Game Thread: Spurs vs Nuggets — August 5, 2020 - 3PM CT

[Mugen]

Jakob was absolutle garbage last season too and then he picked it up. Just not a consistent contributor unfortunately, the fouls really seem to get to his head.

[MannyIsGod]

everyone but white, lonnie, and keldon should be available to trade.

Wow look at this scorching hot take y'all.


No shit man. Those 3 should be available for trades too.

[LakerHater]

FREE THROWS ��

[offset formation]

Free throws gonna cost us another game

[ace3g]

Missed FTs in the 4th quarter...

[212094ever]

So many missed free throws in key moments

[BatManu20]

Rudy Gay is frustrating too. Starts off hot then disappears for long stretches, makes 3 shots in a row, disappears again. Missed some wide open shots and FT’s. But he’s old and washed so I try to give him more of a leash.

[Leetonidas]

Jfc these refs man

[gambit1990]

spurs drafted kyle anderson at #30 instead of jokic.



could you imagine winning the nba championship... and then adding jokic?

[spurraider21]

oh, thats a soft call man...

[MannyIsGod]

Those are 3 straight shit calls

[spurraider21]

Those are 3 straight shit calls
gay was being overly handsy with jokic, but the other 2... sheesh

[MannyIsGod]

Lol @ that offense. Whata fucking joke

[Dejounte]

FUCK RUDY GAY

[Mugen]

Wow, Pop not even running plays any more. What a garbage coach tbh.

[Leetonidas]

Trash. Pathetic ending to this one

[BatManu20]

Time to look forward to the draft.

[Dejounte]

spurs drafted kyle anderson at #30 instead of jokic.



could you imagine winning the nba championship... and then adding jokic?

Sure so can 29 other teams. No one saw Jokic becoming this good

[r0drig0lac]

not having Aldridge active kept the Joker resting in defense

[MannyIsGod]

I don't blame Pop for benching Poetl because he was utter trash on offense but can't win against Denver like this.

[slick'81]

And these are the spurs weve come to know. Lmao demar and poodle

[BillMc]

Hells Bells

[Leetonidas]

That sixers loss really hurts now. Spurs have basically ended their hopes of a play in

[spurraider21]

yeah maybe having rudy gay at the 5 is going to cost us on defense and the glass

[Mugen]

I think the biggest shame is that we really won't know how good the young guys could have been since they're playing with this absolute garbage version of Pop.

Just one of the worst coaches in all of sports nowadays. Too selfish to walk away, I really hope he decides to call it quits after this restart.

What a joke of a coach.

[daslicer]

Michael Porter looks like he's going to be a star player as long as he remains healthy.

[spurraider21]

That sixers loss really hurts now. Spurs have basically ended their hopes of a play in
how do you figure?

memphis has 37 losses. spurs/blazers/pelicans all have 38. suns/kings with 39

[slick'81]

This team doesnt need to be anywhere near the playoffs. Especially sneaking in during a pandemic

[MannyIsGod]

Keldon was great again today. Playoff chances didn't really take a hit today. This was the worst match up for the Spurs remaining. But now there is virtually no margin for error.

[Gibbz]

LOVE Big Body--still out there playing hard in a lost cause.

[Degoat]

Hate to say it but this game was proof we still aren’t all that great lol still better then before but we need a lottery pick bad

[offset formation]

not having Aldridge active kept the Joker resting in defense

Yup. We've missed Aldridge tremendously in these games. Not only offensively but his defense is sorely missed.

But aren't you one of LMA's biggest detractors?

[Robz4000]

Spurs have to win out now to have any hope at the play-in.

[spurspl]

murray all star yeah?

[Floyd Pacquiao]

Jakob is not a player I want on this team. He’s been horrid and has no offensive tools. He’s just a solid rim protector and that’s it. He brings nothing else to the table defensively

[slick'81]

Wheres ragas to defend poodle power

[Barfunk]

I'm cool with Pop on being a non-Ronald Triumphant supporter, but it looks like "We don't care about basketball" strikes again.

[daslicer]

Hate to say it but this game was proof we still aren’t all that great lol still better then before but we need a lottery pick bad

It was a win win in my eyes. If this team got in great they get to continue the streak. If they didn't then we get a desperately needed lottery pick.

