Game Grades: Spurs v Bucks - 12/5/2016

Very exciting game for the regular season, huh? MIL had been playing very well and for Spurs fans that don't get an opportunity to watch games outside of the Spurs, you can see why MIL is a team that people are excited about.

We got to see a lot of the reasons why so many people are high on the Greek Freak. MIL has a super long team and a lot of potential with Giannis Antetokounmpo playing the way he is.

Outside of a truly disasterous 2nd quarter spearheaded by a terrible stint by the bench unit, in particular Mills & Manu, the Spurs played a really solid game on both ends. They won 3 out of 4 quarters and if not for a massive free throw disparity (34-14 in favor of MIL) the game might not have been as close.

The Spurs shot very poorly from 3 but made some when they needed them and put up a tremendous effort on the glass against a really very strong rebounding team.

All-in-all it was a gutsy road win vs a streaking team and was one of the most fun regular season games you will see this year.

To the grades:

Aldridge: 18 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 0 TO & 50% FG - A

I was proud of LMA tonight. Not only was his scoring needed, but he showed that passion and desire on both ends of the floor. He had some struggles scoring in mini-stretches but ended up with a very solid 18 points including the go ahead basket for the win that was goal tended. I was most impressed with his defense highlighted by a world class job in the guts of the game against Giannis Antetokounmpo. He had some contested rebounds and just battled hard tonight. Star-level performance even if the numbers aren't eye-popping.

Kawhi: 21 points, 9 rebounds, 0 assists, 2 blocks, 2 turnovers & 41% FG - B-

In lately typical Kawhi fashion it was a tale of two halves. He really struggled in that first half but as he has shown before, he is able to mentally stabilize himself and make a huge impact when it matters. We saw a lot more of Kawhi defensive moments tonight that we normally do in addition to much needed rebounding. It was a tough shooting night weighted by a poor first half, but he had a 6-point burst in the fourth that really helped. Not a great night, but he definitely played a role (especially in the fourth quarter) in helping SA dig out of a big hole.

Pau Gasol: 15 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 2 turnovers & 67% FG - C+

Pau definitely had moments where you saw his value today. His good stretch was sort of wasted by that terrible bench performance in the 2nd quarter, but he did more good than harm. He struggled on defense for the most part, but his rebounding and efficient scoring did help in moments. Because of the defensive issues and some really sour stretches I gave him the C+ grade.

Danny Green: 6 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 2 turnovers & 33% FG - D+

Danny is slumping right now. In 4 of his 5 last games he has single digit points and only 1 steal & 1 block in that time period. Danny, for any real Spurs fan, knows his value isn't tied to box score stats but SA really needs him to pick up his 3PT shooting again. He is still shooting %-wise well from there but overall shooting the past 5 games are so has been an issue. For this game, he missed some good looks, but so did everyone. He was not as attentive on defense but I would not say he was poor. But if you aren't hitting 3's and you aren't great on defense to make up for it, I personally want to see better.

Tony Parker: 6 points, 1 rebound, 5 assists, 2 turnovers & 37% FG - C-

Well, despite what most completely clueless people on ST think, we better hope that TP injury is not a big deal. For this game in particular I thought TP along with the starters overall had a really good first stint. Kawhi was struggling, but TP/LMA/Pau played with great energy and kept things moving offensively to get the team off to a good start. When things went off the rails because of the bench, TP never really recovered after that. The starters did some work in the early third to cut into the double digit halftime deficit but then TP got injured. Let's hope it's not a serious injury.

Patty Mills: 1 point, 1 rebound, 5 assists, 0% FG - F

Patty almost sank the Spurs. He was not only missing, but missing really, really bad. He didn't have his usual energy, but it was not an effort issue. But his really poor shooting with very little ability to defend this long Bucks team nearly cost the Spurs and really put them in a bad spot in the 2nd quarter. He has been great this year, but this was easily his worst game and let's hope it's a one-game outlier.

David Lee: 2 points, 2 rebounds, 100% FG - D

He didn't get much time and rightfully so. He was way out of place against the long athletes of MIL and was very damaging in that 2nd quarter along with Manu & Mills. Pop pulled the plug on Lee and it was definitley the right move. Just a tough match up for Lee and he definitely played with energy.

