Game Takeaways: Raptors @ Spurs

- Murray is unbelievable. I just can't believe after what we witnessed in Summer League, what he is accomplishing now. It's unreal. Complete night and day. I guess he does play better with better players, or he plays to the level of the game. Watching him today reminded me of a young Westbrook. For as much hate as some give the FO, and how Presti did everything, and like to discredit, they may of done it again. After Duncan left I lost a lot of interest in the team and missed a lot of games last year but with Murray in the fold and playing like this, my interest level is pretty high again. It's gonna be fun watching this kid progress and develop. Who knows what he is capable of. Apology thread? or to soon...

-LMA played with passion and made a big clutch shot. I wanted to see him involved more heading into the 4th Quarter and he stepped up scoring 10 points. Loved the fight he showed against Ibaka. He clearly is engaged now and feeling involved.

-Kyle is a keeper. He catches so much flack for being slow and missing shots, like nobody ever missed but he's got game man. He made some big plays tonight. I'm not saying his game was an A tonight but he certainly is worthy of some credit. He may not be as aggressive as some may want but compared to last season he's on a whole nother lever and he's getting good shots and being pretty efficient.

-Pop let the kid play. Pop is growing a monster in Murray. His affirmations and coaching shouldn't go unnoticed with him. As for the lineups, they were a little out there but the fact he let the kids play was great.

-Manu looks so spry. Who would of thought with Manu's injury history that he'd be playing at 40 and looking this good. He's the best bench player at 40. Gosh, what a legend, for real tho.

-Barring an injury this might be the deepest team we've ever had. I said top 3 without Leonard but I wonder where we are with Leonard. I hope Pop keeps Anderson in the lineup when Leonard comes back. Anderson is an above average starter and good contributor. Gonna be interesting to see what the lineup looks like when both Leonard and Parker are back.

-With Golden State already losing a couple games and us with a 2 game lead in the loss column, I'm getting greedy. Is it too soon to start the hope for the number one seed. I just look at those losses like man we really need to keep that lead as long as we can.

-Another Murray thought, but I see this situation like Dak's in Dallas. If the kid plays well he should keep the job. I guess in Cowboys land it kind of pushed Romo into retirement and I don't see that happening here but you can't move Murray to the bench and take what He's earned. Still early but if he keeps this up, he may do Tony like Tony did Daniels. The irony.

Final thought:
This team is super entertaining. So far the players at the most part have been exceeding expectations sans Pau and maybe Mills. Here's to the 2017-2018 season boys. Let's hope for an injury free campaign and a little luck.

LMA is angry this year, he wants to be an All-Star, it's so obvious. He didn't take it too well last year.

Danny Green too! He’s alwyab been tenacious on defense but he’s taking it to better levels when one combines that with his newfound aggression offensively too. Still there will be a missed pass here or there but he was awesome tonight too. I will comment more tomorrow with more time. Thanks for commenting raybies

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Originally Posted by webshad

LMA is angry this year, he wants to be an All-Star, it's so obvious. He didn't take it too well last year.

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He's getting his touches, tbh.

nice post, OP, but i would disagree that this is the deepest team we've had

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Originally Posted by SAGirl

Danny Green too! He’s alwyab been tenacious on defense but he’s taking it to better levels when one combines that with his newfound aggression offensively too. Still there will be a missed pass here or there but he was awesome tonight too. I will comment more tomorrow with more time. Thanks for commenting raybies

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Yeah I agree, his defense was tenacious. Forgot to mention Murray's defense without fouling too. Gah lee, imagine Murray/Green/Leonard/Anderson/LMA starting.... homer simpson drooling gif. The length and firepower would be unreal. But yeah Green is back!

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Originally Posted by spurraider21

nice post, OP, but i would disagree that this is the deepest team we've had

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I mean from top to bottom. 1-15. But for conversation's sake which team do you think was deeper?

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Originally Posted by raybies

-Another Murray thought, but I see this situation like Dak's in Dallas. If the kid plays well he should keep the job. I guess in Cowboys land it kind of pushed Romo into retirement and I don't see that happening here but you can't move Murray to the bench and take what He's earned. Still early but if he keeps this up, he may do Tony like Tony did Daniels. The irony.

