We're playing horrible, disinterested basketball

[TampaDude]

December.

[unleashbaynes]

the Spurs have a switch tbh. over and over again this year i've watched them jack around for 3 1/2 quarters, face an 8-12 pt deficit, and then somehow go on a really good run to tie or take a lead. for the most part they've been able to consistently finish those games. woulda done it again last night if it weren't for that swaggy bas raining in an absolute prayer. or if manu could shoot free throws. either way, the way they're able to find that extra gear when they need it shows why they will be dangerous in the playoffs.

[superbigtime]

Not a meltdown thread, just reflecting a bit on the last few weeks...

I'm a bit disappointed in Bobo, he just looks kinda passive out there for long stretches.

I'm wondering what's really going on with Tiago. He sat out for a long ass time, and still can't play 15 mins of basketball without running a bike for while.

I'm bittersweet about Cojo. He has games where he's really aggressive and wows, and games where he just passes up shots and defers too much. Every player needs to be a threat, especially if you're out there in crunch time.

I miss Kawhi and he's only been out one game. This team really stinks rebounding the ball, especially without Tiago. It's Tim and nobody else. He's sorely missed there more than anywhere else.

I'm confused about Tony, is he hurt? is he coasting? Is this the inevitable decline after collecting so many miles on his legs. He has earned the benefit of the doubt.

I'm a bit sad Gino is showing his age, and we can't continue to rely on him to win us games night in and night out. The fire is obviously still there, but the misses right at the rim are a constant reminder of father time.

I'm grateful for Tim, who's the only exception to the rule (as always). He might be showing his age in the post or the jumper, but he's a monster.


We're moving the ball only sporadically, and we half ass the defense until we need to drag ourselves out of a hole. It's like we don't really have that fire every night (or most of the night), only against potential contenders or severely crippled teams.

This isn't the first and likely not the last time the Spurs will go through a stretch of disinterested play. Pop has pulled the 'soft' card many times before. I think we're an extremely talented team, but we can't pretend that we can just flip the switch whenever we want. There's still a long season ahead of us, and plenty of time for the Spurs to be the best team they can be, so there's no need to jump off the cliff just yet.

Your thoughts?

Man you summarized it perfectly. Throw in Pop's peculiar lineups in the 4th quarters, injuries notwithstanding, and it's not surprising to see these crappy losses adding up.

[superbigtime]

cmon this spurs team is alot more talented than the 2010 team. Not having HCA isnt the reason we lost.
In 2011 we were the one seed, albeit with a hurt manu, 2012 we were a one seed, hca didnt help. neither years in any series did we see a game 7 to use the advantage and in game 5 at home in 2012, the one time we faced a series past 4, we lost.

good points. and I love your avatar.

[sprrs]

Everyone's talking about how they were on a mission last year, but I don't see it. They started off decent, then stumbled through the season until March. Then it took nearly getting eliminated by Dallas before really stepping it up.

They might have been motivated to win last year but there is little interest in the regular season. Same deal this year. Throw in injuries and Pop's "experiment even if it costs us games" mentality and I have no reason to complain with how the season's playing out so far.

[bklynspursfan]

I feel the wins against the Cavs and Mavs were flukes tbh. Mavs were the first game of the year and had little chemistry, and the same can be said about the Cavs. The only two safisying wins this year have been the Warriors and Grizz, and they match up terribly with the Spurs.

but you have to factor against Dallas we were without Kawhi. this team looks so bad defensively with him out. actually both he and splitter were out.

and splitter being out against the cavs hurt a ton too, Andy v. killed on the boards and hustle plays.

they need to get healthy imo. mills will help bring that spark off the bench and spread the floor/hustle. splitter will help our defense immensely.

the one thing I'm pretty thrilled with is the spurs, despite splitter being out are # defensively in the league behind the Warriors. the offense will get going, but they're defending pretty well most nights.

[FireMicoHalili]

I still don't have faith Pop knows what it takes to repeat. Hopefully he figures it out cause he hasn't figured it out the last few times.

He's had this in the back of his mind I think. He acknowledges that they've been satisfied (as I've read in some articles). He's not getting techs or giving time to contract year guys for nothing. If anyone wants to repeat it's probably Pop. Some guys on the team are just looking to make some serious bank.

[hitmantb]

Health is #1.

