Game Thread: San Antonio Spurs at Golden State Warriors @ 9pm CT

[Uriel]

Wonder if Aldridge's passiveness has something to do with the fact that the team tried to trade him in the summer. He just looks unmotivated at this point.

[John B]

1 out of 3 of course

[poopbox]

Missing the playoffs last season is what forced them to finally play the youngsters this season(Murray, Johnson, Walker all averaging 30 mpg as starters). Missing the playoffs again might finally force them to move on from the failed Aldridge/Derozan era.

I don't think either Aldridge or Demar want to play in SA. Demar has been fine in his role but his role only exist because we have prioritized playing young perimter players. I am sure that if you ask Derozan what role he plays on a team he won't say "small ball 4" :lol

I have no idea what LMA would prefer to do on a basketball court but judging by his effort and body language it's definitely NOT set one screen and shoot a long two. Also now that we play small he is the lone big on the floor for the first time in his career, meaning he is the lone guy to do all the big "dirty" work...another thing judging by his effor and body language he is not a fan of doing.

[John B]

Technical, on the face

[John B]

That's head. Technical!

[Uriel]

Lee looks like Captain Jack Sparrow.

[John B]

Flagrant 2

[Mugen]

Thats a flagrant tbh.

[BillMc]

Did we ever lead in this game? Or was it a wire-to-wire loss? I think it was.

[Uriel]

That's a flagrant.

[Robz4000]

Kick his ass out.

[tmtcsc]

Keldon has been a disaster tonight, really could have used a big game out of him in a game like tonight. Disappointed he didn’t step up

Yep. Unusual for him effort wise.

[Mugen]

That's a flagrant 2 tbh

[Robz4000]

Did we ever lead in this game? Or was it a wire-to-wire loss? I think it was.

Yeah, Spurs never led. Game was basically over a few minutes into it.

[tmtcsc]

Jackass is laughing like he didn't deserve a flagrant 2. Someone needs to teach him the rules.

[Uriel]

GTFO Lee.

[SpurPadre]

Keldon got one of those "Welcome to the NBA, kid" games tonight. He was due for a rude awakening like this, tbh.

[tmtcsc]

Did we ever lead in this game? Or was it a wire-to-wire loss? I think it was.

No. They cut a large deficit to 5 in the first half & then the Warriors got their starters back in the game and went on a 16-0 run I think.

[John B]

Just keep attacking the rim. Something good will happen

[John B]

Finish that Lonnie!

[tmtcsc]

Geezus. Lonnie can't make layups. Been a ghost tonight.

[John B]

Geezus. Lonnie can't make layups. Been a ghost tonight.
He needs to dunk those

[John B]

Watching clips of Curry just toying on Lonnie, Geez

[Mugen]

Man, Lonnie just hasnt been good lately. Not sure if it's the hand, Derozan coming back or both. Sucks as he looked pretty damn dynamite in those two Derozan-less games.

[BillMc]

I wonder if Jakob ever practices free throws. I mean, honestly.

[YoungbuckMurray]

God Lonnie is trash

[duncan2k5]

This team is so fucking awful. GS played a little more aggressive on defense than the Spurs have seen as of late & the Spurs went in to a shell. Got scared. Even KJ. Worst game I've seen him play in a long time. It's games like this that bring me back to reality just when I start to think they might be in the mix. They aren't. By the end of the season, talented teams will get their acts together & the Spurs will be on the outside looking in again.

There's no excuse for being so damn soft and passive. Who is there to keep the vets accountable? Not Pop. He shrivels at the thought of confronting Aldridge and Derozan. We desperately need a player like Draymond Green to get in teammates faces.

I been saying this from the beginning and ppl have been attacking me because I don't fall for the occasional good game by DeMar and Aldridge...it's exactly what u said...we are a bad team...and every now and then, bad teams beat good teams...the Cavs just beat the Nets...no one in their right mind thinks the Cavs will make the playoffs...but Spurs fans are so blinded that if we beat the Nets, many ppl on here will think we are close to being contenders

[John B]

Lonnie doesn't even bother Curry. It all starts with Curry. I think Vassell can do a better job and slowly down Curry.

[Dejounte]

Geezus. Lonnie can't make layups. Been a ghost tonight.

I've been neutral on Lonnie but dude needs to fucking wake up. One of the most frustrating nights for him. Soo fucking passive. Any excuses for him is invalid tonight.

[trypldubl]

The roster isn’t even bad defensively. It’s more so that dumbass scheme Pop runs. His scheme will give up open 3’s each time and live with it. This isn’t 2005.

Right? Teams like the mavs and jazz know how to attack the scheme and get those open 3's. Spurs just hope that the other team is not shooting a decent percentage when they play. This whole help defense especially with smaller guards like patty are no help.

[duncan2k5]

Wonder if Aldridge's passiveness has something to do with the fact that the team tried to trade him in the summer. He just looks unmotivated at this point.

No...it's because he doesn't wanna be here and is tired of pretending

[John B]

Lonnie is always late whoever he's defending

[Mugen]

:lol how deflating must it be for these guys to come out of a timeout only for Pop to draw up a post up for Rudy

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

We need to rack up these losses for that high draft pick anyway. LMAO

i’m laughing to keep from punching a hole in my wall.

[tmtcsc]

Wonder if Aldridge's passiveness has something to do with the fact that the team tried to trade him in the summer. He just looks unmotivated at this point.

