Game Thread: Spurs @ Nuggets — Fri. (12/28) - 8:00/C (4:00am Riga Time)

[Mugen]

Still not too late to get to 14th in the West, but it's clear the FO would rather be the 9th seed.

I'd be thrilled with 9th seed if it's the alternative to getting face fucked out of the 1st round again tbh

[Kobe'sAchilles]

This has ALWAYS been a Spurs issue dating back to Admiral in his prime, tbh.
Sean Ellio** game 1 of the 95' WCF says hi :depressed
It was nice having Gino close out games on the free throw line for all those years. He was an automatic free throw maker in the clutch... Until he completely choked and lost us the NBA finals.
I guess I would trust Bertans. The dudes shot is just so pure that even if he messes up, it still has a good shot of going in.

[justinandimcool]

LMAO "tank crew" why not just pop open a beer and celebrate then

[Hoops Czar]

I guess Pop hasn’t got around yet to figuring out wtf to call to get a catch and shoot three at the end of a game? I couldn’t believe the lineup he had out there; I expected a play drawn up for Bertans or Beli, not a bunch of midrange guys crowding the court and fucking Bryn Forbes the only realistic option to take the shot. Damn. It all came down to those missed free throws though — the Nuggs were trying to give away the game and Demar couldn’t seal it.

GREAT game by Derrick White, he showed some serious defensive tenacity and instincts. He’s still a tad shaky on offense at times but you can see he is still gaining confidence. There are some nice moments that happen when he is on the floor. If he can start hitting threes he will be deadly I’m sure.

How about talent.

[timtonymanu]

I'd be thrilled with 9th seed if it's the alternative to getting face fucked out of the 1st round again tbh

We’d still get a lottery pick.

[justinandimcool]

EXACTLY. This wasn't a typical Spurs choke we can scoff at. This was a terrible loss that continues to expose how flawed this Spurs team is that PATFO continues to insist is good enough.

should've signed LeBron and traded up for Doncic tbh

[timtonymanu]

LMAO "tank crew" why not just pop open a beer and celebrate then

:toast 9th seed let’s go

[SpurPadre]

Sean Ellio** game 1 of the 95' WCF says hi :depressed
It was nice having Gino close out games on the free throw line for all those years. He was an automatic free throw maker in the clutch... Until he completely choked and lost us the NBA finals.
I guess I would trust Bertans. The dudes shot is just so pure that even if he messes up, it still has a good shot of going in.

Admiral missed huge free throws in Game 6 that year too. Spurs have to be amongst the worst 4th quarter free throw shooters in NBA history, tbh.

[justinandimcool]

if you can get the 7th seed and be on the same bracket as the soft ass Nuggets and Westbrick you do it tbh

late lottery pick sucks, this coaching staff sucks at development

[SpurPadre]

should've signed LeBron and traded up for Doncic tbh

No, just should've sent Forbes to the Abu Dhabi league where he belongs, tbh.

[Hoops Czar]

I still can't believe the Spurs are paying DeRozen 27.7M to be a mediocre pseudo star for the next three seasons. I must still be dreaming.

[timtonymanu]

if you can get the 7th seed and be on the same bracket as the soft ass Nuggets and Westbrick you do it tbh

late lottery pick sucks, this coaching staff sucks at development

Murray and White says otherwise. This front office sucks at free agency but they tend to strike gold with the draft.

[Ibleedslvrnblk]

should've signed LeBron and traded up for Doncic tbh

Just like that right? So easy everyone could have. LBJ was in LA 1000000000 percent...

[boutons_deux]

nuggs 21 TO and Spurs cant win

[Spurs da champs]

Murray and White says otherwise. This front office sucks at free agency but they tend to strike gold with the draft.

Kawhi as well.

[timtonymanu]

I still can't believe the Spurs are paying DeRozen 27.7M to be a mediocre pseudo star for the next three seasons. I must still be dreaming.

They paid 50 million to Mills to show up 1 out of every 5 games, Pau because he was good against them in the Lakers, and LMA after he demanded a trade. The front office has been taking stupid pills ever since.

[SpurPadre]

At least Kawhi got fucked in the ass tonight so the night isn't a total loss, tbh.

