Game Grades: San Antonio Spurs @ Washington Wizards 11/26/2016

[GSH]

6. The three main bench players received a B+, B, C+; so, clearly the grades reflect that the bench had a good night

I think the problem here is that some people did better in school than others.

[SPURt]

I think the problem here is that some people did better in school than others.

[sasaint]

About four in five are saying the grades are too low as you can see. As I mentioned, short of doing grades the next day I had to do the grades fast and didn't have time to weigh everything with great care; so, what you're seeing is sort of kneejerk reaction. It's arguably more honest. I certainly didn't pander as you can tell. Though, I'm arguably more prone to misjudgments as well. But before getting to possible revisions, I should at least defend these grades because surely at least a part of me believed them to be adequate.

1. Collectively, the team played strong defense in the first half, which really set the wheels in motion on a fairly easy victory. Had they played at or near that level defensively in the second half, I think they would have mostly received grade boosts; but they relented and gave up a 32 point 3rd (albeit while scoring 36) and allowed the Wizards to hit 100, and we gave their fans Chic Filet sandwiches. Nah, man; make those es pay!

In essence the team itself would receive a higher grade than the individuals. That's actually the sign of a good team though, the whole being a greater value than the sum of the parts.

2. Four starters averaged a C while another starter had a stellar game. Some argue that LMA deserved a B (perhaps that's an oversight). So, if we put it that way, then it's 3 C's, 1 B, 1 A. How is that necessarily so bad? How is that supposed to make one think we lost (even at 4 C's 1 A)? Maybe if we played a team that actually played inspired basketball, we could've lost with such grades. But the Wizards just didn't come out to play. They were never a threat. That's either the truth of the matter or I'm under rating the Spurs stamp on the game. I argue the former; but it's a bit of a gray area b/c ths Spurs generally played solid all the same, tbh. Regardless, there are certain opponents in which tonight's performances simply wouldn't have gotten the job done. Enjoy the win, but that's how I see it (and thus, I don't think I'm suffering from any 'spoiled Spurs fan' syndrome).

3. As I was considering grades during the game, it occurred to me that there was potential to be more critical than if I were just a fan watching the game. I would ascribe some of the disconnect to that. Go back and watch the game and then tell me the Spurs really played that great on a technical level to receive better grades....

4. The only one who received lower than a C-, which is the type of grades I would especially expect to see in a losing performance, was Davis Bertans. And he played all of 11:26. And in his case, I could've gave him and F, tbh.

5. Aside from the garbage time players, Kawhi, Pau and Anderson were the only three to receive as low as a C-. I already noted in another post that Kawhi eventually found some rhythm out there. But if he shot that poorly and took himself out of the offense like that against a better team we could've been in real trouble. Kawhi is held to higher bar fair or not. He's certainly paid at that higher bar. As for Pau, there have been detractors against him. I actually like it when the team runs some offense through him in the post; he can make great passes like Duncan did. But tonight he floundered more on the perimeter. The box score doesn't show that; but I didn't think he was particularly good for the offense tonight; and as I mentioned, his defense was a bit below what I'd want as well. Too many late rotations and half ass contests for my liking. Some of that is due to age, imo; maybe he has to pace himself. But that's not my problem when it comes to grades. That's why I was hoping TD would stay and Pau would sign and come off the bench, tbh. I don't think he's a high quality starter night in and night out. His grade reflects that.

6. The three main bench players received a B+, B, C+; so, clearly the grades reflect that the bench had a good night and would not make one think a loss was the likely outcome. Does anyone think Patty and Simmons somehow deserved higher? Someone made a case for D Lee deserving higher. It's possible. I was probably just casually watching for his minutes especially. I liked the spring in his hop on that dunk and the seven boards in limited minutes like I said; but I didn't think he had any sort of offensive rhythm or great defensive impact either. I've seen him have better games this season, and a C+ is still not bad when you think about it.

7. So because the Spurs were playing a back to back I'm supposed to grade on a curve? Is that the standard ya'll want? The other team doesn't say, 'hey we got to go easy, they played yesterday.'