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I'm not going to let myself think Murray is going to keep playing like this but if he does but if he does I agree. It would make for a heck of a bench unit.

TP
Manu
Gay
Anderson
Lauvergne

Murray
Green
Kawhi
Kyle
LMA

That lineup is a terror.

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Originally Posted by 8FOR!3

Murray
Green
Kawhi
Kyle
LMA

That lineup is a terror.

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No one is scared of fathead dude. Durant laughing his way to the bank on that one. :lol

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 8FOR!3

Murray
Green
Kawhi
Kyle
LMA

That lineup is a terror.

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I'm gonna be looking for this lineup when Leonard comes back. Theoretically it should be be like a defensive death lineup.

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Originally Posted by dabom

No one is scared of fathead dude. Durant laughing his way to the bank on that one. :lol

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he wouldn't be guarding Durant.

Fucking PATFO. None better. Not in the history of American sports.

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Originally Posted by raybies

he wouldn't be guarding Durant.

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Yeah he would. Do you watch basketball dude? :lmao

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Originally Posted by Cry Havoc

Fucking PATFO. None better. Not in the history of American sports.

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yet spoiled Spurfan will cry about this and that, when we are living through one of the greatest runs in Sports History.

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Originally Posted by dabom

Yeah he would. Do you watch basketball dude? :lmao

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Who'd Leonard be guarding?

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Originally Posted by raybies

Who'd Leonard be guarding?

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Have you never seen Fathead defend Durant?? It's already happened before. :lmao

I'll make it simple:

Curry --- Green or Murray
Thompson --- Green or Murray
Iggy --- Anderson
Durant --- Leonard
Green --- LMA

Am i missing somehting dabom

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Originally Posted by raybies

I'll make it simple:

Curry --- Green or Murray
Thompson --- Green or Murray
Iggy --- Anderson
Durant --- Leonard
Green --- LMA

Am i missing somehting dabom

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Actual games aren't like that. :lmao

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Originally Posted by dabom

Actual games aren't like that. :lmao

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alright I'm done... have no idea what I'm arguing with here. you got me dude. I'm stumped.

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Originally Posted by raybies

alright I'm done... have no idea what I'm arguing with here. you got me dude. I'm stumped.

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Yeah I know, stick to grades brah. :tu

should have fed LMA more, there were long stretches of the game where the offense was not able to get anything close to good look, it was painful to watch.

My 5 man, depending on matchups

DM/PM
DG
KL
RG
LMA

Anyone disagree?

I definitely thing that's a better closing lineup than having Anderson in. The lineup that was suggested would make a great SL imo. Yours would make a great closing lineup. LMA, Gay, and Leonard could abuse the low post and Gay is another closer. So we have options. But with Danny looking like an elite role player thus far, when Whi comes back we could be pretty scary.

Fathead over Gay? Yikes :lol

I've seen "Kyle" wet the bed to many times in the playoffs. He still has the same mentality. I don't want him to have to many minutes in the playoffs besides garbage time.

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Originally Posted by SnakeBoy

I'm not going to let myself think Murray is going to keep playing like this but if he does but if he does I agree. It would make for a heck of a bench unit.

TP
Manu
Gay
Anderson
Lauvergne

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I like how you didn’t mention mills, I wouldn’t either. December 15 can’t come soon enough

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Originally Posted by marinoman

I like how you didn’t mention mills, I wouldn’t either. December 15 can’t come soon enough

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Are the Spurs gonna give him more money or something? :lol

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Originally Posted by raybies

I mean from top to bottom. 1-15. But for conversation's sake which team do you think was deeper?

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2014-2015 for starters.

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Originally Posted by dabom

Are the Spurs gonna give him more money or something? :lol

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Id trade him for a 2nd round pick at this point. Huge mistake to resign his ass after 2 years of garbage in the playoffs

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Originally Posted by Aztecfan03

2014-2015 for starters.

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Brah, :lol

Broken parker, broken vagina tiago, Kawhi was hurt that year too, fat diaw.

