Game Thread: Spurs @ Pelicans 6pm ET 3-26-24

[KingKev]

Walker, Langford and McLovin are all out. Vassell is questionable.

For NO Brandon Ingram is out.

They whooped our asses a few weeks ago; but I’d expect our guys to come out stronger tonight. This game could very wel determine who gets the play in.

NO favoured by 6.5, ML is +210 for the Spurs. Do or die for Spurs and I think we are comfortably gunning for the play in with hopes of a top 5 pick dwindling.

[XDT76]

Actually what is Langford's issue? He came in injured played one game and then out for the rest of the season?

[Russ]

Whether you want to tank or go for the 10 seed (like I do), this sure looks like the pivotal game.

:flag:

[baseline bum]

Spurs need a loss here, hope CJ goes nuclear

[MultiTroll]

Actually what is Langford's issue? He came in injured played one game and then out for the rest of the season?
FWIW NBA says "r hamstring strain."

But ya all NBA teams fudge on that, esp in Tank Time.

[KingKev]

I really don’t know how to read this. I’ve been team tank since day one and was very satisfied with the season to the AS break as we stayed competitive, developed youth and gave virtually everyone on the roster a chance to prove themselves but the time to start tanking was weeks ago.

We are firmly an 8th seed in the tank or worse. We are VERY unlikely to increase our draft odds from here so the play-in in more valuable at this point.

Can’t get a girl half pregnant ladies and gents.

[KingKev]

FWIW NBA says "r hamstring strain."

But ya all NBA teams fudge on that, esp in Tank Time.


Langford being available isn’t really relevant so he probably is ailing.

[BatManu20]

Hoping Brandon Ingram returns tonight. Spurs need to lose this one. Go Pels.

[slick'81]

If spurs are really "tanking" theyll lay down again. Gotta stay at #8

[Cardinal]

The spurs should absolutely be playing for the play in. I’m sorry, I want to root for the team to succeeded. It is great experiences for the young talent they already have. I’m frankly not that impressed with the top of the draft anyway. They’ll have multiple chances to find someone interesting in the draft.

[heyheymymy]

Agree so weird about Langford's "injury"

That one game saw flashes of brilliance and I wanna scout more

[heyheymymy]

:flag:

[John B]

Paul Garcia (@PaulGarciaNBA) Tweeted:
For Saturday at Pelicans, Spurs injury report:


OUT w injury
Langford
McDermott
Lonnie
Vassell (Right achilles soreness) updated


OUT, but with Austin
Cacok
Woodard II
Stewart





https://twitter.com/PaulGarciaNBA/status/1507457946107621379?s=20&t=FQj03zmYpuFQHNR5hmU3Ew

[slick'81]

Primo and j rich gonna eat tonight

[Dex]

Spurs by 20+, fvck!

[PhantomDashCam]

1506858738845728772

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Spurs by 20+, fvck!

:lol


A loss would solidify the Spurs not making the play-in methinks, making the remaining schedule essentially meaningless, improve our lottery position, blah, blah, blah.


But what fun is that?! :flag:

[NASpurs]

Isn't the game at 4 PM?

[Degoat]

I’ve always been on the team to win games, but at this point we need to lose. Playin is an absolute waste of time. We’ve learned that DJ is an all star this season and I personally think Keldon made a significant leap as well. Rest of the team needs help everywhere

[emanueldavidginobili]

Keldon can't rebound for shit

[KingKev]

Isn't the game at 4 PM?

6pm ET which = eastern time. 5pm CST

[NASpurs]

6pm ET which = eastern time. 5pm CST

Dude it's already on. They're halfway into the first quarter.

[SAGirl]

I really don’t know how to read this. I’ve been team tank since day one and was very satisfied with the season to the AS break as we stayed competitive, developed youth and gave virtually everyone on the roster a chance to prove themselves but the time to start tanking was weeks ago.

We are firmly an 8th seed in the tank or worse. We are VERY unlikely to increase our draft odds from here so the play-in in more valuable at this point.

