Game Thread: PLAYOFFS. Rnd 1, Game 1: Spurs @ Nuggets — Sat. (4/13) - 9:30/C (5:30am Riga Time)

[Blackhaus]

White & Poetl looked good.

Our future looking bright atm with the young guys. Still think we should've offloaded Lamarcus Aldridge for a pick.
We wouldn’t be watching spurs playoff basketball if you we’re GM, cheese and rice.

[Rosewood]

We wouldn’t be watching spurs playoff basketball if you we’re GM, cheese and rice. Maybe not, but the future of the team would be a lot brighter.

[jmard5]

White & Poetl looked good.

Our future looking bright atm with the young guys. Still think we should've offloaded Lamarcus Aldridge for a pick.

You want to offload the one player that the Spurs have that can counter smallball?

[TDMVPDPOY]

You want to offload the one player that the Spurs have that can counter smallball?

plays like a pussy compared to a real big man down low...

[jmard5]

plays like a pussy compared to a real big man down low...

And replace him with whom? Are we underestimating Aldridge's current contribution to the Spurs?

[Dverde]

And replace him with whom? Are we underestimating Aldridge's current contribution to the Spurs?

:lma has been great overall the last two years. You clowns don’t know what it is like playing against an ogre like Jokic.

[RC_Drunkford]

people here don't seem to understand that you can't drive to the rim from the low block if you get doubled. The Nuggets main priority is to stop Aldridge so of course he will have a tough shooting night in game 1. It's on Pop to counter that and get LA some easy buckets

[BackHome]

Yep LMA having a very good year people still think drafting guys like Timmy and David are easy. Lol

[BillMc]

Yep LMA having a very good year people still think drafting guys like Timmy and David are easy. Lol

Exactly. LMA has been the best FA Spurs ever signed. An All-Star and likely All-NBA 3 of his 4 years here, and team's clear best player the last two. His offense has been at its most efficient of his career those 3 good years and his defense better than in Portland. Sure, he's not prime Timmy or David, but dude is an HOFer, one we got for nothing. Not sure the reason for hate.

[DAF86]

Exactly. LMA has been the best FA Spurs ever signed. An All-Star and likely All-NBA 3 of his 4 years here, and team's clear best player the last two. His offense has been at its most efficient of his career those 3 good years and his defense better than in Portland. Sure, he's not prime Timmy or David, but dude is an HOFer, one we got for nothing. Not sure the reason for hate.

My opinion of Aldridge would be better if he hadn't asked to be traded out of a 60+ wins team just because he wasn't getting :cry his touches :cry, tbh.

[Mugen]

Lamarcus has been fine, pretty much everything that Spurfan could have hoped for when he was signed tbh...

Yeah, he requested a trade but handled it the way you're supposed to. Players ask for trades for dumb reasons all the time, that's just how it is in today's NBA.

He says dumb shit about going back to Portland but if he went back there after 2 years then that might be his biggest contribution to the organization yet :lol

Other than that, he's done his job, played good defense, a lot of 5 and been a good teammate from all accounts.....

It's not his fault that he's not a #1 guy on a championship team because the guy that was supposed to be ended up being one of the biggest pussies in sports history....

[BillMc]

Lamarcus has been fine, pretty much everything that Spurfan could have hoped for when he was signed tbh...

Yeah, he requested a trade but handled it the way you're supposed to. Players ask for trades for dumb reasons all the time, that's just how it is in today's NBA.

He says dumb shit about going back to Portland but if he went back there after 2 years then that might be his biggest contribution to the organization yet :lol

Other than that, he's done his job, played good defense, a lot of 5 and been a good teammate from all accounts.....

It's not his fault that he's not a #1 guy on a championship team because the guy that was supposed to be ended up being one of the biggest pussies in sports history....

This. Well said.

[RC_Drunkford]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaBoy5Rw6ds

[BillMc]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaBoy5Rw6ds

Interesting vid. Thanks for posting.

[RC_Drunkford]

Pop was running a bunch of plays for the first time this season, including this one. He surely knows how to surprise his opponents.

