Game Thread: Spurs vs. Bulls — Fri. Jan. 28th, 2022 - 7:30pm CST

[BatManu20]

DeMar’s return to the Alamo City. I’m sure they’ll have a video tribute for him too :lol.

Go Bulls tbh. :flag:


https://www.nba.com/bulls/sites/bulls/files/mybulls_matchups1920_sas.jpg

[BatManu20]

1487055356148789253

[BatManu20]

Bulls have been struggling as of late. 4-6 in their last 10 games. They’re missing Lonzo. Spurs almost at full strength. Spurs victory incoming tbh.

[spurs10]

:flag:

[spurs10]

Bills have been struggling as of late. 4-6 in their last 10 games. They’re missing Lonzo. Spurs almost at full strength. Spurs victory incoming tbh. Their shoulder pads and helmets will slow them down. :tongue

[PhantomDashCam]

D. White Bobblehead night. Weird, can’t post link atm.

[BatManu20]

Their shoulder pads and helmets will slow them down. :tongue

Damn autocorrect :lol

[KingKev]

Bulls have been struggling as of late. 4-6 in their last 10 games. They’re missing Lonzo. Spurs almost at full strength. Spurs victory incoming tbh.

Struggling because they have been missing Zach Lavine, who returns from rest/nagging injury he has been playing through (at an All-NBA level) for quite some time. Hardly an easy win.

[KingKev]

1487055356148789253

Primo recalled.

[KingKev]

D. White Bobblehead night. Weird, can’t post link atm.

Is his bobblehead just an accurate 1:1 version of his own body? His bobblehead should be bigger than the average bobblehead.

[John B]

Spurs Injuries: Keith Bates-Diop (OUT — COVID)
Bulls Injuries: Patrick Williams (OUT — wrist), Alex Caruso (OUT — wrist), Lonzo Ball (OUT — torn meniscus), Derrick Jones Jr. (OUT — finger)

Again very winnable game, if Spurs play well. I hope to see Zollins tonight. Spurs by 8pts :flag::flag::flag:

[MannyIsGod]

Spurs are going to win this one, IMO. Bulls missing all of their defensive stoppers.

[baseline bum]

Damn, so Ball out for the season if it's meniscus?

[exstatic]

Damn, so Ball out for the season if it's meniscus?

Is this something new? The length of time, I mean. I remember this being a 8-10 week recovery. Wiseman has been out for 9 months.

[baseline bum]

Is this something new? The length of time, I mean. I remember this being a 8-10 week recovery. Wiseman has been out for 9 months.

I was remembering Tim's meniscus tear as being beginning of March 00 rather than when it actually happened in late April 00. Still, even with a summer to heal it killed Tim's athleticism and the injury pretty much wrecked Webber's and Brandon Roy's careers, so I hope the Bulls don't rush Ball back.

[KingKev]

Spurs Injuries: Keith Bates-Diop (OUT — COVID)
Bulls Injuries: Patrick Williams (OUT — wrist), Alex Caruso (OUT — wrist), Lonzo Ball (OUT — torn meniscus), Derrick Jones Jr. (OUT — finger)
Again very winnable game, if Spurs play well. I hope to see Zollins tonight. Spurs by 8pts :flag::flag::flag:

Zollins is in Austin

[KingKev]

Is this something new? The length of time, I mean. I remember this being a 8-10 week recovery. Wiseman has been out for 9 months.

Meniscus tears vary in severity. Wiseman had a cleanup surgery in December because ppl heal differently.

[Leetonidas]

Wonder if Demar will get the same type of ovation Patty did

[RC_Drunkford]

Let me guess: Game will be close, but the Spurs somehow find a way to lose it in the last 3 minutes. Get that L

[Leetonidas]

Let me guess: Game will be close, but the Spurs somehow find a way to lose it in the last 3 minutes. Get that L

Demar will brick a fadeaway jumper at the buzzer :lol




Final: Bulls 132 Spurs 110

[KingKev]

Demar will brick a fadeaway jumper at the buzzer :lol




Final: Bulls 132 Spurs 110

DDR is going to punish us. 35/6/6, 3/6 from long. Their 2nd round rookie PG outplays most of our squad.

