop will go with the Murray, Mills, Green, Anderson, Aldridge lineup. And will probably close with Mills, Manu, Green, Gay, Aldridge.

Tony and Pau will be major liabilities and Forbes will only be useful if he's hitting the 3.

[Uriel]

If Kawhi magically comes back for the playoffs and we upset Golden State in the first round, it will be the best revenge since 5.

[diego]

team has been so bad ive barely watched them play this year. I cant help but think though, that a few throwback playoff games from guys that have been sucking and suddenly this team is pretty good again. unfortunately they are always going to be underdogs with pau, mills, parker being bad matchups for gs but, I think parker, green, manu all have enough of a track record to think maybe they'll play a little better than usual.

golden state plays super sloppy. even at their best. with curry out and klay off, and that sloppy approach, they are vulnerable. have to steal homecourt for any possibility but... sometimes its nice to be the underdog playing with nothing to lose.

[SpurPadre]

You're probably right. When we were 60+ win teams the two previous years he can stay to play for championships. Now, Kawh-gate has lowered the bar considerably. Why would a legend like Manu want to stay for that?

And let's say Kawhi gets traded, whatever we get in return surely won't be equal value...at least right away and Manu is all about rings right now, as he should be.

[SpurPadre]

You're probably right. When we were 60+ win teams the two previous years he can stay to play for championships. Now, Kawh-gate has lowered the bar considerably. Why would a legend like Manu want to stay for that?

And let's say Kawhi gets traded, whatever we get in return surely won't be equal value...at least right away and Manu is all about rings right now, as he should be.

[BillMc]

And let's say Kawhi gets traded, whatever we get in return surely won't be equal value...at least right away and Manu is all about rings right now, as he should be.

Agree on both counts.

[FkLA]

Those Curry-less motherfuckers would be shaking in their boots if only Kawhi hadn't turned out to be a faggot.

[spursistan]

Those Curry-less motherfuckers would be shaking in their boots if only Kawhi hadn't turned out to be a faggot.
The fucker has a potential legacy-elevating moment but he is gonna chicken out of it..

[HarlemHeat37]

Those Curry-less motherfuckers would be shaking in their boots if only Kawhi hadn't turned out to be a faggot.

If Kawhi played, Spurs would probably be the 2 seed, tbh..

[paperboy77]

The fucker has a potential legacy-elevating moment but he is gonna chicken out of it..

Kinda reminds me of what Jay Cutler did.

[keithington1]

Let Draymond and Iggy shoot all day

[DPG21920]

How is there no updates after all this time with “his team” while he “rehabs vigorously” while in NY. Like there aren’t gyms in San Antonio.

[DPG21920]

Just be competitive. This is obviously going to have to be won with defense more than anything, but shots will obviously need to fall. GS will not stop doubling LMA no matter what so just have to keep firing and take care of the damn ball.

[FkLA]

If Kawhi played, Spurs would probably be the 2 seed, tbh..

If he played all year, probably. But assuming he came back in late March like Woj reported, or even if he were to come back now, everything wouldve fallen into place for sweet revenge. He's gone though. :depressed

[baseline bum]

How is there no updates after all this time with “his team” while he “rehabs vigorously” while in NY. Like there aren’t gyms in San Antonio.

What's he supposed to say? Screw you guys, I'm going home?

[DPG21920]

What's he supposed to say? Screw you guys, I'm going home?

Umm, something about if he’s made progress. Or how he’s proud of his team for fighting and making the playoffs. Or anything?

[SpursBig3s]

I'll go with Warriors in 5..wouldn't be shocking if Spurs win 2 home games, although it's probably unlikely..

Warriors lack explosion without Curry..they're a slow-paced team that lacks outside shooting and athleticism, which works in SA's favor..

We'll see if Iguodala and Livingston are washed up or were coasting, that will be a crucial part of this series, as they don't have any other reliable players on their bench..



Do you stick Danny on Durant or Klay?? i'm of the opinion just throw Kyle on KD caus Durant is gonna get his no matter what and hope Klay goes cold and Danny makes it tough on him

[DAF86]

Umm, something about if he’s made progress. Or how he’s proud of his team for fighting and making the playoffs. Or anything?

If he really wants out then he doesn't even care to pretend he doesn't give a fuck, tbh.

[superbigtime]

Difficult to envision Spurs winning a game. Pop needs to play rudy 30 mpg. Patty and Pay going to be just painful to watch. Hard to imagine this at this beginning of this season. Pretty much worst case scenario except they don't have Curry.

[HarlemHeat37]

Do you stick Danny on Durant or Klay?? i'm of the opinion just throw Kyle on KD caus Durant is gonna get his no matter what and hope Klay goes cold and Danny makes it tough on him

They'll have to just use size and switching against Thompson, he's useless outside of screens and spot-up shooting..

What's interesting is that the Warriors run 43% more isolation plays without Curry, they become extremely predictable and rely heavily on Durant being a ball-dominant ISO scorer..

Obviously try to make Draymond and Iguodala beat you as much as possible..Livingston is always a nightmare for the Spurs' little guards, unfortunately..

[baseline bum]

Umm, something about if he’s made progress. Or how he’s proud of his team for fighting and making the playoffs. Or anything?

We're way past that, he's gone. Hopefully the Spurs can dump him for some decent lottery picks unless they can get someone young with upside like Porzingod or Jokic.

[DPG21920]

They'll have to just use size and switching against Thompson, he's useless outside of screens and spot-up shooting..

What's interesting is that the Warriors run 43% more isolation plays without Curry, they become extremely predictable and rely heavily on Durant being a ball-dominant ISO scorer..

Obviously try to make Draymond and Iguodala beat you as much as possible..Livingston is always a nightmare for the Spurs' little guards, unfortunately..

Time for Murray’s defense to prove it’s legit..

[baseline bum]

Difficult to envision Spurs winning a game. Pop needs to play rudy 30 mpg. Patty and Pay going to be just painful to watch. Hard to imagine this at this beginning of this season. Pretty much worst case scenario except they don't have Curry.

Spurs can get one when Kerr rests his guys for the next round tbh

[DAF86]

We're way past that, he's gone. Hopefully the Spurs can dump him for some decent lottery picks unless they can get someone young with upside like Porzingod or Jokic.

I prefer Tatum to those guys. Seriously, hoard as many (tall) wings as you can. There's no such thing as "too many wings" on today's NBA.

[AlexJones]

It'll be interesting to see how Pop adjusts to last year's series..once Kawhi went down, the Warriors relentlessly swarmed Aldridge and he had no answers for it..

Their defense has fallen off, but is it because Draymond, Iguodala and Durant were saving it for the playoffs? Not that it matters, since the Spurs' offense sucks anyways:lol
Iguodala is finished. Draymond has been playing on 70% effort level and KD stopped playing defense after Christmas

[SpursBig3s]

They'll have to just use size and switching against Thompson, he's useless outside of screens and spot-up shooting..

What's interesting is that the Warriors run 43% more isolation plays without Curry, they become extremely predictable and rely heavily on Durant being a ball-dominant ISO scorer..

