New found respect for Pop?

[wontstartdumbthreads]

I believe Pop made the correct decision to rest his starters. I know some of you don't agree and that is fine. But, were it Duncan that had suffered that hyper-extension last night, instead of Bynum, Pop would be receiving criticism for that, as well. It is a luxury to have our starters rested and focused, going into the playoffs. Some are saying that Pop "threw" the game, and that is simply not true. Throwing a game has a particular connotation that I think is being lost on certain posters.

I agree with this 100%. I can't understand why it's even up for debate. Spurs enjoyed benefits by 1) resting starters, and maybe just as important 2) getting some playing time for the bench. All this while avoiding the risk of injury to the Big 3. I just hope Pop does the same tonight.

[xtremesteven33]

If we lose a coin toss so be it. No use ing about it

[TampaDude]

If we lose a coin toss so be it. No use ing about it

No coin toss will be necessary. Miami is winning the East.

[DMC]

Why don't we revisit this topic after Marc Gasol makes Bonner his woman in the 1st round?

That would be the best thing that could happen. Normally he's everyone's woman.

[TD 21]

losing HCA to the bulls doesnt mean much to us when the 2-3-2 format favors us...

No, it doesn't. People have this backwards: Home court advantage in the Finals isn't less important because of the format; it's more important. Think about it: what are the odds of one elite team beating another three straight times? In recent history, it's only happened when one of the teams has been dysfunctional ('04 Lakers) or chokers ('06 Mavs). And if, as the team without home court, you're unable to sweep the middle three at home, then you have to win two on the road to win the series. It's just not likely.

The Bulls are due to lose. Hopefully it's tonight, but unfortunately, it more than likely won't be. Short of that, let's just hope the league office gives the Spurs home court because they've had it all season. "Random draw" aka "let us see who the two teams are and pick the team we'd prefer to have it, because no one can prove it wasn't done legitimately". 82 games and it's probably going to come down to that. Unbelievable. They should put in a laundry list of tie-breakers. Point differential, who's had the better record longer, anything so that it doesn't come to this. This is ridiculous.

[spursfaninla]

No, it doesn't. People have this backwards: Home court advantage in the Finals isn't less important because of the format; it's more important. Think about it: what are the odds of one elite team beating another three straight times? In recent history, it's only happened when one of the teams has been dysfunctional ('04 Lakers) or chokers ('06 Mavs). And if, as the team without home court, you're unable to sweep the middle three at home, then you have to win two on the road to win the series. It's just not likely.

The Bulls are due to lose. Hopefully it's tonight, but unfortunately, it more than likely won't be. Short of that, let's just hope the league office gives the Spurs home court because they've had it all season. "Random draw" aka "let us see who the two teams are and pick the team we'd prefer to have it, because no one can prove it wasn't done legitimately". 82 games and it's probably going to come down to that. Unbelievable. They should put in a laundry list of tie-breakers. Point differential, who's had the better record longer, anything so that it doesn't come to this. This is ridiculous.

Home Court in the finals: http://www.nba.com/2009/news/feature...court20090417/

The Finals
Home Teams, 1986 through 2008
W L Pct.
Game 1 18 6 .750
Game 2 16 8 .667
Game 3 12 12 .500
Game 4 12 12 .500
Game 5 10 10 .500
Game 6 10 5 .667
Game 7 3 0 1.000
Home Adv. 47 19 .712
Other team 34 34 .500

We see that the team with home-court advantage in The Finals has a distinct advantage. In the 24 years since the league switched to the 2-3-2 format, only six teams have won the championship when beginning The Finals on the road. The last to do it was the 2006 Miami Heat, who lost Games 1 and 2 in Dallas, but swept the next four.

[Reck]

No, he's a moron.

He should have played Tim, Tony, Manu yesterday and rest them today.

You cant escape fate. pussying around trying to avoid injury only leads TO injury.