Unfortunately it has everything to do with him being Lamarcus Aldridge. Talented but unmotivated malcontent. He's trash.

[SpurPadre]

LMA must have been told by the team that he was probably heading to the Dubs prior to Klay's injury. That must low key be bothering him.

[Ice009]

Man, Lonnie just hasnt been good lately. Not sure if it's the hand, Derozan coming back or both. Sucks as he looked pretty damn dynamite in those two Derozan-less games.

I wonder what the story is with Lonnie. He looks terrible out there. Is it the hand, or is he just gone back to being ultra passive with DeRozen back?

[Barfunk]

Just don't like the way Pop coaches this team :-/

[ace3g]

6:01 - 4th


1
2
3
4
T


SA
24
21
26
15
86


GS
36
28
26
14
104

[Ice009]

I wonder if Jakob ever practices free throws. I mean, honestly.

He gets paid too much to practice them.

[spurs1990]

Looking at the boxscore. Spurs 3-29 shooting from 3. Really did they forget how to shoot

[duncan2k5]

Man, Lonnie just hasnt been good lately. Not sure if it's the hand, Derozan coming back or both. Sucks as he looked pretty damn dynamite in those two Derozan-less games.

It's DeRozan...he just doesn't make players better because of his style of play and emotions

[John B]

Spurs are terrible this year on closing on 3's tbh

[Degoat]

I doubt it happens but as soon as Dwhite is back I really hope he replaces Lonnie in the starting lineup

[tmtcsc]

Lonnie is always late whoever he's defending

He, Aldridge and Derozan are our worst defenders. Lonnie just shows up whenever he feels like it & its rarely on defense. He's another head case. Fuck this team.

[Barfunk]

:pop: Basketball is not important

[John B]

See, that should get him moving. Just attack the rim. Lonnie doesn't, maybe 2 times?

[Uriel]

I think it's just one of those games where we can't get any shot to go. It happens. Burn the tape and move on.

[duncan2k5]

LMA must have been told by the team that he was probably heading to the Dubs prior to Klay's injury. That must low key be bothering him.
No...he WANTS to leave...he is just pouting that he still has to be here...similar to Harden in Houston

[tmtcsc]

Just going through the motions now so they can get to the hotel or plane. SMH

[SpurPadre]

I doubt it happens but as soon as Dwhite is back I really hope he replaces Lonnie in the starting lineup

White also needs to prove he's not made of glass.

[Mugen]

I hate Lyles so fucking much :lol

[John B]

Vassell needs to take Lonnie's starting role. Lonnie needs touches in 2nd unit tbh

[John B]

Vassell looks more polished than Lonnie tbh.

[cd98]

Spurs just had an off night. No need to read too much into this game.

[SpurPadre]

No...he WANTS to leave...he is just pouting that he still has to be here...similar to Harden in Houston

I mean, it's bothering him that they still couldn't move him.

[tim_duncan_fan]

Alright.

Back to campaigning for a high draft pick. Making the playoffs with this group still wouldn't be worth not getting into the lotto.

In that sense, I am not mad at this loss.

[BillMc]

He gets paid too much to practice them.

Shaq syndrome

[BlackAndWhite]

This game was all around horrific

[J_Paco]

Starters, minus DeJounte, were terrible all night, defense has been flat (especially LaMarcus) & the team couldn't buy a basket.

Team needs Derrick back in the worst way and maybe a trade to shake up the veterans. LaMarcus looked completely apathetic and lethargic out there.

Pop also needs to adjust how he plays Draymond Green (in the future). The guy is terrible on offense, should be ignored when on the perimeter and forced to score when he drives.

[Barfunk]

3/31 on threes smh

[RC_Drunkford]

Vassell needs to take Lonnie's starting role. Lonnie needs touches in 2nd unit tbh

Lonnie won’t get touches in the 2nd unit with Mills and Gay chucking

[Mugen]

Type of game that'll be good in the long run tbh. Just a welcome reminder that Derozan and LA shouldn't be long term options for this team.

[Dejounte]

Alright.

Back to campaigning for a high draft pick. Making the playoffs with this group still wouldn't be worth not getting into the lotto.

In that sense, I am not mad at this loss.

Good luck hoping for that. They're not bad enough to be a team that will get a top 10 pick, and you know it. Not even after tonight. The team's floor is a 15th pick. They're not going to be a bottom 10 team.

[DAF86]

The Warriors are going to kick ass next season if they can replace Wiggins with a 3 and D guy.

[Ice009]

I doubt it happens but as soon as Dwhite is back I really hope he replaces Lonnie in the starting lineup

Well, no. White needs to show he's not fragile as fuck, first, before getting back into the starting line-up.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Alright.

Back to campaigning for a high draft pick. Making the playoffs with this group still wouldn't be worth not getting into the lotto.

In that sense, I am not mad at this loss.


exactly.

we have some solid young guys but no star. Hopefully we can draft a star player in the upcoming draft. Especially a big guy

[John B]

I think Tre could have done a better job on Curry than Lonnie

[YoungbuckMurray]

I doubt it happens but as soon as Dwhite is back I really hope he replaces Lonnie in the starting lineup

It would make sense since Lonnie is not capable of playing when DD is starting with him.

[J_Paco]

I wonder what the story is with Lonnie. He looks terrible out there. Is it the hand, or is he just gone back to being ultra passive with DeRozen back?
Keldon & Lonnie have both been shaky lately, but that is a given with how young both are and Lonnie dealing with that hand injury.