Can’t get a girl half pregnant ladies and gents.
This is where I am at. I was team tank, but as things stand right now, after a few improbable wins they may as well push through and see how well they play/develop from here.

[Degoat]

Pick 8 is a lot more significant then pick 10 or 11 imo fck the play-in lol

[SAGirl]

Agree so weird about Langford's "injury"

That one game saw flashes of brilliance and I wanna scout more
He apparently got injured constantly for the Celtics, worse than White injury wise. Different soreness, neck, knee, hamstring, got injured during summer league too. Just did a quick google search and found it out.

[KingKev]

This is where I am at. I was team tank, but as things stand right now, after a few improbable wins they may as well push through and see how well they play/develop from here.

Just the chance to play and beat LA in the play-in is worth it to me.

[emanueldavidginobili]

It looks like J Rich travels every time lmao

[RC_Drunkford]

J-Rich is the perfect backcourt partner for DJ…if we were trying to win games

[lefty20]

This is some bs start time.

[KingKev]

J Rich is a grown man on the defensive end. Refreshing.

[Mr. Body]

Why does Richardson bounce around the league so much? He seems like he has good skill, shoots when he needs to, plays pretty good defense. He seems like a good guy, too.

[PhantomDashCam]

In the last few games I’ve noticed the Spurs have started to go a little bigger in the FC for stretches with a Jock/Zach pairing placing Keldon as the SF…

[KingKev]

Why does Richardson bounce around the league so much? He seems like he has good skill, shoots when he needs to, plays pretty good defense. He seems like a good guy, too.

He seems like a giy who just shows up and does what he is capable/asked of on BOTH sides of the ball. He was meant to be a meaningful chip in the Butler trade. No shame on JRich but Butler is an absolute winner so that’s an honour in itself.

[KingKev]

In the last few games I’ve noticed the Spurs have started to go a little bigger in the FC for stretches with a Jock/Zach pairing placing Keldon as the SF…

Zach is too weak to guard a true centre. That’s a horrible front court pairing. The more I watch Collins there more I see we have another tweener on our hands who does nothing particularly well. Marshall made him look like a school girl in the 1st half.

[PhantomDashCam]

J-Rich is the perfect backcourt partner for DJ…if we were trying to win games
…or even Dame Lillard if Portland are committed to retooling…

[widowmaker]

Looks like the Spurs want to win this one. Lets go!

[KingKev]

Primo is so MEH

[PhantomDashCam]

Zach is too weak to guard a true centre. That’s a horrible back court pairing. The more I watch Collins there more I see we have another tweener on our hands who does nothing particularly well. Marshall made him look like a school girl in the 1st half.

This point was more to do with Keldon as a SF which I ultimately believe he needs to become. Shows the Spurs may be looking at length as a key change to FC strategies moving forward. I would welcome this.

[KingKev]

This point was more to do with Keldon as a SF which I ultimately believe he needs to become. Shows the Spurs may be looking at length as a key change to FC strategies moving forward. I would welcome this.

Agreed. Keldon needs to be repatriated to the 3 or backup both the 3/4 situationally.

[Mr. Body]

Primo is so MEH

I think he's playing well today. He's circulating the ball, knows where to be. He's fitting in. From there, he can grow the right directions.

[baseline bum]

The spurs should absolutely be playing for the play in. I’m sorry, I want to root for the team to succeeded. It is great experiences for the young talent they already have. I’m frankly not that impressed with the top of the draft anyway. They’ll have multiple chances to find someone interesting in the draft.

Don't really see how getting the broom from Phoenix is going to be a great experience.

[baseline bum]

Just the chance to play and beat LA in the play-in is worth it to me.

If the Spurs get into the play-in they're taking the Lakers place, not playing against them.

