Game Thread: Spurs @ Bulls — Feb. 14th, 2022 — 7:00pm CST

[BatManu20]

Valentines Day show down in Chi-Town. LaVine is OUT. Bulls are also legit one of the worst defensive teams in the league, and their record the past 4 weeks shows it. DeMar’s been playing well lately and carrying them, but his defense still sucks so I don’t think it will be enough. This will prob be another Spurs win tbh. Game will be nationally televised on NBA TV.


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[BatManu20]

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[BatManu20]

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[BatManu20]

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[BatManu20]

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[John B]

Spurs Injuries: Goran Dragic (Out — Not with Team)
Bulls Injuries: Patrick Williams (Out — Wrist), Alex Caruso (Out — Wrist), Lonzo Ball (Out — Knee), Zach LaVine (Out — Knee), Javonte Green (Day-to-Day — Foot)

Damn LaVine out for the Bulls? This might be another win :lol Spurs by 8pts.

Tank for Chet! :hungry::hungry::hungry:

[John B]

1492865119260401669

1492338677673959429

In hindsight, DJM would not be playing as well, averaging almost triple-double and getting AS nod if Demar stayed with the Spurs, with the ball not in his hands. I guess the same is true with moving Derrick? I wonder how adding a caliber player would affect DJM’s game moving forward, unless it’s a John Collins type who’ll will feed on Murray’s assist. Off topic, just it dawned on me seeing Demar’s production.

[Leetonidas]

I already made this thread hours ago who tf locked it. Dicks

[slick'81]

Easy win for the spurs coming up

[BatManu20]

1493327646276698114

[ceperez]

1492865119260401669

1492338677673959429

Sick Romeo Langford on him and lets see if our new player comes out alive!

[tbdog]

Ddr isn't just playing well. He is playing like a demon.

[slick'81]

Ddr isn't just playing well. He is playing like a demon.


murray gonna show him who the true #1 is tonight

[NASpurs]

Is DDR throwing gang signs in that picture? :lmao

[slick'81]

Is DDR throwing gang signs in that picture? :lmao

compton crip

[GAustex]

So happy DDR is gone. His stench fouled the entire team.

[Degoat]

Pop said neither Richardson or Langford will play tonight…

[heyheymymy]

:flag:

[Robz4000]

Pop said neither Richardson or Langford will play tonight…

Doubt either plays til after the All Star break (in Richardson's case he may not play at all).

[heyheymymy]

Can't wait to see the new guys

[slick'81]

Can't wait to see the new guys

you arent yet

[Sugus]

First Spurs game I'll be watching in a couple weeks. I know it fucks up the tank, but getting a W here wouldn't be bad at all....

:flag:

[emanueldavidginobili]

DDR with 5 straight games now with 35 points god damn he's on a nice run.

Dominique Wilkins with a funny story about Pop on NBA TV

[slick'81]

Bulls dont want none of djm's team

[emanueldavidginobili]

Lonnie has to build on last game.

[BatManu20]

This Bulls starting lineup is shit lol. Spurs definitely winning this.

[tonight...you]

This Bulls starting lineup is shit lol. Spurs definitely winning this.
Lol. Seen posts like this blow up in peeps faces before.

[emanueldavidginobili]

Man Keldon needs to get his shit together on the defensive end.

[emanueldavidginobili]

Lol. Seen posts like this blow up in peeps faces before.
Specifically the homie himself BatManu lmao it's almost an every other game occurrence. I love it

[r0drig0lac]

nice

[heyheymymy]

you arent yet

good call I misread that post from degoat

[heyheymymy]

great block by dev

[r0drig0lac]

easy for Nikola.

[heyheymymy]

Zollins can be kinda slick with his offensive moves near the basket

[BatManu20]

Lonnie making shots again

[Sugus]

Wait, Primo's getting 1st quarter minutes now?!

The way this board bitched and moaned about his time in Austin, you'd have thought he wouldn't see an NBA court till his second season... :lol

[lefty20]

Lonnie coming out aggressive b2b games... interesting.

[r0drig0lac]

Walker!!!

[emanueldavidginobili]

Collins diving for the loose ball I love it

[heyheymymy]

Zollnns doing things

slick spin score in the paint
great defensive stop>block>steal
3PM

[Sugus]

Man, what a fun game! It's going down to the wire for sure...

Spurs D has been impressive tonight. It's managed to keep the game close when the offense has faltered. Hope they can sustain this level of effort through the 4th quarter.

[heyheymymy]

McDMT with a quiet 11 pts already

[emanueldavidginobili]

Spurs playing with some great intensity right now

[heyheymymy]

make that 13 for MCD

[tonight...you]

Wait, Primo's getting 1st quarter minutes now?!

The way this board bitched and moaned about his time in Austin, you'd have thought he wouldn't see an NBA court till his second season... :lol
Knee-jerking is the new masturbation.

[heyheymymy]

Coby White single-handedly killing the spurs

[lefty20]

Knee-jerking is the new masturbation.
Always has been. Didn't we have a thread for cliff jumpers?

[spurs1990]

So is that on pop for stopping Tre to setup a play or did the guys botch it

[emanueldavidginobili]

This.team.needs.a.PF.

