RRT Game Thread #1: Spurs @ Cavs — Feb. 9th, 2022 - 6:00pm CST

[BatManu20]

First game of the Rodeo Road Trip starts tonight.



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[BatManu20]

Guess the RRT record this year. I got 4-4. Zollins is going to give this team a boost and Spurs will play better than expected.


February 9: Cleveland Cavaliers

February 11: Atlanta Hawks

February 12: New Orleans Pelicans

February 14: Chicago Bulls

February 16: Oklahoma City Thunder

February 25: Washington Wizards

February 26: Miami Heat

February 28: Memphis Grizzlies
.

[BatManu20]

1491104095817842690

[slick'81]

(3-5) rrt

[pookenstein]

3-5, hoping for a 2-6 or worse.

[RC_Drunkford]

2-6

[PhantomDashCam]

I’m not sure Zollins is up to playing some minutes at the 4 going forward.
That being said, if there was ever a game to utilise him there, this is it.
Perhaps too early in his return to expect it though…

[Robz4000]

2-6, maybe 1-7 depending on whether the Thunder tanking is enough to overcome the Spurs' struggles in OKC.

[heyheymymy]

Best case scenario is a competitive test to generate more data for the keeper pieces but ultimately a close loss to better control the team's destiny in the offseason.

[Slippy]

Is the trade deadline over? If so one less pressure to deal with. Im hoping to see certain players looking more comfortable .

[BatManu20]

In other news. They really snuck in Doc Rivers thinking we wouldn’t notice :lol


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[BatManu20]

2-6, maybe 1-7 depending on whether the Thunder tanking is enough to overcome the Spurs' struggles in OKC.

Bulls are 6-10 in their last 16 games and only 2 of those wins were over teams with winning records. They’re pretty shitty without their starting back court tbh. Especially defensively. Playing DeMar, Vucevic, and LaVine at the same time on defense without their all-pro defensive back court to cover for them is a recipe for disaster.

Hawks and Wizards aren’t playing well either. The first 6 games of the RRT are all very winnable imo.

[mo7888]

Guess the RRT record this year. I got 4-4. Zollins is going to give this team a boost and Spurs will play better than expected.


February 9: Cleveland Cavaliers

February 11: Atlanta Hawks

February 12: New Orleans Pelicans

February 14: Chicago Bulls

February 16: Oklahoma City Thunder

February 25: Washington Wizards

February 26: Miami Heat

February 28: Memphis Grizzlies
.

2-6

[BatManu20]

Assuming LeVert will make his debut tonight. This is what we’re looking at with him in the lineup.


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[BatManu20]

Is the trade deadline over? If so one less pressure to deal with. Im hoping to see certain players looking more comfortable .

Not til 2:00pm tomorrow. Still plenty of time for deals to be made.

[Robz4000]

Bulls are 6-10 in their last 16 games and only 2 of those wins were over teams with winning records. They’re pretty shitty without their starting back court tbh. Especially defensively. Playing DeMar, Vucevic, and LaVine at the same time on defense without their all-pro defensive back court to cover for them is a recipe for disaster.

Hawks and Wizards aren’t playing well either. The first 6 games of the RRT are all very winnable imo.

:lol Spurs lost to the worst team in the league missing most of their lineup. They can lose to anyone and everyone.

[Fireball]

2-6

[Seventyniner]

I'll go with 3-5 on the RRT.

[KobesAchilles]

We are going 6-2 on this bitch. I expect them to beat the overrated Cavs, the struggling Hawks, The Demar led Bulls, The Bealless Wizards, the Thunder, and the tanking NO Pels

[Leetonidas]

I appreciate BatManu's never waning optimism :lol

[Leetonidas]

We are going 6-2. I expect them to beat the overrated Cavs, the struggling Hawks, The Demar led Bulls, The Bealless Wizards, the Thunder, and the tanking NO Pels

Pels are not tanking...they are 6-4 in the last 10, won 4 straight, and just swung a trade to bolster their roster for a playoff push. They are trying to make the playoffs to show Zion they can compete. They won't be a pushover

[Rocalcio]

Bulls are 6-10 in their last 16 games and only 2 of those wins were over teams with winning records. They’re pretty shitty without their starting back court tbh. Especially defensively. Playing DeMar, Vucevic, and LaVine at the same time on defense without their all-pro defensive back court to cover for them is a recipe for disaster.