[KingKev]

If the Spurs get into the play-in they're taking the Lakers place, not playing against them.

it is still open

[PhantomDashCam]

Now we’re getting Zach/KBD/Keldon… with KJ guarding the perimeter… :tu

[Robz4000]

:lol Collins is so bad

[Degoat]

Such an ugly game lol I really hope we don’t pull this one out tbh I want at least the 8th pick

[lefty20]

Natural arm motion, I'm sure Kirby's ghost would agree.

[XDT76]

There is such a big gap in terms of ability between our SL and the other guys. Maybe except Landale where he got straight 0s and lead the team on +/- did his presence scare the sh*t out of the Pelicans?

[lefty20]

Some good passing by the Spurs bigs in 4th.

[BatManu20]

This was predictable. Like I said in the draft tread, Spurs were going to come in hungry after the beating they took from the Pels last week.

[Dejounte]

Folks are getting their wish: more Keldon at SF. (Even though his minutes there had been steadily increasing over the course of the season… people were not paying attention)

[Robz4000]

Murray is having a forgettable second half tbh.

[Ocotillo]

Alvarado has a punchable face

[Dejounte]

Landale being given minutes at PF shows the Spurs’ trust and probably allows Landale to have a future with the Spurs. Him being able to to play there means more opportunity to play as he would have been stuck forever as a 3rd string C.

[lefty20]

Wow. That was terrible offense by Spurs last possession.

[BatManu20]

Alvarado taking the last shot for the Pels :lol

That’s who you want taking the shot if you’re trying to lose

[Degoat]

Son of a bitch! We’re gonna actually likely gonna make the play-in aren’t we? Lmao

[BatManu20]

Lakers are gonna beat the Pelicans tomorrow too now.

[Mr. Body]

Pelicans face the Lakers tomorrow. That game may determine whose play-in spot the Spurs will be taking.

[KingKev]

Alvarado taking the last shot for the Pels :lol

That’s who you want taking the shot if you’re trying to lose

Going with the hot hand?

[SPURt]

Terrible shot by Alvarado, he was having a great game too. Landale made the difference during that spurt. No Vassell, no Walker, no problem

[widowmaker]

Take that tankers lol.

[Ocotillo]

That was fun the way the crowd went from roar to silence.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Not a pretty game but it had almost playoff intensity. Such a great win. They have the tie breaker over NO and most likely vs Lakers as well.

[Dex]

If we are going to the play-in, we better be knocking the Lakers out

[widowmaker]

Good fucking win lets go.

[XDT76]

Landale being given minutes at PF shows the Spurs’ trust and probably allows Landale to have a future with the Spurs. Him being able to to play there means more opportunity to play as he would have been stuck forever as a 3rd string C.

I like his game if he could add a little more speed be better on defense he would be a good second team player for us. In fact i fancy him more than Collins at this moment hopefully its really just Collins being affected by the prolong injury period

[KingKev]

If we are going to the play-in, we better be knocking the Lakers out

PREACH

[Mr. Body]

Terrible shot by Alvarado, he was having a great game too. Landale made the difference during that spurt. No Vassell, no Walker, no problem

McConnell couldn't get open. Alvarado needed to realize they didn't need a three.

And yeah, Landale was big down the stretch.

[XDT76]

If we are going to the play-in, we better be knocking the Lakers out

That's what I was thinking too, so gonna root for Pelicans tomorrow

[Russ]

:flag:

[KingKev]

I’m sorry but Primo looks worse the more opportunity he gets. He has good hands on the defensive end but is wayyyy to slow to stay infront of guards and wings.

[Robz4000]

Still think the Spurs ultimately end up 11th tbh.

[BatManu20]

It’s likely going to be Lakers vs. Spurs in the play-in tournament and the Lakers are going to beat us. Literally worst case scenario :lol

[Dex]

It’s likely going to be Lakers vs. Spurs in the play-in tournament and the Lakers are going to beat us. Literally worst case scenario :lol

OR....Pop sends his final F-U to LeBron by knocking him out of the play-ins.

I love this timeline.

[John B]

Great almost double-double production from both our backup bigs Landale and Zollins.