They both need Derrick back and Lonnie needs to play with the same aggressiveness/swagger of that two game stretch.

[spurraider21]

Keldon/Lonnie/Vassell combining for 4/23 from the field

[John B]

Vassell should start!

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

I like that Keldon is running the pick and roll with the clean up crew. I also like that Devin Vassell is still playing hard

[John B]

At least Vassell has his hands in there. Not Lonnie, who's left behind

[siraulo23]

Yikes, didnt watch the 2nd half tbh

[ace3g]

outscored in the final 6 minutes of the quarter again....

Final


1
2
3
4
T


SA
24
21
26
28
99


GS
36
28
26
31
121

[J_Paco]

Good luck hoping for that. They're not bad enough to be a team that will get a top 10 pick, and you know it. Not even after tonight. The team's floor is a 15th pick. They're not going to be a bottom 10 team.

The 2021 class is loaded with talent and the team could conceivably find a wing/combo forward that could be a huge difference maker in the late lottery. It is also guard/wing heavy, so the other lottery teams could pass up bigs for guard & wing talent.

Evan Mobley is the dream, obviously, but he'll probably be going top 4 and the Spurs will likely not land a pick that high.

Well, that game was a stinker, the Spurs need to forget it which sucks coming off that solid win against Portland. Oh well, on to the Mavericks on Friday.

[John B]

Vassell has to start. He is ready. And it would give Lonnie more touches with the 2nd unit. Lonnie is just lost with Demar in there

[BillMc]

Luka can't get in down 20 with a minute to go. Bad sign

[John B]

Lonnie won’t get touches in the 2nd unit with Mills and Gay chucking
Well at least he's a 3rd option with the 2nd unit. He's 5th with the starters. And Vassel compliments better a much natural 2way SG than Lonnie.

[Dejounte]

Luka can't get in down 20 with a minute to go. Bad sign

He's not with the team due to an illness. He hasn't been with the team for at least a week

[Dejounte]

The 2021 class is loaded with talent and the team could conceivably find a wing/combo forward that could be a huge difference maker in the late lottery. It is also guard/wing heavy, so the other lottery teams could pass up bigs for guard & wing talent.

For sure, I'm not crying about where we're going to be positioned. The Spurs almost always end up with a good pick. They should be trusted in that regard at this point.

[BillMc]

Everyone talks about those "great" 2 games Lonnie had on offense without DeMar, but it is his defense that has me wanting him benched behind Devin.

Honestly, Forbes was not much of a worse defender than Lonnie and more consistent on offense. I'm sure I'll be banned for saying it. :lol

[John B]

He's not with the team due to an illness. He hasn't been with the team for at least a week
they're getting Lyles started. I'm okay with it. Luka is a project that really couldn't help this year. I can't believe I'm saying it, but Lyles has more value at this time.

[BillMc]

He's not with the team due to an illness. He hasn't been with the team for at least a week

Really? My bad.

[ace3g]

...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EsO2zBgXEAciSes?format=png&name=large

[Degoat]

Everyone talks about those "great" 2 games Lonnie had on offense without DeMar, but it is his defense that has me wanting him benched behind Devin.

Honestly, Forbes was not much of a worse defender than Lonnie and more consistent on offense. I'm sure I'll be banned for saying it. :lol

I was gonna say that as well, Forbes at least would try, Lonnie looks completely lost out there.

[Dejounte]

Everyone talks about those "great" 2 games Lonnie had on offense without DeMar, but it is his defense that has me wanting him benched behind Devin.

Honestly, Forbes was not much of a worse defender than Lonnie and more consistent on offense. I'm sure I'll be banned for saying it. :lol

He's literally Bryn Forbes on defense. His matchup doesn't feel him at all.

[spurraider21]

three pointers:

Lonnie has made 2 of his last 13

Keldon has made 4 of his last 17

Derozan has made 2 of his last 14 (after that one game where he hit 3)

Dejounte has made 4 of his last 20

Aldridge has made 4 of his last 20

Vassell has made 4 of his last 19

Patty has made 14 of his last 50

[John B]

The 1st 3 possessions summed it up, Keldon missing 3 shots.
I don't know why Demar didn't set it up with Aldridge. It worked so well last time, and would've pulled Wiseman out

[Mugen]

three pointers:

Lonnie has made 2 of his last 13

Keldon has made 4 of his last 17

Derozan has made 2 of his last 14 (after that one game where he hit 3)

Dejounte has made 4 of his last 20

Aldridge has made 4 of his last 20

Vassell has made 4 of his last 19

Patty has made 14 of his last 50

Fuckin' Chip

[John B]

...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EsO2zBgXEAciSes?format=png&name=large

F*ck just like that and we're 8 place. And you know Mavs and Nuggets will be better. Geez

[ace3g]

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
25
3-8
0-1
9-9
1
1
2
3
1
0
2
3
-16
15


K. Johnson (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4395723/keldon-johnson)SF
27
2-12
0-3
8-11
2
6
8
3
0
0
1
1
-14
12


L. Aldridge (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2983/lamarcus-aldridge)C
23
2-8
0-3
0-0
1
2
3
0
0
1
0
1
-18
4


D. Murray (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3907497/dejounte-murray)PG
30
9-16
1-6
3-3
1
5
6
3
2
0
0
2
-28
22