[Hoops Czar]

Murray and White says otherwise. This front office sucks at free agency but they tend to strike gold with the draft.
Murray hasn't proven anything and White is more miss than hit. The only reason a Spurs fan raves about White's defense is because his replacements are some of the worst defenders in the league.

[DPG21920]

Don’t know how spurs fans can b*tch about this one. On the road against the best in the west and played well enough to win

[SpurPadre]

Murray hasn't proven anything and White is more miss than hit. The only reason a Spurs fan raves about White's defense is because his replacements are some of the worst defenders in the league.

This. Manu would still be the best defender if he had come back, tbh.

[SpurPadre]

Don’t know how spurs fans can b*tch about this one. On the road against the best in the west and played well enough to win

Because we're not 28-8 with the Big 3 and can afford to lose a random game like giving candy away.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

I still can't believe the Spurs are paying DeRozen 27.7M to be a mediocre pseudo star for the next three seasons. I must still be dreaming.

Aldridge as well. We have some very overpaid players on the team, along with Mills and Gasol.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Don’t know how spurs fans can b*tch about this one. On the road against the best in the west and played well enough to win

FT shooting was infuriating. Completely wilted under pressure.

[Hoops Czar]

They paid 50 million to Mills to show up 1 out of every 5 games, Pau because he was good against them in the Lakers, and LMA after he demanded a trade. The front office has been taking stupid pills ever since.
This is true but it's mainly Pop. RC Buford is just Pop's personal secretary.

[DPG21920]

FT shooting was infuriating. Completely wilted under pressure.

That happens. SA played really well and should have won. It’s a big turn around from where the team was

[Robz4000]

Don’t know how spurs fans can b*tch about this one. On the road against the best in the west and played well enough to win

The Nuggets are missing half their roster, their best players fouled out/got hurt, and the team generally played like ass. They also have to go play the Clippers tomorrow night after wasting all their energy tonight. With the schedule not getting any easier this was a bad loss.

[drpill]

This is my primary takeaway. I actually saw a lot of encouraging stuff watching the game tonight. The team showed heart clawing back and making a game of it. It hurts to see some great play wasted by poor end game execution, though.

[SpurPadre]

That happens. SA played really well and should have won. It’s a big turn around from where the team was

Moral victories still count as losses for a team fighting for a playoff spot.

[DPG21920]

This. Manu would still be the best defender if he had come back, tbh.


:lol love Manu but no. Not only is your statement not true the bench is thriving without him

[Amuseddaysleeper]

That happens. SA played really well and should have won. It’s a big turn around from where the team was

That I definitely agree with. Those back to back 30 point losses were humbling. At least they're showing signs of life these days.

[Spurs da champs]

FT shooting was infuriating. Completely wilted under pressure.

Not to mention Denver was missing Millsap, Barton, & the ingame injuries to Beasley, & Murray (not taking advantage of his turned ankle once), plus Jokic fouling out. Smh, you cant spin this L.

[DPG21920]

The Nuggets are missing half their roster, their best players fouled out/got hurt, and the team generally played like ass. They also have to go play the Clippers tomorrow night after wasting all their energy tonight. With the schedule not getting any easier this was a bad loss.

Spurs are missing guys too. Nuggets have adjusted to their guys out like SA has. SA makes some fT like normal they win. Losing sucks. This isn’t a “bad” loss

[SpurPadre]

:lol love Manu but no. Not only is your statement not true the bench is thriving without him

You're being blinded by the home victories against scrub teams. 😂

[DPG21920]

Remember when SA was losing bad and people and pop were saying they saw things? That was tonight. They lost. It sucks. But you saw things.

[DPG21920]

You're being blinded by the home victories against scrub teams. ��


Denver is a scrub team?

[SpurPadre]

Spurs are missing guys too. Nuggets have adjusted to their guys out like SA has. SA makes some fT like normal they win. Losing sucks. This isn’t a “bad” loss

It isn't a "bad" loss...it's a HORRIBLE loss against a short-handed team we thoroughly outplayed a couple days ago. We can't spin this loss with a straight face.

[$pursDynasty]

That happens. SA played really well and should have won. It’s a big turn around from where the team was
If the Nuggets (outside of the Dubs of course )are the best the West has to offer then I don't see why we can't make the WCF. This back to back showed me something about the Spurs in relation to the rest of the West. Lakers, Nuggets? Give me a break. Though the Thunderefs are looking good.