Hawks and Wizards aren’t playing well either. The first 6 games of the RRT are all very winnable imo.

Question is, do we want to win these games ? I agree with heyheymymy, the best thing that can happen is to see our young core doing its best so we can see what they have, and just lose the games in the end to get a better spot at the draft.

The only thing we’re aiming with wins is Pop’s record, and it will be reached in 6 wins, so it will happen sooner or later this season. Apart from that, tank mode !

[John B]

Guess the RRT record this year. I got 4-4. Zollins is going to give this team a boost and Spurs will play better than expected.


February 9: Cleveland Cavaliers

February 11: Atlanta Hawks

February 12: New Orleans Pelicans

February 14: Chicago Bulls

February 16: Oklahoma City Thunder

February 25: Washington Wizards

February 26: Miami Heat

February 28: Memphis Grizzlies
.


2-6, but you never know. They normally play good on the road. But then again, Tank for Chet!!! :ihit

Spurs Injuries: Lonnie Walker IV (day to day - knee), Tre Jones (day to day)
Cavaliers Injuries: Collin Sexton (OUT- knee), Lauri Markkanen (Day to day - ankle), Darius Garland (day to day - back)

Cavs by 12pts

[heyheymymy]

Assuming LeVert will make his debut tonight. This is what we’re looking at with him in the lineup.


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Jesus that's more than just some twin towers, that's a whole skyline.

[John B]

Jesus that's more than just some twin towers, that's a whole skyline.

It works for them because they’re all athletic mobile bigs. This team will just get better.

[heyheymymy]

It works for them because they’re all athletic mobile bigs. This team will just get better.

Lauri has just enough volume and efficiency from range (can hit at least 34% but up to 40% on up to 6 attempts per game) to honor him if you're the defense which provides spacing I suppose?

[TDomination]

the past 2 rodeo road trips have been awful, 2-6 and 1-7 i believe. (no RRT last year)

i actually expect them to do much better this year. why? idk just a gut feeling i guess.

5-3 is my prediction

[Dex]

February 9: Cleveland Cavaliers - L

February 11: Atlanta Hawks - W

February 12: New Orleans Pelicans - W

February 14: Chicago Bulls - L

February 16: Oklahoma City Thunder - L

February 25: Washington Wizards - W

February 26: Miami Heat - L

February 28: Memphis Grizzlies - L

3-5....just keeping it real.

[SpurSpike]

4-4 since its not really a tough schedule other than being on the road.

[MultiTroll]

:lol

February 11: Atlanta Hawks - L


February 12: New Orleans Pelicans - L


February 14: Chicago Bulls - L


February 16: Oklahoma City Thunder - W


February 25: Washington Wizards - L


February 26: Miami Heat - L


February 28: Memphis Grizzlies - L


1-7....just keeping it real

Wizards may go into tank mode by the 25th. 2-6 is possible.

[emanueldavidginobili]

Going to be a tough game especially when this team is so dependent on scoring in the paint Allen and Mobley are beast.

[LeBowen]

W at OKC, Wizards and NOLA games are winnable depending on if we want to compete. Maybe could steal one more, but 2-6 is realistic.

[slick'81]

Spurs need an L badly

[absoloot66]

In other news. They really snuck in Doc Rivers thinking we wouldn’t notice :lol


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Doc? How the heck did Steve Kerr get in there?:wow

[r0drig0lac]

Doc? How the heck did Steve Kerr get in there?:wow

ringssss, 73-9, coty...

[BatManu20]

Doc? How the heck did Steve Kerr get in there?:wow


ringssss, 73-9, coty...


Was about to say this. 3 rings, COTY, & and the fastest coach in NBA history to 400 Wins (although it’s bullshit he was credited with all those wins back during their record setting 2015-16 73-win season when Luke Walton was the interim HC due to Steve undergoing and recovering from those back surgeries. Even Kerr publicly said it was ridiculous that Walton wasn’t getting credited with all those wins [think it was like 50 or so before Kerr returned? Can’t remember exactly]).

But yea, he’s definitely in there. And he’s only 56 years old so he’s got a ton more coming. He and Doc Rivers are the biggest threats to surpass Pop on the all-time wins list.

[Slippy]

Block-fest by the cavs.

