I Know It Sounds Stupid ... But Isn't Game 3 a Must-Win?

It sounds really dumb but I think it is.

1. The way the schedule works out, this is San Antonio's best chance to win a road game. From here on our, there's no more than a day off between games. No matter how much we wish it weren't true, these Spurs are very prone to fatigue and/or injuries. Game 3 stands out as the golden opportunity to get a momentous win.

2. If the Grizzlies win, history will probably be creeping into both teams' minds. The Spurs will think about what happened last year following their 2-0 WCF lead. The Grizzlies will think about their comeback series wins against the Clippers and Thunder in these playoffs.

3. The Grizzlies are most susceptible right now due to the fact they are behind the Spurs in terms of figuring out a gameplan. The Spurs know what they have to do gameplan-wise and need very few adjustments going forward. The Grizzlies, by comparison, are a mess. They will likely try an altered rotation in Game 3 -- which may or may not work as they hope.

4. Common sense says the Grizzlies' style of play will become more effective as the series progresses. They'll be able to "grit and grind" more as San Antonio's energy wanes. By a hypothetical Game 6 or 7, fatigue from dealing with the Grizzlies (in addition to the lack of rest) could be just as much of a concern as what Memphis does on the court.

Gotta get this one.

1.

It is a must win... All games further up are going to be difficult for the Spurs on account of age & wear and tear. This is the Spurs' best chance to win a road game and therefore a must win.

No doubt this game must be won. I said the same last year's game 3. This is easily the most important game of the series and the season thus far.

Spurs must play urgently and come out swinging. Most of the time, putting Memphis in a hole will result in a Game 1 type of result. Grizzly likelihood of recreating the 4th quarter are extraordinarily low. Put the rabid bears down tonight and both current and all-time history dictates they can't get back up.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by timvp

It sounds really dumb but I think it is.

1. The way the schedule works out, this is San Antonio's best chance to win a road game. From here on our, there's no more than a day off between games. No matter how much we wish it weren't true, these Spurs are very prone to fatigue and/or injuries. Game 3 stands out as the golden opportunity to get a momentous win.

2. If the Grizzlies win, history will probably be creeping into both teams' minds. The Spurs will think about what happened last year following their 2-0 WCF lead. The Grizzlies will think about their comeback series wins against the Clippers and Thunder in these playoffs.

3. The Grizzlies are most susceptible right now due to the fact they are behind the Spurs in terms of figuring out a gameplan. The Spurs know what they have to do gameplan-wise and need very few adjustments going forward. The Grizzlies, by comparison, are a mess. They will likely try an altered rotation in Game 3 -- which may or may not work as they hope.

4. Common sense says the Grizzlies' style of play will become more effective as the series progresses. They'll be able to "grit and grind" more as San Antonio's energy wanes. By a hypothetical Game 6 or 7, fatigue from dealing with the Grizzlies (in addition to the lack of rest) could be just as much of a concern as what Memphis does on the court.

Gotta get this one.

1.

---

This is a big game, but not a must win. I do think a split is a MUST, but we won't be so exhausted from Game 3 that we can't win Game 4.

That said, I think Game 3 is the more likely win. But not a MUST win.

Only my 2 cents.

Eh not really. But the b-hole clenches a little more with a loss today tbh.

Must win, If Grizz win this one they will have momentum for game 4, thus making game 5 a must win for the Spurs. That is way too much pressure.

Lol no its not.

We dont have to win a road game tbh.

Nah. Sounds legit to me. Game 3 is a must win. We blow this and Memphis has new found life.

Must win bc we can't sacrifice giving them any momentum, psychological reasons as you stated, as well a injury/fatigue.

Yes but for me it depends on the Heat also. Say we win and get to the finals but the Pacers beat the Heat
So Spurs vs Pacers. Should we win it all then would It be considered another *(asterisk) championship?

Damn, timvp is in a serious slump right now. When I read the thread title in the general forums screen I thought "lol typical GNSF thread" and it turned out to be a timvp's thread. :lol

Damn who stole timvps testicles?

Absolutely it's a must-win--b/c of Point #2. The Grizz are no strangers to adversity this year, and any momentum they're given leads to backdoor sweeps. By contrast, the Spurs have been some choking SOBs since 2008--they are simply not the mentally tough team you're accustomed to.

