Game Thread: Spurs at Thunder — Jan. 12, 2021 - 7pm CT

[AussieFanKurt]

:lol DJ's sloppy dribbling can be just... wow

[ace3g]

31.3 - 4th


1
2
3
4
T


SA
26
25
29
30
110


OKC
26
17
30
29
102

[GreekSpursfan]

Our interior defense is a joke tbh. Every team should attack the rim at all times against us.

[Sugus]

31.3 - 4th


1
2
3
4
T


SA
26
25
29
30
110


OKC
26
17
30
29
102



Damn, my stream's lagging behind, Lonnie's shooting his first FT just now

[Robz4000]

Still time left to choke this...

[spurraider21]

still dont like how at the end of the game, seems to be a lot of ball watching with patty being the playmaker. thats was screwed us in the minnesota loss too. other guys have to step up and be more assertive

[r0drig0lac]

In 2 months, Dort went from being a bad 3-point shooter to becoming one of the best 3 & D in the league, he will be an elite role player

[NASpurs]

Our interior defense is a joke tbh. Every team should attack the rim at all times against us.

Then there's our collapsing defense that causes 3 point shooters to be consistently open.

[RC_Drunkford]

Would‘ve been a blow out if it wasn’t for these refs

[Sugus]

Spurs are gonna get blown out imo.

:reading

[PhantomDashCam]

A Keldon-Dort wrestling match would be something...

[TheGreatYacht]

Lyles with the least minutes played tonight (18) :wow

A- grade for Pop? timvp (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=8)

[KDKSpurs24]

In 2 months, Dort went from being a bad 3-point shooter to becoming one of the best 3 & D in the league, he will be an elite role player
He put in a lot of work. Definitely increased his value.

[Degoat]

Devin Vassell definitely struggled out there offensively tonight, hope he starts putting together some better offensive outings

[Robz4000]

:reading

I'll eat crow for this one. OKC came in to this hot while the Spurs don't have even an average ball handler. Great games by Lonnie and Keldon imo.

[r0drig0lac]

:lol DJ's sloppy dribbling can be just... wow

he didn't shoot well in both games without Demar, but he has 11 ast and 1 turnover (it would be 0 without the trap in today's final minute)

[Slippy]

Great team effort minus 2 key players. Liked spurs had response every time they made a run.

Lonnie finally with 4 full quarters on both ends... looking more polished on offense.

[NASpurs]

26 assists with only 4 turnovers will win you a bunch of games. Shit is insane for a young team.

[Mugen]

Nice win for the young guys tbh.

[ace3g]

Spurs win!!!

Final


1
2
3
4
T


SA
26
25
29
32
112


OKC
26
17
30
29
102

[GreekSpursfan]

Then there's our collapsing defense that causes 3 point shooters to be consistently open.

Lots of problems come from us not having a solid big. We have to overcompensate because of our unathletic bigs and we are still shit inside and we leave open shooters too. Top priority should be an athletic big.

[RC_Drunkford]

Trey Lyles with the team high -18. Dragging the team down by himself. 2nd worst +/- tonight is -1

[Mugen]

Lonnie been balling out with Demar out tbh.

[TheGreatYacht]

26 assists with only 4 turnovers will win you a bunch of games. Shit is insane for a young team.
Folks will respect the floor leadership "IG baller" provides one day

[Robz4000]

Need to figure out how to get this Lonnie on the regular. Still, two games in a row where he's aggressive is more than we've seen in his career thus far.

[Mugen]

Need to figure out how to get this Lonnie on the regular. Still, two games in a row where he's aggressive is more than we've seen in his career thus far.

Easy, no Demar :lol

[RC_Drunkford]

Lots of problems come from us not having a solid big. We have to overcompensate because of our unathletic bigs and we are still shit inside and we leave open shooters too. Top priority should be an athletic big.

We need an athletic 4 who can help with the shotblocking. Jeramie Grant/John Collins type

[Dejounte]

Need to figure out how to get this Lonnie on the regular. Still, two games in a row where he's aggressive is more than we've seen in his career thus far.

He was embracing the contact during his drives for once. Hope he has turned the corner as well. Good stuff. All young guys did great.

[PhantomDashCam]

Great road trip all things considered.
Lonnie and Keldon were great. DJ had a solid last quarter. Trey was...there.

[GreekSpursfan]

Thanks god we won against the corpse of Al Horford and semi- retired G,Hill, In any case :flag:

[Dejounte]

Lots of problems come from us not having a solid big. We have to overcompensate because of our unathletic bigs and we are still shit inside and we leave open shooters too. Top priority should be an athletic big.

Jarrett Allen

[Robz4000]

Easy, no Demar :lol

:lol DePression

[ace3g]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ErlNIxSXMAMInM8?format=jpg&name=large

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1308208897069645824/qHUR-Zl7_normal.jpg

Dylan Dylangonzalez21
(https://twitter.com/dylangonzalez21) 4m (https://twitter.com/dylangonzalez21/status/1349194379207061504)

[RC_Drunkford]

Need to figure out how to get this Lonnie on the regular. Still, two games in a row where he's aggressive is more than we've seen in his career thus far.

that’s the reason why I would start White and let Walker come off the bench. Let him be the go-to guy for the bench unit. Problem is Rudy and Patty take all the shots away from him there

[rankingtear]

Lonnie with a lot of confidence. Pop is utilizing his potential on ball defense. Him and Keldon getting more comfortable with the weakside rotation.