[heyheymymy]

Coby With 16 5/8 4/4

[lefty20]

Going into the game we were worried about DeJordan, turns out it's discount mamba who's actually the problem.

[Slippy]

Was about to post why arnt the spurs attacking demar.

Keldon obliges.

[Sugus]

:wow Lonnie :wow

[r0drig0lac]

go to guy Walker..

[PhantomDashCam]

Demar always posterises his former teams :lol

[John B]

Poeltl is playing weak, getting outrebounded, getting pushed around, f%ck!

[r0drig0lac]

Mr. Demar in MVP mode again.

[emanueldavidginobili]

Get Devin in there and try to have him check DeMar, Keldon is so bad at defense, he has no lift when trying to contest a shot.

[lefty20]

Speaking of DeJordan, there he is.

[emanueldavidginobili]

These rims are tight as fuck

[Sugus]

Poeltl is playing weak, getting outrebounded, getting pushed around, f%ck!

:lol what? He's attacking the basket straight, altering shots, what game are you watching? He's the only player on the team willing to grab a rebound... IF only the rest of the team could box out Chicago's players, it'd be a different game right now.

Oh, and also having an actual PF to help with all these things. :wakeup

[PhantomDashCam]

DJ finally gets a star call. :tu

[emanueldavidginobili]

Chicago broadcast raving about DJ.

[r0drig0lac]

funny game.

[spurs1990]

Would be a tough game to lose with Chicago missing 3 of their 4 best players

[NASpurs]

Would be a tough game to lose with Chicago missing 3 of their 4 best players

Par the course for the season tbh.

[boutons_deux]

Spurs -10 RB in first half

[PhantomDashCam]

Chicago broadcast raving about DJ.

IMHO, the best broadcasters in the game.

Primo’s processing speed may be tops on the team tbh. He has an uncanny knack for making the right decisions at the very last moment of an opportunity.

[John B]

Get Devin in there and try to have him check DeMar, Keldon is so bad at defense, he has no lift when trying to contest a shot.

Devin is not playing well either, not being aggressive.

But DJM is playing like a real all-star, so confident and dictating the tempo

[emanueldavidginobili]

IMHO, the best broadcasters in the game.

Primo’s processing speed may be tops on the team tbh. He has an uncanny knack for making the right decisions at the very last moment of an opportunity.
I agree 100% the more I watch him play its more evident. Last game he had that shovel pass to DJ for the And 1 dunk. I wish he had some more touches in the 1st half he came out spry.

[John B]

:lol what? He's attacking the basket straight, altering shots, what game are you watching? He's the only player on the team willing to grab a rebound... IF only the rest of the team could box out Chicago's players, it'd be a different game right now.

Oh, and also having an actual PF to help with all these things. :wakeup

Seriously? Devounte got like several rebounds off him, Bulls offensive rebound 7 vs 2 from Spurs.

2 facial dunks on Poeltl. They need to feed him more so he gets his mind on the game.

[DAF86]

Would be a tough game to lose with Chicago missing 3 of their 4 best players

But on the other hand, it would be pretty good too. We are in a win/win situation sons. Let's just enjoy and see how the youngsters develop.

[KingKev]

Bulls broadcast actually has hot girls as entertainment. Thought that was done for.

Spurs broadcast has Mario Lopez’s younger cousins twirling in Bayside High Spandex wresting uniforms for Widowmaker’s excitement.:cheer

[boutons_deux]

It would be a great test of Spurs toughness especially on the road to win a close game hitting their shots and getting stops and crunch time

[tonight...you]

Specifically the homie himself BatManu lmao it's almost an every other game occurrence. I love it
We should set up a Poker Night.

[r0drig0lac]

Star Murray

[DAF86]

There's the DD we all know and love. :lol

[lefty20]

It's been mentioned already. But man, Murray earning consistent FTAs would be such a boon for his overall game. Really hope this trend continues.

[PhantomDashCam]

KJ got him with the mind games :lol

[Seventyniner]

Keldon sold the hell out of that one.

[spurs1990]

He should've just thrown the ball at the ref

[KingKev]

Murray going at DDR

[lefty20]

Good ball denial by DJ on D there.

[Leetonidas]

Ah the classic demar meltdown over officiating

[emanueldavidginobili]

Primo has to hit that shot.

[KingKev]

Michelle and Fab are terrible

[tonight...you]

Primo has to hit that shot.
Or else he dies?

[Slippy]

Demar very fustrated .. spurs hve the book on him. :lol

[Slippy]

Ah the classic demar meltdown over officiating

Yap thats what im hoping for

[Sugus]

Seriously? Devounte got like several rebounds off him, Bulls offensive rebound 7 vs 2 from Spurs.

2 facial dunks on Poeltl. They need to feed him more so he gets his mind on the game.

Of course I'm serious.

Did Devounte get those rebounds strictly off Poeltl though? Or did he get them over the entire Spurs team, unwilling or unable to box out the Bulls' athletic forwards? Also funny that you bring up Off Rebounds, as Poeltl leads the entire league in that category (he could've fallen off the #1 spot though, it's been a few weeks since I've checked). You know what helps with all kinds of rebounds? An actual PF...