[Dejounte]

Lets hope the Suns make the playoffs so we can get the 10th pick

[Kurgan]

Michael Porter looks like he's going to be a star player as long as he remains healthy.

He won't remain healthy though. He'll prob have a Gallo type career with frequent injuries.

[BillMc]

Well, that sucked.

G'night all.

[Mugen]

Biggest surprise from the bubble so far is that the Spurs managed to win a game tbh :lol

Glad Keldon is looking solid at least.

[Barfunk]

:pop: "We don't care about basketball, it means nothing in the grand scheme of things."

[slick'81]

I can unequivocally say that Dejounte Murray is a Steaming Pile of shit, fools gold player. All Bark and NO BITE.

SHIP HIM OUT, package his ass with LMA for picks or talent.

spurs arent shipping murray anywhere. Especially after just paying the man

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Keldon Johnson has taken Lonnie Walker’s minutes. Lmao.

Lonnie needs to be as aggressive as Keldon. If he was as aggressive as Keldon he would be a damn star player but he has been kinda passive which is kinda odd due to how aggressive he was in Summer League.

our lack of bigger players have done us in the last 2 games but I honestly like a lot of what I’ve seen from this team in the 4 games they have played.

[offset formation]

As I've been saying we cannot win 127-121 type games routinely. Yes, it's nice to score more freely but our defense is atrocious, especially without LMA. We need to keep ppl below 110. We need to win games 114-106.

The sooner we realize this, the better we'll be.

[daslicer]

Jakob is not a player I want on this team. He’s been horrid and has no offensive tools. He’s just a solid rim protector and that’s it. He brings nothing else to the table defensively

Last two games against premier bigmen in Jokic and Embiid he's gotten his ass whooped. He couldn't offer any type of defensive resistance against those guys.

[r0drig0lac]

Hate to say it but this game was proof we still aren’t all that great lol still better then before but we need a lottery pick bad

while I agree, with Aldridge hurting Jokic on the other side of the court, we probably would have won that game

[Gibbz]

The way this team is competing just shows how absolutely devastating the Forbes minutes were to this team. The whole roster should be pissed off for one player wasting a year of their careers.

[Mugen]

Having your best player (and best big man) out for the season and being the worst coached team in the bubble was always going to be a really tough mountain to climb tbh. At least they'e getting a better look at some of the guys as they've got a lot of big decisions to make soon.

Judging by the last 2-3 offseasons they've had, I expect them to fuck it up royally :lol

[Robz4000]

Biggest surprise from the bubble so far is that the Spurs managed to win a game tbh :lol

Glad Keldon is looking solid at least.

Also that last year's Derrick White still exists.

[gambit1990]

memphis has three more wins than the spurs. they both have four games remaining.

idk what effect the new seeding rules may have.

[TD 21]

That sixers loss really hurts now. Spurs have basically ended their hopes of a play in

Was obvious the moment it happened. Didn't understand the fake optimism crowd spin job on that one.

[Dhbsr555]

I’m one of lonnies biggest fans but keldon has overwhelmingly played better

[offset formation]

It was a win win in my eyes. If this team got in great they get to continue the streak. If they didn't then we get a desperately needed lottery pick.

Our position wohld have largely been the same regardless of 10, 9, or 8.

[ace3g]

We need more modern SF/PFs. We have the SG/SF talent.

Again these last 2 games are really showing where we could use Lyles, More balanced SL and bench rotation.

Dejounte, White, DeRozan, Lyles, Poeltl

Patty (Quinn), Keldon, Walker, Gay, Eubanks


We have been forced to double too much against 76ers and Nuggets.

[Mugen]

Keldon Johnson has taken Lonnie Walker’s minutes. Lmao.

Lonnie needs to be as aggressive as Keldon. If he was as aggressive as Keldon he would be a damn star player but he has been kinda passive which is kinda odd due to how aggressive he was in Summer League.

our lack of bigger players have done us in the last 2 games but I honestly like a lot of what I’ve seen from this team in the 4 games they have played.

Agreed tbh. Lonnie has been severely neutered, any fire/passion that he had has been replaced by looking over his shoulder because he knows that one mistake and he's going to the bench.

I don't think he's mentally strong enough to overcome a garbage coach unfortunately.

