Pounding The Rock - Full Coverage: Cleveland Cavaliers @ San Antonio SpursFor all your Manu Ginobili loving and San Antonio Spurs newshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/12497/ptr-fv.jpg2013-03-17T13:17:15-05:00http://www.poundingtherock.com/rss/stream/38774712013-03-17T13:17:15-05:002013-03-17T13:17:15-05:00Spurs beat Cavs with elite games by Tim and Kawhi
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<img alt="Timmy soaring through the sky. Oh look at how graceful he floats." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hALNoi30E9t8UWKVi912TGuLB5Y=/0x80:2667x1858/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/9915503/20130316_lbm_ai1_481.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Timmy soaring through the sky. Oh look at how graceful he floats. | Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>On their last game for a couple of weeks against a sub .500 team, the Spurs pulled out a win against the Cavs, who were without their best player in Kyrie Irving. The Spurs (minus Tony Parker) had elite performances from Tim Duncan and Kawhi Leonard, who lifted the team to victory. </p> <p> </p>
<h4>Opening Hash</h4>
<p class="MsoNormal">Happy St. Patrick's Day!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Cleveland Cavaliers can't have a stroke of good luck. The best player to every put on a Cavaliers jersey is now playing in Miami, with an additional MVP award or two and a Finals trophy that eluded him during his seven-year tenure in his home state. The former #1 pick dragged the team past the Pistons and to the Finals in 2007, but the organization couldn't give him adequate help for a championship. When the Spurs swept the Cavs, they did it by focusing their defense on LeBron, essentially leaving his supporting players to up their game in order to win. Unfortunately for them, they couldn't do it, losing games emphatically in San Antonio and only just falling by a total of 4 points in games 3 and 4. LeBron averaged 22 points per game, only 2 points under his season average, but what really stands out is that the Spurs limited him to 35.6%, shooting, 12% below his season average (47.6%). Even his 3pt percentage dipped to 20% from 32% in the regular season. The Spurs won that game through defense, clamping down on LeBron and forcing his teammates to beat them, which did not happen. Only two other Cavs averaged more than double digits in the series, Drew Gooden (12.8) and Daniel Gibson (10.8), which wasn't enough to counter the Spurs' Big Three, who averaged 60.6 combined per game, in addition to great defense. Tony had a great series, winning MVP honors due to his ability to drive to the lane and score at will. He averaged nearly 25 points per game on 57% FG% and 57 3pt%. That's not a typo. (His FT shooting was 53%, which is funny just because that's not how shooting percentages are supposed to work, unless you're Shaq.) Even though I think Manu should have gotten the Finals MVP in 2005, Tony definitely deserved this one, and has only gotten better since.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Back to the Cavs: after losing LeBron, they fell from a record of 61-21, to 19-63 the next season, achieving the longest losing streak in NBA history, at 26. They also set a franchise record for 26 consecutive losses on the road. This team was…bad. They were fortunate enough to get the #1 pick in the draft that coming year, selecting Kyrie Irving, superstar in the making, who would launch the team back to semi-relevance. Unfortunately for Cleveland, he's got a bit of the injury bug, and has hurt himself a few times in the past years, missing a good amount of time in his lone season at Duke, breaking his hand in his rookie season, injuring his index finger and breaking a bone in his face this season. He just recently suffered a shoulder sprain, and is going to be out for a couple of weeks. This kid is one of the bona-fide superstars in the league (on the offensive side at least), and I hope he can get over these injuries pretty quickly. We've all felt terrible when a talent (Manu) has to sit on the sidelines, and I bet the Cavaliers want him back on the court soon.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">What's worse about Kyrie Irving getting hurt at this point in the season is that his team was finally starting to show its potential. With a pretty talented young core in first round picks Irving, Dion Waiters, Tyler Zeller and Tristan Thompson, they've made some noise since the All-Star Break, going .500 over twelve games coming into their game against San Antonio. They were never going to make the playoffs, but they could've ended the season on a high note. Maybe it's better for them to tank a bit and get a high draft pick for next year. Due to the LeBron James trade, they've also got Miami's 2013 first round pick. With so much youth on the team, they might look to trade some of the picks for players, but who knows what'll happen at this point. Tristan Thompson and Tyler Zeller were becoming a good one-two punch in the front court, with Zeller relieving Thompson from the bench, therefore not losing any size inside. They've also added players like Wayne Ellington and Marreese Speights this year, giving them lots of depth in key positions. If Kyrie Irving comes back and the Cavs add another good-to-great player, they'll be back in playoff contention in no time.</p>
<h4>Quote of the Game</h4>
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<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"Talking about our guys of the future."</p>
<p> </p>
</blockquote>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sean on Kawhi and Danny leading the fast break on their own. Brought a tear to my eye, both because I can’t see the Spurs without the Big Three, but I know they’ll be in good hands with the likes of Kawhi and Danny (and maybe Tiago).</p>
