This loss hurts

[Kamala]

Suck ass spurts just die already!!!

Like Red Auerbach, Len Bias, Dennis Johnson, and Reggie Lewis or just figuratively?

[SenorSpur]

The Lakers length in the 2nd half obviously bothered the Spurs. That's been the story for 2 years now. If the 3's are falling Spurs win, if they don't the Lakers, like they have done for so many years will pack the paint. Phil Jackson does an excellent job at changing his defense on the fly and short circuiting the oppenent's offense.

Amen.

The Fakers are the defending NBA Champions. Even with Bynum out, the Fakers are still a very talented team, with great length. If you want to knock them off, you have to field a team that can match their length and athleticism.

It's been two years since that '08 WCF series, where Manu was injured. During that time, the roster has changed, but the right pieces weren't added. Some of the better pieces are stuck on the bench. Instead fielding a team to match the Fakers length, they sent Ratliff away, while Ian and Malik rot on the bench. Meanwhile, Duncan continues to be burdened with the herculian task of having to anchor both the rebounding and defense, at ends of the court - with little to no help and Manu is carrying the offensive load. At the same time, Pop continues to be firmly dedicated toward giving big minutes to inferior players, who cannot provide the game-to-game contributions needed to make this team more compe ive.

I'll never understand why Pop continues to believe that "small-ball" is the way to go. No matter how badly the Spurs keep getting their asses waxed, he refuses to acquiesce to a different lineup change.

[TD 21]

Amen.

The Fakers are the defending NBA Champions. Even with Bynum out, the Fakers are still a very talented team, with great length. If you want to knock them off, you have to field a team that can match their length and athleticism.

It's been two years since that '08 WCF series, where Manu was injured. During that time, the roster has changed, but the right pieces weren't added. Some of the better pieces are stuck on the bench. Instead fielding a team to match the Fakers length, they sent Ratliff away, while Ian and Malik rot on the bench. Meanwhile, Duncan continues to be burdened with the herculian task of having to anchor both the rebounding and defense, at ends of the court - with little to no help and Manu is carrying the offensive load. At the same time, Pop continues to be firmly dedicated toward giving big minutes to inferior players, who cannot provide the game-to-game contributions needed to make this team more compe ive.

I'll never understand why Pop continues to believe that "small-ball" is the way to go. No matter how badly the Spurs keep getting their asses waxed, he refuses to acquiesce to a different lineup change.

I like McDyess, but he's had a season and he needs to go in the off season. When your top big is as immobile as Duncan is at this point in his career, you don't surround him with your second big being another immobile old guy with bad knees and add that to your un-athletic, slow third big and undersized fourth big.

What the was the front office thinking when they put together this front line? I assume they thought McDyess would replicate what he did last season, but at his age, it's not shocking that he hasn't. What's worse, he clearly never wanted to leave the Pistons and his heart just doesn't appear to be that into it. Maybe he'll step it up once the playoffs start, but the McDyess I remember watching used to compete as hard as any player in the league and I don't see that from him anymore.

Not only does Splitter need to be brought in, but another acquisition needs to be made in the front court as well, because Bonner needs to go too. He can't make a ing shot to save his life against good teams and looks terrified playing against them. This front court needs to be remade, not just one change.

[Obstructed_View]

You guys suck. It's only late March. CIA Pop because, well, you know the rest.

[SenorSpur]

I like McDyess, but he's had a season and he needs to go in the off season. When your top big is as immobile as Duncan is at this point in his career, you don't surround him with your second big being another immobile old guy with bad knees and add that to your un-athletic, slow third big and undersized fourth big.

What the was the front office thinking when they put together this front line? I assume they thought McDyess would replicate what he did last season, but at his age, it's not shocking that he hasn't. What's worse, he clearly never wanted to leave the Pistons and his heart just doesn't appear to be that into it. Maybe he'll step it up once the playoffs start, but the McDyess I remember watching used to compete as hard as any player in the league and I don't see that from him anymore.

Not only does Splitter need to be brought in, but another acquisition needs to be made in the front court as well, because Bonner needs to go too. He can't make a ing shot to save his life against good teams and looks terrified playing against them. This front court needs to be remade, not just one change.