[BatManu20]

Let me guess: Game will be close, but the Spurs somehow find a way to lose it in the last 3 minutes. Get that L

Spurs win tonight sadly with Chicago missing half their team. They’re not playing well right now.

[timtonymanu]

Keep the tank rolling

[KingKev]

Spurs win tonight sadly with Chicago missing half their team. They’re not playing well right now.

Zach Lavine has entered the chat.

[Robz4000]

Spurs win tonight sadly with Chicago missing half their team. They’re not playing well right now.

:lol Bulls by 20+

[Dex]

Happy for DeMar, tbh.

Dude never asked to come to San Antonio, but still came here and did his best to make it work. Gave the fans some great memories, embraced the team and the community, etc.

He's not a perfect player, but he was forced into a tough situation and the coaching staff never really built well around him.

He was a good Spur during his time here and should be commended for that. Glad to see him getting the recognition he deserves in Chicago.

[timtonymanu]

Happy for DeMar, tbh.

Dude never asked to come to San Antonio, but still came here and did his best to make it work. Gave the fans some great memories, embraced the team and the community, etc.

He's not a perfect player, but he was forced into a tough situation and the coaching staff never really built well around him.

He was a good Spur during his time here and should be commended for that. Glad to see him getting the recognition he deserves in Chicago.

It was a tough situation for him with high expectations. He had to carry the load that Nephew abandoned. It was ugly a lot of times but like you said, he was always a hard worker and never quit on the Spurs. Glad he appears to be so much happier and more comfortable in Chicago. It’s the closest he’s getting to reliving his Raptor days.

[RC_Drunkford]

Spurs win tonight sadly with Chicago missing half their team. They’re not playing well right now.

bro you say that everytime and we're like 3-12 or something ever since you started :lol

[PhantomDashCam]

1487196738037469188

[PhantomDashCam]

Is his bobblehead just an accurate 1:1 version of his own body? His bobblehead should be bigger than the average bobblehead.

Pretty close tbh. :lol

1487118338442645509

[NASpurs]

The man is already a walking bobble head. Didn't take much to make a scale model of him.

[KingKev]

Pretty close tbh. :lol

1487118338442645509

haha that bobblehead’s metrics are precise!!! Shoutout to D White. He’s a 70mm man and i’m talking sh!t on the internet.

[KingKev]

The man is already a walking bobble head. Didn't take much to make a scale model of him.

Bobblehead’s aren’t to scale.

[spurs1990]

They're not really gonna elaborately tribute Derozan tonight right. Like I'm gonna be curious what highlights they'll put in the 2min scoreboard video

[KingKev]

They're not really gonna elaborately tribute Derozan tonight right. Like I'm gonna be curious what highlights they'll put in the 2min scoreboard video

If LMA got 2 mins DDR gets 2mins. Current players and coach Pop speak his graces at every opportunity; unsolicited. Why is that? I’m not even a big DDR fan but c’mon.

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

bro you say that everytime and we're like 3-12 or something ever since you started :lol

don't jinx him brah

[emanueldavidginobili]

1487229755267198978

[spurs1990]

If LMA got 2 mins DDR gets 2mins. Current players and coach Pop speak his graces at every opportunity; unsolicited. Why is that? I’m not even a big DDR fan but c’mon.

I'd challenge you on the Aldridge/Derozan comparison take. The former was a highly sought after big time FA grab who chose San Antonio over LA and Phoenix. A guy who anchored a team that won 67 and 61 wins his first two years; who carried the load when Leonard quit and took the Spurs to that postseason. All four of his years the Spurs were in the playoffs. The fact that his tenure ended with an early release shouldn't cloud his earlier run.

But yeah no doubt he'll get his video tonight. But he's a guy who didn't want to be here before and after his Spurs years.
I very much hope he takes 10 3pt shots tonight to spite Popovich if indeed coach was one of the reasons he was allergic to that shot.

[emanueldavidginobili]

Bulls starting their rookie second round draft, and he's pretty fucking solid.

[TDomination]

I always the tribute videos, good stuff

[emanueldavidginobili]

If the bench comes to play they have a shot, Bulls have virtually no one outside of their starting lineup right now.

[Barfunk]

Spurs go up 20, Bulls then erupt for a 30 point swing in the 3rd and 4th quarters. Bulls by 10.

