Grades: Spurs vs. Warriors - Nov 18, 2018

[timvp]

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The Spurs entered Sunday night's game against a banged up Warriors squad as the favorites to win. After a late scare, San Antonio was able to pull out the victory to end the three-game losing skid and improve their record to 8-7 on the season.

Golden State got within one point with three and a half minutes remaining on a Klay Thompson three-pointer. This game, the Spurs' two stars responded. DeMar DeRozan immediately answered with a difficult shot at the basket. On the next possession, LaMarcus Aldridge canned a baseline jumper. Two made free throws by DeRozan on the following possession put the Spurs up by seven points and the Warriors never challenged again.

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LaMarcus Aldridge
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There you go, big man. LaMarcus Aldridge snapped out of his shooting slump with a very good performance against the Warriors. The two differences this game: he ran the court hard, which helped him establish consistently advantageous post position. Aldridge was also more physical and utilized power dribbles in the paint instead of resorting to fadeaways at the first sign of resistance. It obviously also didn't hurt that his midrange shooting touch also returned for the evening. Defensively, he was moving a lot better out on the perimeter and guarded the rim with gusto. Recently, Aldridge has been a monster on the boards and that was again the case versus Golden State. Over his last six games, he's averaging 15 rebounds.
Grade: A
Summary: A re-energized Aldridge was a force to be reckoned with on both ends.

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DeMar DeRozan
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With Derrick White coming off the bench and Bryn Forbes tokenly listed as the point guard, DeMar DeRozan was back to being the team's main facilitator from the opening jump. It worked well. DeRozan's playmaking skills were on full display -- from penetration-and-kicks to pick-and-rolls to fullcourt finds, he was really doing well keeping everyone involved. While his scoring efficiency was lacking, give DeRozan credit for coming up big by scoring 11 of his 20 points in the final eight minutes of the game. Defensively, the Spurs were making a conscious effort to keep him away from the action but he was able to help out a bit on the boards.
Grade: B+
Summary: DeRozan made plays and scored when it mattered most.

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Rudy Gay
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Rudy Gay was back in the starting lineup and I liked what I saw. On the offensive end, his presence is extremely valuable because Gay not only knocks down open shots, he murders smaller opponents when mismatches appear. Against the Warriors, Gay was the team's go-to scorer for a healthy portion of the night. However, even more impressive than his offense was his work on defense. Gay utilized his length to disrupt Kevin Durant as much as possible. Additionally, he was able to help defend the hoop, as evident by his season-high three blocked shots. All in all, Gay continues to be a really good player this season . . . when healthy.
Grade: A
Summary: Gay was extremely impactful on offense and defense.

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Bryn Forbes
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Bryn Forbes didn't have much go right this game. On defense, he gave good effort against Klay Thompson but had a number of tactical mistakes that allowed Golden State's sharpshooter to get too many open looks. He's never been too deft at navigating around screens and he struggled even more than usual in that area tonight. On offense, I liked Forbes' aggressiveness -- even if he was a hair too trigger-happy, which led to a poor shooting performance overall. He does deserve kudos for picking up more ballhandling duties and doing so with ease and hardly any mistakes.
Grade: C
Summary: Forbes didn't shoot straight, didn't have the greatest defensive night but managed to help a smidgen.

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Dante Cunningham
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Dante Cunningham played how we've come to expect. He hustled, he helped the Spurs control the defensive glass and he played good transition defense. He also had a few good possessions on D in the halfcourt against Durant when the Warriors went small. With Gay back in the starting lineup, it was much easier for Cunningham to avoid getting in the way offensively.
Grade: B-
Summary: Cunningham did what Cunningham do.