[RC_Drunkford]

this is a good analysis of the plays out of the double teams. Spurs will have to get better at executing them. Look for players to screen the double team and shooters to Pop out to the strong side corner 3


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVIqvtU_zmc

[bklynspursfan]

Pop was running a bunch of plays for the first time this season, including this one. He surely knows how to surprise his opponents.

This is why people shouldn't flip out when they see a lack of that during the regular season. We know he tries to save a lot of that stuff for when it matters.

[jmard5]

My opinion of Aldridge would be better if he hadn't asked to be traded out of a 60+ wins team just because he wasn't getting :cry his touches :cry, tbh.

Well, those touches are the reason we are in the playoffs. And like what previous posters said, he handled the trade request professionally and without drama. :wakeup

[DAF86]

Well, those touches are the reason we are in the playoffs. And like what previous posters said, he handled it professionally and without drama. :wakeup

We were a 60 wins team before him getting his touches, now we are first round fodder.

[ElNono]

LMA is a taller Carmelo Anthony, tbh, only cares about his numbers, doesn’t elevate anybody around him (see Danny Green for the opposite), always entertaining trade/future in another team talk. Sure, he plays hard, and if we’re frank, this is what happens with 90% of the stars and teams in this league, tbh, but obviously the contrast with prior team/city legends is undeniable.

[jmard5]

We were a 60 wins team before him getting his touches, now we are first round fodder.

Yes, we were a 60 win team because of players that are no longer in the team. One of which forced his way out of San Antonio.

You can't have it both ways, what do you really want, play in the first round or not at all? Give me one player, with no off court and locker room issues, that will want to play in San Antonio and carry the Spurs to another 60 win regular season. D@mn, you people are spoiled.

[DAF86]

Yes, we were a 60 win team because of players that are no longer in the team. One of which forced his way out of San Antonio.

You can't have it both ways, what do you really want, play in the first round or not at all? Give me one player, with no off court and locker room issues, that will want to play in San Antonio and carry the Spurs to another 60 win regular season. D@mn, you people are spoiled.

Maybe I'm spoiled, but after having first ballot Hall of famers don't caring about personal stats it doesn't sit well with me having lesser players caring more about personal numbers than team success.

[jmard5]

Maybe I'm spoiled, but after having first ballot Hall of famers don't caring about personal stats it doesn't sit well with me having lesser players caring more about personal numbers than team success.

Fair enough. But we can't expect to land another generational talent like TD or another David Robinson. We almost had one, but that is another story.

[Arcadian]

As a hardcore Duncan fan, I fully appreciate Aldridge and what he brings to the team. He's no Tim, and I never expected him to be. But he does have Duncan-like moments occasionally, and he's still one of the best post players in the league on both sides of the court. In a league where most players can't say the same, that's instant respect for me.

[TDMVPDPOY]

Fair enough. But we can't expect to land another generational talent like TD or another David Robinson. We almost had one, but that is another story.

unless u trade for one or sign one in fa....

[spurraider21]

LMA is a taller Carmelo Anthony, tbh, only cares about his numbers, doesn’t elevate anybody around him (see Danny Green for the opposite), always entertaining trade/future in another team talk. Sure, he plays hard, and if we’re frank, this is what happens with 90% of the stars and teams in this league, tbh, but obviously the contrast with prior team/city legends is undeniable.
you'd give him a pass if he spoke spanish tbh

[FkLA]

Maybe I'm spoiled, but after having first ballot Hall of famers don't caring about personal stats it doesn't sit well with me having lesser players caring more about personal numbers than team success.

I honestly think his real issue was that the Spurs went from being the epitome of team ball to a Kawhiso-based offense. He pretty much became an afterthought and often times a scapegoat. I really doubt that's what what he signed up for.

[Stabula]

As a hardcore Duncan fan, I fully appreciate Aldridge and what he brings to the team. He's no Tim, and I never expected him to be. But he does have Duncan-like moments occasionally, and he's still one of the best post players in the league on both sides of the court. In a league where most players can't say the same, that's instant respect for me.

Do you gargle with bloody diarrhea?

