Spurs vs Trail Blazers — Jan. 18, 2021 - 2PM Central

[PhantomDashCam]

DJ is a legit top 15 PG in this league.
Coming into the season, I wasn’t even sure that was his natural position. Great stuff. :tu

[John B]

We're back, boys. Top 4 seed like I said.

Really should be 9-5 if Pop didnt revert back to senile Pop in the first HOU game. Still waiting on White too. :wow:

yup and FIBA Patty to close was horrific. I think he's trusting Lonnie or even Vassell more for defensive stops

[SpurPadre]

https://twitter.com/AirlessJordan/status/1351292951377424389

Blair and NOT TP? WTF?!

[gambit1990]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhJ0GQo9rJA

[John B]

That was a refreshing win. I swear i thought the ol sports were going to let off the gas again but nope. Jakob has impressed
Poeltl defensive stand and rebounding was the difference I think. He set the tone.

Poeltl out from the shithouse :lol

[gambit1990]

wrong thread, that spurs video was for the youtube thread.

[John B]

[QUOTE=SpurPadre;10408809]Blair and NOT TP? WTF?![/Q:lolUOTE]
Those teardrops by BLAIR?? not Tony??

[Capt Bringdown]

Jakob Abdul Poeltl

[Sugus]

It can't be stated enough what a great game Jakob had, this was truly the first game of the season I watched where he was an interior force to be reckoned with, and also was active on the boards. Quite the turnaround from his last few games, hope he can keep it up.

But the unsung hero of this game was LMA: the team started off the game relying almost exclusively on him to deliver points, and he was mostly making his jumper. It really goes to show how good these Spurs could be with a starting 5 that isn't 35 years old (lmao) and can space the floor. I love the duality of an offensive-minded starting group mixed with a defensive-minded bench that could rely on Poeltl-Vassell-Lonnie to be active and get stops, whilst providing offense on the other side. A lot of potential with our current group, we're a couple moves away from making some noise tbh.

[Seventyniner]

https://twitter.com/AirlessJordan/status/1351292951377424389

With the Spurs pushing the pace much more than in the past, I expect them to set a lot of counting-stats team records. The defense will also look much worse than in the past by comparison, not just because it objectively isn't very good, but also because the fast pace inflates opponents' per-game totals as well.

[ginobilized]

It can't be stated enough what a great game Jakob had, this was truly the first game of the season I watched where he was an interior force to be reckoned with, and also was active on the boards. Quite the turnaround from his last few games, hope he can keep it up.

But the unsung hero of this game was LMA: the team started off the game relying almost exclusively on him to deliver points, and he was mostly making his jumper. It really goes to show how good these Spurs could be with a starting 5 that isn't 35 years old (lmao) and can space the floor. I love the duality of an offensive-minded starting group mixed with a defensive-minded bench that could rely on Poeltl-Vassell-Lonnie to be active and get stops, whilst providing offense on the other side. A lot of potential with our current group, we're a couple moves away from making some noise tbh.

I concur, though it is still one game at a time for now. Definitely trending in a good direction.
We are a couple of moves away from making some noise and I can't wait to makes those 2 moves over the next 3 years which is the Spurs way.

[JuneJive]

Solid win. Good trajectory for the team.

[Darius Bieber]

Also can't forget we're still missing White. I know the way we played today isn't always what we're going to get (see: both Rockets games), but adding White will just add to the ceiling of the team.

[jjktkk]

Great win.

[Thomas82]

I wonder how much different the game would have been if the Blazers had McCollum and Nurkic.

[PhantomDashCam]

My observations:

- LMA, Kanter and the “comfort zone”.

Out of the gate, Spurs attacked Kanter relentlessly in the P’nP with Aldridge taking 7 shots in 5 minutes. All of these were within LMA’s career defining 18 - 20 ft range. Aldridge went 4-7 on these shots. It was no coincidence that he was more involved defensively as a result.
To start the 2nd half, it was almost a case of déjà vu.

- Poeltl’s effectiveness against Small ball lineups.

For the second straight game, Poeltl was the MVP of the night. Great D, solid on the boards and more involved Offensively - love what I saw.
‘Getting Poeltl to initiate DHO from the high post, involved more in P’nRs - actually having a role on O; are having a positive effect getting his season back on track. Credit goes to Poeltl but also to Pop too for making the adjustment on Offense.

- 4th Q Lockdown.

An 8-0 run to start the quarter allowed the Spurs to take a commanding 13 point lead and were never seriously threatened thereafter.

- Rudy G hitting 5 3s.

A simplified role on O would benefit the Spurs long term. His shot came around in the second half mainly because he simplified his attack to catch and shoots, short dribble drives.