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Originally Posted by marinoman

Id trade him for a 2nd round pick at this point. Huge mistake to resign his ass after 2 years of garbage in the playoffs

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That just can't be you stupid fuck. The best FO in the league getting swindled? :lmao

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Originally Posted by dabom

That just can't be you stupid fuck. The best FO in the league getting swindled? :lmao

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I just want something/anything else for him. Anyone can miss 3 after 3, provide no resistance on D and wave a towel. He sux

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Originally Posted by marinoman

I just want something/anything else for him. Anyone can miss 3 after 3, provide no resistance on D and wave a towel. He sux

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:lol

We know you don't know shit about anything. Thanks for the laughs. :lol

Quote:

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Originally Posted by raybies

I mean from top to bottom. 1-15. But for conversation's sake which team do you think was deeper?

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any number of years where our bench was scoring something to the tune of 40 ppg

the 12-13 team was pretty damn deep...

splitter/duncan/kawhi/green/parker

baynes/diaw/manu/neal/mills/cojo

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Originally Posted by dabom

:lol

We know you don't know shit about anything. Thanks for the laughs. :lol

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My god you’re delusional. How you can even keep a straight face while defending mills is unfathomable

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Originally Posted by marinoman

My god you’re delusional. How you can even keep a straight face while defending mills is unfathomable

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You saying he played bad last few years is a goddam fucking lie. The fact that the Spurs gave him a 4 year 50 mil salary says otherwise. :lol

Quote:

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Originally Posted by raybies

After Duncan left I lost a lot of interest in the team and missed a lot of games last year but with Murray in the fold and playing like this, my interest level is pretty high again.

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I used to think I was going to lose interest when Duncan retired, but that didn't happen for two reasons: Kawhi and winning. I assumed the Spurs would sink to a borderline playoff team, but instead they remained a top 2 team in the west. And Kawhi was the perfect successor to Tim Duncan. I couldn't have hoped for a more perfect player to take the torch.

But I agree this team looks even more promising.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dabom

You saying he played bad last few years is a goddam fucking lie. The fact that the Spurs gave him a 4 year 50 mil salary says otherwise. :lol

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Lol what a horrible point. According to dabom everyone who gets a good nice contract deserves it, just lol. So don’t you ever criticize Parker or gasol you clown lol

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Originally Posted by marinoman

Lol what a horrible point. According to dabom everyone who gets a good nice contract deserves it, just lol. So don’t you ever criticize Parker or gasol you clown lol

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I can only thing of a couple of players in Spurs history that didn't live up to the salary. 99% of the time they get it right. :lmao

My not-so biggest takeaway is that Amused gets away with murder every time he creates a game thread without getting pinked.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dabom

I can only thing of a couple of players in Spurs history that didn't live up to the salary. 99% of the time they get it right. :lmao

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Good job boxing yourself in lol. Once again you’re never allowed to shit on Parker or gasol without being a complete hypocrite, lol

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Originally Posted by marinoman

Good job boxing yourself in lol. Once again you’re never allowed to shit on Parker or gasol without being a complete hypocrite, ��

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Your the one saying he was a bad player, and that the Spurs are dumb enough to give him 50 Millie, faggot. :lmao

Quote:

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Originally Posted by raybies

I'm gonna be looking for this lineup when Leonard comes back. Theoretically it should be be like a defensive death lineup.

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More like
Lma
Kawhi
Hay
Murray
Danny

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dabom

Your the one saying he was a bad player, and that the Spurs are dumb enough to give him 50 Millie, faggot. :lmao

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You’re*, don’t let your obvious anger effect your grammar, Spurs never give bad contracts according to you so don’t talk shit about Parker or gasol without disproving your own garbage argument lol.
Btw rasho nesterovic says thank you for calling him a great player since he got a huge contract from the spurs

Quote:

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Originally Posted by marinoman

You’re*, don’t let your obvious anger effect your grammar, Spurs never give bad contracts according to you so don’t talk shit about Parker or gasol without disproving your own garbage argument lol.
Btw rasho nesterovic says thank you for calling him a great player since he got a huge contract from the spurs

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99% is not "never". Do you understand English, faggot. :lmao

Only saw highlights and not the game yet; but it looks like Aldridge finally grew a pair.

