Game Thread #1: Spurs at Thunder 10/28 8:00 EST (7:00 CST, 2:00 Riga Time)

Spurs-Thunder Preview

http://espn.go.com/nba/preview?gameId=400827900



Gregg Popovich 1,022, Billy Donovan 0.

That's the difference in the number of NBA regular-season coaching victories for Popovich, a five-time NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs, and Donovan, who will make his NBA coaching debut for the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night.

Welcome to the league, rookie.

Donovan said he's excited about the game and respects Popovich, but he is focused on the process more than anything. He said he won't have any trouble sleeping the night before the opener.

"Eighty-two games is a lot of games," Donovan said Tuesday. "Every game, at that moment in time, is going to be big. Right now, we're in October, it's the first game of the year."

He'll start that process against the Spurs, who have added LaMarcus Aldridgeand David West to star mainstays Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili andKawhi Leonard.

No NBA team has more victories over the last 20 years than the Spurs. Regular season, postseason, doesn't matter, they're atop the list.

And now they're even winning in the offseason.

Getting Aldridge to sign over the summer was a coup for the Spurs, who for whatever reason typically aren't the team landing the biggest prize on the free-agent market.

So a team that went to the NBA Finals in 2013, won the title in 2014 and posted 55 wins a season ago now looks even better, maybe better than ever.

"Over the years we've missed out on a bunch of people," Duncan said. "It's kind of the first time that we've gotten a guy of this caliber. I was floored by it."

The Thunder have their own addition -- sort of -- with Kevin Durant back after breaking his right foot last season and playing just 27 games. Donovan said Durant has no minutes restrictions, but the bigger concern is long-term fatigue, and that might lead to fewer minutes for Durant, who has ranked among the league leaders in minutes for most of his career.

"I think the biggest thing for all the guys is helping all those guys be efficient," Donovan said. "Clearly, I think when you absorb so many minutes, fatigue can become a real factor and become a real issue."

Durant can become a free agent after next season, leaving precious little time to build a relationship with Donovan. It's off to a good start.

"It's been fun," Durant said. "I enjoy him. Great basketball mind, but more so, a better person. We've hit it off since the beginning. Just excited to play for him."

If the preseason is an indicator, Donovan will be fine. The Thunder went 5-1 and were unbeaten in games Durant and Russell Westbrook played in.

Westbrook, the 2014-15 scoring champion, said Donovan's no-nonsense style works.

"He keeps it real," he said. "I think he lets you know exactly what's going on. He doesn't let nothing slip between the cracks. He makes sure everybody's aware of what's going on, whether it's good things or bad things. Everybody knows, and everybody's on the same page."

The Western Conference is loaded again, starting with the reigning NBA champion in Golden State. The Thunder missed the playoffs in coach Scott Brooks' final season despite winning 45 games -- the No. 8 seed in the East, Brooklyn, had 38 victories.
But expectations around the Spurs -- who lured West away from Indiana while also keeping 2014 Finals MVP Leonard and Ginobili around as part of their big summer -- couldn't be higher, and Aldridge is already buying into San Antonio's simple but proven way of thinking.

"Guys come in, they work hard, they go home," said Aldridge, an All-Star in each of the last four seasons. "Guys here are focused."

Aldridge also got some preseason exposure to another Spurs tradition -- resting players when they need it, with hopes of having them freshest when things matter most. When Aldridge had some tightness in his thigh during camp, Popovich insisted he take the day off.

"He didn't want to do it," Popovich said. "Well, welcome to the Spurs. Go sit."

San Antonio took two of three meetings last season after beating the Thunder in six games in the 2014 conference finals.

:flag::flag::flag:

Chase to SEIS!
:flag::flag::flag::flag::flag::flag:
:flag::flag::flag::flag::flag::flag:
:flag::flag::flag::flag::flag::flag:
:flag::flag::flag::flag::flag::flag:
:flag::flag::flag::flag::flag::flag:

Road to :lobt2:begins now!!!!:flag:

:flag: GO!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TheDoctor

Chase to SEIS!
:flag::flag::flag::flag::flag::flag:
:flag::flag::flag::flag::flag::flag:
:flag::flag::flag::flag::flag::flag:
:flag::flag::flag::flag::flag::flag:
:flag::flag::flag::flag::flag::flag:

---

Hell yes!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ElNono

:flag::flag::flag:

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mikeanaro

:flag: GO!