[BillMc]

Victory:fro

[Seventyniner]

Any chance Lonnie could assume DeMar's role in the offense? Just throwing this out there, it could be an obvious "no". But if it is possible, the Spurs might let DeMar walk for that reason. Plenty of season left for Lonnie to show what he can do, at least if it doesn't get cut short by the pandemic.

[XDT76]

Lots of problems come from us not having a solid big. We have to overcompensate because of our unathletic bigs and we are still shit inside and we leave open shooters too. Top priority should be an athletic big.

I agree then we don't have to collapse as much and the wings and guards do not have to challenge rebounds all the time, keeping them more fresh towards end of game so that they could be more consistent.

[GreekSpursfan]

Jarrett Allen

Thats exactly the type but if you're talking specifically about him there is no way we can get him.

[NASpurs]

Imagine filling DeRozan's cap space with a mobile big

[Gibbz]

What about when Jak got swatted at the rim by a 7' 190 19-YO rookie? :spin

[Chinook]

Lonnie been balling out with Demar out tbh.

I think he'd play well without Murray and with DeRozan. He needs to be at least the third option when he's out there. With DJM, LMA and DMDR all out there, Walker can be fourth if not fifth. He doesn't have the personality to take the ball from his teammates. Pop has to basically make the team give him touches until Walker learns how to take them consistently.

[DavidTheGoliath]

Thats exactly the type but if you're talking specifically about him there is no way we can get him.

2021 free agency?

[Dejounte]

Thats exactly the type but if you're talking specifically about him there is no way we can get him.

From a nets fan:

"Extension doesn't really make sense for the Nets at this point. We're deep in the tax and JA's role with the team is uncertain. If he's awesome, we can always match whatever he gets.

JA obviously isn't going to take a discount and a smaller role. Dude is a legit starter at 22. Super underrated."

https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/khrkro/haynes_brooklyn_nets_and_center_jarrett_allen/?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share

[TDomination]

Yay I’m happy being over .500!

great road trip

[RC_Drunkford]

I think he'd play well without Murray and with DeRozan. He needs to be at least the third option when he's out there. With DJM, LMA and DMDR all out there, Walker can be fourth if not fifth. He doesn't have the personality to take the ball from his teammates. Pop has to basically make the team give him touches until Walker learns how to take them consistently.

This. I also think Lonnie and DeRozan together could be a very intriguing wing tandem. Just tough to give everybody shots, especially when you still have Mills and Gay coming off the bench

[Robz4000]

What about when Jak got swatted at the rim by a 7' 190 19-YO rookie? :spin

He also got blocked by a 6' rookie PG tbh.

[Chinook]

Any chance Lonnie could assume DeMar's role in the offense? Just throwing this out there, it could be an obvious "no". But if it is possible, the Spurs might let DeMar walk for that reason. Plenty of season left for Lonnie to show what he can do, at least if it doesn't get cut short by the pandemic.

I think Walker could be a 20ppg scorer, but he's not the play-maker DeRozan is at this point, and neither is Murray. I think a White, Walker, Johnson perimeter could work, but that has obvious uncertainties. I do wonder if Lonnie would be good in the Zipper series like Parker was in his prime. He has similar speed and midrange shooting, and that's a great set to build looks for the other young guys.

[RC_Drunkford]

Jarrett Allen

him and Collins are my top 2 free agency targets

[lefty20]

Easy, no Demar :lol

So we just gotta wait till next year then, got it.

[Dejounte]

Two consecutive bad defensive plays by our two bigs (Lyles, Aldridge) to start the second half shows how glaring the hole is at those positions. LaMarcus was way out of position and so was Lyles due to lack of lateral foot speed. We would be so much better with someone who can keep up.

[Sugus]

From a nets fan:

"Extension doesn't really make sense for the Nets at this point. We're deep in the tax and JA's role with the team is uncertain. If he's awesome, we can always match whatever he gets.

JA obviously isn't going to take a discount and a smaller role. Dude is a legit starter at 22. Super underrated."

https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/khrkro/haynes_brooklyn_nets_and_center_jarrett_allen/?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share

:hungry::hungry::hungry:

I've been dreaming of Allen on this Spurs team for some time now, tbh..... Would make for the absolute perfect compliment to our guys' skillsets

[Dejounte]

Vassell was with the SL for most of the second half. Here's hoping he has replaced Lyles permanently there.

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/JeffGSpursZone/status/1349195442744156160?s=19

It's time to stop fantasizing about Murray coming off the bench anytime soon.

[r0drig0lac]

https://twitter.com/JeffGSpursZone/status/1349195442744156160?s=19

It's time to stop fantasizing about Murray coming off the bench anytime soon.

this was never a "thing" in the first place

[Sugus]

Any chance Lonnie could assume DeMar's role in the offense? Just throwing this out there, it could be an obvious "no". But if it is possible, the Spurs might let DeMar walk for that reason. Plenty of season left for Lonnie to show what he can do, at least if it doesn't get cut short by the pandemic.