Obviously try to make Draymond and Iguodala beat you as much as possible..Livingston is always a nightmare for the Spurs' little guards, unfortunately..



agree with all of that :tu

[superbigtime]

Spurs can get one when Kerr rests his guys for the next round tbh I wouldn't count on it. Possible tho.

[Russ]

Spurs in 5, tbh... unless LMA gets hurt, then Spurs in 7

I like your style. :)

[SouthTexasRancher]

The Spurs will get within 46 points in game 3 giving some of the gullible fans hope that we'll come back and win the series. But, this team is a joke that needs to seriously be rebuilt almost starting from scratch. Keep LMA, Rudy, White (to see what he can do over a full season with enough playing time each game), Murray and Anderson with both of them putting in 22 hour days just shooting until they can no longer lift the ball. Everyone else needs to find a new address either via trade or retirement. I love Manu but, it is time. Tony, Pau, Patty, Danny, JL, BP, Forbes and Bertans need to be gone, gone, gone! Either we get athletic or we take up tennis (table tennis that is aka ping pong). Pop needs to retire and run for POTUS. His senlity and dementia are raising their ugly head with each passing game. And as for Kawhi, I don't even know if the guy is still alive. For all I know he could be living in a space ship with aliens from far, far away.

It has been a good run but, it is time to face reality. Course Pop and his doofus sidekick, RC will probably bring the entire team back and give them all a raise using the big buck$ they were going to give to the ghost.

[313]

Seeing how Kawhi handled this season, he isn't right and won't be right any time soon. Smartest move for him was to not play, cash-in in the summer, and then see if he can get healthy again after he secures his payday. I'm surprised he risked it by coming back at all. A true Warrior(s in 3).

[baseline bum]

I prefer Tatum to those guys. Seriously, hoard as many (tall) wings as you can. There's no such thing as "too many wings" on today's NBA.

My fear with Tatum is maybe he's excelling because of Brad Stevens' system the same way career scrub Isaiah did. Or career scrub Jae Crowder.

[313]

How is there no updates after all this time with “his team” while he “rehabs vigorously” while in NY. Like there aren’t gyms in San Antonio.
#HeGone

[DAF86]

My fear with Tatum is maybe he's excelling because of Brad Stevens' system the same way career scrub Isaiah did. Or career scrub Jae Crowder.

Tatum on a worst case scenario would be the perfect Danny Green replacement, a 3 and D guy that can eat you 35 minutes per game.

Jokic and Porzingis wouldn't be the greatest fits alongside Aldridge. Very rarely you see teams playing two traditional bigs on crunch time nowadays.

[baseline bum]

Tatum on a worst case scenario would be the perfect Danny Green replacement, a 3 and D guy that can eat you 35 minutes per game.

Jokic and Porzingis wouldn't be the greatest fits alongside Aldridge. Very rarely you see teams playing two traditional bigs on crunch time nowadays.

Well I don't really want Aldridge back. I don't think he makes much sense for a team needing a complete rebuild. If he was 28 instead of two months shy of 33 it'd be different, but he's too old to build around and the Spurs desperately need young talent.

[DPG21920]

984245927098617856

[TheDoctor]

984245927098617856
:lol

[DAF86]

Well I don't really want Aldridge back. I don't think he makes much sense for a team needing a complete rebuild. If he was 28 instead of two months shy of 33 it'd be different, but he's too old to build around and the Spurs desperately need young talent.

Yeah, if Kawhi is gone, the best thing to do might be to trade Aldridge.

[DPG21920]

Why do the Spurs need a complete rebuild :lol?

Does: DEN, MIN, POR, OKC, & NO all need complete rebuilds?

[cjw]

984245927098617856

See that ESPN article - Denver can’t make the playoffs despite having a ridiculous home court advantage with teams flying in at weird hours, the altitude and distance form airport. Their road record speaks for itself. Almost as bad as the Spurs this year, which is really bad!

[DAF86]

Why do the Spurs need a complete rebuild :lol?

Does: DEN, MIN, POR, OKC, & NO all need complete rebuilds?

Because Aldridge isn't a championship winning go to guy and he's 33. All those other teams you mentioned have young stars that might not be championship winning go to guys but are at least worth keeping for a while to find out. If you can somehow swap Aldridge for a Porzingis or a Jokic, you do it.

[baseline bum]

Why do the Spurs need a complete rebuild :lol?

Does: DEN, MIN, POR, OKC, & NO all need complete rebuilds?

Do they have young talent?

[vy65]

Why do the Spurs need a complete rebuild :lol?

Does: DEN, MIN, POR, OKC, & NO all need complete rebuilds?

How many minutes did Kawhi play tonight?

[SpurPadre]

My fear with Tatum is maybe he's excelling because of Brad Stevens' system the same way career scrub Isaiah did. Or career scrub Jae Crowder.

To be fair, Durant insists Kawhi is a system player.

[DPG21920]

Do they have young talent?

Lol how can you call it “talent” if they are not better than the team you think is shitty :lol?

[baseline bum]

Lol how can you call it “talent” if they are not better than the team you think is shitty :lol?

Well we know New Orleans is 24 points better.

[DeRozan m8]

Thing is, we need LMA firing to have any chance.

Donkey eats LMAs soul...so with that alone, we are fucked.

[Budkin]

Dubs in 5

[DPG21920]

Well we know New Orleans is 24 points better.

For one game? Cool. AD been a beast in the playoffs his entire career too!

[DPG21920]

Thing is, we need LMA firing to have any chance.

Donkey eats LMAs soul...so with that alone, we are fucked.

Ya when his whole team is helping him guard him. When it’s straight up LMA was doing juuuuust fine.

[tmtcsc]

Seriously praying Green breaks a leg out there.... either one would be fine

You meant D.Green right?

[TimDunkem]

You meant D.Green right?

Danny? Yes.

[lefty]

We win

[Dancelot]

If the Spurs somehow manage not to get swept that will be an achievement.
:lol

[NASpurs]

Incoming hot take. This guy probably makes six figures.

984275890803789824

[cutewizard]

Hmmm hmmm

[baseline bum]

Incoming hot take. This guy probably makes six figures.

984275890803789824

Fuck that Sinclair fake news peddler, especially after dissing my man TSpence who correctly called the Gasol signing.

[Mikeanaro]

It sucks, at least they can hurt Curry, Durant, Raymond and Klaynus.

[daslicer]

It sucks, at least they can hurt Curry, Durant, Raymond and Klaynus.

I'm hopping Joffrey ends up injuring Durant. That would be some karmic justice from last year. The best part of it is we could honestly say it was actually an accident since Joffrey is actually that clumsy. I would love to use that it's an accident line against Warrior fans since they used it against us last year.

[spurs10]

Well I guess it was bullshit that the schedule was going to be released after the last game was played. It's like nobody might have any plans or anything.

[Kawhitstorm]

Spurs in 5, tbh... unless LMA gets hurt, then Spurs in 7

Spurs in 4 unless Zaza takes out Kawhi..

[objective]

No Derrick White and Parker & Forbes combining for 15+ minutes a game = Warriors in 4

[YGWHI]

With Curry out we just need someone to Zaza KD and the Spurs suddenly can win it.

When I realize that Horry isn't playing for us...

[YGWHI]

Incoming hot take. This guy probably makes six figures.