8. I'll admit I can see how people see it as tough grades or tougher than usual. I've said that perhaps Lee and LMA could have their grades bumped up. If that were the case, would ya'll still think it was tough? And even Kawhi could be bumped to a C+ if I were to be generous. Like I say, I think he played a strong game as the game went on and that he was really at the heart of not allowing the Wiz to make a game of it. But we really want to tell our superstar it's okay to have a sh** quarter and a half? I mean it's okay in some respects because it happens to everyone. But why should I give him a lenient grade for it?

Hasn't a "C" always meant "fair" or "average"? The Spurs looked like an average team holding off a slightly below average team.

Thanks for BOTH of your write-ups. I probably agree with all of your grades within a half-grade tolerance, and I really appreciate your analysis. I did see Simmons' performance in a different light than you. Consequently I disagreed with his write-up, but not much with his grade. Simmons is showing great progress in learning to play with patience and within the framework of the offense. To me he is developing judgment to go along with his athleticism. That's what I took from his performance. Hopefully he will be able to supplant Manu come playoff time.

[Keepin' it real]

Grades

Kawhi Leonard - C-

Danny Green - C+

Paul Gasol - C-

LeMarcus Aldridge - C+

Pop - B

....

[raybies]

Truly appreciate the time u volunteered Spurtacular, so thanks. I've done two grades and it takes time and not to mention the courage to stand by your opinions.

I think Chinook nailed it though when he basically said you're ahead of your time though, but I respect your point of view. Probably Pop would have graded similar to you. LoL

[r0drig0lac]

I think the problem here is that some people did better in school than others.

lmao

[Spurtacular]

Dude you gave Simmons a B and I thought this was his best game since the Warriors game. And you cribbed about his shot selection, while I thought he finally hit some shots bravely without hesitating, when found open or when the defender wasn't placing a hand when he was about to shoot.


I thought Simmons deserved atleast a B+ ..infact I would have graded him A-.


But grades aren't important. They are subjective. Suggesting that Simmons would have got a D based on shot selection in a game when he played well and showed signs of the player we saw in the Warriors game was a fact to be appreciated, not to be denounced as you did.


Lastly, check his highlights out on youtube for this game. There is one spectacular block involved as well. The Spurs were missing athleticism last season in the playoffs and Simmons is showing signs of filling an important gap.


This is just one reason why I thought your write up was poor. And I disagree with Chinook.

I can agree with the upgraded grade. My point was not that Simmons had a bad game as far as the results. My point was along the lines that he consistently goes for the homeruns on offense rather than developing certain fundamental aspects to his game (not uncommon among younger athletic players) and that he was not making certain defensive reads. On this night, he didn't get burned so much on it though; and he certainly had that nice track back block. But yea, I think I would've gave him the higher grade if I had the time to double check, so you're correct.

[Spurtacular]

This is some of the stupidest I've ever read. Please don't do game grades or evaluation again. I give you a C-. Needs remedial work.

GFY, tbh.

[Horse]

Does anyone actually stay up waiting for the game grades?

[Spurtacular]

Does anyone actually stay up waiting for the game grades?

Doubt it. Chinook has it consistently going now; but I doubt most people even noticed whenever they didn't come out before.

[Hoops Czar]

Does anyone actually stay up waiting for the game grades?

I'm surprised timvp hasn't signed up to do a game grades now that he's free from all that time-consuming, behind-the-scenes administrative drama.

[TheDoctor]

I'm surprised timvp hasn't signed up to do a game grades now that he's free from all that time-consuming, behind-the-scenes administrative drama.

He has done all the grades so far. We all are timvp's alts.

[itzsoweezee]

This is some of the stupidest I've ever read. Please don't do game grades or evaluation again. I give you a C-. Needs remedial work.

Cosign

[itzsoweezee]

The only people who think "C" means average probably flip burgers for a living.

[will_spurs]

This is some of the stupidest I've ever read.

Read more.