:lol at bringing up "facial dunks". Literally every good big man defender gets postered on the regular. Our very own Timmy got a facial from Kobe, does that make him a bad defender too? I'd much, much rather he contest everything, and get dunked on, than play the ol' matador "business decision" pussy-ass style of rim protection the league is fond of nowadays. Ridiculous thing to complain about, he was literally altering those shots.

And this shtick you got about Poeltl being lazy, not being into games, whatever, it's weird as hell, man. At no point has Jakob looked lackadaisical tonight. He's got 10 & 5, and the highest +/- of the entire starting unit (not like one game is enough sample size, but certainly significant). Again -- which game are you watching?

[DAF86]

The effort from Lonnie on that closeout left a lot to be desired.

[Barfunk]

Lonatello!

[r0drig0lac]

another good game for Walker

[Sugus]

Jesus Lonnie...

[Fusternino]

Having size at the 4 always changes the game for us.

[PhantomDashCam]

KBD having a nice stretch in the 3rd. Go Lonnie!

[lefty20]

Yup, some definitely injected some adrenaline into LW's veins before this game.

[spurs1990]

Walker is the fiercest dunker man

[NASpurs]

Lonnie is such a fucking tease. Dude needs to do this more than every other game.

[Seventyniner]

Microwave is on full power tonight, nice to see.

[Uriel]

This is why the Spurs’ scouting department believed Lonnie had all-star potential. He has elite level athleticism.

[8FOR!3]

Lonnie making athletic plays and hitting 3's but his effort on closing out needs to be better.

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

holy shit lonnie may have defibrillated his nba career with that electrifying dunk

[Seventyniner]

That said, I can't stand those Walker crossover long 2s. There is no reason to take those shots.

[lefty20]

KBD with the tough finish.

[John B]

Bulks commentators raving over Lonnie. Lonnie might have offers this Summer :lol

[Slippy]

Lonnie lookimg engaged offensively again tonight.. huge dunk on a break-away

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

sniper in the upper deck targeting tre

[BatManu20]

Lonnie looking like an All-Star again smh. Dude is so up and down.

[flox]

When Walker plays like this it's hard to think we'll let him go, even though it's fools gold....

[scott]

The last two games are the kind that drive us crazy about Lonnie. Shows us all the promise that he can't deliver consistently. I'm hoping he saw this last deadline as the writing on the wall and knows he needs to deliver the rest of the way to stay on this team. I'm rooting for him.

[mo7888]

Lonnie has been playing like his NBA life depended on it the last few games....it's about time...

[spurs1990]

as much grief we gave popvich he's playing Primo tonight over the two new vets. Consistent to his loyal trait

[John B]

Lonnie came to play, 20pts at the end of 3rd quarter. I mean if he plays like this aggressive all the time, he’d be no brainer getting resigned high

[PhantomDashCam]

I thought the Defense would drop off considerably more than it has with White’s departure. Pleasantly surprised thus far. Guys,(for the most part), are really getting after it.

[Degoat]

I can’t stand Lonnie tbh even when he plays good he’s plays so dumb no awareness what so ever Imo

[SPURt]

I haven’t thought of Stacey King in years. He must be sponsoring diabetes, man he’s let himself go

[spurs1990]

Who on the floor can get off their own shot? Is it Vassell

[NASpurs]

KJ is such a shitty defender. :lol

[KingKev]

Lol at all of you getting wet over Walker. We have been here before. Fool me once shame on you. Fool me 57x and I’m the idiot.

[Uriel]

Why is DeRozan playing so much better in Chicago than in San Antonio?

[boutons_deux]

Can the Spurs find their killer intensity?

[lefty20]

Lol at all of you getting wet over Walker. We have been here before. Fool me once shame on you. Fool me 57x and I’m the idiot.

Yeah, but this is his first b2b good games run in a while. Doubt he's done that more than a handful of times and definitely not in a while.

[SPURt]

Primo is just gonna get pumped faked to death if they keep him on DD

[DAF86]

Where the fuck is Poeltl? :lol

Is this Pop's way of tanking?

[scott]

Why is DeRozan playing so much better in Chicago than in San Antonio?

He played great here, IMO, save for playoff games. I think he's just benefiting from a better surrounding cast.

[Arcadian]

Why is DeRozan playing so much better in Chicago than in San Antonio?

Well I don't think he's that much better. He was really good for us too. But if anything, he probably has more free reign to do whatever he wants and less mental burden.

[Sugus]

Where the fuck is Poeltl? :lol

Is this Pop's way of tanking?

He's trying to find his motivation for the game, tbh :lol

[Slippy]

Zack Collins as a last line of defense hasnt been that good so far. Spurs need stops and what he showing so far aint going to cut it.

Yes i know getting back from injury.

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

Why is DeRozan playing so much better in Chicago than in San Antonio?

he's the same genius on offense and he's surrounded by much better defenders

also the 2022 spurs suckkkk

[boutons_deux]

Mary is shooting poorly

[DAF86]

Murray completely butchered that entire possession. Twice. These are the moments he needs to be smarter.

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

primo's age is showing out there tonight

[John B]

What was that Murray? Geez, that’s when you slow down and get a lead back

[lefty20]

That no-call on Primo actually helped the Bulls.