He's got the potential to assume that role, for sure, but he's nowhere near it now. The first block is mental - he just doesn't see himself as a go-to guy yet, more like a roleplayer, despite his skill. Part of what makes DeMar so great is that, good and bad, he doesn't shy away from the big shots and big moments, and he usually takes them without hesitation. That should come with experience for Lonnie. Second part, as Chinook says, is playmaking - Lonnie has an excellent first step and can easily bend defenses to get open shots for perimeter players, but he still doesn't quite know when and where to pass out, so there's a lot of turnovers out of those plays. And third part is, well, nobody on the team respects his shotmaking/playmaking enough to let him "be" that first option (yet). When DeMar is on the court and someone brings the ball up, he's the first guy they look for to pass to and have DD set up a play - and until Lonnie gets a proven track on that, he'll probably always be relegated, at least while the vets are still here, to the spot-up-shooter role in those possessions.

He's showing the flashes though, for sure. I'm a believer, as I've always been, tbh :music

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/PaulGarciaNBA/status/1349197397486948353?s=19

#Leadership

Honestly, when DJ starts cold like tonight, going 1-7, I would be fine with him not taking anymore shot attempts than end up going 3-14. Have a Rondo-like impact if the shots aren't falling.

[CGD]

https://twitter.com/JeffGSpursZone/status/1349195442744156160?s=19

It's time to stop fantasizing about Murray coming off the bench anytime soon.

Agree. Feels like it’ll be Derrick and Lonnie fighting it out for starters minutes.

[Dejounte]

this was never a "thing" in the first place

Serious? You forgot the blue font...

[Sugus]

https://twitter.com/PaulGarciaNBA/status/1349197397486948353?s=19

#Leadership

Honestly, when DJ starts cold like tonight, going 1-7, I would be fine with him not taking anymore shot attempts than end up going 3-14. Have a Rondo-like impact if the shots aren't falling.

Tbh, I'd really rather not - he needs to learn how to get some shots for himself, when other options aren't falling. He's the PG of the team, and kind of a shoot-first guy... You can't have that kind of player losing confidence in his shot, and therefore stop looking for it, after a bad shooting start. You gotta have confidence that he'll catch his rhythm eventually - and ride with him if he does, die with him if he doesn't. Dejounte going timid and overpassing after a bad shooting start is the last thing you want, since it's his shooting threat that opens up the rest of his game in the first place.

Like the saying goes, I'd rather my guy go 0-20 than 0-2, tbh. He'll learn in time what shots to take and when.

[Dejounte]

He's got the potential to assume that role, for sure, but he's nowhere near it now. The first block is mental - he just doesn't see himself as a go-to guy yet, more like a roleplayer, despite his skill. Part of what makes DeMar so great is that, good and bad, he doesn't shy away from the big shots and big moments, and he usually takes them without hesitation. That should come with experience for Lonnie. Second part, as Chinook says, is playmaking - Lonnie has an excellent first step and can easily bend defenses to get open shots for perimeter players, but he still doesn't quite know when and where to pass out, so there's a lot of turnovers out of those plays. And third part is, well, nobody on the team respects his shotmaking/playmaking enough to let him "be" that first option (yet). When DeMar is on the court and someone brings the ball up, he's the first guy they look for to pass to and have DD set up a play - and until Lonnie gets a proven track on that, he'll probably always be relegated, at least while the vets are still here, to the spot-up-shooter role in those possessions.

He's showing the flashes though, for sure. I'm a believer, as I've always been, tbh :music

https://twitter.com/PaulGarciaNBA/status/1349195968072331270?s=19

https://twitter.com/RealTomPetrini/status/1349199246248054787?s=19

[r0drig0lac]

Serious? You forgot the blue font...

no, this is the "wish" of some people, but there was never any indication that this would happen (at least not with the current coach)

[Dejounte]

Tbh, I'd really rather not - he needs to learn how to get some shots for himself, when other options aren't falling. He's the PG of the team, and kind of a shoot-first guy... You can't have that kind of player losing confidence in his shot, and therefore stop looking for it, after a bad shooting start. You gotta have confidence that he'll catch his rhythm eventually - and ride with him if he does, die with him if he doesn't. Dejounte going timid and overpassing after a bad shooting start is the last thing you want, since it's his shooting threat that opens up the rest of his game in the first place.

Like the saying goes, I'd rather my guy go 0-20 than 0-2, tbh. He'll learn in time what shots to take and when.

Fair. There was a point where DJ did what I was saying and we'd all get frustrated by the hesitation in his game.

[Floyd Pacquiao]

Murray/White/Derozan/Keldon/Aldridge bench: Patty/Lonnie/Vassell/Gay/Potle stackkkkkked :lol

[The Truth #6]

Dejounte has made a leap this year. Maybe not huge but noticeable. His improved offense is great for him to play next to White. He can play off the ball like White, or at least a lot more than he used to.