[LeBowen]

^
LMA looked more involved defensively because Kanter can't shoot. If they had a shooting big, he'd still get torched.

Poeltl finally playing up to the expectations.

Am I the only one who just keeps hoping that a contender will bite whenever LMA/Rudy/Patty/DDR have games like this? :lol
Because this is not sustainable for LMA and Rudy.
Don't forget that Blazers were missing their best player this season and their only two decent bigs.

Great win, but I don't want to get my hopes up just yet.

[Mugen]

26mins for DV tonight, love to see that even if 2-3 of those were garbage time. He needs to stay in the rotation when Derrick is eventually back.

[jehawk81]

i didn't know exstatic was a cokehead.

LMAO

[Robz4000]

I wonder how much different the game would have been if the Blazers had McCollum and Nurkic.

:lol Spurs prolly lose by 20 instead. It has to be said a lot of the positives from today were because of the fact Kanter couldn't guard a trash can.

[Sugus]

I wonder how much different the game would have been if the Blazers had McCollum and Nurkic.

I'll go against Rob and say, not thaaat different. Definitely would've been closer, but Nurkic was playing like trash before his new injury, so the biggest factor there (our weakness in the frontline) wouldn't've been as exploited as it is when we match up against teams with actual solid bigs. CJ would've given us trouble if he were hot from deep, but he's Danny Green-like in that aspect, so there's like a 50% chance that he shoots Portland out of the game as well, tbh. At least that's what happens most times I'm catching the Blazers play :lol

[picnroll]

yeah, Little and Clarke were the 2 guys ST wanted. Little has not been any good. But it's not like we've seen returns from the guy we took either, so theres that :lol

Whole lot of Spurs fans nutting over Thybulle too, But Luka gives Spurs FO nothing to brag about.

[BillMc]

I missed this game. Looks like a Vets night. How did the young ones look? Devin got some burn I see.

[r0drig0lac]

Did Spurs play as well as the score indicates?

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/AirlessJordan/status/1351310379520040962

https://twitter.com/DanWeissPBP/status/1351293453821476864

[Robz4000]

Did Spurs play as well as the score indicates?

Combination of players playing well and the Guests missing McCollum/Nurkic.

[r0drig0lac]

Combination of players playing well and the Guests missing McCollum/Nurkic.

oh thanks

[Slippy]

Nice 4th quarter finish. Pop again with ideal subs and adjustments.

Spurs lead all game.. Lamarcus and Patty lead with the scoring and the team brought defense.

Yes they are short handed but you gotta love what we seen from this younger version of the spurs.

I put it down to the stench of Bryn Forbes been gone. Favouritism is out the window. :lol

[stephen jackson]

I kinda don’t want to trade patty. He hits clutch shots every game . But he would put a contender over the top for sure maybe Milwaukee or Brooklyn

[illusioNtEk]

Patty worth 50 mill bro.... Resign him!

[Dex]

https://twitter.com/AirlessJordan/status/1351310379520040962

https://twitter.com/DanWeissPBP/status/1351293453821476864

If only we could learn to win at home...

I'm telling you, Spurs need to change out the rims or something. I know they vary from arena to arena, and whatever we have installed ain't working.

[tonight...you]

Even though I watched the game, I didn't notice: was Becky back?

[rjv]

CJ was out nut I would argue that Derrick White means as much to us as CJ does to the Blazers. I'm not saying they are equal in talent-just saying that both teams were missing some important pieces.

[tonight...you]

CJ was out nut I would argue that Derrick White means as much to us as CJ does to the Blazers. I'm not saying they are equal in talent-just saying that both teams were missing some important pieces.
I would go so far as to say that White has at least the same impact on the Spurs as CJ has on the Blazers.

[Uriel]

The best thing about how we’ve started the season is we’re doing it all without Derrick White. Can you imagine how good we can be when he gets back? If the team gets fully healthy and peaks at the right time, it has a legitimate chance of snagging a top 4 seed in the West.

[Thomas82]

:lol Spurs prolly lose by 20 instead. It has to be said a lot of the positives from today were because of the fact Kanter couldn't guard a trash can.

I only asked because most of our wina so far have come against short-handed teams. Without looking it up, I can't think of a win we got against a full strength team.

[Mr. Body]

The best thing about how we’ve started the season is we’re doing it all without Derrick White. Can you imagine how good we can be when he gets back? If the team gets fully healthy and peaks at the right time, it has a legitimate chance of snagging a top 4 seed in the West.

Legit chance to get a top 4 anyway. The teams are so bunched up right now. Integrating White is going to be difficult, though, but a big impact.