[emanueldavidginobili]

Friday night game against a good Bulls team with DeMar returning and this place looks empty.

[Barfunk]

Happy for DeMar, tbh.

Dude never asked to come to San Antonio, but still came here and did his best to make it work. Gave the fans some great memories, embraced the team and the community, etc.

He's not a perfect player, but he was forced into a tough situation and the coaching staff never really built well around him.

He was a good Spur during his time here and should be commended for that. Glad to see him getting the recognition he deserves in Chicago.

+1 Agree with this.

[KingKev]

I'd challenge you on the Aldridge/Derozan comparison take. The former was a highly sought after big time FA grab who chose San Antonio over LA and Phoenix. A guy who anchored a team that won 67 and 61 wins his first two years; who carried the load when Leonard quit and took the Spurs to that postseason. All four of his years the Spurs were in the playoffs. The fact that his tenure ended with an early release shouldn't cloud his earlier run.

But yeah no doubt he'll get his video tonight. But he's a guy who didn't want to be here before and after his Spurs years.
I very much hope he takes 10 3pt shots tonight to spite Popovich if indeed coach was one of the reasons he was allergic to that shot.

Both are rounding errors. I round down on both accounts, but if LMA gets 2 mins so does DDR. It is a low bar and we pride ourself on these moments, for better or worse

[Robz4000]

:lol looks like this will be over quick

[spurs1990]

Coach putting ebanks on Vucevic. How's he get away with this

[Leetonidas]

Primo sighting early

[SPURt]

Is “roll tide” the new “g’day mate” cringe phrase?

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/BallySportsSA/status/1487245131564691456

[Barfunk]

Murray is now a triple double threat in his sleep. Now he just needs to expand his scoring arsenal so he can be able to drop 35+ on a dime when need be.

[slick'81]

Murray just fucking with em

[spurs1990]

Murray may be the best Pac10 player the Spurs have had... catching up to Sean Elliott

[lefty20]

DD's shots aint even touching the rim, just straight up scorching the net.

[spurs1990]

If ya'll not watching the Bulls steam their announcers are hella complimentary towards the Spurs' players

[SPURt]

Sean told a story in relationship to player moves that other players need to be aware of. DeRozan’s double pump is why he was talking about it. He mentioned an obscure player that had a behind the back dribble that no one had seen. Did anyone catch who he was talking about?

[Rito3d30]

I'm really happy for DDR, also happier for the tank rolls on

[MannyIsGod]

Should trade Jakob just for his defense on that last possession.

[spurs1990]

Outside his airball Derozan's midrange was prime Jordan level in that 1st half

[emanueldavidginobili]

Got to find a way to move Derrick before he depreciates his value.

[MannyIsGod]

Sean told a story in relationship to player moves that other players need to be aware of. DeRozan’s double pump is why he was talking about it. He mentioned an obscure player that had a behind the back dribble that no one had seen. Did anyone catch who he was talking about?

https://youtu.be/I8WEA3s4-AU

[NASpurs]

C. White > D. White

[heyheymymy]

R.I.P Sekou Smith

[r0drig0lac]

my man Murray is ridiculous

[BatManu20]

Murray says fuck yo tank

[BatManu20]

Bulls play absolutely no defense with Lonzo and Caruso out. Looking like the rockets out there defensively. DeMar’s a big part of that.

[Ocotillo]

I hate these Taco Bell commercials

[Robz4000]

Welp, Murray hurt. Tank is gonna get some turbo power now.

[Robz4000]

Looks like White got banged up at the end of the quarter there too.

[BatManu20]

Yea this is a Spurs win. The Bulls play absolutely no defense. Like none. Everything is a layup, a wide open 3, or an easy uncontested shot in the paint. Almost as bad as Houston on that end.

[KingKev]

Yea this is a Spurs win. The Bulls play absolutely no defense. Like none. Everything is a layup, a wide open 3, or an easy uncontested shot in the paint. Almost as bad as Houston on that end.

Missing their top defenders in Caruso and Ball. Imagine we were down DJ ad White.

[PhantomDashCam]

Jakob +23
Eubanks -16

[SPURt]

https://youtu.be/I8WEA3s4-AU
Thank you good sir!

