Game Preview #79: Memphis Grizzlies @ San Antonio Spurs

Might be a good visual representation for the Spurs' crazy late season schedule.
Four games to go. I want to say it eases up a bit today, but it's the Spurs' third game in four nights and the start of another back -to-back, so no. This is not going to be easy.
A THIGAFONI-worthy preview, next.
Maybe this crazy schedule's also getting to me or I'm just lazy, I don't know. I got nothing but only off-topic videos and photos that might be of interest.
Pillows (Good Feeling) from Chris Crutchfield on Vimeo.
An empty school is cool. Sort of.
Muffin Madness.

And finally, a Grizzly Bear-related photo:

Memphis Grizzlies @ San Antonio Spurs Where: AT&T Center - San Antonio, TX When: April 9, 2010; 7:30 PM Spurs time Watch: FSN Southwest; KENS HD
How They Stack Up
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Matchups
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Garrett Temple Junior |
There might be some indications that Tony Parker will assume the starting role, given that he's had 2 games under his belt, or George Hill can return from the starting lineup after returning to San Antonio to recuperate. For now, Garrett Temple has played solidly in the short time he's been a starter, so he'll continue to get the starter's nod here. Mike Conley has been a solid PG all season long, so he gets the benefit of the white box, especially if our two lead guards aren't up to speed yet. Advantage: Grizzlies |
![]() Mike Conley Former Buckeye |
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Manu Ginobili $40-million Man |
Shooting Guard Forget about the new contract. Manu Ginobili won't allow himself to play two subpar games in a row. Advantage: Spurs |
O.J. Mayo Grocery List |
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Richard Jefferson Still Richer Than Manu |
Small Forward RAGE continues to play and shoot well, with some brain farts here and there but Rudy is still better. Advantage: Grizzlies |
Rudy Gay Less of a Ballhog |
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Tim Duncan Timmay |
Power Forward Zach has had an All-Star season. It's a shame though that Memphis won't make it to the playoffs party. He should be able to give Tim some bruises and aches tonight. Advantage: Tied |
Zach Randolph Former Jailblazer |
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Antonio McDyess SAM |
Center Dice didn't play much versus Phoenix but he was really active on the boards. Maybe it's gone a little bit unnoticed, but the veteran's play has picked up during the homestretch. On the other end, no Gasol for the rest of the season probably means the E-N-D for the Grizz. And yes, we want a Thabeetdown!!!
Advantage: Spurs |
Hasheem Thabeet Tanzanian Devil |
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DeJuan Blair Blairness Monster |
Bench & Role Players We haven't seen the Thabeetdown we've been expecting this season. Oh DeJuaaaan... we're still waiting. Advantage: Spurs |
Sam Young Blair Buddy |
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Gregg Popovich Wino |
CoachLionel Hollins has done wonders with this Grizzlies team, and it's sad that in the East, there's a team under .500 that will make the playoffs. Major props for the coach. Pop's still better though. Advantage: Spurs |
Lionel Hollins Tamed the Z-Beast |
| images via yahoo.com | ||
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Other Factors
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Intangibles |
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Grizzlies have lost 3 in a row. They've been slumping. The surging Spurs just had a blip in Phoenix, but this is a THIGAFONI. Still a dangerous time. Advantage: Tied |
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Mojo |
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... Advantage: None |
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Winner: |
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| I think being at home helps the Spurs overcome the dreaded David Stern late-season THIGAFONI special. Spurs win. | ||
Keys To The Game
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Strength of ScheduleI heart you, schedule makers. The Spurs visit the Nuggets tomorrow to cap off its last FOGAFINI of the season before getting a day off and wrap up its last home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Hey, cool. This game is also a THIGAFONI for the Grizz as they cap off their own FOGAFINI tomorrow at home against the 76ers. Last Time They MetThe Spurs eked out a 102-92 win in Memphis to go up 2-1 in the season series. The BAM combined for a whopping 66 points as RJ and Manu led the way with 18 and 17 points, respectively. |
Some Other ReadingGrizzliesStraight Outta Vancouver - Here you'll find the SBN site for the Grizz, where djturtleface does everything himself. That guy must have a death wish to do so much. It also saddens me that most of its game threads have less than 10 comments. You might want to say hi. Just be friendly, mmkay? Spurs48 Minutes of Hell: The best TrueHoop team blog is now even better, after adding two new writers. Congrats to Jesse and Andrew, who are already doing good work. |
Where to Tune In
TVThis game will be aired on Fox Sports SW in San Antonio, and maybe on TV in Memphis. If you have cable or satellite, you'll have to look up your individual channel. And of course, there's always League Pass for the haves. For the have nots, read on. OnlineAs always, NBA League Pass is recommended for those who are willing to pony up the cash. Most Spurs games will be broadcast there, which is especially helpful for those of us who aren't in the San Antonio area. Please don't post links to illegal game feeds in the game thread. Links to illegal feeds are not permitted on SBNation, but you can probably find them out there on the internets if you're resourceful and desperate. In fact, nobody can stop you from googling "atdhe". You can also shoot an email to poundingtherockmail@yahoo.com for more assistance. NBA League Pass audio is still free this year, so check it out. RadioIf you're in the San Antonio area and aren't near a TV, tune in to WOAI (1200 AM). |
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Comments
Marc Gasol is out for the season. Thabheet has been starting. Hopefully that means we got more oportunities to unleash the beast on him
"Rock and Roll angels bring that HardRock Hallelujah"
Nice. Hopefully it will finally be Thabeetdown time.