---

:bobo

:flag::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::flag:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BillMc

:bobo

---

I have a good feeling this year, the game itself doesnt mean anything to me OKC is all about wear and tear during the RS and we have a great squad, they will come out to kill us but in the long run Spurs are made to prevail.
:bobo

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Silver&Black

:flag::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::flag:

---

:toast:lobt2:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mikeanaro

I have a good feeling this year, the game itself doesnt mean anything to me OKC is all about wear and tear during the RS and we have a great squad, they will come out to kill us but in the long run Spurs are made to prevail.
:bobo

---

Cheers man. I agree. I think this is going to be a great year. Should be a lot of fun! :toast

It's about time! Let's do this :ihit :ihit

:flag::flag::flag:

:lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2:...........:lob t2:

Midnight Thursday 29th,

I'm ready!!!!

:flag: fuck yeah.

Just wondering, I lost count, but if the Spurs win this game does the trio of Duncan/Parker/Ginobili pass Bird/Parish/McHale as the winningest NBA regular season trio of all time?

Edit: Assuming all three play and they win, it would tie the record of 540 wins by the Celtic trio.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Silver&Black

:flag::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::flag:

---

:lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::flag:

Can we just do the central time and riga time? Don't remember last years format. Don't kill me though Bill.

:flag:

https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...e5&oe=5687EC57

good to see BillMc get the ball rolling on the game threads.

:flag:

Gotta admit, pretty excited right now.

FTT.

:flag: :flag: :flag:

It's time. Finally. Go Spurs!

:flag:

I liked the other preview thread better tbh

GO SPURS!

:flag:

Yessssssss

Sam Amick @sam_amick
Craig Sager discusses a chat w/ Gregg Popovich last week, explains why some nurses didn't make the cut in his room t.co/T5V3r9Y6P3

Can't wait! Woo!

1.

Phew!

Bill in with the game threads...:bobo

Porker still hasn't made a shot or passed the ball yet... what a fat, selfish faggot he is.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Clipper Nation

Porker still hasn't made a shot or passed the ball yet... what a fat, selfish faggot he is.

---

At least he hasn't turned it over yet. :lmao

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dabom

At least he hasn't turned it over yet. :lmao

---

True, but the hamplanet also hasn't played any defense, so it's a wash.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Clipper Nation

True, but the hamplanet also hasn't played any defense, so it's a wash.

---

:lol

OKC roster looks pretty good to me. Their best depth seems to be at the 1 and 5. Worst depth at the 2.
Adams and Kanter is a good combo. I hope Boban is ready. I know Timmy will be. After Ibaka, their talent at the 4 seems to fall off. I think Aldridge can score on Serge, but Ibaka can make it tough with his athleticism.
We'll see how ready Durant is. I expect he comes out with a lot of energy. Kawhi has had success against Durant, but it will be a tough defensive assignment for Leonard. I expect Green to see minutes guarding Westbrook. My biggest concern is Westbrook. He disrupts so much as an offensive player. Augustin is a really good backup as well.
I could see Singler getting a few minutes at the 3 for OKC.

Keys to game:

Frustrate Westbrook. He plays with passion, but it can get the best of him. Hounding defense may be the trick. Don't give Westbrook a moment of mental rest. Make him uncomfortable.

Make Durant exert energy on defense. Kawhi should take it to KD and be physical. Butler might be the best 3 off the bench if Durant is in the game and Leonard needs a breather.

No open shots for Ibaka. Guy can knock down the jumper. Gotta close out with maximum effort. Chop your steps.

Finally, don't let Kanter get going. This will be a challenge for Duncan on defense. Might even see some Boban here. 4-1 have to box out if Kanter is posting up. No second chances. No ball-watching.

Kick some butt, Spurs!

--Paul

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 2ndPFGOAT

this is an automatic win for the spurs man

that okc roster out of the big3 is just pure shit

---

I got 137-41

I think Westbrook will get triple double against us and Durant will get 20+ free throw attempts and KL will be in foul trouble earlier....

TD and LA will be SMed by Ibaka....

TP will have many TOs and score less than 10 points I think

I'm thinking a double digit victory for OKC.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Amuseddaysleeper

I'm thinking a double digit victory for OKC.

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Amuseddaysleeper

I'm thinking a double digit victory for OKC.

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TXstbobcat

:lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::flag:

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by milkyway21

:flag:

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by HI-FI

good to see BillMc get the ball rolling on the game threads.

:flag:

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lostwingman

Gotta admit, pretty excited right now.

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DBMethos

FTT.

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Fireball

:flag: :flag: :flag:

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by loveforthegame

It's time. Finally. Go Spurs!

:flag:

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by silverblackfan

GO SPURS!

:flag:

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Canyonero

Yessssssss

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by random21

Can't wait! Woo!

---

:bobo:bobo

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by pgardn

Phew!