Think about Tim too--if the Grizz rip off 2 wins here he'll be asked more and more questions about The Cucking and if it's affecting him (and the team). No trolling, you know that will happen.

That doesn't sound silly to me at all LJ. The way I see it , all nba players should consider every playoff game "must-wins".

To dig further it's an issue of the Grizzlies trying to go with shooters in the starting lineup and probably killing all scoring on their bench. If that tactic works then the series gets extremely close. If it doesn't the Spurs will have a good lead in this game and probably take it. Spurs have to make sure the Grizzlies' change in plans is a complete failure.

If this is a must win for the Spurs what kind of game is this for the Grizz? :lol

Mathematically it is not, but as I indicated in my answer to the "guess the final score" thread, the Spurs REALLY don't want to be super-needing the game on Monday night, which they will definitely need if they lose tonight.

What I don't get, Timvp, is your prediction of a Grizzlies' win in the other thread, but this thread here. Of course I know that you are predicting that the Grizzlies take the series, but if you think this is must-win, don't you think Pop and the team know it as well?

We may not win tonight, but I sure hope we do.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by FkLA

If this is a must win for the Spurs what kind of game is this for the Grizz? :lol

---

Semi elimination...

please let manu show up for both halves

Not a must win. Our situation now is way different than last year. Against the Thunder, we all knew the refs were on their side and Durant, Westbrook, and Harden would run and gun us into submission. Memphis isnt a ref favorite and doesnt have the speed to beat us like the Thunder did. We are the Grizzlies worse nightmare more so than they are ours. We can grind it out with them better than any other team in the league sans probably Indiana.

Grizz win give Grizz tons of confidence, while the Spurs severely haunted by OKC/12, LAL/04.

Spurs win, series over in 5 max.

Just get a split in MEM and finish it Game5 4-1

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by hater

Damn who stole timvps testicles?

---

http://www.martinfrost.ws/htmlfiles/berlusconi5.jpg

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Trainwreck2100

please let manu show up for both halves

---

I think it is a must show up for manu after three days rest and in rhythm he should show up tonight, especially at driving to the hoop.

Nah, I wish the Spurs would sweep these bastards, but I think the Grizz put a whipping on the Spurs ala Utah in the 2007 WCF, but the Spurs come back and take care of business in game 4 then clinch in game 5.

Sorry, I don't see it as a must win.

Every playoff game that's winnable is a must-win tbh

Meh, I think one of these are a must win, but ones not more important then the other. This team seems to be too mentally strong for another collapse.Like you said, they have this team figured out, where as last year it was the complete opposite. I just don't think memphis has the firepower to win 4 of the next 5.

it is!

Must win for the Griz... not for the Spurs... the reality is that the Spurs don't have to win a single road game and would still advance as long as they take care of home...

That said, a Spurs win tonight would be a major series-buster, IMO...

If it sounds stupid, it probably is stupid. A must-win is only really applicable if you are facing elimination. Even if Memphis won games 3 and 4, I still think we would have an advantage although momentum would be with the Grizz. Honestly, this is not 2 years ago and this team is completely different and it's not even close. The team is playing better defense and with Leonard and Green playing at such a high level, I really can't see Memphis dominating us from a physicality stand-point like they did 2 years ago. Simply put, we are better equipped to handle this team and Memphis does not have enough (on the offensive end) to beat us 4 times. I just don't see it.

No.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by FkLA

If this is a must win for the Spurs what kind of game is this for the Grizz? :lol

---

Well said, tbh.

Nope, game 4 is a must win for the Spurs IMO. Always nice to get that 3-1 or even better 4-0 advantage going into the following games, whether they be vs the East or the Grizz.

Good read tbh. Thanks timvp.

Serious PTSD from last year going on. Even if they lose tonight, the Spurs are NOT going to lose another series up 2-0. Not happening.

I don't agree that this game is a must win.

I do, however, think this game means the difference between this being an easy series and being a long, grueling (perhaps even losable) battle. Like others, I feel like this is the Spurs best opportunity to steal one on the road. Doing so would break the Grizzlies psyche, put them in the impossible 0-3 hole, and relieve a lot of pressure on the Spurs after what happened last year against OKC.

