Pop Too Dumb To Let Spurs Lose

by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Mar 22, 2010 10:32 PM CDT in Game Previews

When the Spurs lost to the Cavs on a last second miss on a fairly open 3 by Mason, Popovich was too smart. When the Spurs got killed on the defensive glass last night against the Hawks, it was because Popovich messed up and didn't play McDyess enough. Monday night against the Thunder Popovich was just dumb enough to allow his team to win. Thank you for losing some brain cells on the flight West, Coach.

The Spurs really gutted one out. They were coming off an overtime loss in Atlanta. They fell behind early. Kevin Durant got the super-duper-don't-even-think-about-breathing-near-me-star treatment. Manu wasn't super-human. Tim Duncan managed a whopping 14 points. Yet, they scraped their way back into it at the end of the second quarter, took the lead in the third, and made just enough plays to hold on to a 99-96 win. Oh, and Coach Popovich's big brain didn't get in the way. That too. Here's what he was dumb enough to let happen.

Durant Gets the Star Treatment

My wife and I always laugh at businesses that are named things like "Just Pets Plus". Or "Just Hair and More". The ridiculousness should be self evident. Last night, Durant go the "Just Superstar Plus" treatment. Wow. Just wow plus. He got so many ticky-tack touch fouls I didn't know if the Spurs were allowed to guard him. It really bordered on the absurd.

However, Ed F Rush was calling the game. He wasn't making any of the touch calls. It was the other two chuckleheads, Eli Roe and Pat Fraher, who were making the calls. When Rush calls a game, I expect lots of banging and very few calls. I think when the last 3 minutes came around he told the chuckleheads they better voluntarily swallow their whistles or he would involuntarily make them swallow them. The refs didn't call squat at the end. Either way. It was old school knock the crap out of the guy basketball.

Your Stars

3 -- Roger Mason: RMJ got hot at the end of the second quarter and pumped in a handful of shots that got the Spurs back into striking distance.

2 -- George Hill: A career high 27. He really carried the team in the third quarter and stepped up as a scorer when the team needed him.

1 -- Manu Ginobili: He was just short of super human. He made big plays all over the court. He got the steal from Jeff Green that led to RJ's dunk. He got the charge on Green. He forced the U-G-L-Y Westbrook turnover with 30 seconds left. He played like a winner.

NOTE:

The defensive rebounding against Atlanta was bad. Really bad. The thing in the box score that stood out to me was that George and Manu combined to grab 1 rebound in 86 minutes. That's embarrassing. Tonight, they had 10 total.

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Comments

I disagree about not playing Mcdyess enough. He blew at least 3 defensive rotations that led to wide open 3’s. He hasnt been the same since hyperextending his knee. Blair should get more minutes. On plays Mcdyess is standing flat footed in the paint watching the guy he should be closing out on shoot jumpers, Blair is hustling his ass off, non stop. As far as shotblocking or man defense…is there really that big of a difference between the two?

Genibus Nitito Canus

by SpursfanSteve on Mar 22, 2010 10:38 PM CDT reply actions

I agree that the rebounding was what killed the Spurs in the ATL game.

by i luv this site on Mar 22, 2010 11:00 PM CDT reply actions

It just felt like OKC lead was about to go nutso any moment in the first half… way to stay in it on tired legs.

Close score in Phoenix/Golden State game. Go Warriors!

"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich

by Aaron "Hirschof" Preine on Mar 22, 2010 11:02 PM CDT reply actions

How many points the Suns and Warriors can score together? Over/under 250?

We should start rebuilding around Durant

by Kondor on Mar 22, 2010 11:14 PM CDT up reply actions

over.

Genibus Nitito Canus

by SpursfanSteve on Mar 22, 2010 11:18 PM CDT up reply actions

geez 99 98 after 3.

…Anthony Tolliver has 23 and 10 thru 3…

by greyberger on Mar 22, 2010 11:28 PM CDT up reply actions

Tolliver looks good as a Warrior, though our bigs outplayed him.

We should start rebuilding around Durant

by Kondor on Mar 22, 2010 11:39 PM CDT up reply actions

114-110, Warriors.

just having fun...

by day_late_friend on Mar 22, 2010 11:43 PM CDT up reply actions

Warriors are entertaining

We should start rebuilding around Durant

by Kondor on Mar 22, 2010 11:53 PM CDT up reply actions

i think of them like the hawks, except with more talent and infinitely less discipline.