This one looks to be leaning towards the Tank. Doubt we'll be able to contain DeJordan once he's back.

[PhantomDashCam]

The old Tony-Manu play. Missed that…

[lefty20]

Murray can't buy a bucket from mid-range in the 4th, it's over.

[Barfunk]

Yeah we're choking

[DAF86]

McDernott's total lack of spatial awareness. :lol

[slick'81]

Come on spurs just a basket away from 3 straight wins

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

damn doug if you're going to be enforcer do it a little earlier in the game

[poopbox]

Tank Commander McDermott to the rescue

[DAF86]

Hard competitive loss. The best outcome of all for this season if we are being honest.

[KingKev]

McDermott is fking terrible.

[lefty20]

GG! Tank rolls on.

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

cut doug

bitch better shoot 55% from 3 to justify the rest of his ASS game

[spurs1990]

what the hell was McDermott thinking on that pass

[boutons_deux]

Another fourth quarter collapse can't make shots missing free throws turnovers

[mo7888]

Lol at all of you getting wet over Walker. We have been here before. Fool me once shame on you. Fool me 57x and I’m the idiot.

No doubt..

[SPURt]

This closing rotation is a little underwhelming.

[Leetonidas]

McDermott:lmao fucking retard

[slick'81]

Damn so beating no/ atl= mirage

[itzsoweezee]

why told McDermott he’s more than a spot up shooter?

[Leetonidas]

Damn so beating no/ atl= mirage

Or those teams are ass and the Bulls are better?

[DAF86]

Murray not quite there on the clutch yet.

[John B]

40/6/3 for DeMVP. Way didn’t he play like this as a Spur? :lmao

[buttsR4rebounding]

This game illustrates a need for a 4 that can rebound. Outrebounded 20 so far. Amazing they are still in it.

[Sugus]

Terrible pass there by DJ, there were at least two Bulls jerseys between him and Poeltl... Slow it down, young fella!

[KingKev]

This team is an absolute fking joke.

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

pop continues the greatest coaching job of his career with another moral victory/stalemate and +1 in the loss column, setting up for the draft

:pop:

[slick'81]

Or those teams are ass and the Bulls are better?

we split with them so that aint it

[Uriel]

A couple of years ago, I was at United Center, and the Spurs ended up losing that game because DeRozan bricked the free throw that would’ve tied the game and sent it to OT.

Now DeRozan is the reason the Spurs are losing again, except it’s for the other team.

[SPURt]

The decision making to end the game has been horrible butt. No one wanted it, drive and jump with no plan. Someone nutt up

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

This game illustrates a need for a 4 that can rebound. Outrebounded 20 so far. Amazing they are still in it.

no butts = no boards

[slick'81]

A couple of years ago, I was at United Center, and the Spurs ended up losing that game because DeRozan bricked the free throw that would’ve tied the game and sent it to OT.

Now DeRozan is the reason the Spurs are losing again, except it’s for the other team.

hurts dont it?

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

good to see jak get 1 of those 2 'pressure' free throws

[Barfunk]

Slaughtered on the rebounds

[itzsoweezee]

That lineup to start the fourth was straight doo doo. The turning point in the game really

[Robz4000]

Tank back on track :flag:

[TDomination]

Rebounds and too late double teaming Derozan were main reasons for loss

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

good to see jak get 1 of those 2 'pressure' free throws

quick check of basketball-reference, jak hasn't shot <50% from FT in a month

good on ya jak

[boutons_deux]

-17 in 4th, how many times have the Spurs collapsed

[spurs1990]

the Derozan contingent on spurstalk are going to be insufferable

[slick'81]

Spurs tied for 7th worst record in the league

[NASpurs]

A couple of years ago, I was at United Center, and the Spurs ended up losing that game because DeRozan bricked the free throw that would’ve tied the game and sent it to OT.

Now DeRozan is the reason the Spurs are losing again, except it’s for the other team.

Was that Spurs team also a top 5 team?

[barakz21]

Well.. the spurs played decently and even led for the most part. If ddr was vintage ddr, this would’ve been a win. That being said, the tank rolls on!

[boutons_deux]

[QUOTE=Allan Rowe vs Wade;10686698]quick check of basketball-reference, jak hasn't shot <50% from FT in a month

good on ya jak[/QUOT

Jack would hit more free throws if he just flipped a coin

[John B]

Well back to tanking. Tank for Chet! :lmao

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

That lineup to start the fourth was straight doo doo. The turning point in the game really


Tank back on track :flag:

:pop:

:lma

[td4mvp2k]

if this team isnt picking in top 5 it's an L

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

[QUOTE=Allan Rowe vs Wade;10686698]quick check of basketball-reference, jak hasn't shot <50% from FT in a month

good on ya jak[/QUOT

Jack would hit more free throws if he just flipped a coin

not in the past month :smokin

[murpjf88]

That lineup to start the fourth was straight doo doo. The turning point in the game really
The turning point in the game was and always has been the start of the 4th quarter. They have to be the worst 4th quarter team in the league. Unless they have a commanding double digit lead, they fold like a card table.

[boutons_deux]

-20 RB

[Dejounte]

Good statline by DJ but an awful game from him. This isn’t the norm for him, at least recently. I expect him to have a better game next time.