[Sugus]

https://twitter.com/PaulGarciaNBA/status/1349195968072331270?s=19

https://twitter.com/RealTomPetrini/status/1349199246248054787?s=19

Hell fucking yeah. I want the mother fucking Coyote yelling at Lonnie to take those shots, if that's what it takes :lol

Glad the team recognizes and seemingly addresses Lonnie's passivity. It's a hole in his game and one of the only steps separating him from eventual stardom.

[Dejounte]

Keldon's minutes per game is skyrocketing. Pop's new pet? Almost 40 minutes for each of the last three games...

[Sugus]

Fair. There was a point where DJ did what I was saying and we'd all get frustrated by the hesitation in his game.

No doubt, there's a lot of ironing to do still. This is a "try-and-see" year after all, and it's been like that from the start, even if the pre-start of season expectations get thrown out the window once the team actually starts to play. Dejounte needs to have bad shooting nights, and non-shooting nights, so he can learn that it has a bad effect on the team, and work on his game to make sure it doesn't happen in the future.

That's why I'm not getting too hung up on these games, and the good & bad things the youngings do. It's all a learning process, which is quite something to get accustomed to after decades of steady HoF-vet leadership to right the ship.

[PhantomDashCam]

Fair. There was a point where DJ did what I was saying and we'd all get frustrated by the hesitation in his game.

The thing that impressed me in today’s game is that come the 4th, he went to his comfort shots: mid range elbow, downhill layups to generate some Offence. Huge difference from the Utah game.

[Dejounte]

The thing that impressed me in today’s game is that come the 4th, he went to his comfort shots: mid range elbow, downhill layups to generate some Offence. Huge difference from the Utah game.

I always felt the Utah game was an aberration. DJ looked defeated throughout most of that game and it affected his game a lot. That's why I scratch my head whenever someone brings up that game as an example for anything.

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/Rylan_Stiles/status/1349200381193105410?s=19

Oh boy

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1349201606928195584?s=09

KJ been taking acting lessons? He's a natural at this... Feels legit like a State Farm commercial.

[Sugus]

The thing that impressed me in today’s game is that come the 4th, he went to his comfort shots: mid range elbow, downhill layups to generate some Offence. Huge difference from the Utah game.

Yup, he's got that crossover-into-pullup-jumper move down to a T, tbh. That's the kind of moves that you can fall back on in the 4th quarter of a playoff series, when the opposing D is clogging up the lanes and fumbling up plays. The growth that DJ's showing is absolutely palpable.

:lol "Instagram Baller" :lol

[Mr. Body]

https://twitter.com/PaulGarciaNBA/status/1349195968072331270?s=19

https://twitter.com/RealTomPetrini/status/1349199246248054787?s=19

Fantastic. Once Walker has belief, he's going to be a handful.

[PhantomDashCam]

I always felt the Utah game was an aberration. DJ looked defeated throughout most of that game and it affected his game a lot. That's why I scratch my head whenever someone brings up that game as an example for anything.

You never want your leader to be defeated, perceived or otherwise. We can judge the game as an aberration, certainly, especially after the stretch of ball he and the team have played. I thought it was concerning at the time though considering his history. This is clearly not the same DJ though. :tu

[RC_Drunkford]

DJ made great reads in the 4th. Him running the offense won us the game at the end. He’s getting there playmaking wise

[Sugus]

https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1349201606928195584?s=09

KJ been taking acting lessons? He's a natural at this... Feels legit like a State Farm commercial.

Spurs really went 4-1 on a roadtrip, with two of those wins against both LA teams, immediately after a season of consistently shitting the bed anywhere outside the AT&T center huh :lmao

[Mr. Body]

https://twitter.com/Rylan_Stiles/status/1349200381193105410?s=19

Oh boy

That's some of that Indiana stupidity coming through.

[Chinook]

I think Walker could be a 20ppg scorer, but he's not the play-maker DeRozan is at this point, and neither is Murray. I think a White, Walker, Johnson perimeter could work, but that has obvious uncertainties. I do wonder if Lonnie would be good in the Zipper series like Parker was in his prime. He has similar speed and midrange shooting, and that's a great set to build looks for the other young guys.

If people don't remember, this is what the Zipper series looks like:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpeIur9bv9o&ab_channel=ZakBoisvert

I haven't looked to much into it, but tonight, I think the Spurs were running a lot of Weave actions. This is what that looks like:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEyULvNXBmo&ab_channel=HowU

If Pop is going for that egalitarian "hydra" offense that folks like Dejounte talk about, I get why this set would be a stable. It basically gives driving opportunities by creating uncertainty in who's going to drive. My issue with it is that it doesn't threaten the basket. No matter who the play is for, they still have to get to the rim, and because so many folks were part of the primary action, there's not a lot of off-ball complexity to give guys open looks.