Can this marinofaggot reply quicker. I'm about to go sleep on this POS poster.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dabom

My 5 man, depending on matchups

DM/PM
DG
KL
RG
LMA

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RG gonna get eaten alive on defense. I stay with Kyle definitely

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Originally Posted by AFMadison

RG gonna get eaten alive on defense. I stay with Kyle definitely

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Ruday Gay is the player fathead strives to be.

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Originally Posted by dabom

Ruday Gay is the player fathead strives to be.

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Not defensively.

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Originally Posted by AFMadison

Not defensively.

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It's like we've never seen fathead play defense in the playoffs. :lol

And on offense, Gay>>>>>>fathead. :lol

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dabom

99% is not "never". Do you understand English, faggot. :lmao

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Lol at 99% not being a practical certainty.
You should play football cause every team would love to have a corner who can backpedal as fast as you. Once again don’t shit on gasol or Parker ever again or you’re contradicting the asinine posts you’ve made here.
Im so glad we’ll never have to hear your shitty takes on great contract great player Parker again

Quote:

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Originally Posted by marinoman

Lol at 99% not being a practical certainty.
You should play football cause every team would love to have a corner who can backpedal as fast as you. Once again don’t shit on gasol or Parker ever again or you’re contradicting the asinine posts you’ve made here.
Im so glad we’ll never have to hear your shitty takes on great contract great player Parker again

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You're a piece of shit JV poster. If you think Patty Mills had a bad playoffs 2 years in a row, you must have smeg in your eyes. :lmao

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Originally Posted by dabom

Can this marinofaggot reply quicker. I'm about to go sleep on this POS poster.

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Sorry to hear you’re waiting by your phone waiting for my replies lol, go to sleep, you clearly need to rest

99% is also not 100%. Where did you go to school bud? :lmao

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Originally Posted by dabom

It's like we've never seen fathead play defense in the playoffs. :lol

And on offense, Gay>>>>>>fathead. :lol

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Kyles defense > Rudy’s defense. Thought we were talking defensive lineups, my b.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dabom

99% is also not 100%. Where did you go to school bud? :lmao

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99%, but you desperately want to shit on Parker and gasol still. Go to sleep little boy

Quote:

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Originally Posted by marinoman

99%, but you desperately want to shit on Parker and gasol still. Go to sleep little boy

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Parker fluffer. I just quoted you on another thread. :lmao

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dabom

Brah, :lol

Broken parker, broken vagina tiago, Kawhi was hurt that year too, fat diaw.

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sounds like this year so far.

Murray is so good, Aldridge going inside Abaka, and Danny 2.0 (it's unbelievable his evolution) ... what a player !!!! ...big things

Murray is awesome tbh... feels good to have him in the team. I hope he keeps he starting job and Parker/Mills/Manu take care of the bench

LDN dribbling and pulling up and pivoting for a baby hook? Where in God's name did that come from?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by marinoman

I like how you didn’t mention mills, I wouldn’t either. December 15 can’t come soon enough

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January 15*

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dingle Barry

LDN dribbling and pulling up and pivoting for a baby hook? Where in God's name did that come from?

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First post-up I've seen from him since 2014 against CJ McCollum.

With all the good Murray brings right now ... Pau Gasol is awful ... and just when I wanted more of his minutes for Lauvergne the man gets injured

It's amazing how Danny's game improves when he puts it on the floor with purpose instead of "oh shit, what do I do now." It looks like he came into the season prepared to do this more. That's all were ever asked.

Still a wait and see game if he can keep it up, but looks good so far.

The benefit of Joff getting hurt is that Pau should play less with Aldridge for a big. Issue is that with Kawhi being out, the Spurs have to play either Bertans or Paul minutes at forward. Not ideal.

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Originally Posted by Fireball

With all the good Murray brings right now ... Pau Gasol is awful ... and just when I wanted more of his minutes for Lauvergne the man gets injured

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Lauvergne is not necessarily great, but it's just that Pau has been sooooo bad that it makes one wish for anyone else. What a bad contract.