[ace3g]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EesOZuUU4AIZYg3?format=png&name=large

https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/nba/500/sa.png&h=100&w=100Spurs




Starters
MIN
FG
3PT
FT
OREB
DREB
REB
AST
STL
BLK
TO
PF
+/-
PTS


D. DeRozan (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3978/demar-derozan)SF
32
5-11
0-2
8-9
1
4
5
8
1
2
2
3
-6
18


J. Poeltl (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3134908/jakob-poeltl)C
26
1-5
0-0
0-0
3
4
7
1
0
0
1
1
-12
2


D. White (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3078576/derrick-white)PG
33
6-15
4-10
7-8
1
2
3
7
2
1
1
4
-5
23


D. Murray (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3907497/dejounte-murray)PG
26
2-8
0-2
0-0
0
1
1
3
3
0
0
1
-19
4


L. Walker IV (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4277890/lonnie-walker-iv)SG
21
4-7
1-3
0-0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
-16
9


Bench
MIN
FG
3PT
FT
OREB
DREB
REB
AST
STL
BLK
TO
PF
+/-
PTS


D. Eubanks (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3914285/drew-eubanks)PF
18
6-8
0-0
0-0
3
2
5
1
1
0
1
1
+6
12


R. Gay (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3005/rudy-gay)SF
26
9-18
2-6
4-6
0
4
4
4
1
2
0
5
-2
24


K. Johnson (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4395723/keldon-johnson)SF
26
7-10
2-2
4-4
1
5
6
2
1
0
0
2
+8
20


P. Mills (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4004/patty-mills)PG
22
6-10
2-5
0-0
1
2
3
3
0
0
1
3
+13
14


Q. Weatherspoon (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3907358/quinndary-weatherspoon)SG
9
0-1
0-0
0-0
0
1
1
0
1
0
0
0
+3
0


C. Metu (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3914283/chimezie-metu)PF
DNP-COACH'S DECISION


T. Zeller (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/6631/tyler-zeller)C
DNP-COACH'S DECISION


M. Belinelli (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3190/marco-belinelli)SG
DNP-COACH'S DECISION


TEAM

46-93
11-30
23-27
10
25
35
29
10
5
7
20

126




49.5%
36.7%
85.2%

[slick'81]

Agreed tbh. Lonnie has been severely neutered, any fire/passion that he had has been replaced by looking over his shoulder because he knows that one mistake and he's going to the bench.

I don't think he's mentally strong enough to overcome a garbage coach unfortunately.

pop really hasnt done him any favors,tbh

[slick'81]

Poodle really has shit the bed and murray continues to be a fucking yoyo

[daslicer]

Our position wohld have largely been the same regardless of 10, 9, or 8.

If the Spurs were the 8th seed they would have ended up with the 14th pick. A few slots above 14 can make a difference in who you land.

[Mugen]

Also that last year's Derrick White still exists.

They'll probably let him walk to keep Derozan/Forbes. The disgusting thing is I could really see Pop advocating for that scenario if he's still around.

[r0drig0lac]

Yup. We've missed Aldridge tremendously in these games. Not only offensively but his defense is sorely missed.

But aren't you one of LMA's biggest detractors?

no, I just point out what I see, however, Spurs at this point not only lose Aldridge's talent, but they also lose size (Lyles out, Jakob playing as a rookie splitter etc.).

as I see, all of our kids are more prepared to play as guards than as wings, and our lack of size will still be exploited by good teams.

[slick'81]

Patty mills wih another meaningless double digit scoring effort

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

If we gave DJ 60 for 4 years how much will Derrick want? He is clearly better.

You ain’t never lied.

a few of us last year and the beginning of this season said White was the better PG but some folks shouted us down.

It is going to suck when White (or even Lonnie which I can see them trading) is traded during the off-season or not given a new contract. Yes he is a little older than the young guys be he proved last season he was a player and Pop gave Dejounte the starting job instead of making him earn it.

[Kurgan]

I'm not even one of the Dejounte haters around here, but IG Baller is extremely disappointing. Another bad performance with horrible defense. I don't know what has happened to him on that end after making an all-defensive team at such a young age.

His entire game sucked today. Ofense and Defense. Spurs made a mistake trying to develop this low iq player into a point guard. Murray's ceiling should always have been as a 3 and D player. And recently, it's looking like his defense isn't even there anymore.