[ElNono]

you'd give him a pass if he spoke spanish tbh

If he spoke Spanish he would have huevos. Then no need to give him a pass, tbh

[Mugen]

Maybe I'm spoiled, but after having first ballot Hall of famers don't caring about personal stats it doesn't sit well with me having lesser players caring more about personal numbers than team success.

Comparing LMA to Duncan and Robinson is where you went wrong tbh

[DAF86]

Comparing LMA to Duncan and Robinson is where you went wrong tbh

I'm cool with him being a Manu or Tony, tbh. Heck, I'm cool with him being an Oberto. Just know your role and don't try to be more than you are. If the team is better with you taking 15 shots instead of 20, just deal with it and don't pout like a little bitch.

[RC_Drunkford]

We were a 60 wins team before him getting his touches, now we are first round fodder.

we became a 60 wins team cause he signed here. He made this team a 60 wins team in the first place. Before he arrived we were the 6th seed and couldn't beat the Clippers. And the rest is on nephew leaving, cause we'd still be a 60 win team if he hadn't quit on the team.

People give LA way too much flack for 2017. He let Kawhi take over, but was one of the best rim protectors in the NBA that season. Y'all talk about he's not engaged when he doesn't get his touches, but played the best defense of his career when he only averaged 18 points per game. He also played well as a 2nd option against the Dubs until Kawhi went down with the ankle injury. I think LA had like 26 points at that point.

Honestly as a replacement for a retiring Tim Duncan, who else would you want? KAT? Fat Gasol? Boogie? LA is as good as it gets to take over that role. Last years team 2nd best scorer was Rudy Gay with 11.5 points and LA carried that team to the playoffs. Meanwhile overrated AD can't make the playoffs with Jrue Holiday on the roster

[look_at_g_shred]

we became a 60 wins team cause he signed here. He made this team a 60 wins team in the first place. Before he arrived we were the 6th seed and couldn't beat the Clippers. And the rest is on nephew leaving, cause we'd still be a 60 win team if he hadn't quit on the team.

People give LA way too much flack for 2017. He let Kawhi take over, but was one of the best rim protectors in the NBA that season. Y'all talk about he's not engaged when he doesn't get his touches, but played the best defense of his career when he only averaged 18 points per game. He also played well as a 2nd option against the Dubs until Kawhi went down with the ankle injury. I think LA had like 26 points at that point.

Honestly as a replacement for a retiring Tim Duncan, who else would you want? KAT? Fat Gasol? Boogie? LA is as good as it gets to take over that role. Last years team 2nd best scorer was Rudy Gay with 11.5 points and LA carried that team to the playoffs. Meanwhile overrated AD can't make the playoffs with Jrue Holiday on the roster
Don't hurt em RC sheesh

[Arcadian]

Where's the game 2 thread? Let's go.

[DAF86]

we became a 60 wins team cause he signed here. He made this team a 60 wins team in the first place. Before he arrived we were the 6th seed and couldn't beat the Clippers. And the rest is on nephew leaving, cause we'd still be a 60 win team if he hadn't quit on the team.

Sure, but with him getting the touches he's suppossed to get as a secondary option, not by force feeding him as a first option that he isn't.


People give LA way too much flack for 2017. He let Kawhi take over, but was one of the best rim protectors in the NBA that season. Y'all talk about he's not engaged when he doesn't get his touches, but played the best defense of his career when he only averaged 18 points per game. He also played well as a 2nd option against the Dubs until Kawhi went down with the ankle injury. I think LA had like 26 points at that point.

I never had a problem with Aldridge's defense (outside of the beginning of this season), nor with him as a second option. Is him forcing a role, he isn't good enough for, that I have a problem with. How is that not clear yet?


Honestly as a replacement for a retiring Tim Duncan, who else would you want? KAT? Fat Gasol? Boogie? LA is as good as it gets to take over that role. Last years team 2nd best scorer was Rudy Gay with 11.5 points and LA carried that team to the playoffs. Meanwhile overrated AD can't make the playoffs with Jrue Holiday on the roster

Why do you need to have a Duncan replacement in today's NBA? Just get a Gobert, Capela, (Poeltl) type center and get your main offensive options in other parts of the lineup.

