Game Blog: Spurs @ Nuggets - February 23

[Brazil]

We gave up 33 points to them in the third quarter. THAT is the one and only thing that I'm unhappy with. It used to be that, even when nothing else was working, the Spurs could play defense. They are officially the opposite of that now. I guess it's reality, but I don't like it.


Oh, and 27 points in the fourth. That's a 60 point half. Not good enough under any cir stances.

it's annoying that's true but the guys are human they are on the last game of the rrt they relaxed a little on the second half but we still get the W and we finished this road trip 8-1 without manu and tj and the last 3 games without tiago. The big picture is pretty ok tbh.

[GSH]

The guy's hair on FSW just got worse.

[DPG21920]

The move by Pop turned out really well and this Spurs team has seemingly won all the big games you have wanted to see this year. Great way to come out focused early and build that lead so you could just manage the win. Unbelievably successful RRT with the exception of Tiago/Manu getting injured. Spurs just keep plugging guys in who get the job done though.

Still annoying the Spurs have fragile guys, but Pop made the right decision given the reality of the situation like it or not.

[GSH]

it's annoying that's true but the guys are human they are on the last game of the rrt they relaxed a little on the second half but we still get the W and we finished this road trip 8-1 without manu and tj and the last 3 games without tiago. The big picture is pretty ok tbh.

Ahh, I'm not going to get into a big debate about it. You're right that there are a lot of positives. No harm in enjoying them.

BUT - when the other team is getting on a roll, this Spurs team's first thought is outscoring them. That style of play isn't going to go anywhere in the playoffs. TBH, I'd rather see the Spurs get back-to-back stops, than make back-to-back 3-pointers on the other end. And by stops, I mean defense - not just watching the other team miss a wide open shot.

The problems is, I think my expectations just aren't reasonable. We aren't that team anymore.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

In all fairness, DPG, Denver is not the same team they were 3 weeks ago, they actually have been playing like mung for a while now, this was the Spurs owning a beaten down team they were supposed to own.

[ElNono]

We win!

[DPG21920]

I agree, but these are games that are about focus and a mission. Spurs are locking in and taking care of business. Boiled down, they went 8-1 and that is incredible. Many times in previous years this team would lose a game under these cir stances and leave a sour taste in your mouth. Tonight they finished on a high note and have done so all season.

[GSH]

In all fairness, DPG, Denver is not the same team they were 3 weeks ago, they actually have been playing like mung for a while now, this was the Spurs owning a beaten down team they were supposed to own.

The Nuggets have lost some extremely close games to some of the best teams. They are just about 5-6 missed shots away from being 4th in the West. They aren't loaded with talent, but they are playing really good team ball. If they had just a little more horsepower, so they could hang in some 4th quarters, they would be really tough. Anyone that overlooks them in any given game is up for a loss.

[crc21209]

19 of the next 32 games at home. Nice

[Brazil]

Ahh, I'm not going to get into a big debate about it. You're right that there are a lot of positives. No harm in enjoying them.

BUT - when the other team is getting on a roll, this Spurs team's first thought is outscoring them. That style of play isn't going to go anywhere in the playoffs. TBH, I'd rather see the Spurs get back-to-back stops, than make back-to-back 3-pointers on the other end. And by stops, I mean defense - not just watching the other team miss a wide open shot.

The problems is, I think my expectations just aren't reasonable. We aren't that team anymore.

I will increase my expectations when that team will be a little bit more healthy. Right now I'm happy with every freaking w we can get. Now for the POs we are still short a defensive minded big away to be serious IMHO.

[timtonymanu]

19 of the next 32 games at home. Nice

Let's only hope our team goes up and not down. It's going to be interesting to see how they'll play after the ASB and if they make a move.

[GSH]

I will increase my expectations when that team will be a little bit more healthy. Right now I'm happy with every freaking w we can get. Now for the POs we are still short a defensive minded big away to be serious IMHO.

I can't argue with that. Not even a little bit. Take what we can get, and enjoy the show. And remember that it's going to get better when Tiago, Manu, and TJ get back.

[ata]

19 of the next 32 games at home. Nice

with triple b2b - twice

[Brazil]

I can't argue with that. Not even a little bit. Take what we can get, and enjoy the show. And remember that it's going to get better when Tiago, Manu, and TJ get back.

I'm really looking forward to seeing this spurs team with everybody in good shape against a top gun of the league... I'm eager to see what we really have with this team

[Spursfanfromafar]

Is Kawhi injured? ESPN says (calf)..doesn't elaborate.

[GSH]

Is Kawhi injured? ESPN says (calf)..doesn't elaborate.

It sounded like he was just tightening up and they let him rest rather than pushing it. He had been playing under 20 minutes per game, and then put in 43 really hard minutes against Portland. And isn't it about time for the rookies to start feeling the longer schedule? Hopefully that's all it is.

[DPG21920]

I think we know what the Spurs have at this point and what they are. They are a very solid offensive team with great ball movement, solid post play in Tim/Tiago & a productive bench. They are reliant on the three-ball, but seemingly not as much as in years past. They are an average defensive team and it's difficult to see much improvement. The best they can do is bring a constant energy and play a swarming quasi-zone type defense. They have the ability to be an elite rebounding team.

They still have their most glaring flaw and unless a front court player that is better defensively than Blair is brought in, it will likely kill any chance at a WCF run unless the Spurs get great match ups and get unexpected performances from guys like Blair/Bonner/Neal/Green.

[DPG21920]

Having said that, this team has been so solid this year overall and I feel much more confident in things working out (or at least having the potential to work out) than in years past. Mainly due to the bench play (especially guys like Green/Tiago) and how great TP/Manu/TD have looked at times (TP being the most consistent).

[Robz4000]

I think we know what the Spurs have at this point and what they are. They are a very solid offensive team with great ball movement, solid post play in Tim/Tiago & a productive bench. They are reliant on the three-ball, but seemingly not as much as in years past. They are an average defensive team and it's difficult to see much improvement. The best they can do is bring a constant energy and play a swarming quasi-zone type defense. They have the ability to be an elite rebounding team.

They still have their most glaring flaw and unless a front court player that is better defensively than Blair is brought in, it will likely kill any chance at a WCF run unless the Spurs get great match ups and get unexpected performances from guys like Blair/Bonner/Neal/Green.

Spurs can be a top 10 defense imo. Getting Manu and Tiago back will put them on that course. Get another big to control the paint and they'll get there for sure.