Agreed. It's clear that Bonner and Dice both need to go. Bonner's shrinking baby nuts against good teams, has been on display for a while now. He's all-world against the Clippers and Warriors, of the NBA. He just comes up small against the better teams. I often ask myself, "would another coach even have this guy on the roster, much less getting the loads of playing time that he gets?" Meanwhile, Dice just can't put up a fight anymore. Omce again, the Spurs took a gamble and overvalued the shelf-life of an veteran player, that is clearly at the end. They took a chance figuring that Dice may have had some juice left. Clearly, this isn't the case.

Spurs do need another frontcourt player, which is why the Tyrus Thomas acquisition would've been perfect. What would next year have looked like had the Spurs gotten that trade done? Imagine frontline of Duncan, Thomas, Blair, Spiltter and Ian? Those are instant upgrades and some big time help that would have re-energized Tim. To me, the Thomas trade was one the Spurs could NOT have afforded to miss out on. Yet, they did. Now, we're watching the sad results of Pop rolling with the inferior frontline that is in place now.

[jjktkk]

Why go to the game? Why watch it on television? If we except them to lose, wtf is the point?

Because if your a true fan, you always watch them, no matter how good or bad they are.

[Capt Bringdown]

Our record against the Lakers in the Tim/Pop era must not be pretty. We're talking major ownage here, whether or not Spursfans care to admit it.

Par for the script that we lose against them, and typically it's a ruthless Kobe 4th quarter that is the clincher. Yeah, it hurts.

[duncan228]

Our record against the Lakers in the Tim/Pop era must not be pretty. We're talking major ownage here, whether or not Spursfans care to admit it.

Regular season from '97-'98 through tonight.

Spurs 24, Lakers 23.

Playoffs.

Spurs 12, Lakers 18.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Nah, losses hurt when they mean something. This season has been over for months.

That's what I reckon. In my mind we became irrelevant (as far as rings are concerned) 2 months ago, so now losing doesn't hurt.

What does hurt is that the FO didn't move at the deadline ot find us some young talent to audition for next year.

Oh, and that gif is priceless! Totally spot on.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Agreed. It's clear that Bonner and Dice both need to go. Bonner's shrinking baby nuts against good teams, has been on display for a while now. He's all-world against the Clippers and Warriors, of the NBA. He just comes up small against the better teams. I often ask myself, "would another coach even have this guy on the roster, much less getting the loads of playing time that he gets?" Meanwhile, Dice just can't put up a fight anymore. Omce again, the Spurs took a gamble and overvalued the shelf-life of an veteran player, that is clearly at the end. They took a chance figuring that Dice may have had some juice left. Clearly, this isn't the case.

Spurs do need another frontcourt player, which is why the Tyrus Thomas acquisition would've been perfect. What would next year have looked like had the Spurs gotten that trade done? Imagine frontline of Duncan, Thomas, Blair, Spiltter and Ian? Those are instant upgrades and some big time help that would have re-energized Tim. To me, the Thomas trade was one the Spurs could NOT have afforded to miss out on. Yet, they did. Now, we're watching the sad results of Pop rolling with the inferior frontline that is in place now.

You've been reading my mind (and posts!) again!

We could have had Thomas FOR NOTHING, that's what makes it even more frustrating.

, 3 months ago I put up a thread (or mentioned in a trade thread - can't remember which) a trade of Bonner/Mason/Finley (or something, 3 expirings anyway) for Thomas and Salmons. It worked in the trade machine and it made sense to me. Remarkable we didn't get it done.

[timtonymanu]

I like McDyess, but he's had a season and he needs to go in the off season. When your top big is as immobile as Duncan is at this point in his career, you don't surround him with your second big being another immobile old guy with bad knees and add that to your un-athletic, slow third big and undersized fourth big.

What the was the front office thinking when they put together this front line? I assume they thought McDyess would replicate what he did last season, but at his age, it's not shocking that he hasn't. What's worse, he clearly never wanted to leave the Pistons and his heart just doesn't appear to be that into it. Maybe he'll step it up once the playoffs start, but the McDyess I remember watching used to compete as hard as any player in the league and I don't see that from him anymore.

I wholeheartedly agree with this. No offense to McDyess. He was a hard worker in the past but why did the front office make it a priority for him to come here? Yea he had a great season last season but he would be coming into the season one year older. Tim Duncan needed someone young next to him not someone just as slow as him. That's why I wanted Gortat.

I like Dice but I really don't mind seeing him gone next year. He's been too lazy and the 2nd half Dice isn't even impressing me.

[rascal]

Why?..

Why did so many people here expect to beat the Lakers?..