Manu Ginobili: 6 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals, 2 turnovers & 29% FG - B

This looked like it was headed for a horrific night from Manu. That 2nd quarter was a flat out nightmare. But Manu really turned it around when it mattered and competed so hard. He was defending, grabbing steals and hit some shots when SA needed them. It was truly great to see a game where he struggled get turned around especially when TP went down with injury. Props for a really hard fought game where he stayed tough.

Jonathon Simmons: 6 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover & 60% FG - B

What. A. Dunk. To me that play stands out so much from an excitement perspective. As for his overall game I thought it was damn solid. He not only had some nice passes, but his attention to detail on defense for most of the game was better than it has been. He actually stayed within the system defensively and outplayed Danny on both ends. One knock: for no reason he sometimes over passes especially when there are clear driving lanes. He did it today and it lead to a critical turnover and he's done it before. I like his passing and it's a huge reason why he's on the Spurs. But he has to be aggressive; the team needs it and it's when he's at his best.

Kyle Anderson: 2 points, 1 rebound & 50% FG - B

He didn't play very much so it's hard to grade, but honestly I thought he did well in his minutes. Of course he passed up a shot he should not have, but his one basket was very smooth, he had a nice rebound and overall thought he did a good job.

Davis Bertans: 1 point, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 turnover & 0% FG - B+

B stand for not being a b*tch. He played hard even though he missed shots, but his assist shows that he's a basketball player. When things got tough, it was Bertans who stood tall and stuck his neck out for his team. It energized the guys and was a great moment for the young, fearless player.

Nicolas Laprovittola: 3 points, 5 assists, 1 turnover & 33% FG - A

What a great job by Nicolas to come in and steady the ship. He really played confidently, displayed a really nice calm and it was not just the assist numbers but the crispness of his passes and excellent vision. Obviously that is not something he can do all the time, but in this moment that Argentinian blood paid dividends and he competed at a really, really high level. If TP misses time, let's hope this game gives Lap confidence to build on a very good performance.

Dewayne Dedmon: 10 points, 6 rebounds, 1 block, 1 turnover & 100% FG - A+

Spurs needed energy. Spurs needed toughness. Spurs needed points and activity. They got all of that from Dedmon. He stole the show again with his hustle, athleticism, activity and toughness. Spurs were fighting but he was the injection of energy that put SA over the top. Pop didn't want to go to him early, but he made the most of his time.

His ability to catch the ball looked great tonight and his hustle inspired his teammates. He had one play that stood out above all in my mind and it was his effort to save a ball from going out of bounds that resulted in Kawhi getting an amazing dunk. It was a perfect summation of SA's MVP tonight and he's been awesome as a Spur.

Thanks DPG, solid grades! :tu

What would you grade Pop?

It was a solid win, very enjoyable game.
:lobt2:

Oh ya :lol. Forgot about Pop's grade. I would give him a B.

I thought he rode a few guys a little too long (Mills) when they were struggling, didn't go to some guys soon enough (Dedmon) but I like that he went really deep into the rotation really trying to find combinations that worked. He was engaged this game and I thought showed good fight himself and creativity.

He did a lot more good than bad.

Thanks for the grades! :tu

Consistency will be the goal with this team.

From Kawhi's horrible quarters to Kawhi's monster 4th quarters...Carmelo Sofdridge to LMAlpha... Patty 0-8, Patty hitting everything...Manu crazy TOs after crazy TOs, Manu being still 'the Maestro'...

If they just get on the same page at some point of the season...

Dude with the goods. Thanks :tu

Good read... solid takes... agree with the grades...

One thing I noticed was Pop clapping at the end of the game... he rarely does this, and just shows how emotionally invested the team got when the going got tough...

He was truly proud of their effort...

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Originally Posted by YGWHI

Thanks for the grades! :tu

Consistency will be the goal with this team.

From Kawhi's horrible quarters to Kawhi's monster 4th quarters...Carmelo Sofdridge to LMAlpha... Patty 0-8, Patty hitting everything...Manu crazy TOs after crazy TOs, Manu being still 'the Maestro'...