L. Walker IV (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4277890/lonnie-walker-iv)SG
25
1-6
1-4
0-0
0
3
3
0
0
0
1
1
-18
3


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


T. Lyles (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3136196/trey-lyles)PF
12
2-5
0-3
1-2
1
2
3
0
0
0
0
0
+6
5


R. Gay (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3005/rudy-gay)SF
19
5-9
0-1
1-1
1
8
9
3
0
0
2
3
+0
11


J. Poeltl (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3134908/jakob-poeltl)C
25
5-9
0-0
0-1
3
2
5
0
0
0
2
1
-4
10


P. Mills (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4004/patty-mills)PG
24
3-11
0-7
0-0
0
1
1
3
2
0
1
0
-5
6


T. Jones (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4395626/tre-jones)PG
5
1-2
1-1
0-0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
+1
3


D. Vassell (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4395630/devin-vassell)SG
27
2-8
1-4
3-4
2
1
3
2
2
1
0
3
-14
8


L. Samanic (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4423309/luka-samanic)PF
DNP-COACH'S DECISION


TEAM

35-94
4-33
25-31
12
31
43
17
7
2
10
15

99




37.2%
12.1%
80.6%

[RC_Drunkford]

Well at least he's a 3rd option with the 2nd unit. He's 5th with the starters. And Vassel compliments better a much natural 2way SG than Lonnie.

I actually said Vassell should start before the season even started, so it’s not like I’m disagreeing. It’s just that Pop has to run plays for Lonnie and get him the ball, especially when he runs with the 2nd unit. I just don’t see it happening though

[John B]

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
25
3-8
0-1
9-9
1
1
2
3
1
0
2
3
-16
15


K. Johnson (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4395723/keldon-johnson)SF
27
2-12
0-3
8-11
2
6
8
3
0
0
1
1
-14
12


L. Aldridge (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2983/lamarcus-aldridge)C
23
2-8
0-3
0-0
1
2
3
0
0
1
0
1
-18
4


D. Murray (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3907497/dejounte-murray)PG
30
9-16
1-6
3-3
1
5
6
3
2
0
0
2
-28
22


L. Walker IV (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4277890/lonnie-walker-iv)SG
25
1-6
1-4
0-0
0
3
3
0
0
0
1
1
-18
3


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


T. Lyles (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3136196/trey-lyles)PF
12
2-5
0-3
1-2
1
2
3
0
0
0
0
0
+6
5


R. Gay (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3005/rudy-gay)SF
19
5-9
0-1
1-1
1
8
9
3
0
0
2
3
+0
11


J. Poeltl (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3134908/jakob-poeltl)C
25
5-9
0-0
0-1
3
2
5
0
0
0
2
1
-4
10


P. Mills (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4004/patty-mills)PG
24
3-11
0-7
0-0
0
1
1
3
2
0
1
0
-5
6


T. Jones (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4395626/tre-jones)PG
5
1-2
1-1
0-0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
+1
3


D. Vassell (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4395630/devin-vassell)SG
27
2-8
1-4
3-4
2
1
3
2
2
1
0
3
-14
8


L. Samanic (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4423309/luka-samanic)PF
DNP-COACH'S DECISION


TEAM

35-94
4-33
25-31
12
31
43
17
7
2
10
15

99




37.2%
12.1%
80.6%







Lyles has the highest +/- :lmao:lmao:lmao

[poopbox]

Good luck hoping for that. They're not bad enough to be a team that will get a top 10 pick, and you know it. Not even after tonight. The team's floor is a 15th pick. They're not going to be a bottom 10 team.

Luckily for us the guy we would select at 15 would be a big, and would already be a more modern nba player than LMA is right now...

The good part about having an absolutely trash player is that you don't have to invest very much in replacing him and making your team better...

[Mugen]

Spurs could have used their best player tonight tbh. Could have only lost by 15 :lol

[ace3g]

Lyles has the highest +/- :lmao:lmao:lmao

He was probably playing the first 6 minutes of quarters 2-4 when we were outscoring the Warriors.

[J_Paco]

Everyone talks about those "great" 2 games Lonnie had on offense without DeMar, but it is his defense that has me wanting him benched behind Devin.

Honestly, Forbes was not much of a worse defender than Lonnie and more consistent on offense. I'm sure I'll be banned for saying it. :lol

It is consistently pointed out by timvp that Lonnie isn't there on the defensive end. Clearly, Vassell has the better instincts and feel on defense where as Lonnie is clearly out there "thinking the game" which leads to slow rotations and missed assignments.

Hopefully he'll improve on that end but his offense and three-point shooting are his strengths. Which is something he needs to continue to be aggressive with and stop defering to LaMarcus & DeMar so often.

Even DeJounte has learned to be aggressive, don't be afraid to (look to) score with them on the floor and remain in attack mode. His offense (DeJounte's) was the only bright spot in a completely dogshit effort and game.

[TheGreatYacht]

Right? Teams like the mavs and jazz know how to attack the scheme and get those open 3's. Spurs just hope that the other team is not shooting a decent percentage when they play. This whole help defense especially with smaller guards like patty are no help.
You need to post more tbh :tu

[Dejounte]

Luckily for us the guy we would select at 15 would be a big, and would already be a more modern nba player than LMA is right now...

The good part about having an absolutely trash player is that you don't have to invest very much in replacing him and making your team better...

All Aldridge needed to do was put a body on Wiseman. He made awful reads, letting himself get distracted by the guard attacking the basket, only to see the ball get passed to Wiseman for him to get butt fucked from behind.