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Patty Mills
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The bad: Patty Mills took a couple of really bad shots. So bad, in fact, that the unwise attempts led to immediate timeouts by Pop. He was also sometimes too hyperactive on defense to the point that he was caught out of position. The good: The rest of Mills' night was solid, highlighted by a game-sealing three-pointer late in fourth. His passing was particularly impressive and his ballhandling was better than usual. Defensively, he wasn't much of a liability and he was once again really good on the glass. (Mills, at the age of 30, has apparently decided to focus on rebounding for the first time and the results are career-highs across the board in that category.)
Grade: B
Summary: Mills wasn't perfect but his boisterousness and attention to detail helped lead the way.

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Marco Belinelli
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Marco Belinelli is another Spur who suffered from shot selection issues. Maybe he was trying to shoot his way out of a slump but Belinelli shooting 15 times in 25 minutes is a bit much. While a few of the shots were at the shot clock buzzer, he really does need to start to pick his spots better. More passing, more movement and fewer leaners. Defensively, Belinelli wasn't too helpful. He was physical at times but his slow feet limited his effectiveness.
Grade: C-
Summary: Belinelli shot a whole lot.

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Derrick White
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Derrick White came off the bench for the first time this season. He had some moments on defense that displayed his vast potential on that end, particularly against Thompson. He also had a couple really good passes, most notably when he was paired with Aldridge. But White's overall impact was minimal. His defense, thanks to a handful of mistakes, was only satisfactory. On offense, he shied away from the ball too much. The result was not enough ball-handling or playmaking. His outside shoot is really flat right now -- let's hope he can find his rhythm soon.
Grade: C-
Summary: White was in a new role but didn't shine.

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Jakob Poeltl
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Getting better. Jakob Poeltl is starting to look like the player the Spurs thought they were getting. His work on the offensive glass was really impressive; the Warriors didn't have anyone who could match his size, length and timing. He made quick, decisive decisions with the ball. On the other end, he was active inside and outside of the paint. Poeltl ran the court well and was seemingly in the middle of everything during his eight minutes on the court.
Grade: B+
Summary: Poeltl stayed busy and probably had his best game yet.

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Pop
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The starting lineup needed a change and Pop did just that. This particular starting lineup is now 5-0 on the season. It works well because Gay eases pressure on Aldridge and DeRozan, while Cunningham is able to just hang out in the weakside corner. I also thought Pop did well to keep White in the rotation and not banish the young player to the end of the bench. On the other hand, Pop basically went all-in minutes-wise to get this win and the Spurs will pay the price Monday night.
Grade: B
Summary: Pop went back to a starting lineup that works.

Looking ahead: This was a needed win. It wasn't a particularly pretty win because the Warriors didn't play well and the Spurs still almost blew it. But any win is a good win right now.

Can the Spurs win Monday night in New Orleans? That answer went from "unlikely" to "a miracle is needed" after Aldridge and DeRozan both played 40 minutes to beat the Warriors. Don't be surprised if both Aldridge and Gay sit out.

[R. DeMurre]

Nice write up. It's a shame Aldridge had to play so many minutes, because the last time he faced Anthony Davis he outplayed him. It's going to be tough to repeat that now, if he plays at all.

[Chris]

Great stuff as usual :tu

[james evans]

I would give Gay and A+. He was on fire early and his defense really made a difference through the game He would have had 21 points if not for that bullshit offensive foul call at the end of the 2nd

[vavvi]

Agree with all players' grades but I would give Pop an A for this one despite heavy minutes for LA and DeMar. We needed this win badly and he did everything he could to get it. Not his fault that we almost blew it by missing like seven lay-ups in a row. Really liked the line-ups he threw out there.

[vavvi]

Also: it's scary how much we depend on Rudy Gay's health. Who would have thought...

[tbdog]

We are dependent on health because we are behind the eight ball by losing Murray. Plus Gasol is in a walking boot. Unless one of DD and LMA have a really big game, we are going to rely on all 3 to contribute on both ends.

[SouthTexasRancher]

Good grades. Nice to see LMA have a game like that. He needed it. Also watching them compete hard in the 4th quarter is a good sign.

[Mr. Body]

Also: it's scary how much we depend on Rudy Gay's health. Who would have thought...