984275890803789824

F*ck SAS media...I wonder if Jeff McDonald is tweeting we should let Dubs "take a turn"

[Cloud786]

984325279727398916

[spurs10]

984325279727398916 Thanks for posting! Here’s to stealing one on the road!
:bobo

[Spursone]

Spurs get swept. True but realistic fan!

[UNT Eagles 2016]

With Curry out we just need someone to Zaza KD and the Spurs suddenly can win it.
Where's Bruce when you need him

[szkorhetz]

Spurs get swept. True but realistic fan!

[tenbeersbold]

I think ya gotta move RUDY into the starting lineup to avoid the Aldridge double team that we know is coming and give the SL another solid handler/creator
Having two guys who can't shoot(Kyle and Dejaunte) in the SL is killing the team point-wise and allowing defenses to load up.

Rudy's minutes need to take a significant bump upwards if the Spurs are to stand any chance.

[KimmyGib]

This first round matchup is just fecal icing on the shit cake of a season. Not because they have to face a top team and get eliminated. First round elimination was pretty much a given in any scenario, tbh. But because the Spurs are providing the hated GSW the easiest road possible to the WCF. With Steph out and their team's recent struggles, ANY of the other lower seeded playoff teams including Denver would've had a plausible chance to pull off the upset. The Spurs have virtually zero chance. Instead of seeing the Warriors sweat in the first round and Kerr begging fans for help on social media, we'll get to see Zaza and company cruise to an easy first round victory over our guys (again) while Steph heals up for the next series. Their road to the finals looking significantly easier than the Rockets. Bay Area butt buddies luck out again...

[SPURt]

Spurs threw the game to get the Dubs in the first round to avoid being the NBAtv series. Otherwise Kawhi wouldn’t be incentived to come back and get that shoe money.

[tbdog]

Honestly, IF Kawhi is not injured and he is sitting out for reasons, he really is blowing a legit chance for a championship. Warriors are injured and playing like ass. And Rockets are fakes. Cavs are significantly worse than last season. He should have seen this weeks ago and made a return. It is a real shame, regardless if the injury is legit or not. We have a shot with him.

[SAGirl]

No Derrick White and Parker & Forbes combining for 15+ minutes a game = Warriors in 4
Forgot to mention Patty. Lamarcus is not the only one needing a redemption tour.

[SAGirl]

I think ya gotta move RUDY into the starting lineup to avoid the Aldridge double team that we know is coming and give the SL another solid handler/creator
Having two guys who can't shoot(Kyle and Dejaunte) in the SL is killing the team point-wise and allowing defenses to load up.

Rudy's minutes need to take a significant bump upwards if the Spurs are to stand any chance.
They will load up anyways bc Aldridge passing out of doubles is something they aren’t scared of. By that I mean he’s not a good passer and they can jump passing lanes on passes that are predictable. He handled GSW well this year though. It’s others who were really shitty.

[boutons_deux]

Spurs return to SA down 0-2

get the split in SA, with a close, last-second, maybe contested W, pour l'honneur

Then, 1-3, return to Oakland to get eliminated 1-4

On the night of the elimination, all Academy stores in SA stay open late to sell discounted, Spurs-branded fishing gear.

Even more merciful, Spurs 0-4.

How bad are the Spurs? In WC, only lottery SAC has more road losses than SA

KL's absence did not cause Spurs' and Pop's defense-lessness and sub-40% offense.

[Stabula]

Spurs in 5

[jermaine]

I know I'm just a stupid Spurs fan wishing, but I truly believe we can win this in 6 or 7gms. True, no one can stop KD but him an the refs... But if Danny, LMA, Rudy, an To my comes to play, we could sneak into the WCF. Oyeah if Pop gives Bertans some time too an not let flat footed Pau constantly get blown past, we'll be alright. Our team is good an I believe in them. We just Would be been alot better with Kawhi. To bad I wouldn't get to see the late gms... I get up for work at 4am.

[tholdren]

Spurs 5

[acoelho1]

I think this series will be a lot more competitive than people think. GSW is considerably easier to guard without Curry bombing away from the outside. KD will get his but I like Kyle’s length and he should be able to make it difficult for him. The key to the series is keeping Thompson in check. I would have Green stick to him like glue. LA and Rudy has to have a big series for us to have a chance. GO SPURS!

[Seventyniner]

Somehow Mills/Pau aren't nearly the liabilities we thought they would be in this matchup. If Pau only plays when KD sits he might be able to be effective. And Mills shouldn't get torched by Cook the way he would by Curry.

Murray might be better served coming off the bench to guard Livingston and take Thompson when Danny sits or gets put on KD.

[r0drig0lac]

GSW in 4 obviously, are people serious about taking a game out of GSW? really?

[gwidlon]

we steal first game ... spurs in 6

[NameLess Scrub]

Warriors in 4, because they have more natural talent.

/thread

Also it might turn out Curry is half faking and he returns to warm up for the next series. Kawhi either does not return o returns too rusty.

[r0drig0lac]

If Kawhi played, Spurs would probably be the 2 seed, tbh..

[99 Problems]

End of the road for Golden Fake. This lot one bad performance away from meltdown. It’ll be so sweet.

[DesignatedT]

G1 - GSW
G2 - GSW
G3 - SAS
G4 - SAS
G5 - GSW
G6 - GSW

[cd98]

Spurs will lie down and die just like they did last night in New Orleans.

[LaMarcus Bryant]

I hope Kawhi burns in hell after this.

Harlem probably has the KY ready for full on jelq sessions this series cheering for Durant :lol

[Dex]

GSW in 4 obviously, are people serious about taking a game out of GSW? really?

This isn't the normal GSW team. Curry is out and others are not playing up to their normal level. They are as vulnerable as they have been in three years.

That being said, they still have KD and we still don't have Kawhi, so....GSW in 6.

[daledondale]

G1 GS
G2 GS
G3 Spurs
G4 GS
G5 GS

[TheRemix]

Durant is going to get his points regardless of what the spurs throw at him. The game plan is what harlem said. Suffocate the shooters on the perimeter, let draymond & iggy beat you, and just give LMA enough room to operate. It CAN be done but the spurs need to come out firing on all cylinders to pull this off

[Ice009]

This first round matchup is just fecal icing on the shit cake of a season. Not because they have to face a top team and get eliminated. First round elimination was pretty much a given in any scenario, tbh. But because the Spurs are providing the hated GSW the easiest road possible to the WCF. With Steph out and their team's recent struggles, ANY of the other lower seeded playoff teams including Denver would've had a plausible chance to pull off the upset. The Spurs have virtually zero chance. Instead of seeing the Warriors sweat in the first round and Kerr begging fans for help on social media, we'll get to see Zaza and company cruise to an easy first round victory over our guys (again) while Steph heals up for the next series. Their road to the finals looking significantly easier than the Rockets. Bay Area butt buddies luck out again...

I agree with this. Spurs without Kawhi might just be the easiest match-up for them.

I would have preferred the lottery pick to finishing anything under 6th. I didn't want to play Houston or Goldenstate in round 1.

I'm also pissed off that they also get an easier match-up as almost any other team probably gives them a better series.