It also could be the difference of the Spurs getting a few days rest if they are able to make it to the Finals, or having to battle through another 6-game series like they did against Golden State. And we all know how much rest can benefit guys like Duncan, Parker, Ginobili, and Leonard.

Don't play with fire. They need to step on the throat now, make the Grizzlies feel like they have no chance, and make life easy for themselves.

I like our chances despite fatigue factor even if we don't win this game. The fatigue part hurts our offense, but the way this team has been able to play defense (where fatigue isn't as pronounced), has been huge. Last year, when we lost our legs we didn't have the defense we do now to fall back on, plus we aren't going against a team nearly as athletic or offensively talented as OKC, which compounded that.

As far as the momentum thing, I just think this team is too poised and savvy to let it get to them.

That said I think the Spurs win an ugly, hard fought game tonight. final score 88-83.

No, not a must win, but it's close solely for the reason of the up 2-0 and losing last season, in the back of the Spurs minds.

There's also the argument that every win in the conference finals is a must win.

It's not a must win. Have some faith in our team. It's a "golly gee I sure hope we win, that would be great" game. Not a "must win"

The Grizziles are a good team at home, and they are favored. That being said, the Spurs are going to go all out tonight for the win.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by spurraider21

It's not a must win. Have some faith in our team. It's a "golly gee I sure hope we win, that would be great" game. Not a "must win"

---

:toast

Every playoff game is a must win. I`m sure it`s must win game for Grizz, they lose series is over. Spurs will be in good position even with a loss.

I wouldn't say it's a must-win, but it's definitely a key game that would swing the series heavily in our favor if we did win it.

We're prolly gonna lose one at Memphis, but don't worry because all we need is a split so we can close it out in 5. :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DAF86

Damn, timvp is in a serious slump right now. When I read the thread title in the general forums screen I thought "lol typical GNSF thread" and it turned out to be a timvp's thread. :lol

---

Holy crap that was timvp? damn. No it's not a must win. It'd be nice to win but a split is the only thing must about the next two games.

It's only a must win if losing puts us against insurmountable odds, IMO. I don't think a loss today would do that. I think it's sufficient to say it's an important game for the reasons you stated. Must win though? If that's the case I don't like their chances next round against a real championship contender anyway.

Not really a must win but definitely should be a focus game as the Spurs didn't finish game 2 well. They need to keep the muscle for the hustle

We know te Spurs are going to have to beat a team that will have full on support of the ref whistle. They will let the Grizzlies hack and bump the Spurs and will call dinky hand check BS on the Spurs. It's going to happen.

The Spurs have to realize this and play very physical yet very smart. Can't lose composure when the refs start with that shit and must take advantage of the times they aren't screwing you.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by hoppedupford

If the Spurs lose today how much whining will there be that the series is over.

---

On this board? Are you kidding? Not only will we become a team of "scrubs", but there will calls for anyone and everyone not named Tim Duncan to be traded on the spot!

This is a must win from the point that we must not let Memphis get momentum.
They made a come back in came two and a win in game three could make the team start thinking too much about last year. Allowing a win in game four would put us in a 3-1 situation and no momentum for Memphis.

It is a must win, absolutely. The Grizz turned the momentum going into their own arena, and the Spurs need to take that back. We have to win on the road, I think, and putting them down 3-0 will sap the hopes of their fans, the writers and most of the non-seasoned players.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by peacemaker885

Yes but for me it depends on the Heat also. Say we win and get to the finals but the Pacers beat the Heat
So Spurs vs Pacers. Should we win it all then would It be considered another *(asterisk) championship?

---

Uh no. If you can beat a team that beat the champs, that's better than beating the champs.

Is your question even serious?

Nope.

Definitely must win this game 3 & go for the sweep or go home & close it out in 5... otherwise, this could go 6-7 games.

No such thing as a must-win up 2-0.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ElNono

Must win for the Griz... not for the Spurs... the reality is that the Spurs don't have to win a single road game and would still advance as long as they take care of home...

