Grades: Spurs vs. Blazers - Apr. 23

[Bruno]

I think Pop's plan for this game was to go with a playoff rotation and get ready for them before tanking the last couple of games. It failed because Spurs were too good and/or Blazers were too weak. Pop has been able to play with a playoffs rotation for the first half.

[Mugen]

If Phoenix loses tonight, then tomorrow's game wont mean anything to the Suns. Don't know if the Spurs still get that one with or without the Big 3 but I'm almost positive they're going to get the Warriors game who desperately need to lose their remaining games to avoid losing their lottery pick.

1 out of 2 guarantees them HC against the Heat. They would even have a chance at HC throughout if they win both and the Bulls lose. I would just hope that when placed in the EXACT same scenario as last year (chance to get HC on the Bulls in the last game of the season) that Pop would do the smart thing and sit the Big 3 out both games.

It's not like if he sits the Big 3 out, they aren't going to be touching a basketball until Saturday. They'll still have practices/walkthroughs and really how much is a little rust going to hurt them again Utah or Phoenix?

Don't make the exact same mistake as last year, Pop. It's not worth it. Sit em out.

[TJastal]

If Phoenix loses tonight, then tomorrow's game wont mean anything to the Suns. Don't know if the Spurs still get that one with or without the Big 3 but I'm almost positive they're going to get the Warriors game who desperately need to lose their remaining games to avoid losing their lottery pick.

1 out of 2 guarantees them HC against the Heat. They would even have a chance at HC throughout if they win both and the Bulls lose. I would just hope that when placed in the EXACT same scenario as last year (chance to get HC on the Bulls in the last game of the season) that Pop would do the smart thing and sit the Big 3 out both games.

It's not like if he sits the Big 3 out, they aren't going to be touching a basketball until Saturday. They'll still have practices/walkthroughs and really how much is a little rust going to hurt them again Utah or Phoenix?

Don't make the exact same mistake as last year, Pop. It's not worth it. Sit em out.

Agreed. The most important thing IMO was getting #1 in the west so the spurs could enjoy a healthy advantage against the thunder, a team they are very likely to face.

Who knows who will come out of the east, probably the heat, but the bulls, celtics, and pacers are all a threat.

I do think the spurs should still shoot for 1 game out of the final 2 and should be able to do it without breaking much of a sweat. That will give home court vs the heat. Beyond that, it's not worth the risk.

[Fireball]

I do think the spurs should still shoot for 1 game out of the final 2 and should be able to do it without breaking much of a sweat. That will give home court vs the heat. Beyond that, it's not worth the risk.

Pop will agree ... he will not rest the Big Three from now on until maybe Sunday ... he will make the same decision as last year and play them a little bit in either of the two games. Hopefully this time nobody gets injured.

[z0sa]

JA doesn't deserve anywhere near an F/D-. Otherwise agreeably good grades.

[silverblackfan]

Nice grades. Damn blacked out Blazer game in Seattle, but from what I saw on <ahem> another feed, the second half looked dominant.
Jackson just continues to add all those intangibles that we needed on the wing. Throw in the growth of DG and KL, and we have one tough defensive squad when required.
High octane fast breaks, league leading 3 pts, and lots of fresh legs to throw at any team.
Yeah, try to game plan against the Spurs.
Great times for the Spurs fans.

[spursfanincolorado]

Nice grades. Damn blacked out Blazer game in Seattle, but from what I saw on <ahem> another feed, the second half looked dominant.
Jackson just continues to add all those intangibles that we needed on the wing. Throw in the growth of DG and KL, and we have one tough defensive squad when required.
High octane fast breaks, league leading 3 pts, and lots of fresh legs to throw at any team.
Yeah, try to game plan against the Spurs.
Great times for the Spurs fans.

Saw it on Comcast Cable channel 179.. It wasnt on the LP for some reason...

For years had Dish Network so don't know if it was available on Satellite.

[DBMethos]

We should be able to beat the Warriors without the Big 3, so we can at least get HCA over the Heat. That should be enough, since I'm fairly sure they're more likely to come out of the East than Chicago.

[skin]

Great writeup as usual. Thanks!

[jjktkk]

Thanks Tim.

[therealtruth]

So here we are with just two games left and Pop seems to have finally finalized his rotation. I guess we should just be thankful it's done before the end of the season.

I'm just glad Blair's out of the rotation sooner. The only concern is now with Bonner. Hopefully Pop has a quick trigger on him.