2015 and 2016, I wanted to play the Warriors badly, and now it looks like we're finally playing them, but both times are without Tim and Kawhi. How fucking lucky do these motherfuckers get playing against decimated teams whenever they have injury troubles.

[SAGirl]

984291574589870082

[r0drig0lac]

This isn't the normal GSW team. Curry is out and others are not playing up to their normal level. They are as vulnerable as they have been in three years.

That being said, they still have KD and we still don't have Kawhi, so....GSW in 6.

even with that, I do not believe spurs can break 100 points against them or even 95 in any of the games, I'll just hope you're right and I'm wrong

[gambit1990]

so... what's curry's status?

[Dex]

984291574589870082

This is my concern. Last night was a perfect example of what happens when teams just consistently send hard doubles at LMA and make the other Spurs beat them.

We need for Rudy to go nuclear and for shooters to start hitting shots if we are going to have a chance.

[Dex]

so... what's curry's status?

Supposed to be out for the first round according to Kerr, but wouldn't be surprised if he make a miraculous appearance.

[HarlemHeat37]

Supposed to be out for the first round according to Kerr, but wouldn't be surprised if he make a miraculous appearance.

It would have to be 2-2 for them to even think about bringing him back IMO..although I suppose going against Patty and Porky could be a nice way to eliminate rust for future series':lol

[SAGirl]

This is my concern. Last night was a perfect example of what happens when teams just consistently send hard doubles at LMA and make the other Spurs beat them.

We need for Rudy to go nuclear and for shooters to start hitting shots if we are going to have a chance.
Rudy actually hasn't played that well against them this year and he's a poor 3 pt shooter. I don't think anyone is scared of him shooting a 3.
Lamarcus will get doubled anyways... but if Rudy plays well it will definitely help since aside from Kyle, none of the other spurs have balled against them this year and some have been atrocious against them in all recent matches this season and last year (cue Paddy and Pau)...

They will definitely need offense from others. I am less pessimistic than others here although the Spurs guard rotation gives me little hope they will make shots. If we got an LDN sighting from 2016 playoffs or Tony from 2017 playoffs, and maybe some vintage Manu? who knows? As I said maybe Dejounte thinks he's in the playoffs against Lebron or something and starts balling.:lol

[gambit1990]

not a sweep. if curry's out the whole series.

[SAGirl]

It would have to be 2-2 for them to even think about bringing him back IMO..although I suppose going against Patty and Porky could be a nice way to eliminate rust for future series':lol
If I am Kerr I don't bring him back against the spurs... there is bound to be frustration and he has already been tweaking ankles even without the team having Zaza type goons....
926247275894050816
the highlight is Curry's injury but watch Thomson just block Pau and him fall backwards :lol

Plus there is this guy: Dejounte 1st Team All DEfense!!!!

971967136103976960

[gambit1990]

even though i'm not a fan of our frontcourt or of tony getting PT... i'd pick the spurs to win the series if kawhi was healthy (and curry was out).

[SAGirl]

984271645987794951

[spurraider21]

984271645987794951
:lol damn

[SAGirl]

984265446680612864
984264970920742913
984291861509689344

[SAGirl]

984150237945237504
984412218530942976

[Hoops Czar]

Warriors with the 1st round bye.

[Hoops Czar]

984265446680612864


Of course, Aldridge plays best when there's no pressure so naturally he'd say that.

[bklynspursfan]

Spurs in 6 tbh

[Thunder1]

Warriors may be a little over confident and it is time for the Spurs to catch a break or two...

[Dverde]

No pressure! LMA should be a beast then.

[MoSpur02]

Warriors will lose one game. The Spurs have been terrible on the road. Unless Kawhi comes back the Spurs will not get past the first round.

[Spur|n|Austin]

Practical Me: Unless hell freezes over and Kawhi comes back, it'll most likely be Warriors in 5 mayyyyyybe 6.

Homer Me: Spurs in 7, GSG!!

[Drom John]

FiveThirtyEight (https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2018-nba-predictions/)
has the Spurs at 44% to win first round, 23% second round, 6% WCF, 3% Championship

44% is almost just home court advantage, so a 4-3 Warriors win.
538 is more dissing the Warriors supporting the Spurs.

[Brazil]

Spurs sweep tbh...

leading scorer: Tony
Leading assist: Manu
Leading rebound: Pau

[Chillen]

You guys think this is bad the Rockets got the 1 seed and get a stacked pesky T-Wolves team. Spurs I think can grab a win or two vs Warriors but the Rockets vs T-Wolves could be interesting.

[Spursmania]

Sweep

[noles1983]

Go all out, have someone break Zaza's eye socket or some shit.

[Splits]

Put $50 on the Spurs at +875

[bklynspursfan]

The Spurs will be outclassed by the Warriors in the first-round playoff series opening on Saturday at Oracle Arena, and it won’t be pretty, but devotees of the coaching art will be glued to the spectacle. There’s no such thing as a “breeze” when you’re going up against the best in the business. Beyond the obvious — slowing down the tempo, ideally preventing the Warriors from a transition-game blitz — Popovich will have to be especially creative against a team that has won eight of the last nine matchups, including the playoffs.



Is anyone embarrassed in San Antonio over the Leonard mystery? A lot of people should be, including the man himself. Here’s one of the league’s top five players sitting out virtually the entire season with a quad injury, rejecting clearance to play from the Spurs’ medical staff and seeking outside opinions. Popovich essentially rules him out indefinitely, but offers no official word, saying it will be up to Leonard’s “group,” whatever that is.



If you’re looking for some vintage Spurs with Leonard out, you’d love the ad currently running on San Antonio televison, featuring Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili in chef’s aprons, extolling the virtues of a “veggie pasta” to teammates. With their endearing accents (French and Argentine, respectively), they even sound like gourmet cooks. And it should be said that each has a little something left; Popovich gave Parker 20 minutes of floor time in Wednesday night’s season finale — the most for the 35-year-old since mid-March — and he responded with 5-for-10 shooting. Ginobili, 40 and feeling many years younger, dramatically scored eight straight points down the stretch in a victory over Portland last Saturday.
If there’s a bit of romance to it all, enjoy those precious moments when the Spurs turn back the clock. Unfortunately, it’s 2018 in real time and the Warriors have some very big plans. They’ll wrap up this series in five.




If we pull off the upset, lets make sure we spam this cocky old man

https://www.sfgate.com/sports/jenkins/article/Spurs-still-interesting-but-clock-s-all-wrong-12829393.php?t=06493b9944

https://twitter.com/Bruce_Jenkins1

[sammy]

Spurs in 6!:toast

[callo1]

Spurs in 6.

Leave Draymond open to shoot 3's, shift focus to making Durant have to play defense (Rudy), and KA can defend Durant well enough to make him work.

Manu in beast mode, Danny hitting shots and playing his usual solid defense.

LA and Pau working them over on the boards.

LA getting doubled, but passing to cutters or kicking it for shooters.

Unfortunately, Tony worries me the most right now. Minus the four shots he hit last night, his shot is in a bad state currently.

LA is going to have a good series...I won't call it redemption, because I felt like he caught too much nonsense for last year.

DJ averaging 9 boards a game and showing the world he is a defensive game changer.