[John B]

I actually said Vassell should start before the season even started, so it’s not like I’m disagreeing. It’s just that Pop has to run plays for Lonnie and get him the ball, especially when he runs with the 2nd unit. I just don’t see it happening though
Pop should really take notice. Lonnie was great without Demar and need to get Lonnie stay aggressive. And Vassell, the kid has shown composure and great great length defense. Murray/Vassell defense on backcourt would be crazy!

[John B]

All Aldridge needed to do was put a body on Wiseman. He made awful reads, letting himself get distracted by the guard attacking the basket, only to see the ball get passed to Wiseman for him to get butt fucked from behind.
Exactly. I don't know why he's helping when he can't even block the upcoming layup. Just boxout his guy, and let Vassell and DJ catch his guy.

[Dejounte]

Biggest test of the season. Bigger than the Laker games. The Warriors do what the Spurs are trying to do and are more experienced at it. I honestly think it's a loss just because I think Curry is an insane player who runs circles around everybody.

Knew this would be a loss. Warriors are accustomed to our style of play, and their experience playing that ball movement game led by Dray and Curry was just too much for our guys to handle. They're too sharp.

[poopbox]

All Aldridge needed to do was put a body on Wiseman. He made awful reads, letting himself get distracted by the guard attacking the basket, only to see the ball get passed to Wiseman for him to get butt fucked from behind.

Yeah he made the same mistakes on defense that he makes ever game. Cause that it the type of player he is. To point out what LMA did wrong in this game is to point out what he does wrong in like 80% of the games he plays...pretty much every game that is not against portland or whatever team steven adams plays for :lol

[Atl Spur]

Pop has Lonnie starting, there’s no greater vote of confidence! If he blows it that’s on him!! Got to grow the hell up and be a player.

[Dejounte]

Lonnie's got Luka's beta personality. There, I said it.

[John B]

Knew this would be a loss. Warriors are accustomed to our style of play, and their experience playing that ball movement game led by Dray and Curry was just too much for our guys to handle. They're too sharp.
The thing is, Spurs also know how Warriors play. They practiced so hard in the playoffs to switch on Curry and have the bigs stand with hands raised high.
Spurs are just terrible at protecting the 3's this year. We've seen it with against Lakers with open 3's, against Jazz open 3's.

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/PaulGarciaNBA/status/1352130032722972672?s=19

[Dejounte]

The thing is, Spurs also know how Warriors play. They practiced so hard in the playoffs to switch on Curry and have the bigs stand with hands raised high.
Spurs are just terrible at protecting the 3's this year. We've seen it with against Lakers with open 3's, against Jazz open 3's.

Meh I don't think 3s were the issue tonight than it was the easy looks they got at the rim when someone penetrated. On other nights, sure. I felt I saw a lot of those 3s by the Warriors were contested.

[J_Paco]

All Aldridge needed to do was put a body on Wiseman. He made awful reads, letting himself get distracted by the guard attacking the basket, only to see the ball get passed to Wiseman for him to get butt fucked from behind.

It wasn't even a guard most of the time, but Draymond lobbing to him off the short roll when LaMarcus would over commit to his drives.

As if Draymond is even an offensive threat anymore. He is the weak link and should been ignored or had his man (Keldon or DeMar) roaming/helping on Curry/Wiseman.

The defensive strategy was complete shit, tonight. Hopefully Pop adjusts next time and doesn't show Draymond nearly as much respect (even if he's making shots).

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/PaulGarciaNBA/status/1352130604977029125?s=09

[Dejounte]

Any athletic big could have feasted tonight against the Spurs. I don't think anything what Wiseman did tonight was special.

[Dejounte]

Aldridge's consistently low minutes per game and benching gives me hope. Hoping he fades into obscurity.

[J_Paco]

Lonnie's got Luka's beta personality. There, I said it.

You gotta explain what this means. I agree that Lonnie doesn't have that "dog" in him like DeJounte or Keldon, but neither did Derrick prior to the bubble last season. When he - all of a sudden - got over his bouts of passivity and played like he knew he is a NBA - level player.

Clearly, Lonnie is still finding himself and being 3rd, 4th or 5th on the pecking order along with his wavering confidence and bouts of passivity make it frustrating to watch. We still gotta give him time, though, because if he totally clicks the tools are there for him to be a 18 - 20 PPG scorer.

His defense being suspect at times and wavering in quality from game to game is a lot more concerning, IMO. He needs to get better at that end or it'll cost him time or minutes at the end of games.

[Dejounte]

You gotta explain what this means. I agree that Lonnie doesn't have that "dog" in him like DeJounte or Keldon, but neither did Derrick prior to the bubble last season. When he - all of a sudden - got over his bouts of passivity and played like he knew he is a NBA - level player.

Clearly, Lonnie is still finding himself and being 3rd, 4th or 5th on the pecking order along with his wavering confidence and bouts of passivity make it frustrating to watch. We still gotta give him time, though, because if he totally clicks the tools are there for him to be a 18 - 20 PPG scorer.

His defense being suspect at times and wavering in quality from game to game is a lot more concerning, IMO. He needs to get better at that end or it'll cost him time or minutes at the end of games.