[KobesAchilles]

We are making the play in!!

[Dejounte]

Landale being given minutes at PF shows the Spurs’ trust and probably allows Landale to have a future with the Spurs. Him being able to to play there means more opportunity to play as he would have been stuck forever as a 3rd string C.

https://twitter.com/paulgarcianba/status/1507865126673731589?s=21&t=WgzhYNQigzoB382m8p3yuA

https://twitter.com/paulgarcianba/status/1507865126673731589

Lol

[Mr. Body]

I thought we'd be seeing Collins playing with another big at some point. Still unsure how things work, but clearly there's some good of having Landale out there with him or Poeltl. I just don't think Collins should bother trying to force things inside.

[Dejounte]

I thought we'd be seeing Collins playing with another big at some point. Still unsure how things work, but clearly there's some good of having Landale out there with him or Poeltl. I just don't think Collins should bother trying to force things inside.

Collins isn’t the PF in either situation. Collins didn’t play a second with Poeltl and is matched up with the other center when he and Landale were playing.

[boutons_deux]

Still think the Spurs ultimately end up 11th tbh.

The remaining schedule doesn't look very tough with Portland twice, etc

[Dejounte]

Also, Keldon looks to be growing comfortable as a self-creating scorer out there. He truly is blossoming offensively. The way he is contorting his body and adding a little finesse to his drives tells me Manu is making a mark on his development.

[duncan2150]

The remaining schedule doesn't look very tough with Portland twice, etc


Memphis, Dallas, Denver, Golden State and Minny for 5 of the last 8 games.

[Dverde]

Pelicans and Lakers play tomorrow. So this race to be swept by the Suns is going to get tight. Spurs may finish playing Mavs with a resting Luka.

[cjw]

Spurs clinched tiebreaker with Pelicans today (3-1 season series) and almost certainly have it over Lakers (2-2 season but three less losses in the conference).

If three-way, then Spurs will be 5-3. If Pelicans win remaining two with Lakers, they would be 4-3 and Lakers 2-5. If they split, Pelicans will be 3-4 and Lakers 3-4. If Lakers win both remaining, they’ll be 4-3 and Pelicans 2-5.

So looks like Spurs win three-way tiebreaker too.

Can someone confirm?

[timtonymanu]

The play-in has got to be one of the worst additions. I hate that the team is setting themselves up for another post top 10 pick in the lottery.

[KingKev]

Also, Keldon looks to be growing comfortable as a self-creating scorer out there. He truly is blossoming offensively. The way he is contorting his body and adding a little finesse to his drives tells me Manu is making a mark on his development.

I’ve been noticing that lately also. It’s not just him in full running back mustang mode. I often cringe only to see him finish in an organized fashion.

[Robz4000]

Spurs clinched tiebreaker with Pelicans today (3-1 season series) and almost certainly have it over Lakers (2-2 season but three less losses in the conference).

If three-way, then Spurs will be 5-3. If Pelicans win remaining two with Lakers, they would be 4-3 and Lakers 2-5. If they split, Pelicans will be 3-4 and Lakers 3-4. If Lakers win both remaining, they’ll be 4-3 and Pelicans 2-5.

So looks like Spurs win three-way tiebreaker too.

Can someone confirm?

Spurs went 2-1 against the Lakers this season so they already own the tiebreaker.

Edit: Nevermind, forgot about their game in Oct.

[Mr. Body]

Collins isn’t the PF in either situation. Collins didn’t play a second with Poeltl and is matched up with the other center when he and Landale were playing.

Yes, Collins is a PF.

[Dejounte]

Yes, Collins is a PF.

When someone’s wrong and can’t admit it. Even the quotes by the Spurs’ players themselves tonight say you’re wrong. But go on, live in your alternate reality.

[Mr. Body]

When someone’s wrong and can’t admit it. Even the quotes by the Spurs’ players themselves tonight say you’re wrong. But go on, live in your alternate reality.