And Poodle is a joke of a player. It's because of guys like him that the cliches about soft Euro bigs exist. He single-handley ruined that run we had in the 3rd. Two years with the Spurs and he looks no different than when he first came here. There's no upside or room for growth here. He's a soft piece of shit. He'll always be a soft piece of shit.

[tim_duncan_fan]

I wanted to draft as high as possible anyway.

I'm chill with whatever happens at this point.

How did Derrick do down the stretch?

[Ozballer]

Not a basketball expert by any means and probably something heard before...The Spurs game plan looks sooo outdated (can it be called a game plan at this stage?). I only watched the second half and that offense looks pedestrian to say the least. No ball movement, no three ball...all Denver had to do was pack the paint and let the Spurs players take cringeworthy turns in driving into the bucket hitting walls, kicking the ball out and pushing the re set button for another drive with with mixed success. On the other side of the court Denver was cruising and scoring at will with a wide offensive repertoire. in addition to the outdated coaching there is a glaring lack of talent in the roster, compensated with the undoubted enthusiasm of the youngsters that appeared a tad confused with the over coaching.

[slick'81]

Ewwbanks looks great compared to poodle

[slick'81]

His entire game sucked today. Ofense and Defense. Spurs made a mistake trying to develop this low iq player into a point guard. Murray's ceiling should always have been as a 3 and D player. And recently, it's looking like his defense isn't even there anymore.

And Poodle is a joke of a player. It's because of guys like him that the cliches about soft Euro bigs exist. He single-handley ruined that run we had in the 3rd. Two years with the Spurs and he looks no different than when he first came here. There's no upside or room for growth here. He's a soft piece of shit. He'll always be a soft piece of shit.


But hes only 25:cry

[MannyIsGod]

You frankly can't be upset at 2-2. They are in the mix, and without LMA this is probably better than most would have expected at this point.

Kledon and Derrick look great. Lonnie, not so much. Murray has been inconsistent and probably a bit disappointing to be honest.

[Arcadian]

Aldridge always played well against Denver. His presence was sorely missed.

[Floyd Pacquiao]

Last two games against premier bigmen in Jokic and Embiid he's gotten his ass whooped. He couldn't offer any type of defensive resistance against those guys.
Yep. People would’ve nailed Aldridge at the stake if he performed like this. It’s disgraceful

[Mugen]

It's actually quite amazing how Pop has managed to get a bunch of 20-25 year olds in their athletic prime to play like 15 year veterans on their last legs :lol

It's so frustratingly clear that he has no idea how to coach athleticism at his age. Just swinging it around the perimeter looking for "good to great", so fucking depressing.

[Mugen]

You frankly can't be upset at 2-2. They are in the mix, and without LMA this is probably better than most would have expected at this point.

Kledon and Derrick look great. Lonnie, not so much. Murray has been inconsistent and probably a bit disappointing to be honest.

"Probably disappointing?"

He's been absolutely atrocious outside of 1 good game and that's not even taking into consideration the huge extension he got.

[Gibbz]

"Probably disappointing?"

He's been absolutely atrocious outside of 1 good game and that's not even taking into consideration the huge extension he got.

He was fucking terrible today and it was still nothing compared to him single-handedly losing the game against Philly. :lol

[Kurgan]

But hes only 25:cry

:lol He's already 25?! I thought he was younger. Safe to say 23 year old Eubanks has more upside tbh.

[Dhbsr555]

Murray is a cancer like he just is he can’t shoot he can’t dribble and he can’t defend

[r0drig0lac]

Gregg Popovich on Nikola Jokic: "He's a reincarnation of Larry Bird"

[DeRozan m8]

Ready for more off-season videos of Murray in the gym, giving us hope...again

[Kurgan]

It's actually quite amazing how Pop has managed to get a bunch of 20-25 year olds in their athletic prime to play like 15 year veterans on their last legs :lol

It's so frustratingly clear that he has no idea how to coach athleticism at his age. Just swinging it around the perimeter looking for "good to great", so fucking depressing.

Wasn't Poodle supposed to be athletic? Why's he playing like a WNBA player on offense?

[slick'81]

:lol He's already 25?! I thought he was younger. Safe to say 23 year old Eubanks has more upside tbh.
Hell be 25 in oct

[slick'81]

Gregg Popovich on Nikola Jokic: "He's a reincarnation of Larry Bird"


Not to much of a stretch,tbh

[MannyIsGod]

"Probably disappointing?"