That said, a Spurs win tonight would be a major series-buster, IMO...

---

This

:lmao spurs are losing game 3. wake up

Spurs in 6. :lmao thinking game 3 is a must win

Game 3 is a must win if the spurs want to sweep the series...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by timvp

It sounds really dumb but I think it is.

1. The way the schedule works out, this is San Antonio's best chance to win a road game. From here on our, there's no more than a day off between games. No matter how much we wish it weren't true, these Spurs are very prone to fatigue and/or injuries. Game 3 stands out as the golden opportunity to get a momentous win.

2. If the Grizzlies win, history will probably be creeping into both teams' minds. The Spurs will think about what happened last year following their 2-0 WCF lead. The Grizzlies will think about their comeback series wins against the Clippers and Thunder in these playoffs.

3. The Grizzlies are most susceptible right now due to the fact they are behind the Spurs in terms of figuring out a gameplan. The Spurs know what they have to do gameplan-wise and need very few adjustments going forward. The Grizzlies, by comparison, are a mess. They will likely try an altered rotation in Game 3 -- which may or may not work as they hope.

4. Common sense says the Grizzlies' style of play will become more effective as the series progresses. They'll be able to "grit and grind" more as San Antonio's energy wanes. By a hypothetical Game 6 or 7, fatigue from dealing with the Grizzlies (in addition to the lack of rest) could be just as much of a concern as what Memphis does on the court.

Gotta get this one.

1.

---

:wow timvp = Bill Simmons

Simmons said brought up some of the same points during the pregame show.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BillMc

This is a big game, but not a must win. I do think a split is a MUST, but we won't be so exhausted from Game 3 that we can't win Game 4.

That said, I think Game 3 is the more likely win. But not a MUST win.

Only my 2 cents.

---

Same thought.

First half of the title answers the question posed.

IF the Spurs only way to win a title is get a lot of vacation time in between games

it's not happening..

For the people thinking this is a must win game, might as well jump off the bridge now. :lmao

doesn't look like spurs got the message.

Told you all.

We gonna get ass raped.

This is not a must win and neither is a split a must win. As long as the Spurs take care of their home games they win this series.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dex

I don't agree that this game is a must win.

I do, however, think this game means the difference between this being an easy series and being a long, grueling (perhaps even losable) battle. Like others, I feel like this is the Spurs best opportunity to steal one on the road. Doing so would break the Grizzlies psyche, put them in the impossible 0-3 hole, and relieve a lot of pressure on the Spurs after what happened last year against OKC.

It also could be the difference of the Spurs getting a few days rest if they are able to make it to the Finals, or having to battle through another 6-game series like they did against Golden State. And we all know how much rest can benefit guys like Duncan, Parker, Ginobili, and Leonard.

Don't play with fire. They need to step on the throat now, make the Grizzlies feel like they have no chance, and make life easy for themselves.

---

This was not going to be an easy game. Too much is being made on the Spurs getting extra rest as being a good thing for them BUT. The extra days off helped Memphis regroup and work hard in practice on getting their defense up. It seems like a new series to Memphis with the extra rest and change of venue.

I seriously hope your vaginectomy goes well this summer.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Obstructed_View

I seriously hope your vaginectomy goes well this summer.

---

:lmao

:lol is timvp still on suicide watch?

timvpimp needs to continue to be near suicidal in his spur-related takes..it's workin so far..

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by lakerhaterade

timvpimp needs to continue to be near suicidal in his spur-related takes..it's workin so far..

---

Is it?

How about round one and 2?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by hater

Damn who stole timvps testicles?

---

Really disagree with the premise. LOVE that the Spurs got game 3, but to me "must win" means there's a 90%+ chance of losing the series if we drop that game. Even if it had gone 2-1, I'd feel the Spurs are in a 50/50 situation at WORST.

Game 4 is a must win for the Spurs..

Just go with it..

starters KL + DG

67 minutes

3 - 11 FGM/FGA

7 pts

but

17 RBs proves they were hustling their butts off, plus the defense, helping the team even when they weren't scoring

I just realized that Timvp is absolutely right.

This does sound stupid.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Stabula

:lol is timvp still on suicide watch?

---

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/show...=1#post6596685