[ceperez]

The difference between the Bulls and the Spurs is that the Bulls have a franchise player, the Spurs have none.

[Barfunk]

Fuuuck. We lost.

[John B]

Demar has valid chance of getting the MVP :lol

[slick'81]

if this team isnt picking in top 5 it's an L


currently tied with pels for 7th worst

[Cabrito]

Spurs were guarding DDR like he is Steph Curry. Dare that guy to shoot a three like every team guarded the spurs with him last year.

[NASpurs]

Demar has valid chance of getting the MVP :lol

And then shit the bed in the playoffs :lol

[John B]

The difference between the Bulls and the Spurs is that the Bulls have a franchise player, the Spurs have none.

:ban::ban::ban::lmao

[Mugen]

Thank you, Demar tbh

[John B]

And then shit the bed in the playoffs :lol
:ban::ban::ban::lmao

[emanueldavidginobili]

Damn DJ will learn from this game this dude will come back better.

Lonnie will have a decently long career in the NBA and it won't be with the Spurs. Dude couldn't get 30 minutes tonight?

Primo needs to be more assertive and make it a point to get open or go to the ball and make something happen.

Still confident in Vassell.

Richardson makes this team better believe it or not.

[murpjf88]

Spurs were guarding DDR like he is Steph Curry. Dare that guy to shoot a three like every team guarded the spurs with him last year.
They were guarding DDR like he was Devin Vassell.

[Slippy]

Slaughtered on the rebounds

If spurs want to continue with zack collins as the small ball five then he has to get better defensively and on the rebounds. When he was in there , in the keyway it was too soft.

[KingKev]

I don’t think Spurstalk realizes just how average Keldon, Vassel and Primo actually are in terms of young talent. There is nothing special about these guys.

[murpjf88]

The difference between the Bulls and the Spurs is that the Bulls have a franchise player, the Spurs have none.
And yet, that franchise player couldn't even get the Spurs into the playoffs.

[R. DeMurre]

Same old story-- San Antonio's two starting forwards combine for 7 rebounds, plus Vassell registers zero in 24 minutes, and the Spurs are outrebounded 53-33.

[BatManu20]

Good loss boys. Thanks DeMar. :flag:

[XDT76]

The turning point in the game was and always has been the start of the 4th quarter. They have to be the worst 4th quarter team in the league. Unless they have a commanding double digit lead, they fold like a card table.

I thought so too. The Spurs currently has to be leading the NBA in most games lost when leading at start of 4Q

[BatManu20]

Dejounte had an off night and we still would’ve won if DeMar didn’t go Jordan on us tbh.

[BatManu20]

Also, Lonnie was engaged and playing well, and then Pop bitched at him on the sideline for missing a defensive assignment and then benched him right after and he wasn’t the same after that. He doesn’t handle that well. It messes with his head.

Lonnie has a future in this league, it’s just not going to be with the Spurs unfortunately.

[KingKev]

Also, Lonnie was engaged and playing well, and then Pop bitched at him on the sideline for missing a defensive assignment and then benched him right after and he wasn’t the same after that. He doesn’t handle that well. It messes with his head.

Lonnie has a future in this league, it’s just not going to be with the Spurs unfortunately.

Because Walker is an absolute bonehead on the court. 4 years later and he can’t consistently make the right play on either side of the court.

[Sugus]

Same old story-- San Antonio's two starting forwards combine for 7 rebounds, plus Vassell registers zero in 24 minutes, and the Spurs are outrebounded 53-33.

Keldon with a pathetic 3 rebounds, outrebounded by freaking McBuckets... Ridiculous, but expected at this point. Vassell is the more surprising one, I feel like he usually grabs a couple rebounds per game just off sheer timing.

But the most damning thing of all? Absolutely PATHETIC boxing out from the team. Not only do they not have the height and length to contest rebounds, but they're also not gonna put in the work to keep the other team off the glass? Ridiculous. The Spurs are to rebounding what the Jazz are to defense - just no consistent effort at all and an overreliance on their one big man to make it all work, as if that was close to enough.

I'd love to think that they're just a real PF away from solving this issue, but I'm not so sure anymore.

[KingKev]

Keldon with a pathetic 3 rebounds, outrebounded by freaking McBuckets... Ridiculous, but expected at this point. Vassell is the more surprising one, I feel like he usually grabs a couple rebounds per game just off sheer timing.

But the most damning thing of all? Absolutely PATHETIC boxing out from the team. Not only do they not have the height and length to contest rebounds, but they're also not gonna put in the work to keep the other team off the glass? Ridiculous. The Spurs are to rebounding what the Jazz are to defense - just no consistent effort at all and an overreliance on their one big man to make it all work, as if that was close to enough.

I'd love to think that they're just a real PF away from solving this issue, but I'm not so sure anymore.

Keldon, Vassell, McDermott are all 8-10th men on a playoff team. They aren’t NBA starting material yet if ever.

[wildbill2u]

Vassell quietly had a terrible game. He is looking more and more like someone who is not the answer if he is given more minutes. Keldon needs a seat on the bench badly, but we don't have a replacement that's any better?????