He's been absolutely atrocious outside of 1 good game and that's not even taking into consideration the huge extension he got.

Its not a huge extension at all. But you're a pretty terrible judge of shit like that so here we are.

[slick'81]

Murray is a cancer like he just is he can’t shoot he can’t dribble and he can’t defend


Hes only turning 24 but he already got paid. He needs alot of work

[Genovaswitness]

Heartless POS team doing heartless POS team things

[Rocalcio]

Agreed tbh. Lonnie has been severely neutered, any fire/passion that he had has been replaced by looking over his shoulder because he knows that one mistake and he's going to the bench.

I don't think he's mentally strong enough to overcome a garbage coach unfortunately.

Can you give Pop a break please ? Where were you the last 22 years when he led the team to the Playoffs every single time ?

[Dingle Barry]

When your starting PG can't shoot and regularly struggles to cobble together 5+ dimes, you're gonna have a bad time.

[ace3g]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1282834702928359426/54njLVVi_normal.jpg
Paul Garcia pAulGarciaNBA
(https://twitter.com/PaulGarciaNBA) 3m (https://twitter.com/PaulGarciaNBA/status/1291143512373841920)
Coach Pop on Keldon Johnson's shooting in the bubble: “He’s shooting the ball a little bit better than I expected.”


https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1282834702928359426/54njLVVi_normal.jpg
Paul Garcia pAulGarciaNBA
(https://twitter.com/PaulGarciaNBA) 4m (https://twitter.com/PaulGarciaNBA/status/1291143394283069440)
Coach Pop on Drew Eubanks: “He knows his role, he doesn’t try to do what he can’t.”

[MultiTroll]

Spurs 71 Nuggets 62

Well it was nice while it lasted.

[TD 21]

Can you give Pop a break please ? Where were you the last 22 years when he led the team to the Playoffs every single time ?

:lmao

[Rocalcio]

:lmao

I don’t’ see what’s funny here...

[Mugen]

Its not a huge extension at all. But you're a pretty terrible judge of shit like that so here we are.

:lol Interesting, you don't think 16mil a year is a big extension for a guy that couldn't even sniff the court during crunch time because he was getting lit up by Monte Morris all game.

Very interesting...

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

I haven’t lost faith in Lonnie. I do think he is looking over his shoulder a lot and worrying about pissing off Pop but he hasn’t been awful in the 4 games. He has been ok in my opinion but we all know on this site that he can be better and watching a guy like Keldon who isn’t as athletic And not as good a jump shooter as Lonnie doing his thing gives me hope.

Maybe playing Lonnie with the bench and giving him more of a Green light on offense is the way to go. He has shown to be a solid passer in the bubble so I think it would help him to stop deferring if he knows they need his offense with the bench.

[Coach X]

Different Spurs, same problem: NO DEFENSE

[Arcadian]

Eubanks is looking better than Poeltl at this point!

[SpurPadre]

As a long-time believer in Murray, I'll admit I'm disappointed in his recent play and he definitely has a lot of work to do in the offseason. Still gotta hope for the best, of course. KeLDoN is definitely looking like a legit contributor, though and am so thankful we got him with the 29th pick!

[J_Paco]

As a long-time believer in Murray, I'll admit I'm disappointed in his recent play and he definitely has a lot of work to do in the offseason. Still gotta hope for the best, of course. KeLDoN is definitely looking like a legit contributor, though and am so thankful we got him with the 29th pick!

DeJounte still has a lot to learn about picking his spots & just being a competent PG. If anything, his uneven play proves he shouldn't be the primary ballhandler or decision maker for the team.

I've been more disappointed in LWIV's inconsistent play. He needs to show more or he'll lose ground to not only Forbes (if he's retained), but also Johnson & Weatherspoon. The swingman/2 guard spot are the deepest on the team (in depth not "quality") and it could make him expendable if he doesn't show more soon.

[Dejounte]

In these last two games, Q has contributed more than Lonnie has

[Dex]

So long to the Spurs playoff hopes...

Even if we make the 9th seed, we aren't beating the same team twice in a row.

[Dex]

In these last two games, Q has contributed more than Lonnie has


Both KJ and QW look better than Lonnie does right now.

I don't know what happened to him...he has all the tools to succeed, but doesn't seem to really want to assert himself out there.