It's a frustrating night that's making me say some shit I don't mean. I know Lonnie can be a good scorer. I just don't understand how you can back out of the moment when you've tasted it like he has. Saying it's because of DeMar is BS also, because he's acknowledged when he's played passive and "how he wants to change that" phrase he conveniently says whenever he has a good game. He's just prone to be the "nice guy" again every 3 games or so. I'm not sure it's just another White situation, since White's bball IQ compensates for a lot of his deficiencies as an aggressor. Even when White is playing passive, he's playing good.

[Degoat]

Yeah basically DWhite & Vassell have amazing basketball instincts/IQ
DJ and Keldon have a competitive fire in them
Lonnie if he isn’t scoring just looks lost imo I still think he could be special but he’s gotta be more consistent

[Dejounte]

https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/stephen-curry-of-the-golden-state-warriors-shoots-the-ball-during-the-picture-id1230705479?s=2048x2048

Someone's GOT to use this pic of Vassell and photoshop it... C'mon

[J_Paco]

It's a frustrating night that's making me say some shit I don't mean. I know Lonnie can be a good scorer. I just don't understand how you can back out of the moment when you've tasted it like he has. Saying it's because of DeMar is BS also, because he's acknowledged when he's played passive and "how he wants to change that" phrase he conveniently says whenever he has a good game. He's just prone to be the "nice guy" again every 3 games or so. I'm not sure it's just another White situation, since White's bball IQ compensates for a lot of his deficiencies as an aggressor. Even when White is playing passive, he's playing good.

True, agreed on all points but (even though he was a late bloomer) Derrick came in a 4 - year college player and more NBA ready than Lonnie. Lonnie wasn't considered a "project" in the truest sense of the word (like DeJounte and Luka), but he had a lot of holes in his game that led to him falling to us (as well as the knee issue).

And I do think the excuses will have to go away eventually, but he's playing in the starting lineup with two ball - dominant veterans and two other youngsters that also need touches.

He just needs to learn when to pick his spots better and to remain in attack mode/aggressive throughout games. Deferring and passing up good looks for low - percentage or contested shots isn't helping anyone.

And his issues with finishing inside are starting to creep up, again. Not sure how he can improve there but he needs to become a much, much better finisher. It is disappointing how many points he leaves on the court missing from close range.

[Dejounte]

True, agreed on all points but (even though he was a late bloomer) Derrick came in a 4 - year college player and more NBA ready than Lonnie. Lonnie wasn't considered a "project" in the truest sense of the word (like DeJounte and Luka), but he had a lot of holes in his game that led to him falling to us (as well as the knee issue).

And I do think the excuses will have to go away eventually, but he's playing in the starting lineup with two ball - dominant veterans and two other youngsters that also need touches.

He just needs to learn when to pick his spots better and to remain in attack mode/aggressive throughout games. Deferring and passing up good looks for low - percentage or contested shots isn't helping anyone.

And his issues with finishing inside are starting to creep up, again. Not sure how he can improve there but he needs to become a much, much better finisher. It is disappointing how many points he leaves on the court missing from close range.

I'm aware of who he plays with

But you can't tell me it's their fault when Lonnie gets passed the ball, dribbles three times, meets LITTLE resistance, proceeds to pick up the ball and passes it to someone else. I can count at least three instances he did that tonight. No one is telling you to pass the ball back. You earned clout two games ago by scoring 30 pts. Size your fucking man up and attack the basket. It's all Keldon does right now and he's playing with the same players Lonnie is. He's been terrible at it too but he keeps doing it anyway. There's nothing stopping Lonnie but Lonnie. I honestly think it's because he's not confident in his ball handling.

[duncan2k5]

they're getting Lyles started. I'm okay with it. Luka is a project that really couldn't help this year. I can't believe I'm saying it, but Lyles has more value at this time.

Ur only saying that because we don't see Luka at all...and when we do it's for short stints...remember when y'all used to say the same thing about White until he got consistent playing time when ppl got injured and y'all saw he was actually good? We have no idea how good Luka can be because he doesn't play...so all we can do is judge him based on the 2 times a year he gets in the game for 5 minutes

[PhantomDashCam]

Watched the game on delay due to work, going to give my thoughts FWIW.

- Cool Hand Luke (Lonnie)

Is the injured left hand/thumb causing Lonnie issues? We better hope so as the kid has had a tough 3 game stretch, looks lost out there, second guessing himself, passive etc. I’m genuinely concerned.

- Vertical Spacing/ Dunkers spot

Are the Spurs the worst team in this modern era of defending elite athletic bigs at the rim? I mean seriously, give up a mid range two, a contested floater or 3 - you just can’t continually get abused on that play.

- DDR slumping since hiatus. 3 games of the 4 DDR has played since returning from visiting his ill father have been the worst stretch of ball he’s played this year. Wishing him well through an undeniably tough period.

On to the next one.

[tim_duncan_fan]

Good luck hoping for that. They're not bad enough to be a team that will get a top 10 pick, and you know it. Not even after tonight. The team's floor is a 15th pick. They're not going to be a bottom 10 team.

I don't know, bro. There is so much inconsistency.

I wouldn't be so agitated with the loss if some combo of Keldon/Lonnie/Vassell had balled out, but we waste a ton of time and shots not getting them opportunities and right now that's who I tune in for. If they are not going to ball out, I need to be able to draft someone who will.

It's funny, but I didn't mention DJ because his 18-20 and some boards and some assists are old hat to me now, which is good. One less thing to bitch about lol

Overall, we absolutely do not need to be a non-contending playoff team. We need to either get more out of these young guys so that we are actually formidable, or actually lose enough to get better that way. Middling is a no-no.

