Next 10 plays Spurs

[John B]

TBH they won more games against Top teams than I expected. That balances out but it also makes those losses more painful and incomprehensible.

I understand this team is a work in progress for the whole season. It still is under construction until Dejounte is back and all the players that form the bedrock of the team get used to playing together. And PATFO finds the secondary pieces to make it all work.
I'm happy with the outcome of the season as long as the team makes the playoffs and the group lives some experiences together. Hopefully, they can avoid the Warriors and face an accessible team.

Easily would’ve been home court if we didn’t lose those silly games, Hornets, Knicks, Griz, Magic, Suns. But barring any more injuries, this team could still make some noise. But regardless of the outcome at the playoffs, I feel they would be hungrier when everybody’s back next season knowing what could’ve been, and hopefully a big time help at SF position.

[monty4329]

Easily would’ve been home court if we didn’t lose those silly games, Hornets, Knicks, Griz, Magic, Suns. But barring any more injuries, this team could still make some noise. But regardless of the outcome at the playoffs, I feel they would be hungrier when everybody’s back next season knowing what could’ve been, and hopefully a big time help at SF position.

what do you mean 'knowing what could’ve been'? How much better the Spurs would have been with Murray? because that is the only player missing. Besides taking floor time from White, what Murray would have brought that much more? It is like saying the Lakers with Lonzo would have been in the conference finals....

Spurs are 6-8th seed. Probably a bit better than the talent, notwithstanding cancer DDR. As always, thanks to a generally sound organization. Nothing better could have been, really. The talent level is what it is -a very good western team, with 5th seed as ceiling. Next year? probably the same, unless DDR goes and somebody better comes.

[John B]

what do you mean 'knowing what could’ve been'? How much better the Spurs would have been with Murray? because that is the only player missing. Besides taking floor time from White, what Murray would have brought that much more? It is like saying the Lakers with Lonzo would have been in the conference finals....

Spurs are 6-8th seed. Probably a bit better than the talent, notwithstanding cancer DDR. As always, thanks to a generally sound organization. Nothing better could have been, really. The talent level is what it is -a very good western team, with 5th seed as ceiling. Next year? probably the same, unless DDR goes and somebody better comes.

True Murray would’ve taken floor time from White. But I’m sure White would’ve shown his skills also eventually when they’re matched up against each other in practices. Anyways imo Spurs record would have been much better if were not so unlucky with injuries, not only to Murray, but White, Walker, everyone. And developed the maturity and chemistry of the team. I think that also would’ve helped Demar’s transition, without having to play PG and fitted smoothly to his role. He’s playing much better now, I’m sure because the roles are more defined, with White playing primary PG. I’m sure Demar has found his game back, and should be okay going forward. We still need that athletic 3 and D SF, and maybe replace Dante/QPon with a better fit. With Dubs imploding, I think Spurs have a great chance next season, just imo.

[monty4329]

True Murray would’ve taken floor time from White. But I’m sure White would’ve shown his skills also eventually when they’re matched up against each other in practices. Anyways imo Spurs record would have been much better if were not so unlucky with injuries, not only to Murray, but White, Walker, everyone. And developed the maturity and chemistry of the team. I think that also would’ve helped Demar’s transition, without having to play PG and fitted smoothly to his role. He’s playing much better now, I’m sure because the roles are more defined, with White playing primary PG. I’m sure Demar has found his game back, and should be okay going forward. We still need that athletic 3 and D SF, and maybe replace Dante/QPon with a better fit. With Dubs imploding, I think Spurs have a great chance next season, just imo.

About next season, we'll see what happens this summer. If Spurs only addition is Murray, the ceiling is same as this year. Everybody talks about Warriors imploding, which I don't believe but even if they do because Durant leaves and maybe Green is traded, look at the other teaams now in the lottery: Lakers will be better, you can bet the house the league will not accept LBJ out of playoffs one more year; Kings a year older, massive talent; Dallas with Porz plus they'll go for a big name plus Doncic with one year experience; Clipper have one max slot and if they want can find room for a second max contract...

Not to mention AD and Nephew.
Next year the West will be loaded.