For completeness sake, here is the Motion Weak offense the team ran during the M3 era:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOaC9gx7VTM&ab_channel=HowU

You can see all of the options playing out, from low-post to PnR to up-cut to corner, to high post and on. Basically, everyone on the team had their own option, and the offense would go like, "Hey is Diaw open? Then what about Danny? Then what about Tony? Then what about Tim?" and so on. They didn't even have to call plays. The offense just gave guys the looks they'd want all the time, and everybody knew whose option it was at any time and where they have to be to take advantage of it. Certainly, elite BBIQ played a role, but the key was repetition. The Spurs ran that kind of set so many times for years that they guys knew what to do without thinking about it. That let them make snap decisions to whip those flashy passes to open shooters. I feel like this Spurs team could do something like that, using an offense that works for people's strengths rather than relying on one-on-one ball. Hopefully they figure something out.

[Chinook]

https://twitter.com/Rylan_Stiles/status/1349200381193105410?s=19

Oh boy

Hill is making me sick with that. Like if the league tells you not to do something, then you're the one who can step out if you don't like it. They don't have to let you do whatever you want FFS.

[Sugus]

If people don't remember, this is what the Zipper series looks like:

Great content, Chino, thanks as always. Silly question maybe: what does "Zipper" mean in English? As in, what part of that offense makes it be called "zipper"? Never heard that term before, and google's just showing me pants :lol

[John B]

I didn’t expect Lonnie to have picked up the offense when Demar is out. Maybe he’ll have more touches in the 2nd lineup when White comes back. He really could average in the 20’s given more touches.

[Sugus]

Great content, Chino, thanks as always. Silly question maybe: what does "Zipper" mean in English? As in, what part of that offense makes it be called "zipper"? Never heard that term before, and google's just showing me pants :lol

Wait, I got it, players moving up and down the paint like a pant's "zipper", huh? I always knew that as "fly" or "flyer", TIL

[Chinook]

Great content, Chino, thanks as always. Silly question maybe: what does "Zipper" mean in English? As in, what part of that offense makes it be called "zipper"? Never heard that term before, and google's just showing me pants :lol

So you know how Danny Green starts a lot of those clips near the basket and runs up to the top of the arc to get the pass? That action is called a "zipper cut" because he's "zipping up" the half-court diagram. The Spurs usually ran the triple-screen variant the videos starts with for Parker, and they called that play "The Loop". Fans might remember that term more.

EDIT: I see you've basically worked it out. Yeah, it's that first cut that gets the name, but there are other up-cuts are part of the action.

[Seventyniner]

26 assists and only 4 turnovers for the team. Holy shit.

[Robz4000]

https://twitter.com/Rylan_Stiles/status/1349200381193105410?s=19

Oh boy


No one's forcing you to play bruh. You can leave that $8mil on the table and go do you.

[Chinook]

26 assists and only 4 turnovers for the team. Holy shit.

They've been on a crazy-efficient streak passing the ball. A lot of that is just good and comes from being smart and unselfish. A lot of it though, comes from them not driving to the rim enough. They are settling for outside shots too much, and those don't usually result in turnovers.

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/gswchris/status/1349160406816673794?s=19

In other news, WTF?

[Sugus]

So you know how Danny Green starts a lot of those clips near the basket and runs up to the top of the arc to get the pass? That action is called a "zipper cut" because he's "zipping up" the half-court diagram. The Spurs usually ran the triple-screen variant the videos starts with for Parker, and they called that play "The Loop". Fans might remember that term more.

EDIT: I see you've basically worked it out. Yeah, it's that first cut that gets the name, but there are other up-cuts are part of the action.

Yeah lmao, second language brain fart, forgot zipper is an actual word... I was going along the lines of "is it because the player's "zipping" by running fast on the court? Nah, that's too stupid..." :lol

[Sugus]

https://twitter.com/gswchris/status/1349160406816673794?s=19

In other news, WTF?

Aren't we playing the Rockettes next? :hungry:

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/gswchris/status/1349160406816673794?s=19

In other news, WTF?

He should probably stick to black jerseys the rest of the season.

[Slippy]

Hell fucking yeah. I want the mother fucking Coyote yelling at Lonnie to take those shots, if that's what it takes :lol

Glad the team recognizes and seemingly addresses Lonnie's passivity. It's a hole in his game and one of the only steps separating him from eventual stardom.

Hole in his game? Quote from last game kind of summed up how i feel Lonnie needs to change his thinking.

Lonnie Walker IV said his approach tonight was more aggressive. Said their previous game he was more "nonchalant" and this game focused on being aggressive and not worried as much about "being the nice guy."

If he keeps up this nice guy approach , then lower the expectations

[PhantomDashCam]

https://twitter.com/gswchris/status/1349160406816673794?s=19

In other news, WTF?

https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/blob:https://www.spurstalk.com/fd79e13e-22f5-475c-8ae1-5a22e1878e64http://imgur.com/gallery/ByukC3v
http://imgur.com/gallery/ByukC3vhttps://media.giphy.com/media/gpFEdtl9cAsCs/giphy.gif

[Dejounte]

Aren't we playing the Rockettes next? :hungry:

Yep. Went over to the Rockets board to see the meltdown. Wow, how things change quick.

Christian Wood went from being their next great star to comments such as, "Christian can't guard his own shadow."

