Game Thread: Spurs @ Cavs, April 7 2PM CST (10:00 RIGA TIME)

[BillMc]

Don't see anyone else starting the thread.... so....

http://cavsnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Kevin-Love-credits-Spurs_-DeMar-DeRozan-for-opening-door-to-become-face-of-mental-health-awareness.jpg

[BillMc]

http://www.espn.com/nba/preview?gameId=401071869


The San Antonio Spurs (http://www.espn.com/nba/team/_/name/sa/san-antonio-spurs) know what they have to do to avoid top-seeded and two-time defending champion Golden State in the first round of the NBA playoffs: keep winning games and hope Oklahoma City falters at least once over the final week of the regular season.That's what makes the Spurs' dustup Sunday in Cleveland versus the hapless Cavaliers so important. With just two games remaining, San Antonio can't afford to slip up against a team tied for the second-worst record in the league.
"You have to go out there and play extremely hard, no matter who you're playing against until the playoffs," Spurs forward DeMar DeRozan (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3978/demar-derozan) said. "We have two more games, and we can't worry about anybody else. We just have to worry about this next game and just keep moving on wherever we fall."
The Spurs (46-34) head for Cleveland after a dominating 129-112 win at Washington on Friday to stay within striking distance of Oklahoma City for the seventh seed in the Western Conference.
San Antonio racked up a season-best 77 points in the first half and cruised to the victory behind LaMarcus Aldridge (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2983/lamarcus-aldridge)'s 24 points and 7 rebounds. Every Spurs' starter scored in double figures in Friday's win. Rudy Gay (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3005/rudy-gay) scored 18 off the bench, Bryn Forbes (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2994526/bryn-forbes) and Patty Mills (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4004/patty-mills) scored 17 points each, and DeRozan added 16 in the victory.
Coming after their 113-85 loss at Denver on Thursday in the first game of the Spurs' three-game road trip, the win carried some weight.
"Denver was a game we wish we had, so we showed some grit tonight," Gay said. "We knew we had to come out and take this game, and we did. This is an important one -- it's all about business and trying to get these wins."
The Cavaliers (19-61) head home after a 120-114 loss at Golden State on Friday to end a five-game road trip. Cleveland cut a 19-point halftime deficit to three points in the final minutes but could not complete the comeback.
Rookie Collin Sexton (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4277811/collin-sexton) shrugged off a ragged first half to finish with a team-high 27 points for the Cavaliers in the loss. Cedi Osman (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3893016/cedi-osman) scored 15 points, Larry Nance Jr (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2580365/larry-nance-jr). tallied 13 points and took a game-high 14 boards, Tristan Thompson (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/6474/tristan-thompson)added 12 points, and David Nwaba (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3062744/david-nwaba) and Ante Zizic (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4017838/ante-zizic) hit for 13 and 12 points, respectively, in defeat.
Nance said the Cavaliers' second-half performance was indicative of the team's determination.
"That's something that we've shown that we can do all year," Nance said. "For some reason, we play uncharacteristic basketball that doesn't benefit everybody on the team, then we snap out of it in the second half and play like a real team. I was impressed with our effort tonight."
The loss Friday guaranteed Cleveland a bottom-three record, giving it an equal chance of winning the NBA draft lottery. The only thing that can change in the final two games is whether the Cavaliers will have the second-worst or third-worst record. New York has last place clinched with a 15-64 record with three games to play.




This is the first year with the new lottery setup, as the league made alterations in hopes of minimizing tanking. In the past, the team holding the worst record had a 25 percent chance of winning the lottery. This season, teams with the three worst records -- New York, Phoenix (which is also 19-61), and Cleveland -- have a 14 percent chance of getting the No. 1 pick.

Forward Kevin Love (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3449/kevin-love) was held out of his fourth straight game because of left shoulder soreness. Cavaliers coach Larry Drew wasn't ready to say whether Love would play in the final two home games.

[Trainwreck2100]

doesn't matter OKC ain't losing again

[BillMc]

doesn't matter OKC ain't losing again

Why so confident in OKC?