[Coach X]

Spurs are 6-8th seed. Probably a bit better than the talent, notwithstanding cancer DDR.

Apart from Aldridge and White, where is the talent in this roster? the shooters? Poetl? Dante and Quincy? Who's responsible for most of the shot creation? How is this team first in 3pt% and one of the best in offensive efficiency?
DeRozan, Aldridge and Pop are carrying this team to the 7th-8th. White started contributing to winning from game 25! (the Spurs went 7-3 until he started playing and then 4-11 on his first 15 games). Do you remember how started LaMarcus his season?

Come on now. We can talk about DeRozan's defensive struggles, you can bring the clutch time discussion or the playoff talk but you have to stop that cancer bull . You are better than that.

[sasaint]

Apart from Aldridge and White, where is the talent in this roster? the shooters? Poetl? Dante and Quincy? Who's responsible for most of the shot creation? How is this team first in 3pt% and one of the best in offensive efficiency?
DeRozan, Aldridge and Pop are carrying this team to the 7th-8th. White started contributing to winning from game 25! (the Spurs went 7-3 until he started playing and then 4-11 on his first 15 games). Do you remember how started LaMarcus his season?

Come on now. We can talk about DeRozan's defensive struggles, you can bring the clutch time discussion or the playoff talk but you have to stop that cancer bull . You are better than that.

Not sure I would call him a cancer, but he soaks up a disproportionate amount of financial resources and on-court usage. Call him a sponge.

[sasaint]

About next season, we'll see what happens this summer. If Spurs only addition is Murray, the ceiling is same as this year. Everybody talks about Warriors imploding, which I don't believe but even if they do because Durant leaves and maybe Green is traded, look at the other teaams now in the lottery: Lakers will be better, you can bet the house the league will not accept LBJ out of playoffs one more year; Kings a year older, massive talent; Dallas with Porz plus they'll go for a big name plus Doncic with one year experience; Clipper have one max slot and if they want can find room for a second max contract...

Not to mention AD and Nephew.
Next year the West will be loaded.

Looking at the next 2-3 years, I think the team absolutely must move DeMar and bring in a couple of good wings - at least one rotation-ready vet and another one to groom, but who will spend more time with the big team than the G-league. Otherwise, I see the Spurs pretty much locked in as second-tier playoff fodder.

[playbonner15]

Can’t believe I’m fearing that this Spurs team might lose to the Knicks

[monty4329]

Come on now. We can talk about DeRozan's defensive struggles, you can bring the clutch time discussion or the playoff talk but you have to stop that cancer bull . You are better than that.

OK, I am probably harsh with the guy. But I really, really, really can't stand his demeanor on the court. he knows, everybody on the bench know, everybody in the stands know, even the bats know what he should and shouldn't do, and he keeps ing up play after play (well, apparently Pop didn't know until recently when he took the ball oof his hands). Frankly, when he dribbles and turns the back to the defender and everybody knows he is going to waste the ball, I could kill him. So yes, I am harsh with him but I can't help it, I don't like selfish players especially when they are not particularly smart.

I don't understand: 'How is this team first in 3pt% ', it has nothing to do with him. The bulk of 3pt shots come when he is on the bench or off the ball, never from his penetrations or a flow that he would generate -in fact when he is on the floor there is almost no flow and the only 3pt shots with chance to go in are Beli's follies and Mills off he dribble.

He's maybe a good person, and I do not underestimate the depression thing, I have people dear to me suffering from it, but he is a professionall player making 26mil a year....Nevertheless I hope he finds a better balance in his game and will have two (or three) outstanding playoff series

[itzsoweezee]

If the Spurs don't completely wax the Knicks after the way they embarrassed the Spurs in New York, I might have to stop following this team

[Coach X]

OK, I am probably harsh with the guy. But I really, really, really can't stand his demeanor on the court. he knows, everybody on the bench know, everybody in the stands know, even the bats know what he should and shouldn't do, and he keeps ing up play after play (well, apparently Pop didn't know until recently when he took the ball oof his hands). Frankly, when he dribbles and turns the back to the defender and everybody knows he is going to waste the ball, I could kill him. So yes, I am harsh with him but I can't help it, I don't like selfish players especially when they are not particularly smart.

