Game Preview: Memphis Grizzlies at San Antonio Spurs
by Ed (dfjmed) on Dec 26, 2011 7:00 AM CST
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San Antonio Spurs vs Memphis Grizzlies
AT&T CenterDecember 26, 2011 - 7:30 p.m. Spurs Time
TV: FSSW - RADIO: 1200 AM WOAI
Well, the regular season is officially upon us. When I first saw who we face on opening night, my reaction was less than positive, for obvious reasons. But then after awhile, I started to think back on those reasons, as I have everyday since last season ended. And then I got excited. I got fired up. I want to be out on that floor with our Spurs, helping them to victory over this promising young crop of talent from the city that is just about even with St. Louis, on the map. Maybe even a hint East, but who's really keeping track, anyway?
I'm not so much thinking this as a revenge game. First, and foremost, it's a home game against a division opponent. We're going to need every one of these to stay afloat. There's definitely some history here. Last year was not the first year we struggled with the Grizz. They've kind of been a thorn in our side, similar to the Nooch, maybe not as good. I remember a few regular season losses before, but fortunately, we didn't have anything to worry about, because they never made the playoffs. Well...every dog has his day, right? And they had four of them against our guys.
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They beat us with size. Feeding Gasol and Randolph down low was too much for our guys. Tiago Splitter didn't get much time, RJ and Blair pulled the disapearing act, and Timmy couldn't do it by himself, as he probably could in his prime. Darrell Arthur is out for the season, and Marc Gasol is listed as day to day. Rudy Gay is back, which could prove problematic, as he will probably over compensate for the loss of Arthur. The Grizz attempted to trade O.J. yet again, but it didn't go through.
Our guys have made a few changes too, though. Timmy's dropped 15 pounds, reportedly. We've signed T.J. Ford to keep Tony fresh, we were without James Anderson, and Manu had one arm. We've added a young pup by the name of Kawhi Leonard. Manu is still our assassin. Tony Parker will have a chip on his shoulder. Timmy is still the greatest power forward of all time. When those three are on our side, I don't see any reason why we cannot win today. This is a new year. Clean slate. Our three need to start mentoring our younger guys and showing them how to play in this league. Both the Lakers and Mavs lost yesterday, so let's hope our guys take advantage of the Christmas gift.
We have got to be in control from the start, though. They've got to play our game, and we cannot be playing catch up the entire game. It's a recipe for disaster. We cannot rely on a late game rally, because, sure it happens from time to time, and sure, we can't quit and all that. But our guys need to come in with the attitude that these guys are in our house, and they're not beating us here. And speaking of battle, Lauri summed it up nicely, in LatinD's highly recommended most recent post:
We're back. Let's rock.
As always Tony must dominate Fisher, and NBA league pass is recommended for those who are willing to pony up the cash. Almost every Spurs game 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.
Check out these excellent sights: 48MinutesofHell, 3 Shades of Blue, Straight Outta Vancouver.
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welcome
"got him at 42……Chad Ford can’t keep up with RC ‘Bargin Basement’ Buford."
Spurs Yoda on Draft Night 2011
by Joe deLarios on Dec 26, 2011 8:06 AM CST up reply actions
It’s Heh-Lo
"Why didn't we draft Julyan Stone?" TJ73
by TrooperJoe73 on Dec 26, 2011 12:54 PM CST up reply actions
Wow, a newbie beats us all to the punch. Let’s home some of our rookies and sophs can have the same kind of chutzpah tonight.
Welcome!
All these GIFs are breaking my browser.
by quincyscott on Dec 26, 2011 2:42 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
i’m sorry, i’m still not ready for this. i don’t know if i’ll ever “get” this season…
this space left intentionally blank.
by sleep research facility on Dec 26, 2011 7:27 AM CST reply actions
There’re online feeds available…
;)
by In the 666 on Dec 26, 2011 9:10 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
What should i google to find them?
That is the Spurs’ reason for getting up in the morning.
Metaphorically speaking, they can sleep when they are dead, and they aren’t dead yet.
so much AC/DC, must listen to good music (turns on some Killers). Ah much better.
Now back to the real matter at hand, this will be a great test to see where our bigs are at. Now we should have no problem with the backcourt and could probably win the game with their efforts alone. However, it’ll be interesting to see how Splitter and Timmy do against Gasol and Randolph. We already know Blair and Bonner are going to be non-factors in terms of post game on either side of the court. But if Tim and Splitter can do some damage down low, things could be very promising this season.
Also, Blair is the starter and not Splitter.
I am also Steelbeard, Megatron's personal bodyguard. I'm a '70 Chevy Stingray in vehicle mode. In robot mode, my windshield and windows transform into my beard. Made from special alloy, it reflects lasers and bullets. It can also fold into a sword with the same reflective properties.
Also:
Bon Scott > Brian Johnson
by In the 666 on Dec 26, 2011 12:07 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Also, about Manu’s health:
With Manu: In 755 career games, including playoffs, the Spurs are 529-266 for a .701 percentage, which translates to a 58-win team over 82 games.
that’s crazy
"got him at 42……Chad Ford can’t keep up with RC ‘Bargin Basement’ Buford."
Spurs Yoda on Draft Night 2011
by Joe deLarios on Dec 26, 2011 1:43 PM CST up reply actions
I can’t wait! A lot of Blair and Bonner on the Grizzlies bigs. This should be good…
by spurlover on Dec 26, 2011 9:07 AM CST via mobile reply actions
Ford Lightning!
"Why didn't we draft Julyan Stone?" TJ73
by TrooperJoe73 on Dec 26, 2011 12:55 PM CST up reply actions
That was gonna be my next one, along with Ford Explorer (when he’s tearing through the other teams D)…
NICE though!
by In the 666 on Dec 26, 2011 1:20 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Solid game preview. I love the graphic
Biggest coach Pop/Tiago Splitter homer on the internet™
@completelydeck / @PoundingTheRock
Micoblogger extraordinaire.
by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Dec 26, 2011 9:44 AM CST reply actions
FUCK IT!! SPURS BY 20!!!
"He was just a young skinny guy who looked like a winner. We didn’t know he was going to be as good as he is."
—Popovich on Manu Ginobili
by spursfan87 on Dec 26, 2011 10:46 AM CST via mobile reply actions 8 recs
Tiago better play excellent post defense
If you're watching a blowout, you can pass the time by counting the double teapots.
Samurai Champloo > Macross
Let’s go Spurs!!!
One thing i can do...................is FINGER ROLL.
by gunnin' gervin on Dec 26, 2011 11:08 AM CST reply actions
Spurs yoda, at the game today, will be. Happy I am back in action, we are. Tiago time it is.
Do or do not! There is no try!
by Spurs Yoda on Dec 26, 2011 11:14 AM CST via mobile reply actions
Have a blast, with the win, you will!
by In the 666 on Dec 26, 2011 12:04 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
I hope you are sitting close enough to the floor to exert some of your special powers on the game, Master Yoda. May the force be with you.
All these GIFs are breaking my browser.
by quincyscott on Dec 26, 2011 2:40 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
The only Heat home game last year I was. I was 3 rows behind Lebron and got in his head early. (below is my pic with Manu from the game)
Do or do not! There is no try!
by Spurs Yoda on Dec 26, 2011 2:52 PM CST up reply actions 7 recs
Epic, an awesome moment forever frozen in time. Lets turn this green , please.
A man gets the eye of a Tiger, but a Tiger gets the eye of a Manu.
Green it shall be.
Biggest coach Pop/Tiago Splitter homer on the internet™
@completelydeck / @PoundingTheRock
Micoblogger extraordinaire.
by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Dec 26, 2011 5:46 PM CST up reply actions
Is there a difference? ;)
Biggest coach Pop/Tiago Splitter homer on the internet™
@completelydeck / @PoundingTheRock
Micoblogger extraordinaire.
by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Dec 26, 2011 5:46 PM CST up reply actions
looks more like constipated Pop.
"White-orange, orange, white-green, blue, white-blue, green, white-brown, brown"
by magnuskrauss on Dec 26, 2011 5:51 PM CST up reply actions
good luck
to bad spurs fans u will not see Tiago much this year. Pop loves Matt Bonner to much for years we bring players in an they have to ride pine for Bonner. We are going as far as Matt take us and that is nowhere. Dude cant play he shouldn’t be in the NBA. will won the other night cause Bonner did not play. spurs please stop cheering for this guy i want Tim to get another ring. i love the spurs but Pop love for Bonner is killing my love. Tiago tell pop if u let Bonner get my min. i’m going to kick ur ass. Pop please stop playing the red rocket. God help Pop see the light.
by mike fresh aka freshcuts on Dec 26, 2011 12:17 PM CST reply actions
“Will not see Tiago much this year”? Who do you expect will take up the minutes that McDyess played? Seeing as how the last couple of playoff games Tiago was getting the minutes that might otherwise have gone to Blair, I’d expect Tiago to play at least 20 minutes per game, particularly as they sit out Tim during some of the back-to-back-to-backs.
Will argue against trading #45 until I am blue in the face and your eyes and ears are bleeding.
by SpursfanSteve on Dec 26, 2011 12:54 PM CST up reply actions 4 recs
chickins o’fiyah!
"White-orange, orange, white-green, blue, white-blue, green, white-brown, brown"
by magnuskrauss on Dec 26, 2011 5:52 PM CST up reply actions
Bonner can play basketball. He may not look pretty doing it, but the man has size and skills. I am not a huge fan, but let’s not get too carried away.
But I’m sure your plan of having fans and blog posters stop cheering for Bonner will place incredible pressure on Pop to get rid of the guy. My goodness, poor Popovich.