L M F A O

[ace3g]

Aren't we playing the Rockettes next? :hungry:

oh and his post game interview

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1044985229797203968/smJZMMQn_normal.jpg (https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon) Tim MacMahon (https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon) (https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon) @espn_macmahon (https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon)




James Harden says Rockets are "just not good enough ... I love this city. I literally have done everything that I can. I mean, this situation is crazy. It’s something that I don’t think can be fixed."
10:10pm · 12 Jan 2021 (https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon/status/1349207105912381443) · TweetDeck (https://help.twitter.com/en/using-twitter/how-to-tweet#source-labels)

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1264902234703265794/lC3YnIYF_normal.jpg
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
(https://twitter.com/wojespn) 4m (https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1349208284981563393)
James Harden's aware that the Rockets are continuing to discuss trade scenarios with teams, although no deal is imminent, sources tell ESPN. Houston's asking price remains steep, as you'd expect it would for a player of Harden's caliber.

[RC_Drunkford]

running the loop for Lonnie would make a lot of sense since he's super fast and got a sweet jumper. Running motion weak would work with this roster as well, they just need more time to gel so everybody knows which spots to be in

[Dejounte]

oh and his post game interview

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1044985229797203968/smJZMMQn_normal.jpg (https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon) Tim MacMahon (https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon) (https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon) @espn_macmahon (https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon)




James Harden says Rockets are "just not good enough ... I love this city. I literally have done everything that I can. I mean, this situation is crazy. It’s something that I don’t think can be fixed."
10:10pm · 12 Jan 2021 (https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon/status/1349207105912381443) · TweetDeck (https://help.twitter.com/en/using-twitter/how-to-tweet#source-labels)

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1264902234703265794/lC3YnIYF_normal.jpg
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
(https://twitter.com/wojespn) 4m (https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1349208284981563393)
James Harden's aware that the Rockets are continuing to discuss trade scenarios with teams, although no deal is imminent, sources tell ESPN. Houston's asking price remains steep, as you'd expect it would for a player of Harden's caliber.

WOW. Those comments are cancerous. Jeez.

[Sugus]

Hole in his game? Quote from last game kind of summed up how i feel Lonnie needs to change his thinking.

Lonnie Walker IV said his approach tonight was more aggressive. Said their previous game he was more "nonchalant" and this game focused on being aggressive and not worried as much about "being the nice guy."

If he keep up this nice guy approach , then lower the expectations

Maybe hole in his game isn't the right expression? Flaw would be more appropriate, I guess. The issue remains the same, semantics aside, and I'm glad not only he, but also the coaches/teammates are taking notice and trying to work towards changing it. I don't think it's so much a "nice guy" approach, more so a shyness thing, or a contact aversion thing. Either way, the team's ceiling is clearly higher when he's playing aggressively. Rock on, Lonnie.

[ace3g]

https://scontent-mia3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/fr/e15/p1080x1080/138526553_247780020252878_1883090261121087667_n.jp g?_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-2.cdninstagram.com&_nc_cat=102&_nc_ohc=J9lOV4IGNAsAX9ebfch&tp=1&oh=b65d1d98b64a37b06e63e4c0ecbd1b91&oe=6026CC23

CJ-JUW5obRi

[Sugus]

oh and his post game interview

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1044985229797203968/smJZMMQn_normal.jpg (https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon) Tim MacMahon (https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon) (https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon) @espn_macmahon (https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon)




James Harden says Rockets are "just not good enough ... I love this city. I literally have done everything that I can. I mean, this situation is crazy. It’s something that I don’t think can be fixed."
10:10pm · 12 Jan 2021 (https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon/status/1349207105912381443) · TweetDeck (https://help.twitter.com/en/using-twitter/how-to-tweet#source-labels)

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1264902234703265794/lC3YnIYF_normal.jpg
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
(https://twitter.com/wojespn) 4m (https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1349208284981563393)
James Harden's aware that the Rockets are continuing to discuss trade scenarios with teams, although no deal is imminent, sources tell ESPN. Houston's asking price remains steep, as you'd expect it would for a player of Harden's caliber.

Right after most delusional Rockettes fans were getting their hopes up with the good start and solid teammates for Harden :lmao... The amount of "Harden will see he's got great teammates and stay!!" kind of comments I've read in the past two weeks was disgusting, nice to see Harden himself making it clear that his stance hasn't changed tbh. Thanks as always for the content, Ace, good shit :tu

[Sugus]

Yep. Went over to the Rockets board to see the meltdown. Wow, how things change quick.

Christian Wood went from being their next great star to comments such as, "Christian can't guard his own shadow."

L M F A O

We're probably an hour away or so from a bump to the "official Clutchfans meltdown thread", tbh :lmao

[RC_Drunkford]

no matter how bad the Rockets look, I'm not sure we can beat them without DeMar and Derrick

[r0drig0lac]

no matter how bad the Rockets look, I'm not sure we can beat them without DeMar and Derrick

agree

[siraulo23]

hell yea, 4-1 baby

Dejounte 2nd half, found something there in that high pick and roll.Lonnie great again, Patty great again, Rudy and Lamarcus very solid.

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/tom_orsborn/status/1349211846667083781?s=19

Loving the team chemistry.

Not sure if anyone caught it, but Vassell was clutching Dejounte while DJ was sharing something about the game plan. Don't recall a rook getting that close with DJ that quick ever.