I don't understand: 'How is this team first in 3pt% ', it has nothing to do with him. The bulk of 3pt shots come when he is on the bench or off the ball, never from his penetrations or a flow that he would generate -in fact when he is on the floor there is almost no flow and the only 3pt shots with chance to go in are Beli's follies and Mills off he dribble.

He's maybe a good person, and I do not underestimate the depression thing, I have people dear to me suffering from it, but he is a professionall player making 26mil a year....Nevertheless I hope he finds a better balance in his game and will have two (or three) outstanding playoff series

Certainly, we see differently the same games.

I think he's not selfish at all, moreover, he's not only a willing passer but also a capable one. He hardly can be stopped 1on1 so defenses have to double him and he's happened to be quite good finding the open man. His impact in the high 3pt shooting % has been highlighted by the Spurs coaching staff.

I guess you just don't like his style of play and that's fine but I believe your opinion is based not on analysis but on feelings.

We might like or not a player's character, personal history, etc. but his performance on the court has to be assessed separately. Objectively, DeRozan is a very good offensive player, a below the average/poor defender, a playoff choking suspect and a great professional and teammate.

He had a fantastic start of the season here in San Antonio. Then his poor defensive game was exposed as it happened to almost all the roster. In the meantime, he kept attacking well: scoring and assisting. Before the All-Star he got hurt and tried to play through it (affecting his game, his team and his personal stats) until the team made him stop and heal. That's a bad decision but a lot of hart, unselfishness and commitment there. Since then, he's playing well again and even his defense is looking better.

Too many people are assessing his season just thinking on a few unsuccessful plays, that represent a very small portion of all the good plays he has made. DeRozan is on his first season in San Antonio, he'll be much better next year and he's already contributing. Let's review Aldridge first season in San Antonio... oh yeah, loads of posters were asking for him to be traded until his 3rd season. Nephew, Ginobili, Parker? all mediocre in his first year. They were young, DeRozan is already a veteran but it's still new in the system.

DeRozan is an all-star caliber player. Say you don't like his game and that's fine but anybody has to recognize that he's contributing positively this season. Other than that is just irrational hating.

[azarel]

Certainly, we see differently the same games.

I think he's not selfish at all, moreover, he's not only a willing passer but also a capable one. He hardly can be stopped 1on1 so defenses have to double him and he's happened to be quite good finding the open man. His impact in the high 3pt shooting % has been highlighted by the Spurs coaching staff.

I guess you just don't like his style of play and that's fine but I believe your opinion is based not on analysis but on feelings.

We might like or not a player's character, personal history, etc. but his performance on the court has to be assessed separately. Objectively, DeRozan is a very good offensive player, a below the average/poor defender, a playoff choking suspect and a great professional and teammate.

He had a fantastic start of the season here in San Antonio. Then his poor defensive game was exposed as it happened to almost all the roster. In the meantime, he kept attacking well: scoring and assisting. Before the All-Star he got hurt and tried to play through it (affecting his game, his team and his personal stats) until the team made him stop and heal. That's a bad decision but a lot of hart, unselfishness and commitment there. Since then, he's playing well again and even his defense is looking better.

Too many people are assessing his season just thinking on a few unsuccessful plays, that represent a very small portion of all the good plays he has made. DeRozan is on his first season in San Antonio, he'll be much better next year and he's already contributing. Let's review Aldridge first season in San Antonio... oh yeah, loads of posters were asking for him to be traded until his 3rd season. Nephew, Ginobili, Parker? all mediocre in his first year. They were young, DeRozan is already a veteran but it's still new in the system.

DeRozan is an all-star caliber player. Say you don't like his game and that's fine but anybody has to recognize that he's contributing positively this season. Other than that is just irrational hating.

good post tks.

[ZeusWillJudge]

DeRozan is an all-star caliber player. Say you don't like his game and that's fine but anybody has to recognize that he's contributing positively this season. Other than that is just irrational hating.

That's a good post, top to bottom. I just didn't want to quote the whole thing.