[PhantomDashCam]

White and Primo b/c #frobros

[SPURt]

Eubanks out here playing dodgeball

[lefty20]

Refs working hard to get the Bulls back in it.

[daslicer]

What type of injury did Murray have?

[ace3g]

Everytime I see this name pop up

A. Dosunmu (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4397002/ayo-dosunmu)

https://i.imgur.com/IDTeqdm.jpg

[Robz4000]

Yea this is a Spurs win. The Bulls play absolutely no defense. Like none. Everything is a layup, a wide open 3, or an easy uncontested shot in the paint. Almost as bad as Houston on that end.

Bulls winning this tbh.

[ace3g]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1343352870603796483/tlPlq9KU_normal.jpg
Jordan Howenstine @AirlessJordan
(https://twitter.com/AirlessJordan) 6m (https://twitter.com/AirlessJordan/status/1487268636670795777)
Spurs now have 10 games this season with 7+ players scoring double-figures - most of any team in the NBA (Suns second with 9).

[PhantomDashCam]

Man I’m rooting for DJ to be an all-star. He’s played well against all levels of competition. Best of luck kid. :tu

[r0drig0lac]

29/9/12/3 not bad

[MannyIsGod]

Spurs are going to win this one, IMO. Bulls missing all of their defensive stoppers.

Spurs with 131 points. Chicago going to really struggle without ball and Caruso.

[SPURt]

Well that was fun

[XDT76]

Our backup C is really terrible Eubanks with -22 the next nearest is Vassell at -3

[MannyIsGod]

Bulls winning this tbh.

Lol

[MannyIsGod]

Our backup C is really terrible Eubanks with -22 the next nearest is Vassell at -3


Eubanks played pretty well actually
The last two games have been the best eubanks games of the season easily.

[Degoat]

Man I’m rooting for DJ to be an all-star. He’s played well against all levels of competition. Best of luck kid. :tu

Same here! I listen to a lot of NBA podcasts and they always do their all star predictions and they always predict Murray just missing the all star team

[BatManu20]

Man I’m rooting for DJ to be an all-star. He’s played well against all levels of competition. Best of luck kid. :tu

Zero chance tbh. Barring a couple injuries to starters or reserves. West is stacked at the Guard position.

[XDT76]

Eubanks played pretty well actually
The last two games have been the best eubanks games of the season easily.

If he played well then we really has a big problem. He and Poeltl covers all of our C position today, When Poeltl is on the court we gain 30 points, when Eubanks take over we lost 22 points and Eubanks played half the time that Poeltl plays.

[GAustex]

Oh what fun that was

[BatManu20]

Yea this is a Spurs win. The Bulls play absolutely no defense. Like none. Everything is a layup, a wide open 3, or an easy uncontested shot in the paint. Almost as bad as Houston on that end.

The outcome was obvious in this one early on. Can’t win games if you play zero defense.

[MannyIsGod]

If he played well then we really has a big problem. He and Poeltl covers all of our C position today, When Poeltl is on the court we gain 30 points, when Eubanks take over we lost 22 points and Eubanks played half the time that Poeltl plays.

Plus/Minus is a pretty shit stat. Eubanks was fine tonight.

[BatManu20]

The tank took a hit tonight boys.

[tim_duncan_fan]

Of course we beat someone relevant when I'm playing DnD and not paying any attention to the game.

Looks like a great night for DM on paper

[PhantomDashCam]

The tank took a hit tonight boys.

https://moviewarden.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/gladiator-gif.gif

[Robz4000]

Lol


Tank couldn't roll tonight :depressed

[XDT76]

Plus/Minus is a pretty shit stat. Eubanks was fine tonight.

You are right but it does shows that when Eubanks is on the floor we are pretty bad as a team as opposed to him being off it especially when his number is an extreme outlier. If he is doing good himself, it shows that he is a wrong fit with the team.

[itzsoweezee]

Poetl and Murray were awesome. Keldon is a legit shooter. I thought it was small sample size early in the season, but the guy can shoot. I don’t know why he tries so many trash layups instead.

Also, since that one post, I’ve been watching to see if Murray actually steals rebounds, and you know what, he did at least one time tonight. I still don’t think it’s anything like what Westbrook does, but it was funny to see (snatched one away from Eubanks)

[XDT76]

Poeltl has been good the last 7 games after missing the clippers. Averaging 19pts 10rbd 3.2ast and 2.9blk.

