Game Thread: 12/20 Spurs at Rockets 7 PM CST (8:00 EST, 3:00 AM Riga Time)

[Mikeanaro]

What I believe is obviously moot. But I wish Pop would just tell Manu that the team needs him to be a spot-up 3-point specialist and cut the rest of the heroics. We will never know how that might work out because Pop will never have that talk with Manu, and Manu will not do it on his own. We have ball handlers/playmakers, but we could use a modern-day Horry.

We have lame playmakers and 40 year old Manu is the only one that can break the mold when Spurs are out of ideas, also he is like the only slasher this team has, if the other players acted like big boys but no we must depend on old Manu to invent some out of nowhere...

[DPG21920]

Why people care about fans in the heat of the moment getting upset is beyond me . We all love the Spurs, we get invested into it and when things look bleak it's frustrating.

But that is why sports are fun, right?

[pgardn]

Lol me saying "Welp" was not admitting loss bud. I posted that after we came out of a timeout and gave up 4 straight easy points & then a turnover.

Oh.

So Thats the ticket.

Just crack some 2x4s over your head and destroy your house like I do. No one notices when the family is out. No welping dammit.

[ElNono]

I think Kawhi just had a bad game. It happens sometimes.

I am convinced by now Manu is gonna Manu. Pop can't reign him in except sitting him down and he's not going to do that.

Manu is gonna want to be himself but mind and body are not as one right now. I have though same as you he needs to spot up more but he likes the ball, he wants to do his stuff, and I think if you told him he can't be himself it's going to be time to retire. Just got to enjoy him. I suspect it's the last season. And I have a feeling that when he does retire Ill miss him same as Tim.

Is this some kind of schtick, tbh?

Simms and Bertrans couldn't stop passing up shots. They got the minutes, they just gotta play better if they want more consistent minutes and a bigger role. The Bertrans/Anderson situation is kinda worrisome actually. I get Davis is on his first year, but you get a shot you gotta take advantage...

[pgardn]

Why people care about fans in the heat of the moment getting upset is beyond me . We all love the Spurs, we get invested into it and when things look bleak it's frustrating.

But that is why sports are fun, right?

Not everyone posting here loves the Spurs.

I find it interesting how spineless we become during entertainment.

[Mikeanaro]

Is this some kind of schtick, tbh?

Simms and Bertrans couldn't stop passing up shots. They got the minutes, they just gotta play better if they want more consistent minutes and a bigger role. The Bertrans/Anderson situation is kinda worrisome actually. I get Davis is on his first year, but you get a shot you gotta take advantage...

I was thinking just the same, its like a Whack-a-Manu thing and he is not the main reason why Fathead is out of the rotation.

[DPG21920]

Not everyone posting here loves the Spurs.

I find it interesting how spineless we become during entertainment.

It's not about being spineless. We have no impact on the game. It's about the emotional investment and when things are going poorly you get dejected. These aren't disciplined pro athletes - they are fans. Sure, it's nice not to melt down, but fans aren't usually a rational group.

[sasaint]

We have lame playmakers and 40 year old Manu is the only one that can break the mold when Spurs are out of ideas, also he is like the only slasher this team has, if the other players acted like big boys but no we must depend on old Manu to invent some out of nowhere...

Actually, I must admit you are right. My original comment is more an expression of frustration that we do not have a real slasher/creator who could effectively assume those responsibilities. Manu has become increasingly unreliable, and he will not bail out the Spurs consistently enough in the playoffs. There's that, plus the fact that he is a deadly spot-up 3-point shot. If we had somebody to create, Manu could become a mini-Horry for another 2-3 years and really help out the Spurs in that re-defined role.

[Ron Swanson]

I was one who thought we were going to lose the game late in the 4th. I was wrong and was happy to be wrong. Oh well.

[HarlemHeat37]

What's the point of calling people out in game threads, tbh? Any Spurs fan that posts on a Spurs forum obviously cheers for the team..reactions in a live game thread aren't coming from the brain

[kaji157]

I didn´t see the game, just the "recap" but Manu did hit 3 3´s in the fourth and didn´t turn over the ball a lot (2 times) same as mills, green and pau, and 5 less than Kawhi.

I don´t get hows that a choke. He did miss 2 key free trows but its been years now he is not money anymore from the line.

It also doesnt seem like a high turnover game from him, nor he shot bad percentages.

[pgardn]

It's not about being spineless. We have no impact on the game. It's about the emotional investment and when things are going poorly you get dejected. These aren't disciplined pro athletes - they are fans. Sure, it's nice not to melt down, but fans aren't usually a rational group.