Small forward is by far the most important position in today's NBA. Which makes what Kawhi did that much worse.

[John B]

Thanks for the grades Timvp. We really appreciate it. Spot on as always. Good work on our team bringing in the fight. Some things that I like to see more: 9 minutes for Poeltl is not enough to lessen the loads on Aldridge, but I guess Pops wanted Poeltl to stay hungry limiting his minutes. I’m happy for his hard work and should get better as he discovers to use his height advantage more. We really need his height to punish small ball lineups. Too many minutes of Forbes on Thompson and should’ve been White, Pon or Cunningham. Good thing Klay was not having a good shooting night or we would be cussing the Spurs’ loss again tonight, and including revisiting Kawhitter’s departure again. Forbes need to learn how to draw charges, sell fouls on hard picks, etc. He is too short to simply just “guard”, and/or we really need White to become a lockdown defender to earn his minutes back, in addition to draining open shots. I can’t wait for LW4 to show what he can do. Because I think Spurs can cover the bigs, but it’s the likes of Rooks (or worse Curry), Jrue, DJ, Fourtier who Spurs are letting to score too much (while Murray is out). We control the guard penetration, better defend pnr shots, we’ll have more better results. For now, I’m very happy for the win. GSG!

[SpursFan0728]

Thanks for the write up!

[John B]

Good grades. Nice to see LMA have a game like that. He needed it. Also watching them compete hard in the 4th quarter is a good sign.
It carried over despite the lost from the Clippers’ game. I’m happy Pops was able to keep his foot on the pedal to keep the guys hungry. Calling them soft I guess worked :lol

[sananspursfan21]

I love that the spurs are getting up for the games against the contenders, but it would be nice if they had the motivation to put away the bad teams too

[Texas_Ranger]

I wish we had Gay on some of our early 2010 teams so he could play with the big 3. Also sucks that he's injured a lot.

[TheDoctor]

Thanks for the Grades Timvp!

[vavvi]

Small forward is by far the most important position in today's NBA. Which makes what Kawhi did that much worse.

While I do agree with you, it’s notable that we play decently against Lebron and Durant but struggle mightily against guards dominated teams like Lillard’s Portland, Oladipo’s Indi and even Fox-Bogdanovich, Lou Williams and Booker

[JPB]

Also: it's scary how much we depend on Rudy Gay's health. Who would have thought...

Just like GS depends on Curry... Rudy's always been a great player, attitude was his issue which honestly surprises me cos he has been nothing but great from that perspective in SA and seems like a pretty cool dude.

We're in a big 3 or even big 4 era nowadays. 20 to 10 years ago, you were still winning with a great duo (Jordan-Pippen, Stockton-Malone, Kome-Shaq, Thomas-Dumars... Not possible anymore, you need 3 stars. All the more if like the spurs you're missing your starting PG and your bench is trash.

Spurs have been struggling big time and they're only 2.5 games from the top spot... Add Murray to this team and a healthy Gay, they're top 3 in the west now and rats don't beg for tanking and shit on PATFO or Pop.

I know it's asking for too much on the Internet but perspective is everything.

[LaMarcus Bryant]

This is the version of LaMarcus that I crave

[phxspurfan]

Great to see the White experiment finally and mercifully end. And the result, a Spurs win and DeMar back on track. Also good to see Gay healthy again

[WallyTiger]

Gay A+++

[playbonner15]

This is the version of LaMarcus that I crave
Angry Lamarcus is best Lamarcus

[Blackhaus]

Thanks for the grades, always appreciated. Does Pop encourage Beli to take these crazy shots? He’s been doing it since day one of the season and you would think if Pop didn’t like his shot selection we would see some change after 15 games. Guess he doesn’t mind it.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

This team is in desperate need of some help for DeRozan, Aldridge and Gay. Our success hinges on those three. There’s no longer any x-factors that can give us a few wins when the starters aren’t at their best. I don’t see this group sweeping a b2b this season because Pop has to go all in with those three to scratch out a victory.