Man Doug doesnt get deterred. He keeps attacking the basket

[BatManu20]

Spurs lookin good early. Think they win this one.

[RC_Drunkford]

tough night for Zach Collins

[Dejounte]

That sequence by Zach was great

[emanueldavidginobili]

Primo looks kinda big out there low key

[slick'81]

Shit,forgot this game started early

[LeBowen]

Primo is already a better player than Lonnie.

[emanueldavidginobili]

Primo is tired af lmao

[Leetonidas]

Offense goes to complete shit without DJ

[BatManu20]

Jakob’s interior defense has been amazing so far tonight. 3 blocks already and has contested other shots at the rim.

[lefty20]

Jacob altering a lot of shots and generating misses at the rim. Def gonna miss that big time if he's traded.

[RC_Drunkford]

Spurs lookin good early. Think they win this one.

I knew this was gonna be an L when you said that :lol

[lefty20]

Seesh! Vassell's 3pt shot is getting worse as the game goes along.

[heyheymymy]

Zollins demonstrating great QB passing

[Uriel]

Is Zach Collins a better Luka Samanic?

[Slippy]

Devin needs to start hitting that open three or he going to get a rep.


Nice dunk on a curl play by Devin. Hopefully gets him going.

[John B]

No easy layups on Zollins :rollin

[slick'81]

Is Zach Collins a better Luka Samanic?


Sure, if that helps you

[lefty20]

2-16 from 3 :(

[Slippy]

Spurs cant hit an open three. Aside from Keldon

[LeBowen]

Yeah, we're actually playing really well except for abysmal 3pt shooting

[emanueldavidginobili]

Jakob euro stepping 6'1!!! Garland lmaoo

[John B]

Too many unforced turnovers, 9 in the half. Cavs 7 is not much better

[John B]

Zollins playing 4 with Poeltl in 2 secs :rollin

[RC_Drunkford]

it's a mix of giving up too many FTs and bad 3-point shooting why the Spurs are trailing. I don't mind it though, I'm on team tank

[slick'81]

Sours doing what they should be,losing

[Leetonidas]

That didn't take long

[Elementis]

solution to Spurs 3-pt shooting woes:

https://fadeawayworld.net/.image/t_share/MTgwMzI0NzgwOTM3OTE0MjIw/nba-fans-responds-on-which-nba-player-need-this-giant-hoop-jimmy-butler-this-year-shooting-21.jpg

[Degoat]

We sure that first rounder from the bulls should be turned down for jakob

[SPURt]

I’m not gonna lie, this is tough to watch. But… a higher pick comes from this. I wonder if Michelle Beadle thinks she’s hit rock bottom? I like having her on the broadcast though

[PhantomDashCam]

Adam Silver about to announce Anthony Davis as a replacement for Dejounte Murray in the all-star game :lol

[slick'81]

Keep the tank rolling. Cavs are easily a better team atm

[RC_Drunkford]

the Spurs finally had a few days off to practice. I'm not sure what exactly they practiced

[BatManu20]

That didn't take long


https://c.tenor.com/AXV8YU3oITAAAAAM/thats-what-she-said.gif

[slick'81]

White taking a shit ton of punishment on those charges while continuing to lose. Great effort

[BatManu20]

Vassell on fire. If he ever puts it all together, he’s gonna be a damn good player.

[r0drig0lac]

Vassell with a TMac moment

[John B]

Zollins is moving well and getting better with spacing

[slick'81]

Zollins is moving well and getting better with spacing

in love already huh?

[slick'81]

Love was moving

[RC_Drunkford]

why would you challenge that? :lol

[slick'81]

why would you challenge that? :lol

Because love was moving

[RC_Drunkford]

damn good challenge by Pop

[slick'81]

Cavs just desperate to get to the 4th

[John B]

in love already huh?

Nice to see him moving well, good strides to closeouts

[slick'81]

Jesus,k.love is bullying us

[John B]

Within striking distance. Watch the Spurs collapse for that 5th worst record :lmao

[Slippy]

Devin is going. Scoring from everywhere now . Even hitting a couple of threes.

Just cant make inroads into the score. Needs to be under double digits. Probably too late by now early in the 4th .

Tank is looking good

[slick'81]

Within striking distance. Watch the Spurs collapse for that 5th worst record :lmao


spurs are forever in striking distance :lmao

[emanueldavidginobili]

Lonnie benched? or banged up?