Outside of Poertl, We are simply too small, too lightweight and too afraid to get in there with the BBs and fight for rebounds. Keldon may be coming back to earth on his shooting percentages and then what do we have for the front line???? Two guys who don't defend and don't rebound (McD and KJ) and Poertl.

[Sugus]

Keldon, Vassell, McDermott are all 8-10th men on a playoff team. They aren’t NBA starting material yet if ever.

I've been really disappointed in what I've seen from Vassell this season. He kind of reminds me of Lonnie in a way - his game is aesthetically pleasing, his shot looks like it's great and should go in every time, and then it... Doesn't. Not nearly enough. His defense is good and all, but unless he picks it up on offense, I don't know if it'll ever be enough. He has the random 1-on-1 great plays that catch the eye (like Lonnie...) but can't do it consistently. He's young I guess, I'll give him some time, but I was team Haliburton from day 1 and my view on that draft pick hasn't changed in the slightest, sadly.

Agree on Keldon and McBuckets, they're complementary pieces only. I didn't agree with your previous post since you also threw in Primo in this group, who I see certainly a head and shoulders above these players. He's got true potential, both as a shooter on all facets, and as a playmaker. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see him be a top figure on the team sooner than later, overpassing Vassell, Keldon, etc.

[talkspurs]

Lol at all of you getting wet over Walker. We have been here before. Fool me once shame on you. Fool me 57x and I’m the idiot.

I just kind of laugh at them now. Im not saying Primo will not be good as it is to early but I see some same things as lonnie. He is flashier and so people like him. Im thinking that is why people did not like Murray for awhile. they like flash not if a player is actually good. they then try and use other things to defend them but really they just like the flash.

[BackHome]

That’s why when we draft we pick the best player I don’t care if it’s a PG or SG as we don’t have 5 legit starters on this team right now. We have guys who could be great bench players which is needed in today’s NBA but we need 3 more Murray’s type of starter players to be really good.

If we don’t get better talent on this team I guarantee that Murray is going to leave my only hope it does not turn into KY .2

[Ice009]

Looks like Toronto's losing. They lost to the Pelicans by 30. And to top that off, Boston is on an 8 game win streak :(. I assume for the Spurs to maximize their draft picks they need Toronto to win and Boston to lose.

Were the new guys available tonight? If so, why didn't any of them play?

[rankingtear]

Keldon, Vassell, McDermott are all 8-10th men on a playoff team. They aren’t NBA starting material yet if ever.

Keldon and Vassell should be close to top 150 player by the end of the year. They are much better than what they are at the start of the season and both of them had to make significant adjustments to their game.

Keldon shifted those rim attempts to threes and Vassell changed his shooting motion.

Think of McDermott as a development tool for a rebuilding team spacing at non guard spot is crucial for developing ball handlers.

[John B]

Of course I'm serious.

Did Devounte get those rebounds strictly off Poeltl though? Or did he get them over the entire Spurs team, unwilling or unable to box out the Bulls' athletic forwards? Also funny that you bring up Off Rebounds, as Poeltl leads the entire league in that category (he could've fallen off the #1 spot though, it's been a few weeks since I've checked). You know what helps with all kinds of rebounds? An actual PF...

:lol at bringing up "facial dunks". Literally every good big man defender gets postered on the regular. Our very own Timmy got a facial from Kobe, does that make him a bad defender too? I'd much, much rather he contest everything, and get dunked on, than play the ol' matador "business decision" pussy-ass style of rim protection the league is fond of nowadays. Ridiculous thing to complain about, he was literally altering those shots.

And this shtick you got about Poeltl being lazy, not being into games, whatever, it's weird as hell, man. At no point has Jakob looked lackadaisical tonight. He's got 10 & 5, and the highest +/- of the entire starting unit (not like one game is enough sample size, but certainly significant). Again -- which game are you watching?

Bruh I’m just calling how I see it. Spurs got beat in the rebounding 53-33. If not for the Bulls 15 TO’s this would’ve been a lopsided game. I’m just not blaming Poeltl, but when I said it, Debounte just had multiple offensive rebounds, Cody White was getting some too. Ultimately it was our lack of 3pt that killed us 30% vs 41%, and Vassell not showing up on both sides of the floor, 5 pts and letting Demar get his way.

I mean they know where the scores are coming from, still they couldn’t slow him down.

Anyways, it was a fun game. I think they are going to get better. I like Lonnie’s last two games. It’s games like these that make you second guess whether to sign him or not. I hope it continues.

Tank for Chet!

[murpjf88]

Looks like Toronto's losing. They lost to the Pelicans by 30. And to top that off, Boston is on an 8 game win streak :(. I assume for the Spurs to maximize their draft picks they need Toronto to win and Boston to lose.

Does it really matter with a weak draft class? Those 2022 picks should have been 2023 picks if the Spurs wanted to maximize their value.

[John B]

Looks like Toronto's losing. They lost to the Pelicans by 30. And to top that off, Boston is on an 8 game win streak :(. I assume for the Spurs to maximize their draft picks they need Toronto to win and Boston to lose.

Were the new guys available tonight? If so, why didn't any of them play?

They were there. And there was a post of them shooting drills with Coach Chip, Josh, Langford and even Satoransky. It was a close game. I think Pop wanted that W.

