Spurs VS Boston is a True Test

[VBM]

I think both sides of the argument are correct in this case. This game is just 1 of 82, and we're just getting into December. We have new pieces, and Spurs history shows that new players are notoriously slow in assimilating to the "Spurs Way" of playing. And obviously, health is the biggest need for this team entering the playoffs (I'd take a healthy 6-seeded Spurs team over a #2/#3 seed without Manu).

However, if our goal is a championship, we should place some emphasis on the teams that will be standing in our way to that championship. Boston is a legitimate le contender. We only play them twice in the regular season. This is a measuring stick game, not some game against Chicago or Oklahoma City. Pop has had nearly two full months (preseason and reg. season) to tinker with this lineup. We're not a finished product by any means, but we aren't fresh out of the box either. How we play on Thurs. should be taken as (somewhat) indicative of how we would matchup with these guys later down the line.

[#2!]

Pop said it very clearly a couple of seasons ago.. all you can really hope for is to be one of the 5 or 6 teams remaining at the end of the regular season with a chance to win it all. He's made it apparent that win-loss records or even home-court advantage aren't at the top of his agenda. I just hope to see the Spurs continuing to build on what they've accomplished in their previous games, specially on the defensive end.

I actually have a problem with this at ude that Pop has developed. He's saying that outside of having a playoff worthy record things are completely out of their hands.

Despite this being the path we took to the 2007 championship it was not how we reached the others. While the Spurs may have accepted luck's role in the process they did not make it a major part of the team's personality.

So even though I don't put too much stock into this particular game, I don't like that Pop, and even more so fans, do not acknowledge the fact that there is clearly a level of excitement for games between top teams.

[easjer]

I think both sides of the argument are correct in this case. This game is just 1 of 82, and we're just getting into December. We have new pieces, and Spurs history shows that new players are notoriously slow in assimilating to the "Spurs Way" of playing. And obviously, health is the biggest need for this team entering the playoffs (I'd take a healthy 6-seeded Spurs team over a #2/#3 seed without Manu).

However, if our goal is a championship, we should place some emphasis on the teams that will be standing in our way to that championship. Boston is a legitimate le contender. We only play them twice in the regular season. This is a measuring stick game, not some game against Chicago or Oklahoma City. Pop has had nearly two full months (preseason and reg. season) to tinker with this lineup. We're not a finished product by any means, but we aren't fresh out of the box either. How we play on Thurs. should be taken as (somewhat) indicative of how we would matchup with these guys later down the line.

That might be more true had the big 3 not all suc bed to injury early on. That threw off the rotations for multiple games, both when they were actually not playing and in terms of managing them when they returned.

Additionally, the old faithful barely played in pre-season because Pop was rotating out to figure out who would get the final roster spots. So you can't include pre-season in your tinkering analysis.

In reality, there have been a handful of games with the full roster at full strength to really tinker and try various combinations. And as has been pointed out, regular season games are not adequate predictors for Finals performances (recall 2007 when the Spurs were destroyed by the Cavs in regular season and promptly and easily swept them in the Finals). I might buy the measuring stick argument a bit more if it were applied to teams we might legitimately have to play through to get to the Finals; ie, the Lakers, the Mavs, Portland, Denver. And there is actual stake in those games in terms of possible homecourt advantage in a way that is way more unlikely in the Finals. Given how close the conference was last year, potential series tiebreakers could be more meaningful or important in the regular season.

Don't get me wrong, I want the Spurs to slap the Celtics back to Boston. I'm just not going to be suicidal if they don't because I have realistic expectations for what this game means to the greater picture.

[VBM]

Don't get me wrong, I want the Spurs to slap the Celtics back to Boston. I'm just not going to be suicidal if they don't because I have realistic expectations for what this game means to the greater picture.

Right, and I know most of the "it's too early to care" proponents share this sentiment. Obviously, one game doesn't make a season...that argument has merit (and good call on the Cleveland '07 reference). I guess what really bothers me is hearing some Spurs fans use that argument reminds me too much of the old Laker-fan "we'll coast in the reg. season and then flip the switch" talk. If the Spurs themselves aren't going to get too excited during the reg. season, I'd at least like to see the fans have more of the mentality than the one...

[easjer]

I don't think they should just coast. I had that mentality last year and the flip was never switched.

I just recognize all the pieces they are juggling. A LOT of new faces that need to learn the system, a big adjustment to best utilizing the new talents and a lot of trust that needs to be built. Recovering from injuries. Etc, etc.