Kyle doesn't get the credit he deserves on the defensive end. Defense was supposed to be his major issue but he's figured out how to use his length, smarts, and positioning to be close to a smothering presence there. He's also a good defensive rebounder. Major props to him for turning plus so soon.

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Originally Posted by Chinook

The benefit of Joff getting hurt is that Pau should play less with Aldridge for a big. Issue is that with Kawhi being out, the Spurs have to play either Bertans or Paul minutes at forward. Not ideal.

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How do you see things shaking out?
I have to admit I have been surprised Bertans hasn't been playing after all the run he got in preseason. I mean at this point, Brandon Paul is coming in for defensive possessions ahead of him and when Pop needs an offensive spark, he's turning to Bryn Forbes. I think Pop is just giving Forbes a chance to show he belongs in the league, bc he had an impressive summer and was lighting up training camp and preseason. Davis wasn't so impressive.

But I am also worried about Davis at this point. He needs to play bc frankly, if you can't play Davis at this point of the season, when the team has a lot of injuries, and PATFO made a conscious choice to go forward with a thin number of bigs bc they counted on him for depth... at what point is he going to become useful really? If Joff isn't ready for next game, Davis will play. I hope he's ready to make an impression. I have been prognosticating a shooting spree from him bc he's too good of a shooter to stay with a bad shooting % as he had in preseason.. that is going to trend up. Hopefully it's right now when the team needs it bc they aren't healthy and whole.

Murray is legit
No longer hold my breath when Green drives
Does LMA sustain the attitude for 79 more games + playoffs?

A takeaway that hasn't been mentioned: BP3 showed some nice playmaking on the few minutes he played.

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Originally Posted by Dave_ET

Murray is legit
No longer hold my breath when Green drives
Does LMA sustain the attitude for 79 more games + playoffs?

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We will have to see what happens when kawhi gets back. Those touches will recede. I hope they find a way to make it work.

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Originally Posted by DAF86

A takeaway that hasn't been mentioned: BP3 showed some nice playmaking on the few minutes he played.

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Agreed. Pleasant surprise with him. He also was shooting well in preseason and summer. He looks like he will be solid. :toast

My god Pau doesn’t even look like he belongs in the NBA right now.

https://i.imgur.com/mMbEB79.jpg

Buddy of mine caught DJ's game-worn sleeve after the game. :wow

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Originally Posted by SAGirl

We will have to see what happens when kawhi gets back. Those touches will recede. I hope they find a way to make it work.

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It's not just LMA. Aldridge, Green, Anderson and Murray may all regress to their previous forms when the entire foundation of then starting unit shifts to Kawhiso. Of course if that happens, you'll have folks going " :lol this team outside Kawhi :lmao"

Does anyone think LMA is really doing that much better? I mean he's happier, so that alone is good. But he's shooting a worse percentage. His minutes are up which probably accounts for the additional rebounds. And he busted his butt on d last year too. So, he's got more volume, but is he better? The narrative is the "old LaMarcus is back". But I think its more like "LaMarcus takes more shots, plays more minutes, is about the same, maybe a little worse."

Of course when Kawhi returns his efficiency should improve, but the shot volume and probably minute volume will decrease. I think he's a raw numbers guy and so is the media.

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Originally Posted by BillMc

Does anyone think LMA is really doing that much better? I mean he's happier, so that alone is good. But he's shooting a worse percentage. His minutes are up which probably accounts for the additional rebounds. And he busted his butt on d last year too. So, he's got more volume, but is he better? The narrative is the "old LaMarcus is back". But I think its more like "LaMarcus takes more shots, plays more minutes, is about the same, maybe a little worse."

Of course when Kawhi returns his efficiency should improve, but the shot volume and probably minute volume will decrease. I think he's a raw numbers guy and so is the media.

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Bill dropping truth nukes.

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Originally Posted by Fireball

With all the good Murray brings right now ... Pau Gasol is awful ... and just when I wanted more of his minutes for Lauvergne the man gets injured

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Exactly. I even think Pop was wanting the same thing. Now Pau has to get his act together.

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Originally Posted by RD2191

Bill dropping truth nukes.