It was one thing to hide behind LMA, DDR, and Gay as the "veterans"...but he literally just stands in the corner most of the time and plays timid defense. That's not on Pop.

[J_Paco]

It's actually quite amazing how Pop has managed to get a bunch of 20-25 year olds in their athletic prime to play like 15 year veterans on their last legs :lol

It's so frustratingly clear that he has no idea how to coach athleticism at his age. Just swinging it around the perimeter looking for "good to great", so fucking depressing.

Man, you really are the stupidest poster (or tied) on ST.

The Nuggets have the bigger, more skilled & athletic team, idiot. How the fuck is Pop's "coaching 25 yrs old to be 30+" (which makes no fucking sense) gonna compensate for those glaring disparities.


That's right, you'll just say some stupid, inane, trolling comment with no substance attacking a guy that has done more than you (as a coach) on his worst day.

Please, respond with your nonsense in three, two, one........

[J_Paco]

Wasn't Poodle supposed to be athletic? Why's he playing like a WNBA player on offense?

No, he isn't or "wasn't." His game has always been more floor based and similar (to a shocking degree) to Tiago Splitter. Only problem is there isn't a Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili or Tony Parker for Jakob to play off of or set him up.

He's killing his market value with these pedestrian performances, so that could help the team out in keeping him if they decide to.

Imagine if Lonnie was playing with the assertiveness of Keldon Johnson or Michael Porter Jr. (who is playing on another level)? Hopefully these are just the growing pains of youth - similar to Derrick earlier in the season - and not indicative of Lonnie's "regular" on-court demeanor.

[timtonymanu]

Imagine gifting the Raptors a championship and Jakob was the only young guy you get from their roster :lol

Hopefully Keldon becomes a superstar lmao

They really wanted him too. Just an overall poor evaluation from the front office. Yes, I understand Nephew was pressuring and lowering his stock but damn they really screwed that trade up.

[BatManu20]

1291159425257025537

[Sugus]

To one extent, you can perfectly say Lonnie hasn't been capitalizing on his opportunities. At some point, it's clear he just hasn't put it all together... The tools are there at his disposal, he gets to the rim with ease, even dunks or finishes powerfully when he can, but there's no consistency, no urgency, no sense of "putting the team on your back" that Keldon for example oozes. On the other hand, at some point, you can't ignore that coach Pop and others just haven't been maximizing his opportunities; he stands in the corner all game, one game, that's on him. He's been standing in the corner, waiting for passes that seldom come, all season long by now - even before the bubble. I'm sure I could find my own comments saying exactly these sentences if I bothered to look. At what point do you go over this in film sessions and just tell the guy that it's not the way he's expected to be playing? Or maybe, more likely to me at least, that *is* the way they want him to be playing? There was a stark difference in the way Lonnie played during the scrimmages, particularly the last one IIRC. He was doing a nice two-man game with Poeltl, trying slick passes, finding Keldon in transition. That kind of stuff doesn't just dissappear on accident. I don't care to point fingers at one or the other like ST is so enamored with doing - the problem is there, and needs fixing. But I'm not too worried just yet, not only because we have seen him play better, but also because of his age (though of course that's an excuse that only gets you so far).

I was disappointed in most Spurs today, or the Spurs as a whole to be honest. Ball movement was small to non-existant, the few passes that were tried rarely led to open looks (that pass to a wide open DJ at the corner, refusing to shoot to pass to a wide open DeMar at the wing, who AGAIN refuses to shoot only to pass to White with the shot clock winding down and a defender near, is stuck in my head). Very different from what we've been seeing so far, might've been because of the Nuggets' size and lengthy defenders, but also due to poor execution. There's a very noticeable switch in the game plan the second either Rudy or DeMar decide to take the scoring up to themselves - it kind of looks like they're the "designated leaders" of the team, and the rest of the guys just let them go at it, no matter how stupid the shots they're chucking are. Can someone, anyone, tell Rudy fucking Gay to stop those stupid ass shots? You all know the ones I'm talking about. Just old vet dogs going back to their old vet tricks. I want none of that on the Spurs of the future, that's not winning basketball unless you're a top 10 player in the league and have the ability to compensate your chucking with a good enough percentage of makes, something neither Rudy nor DeMar can do at this point of their careers (DeMar is fine when he takes over in the 4th, I think it's a role the team needs, but he overdoes it most times).