[BillMc]

we became a 60 wins team cause he signed here. He made this team a 60 wins team in the first place. Before he arrived we were the 6th seed and couldn't beat the Clippers. And the rest is on nephew leaving, cause we'd still be a 60 win team if he hadn't quit on the team.

People give LA way too much flack for 2017. He let Kawhi take over, but was one of the best rim protectors in the NBA that season. Y'all talk about he's not engaged when he doesn't get his touches, but played the best defense of his career when he only averaged 18 points per game. He also played well as a 2nd option against the Dubs until Kawhi went down with the ankle injury. I think LA had like 26 points at that point.

Honestly as a replacement for a retiring Tim Duncan, who else would you want? KAT? Fat Gasol? Boogie? LA is as good as it gets to take over that role. Last years team 2nd best scorer was Rudy Gay with 11.5 points and LA carried that team to the playoffs. Meanwhile overrated AD can't make the playoffs with Jrue Holiday on the roster

Amen

[Millennial_Messiah]

:flag: FREE COFFEE #1/16 :flag:


(all late)

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

we became a 60 wins team cause he signed here. He made this team a 60 wins team in the first place. Before he arrived we were the 6th seed and couldn't beat the Clippers. And the rest is on nephew leaving, cause we'd still be a 60 win team if he hadn't quit on the team.

People give LA way too much flack for 2017. He let Kawhi take over, but was one of the best rim protectors in the NBA that season. Y'all talk about he's not engaged when he doesn't get his touches, but played the best defense of his career when he only averaged 18 points per game. He also played well as a 2nd option against the Dubs until Kawhi went down with the ankle injury. I think LA had like 26 points at that point.

Honestly as a replacement for a retiring Tim Duncan, who else would you want? KAT? Fat Gasol? Boogie? LA is as good as it gets to take over that role. Last years team 2nd best scorer was Rudy Gay with 11.5 points and LA carried that team to the playoffs. Meanwhile overrated AD can't make the playoffs with Jrue Holiday on the roster

Speaking nothing but truth in the post above. Aldridge has been great since arriving and has helped the team transition from the Big 3 era. People will miss this guy when he is gone, especially if we don't find another legit go to guy when he leaves.

Our fans are some what spoiled and unrealistic to be honest but its kind of understandable because if you started rooting for them after 1989 all you knew was winning. Hopefully Pop and the front office can keep the tradition going

[DAF86]

I don't understand how the fanbase of a franchise known for being proud of having guys "being over themselves" suddenly raves over Aldridge so much.

I get it, he has been great the last two seasons and we probably wouldn't have made the playoffs without him. I get all of that, I acknowledge it and I give him props for that. But don't expect me to bend over in praise for a guy that is more interested on getting his than in the overall success of the team. That is not the Spurs way that I have come to love.

[K...]

I don't understand how the fanbase of a franchise known for being proud of having guys "being over themselves" suddenly rave over Aldridge so much.

I get it, he has been great the last two seasons and we probably wouldn't have made the playoffs without him. I get all of that, I acknowledge it and I give him props for that. But don't expect me to bend over in praise for a guy that is more interested on getting his than in the overall success of the team. That is not the Spurs way that I have come to love.

The problem is your putting an impossible standard for "getting over yourself". LMA is the first option because when focused he is unguardable. He's been adjusting his game to fit with the talent. Kawhi was always the true "mAh touches" star who forced us to iso.

PS the only person who can complain about being over one's self is pop. If you really like the true unselfish star than be a nuggets fan.

[TDomination]

:flag: FREE COFFEE #1/16 :flag:

(all late)

i forgot about the free coffee. is valero still doing that? or should i say valero/Circle K?

[DAF86]

The problem is your putting an impossible standard for "getting over yourself". LMA is the first option because when focused he is unguardable. He's been adjusting his game to fit with the talent. Kawhi was always the true "mAh touches" star who forced us to iso.

I don't think wanting players to care more about maximizing the performance of a team than thier own individual stats is putting an impossible standard for "getting over yourself", tbh.


PS the only person who can complain about being over one's self is pop. If you really like the true unselfish star than be a nuggets fan.