If they are half-assing it - get mad, be angry, whatever. That's a different story. Right now, it's about getting them to play well together and figure out what is working and what isn't. Right now, I'm happy if they string together a good half ( , a fully solid quarter makes me tingly). If they get the win? Awesome. If they don't, but they put in the effort and you can see that they are getting things right? Awesome.

That takes me back to the Dallas game. I was really pleased after that game, because I thought the fourth quarter was brilliant. I always want to beat Dallas - I hate them. I consider that a long-standing rivalry game. But we lost. Probably weren't helped by the ludicrous number of turnovers, but I was still pleased, because the defense was clicking in the second half, and they played really well in the fourth to put themselves in a position to send the game to OT and possibly win.

THAT is what I'm looking for in November. Obviously, I want to win games. What's the point otherwise? Obviously I hope the tinkering doesn't result in a worse-than-usual record. But I'm going to be laid back because I get the larger goal. And the Spurs have the energy. They have the desire. It's evident to me that they are studying things and looking for ways to fix the problems and improve. That's what I want right now, and I have been a fan long enough to know that is what they need right now.

And honestly? I used to get really caught up in games. And I wasn't particularly happy. The games they won weren't highs - they were expected. And the games they lost had me wanting to punch something. And that's just stupid, imo. Because in the end? It's a basketball game. No sense in raising my blood pressure over it. I'm a fan to the core - but being a fan doesn't require me to be a drama queen and there are honestly more important things in life.

[Capt Bringdown]

You haven't been paying attention. The Spurs objectives for the regular season are eminently clear. They are to get to the playoffs healthy, mentally ready, and with something left in the tank. Popovich will never compromise any of these objectives to try to get a regular season win.

Nah, you weren't paying attention. Your response would make sense if I claimed that Spurs regular season goals aren't crystal clear. But I didn't:

The Spurs, well, it's getting harder and harder to say what objectives they have for the regular season other than staying healthy.

The best we can hope for is to get healthy and catch fire before the playoffs start.

[raspsa]

I actually have a problem with this at ude that Pop has developed. He's saying that outside of having a playoff worthy record things are completely out of their hands.

Despite this being the path we took to the 2007 championship it was not how we reached the others. While the Spurs may have accepted luck's role in the process they did not make it a major part of the team's personality.

So even though I don't put too much stock into this particular game, I don't like that Pop, and even more so fans, do not acknowledge the fact that there is clearly a level of excitement for games between top teams.

I don't think that's exactly Pop's at ude. If I read him right, he's saying that entering the playoffs, hopefully all the work done in the RS has produced a compe ive team. Other factors also play a part, specially injuries, officiating, seeding, HCA, personal/family problems, luck, etc. But the players and coaches can only hope to execute their gameplan and hope they're as prepared as possible.. then its a "crapshoot" is the term I recall Pop using but its a crapshoot that thay prepared meticulously for all season long to win.. bottom line though is its still a game and no guarantees given. Pop is the most pragmatic guy I know.

[benefactor]

Mrs. SFIE kicking the knowledge in this thread....

[easjer]

[dbestpro]

This is just another game for the Spurs to continue their evolution. The Spurs of March will be better than the Spurs of today. This game really is no more important than any other game against an eastern conference foe, In fact, when you get right down to it a win over Memphis at this time of year is more important as such wins can be more helpful with playoff tie breakers.

[TD 21]

If I ever took this lackluster at ude to work or school I would be fired in a heart beat. I just had test thats wasn't very important to me passing my class. However I still wanted to keep my grade up so I tried my best to ace it.

Geeze,what ever happened to pride? What ever happened to that killer instinct, that hunger that championship teams posses? Are we not a team that wants to contend for the championship, or one of those teams that are satisfied just to make the playoffs. I had thought it was the first option, but maybe I'm proven wrong.

Why do some of you even watch these games if they realy don't seem to matter?

I'm sorry for the rant. Maybe I'm just way to old fashioned, and times have changed with this lackluster at ude towards everything. I'm just not used to it, so please bare with me.

I agree. Spurs fans are so concerned about "not over-hyping one game" or "putting too much value into the regular season" because they've been conditioned by the organization to believe this and because they've seen this franchise win 4 championships. But those days are gone. This team needs to re-establish itself as team to be reckoned with. Not as a team on the periphery, a maybe-if-every-last-thing-breaks-right, none of that. Let's be honest, that hasn't been the case in the last two calendar years.