I wasn't too harsh on Poeltl last game but he let me down today. Just wasn't up to par on either side; soft finishing, stupid floaters, subpar positioning and defense, very lacking rebounding especially on easy defensive boards, seldom box-outs. Many posters have already said this, but he's playing his way into a small contract, at the worst possible time to be doing that, with the cap staying flat or even going down and his player archetype not being valued in today's league. Sucks for him, but I like him enough as a player to think that the Spurs should take advantage and still keep him long term. I definitely have my doubts on whether he can start on a good, let alone championship-contending, team someday, though.

I'll say what I said last game though - the Spurs' individual players shouldn't be judged in absolutes as a result of these bubble games. The roster is just awfully constructed, and further brought down by injuries that force the team to play nothing but small-ball. It's no coincidence that the last two games, against really big teams, they've struggled on defense, rebounding. They sure as hell don't have the firepower to make small-ball work against these kinds of teams like the Rockets do. The Spurs need to make some trades and/or acquire some front court talent this off-season, because if they don't, even if the strategy for next year is tanking/development (which I'd be fine with and the team evidently needs), they won't be able to make their guards shine. A true 4 is a priority, a 3-4 or 4-5 shooting hybrid the dream. Once again I'm dreaming of Precious Achiuwa if the Spurs don't move up into the lottery, IMO he's everything we're lacking right now, and would go a long ways to make this team at least presentable and not abused night in, night out.

Lastly, people, stop cliff jumping... Remember we're playing on house's money right now. Maybe the two early wins got some people too excited (I myself was one), but we have to remember the goal was never truly the playoffs. At the end of the day, as embarrasing as it may be, the Suns leapfrogging us is the best outcome we should hope for - not only for the 10th seed, but for the added % chance of moving into the top 4. Don't miss the long-term goal for short-term satisfaction. GSG.

[offset formation]

Hmmm, muy interesante tweet from Lonnie.

Sounds like his dad told him what ST is saying about him.

[Dejounte]

Both KJ and QW look better than Lonnie does right now.

I don't know what happened to him...he has all the tools to succeed, but doesn't seem to really want to assert himself out there.

It was one thing to hide behind LMA, DDR, and Gay as the "veterans"...but he literally just stands in the corner most of the time and plays timid defense. That's not on Pop.

It's two things:

First one is what everyone knows already. He's not a physical player. That doesnt come natural for him. Whether because of PTSD from his injuries or he just doesnt like being bumped, who knows. Best we can hope for is to watch CJ McCollum or Rip Hamilton to maximize his ability. Hes not going to turn into Dwyane Wade... Wade was a very physical player. His athleticism is for flashy dunks when hes all by himself only.

Second, his ball handling. He passes it off because hes not confident he can break down his defender. Thats why he sucks at half court. He should just focus on his strength and learn to move off the ball

[RVSTX]

Jakob is not playing to get that new contract, even Drew managed his way to 12 points. Jakob had 2 in 26 minutes. if he cant consistently score, and if Drew finds consistency, can Jakob be our backup center? Jakobs qualifying offer is 5 million, I really think thats the best he will do in the offseason. as far as Lonnie, he started with 2 buckets then the starters got pulled, maybe he has a different game if that doesnt happen. but he does need to not hesitate or be indecisive. he still managed 9 points. on to murray, everyone knows he wants to be great, plays with a swag, but he doesnt have a good feel for the game. is wildly inconsistent, doesnt make his teammates better, hasnt had much impact defensively either. spurs have to decide what to do with him, im good if he stays or goes. if he stays though, gotta be really patient with him...

[DAF86]

As a long-time believer in Murray, I'll admit I'm disappointed in his recent play and he definitely has a lot of work to do in the offseason. Still gotta hope for the best, of course. KeLDoN is definitely looking like a legit contributor, though and am so thankful we got him with the 29th pick!

Always told you son: White >> Murray.

DJM just isn't very talented nor smart. Killer combination. He has some physical attributes that make him playable, but he won't ever amount to much.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Always told you son: White >> Murray.

DJM just isn't very talented nor smart. Killer combination. He has some physical attributes that make him playable, but he won't ever amount to much.

Spot on. The contract was a mistake.

[DMC]

So long to the Spurs playoff hopes...