Disinterest/satisfaction/content after winning a le is #2. Come on now, most Spurs fans have no more regret in this life time for the GDP era, this season is just a bonus with Duncan at 39 and it is whatever happens. I don't think the motivation is the same for the players either. There is also the cash out after a ring factor for contract year players.

Just enjoy the ride folks. This team is the offensive version of 2005 Pistons. They beat the Lakers previous year off pure hunger/motivation and 100% unity. But that is just not sustainable in the long haul. Humans do get satisfied and this team doesn't have the talent of a Shaq/Kobe Lakers or Miami Big Three to endure even minimal slip up in effort.

[byrontx]

I'm not down on the team, I think we're the team with the highest ceiling out there, due to corporate knowledge and because we know what our peak looks like. It's not a given we're going to reach that peak again, but I'm sure we'll work towards it. I just think we've been coasting a bit the last couple of weeks and that's something we didn't do a lot last season.

This. Cruising to Rodeo time.

[Harry Callahan]

There is no way the team can play at that game 3,4,5 level all year long - especially when half of that rotation has been out a material part of the season so far. It's a building process and there are no guarantees it happens this year. I'll try and enjoy the ride as much as possible, but you'd love to see the level of play that pummeled the Miami Cheat at some point in the near future....

I imagine it won't happen until January or February....

[Harry Callahan]

At this point, it's inarguable that Parker is past his prime, but I refuse to believe he's as bad as this. Like all superstars and stars when they first begin to decline, I think he needs some time to adjust to this reality. He's also pacing himself more than anyone. He knows he doesn't have the legs to do it every game anymore, so he's trying to keep as much in the tank as possible for the playoffs and summer.

TP does need to get it going soon.

It does seem like this last championship in 2014 put the Spurs up there where they are somewhat beyond reproach in how they do their thing, their way. Criticism is usually coming from places where they are jealous of the Spurs success (esp OKC, Dallas to a lesser extent). The team realizes they can't be that team night after night all year long. Let's just hope for good health going forward. We will need every hand on deck when the POs come around.

We also need to play at a higher level in 2015 - the Spurs record is pretty darn good considering the total lack of a stable roster so far....

[silverblackfan]

They do seem to be lacking that fire from the whole team on any given night. Losing to the Lakers seemed unnecessary and not a good way to head into the upcoming brutal December, but it is December. I have been enjoying watching Pop play the rookie a bit more including some with the starting unit. They really seem to be evaluating him to see how he fits. So far, I have been more impressed with him than many previous veterans they have brought in over the years.
I imagine Pop will continue to experiment with the lineups for the next month or so and we the fans get to enjoy the ride.
We know the potential in the team. If they are healthy, they have the best chance to repeat.

[Harry Callahan]

I have been enjoying watching Pop play the rookie a bit more including some with the starting unit. They really seem to be evaluating him to see how he fits. So far, I have been more impressed with him than many previous veterans...

Anderson did a pretty good job moving the ball and taking good shots too when it made sense. Kyle is an unusual player with his size and (lack of) speed. Still, he might turn into a valuable piece of the puzzle down the road.

[DieHardSpursFan1537]

I was gonna say that this is another meltdown thread, but that was actually an excellent take on the current state of the team.

[Seventyniner]

I can't be too discouraged. The defense has been very good, especially considering Tiago's near-total absence and Kawhi missing some time. Last year showed that the team's offensive ceiling is extremely high too.

[Chomag]

Many here like to say " it's only (insert month)" and to a degree I suppose they are right even if a bit spoiled but that loss at home against LA has got to hurt. Be it early, mid, or late season, I would love to see this champion team take pride and not letting chumps come in and embarrass them at their home court. You just don't let that happen in any sport and if it does it's got to be humiliating especially to historically one of the worst teams we have seen. It just seems like they are going through the motions and spurs do have the talent to beat allot of teams even without their compe ive edge. I just hope this lights some fire in the team going forward.

Having said that, Overall the season is going good so far just need to get people healthy and get the compe ive spirit back into the team.

[ElNono]

I actually thought we played better against Denver and Portland... far from great, but I thought there was more effort there...

[Fireball]

At least Leonard said after the game he was fine (regarding his hand), so I think we are set for a good game against Memphis. Spurs looked much better against the good teams so far and took every challenge seriously.