Bill in with the game threads...:bobo

---

Thanks man!:toast

I predict Spurs 103 Thunder 99

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Old School 44

Just wondering, I lost count, but if the Spurs win this game does the trio of Duncan/Parker/Ginobili pass Bird/Parish/McHale as the winningest NBA regular season trio of all time?

Edit: Assuming all three play and they win, it would tie the record of 540 wins by the Celtic trio.

---

That would be sweet. Then we break the record at home!:toast

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dabom

Can we just do the central time and riga time? Don't remember last years format. Don't kill me though Bill.

---

This was the same as last year, but no problem. :toast Just can't edit thread titles, so maybe next time around.

Almost 6 years since Manu swatted out that bat. Man how time flies.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BillMc

This was the same as last year, but no problem. :toast Just can't edit thread titles, so maybe next time around.

---

Most reasonable person on this site. :bobo

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BillMc

Almost 6 years since Manu swatted out that bat. Man how time flies.

---

I remember that. :lol

okc 104 sas 95... Ibaka embarrasses Aldridge with an epic block, early in the game... Aldrige might as well sit for the night. Kawhi stages off a Durant explodes in return night. Timmy near triple double rallying the offense. but Westbrook goes full great white mode on Aldrige bloodying up the water. okc maybe even finishes with 114.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Amuseddaysleeper

I'm thinking a double digit victory for OKC.

---

fuck that shit
we're gonna frustrate them with our d and stomp on them offensively
LET'S DO THIS

:ihit

All you pussies that think we're going to get thrashed before the game even begins - Go lay down in the fetal position. I'm sick of people that give up before the game even begins.

That's how Jordan's Bulls won a lot of games. Teams just gave up mentally before the game even began. I hope the Spurs don't have the same attitude/mindset that a lot of fans around here do.

This would be a very good game to win. It would set a good tone to start the season. Hopefully the Spurs push hard and give themselves a chance to win it.

gonna be a tie tbh

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ice009

This would be a very good game to win. It would set a good tone to start the season. Hopefully the Spurs push hard and give themselves a chance to win it.

---

Everybody here wants a Spurs win, but its understandable to predict a loss as well. Both teams will not be in sync yet, so the individual class of Durant and Westbrook plus homecourt might make the difference and give OKC the better chances to win the game. I am looking forward to a competitive game ...

I dreamt that we won a blow-out, 110-83. Certainly hope so.

Nice preview by Pounding the Rock.

http://www.poundingtherock.com/2015/...a-city-thunder


By the way, is the Bruno who wrote this article, the same one that posted regularly on ST in the years past?

:flag:

This is probably the most excited I've ever been for the start of an NBA season.

:flag:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BillMc

Nice preview by Pounding the Rock.

http://www.poundingtherock.com/2015/...a-city-thunder


By the way, is the Bruno who wrote this article, the same one that posted regularly on ST in the years past?

---

I don't think so. Their writing styles seem different.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BillMc

Thanks man!:toast

I predict Spurs 103 Thunder 99

---

I hope you are right...

Spurs have too many poeces that havent jelleed yet.

We see a return of Thunderef tonight and our lack of rebounding bigs is exposed. Thunder victory, but a lot of lessons learned and a lot of hope for spurs fans.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BillMc

Almost 6 years since Manu swatted out that bat. Man how time flies.

---

Time had better watch where it flies or Manu will swat that bitch out of the air, too.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by littlecoyotecoin

Time had better watch where it flies or Manu will swat that bitch out of the air, too.

---

:lmao True true.

And so it begins again..

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by pgardn

Phew!

Bill in with the game threads...:bobo

---

Cheers man!:toast

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Uriel

I don't think so. Their writing styles seem different.

---

Yeah, I thought that too, but wasn't sure.

Spurs are like what, 17–1 in opening night games in the Duncan era? I don't think we lose tonight

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BillMc

Nice preview by Pounding the Rock.

http://www.poundingtherock.com/2015/...a-city-thunder

---

Quote:

---

SA can also hide Tony Parker on the offensively-limited Andre Roberson, and we'll see what kind of impact he'll be able to have on the other end as his role in the offense is reduced. He'll benefit from the attention Aldridge and Kawhi get, but his days as the primary creator are sadly behind him as more of the attack is set to revolve around the two forwards.