Even if we make the 9th seed, we aren't beating the same team twice in a row.

There are only 8 seeds.

[Joseph Kony]

1291159425257025537

Lonnie Walker III putting in work

[KobesAchilles]

What happens to our draft capital if all three of the Kings, Pels, and Suns pass us? Do we get the 10th pick?

[Sugus]

What happens to our draft capital if all three of the Kings, Pels, and Suns pass us? Do we get the 10th pick?

As far as I'm aware, everyone who doesn't make the playoffs has their record for the draft reverted to pre-COVID state, with the exception of the team that does make the POs, which would leapfrog those other teams. So we could potentially get the 10th seed, if I'm not mistaken... Or jump into the top-4, of course.

[Russ]

1291159425257025537

It doesn't always have to be about you . .

[Dex]

There are only 8 seeds.

You apparently haven’t been paying attention to how the NBA restart works, so I’ll give you some time to catch up and figure it out.

[ismael-robert]

Lol yea when i read his comment i had to face palm

[ElNono]

It's actually quite amazing how Pop has managed to get a bunch of 20-25 year olds in their athletic prime to play like 15 year veterans on their last legs :lol

It's so frustratingly clear that he has no idea how to coach athleticism at his age. Just swinging it around the perimeter looking for "good to great", so fucking depressing.


you're so stupid though... :rolleyes

[Spurtacular]

Didn't catch the game. Apparently giving up 43 in the 4th was the killer though.

[ragas]

Wheres ragas to defend poodle power

Not much to defend today. He was bad, really bad, on offense. Don't know what's wrong with him - RFA; not in game-shape; is he anxious to be more aggressive, because of the bad whistle he got against Memphis & Piladelphia? He can do better. He already did, but he also needs more time like the other Spurs young players.

On defense he was okay. Jokic didn't score on him so much. MJP did most of the damage, when he was on the floor. Spurs were too small as a team to handle MJP, Millsap & Jokic and you can't demand from Poeltl to defend all of them. Would have been nice to have Lyles available.

He surely did nothing good for him today regarding his RFA. I hope he can come back strong.

[ragas]

Poeltl-Interview with an Austrian outlet. He wasn't that happy with his performance.

About the game:
"It was a close game, but we couldn't control the rebound and couldn't hit our shots in the 4th quarter."

About his performance:
"Solid on defense, but I couldn't finish my shots today. I couldn't find my rhythm. I'm expecting more from me."

About the Spurs playoff chances:
"There's no more room for mistakes. We have to play each game with 100% energy. I hope we can show that against Utah and win the game."

[Mugen]

you're so stupid though... :rolleyes

They hate us, cuz they ain't us Nono.

[TDomination]

im still enjoying this version of the spurs much better than the early season. i'm seeing more tenacity and hunger. unfortunately we see a lot of "rookie" type mistakes by a lot of players, not just the young ones.

but lets hope we can go at least 3-1 in these last 4 games

[gambit1990]

blazers v nuggets today.

[J_Paco]

you're so stupid though... :rolleyes

He is & you, apparently, along with him. The Nuggets are the bigger, more athletic & skilled team, period. Last time I checked, White, Poeltl, Johnson, Murray (post injury) weren't highly touted (from an athleticism standpoint) coming into the NBA, but have magically been rendered the abilities of 30+ year old Rudy Gay "because of Pop."

Pop wants the young guys to run & use their youth & athleticism to run & play in transition - the one that is uber athletic in Walker IV - but he's been going through the motions, again.

These are things that are easy to see, yet y'all ignore them to bash the coach (who has deserved a lot bashing this year). Pop has done a much better job of coaching & "teaching" through these first 4 bubble games, but I guess he's supposed to magically get the guys to be bigger, stronger, more skilled & athletic.

I'll let you circle jerk with that idiot, though.


They hate us, cuz they ain't us Nono.

Wow, the Manu nut hugger dapped your stupid takes up. Good job!

Anyway, there is no reason why DeJounte & Jakob didn't both get an "E" for their efforts. Both players were piss poor in a critical game.

[DC23]

Pelicans lose again. God damnit everything is going right for the Spurs. Pelicans and Grizzlies both losing. If we were 3-1 right now I'd feel so good about our chances. Suns and Blazers playing this afternoon.

[RD2191]

Fukin Suns playing like the Dubs in their prime.