If they just get on the same page at some point of the season...

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Agreed - but even though I really spearheaded the "be calm and patient" movement it's really hard to do :lol. It's still early and plenty of new guys learning what is going on. It's not too shocking that we are seeing the volatility and we still have a ways to go. Luckily, the team has talent and you're right; when it clicks it should be beautiful.

Thanks for the write-up, no complaints on anything.

Great grades, great game bring on the Timberpups!

Great write-up. Damned good set of grades.

Seems like Kawhi has had several of those games lately, where you don't know whether to give him a D for the first part of the game, or an A for the last part of the game. B- seems like a pretty good composite.

The last few games we've seen what I was saying about Lee when they signed him. He's just giving up too much height. In the right situations, he's a really good player. But against the kinds of teams the Spurs are likely to be facing in the playoffs, he's going to struggle a lot. I like the guy - always have. But I really, really wish he was 3 inches taller.

I thought Manu had a hell of a game, TBH. He came up with some great defensive plays, and wound up with 4 steals and really helped keep the Bucks from putting the nails in the coffin. His defense on that last play probably kept them from getting a much easier 2 points, and likely winning that game by 1 point. He just needs to start getting some shots to fall.

The Spurs had 9 points in the 2nd quarter. 9 freaking points. That deserves a team grade all its own, but we don't really have anything lower than F, so why bother?

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Originally Posted by Spur|n|Austin

Thanks DPG, solid grades! :tu

What would you grade Pop?

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Actually, though the 2nd Q was tough to watch, I'd give him an A- overall. He rode the guys that got the momentum going in the 3rd Q, although I thought Nico should have closed the game, not Mills since Mills went 0-8 overall and struggled. It just wasn't his night. He benched Danny for Simmons at a time when Danny was not on top of his game (and Simmons had played really well in the 3rd Q). He went away from Manu at a time when bad Manu showed up. Pop was lucky he found a winning combination with Nico and Dedmon connecting for some oops together and the energetic group he put together (Bertans was part of it too) found both the defense and offensive connection to crawl back into the game.

Pop is managing the tough task of playing everyone this early in the season, which means rotations to us fans are going to seem out of whack... but I think he's doing the right thing. He has to develop a real bench. Guys need to play with each other to get to know each other. He can't stay with strictly 10 guys bc the guys at the end of the rotation are very young too, some are rookies and need to play to develop chemistry and confidence, so they can really help Pop win games when he needs them, so it was nice to see Pop juggle that in real minutes and for Nico to come through.
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By the way, thanks for the grades DPG. :toast

Great grades. No disagreements at all. Do more plox

Agree on all the grades too. Thanks, DPG.

Thanks for the grades! Great job! :toast

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Originally Posted by DPG21920

Danny Green: 6 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 2 turnovers & 33% FG - D+

Danny is slumping right now. In 4 of his 5 last games he has single digit points and only 1 steal & 1 block in that time period. Danny, for any real Spurs fan, knows his value isn't tied to box score stats but SA really needs him to pick up his 3PT shooting again. He is still shooting %-wise well from there but overall shooting the past 5 games are so has been an issue. For this game, he missed some good looks, but so did everyone. He was not as attentive on defense but I would not say he was poor. But if you aren't hitting 3's and you aren't great on defense to make up for it, I personally want to see better.

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Leaving Teletovic wide open in the corner for a game winning three point attempt. :lol That'll go down as a good defensive stand to end the game but it was actually some more awful defense from a dude that has zero court awareness. He's virtually unplayable at times.

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/imag...ies2/smitu.gif

Thanks for the grades!, good writeup.

Nice grades

Mabuhay (Long live)!!!

And for those who are saying that Lamarcus is not giving his maximum effort. LOOK AT THIS GAME!

:claw

This has become a regular occurence. Gasol and Aldridge stink it up in the first half on defense. The 2nd half Dedmond gets in there and helps lead a comeback with his interior defense and we win the game. At some point in the season, Gasol has to go to come off the bench. He just has to

Nice write up DPG. Lapro had a damn solid game. His talent is limited, but his heart and IQ are elite. When the ball is in his hands, he creates and finds the open man better than most on the team.