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How'd the pistols at dawn go? Since you're here alive and breathing you must have won. :lol

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BillMc

Does anyone think LMA is really doing that much better? I mean he's happier, so that alone is good. But he's shooting a worse percentage. His minutes are up which probably accounts for the additional rebounds. And he busted his butt on d last year too. So, he's got more volume, but is he better? The narrative is the "old LaMarcus is back". But I think its more like "LaMarcus takes more shots, plays more minutes, is about the same, maybe a little worse."

Of course when Kawhi returns his efficiency should improve, but the shot volume and probably minute volume will decrease. I think he's a raw numbers guy and so is the media.

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LMA showed what I have wanted on one play last night - his bullying Serge on Serge's sixth foul. Otherwise, I agree. He is not a very efficient offensive player. Period. I am concerned that he will go into pouting doldrums when Kawhi returns and he becomes a second banana again - especially if Dijon continues to play at a high level and get a lot of media attention. I just hope that when Tony and (especially) Kawhi return that the transition will be smooth both on and off the court.

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Originally Posted by sasaint

LMA showed what I have wanted on one play last night - his bullying Serge on Serge's sixth foul. Otherwise, I agree. He is not a very efficient offensive player. Period. I am concerned that he will go into pouting doldrums when Kawhi returns and he becomes a second banana again - especially if Dijon continues to play at a high level and get a lot of media attention. I just hope that when Tony and (especially) Kawhi return that the transition will be smooth both on and off the court.

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All valid points. I share your concern.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BillMc

Does anyone think LMA is really doing that much better? I mean he's happier, so that alone is good. But he's shooting a worse percentage. His minutes are up which probably accounts for the additional rebounds. And he busted his butt on d last year too. So, he's got more volume, but is he better? The narrative is the "old LaMarcus is back". But I think its more like "LaMarcus takes more shots, plays more minutes, is about the same, maybe a little worse."

Of course when Kawhi returns his efficiency should improve, but the shot volume and probably minute volume will decrease. I think he's a raw numbers guy and so is the media.

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http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/imag...smishocked.gif

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Originally Posted by BillMc

How'd the pistols at dawn go? Since you're here alive and breathing you must have won. :lol

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Yeah, I took out that dirty imposter. If he comes back it'll be as a ghost and I'll be screwed.

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Originally Posted by RD2191

Yeah, I took out that dirty imposter. If he comes back it'll be as a ghost and I'll be screwed.

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:lol Hey, its almost Halloween so you never know.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by raybies

After Duncan left I lost a lot of interest in the team and missed a lot of games last year but with Murray in the fold and playing like this, my interest level is pretty high again. It's gonna be fun watching this kid progress and develop. Who knows what he is capable of. Apology thread? or to soon...

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I'm sorry, but you kind of lost me here. Did you not get excited seeing all of Kawhi's hard work pay off last season, culminating in the playoffs with Kawhi turning himself into a Superstar through sheer hard work and will?

You're excited about three good/great games from Murray at the start of the season, but Kawhi himself last season playing as a top 3 player on the planet didn't really do much for you last season?

1.murry is amazing. 15 boards from the gaurd position! 4 assist shy of a tribute doub. Westbrook like.
2. Manu continue to show he is a living ledgend
3. Lma playing with a passion he has not shown in a spurs jersey, looks to lost 10 pounds
4. Jeffrey crashing the boards and playing with a high energy level. Just imagine when he starts finishing off plays. Sucks he got hurt but I guess now we can see Davis.
5. Gay continues to impress. He is longer than I thought seeing him out on the court. Just wish he would lose maybe 5-10 pounds seems to have gained after the injury
6. Mills continues to be a non factor. What happens when tony returns
7. Kyle playing well even at his Molases pase
8. Gasol continues to struggle.
9. Paul thrown into the fire to gaurd derozana and was impressive
10. For all the green hater he continues to improve. He added a step back jumper and is more agressive

kyle is horrible! he made some HORRIBLY ill-advised passes...missed wide open layups, played bad defense, and had them raps all over the boards...im not sure why he gets so much of a pass...to the point where ppl actually think he needs to start, but murray makes one mistake, and ppl think he isnt NBA material...he cant pass, shoot,nor layup...his defense consists of him reaching around for the steal after his defender blows by him...trade fodder, tbh

no opponent over 100 yet this season and that is what i am most pleased about. defense has been great because the effort has been great. the energy has been contagious. with the exception of gasol who seems to me moving at the pace of a largo measure sung by placido domingo.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BillMc