---

:tu

Can't believe it is finally here. A welling in my eyes.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by franforr

---

Thanks for all the vids! :toast Great ass-kicking OKC memories. :flag:

Let's set the tone tonight. Let's win by 20. Blow these scrubs out.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ace3g

Sam Amick @sam_amick
Craig Sager discusses a chat w/ Gregg Popovich last week, explains why some nurses didn't make the cut in his room t.co/T5V3r9Y6P3

---

Thanks for the link to the interview for anyone interested the pop story is between 8 and 20 minutes. One thing that I noticed during sagers interview when Shaq interrupted is that the nba or at least the tnt people sound like a brother hood. You could here people in the background at the conference and it just sounds like an awesome organization to be a part of. I had multiple opportunities to work for Spurs entertainment for a lower level job but I was over qualified. I would've taken the paycut just for the experience. Sounds like it could've been awesome. Sigh...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TrainOfThought5

Spurs have too many poeces that havent jelleed yet.

We see a return of Thunderef tonight and our lack of rebounding bigs is exposed. Thunder victory, but a lot of lessons learned and a lot of hope for spurs fans.

---

Aldridge top 10 and Duncan top 15 past two years in rebounding.
Aldridge draws tons of fouls tbh.

Here we go again

Won't be able to catch to catch the game tonight, but GO SPURS GO

Game day bala.. game day!!!

WE MADE IT! THE LONGEST OFFSEASON EVER IS OVER!

Let's get this shit started off right. :toast

FTT.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TrainOfThought5

Spurs have too many poeces that havent jelleed yet.

We see a return of Thunderef tonight and our lack of rebounding bigs is exposed. Thunder victory, but a lot of lessons learned and a lot of hope for spurs fans.

---

This tbh

Hope Boban is ready for tonight!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by LittleCriminal

Hope Boban is ready for tonight!

---

it was already mentioned that Boban will likely be inactive :(

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BillMc

Nice preview by Pounding the Rock.

http://www.poundingtherock.com/2015/...a-city-thunder


By the way, is the Bruno who wrote this article, the same one that posted regularly on ST in the years past?

---

ST Bruno is French this PTR Bruno is not

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Fireball

it was already mentioned that Boban will likely be inactive :(

---

So ur sayin theres a chance..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKrfMofaTHI

^tbh...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mnky

Aldridge top 10 and Duncan top 15 past two years in rebounding.
Aldridge draws tons of fouls tbh.

---

Right.. and whose gonna grab the boards for the other 20 minutes?

35 year old 6'9" West? 6'8" Diaw? Bonner?

If Boban cant make an impact this season im gonna be worried.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Brazil

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKrfMofaTHI

---

2012 TP was great, tbh... wish Scotty would've never figured out to put Thabo on him in the WCFs... I think we could've gone all the way...

1.

FTT.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Brazil

^tbh...

---

tbh it was 2 1/2 years ago...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lostwingman

tbh it was 2 1/2 years ago...

---

:lol no shit sherlock

I'm already too excited and the game isn't for another 7 hrs.

Almost HALF A YEAR since we have seen meaningful Spurs basketball.
:flag::jekka

Hopefully bonner is in street clothes and boban plays..

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ElNono

2012 TP was great, tbh... wish Scotty would've never figured out to put Thabo on him in the WCFs... I think we could've gone all the way...

---

even with that we could have won...

dat game 6 :rolleyes only TP, TD and SJax came to play this game... those 3 scored 77 pts of the Spurs 99 while kawhi, manu, neal and bobo went full MIA... difficult to win at 3 vs. 5... we lost despite 12 assists of TP, 14 rebounds of Tim and 6 3s of Jax... unbelievable

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Brazil

ST Bruno is French this PTR Bruno is not

---

Cheers! I thought so. Thanks. :toast

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by LittleCriminal

Hopefully bonner is in street clothes and boban plays..

---

Starting Bonner in games 4-6 was key to the 2014 series. For one reason or another, Bonner kept Ibaka out of the paint. Strange considering that fucker hasn't made a trey in the past 4 years. He's like a Pro Wrestler in that regard.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ne8DVXbkbwo

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TheDoctor

Starting Bonner in games 4-6 was key to the 2014 series. For one reason or another, Bonner kept Ibaka out of the paint. Strange considering that fucker hasn't made a trey in the past 4 years. He's like a Pro Wrestler in that regard.

---

Both his effectiveness (pulling Ibaka out of the paint) and his ineffectiveness (never making an important shot) you mention are spot on. I can only think the reason it works was Scotty Brooks was an idiot?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BillMc

Cheers! I thought so. Thanks. :toast

---

yw

:tu

I've been waiting far too long for tonight's game. I hate the offseason. I'm guessing it will take till December for everyone to gel but who knows. I wouldn't mind seeing David West knock Serge Ibaka on his ass to start the season off. I'm predicting an easy win for the good guys tonight.

:bobo Here is to a new season, no injuries, and hopefully we are still making game threads through the middle of June. :flag::flag:

:flag: