Grades: Spurs vs. Raptors - Jan. 3, 2019

[Mugen]

White matching minutes was about damn time, though I think he also matched Kyrie. Such a relief that Mills doesn't come in at the 6:30 or 6:00 mark anymore.

I said during the Houston game, if he was matched to Harden the Spurs win that night.

Still holding my breath on that tbh. White has had good starts the last couple of games. But i think as soon as he has a slow start, Pop will go with the Patty sub just like he used to do with Danny/Manu.

[SpurPadre]

I'm still worried about the defense, guys. That little streak of not allowing 100 points seems like a distant memory now, tbh.

[rjv]

Since everybody’s getting so hung up on White, may I remind you he’s already 24 years old. He may be a sop re, but he’s quite an old sop re.

thanks, captain obvious!

[TimmyBuckets]

I'm still worried about the defense, guys. That little streak of not allowing 100 points seems like a distant memory now, tbh.

If they can carry the defensive schemes and discipline on the road, I'd be more comfortable.

[benefactor]

I'm still worried about the defense, guys. That little streak of not allowing 100 points seems like a distant memory now, tbh.

No one is holding anyone under 100 anymore tbh. As long as they can get stops when they need to and do well on the defensive glass they will be fine.

[Mugen]

No one is holding anyone under 100 anymore tbh. As long as they can get stops when they need to and do well on the defensive glass they will be fine.

This. It's damn near impossible to do that night in/night out. 100-106 is a more realistic bar.

[Dex]

No one is holding anyone under 100 anymore tbh. As long as they can get stops when they need to and do well on the defensive glass they will be fine.

Exactly. The league average for team scoring is 110 PPG.

The absolute worst scoring team (the Bulls) still averages exactly 100 a game.

Sure, it's fun to hold teams under 100 but with the scoring the way it is these days, it is no longer an expectation.

[spurs10]

This is what I have hoped for when I thought about this season early on. I felt the talent of LMA, DDR, and Gay was a pro-ball trio and had high hopes for Forbes, White, and Poeltl. Last night was really a dream come true as far as seeing what we really have and the timing couldn't have been better.

Mills was really spirited and brought energy like he's supposed to. Even when he missed shots Beli is moving well without the ball and demanding attention. Pop meant business and it was a beauty watch. Will probably watch again today!

I hope we don't sleep on Memphis after that emotional rollercoaster. We need consistency now that we have come together for some great wins.

[phxspurfan]

Emotional letdown incoming! Spurs lose to the Grizz by 20

[wildbill2u]

Another brilliant job by "overrated" Gregg Popovich...

I guess he called his mentor Bud to seek for advice and the game plan...

LMA : I'd say it again, but it was impossible he just lost his BB over a summer after a career year. Tactical changes helped obviously. Maybe something personal too

DDR : Perfect game to turn the page and somehow get over his deception and now focuse on his story with spurs... First trip dub as a symbol (even though that stat is also just a symbol)

White : Looks like we've got something there... Spurs did it again will you read soon on ESPN...

it's his 1st real season and we're only half way through it, might be some more margin... And it's not just some offensive outburst on a good stretch, it's about defense, court-vision, awareness and steadiness, all stuff that are here to stay...

Forbes :
Steph comparisons look (slightly) less ridiculous now but it was obvious than to stick with him even during the hard times, the staff was liking what they were seeing in practice...

It was about transposing it into the games and mostly about confidence... He won't shoot 50%+ on 3 for the season but I'm confident now he'll be more consistent...

What you also have to like is the team's overall chemistry and body language (LMA's look at DDR after the 10th dime, DDR hugging Bryn, Patty pattying...).

They found their groove and mojo, you've got a team right here with a clear iden y starting to emerge with everyone feeling involved and accountable to use a spursy term...

This season might be more intriguing and fun than advertised...

And if we're talking future : White, Dijon, Walker, Poetl, 2 1sts... is not a bad insurance...

But yeah, let's tank...

Everything you said is right on target. Including the little snarky remarks to the haters and permanent trolls.

[polandprzem]

That was the most interesting game of the year so far and we know why. But not only that, also the quality was there and intensity was there. the Spurs played real inspired ball and it was working well. And it looked like playoff game with Pop and scouting reports shuting down Raptors and esp leonard - their best player. I really liked that doble team almost every time he made the move and closing base line with covering passing lanes. Near perfect team defense when it comes to average defensive guys.
White did his job as prime defender and also delivered on offensive end of the court. Demar with his first TD, Aldridge with his positioning. And team really looked like a team.

Well done Pop for that. How he is able to build decent players into very much helpful guys and them show full potential? Top shelf.

[rjv]

Everything you said is right on target. Including the little snarky remarks to the haters and permanent trolls.

indeed.

[vavvi]

It was a great win. Very enjoyable. But on the morning after we shouldn’t overestimate it. Raptors didn’t have extra gear in them, they played just another road game.

I’m still not 100% sold on Forbes. I need to see that hot shooting stay consistent for seasons not games. But I am sold on White. Dude seems legit on both ends. Not sure if he’s compatible with Murray, and it can be interesting dilemma going forward.

[tbdog]

Forbes has been shooting well all season. He has had a few games where the rock didn't fall. But because he doesn't shoot a lot he hasn't really hurt the Spurs. Plus the Spurs have Mills and beli to eat minutes if he has an off game. The test comes the playoffs when teams scout individual players and go at mismatches. I expect teams will hedge harder on him and force the pass, and I don't think he can make good passes throughout the game. In the playoffs, gamesslow down too but Spurs play pretty slow out there that I don't think slow pace will hurt him.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Rudy should get an A just for nutting up and playing hurt. He almost never used his left hand in the game and still beasted out there. He knew the importance of the game and was awesome.