All these GIFs are breaking my browser.
by quincyscott on Dec 26, 2011 2:37 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
tiago feeds gasol elbows, alls he can eat
go tiago go spurs!
motel money murder madness
by polartownjunkie on Dec 26, 2011 12:45 PM CST reply actions
"Will not see Tiago much this year" Matt got Mcdyess last year and year before. Matt plays about 25 to 30 mins a game. matt is a spurs killer.
by mike fresh aka freshcuts on Dec 26, 2011 12:51 PM CST reply actions
i would like to think that Pop learned from his mistakes last season…
"got him at 42……Chad Ford can’t keep up with RC ‘Bargin Basement’ Buford."
Spurs Yoda on Draft Night 2011
by Joe deLarios on Dec 26, 2011 1:45 PM CST up reply actions
*srry – mistake
"got him at 42……Chad Ford can’t keep up with RC ‘Bargin Basement’ Buford."
Spurs Yoda on Draft Night 2011
by Joe deLarios on Dec 26, 2011 1:48 PM CST up reply actions
Bonner averaged 21.7 minutes last year, with his high as a Spur being 23.8 minutes two years prior when he started a number of games. He averages fewer minutes in the playoffs. Dejuan Blair and McDyess were just under the average number of minutes of Bonner. In the last playoffs, Bonner led the team in win share per 48 minutes with a .159 while McDyess had a .021 and Blair had a -.021. If Bonner is a spurs killer, what does that make Blair?
DeJuan45 DeJuan Blair
I kno a lot ov stone cold STUNNERS LOL!!! SMH!!
4 minutes ago
I'm not as good as I once was...and that's just the cold, hard truth.
And that’s the bottom line because STONE COLD SAID SO!
"You and I have unfinished business." - Beatrix Kiddo
WHAT!? :D
"He was just a young skinny guy who looked like a winner. We didn’t know he was going to be as good as he is."
—Popovich on Manu Ginobili
That was my reaction. Maybe there are same allusions here to which I am not privy.
All these GIFs are breaking my browser.
Stone Cold Steve Austin’s move was the Stone Cold Stunner.
"You and I have unfinished business." - Beatrix Kiddo
It’s pretty funny that there’s still a lot of people that think it’s real.
"You and I have unfinished business." - Beatrix Kiddo
Remember when Dennis Rodman and Karl Malone rastled? Surely a low point in world history.
All these GIFs are breaking my browser.
That time was the golden age of wrestling. Pretty outrageous stuff.
"You and I have unfinished business." - Beatrix Kiddo
Shaq did it too, and wants to again.
Will argue against trading #45 until I am blue in the face and your eyes and ears are bleeding.
by SpursfanSteve on Dec 26, 2011 6:54 PM CST up reply actions
I watch at least the highlights 3 times a week.
Will argue against trading #45 until I am blue in the face and your eyes and ears are bleeding.
by SpursfanSteve on Dec 26, 2011 7:17 PM CST up reply actions
WHAT!?
Will argue against trading #45 until I am blue in the face and your eyes and ears are bleeding.
by SpursfanSteve on Dec 26, 2011 6:12 PM CST up reply actions
JRW, DrumsInTheDeep
Biggest coach Pop/Tiago Splitter homer on the internet™
@completelydeck / @PoundingTheRock
Micoblogger extraordinaire.
by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Dec 26, 2011 5:47 PM CST up reply actions
Nice job, Ed. I totally agree this is not a revenge game. Maybe the Heat feel better about themselves because they beat Dallas on the first night of the season. I expect the Spurs will not make too much this game. It’s a game, with many more to come very fast.
All I want to see is improved team defense, and some experience for our young ones. Oh, yeah, and a win would be nice.
All these GIFs are breaking my browser.
by quincyscott on Dec 26, 2011 2:30 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Holy Carp. Here we are, it’s opening day of the 2012 season. It really seems like just 3 months ago we were bounced by the Grizz.
You all know what Pops pregame talk will likely consist off…
(Pop) " As you all know, this is the squad that beat us in the playoffs last year. While I know some of you are itching for payback, this isn’t the right place or time to overexert yourselves. Let’s just just stick with the principals we went over in training camp, and let’s not skip steps to win"
Well I say, TO HELL WITH THAT!!!!!
Let’s CLOBBER these guys!!!!!!!
A man gets the eye of a Tiger, but a Tiger gets the eye of a Manu.
FUCKITY FUCK!!! Ill miss the game, I have a dinner I cant avoid at the exact same time the spurs play.
GO SPURS GO!! I
"Kevin Garnett once described defending Tim Duncan as "trying to guard a tree"
taken up space who the rocket
Team looked good only one bad spot or should i say one red spot. 28 mins of nothing 0 yes 0 rebounds 1 for 6 only 3 points. That stat line sux cause The Red Wack is stealing money and taking up space. A rookie had 6 rebounds in 13 mins. Watch the Clippers wear Matt the Wack out. Mark and Zack both got rich off Bonner made them look like top player in the NBA
by mike fresh aka freshcuts on Dec 27, 2011 11:39 PM CST reply actions
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