Genibus Nitito Canus

by SpursfanSteve on Mar 22, 2010 11:57 PM CDT up reply actions

except the Hawks have more talent and much more discipline you mean?

We should start rebuilding around Durant

by Kondor on Mar 23, 2010 12:00 AM CDT up reply actions

You’re right. I was flashing back to 2007 (or whenever it was when they upset the mavs), when they were arguably the most talented team in the league, but had 0 discipline. They could have trotted out a lineup of 6’6-6’11 freak athletes, all of whom were at least average NBA players. If they could have learned some team D…they would have been unstoppable.

Genibus Nitito Canus

by SpursfanSteve on Mar 23, 2010 12:17 AM CDT up reply actions

they helped us to win that one, no doubt

We should start rebuilding around Durant

by Kondor on Mar 23, 2010 12:43 AM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, that was back when the Mavs made their roster just to match up with us.

Genibus Nitito Canus

by SpursfanSteve on Mar 23, 2010 12:47 AM CDT up reply actions

I hate that we didn’t get to face them, as the Spurs would’ve beaten Dallas. The Mavs were soft, had peaked too soon and had gotten very lucky the year prior. However, watching them be the first 1 to lose a seven gamer to an 8-seed was even better than us beating them.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Mar 23, 2010 12:50 AM CDT up reply actions

the Warriors are basically NBDL team with a few NBA-level talents.

We should start rebuilding around Durant

by Kondor on Mar 23, 2010 12:03 AM CDT up reply actions

and their best player just lost the game for them.

We should start rebuilding around Durant

by Kondor on Mar 23, 2010 12:07 AM CDT up reply actions

Who is this Reggie Williams guy? He is clutch from outside every game.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Mar 23, 2010 12:44 AM CDT up reply actions

263 and it’s not quite over yet.

We should start rebuilding around Durant

by Kondor on Mar 23, 2010 12:13 AM CDT up reply actions

Damn ’’’’’’m’’r’’’ just crushed Tolliver on a dunk.

by Bakkie009 on Mar 23, 2010 7:55 AM CDT up reply actions

A couple years ago I watched the first part of a GS-PHX game. The Warriors had 31 after six minutes, on pace to score 248 for the game. They made the 7 second or less Suns look slow. It was like the ’70s, but with even better athletes.

by doggydogworld on Mar 23, 2010 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions

Durant received the Dirk treatment from the zebras. This was only slightly more annoying than the Thunder announcers.

Let it be noted, the Spurs played @OKC twice this season and both were SEGABABA. The first without Timmy. The second with Tony. Won both. Versus a younger and more athletic team.

RMJ was the secret hero with his 2nd quarter shooting. His play at the end of the 3rd cost us a chance to have a larger lead going into the final quarter. I hope he’s found his shot because LA would be a great opponent to cut loose the leg slap.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Mar 23, 2010 12:43 AM CDT reply actions

We need either him or RJ to get at least 12 every game. Or both if Bonner is off. Basically, we need 3 role players to have double figures. I guess thats the easiest way to put it.

Genibus Nitito Canus

by SpursfanSteve on Mar 23, 2010 12:49 AM CDT up reply actions

RMJ really can be the wild card if RJ is done with his disappearing act (tonight excluded). If he makes a three and can get to double digits, those points add up. Especially when Parker comes back.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Mar 23, 2010 12:56 AM CDT up reply actions

Fire Pop.

Also, Manu has been out best player for the last… 4 games? 5? More?

Impressive.

I smell death... everywhere.

by LatinD on Mar 23, 2010 1:11 AM CDT reply actions

Argentine bias! You’re all fired/traded!

Genibus Nitito Canus

by SpursfanSteve on Mar 23, 2010 2:06 AM CDT up reply actions

Okay, that was horrible. I just watched the ESPN highlights of the game and all they showed were Durant and Ibaka dunks and what-not. Um… did the Thunder win the game? Yeah, that’s right.

The Roleplayer's Realm

by silverandblack_davis on Mar 23, 2010 2:48 AM CDT reply actions

Saw that too, by accident. Very weak.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Mar 23, 2010 3:08 AM CDT up reply actions

But they showed two George Hill scores…. isn’t that enough?