[TheGoatishere]

doesn't matter OKC ain't losing again

we just need to win out and hope clippers lose one which they will .

they play GS tn...

[Donatas Motiejunas]

doesn't matter OKC ain't losing again

OKC has been bad for quite some time now.

[BillMc]

Spurs by 5

[baseline bum]

doesn't matter OKC ain't losing again

They have a game against Houston still and the Rockets will be fighting to stay on the other side of the bracket from Golden State, and perhaps steal the #2 seed from Denver. Houston only has Phoenix and OKC to close the season and has the tiebreaker on Denver, and the Nuggets have two road games against Portland and Utah who are both fighting for that 4 seed. It would be hilarious for the Spurs to sneak into the 7-seed only to have Houston take the 2-seed. :lol

[BillMc]

Per ESPN, Kevin Love is OUT.

[TXstbobcat]

:flag:

[Donatas Motiejunas]

Per ESPN, Kevin Love is OUT.

Love is warming up on sideline with wrapped back, doesn't seem he's definitely OUT though

[TXstbobcat]

Why so confident in OKC?

2 of my co-workers are going to the T-pups game against OKC. I told them to help our spurs out today. :flag:

[TXstbobcat]

Looking forward to the Sexton Vs. White match up.

[BillMc]

Love is warming up on sideline with wrapped back, doesn't seem he's definitely OUT though

You're right bro. He's playing. Never trust ESPN.

[BillMc]

2 of my co-workers are going to the T-pups game against OKC. I told them to help our spurs out today. :flag:

Hope your colleagues come through for us!!:flag:

[TheGoatishere]

Why the hell would you back off of Channing Frye ?

[GreekSpursfan]

They have a game against Houston still and the Rockets will be fighting to stay on the other side of the bracket from Golden State, and perhaps steal the #2 seed from Denver. Houston only has Phoenix and OKC to close the season and has the tiebreaker on Denver, and the Nuggets have two road games against Portland and Utah who are both fighting for that 4 seed. It would be hilarious for the Spurs to sneak into the 7-seed only to have Houston take the 2-seed. :lol

I think Denver beats Portland and stay ahead of Houston and if that's the case the fact that the Denver vs Portland game is ahead of the Houston vs OKC game is very bad for us because Houston won't be able to catch Denver and at the same time they can afford to lose one game(vs OKC) and still end up as the 3rd seed. I'm afraid OKC is gonna win out since the Bucks will probably rest everyone against OKC. We are probably stuck to the 8th seed.

[TheGoatishere]

I think Denver beats Portland and stay ahead of Houston and if that's the case the fact that the Denver vs Portland game is ahead of the Houston vs OKC game is very bad for us because Houston won't be able to catch Denver and at the same time they can afford to lose one game(vs OKC) and still end up as the 3rd seed. I'm afraid OKC is gonna win out since the Bucks will probably rest everyone against OKC. We are probably stuck to the 8th seed.

no we’re not lol we have the tie break over the clippers we just need to win out and hope the clippers drop one.

[Donatas Motiejunas]

Damn, Sexton is the biggest black hole I've seen. he doesn't pass. At all

[r0drig0lac]

Demar with 3 dimes

[Leetonidas]

I think Denver beats Portland and stay ahead of Houston and if that's the case the fact that the Denver vs Portland game is ahead of the Houston vs OKC game is very bad for us because Houston won't be able to catch Denver and at the same time they can afford to lose one game(vs OKC) and still end up as the 3rd seed. I'm afraid OKC is gonna win out since the Bucks will probably rest everyone against OKC. We are probably stuck to the 8th seed.

It's been reported that Denver is purposely resting guys now to avoid the Rockets in their bracket since I think Portland has the tiebreaker over Houston. So don't count on Denver winning those games..

[jermaine]

Is Forbes just as important as Damar

[r0drig0lac]

walker in

[baseline bum]

God are they really going to lose to the post LeBron Cavs?

[GreekSpursfan]

no we’re not lol we have the tie break over the clippers we just need to win out and hope the clippers drop one.