They literally have the same skill set. You'll see Collins with Poeltl, too. Get over it.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Yes, Collins is a PF.

Only in gimmicky lineups. Every time he's paired with Landale it's Landale who's the 4. Collins's mobility is terrible right now.

[slick'81]

The play-in has got to be one of the worst additions. I hate that the team is setting themselves up for another post top 10 pick in the lottery.

spurs screwing that top 10 pick up:lol

[Mr. Body]

Only in gimmicky lineups. Every time he's paired with Landale it's Landale who's the 4. Collins's mobility is terrible right now.

New Olreans literally could not play Valanciunas down the stretch because Collins was too fast. He was too slow for a lineup trying to contain both Landale and Collins.

[KingKev]

The play-in has got to be one of the worst additions. I hate that the team is setting themselves up for another post top 10 pick in the lottery.

If you lose the play in it makes no diff. If they wanted to make it really interesting they could reward teams who make the play-in with better draft positioning

[KingKev]

New Olreans literally could not play Valanciunas down the stretch because Collins was too fast.

Collins is a tweener. Can’t guard, body, D up or box out a big body. Can’t defend a new age 4. He has ti make up for that on the offensive end. Tonight Marshall got under his skin BIG time. I reserve judgement for the time being as he is still figuring it out but he looks more like your 4th or 5th big versus an impact backup big man.

[BackHome]

Damn we going to get another 10 to 12 pick and get some scrub player that will take 4 years to develop

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

New Olreans literally could not play Valanciunas down the stretch because Collins was too fast. He was too slow for a lineup trying to contain both Landale and Collins.

I've no idea where you're getting this from because Jonas was in the game exactly when Collins was playing and went out when Poeltl came in (6-7 minute mark).

[Thomas82]

Damn we going to get another 10 to 12 pick and get some scrub player that will take 4 years to develop

That's what it's looking like.

[SAGirl]

Why does Richardson bounce around the league so much? He seems like he has good skill, shoots when he needs to, plays pretty good defense. He seems like a good guy, too.
I am kind of guessing here but he’s a streaky player that’s currently hot atm. He has long dry spells. At least that was the criticism that came from his time in Dallas. It’s something I can’t vouch for since I don’t watch Dallas or the Celtics.

It’s also possible he was good for the Celtics and he was just the price of getting White, not that they necessarily wanted to trade him. He also seems like the type of roleplayer others would covet and want to deal for and at the same time not someone that changes your team’s fortunes.

[tbdog]

We got a real shot making the playoffs. We got 2 blazers and 1 rocket game upcoming.

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210516235428-03-iowa-train-derailment-0516-exlarge-169.jpg

RIP 2022 L Train

:lma :depressed :lma

[RC_Drunkford]

We got a real shot making the playoffs. We got 2 blazers and 1 rocket game upcoming.

the play-in. Not the playoffs

[Slippy]

Top effort from Jock making the most of his mins again. Helped seal the win in the 4th. Glad to see pop go with 2 legit bigs playing togther throughout the game.

[Rocalcio]

Alvarado taking the last shot for the Pels :lol

That’s who you want taking the shot if you’re trying to lose

He had the hot hand.

[GAustex]

Just watched the game on tape
Poor Zach-3 or 4 Pels took turns turning Zach into their little boy

[Dejounte]

https://youtu.be/SJVoI8m0nFI

Only 22 years old

playing more time at SF

going to prove the doubters wrong tbh

[GAustex]

If KJ could get a little cross over pull up jumper
That would be a game changer
Oh and a coach who is not clueless and gets a couple serviceable PFs so KJ does not have to play out of position

[SAGirl]

KJ’s jumper looks smooth. He’s been such a revelation in that area and he really needed that 3 to allow his drives to be strategic and not forced when the 3 was there. Great job.

[GAustex]

KJs 3 pointer SET shot is a wonderful revelation
KJ does not have a serviceable jump shot in his game. KJ needs a jump shot to become the next level.
His Bonzi Wells type drives to the basket are glorious as bodies fly in his path.