In any case, Vassals and Keldon need to shoot more. They can't subject me to Demarr/Patty/LA ball AND lose on top of that boredom. It ain't right.

Run plays for Keldon and Vassell or tank.

[Arcadian]

https://twitter.com/PaulGarciaNBA/status/1352130604977029125?s=09

When you look at the fluctuations in the data over time, that's clearly not a linear trend. It goes up first, then down. It's more curvilinear.

[ragas]

three pointers:

Lonnie has made 2 of his last 13

Keldon has made 4 of his last 17

Derozan has made 2 of his last 14 (after that one game where he hit 3)

Dejounte has made 4 of his last 20

Aldridge has made 4 of his last 20

Vassell has made 4 of his last 19

Patty has made 14 of his last 50

At this point Poeltl should start shooting 3s. It can't get worse :lol

[ragas]

The 2021 class is loaded with talent and the team could conceivably find a wing/combo forward that could be a huge difference maker in the late lottery. It is also guard/wing heavy, so the other lottery teams could pass up bigs for guard & wing talent.

Evan Mobley is the dream, obviously, but he'll probably be going top 4 and the Spurs will likely not land a pick that high.

Well, that game was a stinker, the Spurs need to forget it which sucks coming off that solid win against Portland. Oh well, on to the Mavericks on Friday.

I'm not so sure about Mobley. To be clear: He has nice skills, but - I don't know - everytime I see him play I'm not fully convinced. He is very, very raw, thin and I really don't like his effort and body language so far. At the moment I would prefer guys like Greg Brown or Kai Jones. Brown is expected to be in the mid/late lottery, Jones probably in the late first round.

[Dejounte]

I don't know, bro. There is so much inconsistency.

I wouldn't be so agitated with the loss if some combo of Keldon/Lonnie/Vassell had balled out, but we waste a ton of time and shots not getting them opportunities and right now that's who I tune in for. If they are not going to ball out, I need to be able to draft someone who will.

It's funny, but I didn't mention DJ because his 18-20 and some boards and some assists are old hat to me now, which is good. One less thing to bitch about lol

Overall, we absolutely do not need to be a non-contending playoff team. We need to either get more out of these young guys so that we are actually formidable, or actually lose enough to get better that way. Middling is a no-no.

In any case, Vassals and Keldon need to shoot more. They can't subject me to Demarr/Patty/LA ball AND lose on top of that boredom. It ain't right.

Run plays for Keldon and Vassell or tank.

I'm not arguing the merits of how useful a high draft pick would be.

I'm mainly looking at things with a realistic perspective.

As you said, the team is inconsistent. By definition, that means on some nights they are good and some nights they are bad. And that's exactly what I'm alluding to... We know enough about the team to say that it's at worst the 15th best team in the league/ or a .500 team at its least.

We know enough about the players and coach won't suddenly change their competitive nature and suddenly do things to signal a tank. 15 games in, we almost know what we have outside of what White will bring. We know at this point the team isn't going to be consistently bad-- they just won't be.

To hope this team will now tank is asinine and all but a dream. It's a waste of time.

Your only hope now is having one or two additional key players get injured.

[r0drig0lac]

Demar is just a loser, but he sure worked hard to evolve your game, Aldridge is just a waste of talent.

[EasyMoney]

Demar is just a loser, but he sure worked hard to evolve your game, Aldridge is just a waste of talent.



Max Kellerman said it best 5 years ago. He's just not a guy that can help you win a title.

[Thomas82]

LMA must have been told by the team that he was probably heading to the Dubs prior to Klay's injury. That must low key be bothering him.


No...he WANTS to leave...he is just pouting that he still has to be here...similar to Harden in Houston

This is why we should have traded him in 2017, the first time he asked for one.

[RD2191]

Fuck the Spurms. I finally defend these asshats and they lay a fucking egg. Smh. Also LMA and DDR are losers, always have been and always will be. Idgaf what any stats say, the Spurs will never win shit with those clowns leading this team. The only thing they're doing right now is holding the young guys back from developing.

[Dejounte]

Fuck the Spurms. I finally defend these asshats and they lay a fucking egg. Smh. Also LMA and DDR are losers, always have been and always will be. Idgaf what any stats say, the Spurs will never win shit with those clowns leading this team. The only thing they're doing right now is holding the young guys back from developing.

Go back to hating on the Spurs and we'll start winning again. Do your fucking job, RD.

[RD2191]

Go back to hating on the Spurs and we'll start winning again. Do your fucking job, RD.

Sigh. The ol reverse jinx ey? :lol

[Sugus]

This game is bound to be a blast, tbh. Golden State is a really fun team to watch this season, as are the Spurs, both teams with their mix of stars (or quasi-stars in our case :lol) and young guys that are improving on the go. I'll predict the Spurs to win by about 7 points.

Things to look forward to:

- Can the Spurs contain Steph? He'll probably be mainly guarded by Dejounte, but I don't like DJ in this matchup, since he's much better at playing passing lanes or disrupting offenses than he is chasing someone like Steph through screens and around the court. This would be an EXCELLENT time to really throw Vassell into the fire - he's great at slipping through screens and has the speed that is required to keep up with Curry. We'll see what Pop does.