It’s too bad we probably can’t convince them to do a S&T of Rudy for RJ.
Spurs Basketball. Improving [other] NBA teams since 2010! - swgeek
Can Popovich please start Blair against Thabeet? I want a sequel to this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WASWhKKQfY
Asked before the game how Parker has looked, Popovich said, "He’s still cute. "
Me too, I love it! 6-7 Blair posting up vs a seven-footer. And winning!
"The Most Interesting Man in the World" wishes he were Manu Ginobili. - janieannie
And to think that he’s actually closer to 6’5" than 6’6" or 6’7"
"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on Blair
by Manu ex Machina on Apr 9, 2010 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Right. Fixed.
Just cause we're crippled, don't mean we gotta take the crumbs.
by silverandblack_davis on Apr 9, 2010 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions
Now why didn’t I think of that… I’ll try to use something like it in the Nuggets preview. Good one, transgo :)
Just cause we're crippled, don't mean we gotta take the crumbs.
by silverandblack_davis on Apr 9, 2010 6:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, if Pop has any sense in him, he’ll unleash the Blair tonight.
"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on Blair
by Manu ex Machina on Apr 9, 2010 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions
Spurs by 24. Lakers game is the only home loss since the RRT. We have an 11.8 margin of victory in the 10 home games over that period.
very bold – we are favored by 10.5 and you are more than doubling that……interesting, are you a bookie? don’t answer that…………
"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
no
In the 5 games of those 10 against teams not in the playoffs (NO, NYK, LAC, GS, and HOU) we have averaged a 19.8 margin of victory. NO is the only one of the 5 TP played in too so get ready for a Memphis beatdown tonight.
Hot damn, I forgot about that!
"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on Blair
by Manu ex Machina on Apr 9, 2010 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Davis, you talk about Cubits like he’s healthy now. Why’s that?
Also, Bonner was good against Z-Bo last game. Hopefully he can help Timmy again tonight.
"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on Blair
Official word after Hill’s injury was that he would be out for at least the rest of the road trip. The road trip is now over, and we haven’t really had any updates on his status yet.
Spurs Basketball. Improving [other] NBA teams since 2010! - swgeek
Yeah, I forgot how they worded that. I never thought he’d be back that quick, though. I don’t think he should play tonight, even if he can. Id rather see him out there tomorrow, although Chauncey gives him fits.
"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on Blair
by Manu ex Machina on Apr 9, 2010 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions
Pop is going all CIA on this like he did with Parker returning. If Parker hadn’t put it on FB and Twitter, would we have known before shootaround?
THABEETDOWN by BLLLLLLAAIIIRRR!!!!!!
and in connection with the Tetris visual, is this video of the Tetris God:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Alw5hs0chj0
If you liked it then you should have put a 5th ring on it. Oh oh oh.
has anyone else noticed that league pass TV appears to be picking the game up in progress at 8:30p Central? that’s well into the game.
I looked at the listing this morning because i am gonna have to DVR this game too and my channel guide shows that it comes on after one of the early eastern games is over.
guess i will have to pick up the full replay on boradband? not a problem for you local types, but has anyone else seen this?