Pop will put LA in high screen and roll with Mills instead of trying to force feed him on the low/mid post. Will allow the ball to move unlike last year.

GS has no answer for Rudy except Durant...Rudy is hungry.

Just need that one extra scorer. Forbes has been looking like he may be that guy. Davis should get a few looks.

Pau working high-low with LA.

[gambit1990]

if kawhi actually came back and then zaza fucked him up again ...

[spurs10]

Spurs in 6 tbh Why think anything less!
:flag:


Practical Me: Unless hell freezes over and Kawhi comes back, it'll most likely be Warriors in 5 mayyyyyybe 6.

Homer Me: Spurs in 7, GSG!! I'm with the 'Homer Me (You).' I like the poster who said Joff could easily inadvertently injure Durbeta and change the whole series. Is Joff still on our team? :lol
:flag:

[TD 21]

Warriors in 5 . . . 6 if the combination of them taking the Spurs lightly and being so bored to death from them causes them to slip into a comatose state and drop game 1. Spurs are due on the road, especially against this team. Unfortunately, those arrogant pricks scuffled their way to a 7-10 finish and probably know that, with diminishing energy as is, if they're to get past the Rockets, they probably can't afford to have 2 drawn out series before they get to them.

Fully expect Green to start over Gasol until they inevitably swap at some point (unless they come home with a split, probably game 3). Also expect Forbes to start as the 10th man in the rotation, but for Bertans to get a look once this overrated staff comes to grips with the reality that they can't play 3 middling to worse small guards vs a team that only plays 1.

If there's any sense left in the geniuses brain, he'll have Murray and Mills cross match on Cook and Thompson and Green and Anderson cross match on Durant and Green. He'll also trap Durant if/when he's torching them and have a short leash on both Mills and Gasol, who've repeatedly proven unplayable vs this team.

[MultiTroll]

https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/simpsons/images/3/30/Jimbos_school_uniform.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20150803001650

[baseline bum]

Supposed to be out for the first round according to Kerr, but wouldn't be surprised if he make a miraculous appearance.

Why? The Spurs aren't going to challenge them.

[Phenomanul]

Why think anything less!
:flag:

I'm with the 'Homer Me (You).' I like the poster who said Joff could easily inadvertently injure Durbeta and change the whole series. Is Joff still on our team? :lol
:flag:

That would be a very unrealistic expectation... Joff doesn't have the cajones to pull off bush-league antics... Zaza, on the other hand, has kind of mastered his thuggish goonery.

In fact it wouldn't surprise me if another Spur is injured by Pachulia (or Draymond for that matter - since he caused Aldridge to dislocate a finger a couple of years ago)...

[MannyIsGod]

Why? The Spurs aren't going to challenge them.

You've really gone bitch mode man. I don't expect them to win either, but you're practically actively rooting against it.

[baseline bum]

You've really gone bitch mode man. I don't expect them to win either, but you're practically actively rooting against it.

Am I supposed to write that a team that has gone 1-12 in its last 13 road games has any chance whatsoever in a series they don't have homecourt in where the other team has three of the best four players including a top five player? Did you not watch them lay down in New Orleans or just blow critical games to the Clippers and Lakers? I expect the Spurs to take one of Games 3 & 4 at home probably with a vintage Manu game and Aldridge going nuts, but the series should probably be over in five.

[YGWHI]

984291574589870082

Double-teamed..Why? It's not Dray the reining DPOY??

Why a DPOY needs his defensive assignment to get double???

I just want LMA to expose this asshole the whole series.

[YGWHI]

GSW in 4 obviously, are people serious about taking a game out of GSW? really?

I do. And more than one game.

I expect a good series. Klay never played great against us in playoffs + DJ/Danny defense, LMA has the favorable matchup over Dray,...KD alone won't beat the Spurs.

I watched Dubs without Curry, they're horrible. If our supporting cast is bad, Dubs' is really worse.

[Leetonidas]

Dubs in 5

[UZER]

With the Curry injury, the Warriors aren’t invincible this round. Just keep the games close.

[YGWHI]

With the Curry injury, the Warriors aren’t invincible this round. Just keep the games close.
Just don't let Pop draw up plays in last seconds.

Ime ,Messina, Borrego, Becky, Manu, SAS trainer, a ball-boy..anyone but Pop.

[objective]

Mills finished the year with a game with seeding on the line and had 0 points and 3 turnovers with only 2 assists.

Looks like he's in peak performance mode for the playoffs. Ready to reproduce his game 1 from last year against the Warriors.

[SAGirl]

984546407456563201

[BatManu20]

Gentleman’s sweep. Dubs in 5.

[BatManu20]

Gentleman’s sweep. Dubs in 5.

[jbspurs]

If Pop puts Mills on Thompson again, then its over in 4 games.

[jbspurs]

I do. And more than one game.

I expect a good series. Klay never played great against us in playoffs + DJ/Danny defense, LMA has the favorable matchup over Dray,...KD alone won't beat the Spurs.

I watched Dubs without Curry, they're horrible. If our supporting cast is bad, Dubs' is really worse.

3rd meeting, he was able to.

[YGWHI]

3rd meeting, he was able to.
One game. What's about a whole series?

For first time in 11 years as pro, he won't have a scoring-machine PG helping to take pressure off drawing defense attention...We'll see.

[jbspurs]

One game. What's about a whole series?

For first time in 11 years as pro, he won't have a scoring-machine PG helping to take pressure off drawing defense attention...We'll see.

I hope you're right! Also hoping, Javale doesn't turn into Aldridge stopper. His length can give Aldridge problems inside the paint.

[YGWHI]

I hope you're right! Also hoping, Javale doesn't turn into Aldridge stopper. His length can give Aldridge problems inside the paint.
Agree with you that length can give problems but defense is not McGee strength. I wonder how much minutes of the game Pop will be willing to stay big or go small...
McGee being on court or not will depend on that Pop's decision

[Chinook]

Murray has to make his money on Klay. Green hasn't been bad on Durant over their careers (was the best on him in 2014), but I think he'll battle foul trouble and get the hook early and often if he's not shooting well. Anderson's there more for his offense. He has to be aggressive against a team that can't guard him. It's going to be a bloodbath of doubles for Aldridge unless Green and Mills are on from three-point land.

I'd probably play Paul or Bertans over Forbes in this match-up. Guarding Draymond is key for the series. Bryn just can't do that. Gay would be my backup center unless Gasol pulls his head out of his ass.

[cd021]

Murray has to make his money on Klay. Green hasn't been bad on Durant over their careers (was the best on him in 2014), but I think he'll battle foul trouble and get the hook early and often if he's not shooting well. Anderson's there more for his offense. He has to be aggressive against a team that can't guard him. It's going to be a bloodbath of doubles for Aldridge unless Green and Mills are on from three-point land.

I'd probably play Paul or Bertans over Forbes in this match-up. Guarding Draymond is key for the series. Bryn just can't do that. Gay would be my backup center unless Gasol pulls his head out of his ass.


Anderson has been surprisingly effective against GSW this season; 28 mpg, 54% FG, 12 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 4 APG, 2.5 SPG, 1.2 BPG, and +14 Net Rtg. He's done a great job on KD too, helping limit 3's and FT attempts.