[tonight...you]

Legit chance to get a top 4 anyway. The teams are so bunched up right now. Integrating White is going to be difficult, though, but a big impact.
Pop's greatest challenge this year is gong to be how to integrate White, when he comes back, and maintaining the correct balance of the correct players getting minutes over others.
I know I don't have the answers. I can say things, but I just don't know and Pop's going to do what he does.
I think Mills' and Vassell's minutes are going to be a point of contention.

[azarel]

I only asked because most of our wina so far have come against short-handed teams. Without looking it up, I can't think of a win we got against a full strength team.

i think we won a full strength Lakers team in our only win against them?

[Robz4000]

I only asked because most of our wina so far have come against short-handed teams. Without looking it up, I can't think of a win we got against a full strength team.

Lakers had everyone iirc.

[DAF86]

I only asked because most of our wina so far have come against short-handed teams. Without looking it up, I can't think of a win we got against a full strength team.

We have been missing our best player all season long.

[poopbox]

I only asked because most of our wina so far have come against short-handed teams. Without looking it up, I can't think of a win we got against a full strength team.

We've played the whole season without arguably our best player.

[ismael-robert]

Drew show posted early in this thread I'm surprised Dejounte didn't immediately bow in worship

[XDT76]

I only asked because most of our wina so far have come against short-handed teams. Without looking it up, I can't think of a win we got against a full strength team.

The Lakers?

[r0drig0lac]

yeah, Little and Clarke were the 2 guys ST wanted. Little has not been any good. But it's not like we've seen returns from the guy we took either, so theres that :lol

just one (or maybe two people really wanted Clarke) and true, I don't remember people complaining so much about Keldon, I think it was more about having a real basketball player in 19th pick (Thybulle or Bazley), and probably the only reason that Samanic will not be out of the league at the same time as Nassir is the fact that he was called up by Buford (or probably will have the Bender route).

[ceperez]

just one (or maybe two people really wanted Clarke) and true, I don't remember people complaining so much about Keldon, I think it was more about having a real basketball player in 19th pick (Thybulle or Bazley), and probably the only reason that Samanic will not be out of the league at the same time as Nassir is the fact that he was called up by Buford (or probably will have the Bender route).

I have no idea how Samanic can crack the current rotation. Lyles can barely sniff the court, he looked promising but the guys on the court are just simply bettter!

This team is loaded with developing talent.

[cd021]

I kinda don’t want to trade patty. He hits clutch shots every game . But he would put a contender over the top for sure maybe Milwaukee or Brooklyn

Spurs need to cash in on his play tbh, he could probably net a 1st but Milwaukee doesn't have the assets tbh-- Brooklyn too post Harden trade.

I was thinking Boston, Phily, or maybe even Portland could be interested.

[XDT76]

I have no idea how Samanic can crack the current rotation. Lyles can barely sniff the court, he looked promising but the guys on the court are just simply bettter!

This team is loaded with developing talent.

Maybe next year after Gay left?

[offset formation]

Lakers had everyone iirc.

Morris?

[RC_Drunkford]

Spurs need to cash in on his play tbh, he could probably net a 1st but Milwaukee doesn't have the assets tbh-- Brooklyn too post Harden trade.

I was thinking Boston, Phily, or maybe even Portland could be interested.

He's the one player that they should definitely move this season. He can easily net us a 1st and we can just give his minutes to White, which would make the team even better

[Mugen]

He's the one player that they should definitely move this season. He can easily net us a 1st and we can just give his minutes to White, which would make the team even better

Makes too much sense for PATFO to pull the trigger tbh :lol

[KobesAchilles]

Makes too much sense for PATFO to pull the trigger tbh :lol
Mills isn't being traded. If anything, he is going to be re-signed at a 3 year (last year a team option) deal. I don't think the Spurs trade anyone. Rudy is going to the Lakers next year. LMA is going back to Portland. And DDR is a huge question mark. I have no idea if we max him out or not but we are going to offer him a rather big contract.

[Dejounte]

Mills isn't being traded. If anything, he is going to be re-signed at a 3 year (last year a team option) deal. I don't think the Spurs trade anyone. Rudy is going to the Lakers next year. LMA is going back to Portland. And DDR is a huge question mark. I have no idea if we max him out or not but we are going to offer him a rather big contract.

Doubt it on Mills. He's been talking himself up more than ever, saying things like "I'm still young". Seems like he's showcasing himself a lot. Dude is gone by the offseason. Want to place a bet?

[KobesAchilles]

Doubt it on Mills. He's been talking himself up more than ever, saying things like "I'm still young". Seems like he's showcasing himself a lot. Dude is gone by the offseason. Want to place a bet?
Like a avi bet? Sig bet? Cash bet?

Ah wait I see you said off-season. I'm not sure about that one. I just know we aren't trading him. He could def go to greener pastors.

