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