I really worry about a potential 3pt shooting disparity in this series.

I don't think GSW will shoot particularly well or at a high volume, especially if the Spurs play small for all 48 every game but the Spurs have had more than a few games where they only hit 5 or 6 threes-that's not enough to be competitive in this series.

Defensive match ups could make that problem worse if Kerr goes with;
Thompson on Mills
Cook on Murray
Durant on Green
Draymond on Anderson
Zaza on LMA

Their likely either gonna swarm LMA and recovery to shooters, or have KD and Thompson stay home and help off Murray and Anderson which could really cause problems.

Aldridge has been much better handling doubles against GSW and has only turned the ball over 5 times in 4 games against them, he's also been less reliant on post ups and has gotten to the line, crashed the offensive glass (almost 4 per game) and done more rolling and driving taking advantage of limited rim protection but he is still the number 1 option and stopping a dominant big is usually easier than stopping a dominant wing or guard.

[Chinook]

Anderson has been surprisingly effective against GSW this season; 28 mpg, 54% FG, 12 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 4 APG, 2.5 SPG, 1.2 BPG, and +14 Net Rtg. He's done a great job on KD too, helping limit 3's and FT attempts.


I really worry about a potential 3pt shooting disparity in this series.

I don't think GSW will shoot particularly well or at a high volume, especially if the Spurs play small for all 48 every game but the Spurs have had more than a few games where they only hit 5 or 6 threes-that's not enough to be competitive in this series.

Defensive match ups could make that problem worse if Kerr goes with;
Thompson on Mills
Cook on Murray
Durant on Green
Draymond on Anderson
Zaza on LMA

Their likely either gonna swarm LMA and recovery to shooters, or have KD and Thompson stay home and help off Murray and Anderson which could really cause problems.

Aldridge has been much better handling doubles against GSW and has only turned the ball over 5 times in 4 games against them, he's also been less reliant on post ups and has gotten to the line, crashed the offensive glass (almost 4 per game) and done more rolling and driving taking advantage of limited rim protection but he is still the number 1 option and stopping a dominant big is usually easier than stopping a dominant wing or guard.

I think you have a pretty good set of points there. I might not start Green and let Anderson and Bertans switch between Durant and Draymond to start, with Danny coming in to check KD/Thompson/whomever when those guys run with the second unit. Having another shooter out there would be really helpful, so it wouldn't take more than one pass to get it into hands that could burn the other team. But you can't not start Murray or Anderson. I was gonna suggest starting Gay instead of Danny to get appropriate size on Draymond, but having Rudy out there is going to essential to the second unit, just so they can find a center. I will say, though, I'm not too worried about the GS backups. With Gay on the bench, the Spurs should win that handily. But even with him starting and Tony, Manu, Danny, Davis and Pau coming off the bench, they should do better than hold serve.

Anderson needs to attack early and often so Green doesn't rotate off him. Same with Murray. Those guys are pretty much only effective when they are move toward the rim, so DeJounte needs to play the glass, and Anderson needs to drive. Both guys are strong rebounders.

[-21-]

Spurs in 6.

[MannyIsGod]

Spurs are going to have to hit a higher 3 point percentage to have a shot in the series. I think thats the bottom line. All the other details will work themselves out. Golden State isn't all that great as people assume without Curry. Its a huge hit to their offense and their defense hasn't been all that great all year. If Danny and Patty can just get hot then I trust LMA to do work inside. What has been missing all year is the 3 point shooting, though.

[sammy]

Spurs in 6!

[kuato]

Spurs in 14... I'm happy to be in playoffs with this Frankenstein team. Don't forget about Rudy, i hope White can play too

[cd021]

I think you have a pretty good set of points there. I might not start Green and let Anderson and Bertans switch between Durant and Draymond to start, with Danny coming in to check KD/Thompson/whomever when those guys run with the second unit. Having another shooter out there would be really helpful, so it wouldn't take more than one pass to get it into hands that could burn the other team. But you can't not start Murray or Anderson. I was gonna suggest starting Gay instead of Danny to get appropriate size on Draymond, but having Rudy out there is going to essential to the second unit, just so they can find a center. I will say, though, I'm not too worried about the GS backups. With Gay on the bench, the Spurs should win that handily. But even with him starting and Tony, Manu, Danny, Davis and Pau coming off the bench, they should do better than hold serve.

Anderson needs to attack early and often so Green doesn't rotate off him. Same with Murray. Those guys are pretty much only effective when they are move toward the rim, so DeJounte needs to play the glass, and Anderson needs to drive. Both guys are strong rebounders.


I would prefer a Murray, Green, Gay, Anderson, LMA unit. That's the unit that wrecked the Cavs in the 4th of that @ Cavs game.

Murray-Thompson
Green-KD
Gay-Cook
Anderson-Green
LMA-Zaza

Provides a lot of length and size that can rebound and defend the including ability to switch.

I don't think Mills can be effective in this series, while I think Gay is essential and could really help take off load off LMA offensively.

Manu is a wild card in this series, I think, his ability to attack the rim- without much rim protection will come in handy. His passing should be able to help Aldridge get some good looks in the P&R. As for Anderson and Murray, I think they could do some damage by hanging out near the rim while LMA posts up.

During the 2nd @ GSW game Murray would actually slide over to the side Aldridge was posting up and while Murray's man would go and double, leaving him alone underneath the basket. It seemed designed that way, with Aldridge hitting Murray 2 or 3 times for uncontested layups in the half court.

Anderson running some P&R with LMA was how he was able to get going in the 2nd and 3rd GSW games. Aldridge was able to screen off KD and Anderson was able to do his thing and maneuver to the basket or pull up so that is how he could be effective during this series but he may also need to at least take open 3's, some may even go in but Murray and Aldridge are above average offensive rebounders that might be able to get some second-chance baskets.

I think our second unit would be fine, even with Gay starting but I don't expect him to actually do so. IIRC Livingston-Thompson-Iggy, Draymond & West are their bench unit. I think that is probably fairly even with our bench unit but depending how Parker and Manu actually play it could be a strength.

[Chinook]

I would prefer a Murray, Green, Gay, Anderson, LMA unit. That's the unit that wrecked the Cavs in the 4th of that @ Cavs game.

Murray-Thompson
Green-KD
Gay-Cook
Anderson-Green
LMA-Zaza

Provides a lot of length and size that can rebound and defend the including ability to switch.

I don't think Mills can be effective in this series, while I think Gay is essential and could really help take off load off LMA offensively.

Manu is a wild card in this series, I think, his ability to attack the rim- without much rim protection will come in handy. His passing should be able to help Aldridge get some good looks in the P&R. As for Anderson and Murray, I think they could do some damage by hanging out near the rim while LMA posts up.

During the 2nd @ GSW game Murray would actually slide over to the side Aldridge was posting up and while Murray's man would go and double, leaving him alone underneath the basket. It seemed designed that way, with Aldridge hitting Murray 2 or 3 times for uncontested layups in the half court.