[KingKev]

Poetl and Murray were awesome. Keldon is a legit shooter. I thought it was small sample size early in the season, but the guy can shoot. I don’t know why he tries so many trash layups instead.

Also, since that one post, I’ve been watching to see if Murray actually steals rebounds, and you know what, he did at least one time tonight. I still don’t think it’s anything like what Westbrook does, but it was funny to see (snatched one away from Eubanks)

Really good analysis. Keep posting little rockstar!

[Barfunk]

W!

[Barfunk]

Spurs go up 20, Bulls then erupt for a 30 point swing in the 3rd and 4th quarters. Bulls by 10.

Love it when I'm wrong.

[ismael-robert]

What part was analysis...that's all plain common sense n observation. N keldon entered league scoring double figures on nothing but drives

[KingKev]

What part was analysis...that's all plain common sense n observation. N keldon entered league scoring double figures on nothing but drives

When replying it makes it easier for everyone if you quote the person.

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

good effort tonight but we can't lose em all fellas

let's get the L train back on the tracks next time :toast

[Fireball]

Poeltl was the difference here ... him or Eubanks on the floor is like day and night ... props to Murray for turning around after an abysmal 1st Quarter ... and nice to have Lonnie closing the game

[John B]

Poeltl was the difference here ... him or Eubanks on the floor is like day and night ... props to Murray for turning around after an abysmal 1st Quarter ... and nice to have Lonnie closing the game

Agreed. But if only Lonnie can do this every night. I don’t even ask for more, just consistent production from the bench.

[tbdog]

The problems I thought the Bulls would have this season, they had tonight. Without their Ball and Caruso, teams are going to pick n roll them to death. Lavine and DDR don't have the help defense, and Vuc isn't a good pick n roll defender.

In other news, watching DDR was awesome.

[Slippy]

Watching Demar defend was awesome for the spurs too. When on another team. Sean called it a conspiracy on giving away points .:lol

[siraulo23]

yay spurs W

[KingKev]

Need to start resting DJ tbh.

[rascal]

Spurs slipping down the draft board with these wins.

[BatManu20]

Need to start resting DJ tbh.

Seconded. Won’t happen though. Pop wants his record no matter the cost. DJ will continue to play and play well.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Great win. Spurs attacked Demar's lack of defensive coordination relentlessly :lol

[GAustex]

DDR is beautiful shaking and baking to the hole.
If he does not have the ball he just stands.
On defense Keldon took him almost any time he tried.
I do not miss DDR at all.

[John B]

Kudos to Poeltl great last night. He was aggressive, running with the team and getting awarded. Great game. I really hope he can develop to become a better on-man defender. He is a great help defender chasing blocks, but sometimes he overhelp, which I think is Spurs style of defense. But there are times it’s too early and leaving his man.

[KingKev]

Kudos to Poeltl great last night. He was aggressive, running with the team and getting awarded. Great game. I really hope he can develop to become a better on-man defender. He is a great help defender chasing blocks, but sometimes he overhelp, which I think is Spurs style of defense. But there are times it’s too early and leaving his man.

Jak needs a proper 4 to play alongside. If he had a solid, complimentary 4 it would do wonders for Jak’s game.

[Dejounte]

Keldon went from “he needs to develop a 3 pt shot” to one of the best 3 pt shooters in the league in the span of 30ish games

[koriwhat]

Keldon went from “he needs to develop a 3 pt shot” to one of the best 3 pt shooters in the league in the span of 30ish games

Not just one of but statistically speaking he's the best 3pt shooter atm and has been for a while now. Crazy how he turned that aspect of his game around.

[Seventyniner]

Keldon went from “he needs to develop a 3 pt shot” to one of the best 3 pt shooters in the league in the span of 30ish games

It's definitely been a revelation. The small sample size argument grows weaker by the day; he's now shot as many threes this season (in only 46 games) as all of last season (69 games).

The next thing I want to see from him on offense is to work on his shot selection. 33.9% of his shots are threes, which is probably too low for as good a shooter as he apparently is, but 34.7% of his shots come from 3-10 feet (horrible) and only 19.1% at the rim. He shoots an ugly 42.8% on those 3-10 foot shots, worse than his overall three-point percentage and thus way worse in terms of eFG%.