[John B]

I've been really disappointed in what I've seen from Vassell this season. He kind of reminds me of Lonnie in a way - his game is aesthetically pleasing, his shot looks like it's great and should go in every time, and then it... Doesn't. Not nearly enough. His defense is good and all, but unless he picks it up on offense, I don't know if it'll ever be enough. He has the random 1-on-1 great plays that catch the eye (like Lonnie...) but can't do it consistently. He's young I guess, I'll give him some time, but I was team Haliburton from day 1 and my view on that draft pick hasn't changed in the slightest, sadly.

Agree on Keldon and McBuckets, they're complementary pieces only. I didn't agree with your previous post since you also threw in Primo in this group, who I see certainly a head and shoulders above these players. He's got true potential, both as a shooter on all facets, and as a playmaker. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see him be a top figure on the team sooner than later, overpassing Vassell, Keldon, etc.

Obviously you didn’t see the last two games. Vassell was terrific, attacking on all facets of the game. He had a terrible outing tonight, must to be expected on a young player. But he could’ve done better defense if his shots were not falling. Vassell is a beautiful player, just silky shots and he seems to float on air. I think he will be averaging close to 20pts once the offense is focused on him as a go-to scorer. Primo will be there too. But I think the starting SG is Vassell’s until somebody takes it from him.

[rankingtear]

I've been really disappointed in what I've seen from Vassell this season. He kind of reminds me of Lonnie in a way - his game is aesthetically pleasing, his shot looks like it's great and should go in every time, and then it... Doesn't. Not nearly enough. His defense is good and all, but unless he picks it up on offense, I don't know if it'll ever be enough. He has the random 1-on-1 great plays that catch the eye (like Lonnie...) but can't do it consistently. He's young I guess, I'll give him some time, but I was team Haliburton from day 1 and my view on that draft pick hasn't changed in the slightest, sadly.

Agree on Keldon and McBuckets, they're complementary pieces only. I didn't agree with your previous post since you also threw in Primo in this group, who I see certainly a head and shoulders above these players. He's got true potential, both as a shooter on all facets, and as a playmaker. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see him be a top figure on the team sooner than later, overpassing Vassell, Keldon, etc.

Devin changed his shot from 2 motion to 1 in an offseason, more reps and it should go down more he already maintained his percentages on double the volume.

[Mr. Body]

Vassell really needs to learn how to not suck and disappear every other game.

[Fireball]

Vassell was very consistent recently ... it was time to have a bad game for the young fella. Lonnie took over for him with some nasty dunks ...

Derozan looked as confindent as ever ... initially we had him where went him .. a little angry, getting a tech but we let him off the hook again so he calmed down to kill the Spurs in the 4th. Props to him

[siraulo23]

Spurs played pretty well but just didnt execute in the 4th quarter.

Not a bad game tbh.

[RC_Drunkford]

This Bulls starting lineup is shit lol. Spurs definitely winning this.

gotta thank DeMar for giving us a 40 piece to go :bobo

[tbdog]

40/6/3 for DeMVP. Way didn’t he play like this as a Spur? :lmao

He did for the most part. But he has been playing better every year for a while now.

[Dverde]

Anyone else impressed with Javonte Green on the Bulls? Undrafted and a FA next offseason. He’s really undersized, but plays big and good at picking up steals. Intangibles glue guy type to me.

[GAustex]

Skinny weak physically spurs got bullied

[ceperez]

Let's get real here. Spurs couldn't score because the Bulls stepped up their defense.

Their poor performance in the 4th was imposed on them. It's nobody's fault that no Spur is an elite talent.

[Dex]

Let's get real here. Spurs couldn't score because the Bulls stepped up their defense.

Their poor performance in the 4th was imposed on them. It's nobody's fault that no Spur is an elite talent.

This seems to be the case in a lot of our losses.

Spurs have enough youth and talent to score with other teams using the run & gun game, but when things get tight in the fourth quarter and the opponent's clamp down...that free-flowing faucet seems to get stopped real quick.

We're not quite to the Beautiful Game level where we can overcome that as a team, especially against different opponents every night...and we don't really have a "go-to" scorer for those situations. Sometimes we manage to do enough to survive, but as the record shows, we flounder more often than not.

Those are the times when someone like Dejounte has to step up and take over, because no one else on the team seems capable of doing that consistently.

[MannyIsGod]

Thought this game was there for the taking. Devin just laid an egg in this one, and Lonnie's great game some what pulled out the slack, but the Spurs were just unable to score in the fourth. The biggest stretch to me was the 3 or so minutes in the fourth were Demar went to the bench and we didn't make up any ground. Demar was gassed at that point and if we had been able to make Donovan bring him back into the game sooner, then he likely would have been gassed again by the end of the game. But the Spurs had way too many turnovers and missed shots. DJM had some great looks on mid range jumpers at the end and they just didn't go.

I don't agree with y'alls comments on Devin in this thread. He 100% has some consistency issues, but dude is super young still. I have been pleased to see his development form last year. He's found way more ways to score this year than last and he's made some good progress. I think people here just expect too much from young players a lot of the time.

[MannyIsGod]

Let's get real here. Spurs couldn't score because the Bulls stepped up their defense.

Their poor performance in the 4th was imposed on them. It's nobody's fault that no Spur is an elite talent.