I hope people aren't disappointed because we had a first half lead..that's been the story all season..

I'm not talking about you in particular Buddy, but it seems like a lot of people expected a W here for some reason..

Lots of homers here. This is why i am already looking toward next year because the Spurs are not getting past the lakers this year with the team they have now.

Its better to get the best draft pick that they can, so losses now are better for the teams future . It works to the spurs advantage to get that high draft pick FOR NEXT YEAR.

[rascal]

You've been reading my mind (and posts!) again!

We could have had Thomas FOR NOTHING, that's what makes it even more frustrating.

, 3 months ago I put up a thread (or mentioned in a trade thread - can't remember which) a trade of Bonner/Mason/Finley (or something, 3 expirings anyway) for Thomas and Salmons. It worked in the trade machine and it made sense to me. Remarkable we didn't get it done.

No doubt the spurs front ofice failed at the trade deadline. That was the time to get the spurs back on track with a good trade to improve the frontline. This seasons chances were lost when they did nothing.

[rascal]

Regular season from '97-'98 through tonight.

Spurs 24, Lakers 23.

Playoffs.

Spurs 12, Lakers 18.

What is it since the gasol trade?

[KenziE]

id take another beer pls ... im immune to the losing this season .. just another day at the office

[Chillen]

This game showed me that the Lakers can perhaps be beatable this year, they played some great D at the end to close the game out and win, but the Spurs kept missing 3's, 2's and had a legit shot to win the whole game. Lakers did what a contending team should, close out the game but the Spurs were in it the whole way despite what the final score says. Missed shots beat them...and the Lakers D, the 2 blocks by Gasol and Artest's steals won the game for LA. Missing Bynum affected their defense immensely, players had to step up in his absence.

[easy7]

the Lakers, as long as we have the terpiece we can crap on any game and it will be OK. I mean I never seen a mofo who can give 3 straight 3 pointers to a scrub and still be in the game.

[timtonymanu]

Well don't even be saying even closely remote to winnable.

I can say whatever the i wanna say, . Just because you have no life doesnt mean you can control mine. Last thing I need is a loser like you who counts on the success of a sports team to live a happy life, to tell me what to do. What are you gonna say now? That I'm a Butthurt Spurs fan.

[timtonymanu]

great comeback. I really got owned there.

[jjktkk]

You've been reading my mind (and posts!) again!

We could have had Thomas FOR NOTHING, that's what makes it even more frustrating.

, 3 months ago I put up a thread (or mentioned in a trade thread - can't remember which) a trade of Bonner/Mason/Finley (or something, 3 expirings anyway) for Thomas and Salmons. It worked in the trade machine and it made sense to me. Remarkable we didn't get it done.

Unfortunately NBA GMs don't use the "trade machine" when they make trades.

[nkdlunch]

It just hurts.

From losing the lead to just getting school shopped by the Lakers D to Duncan hobbling around and getting his stuff blocked by Gasol to Mason being out there missing open shot after open shot.

It was more than an ugly game, it hurt.

well you need to wake up to reality. Spurs are no better than 8th best team in the West. Until spursfan wakes up to this reality, he will feel pain.

[SenorSpur]

You've been reading my mind (and posts!) again!

We could have had Thomas FOR NOTHING, that's what makes it even more frustrating.

, 3 months ago I put up a thread (or mentioned in a trade thread - can't remember which) a trade of Bonner/Mason/Finley (or something, 3 expirings anyway) for Thomas and Salmons. It worked in the trade machine and it made sense to me. Remarkable we didn't get it done.

Dude, you're preaching to the choir.

I don't remember the thread you posted (although I'm sure I posted to it), but you must've been looking over my shoulder when I entered the EXACT same trade scenario in the Trade Machine.

You damn right it would've worked. Those two players (Salmons and Thomas) are solid contributors on their current teams. Salmons is even being credited for sparking the 15-2 run that the Bucks are now on. Thomas has been instant energy, defense and shotblocking for the Bobcats, off the bench. Something the Spurs have so very little of. How much could the Spurs have used his skills against the Hawks the other night? A night when Al Horford and Josh Smith were literally jumping over the backs of both Duncan and Bonner for offensive rebounds and putbacks.

Outside of the Big Three, Hill and Blair, the Spurs do not have enough consistent contributors to keep up with the upper-echelon teams. The Spurs NEEDED to do this deal simply to upgrade the talent level on a poorly-constructed roster. Doing this deal, would've not only upgraded the talent level, but it would've allowed the Spurs to jettison some of the dead weight on the roster and somewhat reload on the fly.

