Spurs needed this series against Dallas

[benefactor]

The early adversity will serve them well for the rest of the playoffs. I expect them to be dialed in against Portland. Furthermore, the rest for Portland won't matter that much. The Spurs haven't had to travel at all and Portland had to play three overtime games in their series along with the travel. It evens out tbh.

[team-work]

A blowout with nobody playing tremendous minutes will also negate some of the fatigue factor.

[Embedded]

benefactor, you make excellent points.

[TampaDude]

Spurs over Blazers in 5, tbh.

[freetiago]

Thanks for the message Doc Rivers

[TampaDude]

Thanks for the message Doc Rivers

[Mugen]

If the Spurs make it past this next round, it has to be in 4-5 games IMO. I don't think they can survive another long, drawn out series especially if they're going to rely on Mnau to do that much tbh.

[benefactor]

Thanks for the message Doc Rivers

[baseline bum]

Spurs over Blazers in 5, tbh.

Just like with Dallas my nig

[kjhip1]

Spurs in six...Going to be a tough series with Portland's length..But agree with OP, a series like this first round is good and helps the Spurs keep focused..I just hope Lillard can be contained and Aldridge doesnt go into GOD mode

[spurs10]

The early adversity will serve them well for the rest of the playoffs. I expect them to be dialed in against Portland. Furthermore, the rest for Portland won't matter that much. The Spurs haven't had to travel at all and Portland had to play three overtime games in their series along with the travel. It evens out tbh.

Well said.

[urunobili]

Spurs in 7

[BillMc]

For Portland, they'll have to face a team that can make adjustments, since Kevin McHale seems incapable of it. Spurs in 6

[kjhip1]

For Portland, they'll have to face a team that can make adjustments, since Kevin McHale seems incapable of it. Spurs in 6

didnt really see much of the series, what was Portland doing that Houston wasnt adjusting to?

[Skull-1]

The early adversity will serve them well for the rest of the playoffs. I expect them to be dialed in against Portland. Furthermore, the rest for Portland won't matter that much. The Spurs haven't had to travel at all and Portland had to play three overtime games in their series along with the travel. It evens out tbh.

I thought much the same. They needed a reality check.

[InRareForm]

Act like you have been there.

[heyheymymy]

i agree op, it was a great tune up for the spurs. a sweep would've left them blindsided by POR the first half of the second round whereas now they are gonna be a well oiled right outta the gate.

much more optimistic about round two after a hard fought round 1 victory in a long 7 game series.

[Mugen]

I hear what you're sayin' bene, but I just don't like the Spurs taking 7 games to knock out a much less talented team (as evidenced by today's game), especially after their talk about being motivated after 6 tbh....

Then again, this was one of the flukiest first rounds in recent memory so I really can't knock them that much when everybody outside of Miami displayed flaws...

[benefactor]

http://news.yahoo.com/spurs-dallas-s...0550--spt.html

[romsho]

The early adversity will serve them well for the rest of the playoffs. I expect them to be dialed in against Portland. Furthermore, the rest for Portland won't matter that much. The Spurs haven't had to travel at all and Portland had to play three overtime games in their series along with the travel. It evens out tbh.

Nailed it.

[Jimcs50]

Spurs will win in 5

[Jimcs50]

I predict the Spurs will win first 3 games by at least 15 points.

[benefactor]

That Dallas series still paying dividends...