For someone who likes to bully his way to the rim he sure doesn't take a lot of shots from up close this year.

[Biggems]

Poeltl has been good the last 7 games after missing the clippers. Averaging 19pts 10rbd 3.2ast and 2.9blk.

Those are Timmy numbers....well if you added a rebound.

[KingKev]

Those are Timmy numbers....well if you added a rebound.

DJ stole it.

[RC_Drunkford]

Keldon went from “he needs to develop a 3 pt shot” to one of the best 3 pt shooters in the league in the span of 30ish games

that is truly amazing. His midrange game is also much better. The rumors about him working out everyday at 4 AM were definitely true. Curious to see what he develops next

[offset formation]

good effort tonight but we can't lose em all fellas

let's get the L train back on the tracks next time :toast

They're gonna fuck around and get another 11th. Book it.

[offset formation]

Kudos to Poeltl great last night. He was aggressive, running with the team and getting awarded. Great game. I really hope he can develop to become a better on-man defender. He is a great help defender chasing blocks, but sometimes he overhelp, which I think is Spurs style of defense. But there are times it’s too early and leaving his man.

I hate to say it but I'm coming around on Poeltl's game a bit. It helps that he's showing some more aggression and a marked improvement in his form. But I'm starting to see some dog from him night in and night out which used to be a much rarer event. I might add him to my list of players to build around / not trade if he plays like this through the rest of this season. Hope he does...

[duncan2k5]

It's definitely been a revelation. The small sample size argument grows weaker by the day; he's now shot as many threes this season (in only 46 games) as all of last season (69 games).

The next thing I want to see from him on offense is to work on his shot selection. 33.9% of his shots are threes, which is probably too low for as good a shooter as he apparently is, but 34.7% of his shots come from 3-10 feet (horrible) and only 19.1% at the rim. He shoots an ugly 42.8% on those 3-10 foot shots, worse than his overall three-point percentage and thus way worse in terms of eFG%.

For someone who likes to bully his way to the rim he sure doesn't take a lot of shots from up close this year.

This is because he is playing out of position... He is constantly going up against ppl who are taller, so when he goes to the rim it's harder to finish... He isn't a PF... he was a wing player in college... His advantage is bodying wing players on his way to the rim

[Slippy]

Great win. Spurs attacked Demar's lack of defensive coordination relentlessly :lol

Reckon he gave away just as much as he scored . Then the shameless bulls fans at the sbc started chanting mvp. Lol

[TD 21]

Keldon went from “he needs to develop a 3 pt shot” to one of the best 3 pt shooters in the league in the span of 30ish games

Not to diminish his obvious progress, but context: The sample size is still relatively small and between the fact that he only shoots wide open, catch and shoot spot ups and has a slow release, he still doesn't rank.

[Dejounte]

Not to diminish his obvious progress, but context: The sample size is still relatively small and between the fact that he only shoots wide open, catch and shoot spot ups and has a slow release, he still doesn't rank.

Oh yeah, not to be confused with guys who can actually create their own 3-point shots... For example, Keldon's sample size is equal to Durant's and is shooting better than him percentage-wise, but in no way do I believe he's a better 3-pt shooter than Durant-- he's on a different tier/ category altogether.

But when you compare Keldon to other spot up shooters, i.e. Bertans? Same sample size... Keldon is shooting better than him and that would be blasphemy before the season started.

[TD 21]

Oh yeah, not to be confused with guys who can actually create their own 3-point shots... For example, Keldon's sample size is equal to Durant's and is shooting better than him percentage-wise, but in no way do I believe he's a better 3-pt shooter than Durant-- he's on a different tier/ category altogether.

But when you compare Keldon to other spot up shooters, i.e. Bertans? Same sample size... Keldon is shooting better than him and that would be blasphemy before the season started.

Bertans can shoot off movement and despite his struggles in the past season and a half, because of his well earned reputation and quick release, teams will always defend him so he's still a spacer either way.

[GAustex]

Thinking back it seemed that maybe several Spurs had a good natured point to prove in showing “they had this” to DDR. DJM and Keldon seemed to care about this game a bit more.