[Mugen]

There's almost 0% chance Mills gets traded during the year. But I'm not so sure he's a Spur next season tbh. Drafting Tre and the positive feedback you've heard about him so far makes me think they've planned for life after Mills. It just doesn't make sense considering how guard heavy the team currently is tbh.

The only way I see Mills back next year is if he's good with below market value + likely a reduction in playing time. I doubt it tbh.

[cd021]

Mills isn't being traded. If anything, he is going to be re-signed at a 3 year (last year a team option) deal. I don't think the Spurs trade anyone. Rudy is going to the Lakers next year. LMA is going back to Portland. And DDR is a huge question mark. I have no idea if we max him out or not but we are going to offer him a rather big contract.

I'd say there's very little chance Mills re-signs tbh, I think it's possible that the Spurs keep this team together but will at the very least shop all four FA and see if there are any offers that are worth pulling the trigger on.

Gay and Mills could be traded as a package deal while I think DeRozan and Aldridge probably stays. Aldridge hasn't played well enough for a team to try and trade for him and his massive contract without the Spurs having to take back 2021-2022 salary --which is probably a non-starter for the Spurs. DeRozan might get some interest but its unclear which team would given his shortcomings.

I think all four are gone next season though, no matter what.


There's almost 0% chance Mills gets traded during the year. But I'm not so sure he's a Spur next season tbh. Drafting Tre and the positive feedback you've heard about him so far makes me think they've planned for life after Mills. It just doesn't make sense considering how guard heavy the team currently is tbh.

The only way I see Mills back next year is if he's good with below market value + likely a reduction in playing time. I doubt it tbh.

Has to be over 50% chance that he gets traded tbh. He's averaging almost 15 ppg in 25 mpg on 46% 3pt. Teams are probably willing to part with a late first for him. Spurs would almost certainly move him if that were apart of an offer.

[rankingtear]

Half the league is frozen out of trading first-roundersWith 2028 draft picks unable to be included in trades until the start of next season, here is a look at the teams with little or no flexibility when it comes to dealing first-round picks.


TEAM
NOTE


BKN
Can't trade any


DAL
Can't trade own until 2027


DEN
Can trade only own in 2021 or 2027


DET
Can't trade any


GS
Can't trade own until 2026


LAC
Can't trade any


LAL
Can't trade any


MIA
Can't trade any


MIL
Can't trade any


MIN
Can't trade own until 2024


PHI
Can't trade own from 2025-27


PHX
Can't trade own until 2027


POR
Can't trade any


UTAH
Can't trade own until 2026


WAS
Can trade only own in 2021



Focusing just on the upcoming trade deadline, only a few contending teams have picks in this year's draft that can be traded: the Philadelphia 76ers (https://www.espn.com.au/nba/team/_/name/phi/philadelphia-76ers), Celtics, Toronto Raptors (https://www.espn.com.au/nba/team/_/name/tor/toronto-raptors) and Denver Nuggets (https://www.espn.com.au/nba/team/_/name/den/denver-nuggets).

[RC_Drunkford]

Toronto and Philly need bench players

[Sugus]

Half the league is frozen out of trading first-roundersWith 2028 draft picks unable to be included in trades until the start of next season, here is a look at the teams with little or no flexibility when it comes to dealing first-round picks.


TEAM
NOTE


BKN
Can't trade any


DAL
Can't trade own until 2027


DEN
Can trade only own in 2021 or 2027


DET
Can't trade any


GS
Can't trade own until 2026


LAC
Can't trade any


LAL
Can't trade any


MIA
Can't trade any


MIL
Can't trade any


MIN
Can't trade own until 2024


PHI
Can't trade own from 2025-27


PHX
Can't trade own until 2027


POR
Can't trade any


UTAH
Can't trade own until 2026


WAS
Can trade only own in 2021



Focusing just on the upcoming trade deadline, only a few contending teams have picks in this year's draft that can be traded: the Philadelphia 76ers (https://www.espn.com.au/nba/team/_/name/phi/philadelphia-76ers), Celtics, Toronto Raptors (https://www.espn.com.au/nba/team/_/name/tor/toronto-raptors) and Denver Nuggets (https://www.espn.com.au/nba/team/_/name/den/denver-nuggets).




Damn, insane that there's teams so locked up into big trades that they can't even trade first rounders for the next 6 years. Definitely looks like it'll be complicated getting a deal for Mills, since most of those teams are the ideal trade partners, contenders that could use a 6th man producing off the bench.

Having said that, I'm entirely hopeful that Mills gets traded. I understand the skepticism, but agree with posters saying there's about a 50% chance that he's gone. He's playing himself into a trade right now, tbh.