I heard some of the talking heads on NBA radio discussing how talented the Spurs still are...I laughed.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

That said, I’m proud of how hard these guys played tonight. We’ve got 2 wins over LAL and a GS win early in the season so that’s nice.

[ceperez]

Gay has consistently been the most efficient player for this season.

Just too bad that he's on his last legs.

[Mugen]

Worried about White but if Pop had took away his rotation minutes after last week's games then I would have petitioned for the old man to retire by the 3rd tbh. Mills/Forbes is easily the worst PG rotation in the league and they need White to even squeeze into Top 25 in the league.

[John B]

This team is in desperate need of some help for DeRozan, Aldridge and Gay. Our success hinges on those three. There’s no longer any x-factors that can give us a few wins when the starters aren’t at their best. I don’t see this group sweeping a b2b this season because Pop has to go all in with those three to scratch out a victory.

I heard some of the talking heads on NBA radio discussing how talented the Spurs still are...I laughed.
Gasol when healthy can still put in some numbers, but not consistently. It has to come from any of Forbes, Mills, White, Bertans or Belli. I think White has the most upside playing if he can play the Manu role. But I think Belli wants to be that guy with the amount of shots he’s attempting.

[sasaint]

Worried about White but if Pop had took away his rotation minutes after last week's games then I would have petitioned for the old man to retire by the 3rd tbh. Mills/Forbes is easily the worst PG rotation in the league and they need White to even squeeze into Top 25 in the league.

I think Pop mishandled White's return. He should have been bringing him off the bench since his return to action, rather than starting him immediately and now sending him to the bench after a couple of inconsistent outings. Until he gains more experience he will be somewhat inconsistent - like most inexperienced players.

[Mugen]

I think Pop mishandled White's return. He should have been bringing him off the bench since his return to action, rather than starting him immediately and now sending him to the bench after a couple of inconsistent outings. Until he gains more experience he will be somewhat inconsistent - like most inexperienced players.

Another reason why it makes no sense why a late first rounder like White (who was 23 coming out of the draft) couldn't get meaningful minutes last season (especially on a 47 win team). He should have gotten the George Hill treatment last year instead Pop relegated his ass to the GLeague to the detriment of the franchise.

[bklynspursfan]

Just like GS depends on Curry... Rudy's always been a great player, attitude was his issue which honestly surprises me cos he has been nothing but great from that perspective in SA and seems like a pretty cool dude.

We're in a big 3 or even big 4 era nowadays. 20 to 10 years ago, you were still winning with a great duo (Jordan-Pippen, Stockton-Malone, Kome-Shaq, Thomas-Dumars... Not possible anymore, you need 3 stars. All the more if like the spurs you're missing your starting PG and your bench is trash.

Spurs have been struggling big time and they're only 2.5 games from the top spot... Add Murray to this team and a healthy Gay, they're top 3 in the west now and rats don't beg for tanking and shit on PATFO or Pop.

I know it's asking for too much on the Internet but perspective is everything.

They'll do that regardless. Many did it during our 2014 title run too. Unreasonable people saying unreasonable things

[bklynspursfan]

Another reason why it makes no sense why a late first rounder like White (who was 23 coming out of the draft) couldn't get meaningful minutes last season (especially on a 47 win team). He should have gotten the George Hill treatment last year instead Pop relegated his ass to the GLeague to the detriment of the franchise.

Last year was Murray's year, + Parker, Mills, Manu, Green etc... Not a lot of time for White unfortunately, but he did his thing in the G-League and it helped get him quickly acclimated to the Spurs way. Being in the G-League isn't always a bad thing, we've seen it work out before

[sasaint]

Another reason why it makes no sense why a late first rounder like White (who was 23 coming out of the draft) couldn't get meaningful minutes last season (especially on a 47 win team). He should have gotten the George Hill treatment last year instead Pop relegated his ass to the GLeague to the detriment of the franchise.