Anderson running some P&R with LMA was how he was able to get going in the 2nd and 3rd GSW games. Aldridge was able to screen off KD and Anderson was able to do his thing and maneuver to the basket or pull up so that is how he could be effective during this series but he may also need to at least take open 3's, some may even go in but Murray and Aldridge are above average offensive rebounders that might be able to get some second-chance baskets.

I think our second unit would be fine, even with Gay starting but I don't expect him to actually do so. IIRC Livingston-Thompson-Iggy, Draymond & West are their bench unit. I think that is probably fairly even with our bench unit but depending how Parker and Manu actually play it could be a strength.

I'm less worried about Mills starting without Curry. And I'd be hella worried with a Parker/Patty second unit trying to defend Livingston. I don't see any reason Green can't play starter minutes from the bench if he earns them, and as I said, having a designated defender off the bench would be really nice, consider Pop has no idea how to match minutes anymore and Anderson is prone to get into foul trouble because of how much he gambles.

Pop has to unroll the LMA contingency plan for doubles. Murray should be part of that. Hell, that's probably something other players can do, like wait until their guy leaves, and get into scoring position. I don't think they do actually move after being left all that much.

Anderson running the 4/5 with LMA might be less effective, because Draymond gets away with so many fouls and will slap the ball away from LMA a lot. It would come down to Kyle scoring on LMA enough to force GS to adjust.

Manu playing well would be a boon, but Tony and Danny also need to be on. There's very little room for error here. I do think McGee is going to be an issue, though. He's done a great job at protecting the rim against SA all season.

[Das Texan]

Spurs are going to have to hit a higher 3 point percentage to have a shot in the series. I think thats the bottom line. All the other details will work themselves out. Golden State isn't all that great as people assume without Curry. Its a huge hit to their offense and their defense hasn't been all that great all year. If Danny and Patty can just get hot then I trust LMA to do work inside. What has been missing all year is the 3 point shooting, though.

Too bad we wont see White try to light it up.

[Mugen]

Lot of takes/analysis for a 4 game sweep tbh :lol

[HarlemHeat37]

Game 2 adjustments?

Spurs haven't won a road game in like 2 months IIRC, so they have no chance in GS anyways, but what are Pop's adjustments looking ahead?

- Aldridge obviously has to beat single coverage..this team is terrible when he can't carry them, as we know..struggling against doubles and swarming was expected, but he can't play so poorly against McGee without help..

- Parker can't play..they literally weren't even guarding him off the ball, Iguodala completely ignored him to swarm the ball..

- Start Gay, seems like an obvious move..

- Don't put Mills on Klay, for the love of God..

- Get the ball out of Durant's hands..they did this today, but the Warriors made their shots..I would keep doing it, make Draymond and whoever else(other than Klay) beat you..don't guard him with Bryn Forbes on 4 consecutive possessions, as well:wow

[tholdren]

Murray has to make his money on Klay. Green hasn't been bad on Durant over their careers (was the best on him in 2014), but I think he'll battle foul trouble and get the hook early and often if he's not shooting well. Anderson's there more for his offense. He has to be aggressive against a team that can't guard him. It's going to be a bloodbath of doubles for Aldridge unless Green and Mills are on from three-point land.

I'd probably play Paul or Bertans over Forbes in this match-up. Guarding Draymond is key for the series. Bryn just can't do that. Gay would be my backup center unless Gasol pulls his head out of his ass.

Lol no. Your 1st paragraph was on point, but then you fell off. Pau over forbes? Wtf. You just alluded to sa not being able to create a shot, pau cant even rebound. And his defense is 1000 times worse than forbes

[YGWHI]

I hope you're right! Also hoping, Javale doesn't turn into Aldridge stopper. His length can give Aldridge problems inside the paint.
Damn...YOU WERE SO F*CKING RIGHT. I was thinking about your post the whole first quarter.

[jbspurs]

Agree with you that length can give problems but defense is not McGee strength. I wonder how much minutes of the game Pop will be willing to stay big or go small...
McGee being on court or not will depend on that Pop's decision

I told you!

[jbspurs]

Damn...YOU WERE SO F*CKING RIGHT. I was thinking about your post the whole first quarter.

Aldridge money move will be hard to go over the lenght of Javale. What Aldridge needs to do is get Javale in foul trouble to get him out of the game. Javale is not that smart, Aldridge just needs to get him pump fakes and get Javale...

[YGWHI]

Aldridge money move will be hard to go over the lenght of Javale. What Aldridge needs to do is get Javale in foul trouble to get him out of the game. Javale is not that smart, Aldridge just needs to get him pump fakes and get Javale...
:tu

I won't say anything different this time.

When McGee picked his 3rd foul, West and Looney couldn't handle LMA that well.

[Mugen]

Game 2 adjustments?

Spurs haven't won a road game in like 2 months IIRC, so they have no chance in GS anyways, but what are Pop's adjustments looking ahead?

- Aldridge obviously has to beat single coverage..this team is terrible when he can't carry them, as we know..struggling against doubles and swarming was expected, but he can't play so poorly against McGee without help..

- Parker can't play..they literally weren't even guarding him off the ball, Iguodala completely ignored him to swarm the ball..

- Start Gay, seems like an obvious move..

- Don't put Mills on Klay, for the love of God..

- Get the ball out of Durant's hands..they did this today, but the Warriors made their shots..I would keep doing it, make Draymond and whoever else(other than Klay) beat you..don't guard him with Bryn Forbes on 4 consecutive possessions, as well:wow


Lot of takes/analysis for a 4 game sweep tbh :lol

I take back the above and think Pop will really get the guys ready to steal one at home later this series. That'll force them back to the Bay for a Game 5, meaning Pop doesn't have to pay for airfare to Napa County.

[jbspurs]

:tu

I won't say anything different this time.

When McGee picked his 3rd foul, West and Looney couldn't handle LMA that well.

That and Pop not putting Mills on Klay or Forbes on KD, then Spurs will get a better chance on winning.

[cd021]

That and Pop not putting Mills on Klay or Forbes on KD, then Spurs will get a better chance on winning.

This isn't a series for either, tbh, yet he plays both together :lol

[sasaint]

This isn't a series for either, tbh, yet he plays both together :lol

:tu Oh, the irony!

[jbspurs]

This isn't a series for either, tbh, yet he plays both together :lol

I agree, GSW guards are long and quick. Mills and Forbes will only be a disadvantage on defense. GSW will just force them to switch to take advantage of the mismatch. Hopefully, Pop makes the adjustment game 2. Otherwise, I think, He knows Spurs don't have a chance and he'll just go with the flow and not even try.

[SAGirl]

Aldridge money move will be hard to go over the lenght of Javale. What Aldridge needs to do is get Javale in foul trouble to get him out of the game. Javale is not that smart, Aldridge just needs to get him pump fakes and get Javale...
Definitely. It's tough bc the Spurs don't have guards to set Aldridge up well. I'd start White, see what he has.

[jbspurs]

Definitely. It's tough bc the Spurs don't have guards to set Aldridge up well. I'd start White, see what he has.

GSW mixing up double and single coverage on Aldridge, guards just needs to knockdown jumpers to force GSW to play honest d. I think that's the only way it will open up for LA.

