Why does Pop go away from the starting lineup to close games?

[Uriel]

The Spurs' starting lineup of Tony - Green - Leonard - Duncan - Splitter has the highest +/- net rating among all 5-man units in the NBA. In other words, this is the arguably the best lineup in the NBA this season. Logically then, it follows that to maximize our chances of winning in the playoffs, this unit should be on the floor as long as possible.

Yet, time and time again, Pop continues to close ballgames with a small ball unit that takes Tiago Splitter out of the lineup, even though the Leonard-Duncan-Splitter trio represents by far the best man defensive unit in the league (which, incidentally, is precisely what this team needs when the game is on the line).

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for Manu being on the floor to close games. But wouldn't it make more sense if he replaced Green instead of Splitter?

[DesignatedT]

Duncan and Splitter have closed out plenty of games this season.

Our lineup of Tony-Manu-Leonard-Jack-Duncan were the only players to show up against OKC. You could add Diaw in that mix as well.