One thing you didn't mention is that he has VERY obviously worked on defense. He's never been known for his defense, but it's also never really been required of him. He's improved on D from the beginning of the season, and it has really begun to show recently. You can't forget how many players have come into the Spurs' system and struggled to learn Pop's defense in their first year. (Like nearly all of them.) I hate to be a broken record, but I think what has really hurt has been having him and Forbes on the floor together. With a better defender on the floor, it would have been a lot easier to hide DDR a little on the defensive end. Personally, I think DeRozan clearly isn't the weakest link anymore.

I don't blame him for coming in and being a bad defender. We knew that. I would have been upset if he didn't show any interest in getting better. But the way he's been playing recently, I think he's going to be much better next year, when he's more familiar.

[John B]

7-0 es Hottest team in the league

[skin27]

7-0 es Hottest team in the league

And still has a chance to win 50 games

[John B]

And still has a chance to win 50 games

Let's do it. Somebody start countdown for the remaining games.

[ZeusWillJudge]

And still has a chance to win 50 games

They would have to finish 10-3, but I think the point is that they are finally playing like a 50 win team. I'm not making too much out of a win over the Knicks, but they have had some good wins in a 7 game streak. They're a better team than they were early in the season, regardless of what the final record looks like.

[John B]

They would have to finish 10-3, but I think the point is that they are finally playing like a 50 win team. I'm not making too much out of a win over the Knicks, but they have had some good wins in a 7 game streak. They're a better team than they were early in the season, regardless of what the final record looks like.

They had glimpses early in the season when they had the streak, leading offensive and defensive efficiencies. But these freaking injuries were keeping them from meshing together and continuity. Demar has been playing good defense as well, and had learned to play along side White. I'm hoping they continue playing better. They sure are peaking at the right time.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

They had glimpses early in the season when they had the streak, leading offensive and defensive efficiencies. But these freaking injuries were keeping them from meshing together and continuity. Demar has been playing good defense as well, and had learned to play along side White. I'm hoping they continue playing better. They sure are peaking at the right time.

They've had 2 terrible stretches of the Rodeo 1-7 and something like 5-13 during the 30-point losses streak early in the season. Other than these they've had really good extended stretches of wins. A very Jeckyll and Hyde team.

[John B]

They've had 2 terrible stretches of the Rodeo 1-7 and something like 5-13 during the 30-point losses streak early in the season. Other than these they've had really good extended stretches of wins. A very Jeckyll and Hyde team.

But now I think Pop finally figured his combinations and players are settling in their position. Finally getting rid of Pau was a very big decision. Thank you Pau for helping Pop decide. I’m sure Pop wouldn’t do it without Pau requesting for it. But it finally solidified the position. Poeltl protecting the rim and avoiding opponents 2nd chances, and Gay could dominate the 2nd unit who could always close depending on the match up. Demar seemed to have found his game along with new found eagerness to play defense. I never doubted with his physicality. I know he finally bought in the system with his recent comment that this team could beat anyone. Before he was just being a good soldier. But now he’s sold and should just improve buying in Spurs system. Yup I think the team finally found its rhythm and peaking at the right time.

[rascal]

We will see how good the Spurs are playing over the next five games. They just finished an easy stretch of the schedule.

[skin27]

We will see how good the Spurs are playing over the next five games. They just finished an easy stretch of the schedule.

next 5 games are crucial, if we go 5-0 then we have a great chance to finish 4th

[John B]

next 5 games are crucial, if we go 5-0 then we have a great chance to finish 4th

Why do you want 4th, and face Dubs in the 2nd round? I like the momentum, but I like 6-7 depending where Nuggets is. Also every improvement on seeding affects Spurs position in the draft, and hopefully we get an elite defensive SF like Kawhi, without the uncle

[NameLess Scrub]

Has anything actually changed? They lost on the road, won at home. Isn't that the regular pattern?

I expect them to win 7 more games at most. It's unlikely they win a series without HCA, and nobody is getting past the Warriors unless they implode with injuries or antics, so I'm kinda just enjoying the stretch of home games.

[monty4329]

next 5 games are crucial, if we go 5-0 then we have a great chance to finish 4th

what?