Game 81: Spurs @ Rockets, April 14, 2014, 7:00 PM CT

[sook]

Good half, rockets got away with some over physical play in the post right there. Officiating has been ok, phantom tech on Duncan early was really bad and the previous charge on harden was too.

Rockets better win this with all the injuries the spurs have.

[gilmor]

Pop is a genius.. resting Green and Leonard

[scanry]

It's like watching the Big 3 with ty role players ala Spurs from 2008 - 2011 tbh.

[superjames1992]

I really don't understand CIA Pop here. I assume he rests the Big Three against the LOLakers and plays the guys who rested tonight, but I'd rather he just went full-strength tonight and rested everyone against the LOLakers. As it is, we're probably going to lose tonight with these asinine lineups and maybe again to the LOLakers (not that losing really means anything at this point).

[BillMc]

There's nothing to be learned here. Pop's playing it close to the vest. This is just a scrimmage for the Spurs.

[ElNono]

Manu looks ruuuuuuuusty. Has not played well. Hopefully he can find his mojo from earlier in the playoffs. Spurs will struggle to go deep if he plays poorly like last year.

I don't think it's rust. His shot just not falling. I thought he was pretty good on defense...

[sook]

It's kinda funny listening to the Houston announcers tbh. They accept flopping as a part of the game, they don't even get mad at flopping that much.

They're hypocrites tbh. It pisses me off, but don't act like SE is different

[HarlemHeat37]

It's like watching the Big 3 with ty role players ala Spurs from 2008 - 2011 tbh.

yep, even worse, though, with the big 3 aging..

[timtonymanu]

It's like watching the Big 3 with ty role players ala Spurs from 2008 - 2011 tbh.

This. Definitely don't miss those years.

Bonner, Finley, Mason, Bogans

[ElNono]

well, hope the big 3 had a solid workout... time to empty the bench

[HarlemHeat37]

I really don't understand CIA Pop here. I assume he rests the Big Three against the LOLakers and plays the guys who rested tonight, but I'd rather he just went full-strength tonight and rested everyone against the LOLakers. As it is, we're probably going to lose tonight with these asinine lineups and maybe again to the LOLakers (not that losing really means anything at this point).

Why would you go full strength against a potential 2nd round opponent in a meaningless game?(not to mention Houston is playing for HCA in the 1st round, tonight)..

[Robz4000]

Spurs actually making it a game tbh. If they could hit their 3s they'd be up.

[superjames1992]

Parker/Manu aren't too hot tonight. Duncan isn't exactly dominating, either.

Coasting................

[ElNono]

It's like watching the Big 3 with ty role players ala Spurs from 2008 - 2011 tbh.

we even had Bonner flashbacks

[N0 LyF3 ScRuB]

the previous charge on harden was too.

[Hoops Czar]

You're talking now, but the moves were done in the offseason. In the offseason, we let go of Neal, and signed Beli to replace him...

Neal's departure opened up a slot for Neal?

Mills. Of course, I'm talking now. Unlike Neal, Marco can't even pretend to play backup PG. It was pretty obvious either Cojo or Mills was going to takeover the back up PG duties. They were also aware of Mill's shooting touch and he opened eyes right out of preseason. Even in the off season, with the logjam at SG, it was assumed Belinelli was going to play some SF.

[BillMc]

I don't think it's rust. His shot just not falling. I thought he was pretty good on defense...

Yeah, his d has been good. And like that he's annoying Harden...

[gilmor]

I really don't understand CIA Pop here. I assume he rests the Big Three against the LOLakers and plays the guys who rested tonight, but I'd rather he just went full-strength tonight and rested everyone against the LOLakers. As it is, we're probably going to lose tonight with these asinine lineups and maybe again to the LOLakers (not that losing really means anything at this point).

Green and Leonard are really the difference against the Rockets.. cos they can guard Harden.. The Big 3 are not really the X factor against Houston

[xellos88330]

I honestly expected worse without the perimeter defense of Leonard and Green. I am calling the first half a win for the Spurs.

[313]

I really don't understand CIA Pop here. I assume he rests the Big Three against the LOLakers and plays the guys who rested tonight, but I'd rather he just went full-strength tonight and rested everyone against the LOLakers. As it is, we're probably going to lose tonight with these asinine lineups and maybe again to the LOLakers (not that losing really means anything at this point).

We're not playing to win, just to maintain rhythm

[superjames1992]

Why would you go full strength against a potential 2nd round opponent in a meaningless game?(not to mention Houston is playing for HCA in the 1st round, tonight)..

tbh.....



Tehee. Even if it's meaningless, IMO. If we're going to throw the game, then we might as well have rested the Big Three for both games, IMHO.

[HarlemHeat37]

Green and Leonard are really the difference against the Rockets.. cos they can guard Harden.. The Big 3 are not really the X factor against Houston

Green and Leonard are X-factors against every team, tbh..you can throw in Mills and Splitter in certain matchups, too..

The current Spurs are the most unique team in NBA history IMO..they no longer consistently rely on star power, especially with Tony playing so poorly this season(by his standards)..

I have never seen a team rely so heavily on getting good production from 5-6 guys per night..

[Robz4000]

Also interesting to note that Harden and Parsons are having pretty bad games all things considered. If Pop has figured out a way to shut them down Houston becomes significantly easier to beat.

[SpursFan86]

Good half, rockets got away with some over physical play in the post right there. Officiating has been ok, phantom tech on Duncan early was really bad and the previous charge on harden was too.

Rockets better win this with all the injuries the spurs have.

No, that was an obvious charge on Harden. Just because the officials missed a call just before that doesn't mean Harden gets to get away with whatever he wants. That's not how basketball works lmao.

"Yeah I know I elbowed that guy in the face but he fouled me first so it's fine"

[Mnky]

we even had Bonner flashbacks

I got a little sick to my stomach seeing his return to the defense, and imagining a playoff series starring it..