Dedmon needs more time.

F'ing horrible grades. Don't ever do another game gr.... meh..just kidding. Very nice. :bobo

Thanks for this, I wasn't able to watch the game. Can anyone tell me what Bertans did that "energized the guys and was a great moment"?

EDIT: nvm, I found it.

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Originally Posted by MaNu4Tres

Nice write up DPG. Lapro had a damn solid game. His talent is limited, but his heart and IQ are elite. When the ball is in his hands, he creates and finds the open man better than most on the team.

Dedmon needs more time.

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I watched Lap play before he came to the Spurs. I think he has more talent than you're giving him credit for, and a shitload of toughness. Once he's had a full year in the NBA, and some playoff seasoning - plus another summer league and preseason - I think he'll easily be a solid backup. I don't know if he's got more than that in him, but a solid backup PG is nothing to sneeze at.

Thanks DPG tbh !

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Originally Posted by GSH

I watched Lap play before he came to the Spurs. I think he has more talent than you're giving him credit for, and a shitload of toughness. Once he's had a full year in the NBA, and some playoff seasoning - plus another summer league and preseason - I think he'll easily be a solid backup. I don't know if he's got more than that in him, but a solid backup PG is nothing to sneeze at.

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Talent limited compared to NBA starters. Wasn't meaning to rag on the guy, but he is what he is -- a back up PG in this league is his ceiling because his talent is limited to a degree. But I agree, he can be a solid back up in this league. I'm a fan of the way he plays. Hell I think he can be a back up PG right now.

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Originally Posted by Hoops Czar

Leaving Teletovic wide open in the corner for a game winning three point attempt. :lol That'll go down as a good defensive stand to end the game but it was actually some more awful defense from a dude that has zero court awareness. He's virtually unplayable at times.

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Danny saw Jabari Parker come open under the basket on the left side, and Ante was facing that direction. Danny was coming over to prevent what he thought could be an uncontested dunk in the making. Maybe he should have stayed home. If they had gotten the dunk, it wouldn't have been his fault - but that wouldn't have helped the team any.

As for leaving TelliTubby open - the first pass was to Delly, who was totally alone out at the elbow. At that point, it was pick your poison. He moved to contest Delly, and he made the extra pass to the corner. The Spurs were playing 4-on-5 at that point, because Manu was on the floor. As it happened, Manu happened to be on the floor in the exact right place to keep Ante from getting tot he rim, but with one guy down, somebody is going to be open.

There were lots and lots of things to ding Danny about in that game. That play wouldn't be at the top of my list.

What do you guys think of the body language Kawhi and Alridge have shown? I know Tim wasn't the most flashy or expressive... but you knew you had a rock in the team and he won't let you down. Just not sure if Kawhi and Alridge gives that team the vibe... and that's important for leadership.

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Originally Posted by MaNu4Tres

Talent limited compared to NBA starters. Wasn't meaning to rag on the guy, but he is what he is -- a back up PG in this league is his ceiling because his talent is limited to a degree. But I agree, he can be a solid back up in this league. I'm a fan of the way he plays. Hell I think he can be a back up PG right now.

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He looked pretty rough in some of those early games, but I didn't join the lynch mob. He's definitely not the kind of flashy PG that is so prevalent in the league. But I think he's a damned good pass-first point, in the John Stockton style, and has the strength/toughness to play that style well. Nobody needs to jump on that comment - I'm not saying that he's another John Stockton. But I think he could have enough going for him to start (in a couple of years) for a squad that has scorers, and needs a distributor. Maybe not, but I think he could have that kind of potential, even though it's unlikely that he ever gets that opportunity.

If you watch him, he sees the right pass well ahead of time, and works his way to the point on the floor where he can make it. We don't see that style of point much in the NBA. He's actually been a pretty decent shooter most of his career, even though he doesn't shoot a lot. But he makes enough shots, and shoots a high enough percentage, to force defenses to respect his shot. Once he earns more minutes, I don't see why that will be any different in the NBA.