[daslicer]

I agree, GSW guards are long and quick. Mills and Forbes will only be a disadvantage on defense. GSW will just force them to switch to take advantage of the mismatch. Hopefully, Pop makes the adjustment game 2. Otherwise, I think, He knows Spurs don't have a chance and he'll just go with the flow and not even try.

I don't think Pop believes he can win this series. A friend of mine jokingly said Pop shouldn't waste anybody's time and just play a G-league starting line up. Pop should start Mills,Murray,Forbes,White,Anderson together just for comedy.

[spurs10]

I don't think Pop believes he can win this series. A friend of mine jokingly said Pop shouldn't waste anybody's time and just play a G-league starting line up. Pop should start Mills,Murray,Forbes,White,Anderson together just for comedy. Pretty much, he isn't stupid. They still have three All Stars and they are very good defensively.

[daslicer]

Pretty much, he isn't stupid. They still have three All Stars and they are very good defensively.

This was the worst matchup the Spurs could get. I was hoping the Spurs would get anybody besides the Rockets or Warriors. Spurs would have had a chance against Blazers,Jazz,Pelicans,Thunder,Wolves. Any series with the teams I listed would have been competitive and entertaining. Last year's series vs the Warriors was the most boring playoff series I have seen the Spurs take part in the last 20 some years. Unfortunately the sequel looks to be even more of a snooze fest.

[HI-FI]

Missed the first game because my power went out right before tipoff. Probably should’ve went to a bar, but doesn’t look like I missed much. I was thinking Spurs were playing with house money, but Pop looks like he’s ready to travel Europe and get drunk, plus the Ws are stacked even without Twinkball.

[cutewizard]

Gentlemen,

It has been a tremendous ride. The Spurs of Five Rings shall always be my most favorite team.

However, its time to move on. These playoffs I am picking a new team. I want a Spurs like team, built from scratch.

May this new romance bloom. And may they someday compete for the ultimate prize.

Go SIXERS go!!!

[r0drig0lac]

This isn't a series for either, tbh, yet he plays both together :lol

this is not about that serie, they are not nba rotation players

[sasaint]

Definitely. It's tough bc the Spurs don't have guards to set Aldridge up well. I'd start White, see what he has.

I am leery of throwing White to the wolves... er, dubs. Pop needed to prepare White for the playoffs with regular playing time in the regular season. Without that experience, throwing him in against a great team playing with playoff intensity is pretty unfair to White.

[sasaint]

This was the worst matchup the Spurs could get. I was hoping the Spurs would get anybody besides the Rockets or Warriors. Spurs would have had a chance against Blazers,Jazz,Pelicans,Thunder,Wolves. Any series with the teams I listed would have been competitive and entertaining. Last year's series vs the Warriors was the most boring playoff series I have seen the Spurs take part in the last 20 some years. Unfortunately the sequel looks to be even more of a snooze fest.


Missed the first game because my power went out right before tipoff. Probably should’ve went to a bar, but doesn’t look like I missed much. I was thinking Spurs were playing with house money, but Pop looks like he’s ready to travel Europe and get drunk, plus the Ws are stacked even without Twinkball.

This was the best matchup possible - if we don't incur any injuries. Just play four games, go home and do what you have to do to shore up the organization.

[objective]

Definitely. It's tough bc the Spurs don't have guards to set Aldridge up well. I'd start White, see what he has.


I am leery of throwing White to the wolves... er, dubs. Pop needed to prepare White for the playoffs with regular playing time in the regular season. Without that experience, throwing him in against a great team playing with playoff intensity is pretty unfair to White.

Starting White would be a good thing. Or Manu, get some fire in the starting lineup and use White off the bench in the Manu role. White may not be completely 'ready' but the other scrubs on the team aren't doing anything.

What did White do while in? Finish strong in a transition opportunity without screwing it up. Set up a score off a pick and roll. Pull up for a three. Block a shot.

Basically he showed an all around game that no one else except 50 year old Manu could do.

[sasaint]

Starting White would be a good thing. Or Manu, get some fire in the starting lineup and use White off the bench in the Manu role. White may not be completely 'ready' but the other scrubs on the team aren't doing anything.

What did White do while in? Finish strong in a transition opportunity without screwing it up. Set up a score off a pick and roll. Pull up for a three. Block a shot.

Basically he showed an all around game that no one else except 50 year old Manu could do.

I just don't White to become another Beno. I am more interested in his future than this Spurs team's present. Without Kawhi, this team was never more than an also-ran.

[r0drig0lac]

Starting White would be a good thing. Or Manu, get some fire in the starting lineup and use White off the bench in the Manu role. White may not be completely 'ready' but the other scrubs on the team aren't doing anything.

What did White do while in? Finish strong in a transition opportunity without screwing it up. Set up a score off a pick and roll. Pull up for a three. Block a shot.

Basically he showed an all around game that no one else except 50 year old Manu could do.

qft

[cd021]

Starting White would be a good thing. Or Manu, get some fire in the starting lineup and use White off the bench in the Manu role. White may not be completely 'ready' but the other scrubs on the team aren't doing anything.

What did White do while in? Finish strong in a transition opportunity without screwing it up. Set up a score off a pick and roll. Pull up for a three. Block a shot.

Basically he showed an all around game that no one else except 50 year old Manu could do.


I could see Pop starting Manu if the Spurs go down 0-2, not because he thinks Manu would change things that drastically but because he knows its the end of the line and he wants to give Manu another chance to shine

[UZER]

Starting White would be a good thing. Or Manu, get some fire in the starting lineup and use White off the bench in the Manu role. White may not be completely 'ready' but the other scrubs on the team aren't doing anything.

What did White do while in? Finish strong in a transition opportunity without screwing it up. Set up a score off a pick and roll. Pull up for a three. Block a shot.

Basically he showed an all around game that no one else except 50 year old Manu could do.

The ‘ol put Manu in the starting lineup in 2018. :lol

Sure it might work for a spark but for God’s sake, how much longer is this going to be go to move. Manu is 40 yo. :lol

[tholdren]

Murray and anderson on bench spurs will win need more forbes white bertans

[dbestpro]

Anderson's lack of athleticism and 3 point shot, makes him a liability in today's NBA. He really needs to change his mentality, and work non-stop on the three to have a decent career.

[tholdren]

Anderson's lack of athleticism and 3 point shot, makes him a liability in today's NBA. He really needs to change his mentality, and work non-stop on the three to have a decent career.

Hes the perimeter version of pau

[gambit1990]

Anderson's lack of athleticism and 3 point shot, makes him a liability in today's NBA.
that goes for tony as well. would rather have kyle on the floor.

[daslicer]

This was the best matchup possible - if we don't incur any injuries. Just play four games, go home and do what you have to do to shore up the organization.

If that's what you want then it is a great match up but that's not what I wanted. I wanted a competitive series win or lose and the spurs were never going to get that matching up with the Warriors.

[SAGirl]

Gentlemen,

It has been a tremendous ride. The Spurs of Five Rings shall always be my most favorite team.

However, its time to move on. These playoffs I am picking a new team. I want a Spurs like team, built from scratch.

May this new romance bloom. And may they someday compete for the ultimate prize.

Go SIXERS go!!!
Will always follow the Spurs but if Mills is back next year I am going to have to split my attention. Not sure yet who.