Does anyone think LMA is really doing that much better? I mean he's happier, so that alone is good. But he's shooting a worse percentage. His minutes are up which probably accounts for the additional rebounds. And he busted his butt on d last year too. So, he's got more volume, but is he better? The narrative is the "old LaMarcus is back". But I think its more like "LaMarcus takes more shots, plays more minutes, is about the same, maybe a little worse."

Of course when Kawhi returns his efficiency should improve, but the shot volume and probably minute volume will decrease. I think he's a raw numbers guy and so is the media.

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It was never about efficiency with LMA. He was never going to be as efficient as the first option. Danny's efficiency is pretty bad this year too, for example. Instead, it's about attitude, tone and predictability. An Aldridge who runs down the court, pins his man and moves faster is just much more or the opponent to deal with. Him being ready to go faster and more consistently gives makes everyone get into their sets earlier. Him being more decisive means the offense can progress to the next option faster and in a way where guys can do things off the ball without needing a specific play called.

LMA can definitely play better, which is one of the things that really makes this team's potential scary. They aren't feeding him right yet, and he's still fading away way too much instead of trying to get to the basket. Dude still loafs every once in a while too. But an Aldridge that feels like he controls the fate of the team seems more inclined to get back on D and up on O. He's had at least two chase-down blocks in three games this year. That wasn't something he did much at all before.

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Originally Posted by duncan2k5

kyle is horrible! he made some HORRIBLY ill-advised passes...missed wide open layups, played bad defense, and had them raps all over the boards...im not sure why he gets so much of a pass...to the point where ppl actually think he needs to start, but murray makes one mistake, and ppl think he isnt NBA material...he cant pass, shoot,nor layup...his defense consists of him reaching around for the steal after his defender blows by him...trade fodder, tbh

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Another hot crap take!

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Originally Posted by Chinook

It's not just LMA. Aldridge, Green, Anderson and Murray may all regress to their previous forms when the entire foundation of then starting unit shifts to Kawhiso. Of course if that happens, you'll have folks going " :lol this team outside Kawhi :lmao"

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Why do you even think the team regresses. Why are you always betting against Kawhi? The offense sucks right now. We're playing bad teams. This team ain't beating the warriors without Kawhi. :lmao

People quickly forget Kawhi was playing like the GOAT in the playoffs. Stop talking shit about our best player. :lol

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Originally Posted by dabom

Why do you even think the team regresses. Why are you always betting against Kawhi? The offense sucks right now. We're playing bad teams. This team ain't beating the warriors without Kawhi. :lmao

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I never said the team will regress. I just said most of their best players will. And just like last year, people will pretend Kawhi didn't have a supporting cast, even though he had guys who could play the whole time. The team needs to find a balance between Kawhiso, LMA post-ups and everyone else. Last year, their balance was awful, and only Kawhi really looked good. Can't have that again.

Kyle will not match up well against elite tier small ball teams. He's simply too slow. It's mitigated if everyone else around him plays good D, but I don't see it.

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Originally Posted by Chinook

I never said the team will regress. I just said most of their best players will. And just like last year, people will pretend Kawhi didn't have a supporting cast, even though he had guys who could play the whole time. The team needs to find a balance between Kawhiso, LMA post-ups and everyone else. Last year, their balance was awful, and only Kawhi really looked good. Can't have that again.

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You're making it seem like Kawhi was some ball hog or something. Kawhi was up on the Warriors 23 before being zaza'ed. Don't fucking try to blame him for shit. The team is lucky to have him. :lmao

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Originally Posted by LaMarcus Bryant

Kyle will not match up well against elite tier small ball teams. He's simply too slow. It's mitigated if everyone else around him plays good D, but I don't see it.

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He's too slow for what?