[BatManu20]

Pop challenging calls in the 3rd. Clearly not tanking tbh.

[slick'81]

Timeout spurs

[emanueldavidginobili]

I don't know if its the foot injuries but Derrick White has lost a fucking step psychically.

[Slippy]

Down 7.. spurs are trying . Hitting their threes now

[emanueldavidginobili]

Jakob also needs a legit PF he's out there doing everything and his second defense in the paint is some undersized "SF"

[slick'81]

Down 7.. spurs are trying . Hitting their threes now

down 11 ,and yes spurs are trying to win

[Barfunk]

You had your window Ted, you blew it.

[Leetonidas]

55 points since the end of the first :lol

[slick'81]

Down 13 last gasp coming

[John B]

Nah that was offensive, leaning

[RC_Drunkford]

Spurs never won a game when trailing to start the 4th. That says a lot

[slick'81]

Spurs never won a game when trailing to start the 4th. That says a lot


that is when teams actually start playing defense and trying to actually win

[slick'81]

Gg spurs. Keep the tank rolling on

[John B]

Tank for Chet! :ihit

[daslicer]

I didn't watch the game but I'm assuming the Cavs size gave the Spurs problems. The Cavs are a big team with their twin tower lineup and Love coming off the bench. Spurs never match up well with teams that have size.

[Ice009]

Tank for Chet! :ihit

Is this guy any good, because I just took at look at him and he's skinny as a twig. My answer is straight "no" on this guy.

[Barfunk]

Is this guy any good, because I just took at look at him and he's skinny as a twig. My answer is straight "no" on this guy.

Man, yeah, he's pretty fucking skinny. He makes Texas Durant look like the Incredible Hulk.

[GAustex]

Cleveland is gonna be good going into the ahead

[lefty20]

Cleveland is gonna be good going into the ahead

LBJ to Cle confirmed :bobo

[Floyd Pacquiao]

The spurs generate good looks tbh but they just can’t shoot.

[NASpurs]

Great start to the RRT.

Rodeo Road Tank.

[John B]

Is this guy any good, because I just took at look at him and he's skinny as a twig. My answer is straight "no" on this guy.

Yeah he's 195lbs but with guard skills. Durant doesn't seem to have a problem. Anyways, if Chet can put in 15-25 lbs muscle, I think he can be very good :ihit

[lefty20]

Yeah he's 195lbs but with guard skills. Durant doesn't seem to have a problem. Anyways, if Chet can put in 15-25 lbs muscle, I think he can be very good :ihit

Wasn't KD made fun of because of his inability to do the weight lifting exercises during the combine?

If Chet can stay mobile and healthy after putting on some weight then he would absolutely be lethal in the current NBA.

[spurs1990]

You had your window Ted, you blew it.

Popvich busy sealing his deal with the Ricearoni folks instead of coaching the team

[Fireball]

typical Spurs game in which they just cannot make enough 3s ... Cavs look good ... hope Lavert can stay there for a while

[BatManu20]

Popvich busy sealing his deal with the Ricearoni folks instead of coaching the team

Goat movie :lol

[Barfunk]

Popvich busy sealing his deal with the Ricearoni folks instead of coaching the team

Lol haha

[Barfunk]

Goat movie :lol

Lol +1

[Ice009]

Wasn't KD made fun of because of his inability to do the weight lifting exercises during the combine?

If Chet can stay mobile and healthy after putting on some weight then he would absolutely be lethal in the current NBA.

Yeah, wow, you just reminded me of that story. I remember reading something about this years ago. I think they mentioned all he could do was one rep at the minimum weight for the bench press. lol, pretty crazy if true. I don't remember exactly everything that was said as I read it around the time he was in Seattle or just as they moved to OKC, so it was a long time ago.

I was amazed at that considering how good of a player he was being that skinny (I knew he had skills, though). I thought you'd need some strength, but I guess you can't teach height and mobility like he has. Then add the skills he learned on top of that, I guess strength doesn't matter as much as I thought it would in the NBA. I'm pretty sure my first impression of him in the NBA was that he needs to put on weight and get stronger if he wants to be a top player in the league. I am guessing he's a lot stronger now than he was back then, but I wonder if he does actually work on lifting weights these days.