Anybody can complain over whatever they want, tbh.

[Seventyniner]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaBoy5Rw6ds

Too bad Forbes spent 6 seconds in the lane, from 5:49 to 5:43. Lucky the refs weren't watching for that.

[Millennial_Messiah]

i forgot about the free coffee. is valero still doing that? or should i say valero/Circle K?

yes, I know they did last year after converting to Valero/Circle K

[RC_Drunkford]

I don't think wanting players to care more about maximizing the performance of a team than thier own individual stats is putting an impossible standard for "getting over yourself", tbh.



Anybody can complain over whatever they want, tbh.

well what Aldridge was saying was that he thought he could help the team more if they let him get in a rhythm cause he's a rhythm shooter. A lot of times LA would get going and the ball wouldn't find him for the entire next quarter. I don't think that's him being focused on his stats. I think everybody here wanted him to score more in his first 2 years here and that would help the team. Aside from that he never claimed to be the #1 option. From the day he arrived he said this is Kawhi's team in plenty interviews. I don't know why Spurs fans always have to interpret every comment a player makes and build a whole story line around it that fits their narrative without having any additional information

[DAF86]

well what Aldridge was saying was that he thought he could help the team more if they let him get in a rhythm cause he's a rhythm shooter. A lot of times LA would get going and the ball wouldn't find him for the entire next quarter. I don't think that's him being focused on his stats. I think everybody here wanted him to score more in his first 2 years here and that would help the team. Aside from that he never claimed to be the #1 option. From the day he arrived he said this is Kawhi's team in plenty interviews. I don't know why Spurs fans always have to interpret every comment a player makes and build a whole story line around it that fits their narrative without having any additional information

Sure, he said those things about "rythm scoring" because he wanted to help a 67 wins team improve, not because he wanted to get his. Seems legit, tbh.

[Arcadian]

You can't expect an athlete to not care at all about personal stats/achievements. I would venture to guess that even the most unselfish player in history cares about their own stats, even if they say they don't. I don't mind a player like Aldridge having a slightly inflated view of himself, because what's the alternative? Would you rather he have a deflated view of himself? That's worse - that would be having confidence problems. Arguably, a great athlete should have a slightly inflated view of himself, because that's the only way to ensure he maximizes his abilities.

Also I would never base my opinion of someone on what he said to a coach off the record. So he asked for more touches - big fucking deal. That simply doesn't infuriate me as it does some people.

[ZeusWillJudge]

Sure, he said those things about "rythm scoring" because he wanted to help a 67 wins team improve, not because he wanted to get his. Seems legit, tbh.


The guy had been playing basketball at a very high level for 11 years - 9 years in the NBA, and 2 years at UT. He knew his game better than anyone. He said that he's a rhythm scorer because he's a rhythm scorer, and he knows that. It's a basketball discussion, and he's discussing basketball.


BTW - the Spurs became a much better defensive team instantly when Aldridge signed here. He didn't get anything in the way of stat padding off of that, but he worked his ass off on D just the same.

[daslicer]

I don't think wanting players to care more about maximizing the performance of a team than thier own individual stats is putting an impossible standard for "getting over yourself", tbh.



Anybody can complain over whatever they want, tbh.

1.You are unrealistic. 99 percent of players who are at least all-star caliber are going to care about their stats first and then winning. Look at the current Warriors. Kerr has to play their stars in garbage time so they can get their stats. If he doesn't then they will throw a bunch of tantrums. Even better look at the GOAT Michael Jordan. Michael made it clear even when Phil was the coach that he had to at least average 30 points game and only then would he be willing to run the triangle. Good luck finding an American superstar that reflects your values.

2. You can say LMA was selfish for wanting touches and that's fine but the Spurs were also stupid in recruiting him. I remember reading an article in the summer of '15 in which Udoka talked about how LMA was originally hesitant to sign with the Spurs because he feared his scoring and touches would go down. Udoka and Pop actually promised LMA that he would still be able to get his numbers and even stated it would be easier for him to get his numbers. The Spurs essentially lied to LMA based on how they used him during his first 2 years. Anybody that has any pride is going to be upset about being lied to.