[SpurPadre]

Denver is a scrub team?

The team they have without their best players and most of the teams we beat during our 8-2 run? Yes, scrubs.

[SpurPadre]

Remember when SA was losing bad and people and pop were saying they saw things? That was tonight. They lost. It sucks. But you saw things.

19-17...that doesn't mean SHIT.

[RD2191]

Remember when SA was losing bad and people and pop were saying they saw things? That was tonight. They lost. It sucks. But you saw things.

Saw a team of choking faggots.

[Hoops Czar]

That happens. SA played really well and should have won. It’s a big turn around from where the team was
It didn't happen to Denver.

[ECOV]

Fuck the haters :lobt2:

[Robz4000]

Spurs are missing guys too. Nuggets have adjusted to their guys out like SA has. SA makes some fT like normal they win. Losing sucks. This isn’t a “bad” loss

Spurs have been playing without Murray all season and Gasol for most of it. Denver is missing their best defenders in Millsap and Harris, and lost Beasley to injury and had a gimpy Murray for half the fourth. Spurs have also routinely been bad at FTs during crunch time all season as well.

[Hoops Czar]

Spurs have been playing without Murray all season and Gasol for most of it. Denver is missing their best defenders in Millsap and Harris, and lost Beasley to injury and had a gimpy Murray for half the fourth. Spurs have also routinely been bad at FTs during crunch time all season as well.

In before he mentions Lebron.

[Spurs da champs]

Spurs have been playing without Murray all season and Gasol for most of it. Denver is missing their best defenders in Millsap and Harris, and lost Beasley to injury and had a gimpy Murray for half the fourth. Spurs have also routinely been bad at FTs during crunch time all season as well.
Forgot all about Gary Harris...:lmao, adds even more salt to this L.

[justinandimcool]

this loss was a bad loss, same with the Chicago and Phoenix losses....but young fools gold teams like Denver, Clippers, Sacramento, Memphis, Minnesota, Dallas, will have way way more bad losses this year and will make up these hits in the standings tbh

[Hoops Czar]

this loss was a bad loss, same with the Chicago and Phoenix losses....but young fools gold teams like Denver, Clippers, Sacramento, Memphis, Minnesota, Dallas, will have way way more bad losses this year and will make up these hits in the standings tbh
I still don't understand why people are lumping Denver in with the likes of the Kings, Mavs and Grizzlies. They're a good team.

[Ruler]

The Bulls loss is still the worst of the season, but this is second considering the situation and repercussions.
That blowout loss to the TWolves was second worst. I think this was a decent loss considering how shit our team played against the best WC team in back to back games against the toughest homecourt team in the league.

[NameLess Scrub]

Murray or any other perimeter guy will chuck and make a ton of crappy shots, and the Spurs lose tonight.

[justinandimcool]

I still don't understand why people are lumping Denver in with the likes of the Kings, Mavs and Grizzlies. They're a good team.

Because just like those other teams they haven't made the playoffs, much less done shit in the playoffs.

Also their fat star shrinks when a team decides to play defense on him. 5 FGA is pathetic tbh. Against Boston he shot 1 FGA. Unreliable. (edit Memphis not Boston)
No other leader on the team.
Murray is a chucker.
Surprises like Hernangomez, Beasley, Morris will all get scouted and be nothing in the playoffs.

Roster of flawed players feasting on unprepared teams is your textbook fools gold team

In a playoff series they will turn to Millsap and Barton to bail them out which is a losing combination tbh

[Spurs da champs]

Because just like those other teams they haven't made the playoffs, much less done shit in the playoffs.

Also their fat star shrinks when a team decides to play defense on him. 5 FGA is pathetic tbh. Against Boston he shot 1 FGA. Unreliable. (edit Memphis not Boston)
No other leader on the team.
Murray is a chucker.
Surprises like Hernangomez, Beasley, Morris will all get scouted and be nothing in the playoffs.

Roster of flawed players feasting on unprepared teams is your textbook fools gold team

In a playoff series they will turn to Millsap and Barton to bail them out which is a losing combination tbh

The Spurs inability to win on the road is why they wont make the playoffs and those teams that you are shitting all over will. Spurs will be out of playoff contention after the rodeo road trip.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Missed free throws, missed open threes, and nothing out of Mills hurt tonight. Not a bad loss though. Those 30 point blowouts were bad losses.

