Game Blog: Spurs @ Thunder - Game 4

[timtonymanu]

I agree that starting Manu is a bad idea. This lineup won us 20 straight before the other night. Even though Green is struggling, leave him in there. We need a playmaker off the bench.

[Ginofan]

As much as I love Manu starting, I agree we need to just keep the lineup the same it's been for the last 20 games. Don't start to panic now, that's just what they want us to do. We are way better than that.

[MannyIsGod]

Ok, so you start Manu. Who handles the ball with the 2nd unit? Tiago's worth goes way down if he doesn't have someone to PnR with. If Manu is in the starting 5, that means one of he or Tony is going to be doing much more off the ball movement which has some merrit but it also means a net reduction in touches.

Its not some easy cure all. Its going to create just as many problems as it might solve. Pop going to a much shorter bench in general would help a bit, but not really.

[Paranoid Pop]

From spurs.com :

[velik_m]

Go Spurs!

[timvp]

If we win this game, we win the series in 5.

If we lose this game, we win the series in 7.

Don't think it's simple enough to say the Spurs win in 7 if they lose tonight. OKC was a few lucky breaks away from being in real position to win either of the first two games. I expect the Spurs to win this series but the Thunder would be in relatively good shape if they win.

A best of 3 series against a young, explosive team is not a place the Spurs want to end up in another three hours.

[Paranoid Pop]

Ok, so you start Manu. Who handles the ball with the 2nd unit? Tiago's worth goes way down if he doesn't have someone to PnR with. If Manu is in the starting 5, that means one of he or Tony is going to be doing much more off the ball movement which has some merrit but it also means a net reduction in touches.

Its not some easy cure all. Its going to create just as many problems as it might solve. Pop going to a much shorter bench in general would help a bit, but not really.

Thinking TP plays 40+ minutes like he did in some less meaningful regular season games. Would make sense of Pop pulling him early last game.

[JRHernandez88]

Thunder ally? Meaning we still can't get in? Lmao.

[MannyIsGod]

Maybe I'm being too simplistic but for me it seems that beating the Spurs over the past decade almost always has the same formula:

Clog the lane and make the shooters beat you.

The reason the Spurs have been successful is because its pretty damn easy to win that way if you knock down 3 point shots and play with good ball handling and ball movement that reduce turnovers.

Green, Neal, Leonard, and Bonner are all going to get open 3s tonight. They've hit those shots through the run, and if they hit them again tonight the Thunder's AMAZING adjustment of clogging the middle is going to be worthless once again.

[EVAY]

Okay guys, the last game OKC showed us how well their length and athleticism made their defense so effective against our big three.

Manu was a god in Game 1. Tony was a god in Game 2. Nobody was a god in Game 3.

Who steps up tonight?

[benefactor]

Looks photoshopped. Also, Nice beard benefactor

The funny thing about that is I've actually grown it back in. Not quite like the season opener pic but it's a shade or two away from man of the wilderness.

[MannyIsGod]

I think Manu does. Tony has all season, but I'd like to see Manu just dominate tonight. Maybe no other Spur senses the big moment the way Manu does and tonight is a HUGE moment.

[EVAY]

What can Tim Duncan do tonight to help us win?

[MannyIsGod]

The funny thing about that is I've actually grown it back in. Not quite like the season opener pic but it's a shade or two away from man of the wilderness.

I have a pretty thick one right now. I will have to trim it soon, however.

[$pursDynasty]

uh oh David Stern with pre game instructions to the refs

[EVAY]

There is Stern talking to the refs for tonight. Wonder who he told them to foul out.

[Warlord23]

Yup, the main issue now is:
- Green is playing hesitant
- Bonner's nuts have shriveled per the usual
- Leonard and Neal are doing fine but the Thunder would rather stick close to them and leave Bonner or Green open

Once Green misses a couple he just stands around, doesn't cut to the basket. He needs to recover his confidence. Bonner is what he is, he's just going to keep avoiding shots or missing them. Diaw and Jax are the X-factors; they need to take and make some shots rather than passing it.

[Paranoid Pop]

What can Tim Duncan do tonight to help us win?

Share the ball and not force anything probably, he had three go at that defense already...

[benefactor]

I have a pretty thick one right now. I will have to trim it soon, however.

I cut it back to the goatee in the spring but I got tired of shaving again so I let it roll. I've been keeping it under control with the trimmers though.

[Sleepy_Floyd]

The fans have apparently spoken: Matt Bonner leads the player cam voting for the first quarter on TNT's Overtime coverage

http://www.tntdrama.com/sports/nba/p...s=iref:nbahpt1

[mVp]

Spurs 112
OKC 109

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Let's do this thang spurs

Go spura go

[Can't-be-faked]

There is Stern talking to the refs for tonight. Wonder who he told them to foul out.

[Spurologist]

No changes in starting lineup per Jeff Mcdonald

[timvp]

For being in Game 4 of the WCF, the Spurs sure haven't had many big games. But tonight definitely qualifies.

Be precise. Share the ball. Shoot with confidence.

Believe.