Of course we don't. Who said that.

After all these games you give up. I actually thought we could win game 7 against Miami knowing full well what I believe has no bearing on the game. Melting down is much more understandable IMO.

[Mikeanaro]

Actually, I must admit you are right. My original comment is more an expression of frustration that we do not have a real slasher/creator who could effectively assume those responsibilities. Manu has become increasingly unreliable, and he will not bail out the Spurs consistently enough in the playoffs. There's that, plus the fact that he is a deadly spot-up 3-point shot. If we had somebody to create, Manu could become a mini-Horry for another 2-3 years and really help out the Spurs in that re-defined role.

Exactly, a mini-Horry or mini-Ray Allen type of player, I like Simmons chances as a slasher given his athleticism, and Kawhi is a slasher sometimes and sometimes prefers jumpers, but when jumpers are not working you must penetrate and Kaw doesnt switch.
As for playmakers we really need one ASAP because Manu wont be forever, we have great passers but is not the same thing.

[DPG21920]

Manu's the reason the spurs won the game but almost lost the game but ended up winning the game ... per par

Classic hemann summary

[kaji157]

Actually, I must admit you are right. My original comment is more an expression of frustration that we do not have a real slasher/creator who could effectively assume those responsibilities. Manu has become increasingly unreliable, and he will not bail out the Spurs consistently enough in the playoffs. There's that, plus the fact that he is a deadly spot-up 3-point shot. If we had somebody to create, Manu could become a mini-Horry for another 2-3 years and really help out the Spurs in that re-defined role.

More like a taller Kerr, but yes.

[pgardn]

I don't see that player on our team.

Its really gonna be tough. But who knows. Maybe we get matched up well in the playoffs like the Dubs in their championship but without their talent.

[sasaint]

Exactly, a mini-Horry or mini-Ray Allen type of player, I like Simmons chances as a slasher given his athleticism, and Kawhi is a slasher sometimes and sometimes prefers jumpers, but when jumpers are not working you must penetrate and Kaw doesnt switch.
As for playmakers we really need one ASAP because Manu wont be forever, we have great passers but is not the same thing.

Now you depressed me again. That playmaker is not anywhere in the Spurs system, and PATFO will not make the necessary move(s) before next offseason...

[BatManu20]

Rockets finished 6/38 from 3, the worst % ever in NBA history for a team with at least 38 attempts.

[spurs10]

Rockets finished 6/38 from 3, the worst % ever in NBA history for a team with at least 38 attempts.

I'll take it! We all know the adage 'live by the 3...'

[Mikeanaro]

Now you depressed me again. That playmaker is not anywhere in the Spurs system, and PATFO will not make the necessary move(s) before next offseason...

Yeah but dont worry too much, if this team removes the rust we have a lot of good shooters like Gasol Aldridge Kawhi and others so that will balance better our lack of playmakers its only December and I like our chances.

[Mikeanaro]

Rockets finished 6/38 from 3, the worst % ever in NBA history for a team with at least 38 attempts.

Have a link? I want to rejoice a little

[Arcadian]

Houston getting outgunned by the Spurs from deep

[TE]

This is not even half of the invertebrates.
Bunch o Rats jumping ship and drowning.

No, you ing idiot. Can't speak for everyone else you quoted, but it's calling out your favorite team when they do stupid that amounts to a loss. They didn't deserve to win tonight, but so goes the sports dial.

And like others have pointed out, what we post on here doesn't equate to . It merely shows we are fans. And if it so happens someone criticizes the team, it doesn't mean they are jumping ship.

I've been gone for awhile but damn there are still fake keyboard ironmen out there? I thought your kind would be extinct.

[Spurtacular]

Haven't followed this thread, tbh..... Sure I'm repeating, but how about Manu getting the rebound and not outletting the damn ball to Kawhi at the end?

Nah, I'll just go down and miss two free throws badly and let Houston have a chance for the win.

[SAGirl]

What I believe is obviously moot. But I wish Pop would just tell Manu that the team needs him to be a spot-up 3-point specialist and cut the rest of the heroics. We will never know how that might work out because Pop will never have that talk with Manu, and Manu will not do it on his own. We have ball handlers/playmakers, but we could use a modern-day Horry.

I totally agree and I have expressed the same in some variation or another. I thought Pop would let him struggle through like he let Danny struggle last season and at some point adjust but he won't. If I focus on that it makes me pessimistic.

I could go on about it bc I think it affects others but I would rather not go there. It's really how much Manu can defer to others at times, etc.