You are right about the Clippers, my bad, but lets see if we can win today first even though i can see the Clippers beating GST if the Dubs choose to rest players.
I still think Dubs want us in the first round.

[ShutUp SayItAgain!]

Walker with a Manu steal?

[weeks]

getting to see some serious lonnie burn, i'm digging it win or lose
but they better win

[BillMc]

Davis Gervin

[ShutUp SayItAgain!]

Really liking Walker in that 1st quarter there.

Mills however can fuck off

[Floyd Pacquiao]

I wish it were Lonnie walker over Marco off the bench always.

[TheGoatishere]

You are right about the Clippers, my bad, but lets see if we can win today first even though i can see the Clippers beating GST if the Dubs choose to rest players.
I still think Dubs want us in the first round.

gallinari and beverly are both out tn i believe

i think Golden state wants LA less travel

Edit: it’s the last regular season game at oracle think all of GS top guys play

[GreekSpursfan]

gallinari and beverly are both out tn i believe

i think Golden state wants LA less travel

I hope you're right even though i don't think its gonna matter who we play anyway.

[baseline bum]

I hope you're right even though i don't think its gonna matter who we play anyway.

Eh if it's Denver the series prob goes 6. 5 if Houston. Get the brooms if it's GSW.

[GreekSpursfan]

Davis shot is broken, damn.

[GreekSpursfan]

Finally

[baseline bum]

Who det obese nigga in the #75 jersey? :lol

[r0drig0lac]

Forbes like Curry

[Spurtacular]

Easy money game.

[GreekSpursfan]

Cavs are done, next game.

[BillMc]

Good half

[KimmyGib]

Mills can't hit open 3-pointers. But very nice clean-up from Rudy.

[$pursDynasty]

Great end of qtr in general but once again DeFrozen proves he ain't the guy to take the last shot

[monty4329]

Who det obese nigga in the #75 jersey? :lol

he was more than twice the girlfriend....

[monty4329]

Great end of qtr in general but once again DeFrozen proves he ain't the guy to take the last shot

it is beyond laughable already...

[BillMc]

TimberPups need to get their act together.

[monty4329]

Watching OKC against no-defense MIN...Doesn't look good.

[r0drig0lac]

1st okc 38 - 31 wolves

[KimmyGib]

Cav's coach called it before start of 3rd. "we'll come out strong, Spurs will play like shit and call the first timeout. Then go from there." And here we are.

[BlackAndWhite]

Spurs are getting lazy

[r0drig0lac]

lob city

[slick'81]

Cavs fucking suck :lol

[Genovaswitness]

game to watch is thunder wolves

[weeks]

"what the fuck?" :lol

[BillMc]

"what the fuck?" :lol

Yeah, Who said that?:lol

[r0drig0lac]

easy for Walker

[SpurPadre]

As horrible of a player Forbes is overall, especially as a starter, I must admit that he has been playing better of late. That said, he still takes way too many shots. In the playoffs, he MUST defer shots to LMA, DeRozan and Gay in that order. I'm okay with him taking more shots than White since that dude cannot for the life of him have consistency on offense and we'll need to shoot 3's in the playoffs. Still, he better not have more than 20 minutes a game in the playoffs though. His atrocious defense will be all the more magnified by then.

[slick'81]

As horrible of a player Forbes is overall, especially as a starter, I must admit that he has been playing better of late. That said, he still takes way too many shots. In the playoffs, he MUST defer shots to LMA, DeRozan and Gay in that order. I'm okay with him taking more shots than White since that dude cannot for the life of him have consistency on offense and we'll need to shoot 3's in the playoffs. Still, he better not have more than 20 minutes a game in the playoffs though. His atrocious defense will be all the more magnified by then.


So will pattys tbh

[Fusternino]

Q-Pon out there cleaning up.

[r0drig0lac]

wolves up by 4

[jjktkk]

Nice, easy, win.

[spurs1990]

Did you guys see how awful Montauinus(sic) looked on those two free throws. What is this guy's strengths that made SA give him a spot?