"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich

by Aaron "Hirschof" Preine on Mar 23, 2010 7:14 AM CDT up reply actions

They did? Must’ve added that to the mix. Wasn’t there when I first watched it.

The Roleplayer's Realm

by silverandblack_davis on Mar 23, 2010 7:03 PM CDT up reply actions

Bonner or Dice? Who should Pops play, now?

No disrespect to Bonner, the Spurs do need him, especially when he is making the 3s. But in the game vs Hawks, Pops played Bonner too much and hardly played Dice – that cost the Spurs the game. In the game against the Thunder, altho Dice played a bit longer, Bonner again got the majority of the minutes even if he shot a measly 20% of his 3s. And the Spurs almost lost the game. Is Pops merely conserving the energy of McDyess? But don’t the Spurs need the wins in order to ensure they get the 6th or 7th spot? If they fall to the 8th, then they’ll be meeting the Lakers in the first round. So, should Pop play Dice or Bonner?

by Pinoy from Oz on Mar 23, 2010 4:00 AM CDT reply actions

I have been critical of Pops coaching this season, but Im not ready to say the Spurs lost to the Hawks because Pop didnt play Mcdyess and Blair enough.

Its possible that the Spurs wouldnt have been able to score enough points with Dyess and Blair in the game.

Crappy teams fear us !

by alamobro on Mar 23, 2010 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions

Dyess is slow, his shot hasnt been falling, and his defense, sadly, has not been any better than Bonner’s recently. Although Bonner has stepped it up.

Genibus Nitito Canus

by SpursfanSteve on Mar 23, 2010 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions

He does a good job of rebounding though, a talent Bonner will never have.

The Roleplayer's Realm

by silverandblack_davis on Mar 23, 2010 7:04 PM CDT up reply actions

I dunno, man…Bonner has been pretty feisty lately. Pop must have told him to visualize the rebound as a hoagie.

Genibus Nitito Canus

by SpursfanSteve on Mar 23, 2010 11:48 PM CDT up reply actions

Hah. That could work.

The Roleplayer's Realm

by silverandblack_davis on Mar 24, 2010 8:28 AM CDT up reply actions

I'm not as concerned about playing the Lakers in the 1st round....

as I am about playing them Wednesday night. Remember gentlemen…..one game at a time!!

by titansfan4ever on Mar 23, 2010 9:09 AM CDT reply actions

This team would be SO much better if Mason starts to play with a fire again and can put in 15-20 points. I’m glad to see that Hill showed back up after a couple lack luster games. The Spurs need him in a bad way. Great win! We are only 3 1/2 back of Dallas who’s in 3rd. Let’s see if can just keep plugging up the standings!

By the way, how entertaining would a playoff series against OKC be? These two teams make for some very entertaining basketball.

by Big50 on Mar 23, 2010 9:50 AM CDT reply actions

Playing the Lakers

Right now I would rather the Spurs drew the Lakers in the first round than the Mavericks. Dallas is loaded now with the addition of Butler and Haywood. The Lakers don’t want to draw Dallas in the playoffs either. This is the strongest team that Dallas has put together ever. Much better than the one that lost in the finals a couple of years ago. They are solid at every position and have depth. Their only problem now is an occasional failure to show up mentally for certain games. But when they are on their game they are very tough. I love the Spurs, but they need to stay away from Dallas. Apruil 14 will give you a look see on what I mean. Spurs won’t draw OKC in the playoffs. The best chance of advancing is going up against Denver, but that too is unlikely. I’m afraid SAS’s road to the finals will have to go through Los Angeles or Dallas.

by jimjule on Mar 23, 2010 9:56 AM CDT reply actions

I think it’s clear that the Spurs will have to play at least two of the top three teams in the West if they want to make it to the Finals.

by Big50 on Mar 23, 2010 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions

I think you hold Dallas in way too high an esteem. Their key players are old and have been playing a load of minutes all season. Their additions (Marion, Butler, Haywood) have never won anything. They’ve won a bunch of close games and have a tendency to get throttled (i.e. last night in NOLA). And quick point guards give them trouble. The trade allows them to better match up with LA but they have to reach them first.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Mar 23, 2010 2:09 PM CDT up reply actions

Agreed. And no way are the Mavs “much better” than their 2006 edition.

by 4Him on Mar 23, 2010 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions

They’re deeper. Their big men are better. They have better wings. Jason Kidd is a slight upgrade at PG. Butler is better than Howard. The French kid is better than Stackhouse. The only real downside is that Dirk isn’t as good as he used to be. I don’t know if they’re MUCH better, but they are better, I think.

by Big50 on Mar 23, 2010 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions

I agree that they are not a better team than the 67 win team of a few years ago. I’m forced to watch a lot of Mavs basketball and this team does not scare me. With our big 3 healthy, the only team that worries me is LA.

Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed.

by CMoney on Mar 23, 2010 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions

What a fuckin impressive win by the energy challenged Spurs against a western playoff team ( after going to OT the night before )

This may be the biggest win of the season thus far….

Crappy teams fear us !

by alamobro on Mar 23, 2010 10:09 AM CDT reply actions

against the 6th seeded, oops 7th seeded team? really? i guess we have to have our priorities in perspective……….

"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"

http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html

by Joe deLarios on Mar 23, 2010 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions

Yep, without one of the big three and one night after giving one away to the third best team in the East ( at their house )

I dont think this victory can be downplayed too much.

Crappy teams fear us !

by alamobro on Mar 23, 2010 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions

i like the enthusiasm but I am not drinking the kool-aid quite yet

"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"

http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html

by Joe deLarios on Mar 23, 2010 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions

Can I call you Artis “I’m not drinking the Kool-Aid yet” Gilmore? I like that. : ) I understand where you’re coming from, but to me this is a quality win. A SEGABABA against a hungry, young and athletic team in the playoff race…pretty good win even with Tony Parker.

by Big50 on Mar 23, 2010 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions

I make that kool-aid they came out with in the 90’s, that was the same berry taste but invisible coloring? Remember that? They had advertising pushing this, and all they did was withhold an ingredient: food coloring. We bought it up in droves. Sigh.

by Cedarpark on Mar 23, 2010 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions

I had some of that the other day…good stuff.

by Big50 on Mar 23, 2010 3:30 PM CDT up reply actions

Seeding ins the West means nothing after LA. Everyone is three games apart in the loss column. This was a win at OKC without Parker, on a back to back, that may allow this team to rise to a 3 or 4 seed. That’s pretty good. This would’ve been a loss earlier in the season.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Mar 23, 2010 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions

Considering it was against a team who were are scrapping with just for seeding, it’s late in the season, sans Parker, and it was the segababa, it literally was the most important win of the season.

I’m not saying it’s the scene from Rocky II when Adrian looks up from her hospital bed and says; “Just win,” but it’s pretty close.

by Cedarpark on Mar 23, 2010 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions

Fixed (not to illustrate your point;) Manu Ginobili: He was just ~~short of~~ super human.

Honestly. You kids today, with your hippity-hop music and your Twiddle. - Lauri

by p2cat on Mar 23, 2010 11:50 AM CDT reply actions

He was just ~~short of~~ super human plus

"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG

by LasEspuelas on Mar 23, 2010 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions

Is this the game that changes everything?

by Heman on Mar 23, 2010 1:19 PM CDT reply actions

Some are calling it that…see alamobro above.

by Big50 on Mar 23, 2010 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions

This is the game that changes nothing. A big win against a good team after losing a game we shouldn’t have lost. It’s like the Spurs do everything they can to keep you guessing if the team is getting better or just struggling.

To serve man.
Gustatus similis pullus.

by Hipuks on Mar 23, 2010 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions

Pop is a genius. He’s doing all this on purpose just so we can surprise everyone in the playoffs.

Genibus Nitito Canus

by SpursfanSteve on Mar 23, 2010 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions

What is fun in being able to predict. That has been tried for a while. Let us be unpredictable and get into the playoffs, that’s what is going to make us dangerous. :)

by Heman on Mar 23, 2010 7:06 PM CDT up reply actions

113-110 win vs Suns on 2/28/10

I’m still sticking to the game vs Phoenix aka The CLANK game, where J Rich botched the one handed dunk to tie the game. We’re 10-3 since that moment, RJ has found his game, and Manu has been reborn. Get your presents ready people because 2/28 is the new Christmas.

Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed.

by CMoney on Mar 23, 2010 6:18 PM CDT up reply actions