I don't disagree with what you're saying, but I think there is more to him than most people here have seen. I said as soon as they signed him that I expected him to make the roster. Honestly, I doubt that he would ever become a starter in the NBA, but I think he could be one of the better backup PG's in the league. I think his playmaking talent, and toughness are that good, anyway.

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Originally Posted by bdictjames

What do you guys think of the body language Kawhi and Alridge have shown? I know Tim wasn't the most flashy or expressive... but you knew you had a rock in the team and he won't let you down. Just not sure if Kawhi and Alridge gives that team the vibe... and that's important for leadership.

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Kawhi literally willed his team to a win

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Originally Posted by bdictjames

What do you guys think of the body language Kawhi and Alridge have shown? I know Tim wasn't the most flashy or expressive... but you knew you had a rock in the team and he won't let you down. Just not sure if Kawhi and Alridge gives that team the vibe... and that's important for leadership.

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I think talking is over-rated, compared to doing. When the Spurs were having one of "those nights", and everybody was flat, Tim's body language said, "Get the fuck out of my way - I got this." And he just put the team on his shoulders.

Kawhi's play in the fourth quarter was a lot like that. Aldridge made some big plays, but he wasn't carrying anyone. Kawhi? He really did, and I think the other players on the floor saw it that way, and responded to it. It's not fair to compare anyone to Timmy - he was a generational player. But people forget that Tim had shit games where he couldn't do anything, and the team wound up in a hole - but at the end of the game you could see the determination kick in and he wasn't going to let the team lose. Nothing says "leader" like being able to stand and deliver. Kawhi showed some of that last night. Aldridge? Yeah, I don't see that from him. I'm not even looking for that from him. He can make big rebounds and shots, but what you're talking about is going to have to come from Kawhi, I think.

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Originally Posted by Raven

Kawhi literally willed his team to a win

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He never would have gotten the chance, without Dedmon. You can carve that in stone.

DPG!
Damn
Perfect
Grades

coming back on to the court after a time out and right after pulling withing two late in the 3rd, i caught nico and simmons just smiling broadly. it was great to see them just having fun and not backing away from the moment. these young pups are growing up before our eyes.

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Originally Posted by ginobilized

DPG!
Damn
Perfect
Grades

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http://replygif.net/i/1408.gif

That was one of the best all-around games I've ever seen Aldridge play, tbh:tu

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Originally Posted by ginobilized

DPG!
Damn
Perfect
Grades

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:lol

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Originally Posted by HarlemHeat37

That was one of the best all-around games I've ever seen Aldridge play, tbh:tu

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Agreed - pretty beast

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Originally Posted by GSH

I think talking is over-rated, compared to doing. When the Spurs were having one of "those nights", and everybody was flat, Tim's body language said, "Get the fuck out of my way - I got this." And he just put the team on his shoulders.

Kawhi's play in the fourth quarter was a lot like that. Aldridge made some big plays, but he wasn't carrying anyone. Kawhi? He really did, and I think the other players on the floor saw it that way, and responded to it. It's not fair to compare anyone to Timmy - he was a generational player. But people forget that Tim had shit games where he couldn't do anything, and the team wound up in a hole - but at the end of the game you could see the determination kick in and he wasn't going to let the team lose. Nothing says "leader" like being able to stand and deliver. Kawhi showed some of that last night. Aldridge? Yeah, I don't see that from him. I'm not even looking for that from him. He can make big rebounds and shots, but what you're talking about is going to have to come from Kawhi, I think.





He never would have gotten the chance, without Dedmon. You can carve that in stone.

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I agree mostly with your sentiment. However (and it's not a knock on any current Spur) there is something to a true emotional leader. That doesn't mean they have to scream, but people loved Tim and he was gravity. It's not a shock "something" is missing with him gone. He's an all time player & leader though.

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Originally Posted by DPG21920

Oh ya :lol. Forgot about Pop's grade. I would give him a B.

I thought he rode a few guys a little too long (Mills) when they were struggling, didn't go to some guys soon enough (Dedmon) but I like that he went really deep into the rotation really trying to find combinations that worked. He was engaged this game and I thought showed good fight himself and creativity.

He did a lot more good than bad.

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Thanks for investing the time and effort you put in to grade the team and post those grades. I agree with them for the most part, however I was barely aware that Kyle even played. Hard for me, personally, to give him the same grade as Simmons.

