Game Thread: Spurs @ Blazers -- Sun. (1/7) - 8:00/C (4:00am Riga Time)

Really these blown last plays shouldn't be the focus here. Those things happen in close games. What should be the question is how did we blow that 12 point lead in the 3rd when the Spurs were taking control of the game. Need to rewind and look at that.

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Originally Posted by $pursDynasty

I would be more concerned if we were this mediocre with a full roster or minus just one major rotation player. However when you are down 4 due to injuries, and CIA Pop moves,you have to not care too much about playoff positioning if the powers that be, don't.

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The powers that be are idiots. We've all seen what happens in the playoffs when the Spurs get a lower seed. They usually end up losing in embarrassing fashion. The Spurs have done best in the playoffs with a higher seed.

With how poor of a road team they are, and all these road games coming up, they're likely to start dropping. If they drop to 5th or less, they're likely out in round 1, which would be a completely wasted season. I would rather a lottery pick. Even getting 4th could be dangerous, because if it's the Thunder that are 5th, Pop is still likely to play Kawhi 25-30 minutes while Westbrook, Carmlelo and Paul George all play 35-40 minutes a night. The result of that could be a humiliating upset for the Spurs.

Rest, rest, rest.

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Originally Posted by BillMc

Really these blown last plays shouldn't be the focus here. Those things happen in close games. What should be the question is how did we blow that 12 point lead in the 3rd when the Spurs were taking control of the game. Need to rewind and look at that.

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Bertans, Paddy and Manu entered the game, lead gone.

The final play should have been an attempt at an actual play that they couldn't have seen coming a mile away, to free up either Bertans or Forbes for a catch and shoot. Not enough time to run some type of movement to attempt to get Ginobili a step ahead of the defense before going into a p-n-r and didn't want him running a static one against a set defense.

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Originally Posted by SAGirl

LMA wasted a tremendous game from Ginobili at 40...

(team still had too many TO though, it wasn't just one guy either)

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I keep hearing that, but it's not true. They're 18th in turnover percentage and tonight hit their average of 14, good for 13th in the league . . . for a team without a primary ball handler / play maker.

The issues are that, the archaic style due in part because of that, the constant state of flux in the rotation and an inexplicable regression in shooting, particularly from 3.

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Originally Posted by SAGirl

I think it's on Pop to know Lamarcus is not going to drive the ball in 4 seconds from 20 feet out. If he wanted that, he needed to call the play for Manu...

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Lol, who knows what going to Manu vs LMA in Portland does to his psyche.

But it's not like Aldridge can't drive, he's done it before. He could've drove and/or pump faked to draw a foul

"Leadership" lol.

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Originally Posted by BillMc

Truth. That's why you had all those shooters outside to open the lane. Why take a contested jumper?

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And he was facing the basket, he knew how much time was left. Idk what went thru his mind. On to the next... Good thing its tomorrow so they can try and bounce back

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Originally Posted by BatManu20

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Jus saw that interview.....he knew

LA manning up in the presser. “This one was on me!” Said he rushed the shot and will use this to be better.

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Originally Posted by bklynspursfan

Dude, the middle was wide open for Aldridge to do something. It was designed well. He can't control what Aldridge does with the ball, but he had 4+ seconds to get to the basket with no help and he chose to shoot a really poor shot.

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Originally Posted by BillMc

Truth. That's why you had all those shooters outside to open the lane. Why take a contested jumper?

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You guys are thinking about somebody other than Touches. Going strong to the hole is not his game. Never has been. Doubt it ever will be. He is all about the turnaround fade-away.

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Originally Posted by SAGirl

I think it's on Pop to know Lamarcus is not going to drive the ball in 4 seconds from 20 feet out. If he wanted that, he needed to call the play for Manu...

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Exactly!

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Originally Posted by BatManu20

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Originally Posted by BatManu20

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That's leadership? SA sports writer are horse shit.

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Originally Posted by BatManu20

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Except he's done both of those things in the past (missed fts and low percentage jumper in crunch time) and nothing has changed. "Another sign of his leadership" :lol fuck off

:lmaShowing leadership!

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Originally Posted by UZER

That's leadership? SA sports writer are horse shit.

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:lol so fucking cringe worthy for the non sheeple

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Originally Posted by BillMc

Really these blown last plays shouldn't be the focus here. Those things happen in close games. What should be the question is how did we blow that 12 point lead in the 3rd when the Spurs were taking control of the game. Need to rewind and look at that.

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This lineup: Joff, Davis, Manu, Bryn and Patty...
no defense whatsoever. I remember a few shots straight at the rim.

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Originally Posted by UZER

That's leadership? SA sports writer are horse shit.

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Yea that was dumb. Just let him own it and move on. No need for the Disney filter.

Also continues to be of note: This team needs a PG in a bad way.

LMA giving Portland one more win - for old times sake.

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Originally Posted by SAGirl

This lineup: Joff, Davis, Manu, Bryn and Patty...
no defense whatsoever. I remember a few shots straight at the rim.

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Yep Manu-3 even with his 26 points

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Originally Posted by BillMc

:lol

But not a good way to get the 2nd seed.

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Yeah well one step forward two steps back. I guess what worries me is Houston has been losing a lot and we’ve had our chances.

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Originally Posted by BatManu20

Also continues to be of note: This team needs a PG in a bad way.

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Love Patty but he's no playmaker. Neither is Forbes, or sadly, Murray.

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Originally Posted by BatManu20

"Leadership" lol.

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well... good
I hope Pop in his mind says: its on me too... he will never say it to the media.

Manu continues to impress, however.