I can't let this go because it absolutely made no sense NOT to get it done. If Pop and the Spurs brass REALLY wanted to give themselves a better shot to succeed in the playoffs, they HAD to get this deal done. By now and if they're honest with themselves, the FO and coaching staff should know they're not going very far with the roster, as currently constructed.

[antgomez2009]

Why?..

Why did so many people here expect to beat the Lakers?..

I hope people aren't disappointed because we had a first half lead..that's been the story all season..

I'm not talking about you in particular Buddy, but it seems like a lot of people expected a W here for some reason..

We expected a win because thats what every fan of a team should do!
If you dont then why root for a team!

the Spurs had this game, they adjusted to G hill, he had 20 in the first half 1 in the second half, that cannot happen against the lakers! Tim had a horrible game, one of the worst that i can remmember, even worse then the orlando game last week! People can say he is washed up or however you down a player like tim duncan, but he is still better than 75% of this league, and that means alot considering how old he is and how many games he has played for a big man! Mason missed open shot after open shot like he was scared to make the basket or something!!!!! It started going down hill when Manu went out for a 2 minute breather, that broke down everything!!!!! It semed as if Jefferson was never on the floor, and 35% shooting aint going to get you a win against any team bottom line!!!

Im actually suprised the game was that close, the Lakers messed up more then usual and the Spurs had opportunities, but couldnt convert (mason missing threes, G hill 1 pt in second half, Tim virtually unseen in this game) the good thing is, its assuring to know, that when parker does come back, it will def. help them score some points when the game gets tight!

All in all, it hurts to see them lose, because had they stayed with the same intensity and played good basketball they would of came out with a W. 37.5% FG shooting and 29.6% from the arc is not going to cut it! so if you know basketball like i know basketball, they actually had a chance had they kept up the intensity and focus!!!!!!

Horrible Horrible shooting by the Spurs yesterday night!!!!!!!!!!!!

[murpjf88]

All losses hurt. This shouldn't be any different.

[TD 21]

Agreed. It's clear that Bonner and Dice both need to go. Bonner's shrinking baby nuts against good teams, has been on display for a while now. He's all-world against the Clippers and Warriors, of the NBA. He just comes up small against the better teams. I often ask myself, "would another coach even have this guy on the roster, much less getting the loads of playing time that he gets?" Meanwhile, Dice just can't put up a fight anymore. Omce again, the Spurs took a gamble and overvalued the shelf-life of an veteran player, that is clearly at the end. They took a chance figuring that Dice may have had some juice left. Clearly, this isn't the case.

Spurs do need another frontcourt player, which is why the Tyrus Thomas acquisition would've been perfect. What would next year have looked like had the Spurs gotten that trade done? Imagine frontline of Duncan, Thomas, Blair, Spiltter and Ian? Those are instant upgrades and some big time help that would have re-energized Tim. To me, the Thomas trade was one the Spurs could NOT have afforded to miss out on. Yet, they did. Now, we're watching the sad results of Pop rolling with the inferior frontline that is in place now.

Thomas would have been ideal. Athletic PF who can guard mobile four's, block shots and hit the mid range jumper (though he needs to improve at this). He'd have fit perfectly in a front court with Duncan, Blair and hopefully Splitter, but I guess it made too much sense.

As for the obsession with having a big with three point range, they could pick up someone like Novak on the cheap to fill that role or sign a D-Leaguer like Kurz.

When you have a potentially dominant front court, that aspect doesn't matter as much. Look at the Lakers, Odom is the only one of the three who can shoot the three and he's erratic.

I wholeheartedly agree with this. No offense to McDyess. He was a hard worker in the past but why did the front office make it a priority for him to come here? Yea he had a great season last season but he would be coming into the season one year older. Tim Duncan needed someone young next to him not someone just as slow as him. That's why I wanted Gortat.

I like Dice but I really don't mind seeing him gone next year. He's been too lazy and the 2nd half Dice isn't even impressing me.

Someone young and someone big next to him, is what Duncan needs. McDyess was the best UFA big and I felt he'd fit in as a Spur, but I knew then he alone wasn't going to be the answer. If he were the third big, behind someone long, mobile, athletic and young, then he'd probably be a better fit.

Individually, this isn't that bad of a front court. The problem is as a whole, they're too deficient in too many areas to be championship caliber.