- A real test for Keldon. He'll probably be matched up against Draymond tonight, and Green, while a shell of himself on offense, is still a very productive and savvy defensive presence, and he'll give Keldon trouble. Can our star-in-the-making power (and finesse) through the challenge and score at will? Or will he be looking at a 2-7 FG outing?

- Wiseman. He's young, raw, and god damned good. He'll be trouble for LMA, for sure, and also a problem for our guards on defense with his length and athleticism. He's also a good rebounder, so the Spurs will have to rely on another beasting night from Poeltl if they want to win the battle on the glass. Knowing GS, long rebounds instead of short ones at the rim will be key; the Spurs haven't shown much proficiency in learning to capitalize on these long rebounds so far, so I'm not too hopeful on this end. We'll see.

Lastly, I want to rant a little: this game starts way too late! Bill will laugh at me, I know he has it worse, but seriously, it'll be 12PM where I live (and tipoff is never on time, either). Folks gotta sleep, SMH. Go Spurs Go!

Welp. I got my answers, and they weren't pretty...

Bad game to have watched at my gf's, who I've been promising a good Spurs game for a while now. Chucky Mills shat the bed too, smh.

Spurs couldn't contain Steph whatsoever. Much of that is just on Steph being a godly player, but our defensive schemes were awful (as they've mostly been so far). Many people have said it already, but the attention given to Draymond on defense is wasted, whilst leaving shooters open and rotating slowly/badly held the Spurs from ever stopping the Warriors for enough time to get back into the game. Most of the game, we were simply trading buckets with them while down 20. Not a winning strategy.

Keldon didn't go 2-7... He went 2-12 :lol. I was expecting that kind of performance, somewhat, but he still had an awful game. He wasn't on offensively, and isn't good enough on D yet (especially help D) to make up for it when he can't get going. I thought he was especially timid until the game was already over, which is weird for him but understandable considering Draymond was checking him. By the by, Draymond's definitely staying with GSW, in case it wasn't already obvious. Guy is the perfect mentor for Wiseman, and they look to already have a great chemistry together both on and off-the-court.

Speaking of Wiseman... He was trouble for LMA. Too much so. LMA is just... Painful to watch at this point. I still can't believe Klay had to tear his god damned ACL the very same day that the draft was to be held, and the rumors were in full swing about a GS-Spurs trade being all but certain. Looks like a damn joke in retrospect - how could the Warriors have even considered getting this LMA? Lol. Anyways, he was killing us, and I agree with my guy Dejounte that what he was doing wasn't anything special to his game. We're gonna get pummeled by any half-decent starting big if this is the level of play we'll be getting from LMA night-in, night-out - and our interior defense collapsing spells trouble for the rest of the team, since they begin having to rotate and make reads on the fly, which most of the Spurs aren't good with. Recipe for disaster.

At this point, I'm hoping for a good few games from Mills, to ship him off wherever possible. Him being gone would open up that perfect bench SG spot for Lonnie to get some much-needed reps, touches, and to gain some confidence back. He's playing like a parody of himself, it's crazy to see. Once again, I can't help but wonder, does Pop really sit with him in film room and not tell him to pass out of every single drive? It can't be something that's missed, since it's painstakingly obvious, and can't be something that's so hard to fix that it's still happening this late (and this bad) into the season. Just unexplicable. Pop has to sit Lonnie and scream at him to not pass the ball whatsoever after a drive if he's already jumped to the rim, but I'm beginning to think that he likes to make Lonnie a "distributor". Maybe posters here are right, and he's already "ruined" Lonnie beyond repair...

Anyways, burn the tape kind of game. Can't win shit in 2021 making only 3 threes as a team. I doubt we'll shoot that badly again (crossing my fingers lol), but there were also systemic problems that have been plaguing the team the entire season, and the Warriors exposed last night. The team needs to get better, tbh, even if they end up failing to make the playoffs. Lack of effort should be inexcusable, no matter the game result.

[jbspurs]

At this point Poeltl should start shooting 3s. It can't get worse :lol


What's going on with Keldon 3pts shooting last few games? Most of it are not even close.. It wasn't like that beginning of the season. Same Jacob's FT'S, all of a sudden he looks so nervous shooting ft's. Maybe Chip tweaking their shooting form?

[r0drig0lac]

Knicks managed to build the best defense in the league without any of his lottery picks being the basis for that, extremely agile and aggressive defensively and with an underrated point forward that can do a little bit of everything out there, the start of SVG work is much better than expected.

[ducks]

Lonnie doesn't even bother Curry

Pop did not care about game mind was in dc

[emanueldavidginobili]

Knicks just beat the breaks off the Warriors tonight :lol:downspin:

[BillMc]

T

Lastly, I want to rant a little: this game starts way too late! Bill will laugh at me, I know he has it worse, but seriously, it'll be 12PM where I live (and tipoff is never on time, either). Folks gotta sleep, SMH. Go Spurs Go!

No laughing bro we're all in this together. :bobo The only thing this 5 AM games (for me) do is piss me off when the Spurs mail it in.

[LeBowen]

Knicks managed to build the best defense in the league without any of his lottery picks being the basis for that, extremely agile and aggressive defensively and with an underrated point forward that can do a little bit of everything out there, the start of SVG work is much better than expected.

SVG is in NOLA. :lol
But yeah, Thibs made them look like an actual NBA team. Good coaches get the best out of limited players.

[r0drig0lac]

SVG is in NOLA. :lol
But yeah, Thibs made them look like an actual NBA team. Good coaches get the best out of limited players.

lol yep, my bad