Wait, you have BOTH the TV and broadband versions?
Spurs Basketball. Improving [other] NBA teams since 2010! - swgeek
i guess i do. i have ordered the TV version for the last several years. however, i just hooked up with the broadband version this season and its free if you buy the TV version (at least they didnt chagre me anything). all i had to do was set up an account and log in.
I’ve always wanted to ask this: Davis, are you really silver and black as your name implies? Of course my name implies that I’m big and 50. I am big (not NBA big, regular person big), but not 50. Anyway, I don’t mean to be racist, but being silver and black would be pretty interesting. Ok, I’m done with my stupid question time.
SEcond GAme of a BAck to BAck, THIrd GAme in FOur NIghts… Now can you say the last one, my son? :)
Don’t worry, I had trouble with all these acronyms at first too.
"The Most Interesting Man in the World" wishes he were Manu Ginobili. - janieannie
Wait, don’t forget the MEGABABAs the Spurs will be sucking on when the Lakers pound them in the playoffs. (OK, I just couldn’t resist stirring things up this close to the playoffs.)
Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it.
by olf on Apr 9, 2010 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah right! Now that’s FUGGINFUNNI.
Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it.
by olf on Apr 9, 2010 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions
and before i forget: l love love love mike conley. i cant believe that he isnt running the league yet. yeah, he went to and led my alma mater to the final game of the NCAA tournament in 2007, so what of it?
Homer. You’re probably still on the Oden-wagon too, aren’t you? You do know that not even Blazer fans still occupy seats there, right?
I will give you that Turner is a bad, bad man and will be a force though.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on Apr 9, 2010 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Hell, I’m still on the Oden wagon.
Spurs Basketball. Improving [other] NBA teams since 2010! - swgeek
I was wondering that actually.
I once was and even argued with a buddy pre-draft about how Oden was the smarter pick than Durrant. I’ve sinced wised up, and abandoned Father Time.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on Apr 9, 2010 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions
You know that saying by the experts, “You can’t teach height.” Well, I think the last decade has shown that the taller man isn’t always the best pick. Of course, some GM is going to draft Cole Aldrich waaaaaay too high this year, and I’ll have another big KU stiff to make fun of, so that’s good.
Obviously, I don’t think he’s better than Durant, but he was dominating before he got hurt this year. He even dominated Timmeh.
Spurs Basketball. Improving [other] NBA teams since 2010! - swgeek
Right on, that’s why I was there too. Within the last few years I changed my perception; but I had been operating under the old mindset- like Cap said, you can’t teach height. A dominant big is so rare and so valued that you absolutely MUST pick him up if you have the opportunity. When looking at the dominant/winning teams of the past 20 yrs, each had a quality big. When Oden came out, it seemed like a no-brainer.
But I guess for every David Robinson there’s 200 Sam Bowies and Hasheem Thabeets.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on Apr 9, 2010 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Sam Bowie was good and much better than Thabeet. He was injured too often to leave a mark. And that’s maybe what will happen to Oden. The most interesting conundrum is for the Rockets : should we extend Yao and earn money or hire somebody else and win titles ?
Greg-O will be just fine…..one of these days. Blazers were foolish to pick him over Durant. He is in no way the player that KD is. But Portland has/had all those wing guys too…..Oden is what they needed and he is big and bad when he’s right.
either way, Greg-O had a pretty good year at Ohio State, but Conley had a better year and basically ran every game of the entire season except for 2-3. he wasnt even on the pro radar until they reached the Regionals (in…gulp, San Antonio). After he picked apart Tennessee and Memphis back to back, those in the League started to take notice, and POOF, he was gone.
and turner. Golly, what can you say? dude has seriously stepped up and played some ball the last two seasons, really. His freshman year, we referred to him as Evan Turn-Over. Now, he can do pretty much everything, so he should fit right in with someone.
this year, our nickname for him was this: He’s like that $20 bucks you find in your wallet at last call. you think, you are done and the night is over – and BOOM. you are back in business. gonna miss rooting for that guy. he had better not go to the NOOCH, griz or houston.
heck, he didnt hire an agent, so maybe he will come back and the spurs can get him in the next draft lottery
:ducks from the large and pointed objects being thrown at him:
As much as I love and respect sb_d, I refuse to participate in a poll that lists the name “Mark Jackson” anywhere within. He’s banned as far as I’m concerned, and I’m firm like that.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
Meh. I hadn’t seen it, but am not that thrilled. I’m a big fan of the traditional black (and specifically the black on black uni sported at special games) and don’t like change anyway, so this doesn’t sit well. The black helmets are just cool and old-school, what’s the thought behind even suggesting this white one? It kinda reminds me of a high school, and doesn’t focus enough on Red & Black, you know, the actual school colors. It makes me think of OSU or Nebraska. What about you?