Yep - a 47-win team that had a PG rotation of Murray, Forbes, 50Mills, and gimpy Tony.

[Mugen]

:lol very unreasonable for a fanbase to expect their supposedly stellar franchise FO to not put the team in a spot where they have to rely on Cunningham to be a competent starter, or Bryn Forbes to be a top 5 player on the team, or expect a 33yo guy coming off the worst injury in bball to be their 3rd "star"... very unreasonable

[Mugen]

Last year was Murray's year, + Parker, Mills, Manu, Green etc... Not a lot of time for White unfortunately, but he did his thing in the G-League and it helped get him quickly acclimated to the Spurs way. Being in the G-League isn't always a bad thing, we've seen it work out before

-Tony was trash for most of the season and missed the beginning
-Murray and White have completely different skillsets and could have played together, same with Fatty
-Manu was 40
-Danny was needed at the 3 spot more than anything with Kawhi quitting
-Bryn played in 80 games last season while White had like 15

But Derrick first had to get over himself since he was such a big shot coming out of UC Boulder :lol

[bklynspursfan]

-Tony was trash for most of the season and missed the beginning
-Murray and White have completely different skillsets and could have played together, same with Fatty
-Manu was 40
-Danny was needed at the 3 spot more than anything with Kawhi quitting
-Bryn played in 80 games last season while White had like 15

But Derrick first had to get over himself since he was such a big shot coming out of UC Boulder :lol

Bryn had a year on him and obviously had the corporate knowledge we know Pop likes. Plus the team desperately needed 3 point shooting.
Manu was 40 and still relied upon. Not to mention it was his last year, (unless you think he should've played less for White in his final season?)
Danny was needed at 2/3, we still had Anderson eating up a lot of minutes at the 3, with Rudy when he was healthy.

The guys were trying to compete, thinking nephew was returning and trying to make the best out of a shitty situation. Not trying to integrate a rookie to an already deep rotation.

[bklynspursfan]

:lol very unreasonable for a fanbase to expect their supposedly stellar franchise FO to not put the team in a spot where they have to rely on Cunningham to be a competent starter, or Bryn Forbes to be a top 5 player on the team, or expect a 33yo guy coming off the worst injury in bball to be their 3rd "star"... very unreasonable

It's almost like you forgot this wasn't the plan and how much things changed due to the nephew non-sense. I love all the armchair managers ST has tho :lol

[Thunder1]

Thanks for the Grades Timvp!

+1..

[SAGirl]

Last year was Murray's year, + Parker, Mills, Manu, Green etc... Not a lot of time for White unfortunately, but he did his thing in the G-League and it helped get him quickly acclimated to the Spurs way. Being in the G-League isn't always a bad thing, we've seen it work out before
Tony was injured, Manu had rest games, Danny got an injured groin and sat games too. Pop overplayed Bryn Forbes a ton, he was definitely allowed to play through his own mistakes, lack of confidence and poor defense last year. Hilliard was called up and played some games, Brandon Paul played his share of minutes too, specially early.

Nah. Last season "wasn't for White." But he could have played some games for sure.

[bklynspursfan]

Tony was injured, Manu had rest games, Danny got an injured groin and sat games too. Pop overplayed Bryn Forbes a ton, he was definitely allowed to play through his own mistakes, lack of confidence and poor defense last year. Hilliard was called up and played some games, Brandon Paul played his share of minutes too, specially early.

Nah. Last season "wasn't for White." But he could have played some games for sure.

And he did, he played in 17. Probably could've been in more, but he got a great run in Austin, and likely expedited the growth process and familiarity with the system/terminology, than it would've if he sat on the bench in SA and played here and there.

[SAGirl]

And he did, he played in 17. Probably could've been in more, but he got a great run in Austin, and likely expedited the growth process and familiarity with the system/terminology, than it would've if he sat on the bench in SA and played here and there.
That’s very few minutes overall bc in some of them he barely got in nominally.

Nah that was just Old school Pop.