[Chinook]

Walker seems to be a good place mentally. I think he has a chance to be one of the really good characters in the league if he can realize his on-court potential. This is definitely my favorite team since the 2017-2018 squad. A lot of guys to root for at at best one guy who folks really want off the team.

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/tom_orsborn/status/1349213453622403072?s=19

[Dejounte]

Vassell is reminding me of Shane Battier-- one of my most favorite role players of all time. Even if he stays as he is, I wouldn't be upset. Having a super smart defender like Battier is fun to watch.


https://youtu.be/x4aDM5d27_w

[Seventyniner]

They've been on a crazy-efficient streak passing the ball. A lot of that is just good and comes from being smart and unselfish. A lot of it though, comes from them not driving to the rim enough. They are settling for outside shots too much, and those don't usually result in turnovers.

The stats don't seem to bear that last part out.
https://www.nba.com/stats/teams/drives/?sort=DRIVES&dir=1

Prior to tonight the Spurs were 3rd in the league in drives per game and first in FGA from drives. I don't think these numbers are pace-adjusted, but the Spurs are right around league average in pace so the per-100 possessions numbers probably wouldn't be too much different, at least for the Spurs.

The Spurs are middling in terms of many of the other categories for drives only (FG%, FTA, PTS% which I assume is percentage of team points from drives), but 3rd in TOV% on drives, which shouldn't be surprising given their league-leading overall TOV%. I don't know how to find data on non-drives, other than using overall data and subtracting drives (which I don't have the inclination to do), but the Spurs would have to be leading the league in TOV% on non-drives by a good margin to be the overall leader while being "only" third on drives.

Minimizing turnovers for its own sake isn't necessarily a good thing. Still, knocking a few points off of TOV% directly adds to overall efficiency, even if the shots aren't quite as good.

[Mr. Body]

Yeah, the last few games the Spurs have had 6, 6, and 5 turnovers among them. That's astounding.

Driving would kick the turnovers up, usually -- getting swiped, for example. I'm not sure whether an offensive foul is counted as a turnover.

[ace3g]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWjiGglJps0


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPhf-0gp7oo

[Chinook]

The stats don't seem to bear that last part out.
https://www.nba.com/stats/teams/drives/?sort=DRIVES&dir=1

Prior to tonight the Spurs were 3rd in the league in drives per game and first in FGA from drives. I don't think these numbers are pace-adjusted, but the Spurs are right around league average in pace so the per-100 possessions numbers probably wouldn't be too much different, at least for the Spurs.

The Spurs are middling in terms of many of the other categories for drives only (FG%, FTA, PTS% which I assume is percentage of team points from drives), but 3rd in TOV% on drives, which shouldn't be surprising given their league-leading overall TOV%. I don't know how to find data on non-drives, other than using overall data and subtracting drives (which I don't have the inclination to do), but the Spurs would have to be leading the league in TOV% on non-drives by a good margin to be the overall leader while being "only" third on drives.

Minimizing turnovers for its own sake isn't necessarily a good thing. Still, knocking a few points off of TOV% directly adds to overall efficiency, even if the shots aren't quite as good.

The Spurs are driving a lot, but they aren't really assisting on drives. Their pass percentage is mediocre, and both their AST% and TO% are near the bottom. I don't know exactly how NBA.com is cutting their data, but it looks like SA is passing on the perimeter way more than in the paint. That's not a surprise given their personnel or even a bad thing. But it's not really surprising to me that they aren't getting a lot of bad results from what is usually really safe passing.

[NASpurs]

A few days ago, the Spurs broadcast had a stat on the screen with the best all time assist to turnover ratio and this Spurs team would blow that away by a mile if things ended today.

[ace3g]

A few days ago, the Spurs broadcast had a stat on the screen with the best all time assist to turnover ratio and this Spurs team would blow that away by a mile if things ended today.

https://twitter.com/DanWeissPBP/status/1349207363501371399

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

They've been on a crazy-efficient streak passing the ball. A lot of that is just good and comes from being smart and unselfish. A lot of it though, comes from them not driving to the rim enough. They are settling for outside shots too much, and those don't usually result in turnovers.

They're top 3 in drives per game and have been leading the league until recently by a big margin. If anything, they're driving too much and not passing enough. Might also be tied to having the worst FG% in the paint.

[SpurPadre]

https://twitter.com/tom_orsborn/status/1349213453622403072?s=19

Damn, that's fucked up, Pop.

[Sugus]

https://twitter.com/tom_orsborn/status/1349213453622403072?s=19

Any explanation as to what "utility infielder" means? Obviously a positive thing taking context into account, but what does it mean, exactly? Baseball is way too boring for me to sit through, tbh.

[SpurPadre]

Any explanation as to what "utility infielder" means? Obviously a positive thing taking context into account, but what does it mean, exactly? Baseball is way too boring for me to sit through, tbh.

Utility infielder is basically saying Devin is good enough to give players a breather while he can come in and be a jack of all trades for a few minutes a game but not good enough to be a starter. A guy who can plug some holes for a stretch and be a glue guy. One can take it as a backhanded compliment, especially for a lottery pick player. He needs the chance to prove he can be more than that.