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Originally Posted by sasaint

Thanks for investing the time and effort you put in to grade the team and post those grades. I agree with them for the most part, however I was barely aware that Kyle even played. Hard for me, personally, to give him the same grade as Simmons.

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I definitely understand that. For me, you just have to know the grades aren't just about one's play but the expectations. Simmons clearly had a better game and bigger impact but I was judging based solely on that players minutes, expectations and performance to those expectations.

But I agree, Kyle very well could have been an "Incomplete".

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Originally Posted by YGWHI

Thanks for the grades! :tu

Consistency will be the goal with this team.

From Kawhi's horrible quarters to Kawhi's monster 4th quarters...Carmelo Sofdridge to LMAlpha... Patty 0-8, Patty hitting everything...Manu crazy TOs after crazy TOs, Manu being still 'the Maestro'...

If they just get on the same page at some point of the season...

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Lots of young guys/new faces. Simmons, Bertans and now Lapro all show continuing individual growth within the team structure. Consequently they will they should continue to see more floor time. Consistency will come with familiarity. Integrating quite a few new guys has come with a few bumps in the road, but probably more smoothly than we could reasonably expect. I expect the consistency to continue to improve.

Decent grades, will not forward to friends and family.

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Originally Posted by RD2191

Decent grades, will not forward to friends and family.

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Thanks for driving-thru!

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Originally Posted by DPG21920

Thanks for driving-thru!

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:lol

OP is a short girl.

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Originally Posted by DPG21920

I definitely understand that. For me, you just have to know the grades aren't just about one's play but the expectations. Simmons clearly had a better game and bigger impact but I was judging based solely on that players minutes, expectations and performance to those expectations.

But I agree, Kyle very well could have been an "Incomplete".

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I can see where you are coming from. At least you didn't grade Kyle poorly for general principles... :toast

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Originally Posted by dabom

OP is a short girl.

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You shoud have done the game grades for Spurs at Orlando tbh..

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Originally Posted by sasaint

Thanks for investing the time and effort you put in to grade the team and post those grades. I agree with them for the most part, however I was barely aware that Kyle even played. Hard for me, personally, to give him the same grade as Simmons.

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He played really well... It was just 3 minutes but he got two shots in that time (when he would play before 20 minutes and only take one or two for example.. and one of them was a 3 that rimmed in and out, the other was a pretty jumpshot. He grabbed a contested board and made defensive plays. But he shared the court with bad Manu who was throwing the ball all over the place out of bounds, Mills on a bad night shooting blanks, and Lee in a forgettable night when Monroe got the best of him on both ends. Kyle individually played well. He could have played more IMO... but the unit he was with just didn't sync. Of those 9 points in the 2nd Q he had 2. Everyone was very much off.

If anything the guy that was graded too high was probably Ginobili. He came through to end the game but part of the reason the bench gave up momentum was Manu and Mills combining for very poor play in the first half and neither was in when the team got momentum back.

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Originally Posted by SAGirl

He played really well... It was just 3 minutes but he got two shots in that time (when he would play before 20 minutes and only take one or two for example.. and one of them was a 3 that rimmed in and out, the other was a pretty jumpshot. He grabbed a contested board and made defensive plays. But he shared the court with bad Manu who was throwing the ball all over the place out of bounds, Mills on a bad night shooting blanks, and Lee in a forgettable night when Monroe got the best of him on both ends. Kyle individually played well. He could have played more IMO... but the unit he was with just didn't sync. Of those 9 points in the 2nd Q he had 2. Everyone was very much off.

If anything the guy that was graded too high was probably Ginobili. He came through to end the game but part of the reason the bench gave up momentum was Manu and Mills combining for very poor play in the first half and neither was in when the team got momentum back.

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Glad to hear it about Kyle. Frankly my attention was divided. Apparently Kyle was in when my attention was really split, and whenever I had the Spurs game on, during that brief stretch, I mostly caught the bad Manu and missing Mills show.

Dedmon was fucking awesome

Sean E kept talking about the Bucks' length causing so much trouble, but Spurs won RBs.