[KingKev]

KJs 3 pointer SET shot is a wonderful revelation
KJ does not have a serviceable jump shot in his game. KJ needs a jump shot to become the next level.
His Bonzi Wells type drives to the basket are glorious as bodies fly in his path.

Interesting comparison. When Bonzi Wells wanted to he was a beast on the defensive end also! I fully expect Keldon to become a solid defender as he matures.

[hoopdreams11]

Damn we going to get another 10 to 12 pick and get some scrub player that will take 4 years to develop

Kawhi was picked 15th finals mvp 3 yrs later butler was picked 30th

The formula is talent, heart and development. Jimmer picked 10th and the morris bros went before Kawhi

[wildbill2u]

Keldon got pulled after he made another bull rush into the teeth of the lane defense and it resulted in a turnover. Pop gave him some time on the bench to reflect on his sinful ways. But is BB IQ somethiing that can be learned or is it simply inherent to a player's attitude and character???

[KingKev]

Keldon got pulled after he made another bull rush into the teeth of the lane defense and it resulted in a turnover. Pop gave him some time on the bench to reflect on his sinful ways. But is BB IQ somethiing that can be learned or is it simply inherent to a player's attitude and character???

Pop gon Pop. It’s not for everyone as DJ has recently said. I’d rather that Pop than the Pop that babied DDR and LMA.

[R. DeMurre]

I'm not overly concerned, as the Spurs are likely years away from contending, but at some point they'll have a decision to make. Keldon, Vassell, & Primo all have the potential to be productive players, but I just can't envision all three being starters because that puts Keldon awkwardly back in the PF position. Of course, maybe Vassell as 6th man backing up the SG & SF spots and playing Manu type minutes is a possibility. As nicely as KJ's growth as a player has gone, a San Antonio team with a 6'6" starting PF just isn't going to intimidate many top teams in the future.

[KingKev]

I'm not overly concerned, as the Spurs are likely years away from contending, but at some point they'll have a decision to make. Keldon, Vassell, & Primo all have the potential to be productive players, but I just can't envision all three being starters because that puts Keldon awkwardly back in the PF position. Of course, maybe Vassell as 6th man backing up the SG & SF spots and playing Manu type minutes is a possibility. As nicely as KJ's growth as a player has gone, a San Antonio team with a 6'6" starting PF just isn't going to intimidate many top teams in the future.

Keldon is leaps and bounds above Vassell and Primo and showed more at the early stages. If Vassell or Primo get to where Keldon is by year three great but two of those three will still be designated bench players or hopefully traded.

[R. DeMurre]

Keldon is leaps and bounds above Vassell and Primo and showed more at the early stages. If Vassell or Primo get to where Keldon is by year three great but two of those three will still be designated bench players or hopefully traded.

I'd say Primo's still too young to tell and a question mark, but in terms of per minute production Vassell & KJ really aren't very far apart, and Vassell is already the better defender & a year younger. The difference I see with them though is that Vassell as a tweener SG/SF isn't an issue but KJ as a tweener SF/PF is. We'll see... it should be interesting.

[tbdog]

the play-in. Not the playoffs

You don't think spurs could beat Pelicans and Clippers?

[KingKev]

I'd say Primo's still too young to tell and a question mark, but in terms of per minute production Vassell & KJ really aren't very far apart, and Vassell is already the better defender & a year younger. The difference I see with them though is that Vassell as a tweener SG/SF isn't an issue but KJ as a tweener SF/PF is. We'll see... it should be interesting.

For me Keldon has showed intangibles similar to DJ that the other youth haven’t. I’ll take the hustle and work ethic over flashes of skill ala Walker. KJ has that extra push. Vassell and Primo seem more Walker than Keldon to me but i’ll concede it’s ver early days.

[RC_Drunkford]

You don't think spurs could beat Pelicans and Clippers?

Clippers yes. NOLA not if they got Ingram