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on Apr 9, 2010 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions
I think that would earn a “MAMA THERE GOES THAT MAN!”
Genibus Nitito Canus
by SpursfanSteve on Apr 9, 2010 6:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Mark Jackson is an idiot announcer who fills the gaps with brain numbing goo between Van Gundy’s drivel
"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
Hah. I thought that’d rile you up. I was originally going to put in there something like “an idiot like Mark Jackson” or “a dumbass like Mark Jackson” but decided against it because I want the poll to sound unbiased.
Just cause we're crippled, don't mean we gotta take the crumbs.
by silverandblack_davis on Apr 9, 2010 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Awesome Tetris hell diagram. Did you make that or find it? I am so stealing that to describe my project at work :)
Just found it. I applies to most things in life, innit?
Just cause we're crippled, don't mean we gotta take the crumbs.
by silverandblack_davis on Apr 9, 2010 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions
I was thinking, we should really have a glossary page so new people to the site will know what we mean when we just throw out acronyms like SEGABABAs, THIGAFONIs and FOGAFINIs.
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
"I mean, we really suck. Temple will beat the hell out of Cornell. Promise." -- Me
That thought’s crossed my mind too because I’ve still haven’t gotten used to some of the PtR memes and acronyms.
Think of the lurkers, folks; let’s keep it inclusive.
...!!
We try to be both a) somewhat user friendly for newbies and b) almost too cool for school with lots of inside jokes and obscure references.
The Lexicon will help. Thanks to Completely Deck, who’s helping me with it, the end is in sight and we might have it ready as soon as next week.
Alfajores cause mojo! - janieannie
by J.R. Wilco on Apr 10, 2010 12:57 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
::cough:: lexicon ::cough::
Just cause we're crippled, don't mean we gotta take the crumbs.
by silverandblack_davis on Apr 9, 2010 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Yea, I initially thought “lexicon” for those phrases. But then it occurred to me that lexicon phrases are humorous grammatical phuck-ups, where as SEGABABA type-terms are genuine.
Crappy teams fear us !
Please stand by, the Lexicon is … nearing completion.
Alfajores cause mojo! - janieannie
by J.R. Wilco on Apr 10, 2010 12:49 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
"Communism is the death of the soul. It is the organization of total conformity – in short, of tyranny – and it is committed to making tyranny universal."
-Adlai Stevenson
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
Yeah, shut up. Hey dude, do you happen to know any good Civil War books?
I did a lot of soul searching. I didn't find anything.
(Hoping you see this response quickly before it gets removed.)
Naa, I’m not really a Civil War buff. I tried to get into it for a little while but sadly it just bored the hell out of me. If I hear of one I’ll let you know though.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on Apr 9, 2010 6:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Just towing the company line, fellow sheeple.
Also, your disappointment offends me and upsets my sensibilities.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on Apr 9, 2010 7:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Sima + Sensibilities?
Hmmm… Sima is a metrosexual? Cool.
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney
Sad that you had to incorporate the word “…sexual” in your comment. It’s tragic that you descend to such offensive and obtuse language to make your point, and I do not appreciate it.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on Apr 9, 2010 7:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Fuck… I’ll try not to do that again. Will an Italian Margarita make you feel better?
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney
Offensive. There are likely others reading this interchange that do not drink alcohol and the very fact that we’re discussing it could be construed as an endorsement of that lifestyle, and thus subject to a higher power intervening to regulate content to suit that power’s personal goals and needs.
I would prefer we avoid further regulation and censorship by simply being less offensive and insensitive. Are you willing to do that with me?
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on Apr 9, 2010 7:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Sure… why the hell not? I’ll get down on my knees and ….
Who do we pray to? FSM or is that on the list, too?
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney
You people are obviously hopeless.