Actually really disagree with this. The Bulls aren't really capable of playing great defense without Lonzo and Caruso. The Spurs shots in the fourth last night were largely open, makeable, and shots they normally hit. They just missed them.

[MannyIsGod]

So decided to do a quick scan through the DVR'd 4th last night to see what kind of shots we got, I'll post the results below when I'm done.

[MannyIsGod]

11:31 Tre Jones to Z Collins on a roll after a pick, makes the layup. Slightly contested but should make this most of the time.
10:52 Keldon contested jump hook 6 feet or so from the bucket. Not the best shot, well defended, but not terrible either. Misses the shot.
10:20 Lonnie out of control drive. Bad shot. More of a bad decision than good defense, IMO.
9:53 Devin hits free throw line jumper. Good pump fake, not great D.
9:30 Keldon drive. Demar actually makes a good defensive play here. Keldon misses badly. Definitely a good defensive play here.
9:00 Devin makes a good runner in the lane that isn't really contested. Defender doesn't even jump with him.
8:27 Uncontested shot for Collins off a roll with Tre. About 10 feet out, shot goes in off the bank so lol, but this is a wide open jumper I expect him to make most of the time if he's going to be a good player.
7:51 Devin WIDE open free throw jumper that he barely draws rim on. Defense here was atrocious, but Devin just leaves it way short.
7:37 Keldon draws a foul on a drive. Good drive, gets to the line
7:02 Keldon makes a 3 foot shot at the rim. Not good D to allow him to get that close and just have a layup.
6:22 Collins make a bad pass to Primo, Primo tries to save but goes out of bounds. This isn't really defense either, its just not a sharp pass in a bad situation. Self inflicted.
5:52 Wide open DJM shot at the elbow. Just comes off short. This is a high percentage shot for DJM. Defense was bad.
5:25 DMJ blows by the defense for a wide open layup. Straight down the lane.
5:00 Out of control reverse layup by DJM. Looks like he wanted a foul, but I didn't see one. Just went up awkward. Defense wasn't bad, but DJM could have done way better here.
4:42 Lob to DJM. Great play call by Pop here (don't get to say that much) Easy layup at the rim, not good D.
4:17 Open midrange jumper on the wing. 12ish feet out? DJM makes this shot at a high percentage. Not bad D, but not good D either.
3:46 DJM jumper from 6 feet out. Bulls do contest this shot late, so not wide open. Not bad D, but this is the kind of shot DJM makes a living off of. Comes off the rim.
3:41 Wide open McDermott shot from the corner 3 off the inbound. Comes off, but this is a good shot for Doug. Pretty bad D.
3:03 Lonnie drives and draws a foul by going into the D. Great drive. Defense fouled so kinda hard to say it was good.
2:39 Jakob makes a contested shot 6 feet out off a roll. D not bad at all, Jakob just makes a good shot.
1:58. McDermott with an atrocious pass that results in a TO. Defense not bad here at all, but holy shit this pass was awful.
1:32 DJM goes up and is defended well, makes an atrocious pass as well. Turnover. This is good defense but also really bad offense.
1:03 Keldon with a really bad drive. Defense is not bad here, but for the 3rd time in a row a Spurs player leaves his feet with no where to go and ends up badly. This series of possessions don't scream good defense to me as much as they scream AWFUL offense.

Game is out of hand at this point. With 2 minutes to go they are fully in this game, but they just blow it after that. Part of the reason they struggle is because the pace slows down a lot in this quarter once Derozan catches fire and is making every shot he takes. Easier to play D after a made basket. Still, Spurs had a ton of shots they usually make and just didn't.

[BacktoBasics]

Thought this game was there for the taking. Devin just laid an egg in this one, and Lonnie's great game some what pulled out the slack, but the Spurs were just unable to score in the fourth. The biggest stretch to me was the 3 or so minutes in the fourth were Demar went to the bench and we didn't make up any ground. Demar was gassed at that point and if we had been able to make Donovan bring him back into the game sooner, then he likely would have been gassed again by the end of the game. But the Spurs had way too many turnovers and missed shots. DJM had some great looks on mid range jumpers at the end and they just didn't go.

I don't agree with y'alls comments on Devin in this thread. He 100% has some consistency issues, but dude is super young still. I have been pleased to see his development form last year. He's found way more ways to score this year than last and he's made some good progress. I think people here just expect too much from young players a lot of the time.
I chalked that up to coming off the bench, needing more early minutes to establish himself etc. Now that he's starting we'll see if that matters. Hopefully he can find some more consistency. He looked good the other night.

[RC_Drunkford]

People shouldn‘t be surprised. Spurs are 29th in the NBA in points scored in the clutch

[ceperez]

DeRozan is 7 years older than Dejounte Murray. That is 7 years more experience than the oldest Spur on the court (except for Doug)!

No wonder he single handedly destroyed the entire team of young Spurs players who never accomplished much other than staying in the league!

[Floyd Pacquiao]

Spurs shot 6-20 from 3? Not gonna win till they shoot more consistently

[Fireball]

how about pushing the pace in the 4th as well ...

[DAF86]

Unsticky this ish timvp

[itzsoweezee]

Pop’s ready to retire faster that last Murray shot