[Robz4000]

That blowout loss to the TWolves was second worst. I think this was a decent loss considering how shit our team played against the best WC team in back to back games against the toughest homecourt team in the league.

Eh, they finally got rid of their team cancer a game or two beforehand and Covington/Saric played with a chip on their shoulder their first few weeks with the T-Pups. It was a bad loss but it was a predictable blowout loss (just not that they'd lose by 40).

[justinandimcool]

The Spurs inability to win on the road is why they wont make the playoffs and those teams that you are shitting all over will. Spurs will be out of playoff contention after the rodeo road trip.

yes the 6 teams i shat on will never lose a road game. and all 6 will make the playoffs along with Golden State, Houston, Portland, Utah, OKC, and Lakers.

lmao Minnesota lost to Atlanta. any Spurs suckfest will be matched by other young teams. basketball has been around for a long time and shit hasn't changed tbh

[Robz4000]

:lol God damn, forgot Will Barton was out too for Denver.

[FkLA]

Are people really crying about a 3 point loss at Denver? Smh. :lol

[SpurPadre]

Are people really crying about a 3 point loss at Denver? Smh. :lol

We're 19-17...this isn't The Big 3 Spurs era. Of course this isn't a fucking kumbaya moment.

[Floyd Pacquiao]

Patty mills played way too much tonight.

[FkLA]

We're 19-17...this isn't The Big 3 Spurs era. Of course this isn't a fucking kumbaya moment.

Bruh, this is an expected loss almost any year. If you went into the game thinking "the Spurs should win this one for sure, otherwise it's an upset by DEN" then you need to stop being a homer. Yeah, they're missing Millsap but they've beaten teams like TOR, OKC, MEM recently without him. They're still a good team that's always tough at home.

And just being competitive on the road against good teams is a massive improvement from what we were seeing just a couple weeks ago. I think the team is moving in the right direction. I was honestly expecting to get blown out at HOU and tonight.

[paperboy77]

Just watched the game. Free throws screwed us. That “penultimate “ play ...Bryn woulda got his shit packed by Plumlee just like the last shitty play. Yes the FT were the Achilles heel today but end of games lineups and shitty plays like that is where Pop fucks up. Always has.. but always had Timmy -Tony- Manu to bail his dumb ass out. I like where we’re trending but look for TimVP to give Pop no better than a C for this end of game (besides the FTs) fuckary.

[daslicer]

Bruh, this is an expected loss almost any year. If you went into the game thinking "the Spurs should win this one for sure, otherwise it's an upset by DEN" then you need to stop being a homer. Yeah, they're missing Millsap but they've beaten teams like TOR, OKC, MEM recently without him. They're still a good team that's always tough at home.

And just being competitive on the road against good teams is a massive improvement from what we were seeing just a couple weeks ago. I think the team is moving in the right direction. I was honestly expecting to get blown out at HOU and tonight.

Also factor in the Nuggets have a MVP type of player in Jokic. When you have that type of player your always going to be hard match up regardless of who else is playing.

[Spurtacular]

Just watching the highlights.

WTF is with that last play? A flare pass away from the basket to a double-teamed midget, Forbes? White standing in the near corner along with Gay, covered by one guy? LMA coming to the ball without anyone screening to get him open (but probably still the best option, so get him the damn ball ffs!)?

[tbdog]

Tbh I thought Plumlee was camping for over 3 secs in the key.

[tbdog]

Nuggets hot shooting in the first got them ahead. This is the NBA. This is what the playoffs will be like. The Spurs completely outplayed them in the second. And they could have given up their momentum when 3 completely obvious calls went against them in the 4th putting them down 8. It's a real shame that this will be overlooked due to ft shooting.

[Chris]

Who do we trust to shoot free throws to close out the game?

Team leader Mills tbh

[RC_Drunkford]

Aldridge as well. We have some very overpaid players on the team, along with Mills and Gasol.

if you think Aldridge is overpaid you are retarded. There are plenty of worse bigs in the league who get paid more, he got one of the cheapest deals in the league for a player of his caliber

[Blackhaus]

Any clips of White’s plays?