[bklynspursfan]

That’s very few minutes overall bc in some of them he barely got in nominally.

Nah that was just Old school Pop.

Again tho, he probably got more up to speed in Austin than he would've sitting on the bench and playing sparingly. Pop may have seen the writing on the wall for Manu and knew they needed another guy who could be a play maker in White.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Gasol when healthy can still put in some numbers, but not consistently. It has to come from any of Forbes, Mills, White, Bertans or Belli. I think White has the most upside playing if he can play the Manu role. But I think Belli wants to be that guy with the amount of shots he’s attempting.

Belli should be, but he's played awful for the most part so far.

[Mugen]

Bryn had a year on him and obviously had the corporate knowledge we know Pop likes. Plus the team desperately needed 3 point shooting.
Manu was 40 and still relied upon. Not to mention it was his last year, (unless you think he should've played less for White in his final season?)
Danny was needed at 2/3, we still had Anderson eating up a lot of minutes at the 3, with Rudy when he was healthy.

The guys were trying to compete, thinking nephew was returning and trying to make the best out of a shitty situation. Not trying to integrate a rookie to an already deep rotation.

That's the issue with your line of thinking. You've drank the Pop kool aid where thinking that an undrafted loser having a year on your first round pick so he should play more holds merit. :lol

Bryn turning into a top 5 player on the team is pretty much worst case scenario for this team's future.

[The Closer]

Fathead mini fans. :lmao

[bklynspursfan]

That's the issue with your line of thinking. You've drank the Pop kool aid where thinking that an undrafted loser having a year on your first round pick so he should play more holds merit. :lol

Bryn turning into a top 5 player on the team is pretty much worst case scenario for this team's future.

I'm just saying, we know that's why. It's not always the case, but it happens. Plus... like I said, Forbes was desperately needed , as you know we were terrible offensively/hitting 3's last season.

Having great 3 point shooters is invaluable in todays NBA. Like him or not, that's what he's been this season, hitting at a 44% clip. The argument could be made that due to him getting so many reps last season (+ the work he put in) that he's in such a great rhythm and has all this confidence.

[Mugen]

I'm just saying, we know that's why. It's not always the case, but it happens. Plus... like I said, Forbes was desperately needed , as you know we were terrible offensively/hitting 3's last season.

Having great 3 point shooters is invaluable in todays NBA. Like him or not, that's what he's been this season, hitting at a 44% clip. The argument could be made that due to him getting so many reps last season (+ the work he put in) that he's in such a great rhythm and has all this confidence.

Bryn could play to his absolute ceiling this season and it's not even a blip on the Spurs' chances of success this year. At his best, he's an 8th guy on an okay team.

A guy with literally only 1 NBA ready skill shouldn't be prioritized over developing a guy that can turn into an impactful 6th man / solid starter for you.

Pop agrees so much with your above statement that he decided to bring back 3 other guys (Patty, Beli, and Davis) that also provide only 1 useable skill in today's NBA :lol

It's fine to give PATFO some slack for the shit that Kawhi put them in but they should be held accountable for so many missteps in the last decade that a shitton of fans were saying WTF to and ended up being right. To blindly accept every single move that they do seems crazy to me tbh.

[Mugen]

:lol It's like some fans don't even remember the Michael Finley, Keith Bogans, Roger Mason Jr era tbh.......

The front office seems to have completely forgotten that any modicum of success they were able to luck into after those years was because of guys like Danny & Kawhi....size/athletcism on the wings.....

Having to roll out Patty/Beli/Bryn in meaningful minutes (even with Dejounte out) in today's NBA is a fucking joke and any other front office would get crucified for it tbh

[Mirrornick]

LMA has been playing tremendous defense. Good bounce back game offensively. If he can play like this more consistently then they're definitely a top 4 seed.

[Russ]

Also: it's scary how much we depend on Rudy Gay's health. Who would have thought...

Stay healthy Rudy!

(He's my favorite ballhog.)