[Mr. Body]

Utility infielder is basically saying Devin is good enough to give players a breather while he can come in and be a jack of all trades for a few minutes a game but not good enough to be a starter. A guy who can plug some holes for a stretch and be a glue guy. One can take it as a backhanded compliment, especially for a lottery pick player. He needs the chance to prove he can be more than that.

I don't think Pop means the downside of the term. He means that you can plug Vassell into many different roles and he can do them.

[SpurPadre]

I don't think Pop means the downside of the term. He means that you can plug Vassell into many different roles and he can do them.

I'm sure that was his intention but I just hope it doesn't place a premature stigma on the kid. Then again, it's better to make this more grounded comparison than when he compared Forbes to Curry.

[spurs10]

I don't think Pop means the downside of the term. He means that you can plug Vassell into many different roles and he can do them. Yeah that's the way I saw it. I think Pop was complimenting him and saying he's a "nature basketball player" that can do many things. I think he was saying "nothing spectacular" as he isn't doing anything flashy, just really solid.

[John B]

Damn, that's fucked up, Pop.
I don’t think Pop meant that as derogatory. For a rookie to be a “utility infielder”, knowing what to do? That’s a lot. Normally that’s applied to a veteran. But maybe Vassell would take that as a motivatio to be more aggressive in getting his numbers. I think he’s still adjusting. That attempted dunk that got blocked should be a learning experience to get stronger. He’ll get there.

[JeffDuncan]

Any explanation as to what "utility infielder" means? Obviously a positive thing taking context into account, but what does it mean, exactly? Baseball is way too boring for me to sit through, tbh.

For one, "utility infielder" is a term that refers mostly to defensive ability. It's a player who can play first base, second, shortstop, or third, and do a good job of fielding the ball and throwing. Also, a utility player is almost always a reserve. So, he's a guy who can come off the bench to replace any of your starting infielders, primarily for defensive purposes. He won't be the greatest hitter, or he'd have a starting spot at a designated position. Oh, also, a utility infielder will be a veteran who's been around long enough to learn the different positions.

I guess Pop means he's confident about sending Devin into the game to guard any of the backcourt positions. We know how Pop is about rookies, so for him to say that, it is a great compliment to Devin's defense. It's also a compliment that he plays defense like a veteran.

Unusual words from Pop, who ordinarily wouldn't want a rookie on the court, except in garbage time, for at least a year.

[Down Under]

Vassell is reminding me of Shane Battier-- one of my most favorite role players of all time. Even if he stays as he is, I wouldn't be upset. Having a super smart defender like Battier is fun to watch.


https://youtu.be/x4aDM5d27_w
Apart from the 3rd one & the charge, all others would be fouls at the moment :lol

[tapiefan]

We really need a go-to-guy to close games like this one or the last one against MIN. A closing Manu-like guy, who is an efficient threat shooting the 3, able to create his own middle range shoot or drive to the basket for layup or FTs. This cannot be Demar (mental issue, bad 3 points shooter and in his contract year), nor DJM (bad 3 points shooter). Not sure about Lonnie. Best target for me Derrick or Keldon.

[duncan2k5]

Tbh, I'd really rather not - he needs to learn how to get some shots for himself, when other options aren't falling. He's the PG of the team, and kind of a shoot-first guy... You can't have that kind of player losing confidence in his shot, and therefore stop looking for it, after a bad shooting start. You gotta have confidence that he'll catch his rhythm eventually - and ride with him if he does, die with him if he doesn't. Dejounte going timid and overpassing after a bad shooting start is the last thing you want, since it's his shooting threat that opens up the rest of his game in the first place.

Like the saying goes, I'd rather my guy go 0-20 than 0-2, tbh. He'll learn in time what shots to take and when.

This is accurate

[barakz21]

DJ is weird. So far, eyeballing him, he looks OK as a playmaker but for whatever reason he’s quietly putting up decent assist numbers, for a “scoring” PG that’s not really a playmaker.

[RC_Drunkford]

We really need a go-to-guy to close games like this one or the last one against MIN. A closing Manu-like guy, who is an efficient threat shooting the 3, able to create his own middle range shoot or drive to the basket for layup or FTs. This cannot be Demar (mental issue, bad 3 points shooter and in his contract year), nor DJM (bad 3 points shooter). Not sure about Lonnie. Best target for me Derrick or Keldon.

the closer on this team is DeRozan with Mills being 2nd. You should be used to it by now

[tapiefan]

the closer on this team is DeRozan with Mills being 2nd. You should be used to it by now

Both are not future.

[GreekSpursfan]

From a nets fan:

"Extension doesn't really make sense for the Nets at this point. We're deep in the tax and JA's role with the team is uncertain. If he's awesome, we can always match whatever he gets.

JA obviously isn't going to take a discount and a smaller role. Dude is a legit starter at 22. Super underrated."


https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/khrkro/haynes_brooklyn_nets_and_center_jarrett_allen/?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share

I think this season will convince them(if they aren't already) to match any offer because i have them going to the finals and he will be an important part for that run.