[rogcl1]

Just watching the highlights.

WTF is with that last play? A flare pass away from the basket to a double-teamed midget, Forbes? White standing in the near corner along with Gay, covered by one guy? LMA coming to the ball without anyone screening to get him open (but probably still the best option, so get him the damn ball ffs!)?

My question was why is Bertrans inbounding rather than being a last shot option. With more time left I see it as he could possibly receive a return pass. It is still basketball and every play has options and I doubt Pop tells his players to force a pass rather than go to a different , more open, option. Bertrans gave Forbes no chance whatsoever to be successful in that situation. In these type of situations I would like to see guys like Aldridge and Bertrans and even Gay as takers of the last shot as they have the length to get the shot off over the defense.Forbes becomes a great candidate as a secondary option if the defense sags off of him. I think its on Pop for not having Bertrans as a shooting option and on Bertrans for forcing a pass to create a doomed play. Having said all this the opportunity to tie was lost when Spurs got the ball back at 7 seconds and again Denver reacted to the play and set up the .7 situation. Again, maybe a little more creative play calling by Pop, but also players have to react to what the defense gives them and play basketball. Something to be learned by all.

[MultiTroll]

the opportunity to tie was lost when Spurs got the ball back at 7 seconds and again Denver reacted to the play and set up the .7 situation. .missed game.
Wth happened with 7 seconds left? Denver deflected a pass?

[rogcl1]

missed game.
Wth happened with 7 seconds left? Denver deflected a pass?

Yes, Spurs got the ball and ran a play which Denver reacted to and deflected the ball out of bounds which set up the .7 situation.

[NugzFan]

Because just like those other teams they haven't made the playoffs, much less done shit in the playoffs.

Also their fat star shrinks when a team decides to play defense on him. 5 FGA is pathetic tbh. Against Boston he shot 1 FGA. Unreliable. (edit Memphis not Boston)
No other leader on the team.
Murray is a chucker.
Surprises like Hernangomez, Beasley, Morris will all get scouted and be nothing in the playoffs.

Roster of flawed players feasting on unprepared teams is your textbook fools gold team

In a playoff series they will turn to Millsap and Barton to bail them out which is a losing combination tbh


This hurts to read

[Amuseddaysleeper]

if you think Aldridge is overpaid you are retarded. There are plenty of worse bigs in the league who get paid more, he got one of the cheapest deals in the league for a player of his caliber

He was one of the worst bigs in the league to start the season and is soft as hell. Would love to see him get traded even though it’ll never happen.

[Arcadian]

:lol Really, this is the game some people choose to melt down over? I mean, the Spurs aren't very good overall, but at least they split a back-to-back with the #1 seed in the west, and lost the second only due to free throws. For someone to melt down indicates they thought the team was better than it is. That's on you.

[RC_Drunkford]

He was one of the worst bigs in the league to start the season and is soft as hell. Would love to see him get traded even though it’ll never happen.

worst bigs in the league lol, you ever heard of Dwight Howard? Marcin Gortat? Ian Mahinmi? Bismack Biyombo? LA is still Top 5 if not Top 3 amongst big men and about 15th place when it comes to salary. You're just trying to push your agenda

[Spurtacular]

My question was why is Bertrans inbounding rather than being a last shot option. With more time left I see it as he could possibly receive a return pass. It is still basketball and every play has options and I doubt Pop tells his players to force a pass rather than go to a different , more open, option. Bertrans gave Forbes no chance whatsoever to be successful in that situation. In these type of situations I would like to see guys like Aldridge and Bertrans and even Gay as takers of the last shot as they have the length to get the shot off over the defense.Forbes becomes a great candidate as a secondary option if the defense sags off of him. I think its on Pop for not having Bertrans as a shooting option and on Bertrans for forcing a pass to create a doomed play. Having said all this the opportunity to tie was lost when Spurs got the ball back at 7 seconds and again Denver reacted to the play and set up the .7 situation. Again, maybe a little more creative play calling by Pop, but also players have to react to what the defense gives them and play basketball. Something to be learned by all.

You could even take Forbes out and have Poetl or whatever tall guy they trust passing the ball and get Bertans the ball on a curl towards the basket. Shooters like shooting with momentum going left, too. But Pop is GOAT, right?