What separates the Spurs from the Celtics? At ude. It's definitely not talent, because the Spurs got them beat there. It's at ude. The Celtics are out to win every game and generally play with an intensity that personifies that. I'm not saying that if the Spurs lose we should get carried away and write them off, but it would be disappointing and somewhat telling. It's the Spurs who'll be well rested, at home and playing better ball at the moment. They're also healthy, so there is no excuse. This should be a win and as fans we should expect a win. I'm sick and tired of this loser at ude from the majority of the fan base, this "well we're playing an elite team, so we shouldn't expect to win".

[Sisk]

Spurstalk is preparing itself for epic meltdown....

Seriously.. this is like the 10th thread about how this game is important, if it's important, why it's huge, if we lose we don't win a championship, etc. etc. etc.

i hope we win just so this forum doesn't go ape and start jumping off of cliffs again

[TD 21]

Seriously.. this is like the 10th thread about how this game is important, if it's important, why it's huge, if we lose we don't win a championship, etc. etc. etc.

i hope we win just so this forum doesn't go ape and start jumping off of cliffs again

Let's just concede before it even begins. We have no chance against the almighty Celtics. In fact, let's just concede every game against every good team. How can you (not necessarily you, the universal you on SpursTalk) on the one hand have that at ude, then on the other say that this is a championship caliber team? Regular season or not, if this team can't be expected to beat an elite team ever, then they're not a championship caliber team.

How about this for a novel idea: Pop shortens the rotation, plays the key players significant minutes and the Spurs go all out to win this game?

[SouthTexasRancher]

For Pop it is simply 1 of 82. Yes, he'd like to win but, he won't commit hari kari if we lose. It's the building to the winning of the last game in June that matters.

For Boston, it will be statement time. KG realizes he has never beaten the Spurs when it counts, when the Spurs har completely injury free.

For the fans of both teams it will be fun to watch. Better to be at the game that having to put up with Sir Charles' bull !

[duhoh]

If you start bad you will end bad, look at the Lakers last year, does the Spurs have any one on the Team Hungry like Kobe, that goes out and end every game with that winning passion.

[raspsa]

Its a marathon, not a sprint. Pop is simply pacing the Spurs, learning how to best utilize his players and dealing with any injuries that crop up now and then. The [lan would be to peak as they approach the playoffs.

[raspsa]

I have a good feeling about this game.

[Sisk]

Let's just concede before it even begins. We have no chance against the almighty Celtics. In fact, let's just concede every game against every good team. How can you (not necessarily you, the universal you on SpursTalk) on the one hand have that at ude, then on the other say that this is a championship caliber team? Regular season or not, if this team can't be expected to beat an elite team ever, then they're not a championship caliber team.

How about this for a novel idea: Pop shortens the rotation, plays the key players significant minutes and the Spurs go all out to win this game?

? i never said anything about conceding the game or that we have no chance, we do have a great chance, especially being at home

my point is, that IF we lose, this forum will go crazy and start talking about trading everyone and restarting the franchise (ok, i'm exaggerating, but you know what i mean)

i think the Spurs will win this game, as we're playing much better recently.. just stating a ST observation as of late

[NuGGeTs-FaN]

Spurs will win. I don't get the hype over Boston. They really aren't that good if your team doesn't back down.

Play physical and shut KG up from the get go. They just feed of his arrogance and energy.

[024]

celtics are in a better place right now than the spurs. i don't expect much since jefferson is still finding his place in the offense and ginobili only showing glimpses of his old self. all the celtics need to do is shut down parker and duncan and it's pretty much over. spurs bench may keep it close but the celtics bench isn't that bad either.

[VivaPopovich]

Pop is playing too many different lineups and his subs utions are sporadic and unpredictable.

The 5 guys that are going to be playing together at the end of the game must be playing together for the majority of the game. There are so many new players and it's more important than ever for this team to develop their rhythm and they will never get a chance to do this with Pop's rotations.

[raspsa]

I hope the long break between games doesn't rob some of the momentum the Spurs have developed..

[SpurNation]

Optomistic myself. I can see the Spurs having a great shot at winning the game.

[austN Spur]

O man did i wake up this morning excited. This should be a good game. Got to love that boston hardwood floor. my old mans favorite team. so ready for this game. GSG. gots to get to class

[alfahdlan]

Watch out for manu on spurs-celtics game. Once he makes jefferson, blair, bonner, and mason involved, its a win.