[DAF86]

No resting. This team doesn't get the luxury of resting. Just play it out and see how it goes. If shit goes south quickly, then you can rest guys.

[rjv]

this team is so much better with a healthy gay. but one has to wonder how many games he will play in. any word on whether or not he is a scratch for tonight?

[SAGirl]

No resting. This team doesn't get the luxury of resting. Just play it out and see how it goes. If shit goes south quickly, then you can rest guys.
I am with you.
Spurs aren't tanking and if they end up not being good enough that's different.

That said, Rudy is questionable, though I would suspect it's a precaution. I fear his heel issues are something that just needs to be managed to prevent it from getting out of control to the point he's going to sit for weeks like last season (which ended up being months).

Having played 40 minutes last night, I can't tell how much energy Lamarcus will have for this one, though he's bested Davis recently and in the past.

1064598275641221121

[John B]

I am with you.
Spurs aren't tanking and if they end up not being good enough that's different.

That said, Rudy is questionable, though I would suspect it's a precaution. I fear his heel issues are something that just needs to be managed to prevent it from getting out of control to the point he's going to sit for weeks like last season (which ended up being months).

Having played 40 minutes last night, I can't tell how much energy Lamarcus will have for this one, though he's bested Davis recently and in the past.

1064598275641221121

Geez can't we have a whole day to celebrate a win?? :(:(:(

[SAGirl]

Geez can't we have a whole day to celebrate a win?? :(:(:(

I don't know to what exactly in my comment you are replying. I thought DAF86 was responding to timvp's question on what do you do about certain players who played a lot of minutes last night? Do you play them in the B2B, or do you rest guys?

My answer is that one thing is losing a game bc you aren't good enough, another is to take a loss bc you rested players you need and without whom you will for sure lose.

I don't think the Spurs are in a spot where they can afford to rest players. They NEED wins if they want to avoid a tank. I am fine with tanking and prefer it so if Pop rests people and they lose I really don't care. But if you want the team to make the playoffs you can only rest whoever is injured. The rest need to play.

[John B]

I don't know to what exactly in my comment you are replying. I thought DAF86 was responding to timvp's question on what do you do about certain players who played a lot of minutes last night? Do you play them in the B2B, or do you rest guys?

My answer is that one thing is losing a game bc you aren't good enough, another is to take a loss bc you rested players you need and without whom you will for sure lose.

I don't think the Spurs are in a spot where they can afford to rest players. They NEED wins if they want to avoid a tank. I am fine with tanking and prefer it so if Pop rests people and they lose I really don't care. But if you want the team to make the playoffs you can only rest whoever is injured. The rest need to play.
I'm replying to Orsborn twitter on Gay. I think Gay was the x factor last night both offensively and defensively checking Durant. It would be a tall order to win without him. I'm for resting players if we can stay with the pack. Spurs are not really far behind, with the Western Division not really doing very well as expected? I think White, Poeltl will improve as the season pass, plus LW4 has high upside (admittedly I don't know what to expect from him but hopefully better defense than Mills/Forbes). There's Huestis. I really think we haven't seen Spurs best basketball yet with all the injuries. So I'm not thinking about tanking. I really don't think San Antonio market can absorb it (no high caliber FA would ever want to sign with us, it was already hard to attract someone when we're competitive), plus Pop's age, LMA and Gay? If we remain within the pack and get the defensive stopper that we need, Spurs I think can contend imo. Wayyy from tanking..

[SAGirl]

I'm replying to Orsborn twitter on Gay. I think Gay was the x factor last night both offensively and defensively checking Durant. It would be a tall order to win without him. I'm for resting players if we can stay with the pack. Spurs are not really far behind, with the Western Division not really doing very well as expected? I think White, Poeltl will improve as the season pass, plus LW4 has high upside (admittedly I don't know what to expect from him but hopefully better defense than Mills/Forbes). There's Huestis. I really think we haven't seen Spurs best basketball yet with all the injuries. So I'm not thinking about tanking. I really don't think San Antonio market can absorb it (no high caliber FA would ever want to sign with us, it was already hard to attract someone when we're competitive), plus Pop's age, LMA and Gay? If we remain within the pack and get the defensive stopper that we need, Spurs I think can contend imo. Wayyy from tanking..