[BillMc]

22 point victory on the road.

I blame OP. :smokin

(Or OP's sig)

[r0drig0lac]

Saric playing for the Spurs

[spurs10]

Victory! Great thread!
:clap

[spurs10]

22 point victory on the road.

I blame OP. :smokin

(Or OP's sig) I'm saying it ...put OP's sig girl under opposing team's basket when they are shooting free-throws and ......:lobt2:

[HarlemHeat37]

Cedi Osman is one of the worst players in the NBA, so many people were high on him:lol

[BillMc]

I'm saying it ...put OP's sig girl under opposing team's basket when they are shooting free-throws and ......:lobt2:
:lol:bobo

[Mugen]

Why tf did Beli even play? :lol

[spurs10]

:lol:bobo :bobo Go Wolves!!

[Mugen]

Cedi Osman is one of the worst players in the NBA, so many people were high on him:lol

There was that offseason pic of Bron, KD, Kawhi, and Cedi. And I could have sworn it was a Make A Wish event.

[TXstbobcat]

Victory! Great thread!
:clap

:flag:

[TXstbobcat]

:bobo Go Wolves!!

T-pups up 10.

[NASpurs]

I'm just glad the off season is coming in a couple of weeks. Need to get rid some of the dead weight. (Even though I know it's not going to happen)

[SpurPadre]

Did you guys see how awful Montauinus(sic) looked on those two free throws. What is this guy's strengths that made SA give him a spot?

Pop loves white bigs who can shoot 3's, tbh.

[TDomination]

Yay spurs win!! And on the road.

[TDomination]

Wow a game 2 game winning streak on the road. I dont care who it was against for this team that's a miracle.

[Spurch]

A nice smooth easy relaxing win on the road is just what we needed. Nice win

[spurraider21]

playing like shit lately


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ur-5nM_O8R0

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Pop loves white bigs who can shoot 3's, tbh.

He isn't good at shooting 3 pointers. Lol.

[ace3g]

Anyone else notice this?

https://twitter.com/jollyrogerwilco/status/1114996920299282432

[slick'81]

Wow a game 2 game winning streak on the road. I dont care who it was against for this team that's a miracle.

nope! cavs and wiz are about as bad as it gets talent wise.these two wins mean virtually nothing in the grand scheme of things

[c whata11]

Anyone else notice this?

https://twitter.com/jollyrogerwilco/status/1114996920299282432

It's been there for probably about a month?
But it definitely hasn't been there all year, because I remember asking myself this same question when I first noticed it.

[Gagnrath]

Does it coincide with his shooting woes?

[BillMc]

Anyone else notice this?

https://twitter.com/jollyrogerwilco/status/1114996920299282432

I did!

[DJR210]

Damn, Sexton is the biggest black hole I've seen. he doesn't pass. At all

That's racist

[LakerHater]

https://images2.imgbox.com/bf/7e/zqO54p7m_o.gif

[Shakril]

nope! cavs and wiz are about as bad as it gets talent wise.these two wins mean virtually nothing in the grand scheme of things

Except, those two wins help the spurs to avoid the Warriors in the first round and even get the 6th seed. (Which could be Denver instead of Houston).

Besides that, Cavs and Wiz are still NBA Teams which have nba Players. Which means, there are not guaranteed Wins. And when you look at past games of the Elite Teams, even those are loosing sometimes against the Bottom Feeders.

So Lets stop shitting on a 47-48 Win Spurs Season and enjoy the success.

[RC_Drunkford]

with how this team has played this year I wouldn't be surprised if they follow those games up with a home loss against Dallas

[WallyTiger]

only 3 pages , haha, todays spurstalk smh

[Blackhaus]

And??^^^

[TDomination]

with how this team has played this year I wouldn't be surprised if they follow those games up with a home loss against Dallas

pretty much this. but this actually happened in previous years as well as we all know too well. from 2nd seed to 6th cause we couldn't win 1 game. horrible.

but at least we're at home.