[Spursfanfromafar]

I can agree with the upgraded grade. My point was not that Simmons had a bad game as far as the results. My point was along the lines that he consistently goes for the homeruns on offense rather than developing certain fundamental aspects to his game (not uncommon among younger athletic players) and that he was not making certain defensive reads. On this night, he didn't get burned so much on it though; and he certainly had that nice track back block. But yea, I think I would've gave him the higher grade if I had the time to double check, so you're correct.

Thanks. Please avoid grading again if you aren't able to give a proper evaluation based on what your eyes see and need a second look everytime.

[Spurtacular]

Thanks. Please avoid grading again if you aren't able to give a proper evaluation based on what your eyes see and need a second look everytime.

Volunteer to grade if you don't like it.

[cutewizard]

Simmons had a great game, insane athleticism, hmmm

hope Pop plays him more, would be great for Manu to rest

[superbigtime]

grades are kind of harsh overall. I recall spurs kicked Wiz butt. Lee and Simmons could get bumped up. Can see why Kawhi got a low grade though.

[Phenomanul]

He has done all the grades so far. We all are timvp's alts.

timvp is Negan?

[NameLess Scrub]

BTW - I did comment in the game thread that I still haven't figured out a player that LMA can post up. Maybe Fathead, but he's on the same team. A guy who's 6'11" and supposed to be a star in the league should have some pretty lofty expectations, including being able to post up second-tier big men. I don't blame you one bit for giving LMA a C+. We've talked about the grades being somewhat based on expectations. LMA certainly didn't put in more than a middle of the road performance for a star.

Is he backing down now more than in POR? It seems he can post up anyone, as long as he goes with the turnaround jumper. Backing down hard seems a bit harder for him, maybe he's not that strong. He's also getting in shape through playing. Maybe he'll get better later on the season.

[NameLess Scrub]

You're supposed to grade things as you see fit, not how you think others want you to grade. I can and do disagree with some of the grades, but that doesn't mean I want you to change them. In general, I think your grades are curved to a C rather than a B or B-minus, which is what I feel has been the unspoken consensus for grades of far (we'll see what TheDoctor shows in his 20-game analysis next week). And if that's the case, maybe we should all explicitly establish a standard for what adequate/average play is supposed to grade out as.

But beyond just the grades, your analysis was great, and that's really what the people who miss games are here for. I don't think you misinterpreted anything, and your higher standards may seem very warranted in a couple of months when the Spurs (hopefully) hit their stride and start destroying teams on the regular like the Clips and Warriors are doing right now. I think it's clear that you paid attention and put in work, and I for one appreciate that. You're more than welcome to come back into the grading rotation whenever we have open spots.

I was wondering this. Do you guys have some reference on the impact it takes to get each grade based on the expectations of each player? That'd be cool.

[Chinook]

I was wondering this. Do you guys have some reference on the impact it takes to get each grade based on the expectations of each player? That'd be cool.

I've been curving to a B/B-minus. A B for me is essentially a performance I want to see every night from a guy in order for me to think he's doing his job. And it's sort of graded on a curve from there. I give out A's to grades for games that I feel will be in the top 12-15 games that player plays all year, and I give C's and to what I feel are going to be the bottom 20 or so (with five or so of those being D and F candidates).

Obviously, at this stage, that's just a guess. It would be much easier to use my method later in the year when more data is known. That's why my standard for what a B performance for some players has shifted over the course of my three grade threads.

[TheDoctor]

timvp is Negan?

Intriguing

[NameLess Scrub]

I've been curving to a B/B-minus. A B for me is essentially a performance I want to see every night from a guy in order for me to think he's doing his job. And it's sort of graded on a curve from there. I give out A's to grades for games that I feel will be in the top 12-15 games that player plays all year, and I give C's and to what I feel are going to be the bottom 20 or so (with five or so of those being D and F candidates).

Obviously, at this stage, that's just a guess. It would be much easier to use my method later in the year when more data is known. That's why my standard for what a B performance for some players has shifted over the course of my three grade threads.

Thanks.

Would be interesting to come back to these at the end of the RS.