“Pray??!” Are you serious? Not only does the mention of that very word destroy any belief that Pounding the Rock Incorporated TM is a serious journalistic venture, it is extraordinarily offensive to many of the world’s population.
And now that I read through my response, I realize that I too am hopeless. “You people?!?!” How calloused and cruel of me. I beg for your forgiveness and understanding of my ineptitude.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on Apr 9, 2010 7:25 PM CDT up reply actions
By the way, your “shut up” was needless and cruel, and I am greatly offended by having to hear it. It’s the kind of discourse that is trivial and personal, and doesn’t have a place on Pounding the Rock Incorporated TM.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on Apr 9, 2010 6:59 PM CDT up reply actions
The fuck did you do to get comments deleted? Oh you probably can’t talk about it.
Sorry I was so mean to you SiMA, I did not mean to drag the lever of discourse to SpursTalk levels. If you’re still distraught over the situation hopefully we can share a beer, talk about our feelings, and coordinate ways in which we might work out our problems, thus contributing towards the greater good.
I did a lot of soul searching. I didn't find anything.
In a former world dominated by civil discourse, social responsibility and group accountability; I would agree to that.
But your use of the word “fuck” was very offensive, and it completely erased the value in any of your following words or any of the subsequent content that followed on Pounding the Rock Incorporated TM. Shame on you.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on Apr 9, 2010 7:07 PM CDT up reply actions
After re-evaluating my own prejudices, the patriarchal society benefits I get due only to my gender, and my very narrow Western world perspective, I completely agree with you.
Again, I profusely apologize. I can only hope I have not offended you so much that we cannot have a civil, if not friendly discourse.
I will be attending an intensive three month seminar on the power of positive thoughts, organic farming, hybrid cars and, and sensitive and politically correct speech. I hope it does undo years of damage caused by society.
Once again SiMA, I realize it was not in your plans to be offended today, and I am sorry I ruined that. I am planning on writing a letter of apology to you, written in exquisite cursive, and with little butterfly stickers on it.
I did a lot of soul searching. I didn't find anything.
Very nice and very kind, but…
1. The possibility of someone reading this exchange that may be allergic to butterflies is there. Thus, offensive.
2. Attending seminars is a liberty not available to those less fortunate or fiscally blessed. Thus, offensive.
3. Talking about your gender could ignite confusion and perhaps even a reminder to someone reading of their own insecurity within their own gender. Thus, highly offensive.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on Apr 9, 2010 7:21 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Obviously, I have a long way to go towards being completely inoffensive. I can only hope to have your wisdom one day.
Thank you.
I did a lot of soul searching. I didn't find anything.
And here I thought we were just missing a whole lot of comments.
Maybe it’s because I implied Olf was a troll?
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney
Do YOU happen to know a good Civil War book? Also, today’s halftime fish well be somewhat related to your name.
I did a lot of soul searching. I didn't find anything.
No, but why don’t you rent Ken Burn’s PBS series… that was really incredible. Why do you need this? Did you go back to school? Very excited for you if you did!
Great… I’m very afraid. Thanks.
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney
No. I’m just interested in the Civil War and want more knowledge than the basic stuff from High School that I can’t remember anyway,
I did a lot of soul searching. I didn't find anything.
Yeah, get the young person who’s actually genuinely interested in reading a freaking Civil War book of all things to watch TV. You’re a terrible influence.
I did a lot of soul searching. I didn't find anything.
Many died. And it probably had more to do with just the Norths desire to abolish slavery.
Getting shot with a musket probably sucks more than being shot with a modern firearm.
Thats all I got.
Crappy teams fear us !
Thanks, I guess I don’t need a book after all.
I did a lot of soul searching. I didn't find anything.
Hold your horses, I’m sure Cap/Lauri/JRW & Q will have suggestions.
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney
Yeah, I might ask in the random crap thread. When they make a new one.
I did a lot of soul searching. I didn't find anything.
Watching the pre-game on Kens TV. Is it me or is Coach Snyder kinda cute?
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney
Really? I’m only going to accept a Woman’s or Gay Man’s opinion on this. Anyone?
You’re a dude, right?
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney
Just cause we're crippled, don't mean we gotta take the crumbs.
by silverandblack_davis on Apr 9, 2010 7:17 PM CDT reply actions

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