Got cha now.

[SouthTexasRancher]

It carried over despite the lost from the Clippers’ game. I’m happy Pops was able to keep his foot on the pedal to keep the guys hungry. Calling them soft I guess worked :lol

I think things will get a lot better by the All Star break. We've got a lot of new and/or unfamiliar faces to get blended together. In the past we always had at least one or two of the big threewith Tim giving balance to the team. Hopefully LMA is back on track because we need him if we have any hope of the playoff picture.

[John B]

I think things will get a lot better by the All Star break. We've got a lot of new and/or unfamiliar faces to get blended together. In the past we always had at least one or two of the big threewith Tim giving balance to the team. Hopefully LMA is back on track because we need him if we have any hope of the playoff picture.
Agreed. I'm not worried. And it's not like everybody in the West is performing well. We get healthy, hopefully we get a solid stopper/contributor in LW4, Huestis or Moore. White and Poeltl will just gonna get better. We're in the mix.

[Darius Bieber]

I always figured Gay would be an ideal Spur. Always puts in work without much fuss.

[SouthTexasRancher]

Agreed. I'm not worried. And it's not like everybody in the West is performing well. We get healthy, hopefully we get a solid stopper/contributor in LW4, Huestis or Moore. White and Poeltl will just gonna get better. We're in the mix.

Guess I spoke too soon. I can't figure LMA out. We get about 80 points from 4 of the starters and then there is LMA. But, our biggest problem isn't the offense but, our non-existent defense. And I don't have a clue as to how Pop can fix that.

[John B]

Guess I spoke too soon. I can't figure LMA out. We get about 80 points from 4 of the starters and then there is LMA. But, our biggest problem isn't the offense but, our non-existent defense. And I don't have a clue as to how Pop can fix that.
Jrue and Moore were just walking through fir a layup. 140 pts. Forbes, Mills, Belli are just too soft. Add to that no real shot blockers. It’s like Pops just wanted to lose putting Dante, Belli, Mills, Poeltl line up just before the big lead to inspite LMA weak showing idk

[DJR210]

Couldn't help but notice how well Lonnie was jumping on that Gay gif..

[RC_Drunkford]

Guess I spoke too soon. I can't figure LMA out. We get about 80 points from 4 of the starters and then there is LMA. But, our biggest problem isn't the offense but, our non-existent defense. And I don't have a clue as to how Pop can fix that.

the problem is that there is no help defense coming from the wings. Players like DeRozan can't go over picks so LA has to rotate and the big, in the last game Anthony Davis, is switched to DeRozan and can get a lay up. There are no long wing defenders like Danny Green or Kyle Anderson flying in contesting shots at the rim

[SouthTexasRancher]

Jrue and Moore were just walking through fir a layup. 140 pts. Forbes, Mills, Belli are just too soft. Add to that no real shot blockers. It’s like Pops just wanted to lose putting Dante, Belli, Mills, Poeltl line up just before the big lead to inspite LMA weak showing idk

We definitely need to do something about our defense. It is probably the worst Spurs defense since the ABA days where it was all offense all game long. No team can afford to lose 4 key defenders through --- quitting (KaWhitter), trade (Green), better offer (SloMo) and season ending injury (DeJounte Murray). The ball is in Pop's court.

[SouthTexasRancher]

the problem is that there is no help defense coming from the wings. Players like DeRozan can't go over picks so LA has to rotate and the big, in the last game Anthony Davis, is switched to DeRozan and can get a lay up. There are no long wing defenders like Danny Green or Kyle Anderson flying in contesting shots at the rim

I agree wholeheartedly! We've lost 4 of our 5 best defensive players.