<h4>Quick Game Hash</h4>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/3/17/4114270/recap">Check out J. Gomez's recap for more information on the game.</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Timmy followed up his performance against Dallas with an equally impressive one, scoring 30 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, dishing out 4 assists and rejecting 5 shots. What a stat line. With TP out, Manu and Timmy have to take more of the scoring responsibility themselves, especially Timmeh, who had the advantage down low against young-uns Thompson and Zeller. He scored 13 points and grabbed half of his rebounds in the first quarter, lifting the team when they most needed him. He even had a JaVale McGee like rejection this game, swatting the ball into the stands and eliciting roars from the crowd. After his great game against the Mavericks, Duncan said it was the first game he had played in a while that was pain-free, and it showed. If this is what Timmy is throwing down now that he's feeling better, the Spurs will be tough to take out.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Two other Spurs had double doubles, with Kawhi Leonard posting 24 points (two shy from his season/career high) and a game-high 13 rebounds, and Manu keeping his distribution center open, dishing 10 assists and scoring 14 points. The Spurs dominated the glass and notched more assists, but their turnovers (18) allowed the Cavs to stay in the game, as they had 29 points off those costly TOs. The Cavs bench destroyed our bench, with every single player in the Cavs posting a positive plus/minus and every Spurs bench player posting a negative one, save Manu. This allowed them to keep the game close, but Timmeh saved the team, prompting Coach Pop to say, "Tim saved our ass. He obviously carried the whole night for us. He was great. It shouldn't have to be that way." After Pop's ejection in the second quarter, Assistant Coach Budenholzer took over, which has happened a few times this season when Pop was feeling under with the flu. A capable coach, he didn't let the game get out of hand, and the Spurs pulled out the win.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VYJwzeQAE7A" frameborder="0"></iframe> <br id="1363538995931"></p>
<h4>My Game Boss</h4>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
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<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555; text-align: left;" width="71" rowspan="3" valign="top">
<img style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; max-width: 100%;" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1818683/Duncan.jpg" class="photo" alt="Duncan"><br id="1363320797684">
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<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="567" colspan="8" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">TIM DUNCAN</b></td>
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<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">PTS</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">FGM</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">FGA</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">REB</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">AST</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">BLK</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top"><b>PF</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">MIN</b></td>
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<tr style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;" class="ui-state-even">
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top">30</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top">13</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top">19</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top">12</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top">4</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top">5</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top">2</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top">35<br><br>
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<p class="MsoNormal">No explanation needed, other than Timmy recorded 5 blocks in a game again. Classic boring Spurs. Also, Tim is the only player to have two games with at least 30 points, 12 rebounds and 5 blocks this season. Al Horford is the only other player with one.</p>
<h4>My Game Runt</h4>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
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<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555; text-align: left;" width="71" rowspan="3" valign="top"><img itemprop="image" border="0" title="C.J. Miles - Cleveland Cavaliers" alt="C.J. Miles - Cleveland Cavaliers" height="85" width="65" src="http://l.yimg.com/iu/api/res/1.2/ghR1vlvusAj7bnG8iXmNiQ--/YXBwaWQ9eXZpZGVvO2NoPTg2MDtjcj0xO2N3PTY1NztkeD0yO2R5PTE7Zmk9dWxjcm9wO2g9ODU7cT0xMDA7dz02NQ--/http://l.yimg.com/j/assets/i/us/sp/v/nba/players_l/20121217/3960.jpg"></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="567" colspan="8" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">C.J. MILES</b></td>
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<tr style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;" class="ui-state-odd">
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">PTS</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">FGM</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">FGA</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">REB</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">AST</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">BLK</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">STL</b></td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; background-color: #e4e9ed; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">MIN</b></td>
</tr>
<tr style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;" class="ui-state-even">
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top">8</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top">2</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top">7</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top">2</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top">1</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top">0</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top">1</td>
<td style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px; border: 2px solid #ccd1d5; font-size: 0.85em; color: #555555;" width="71" valign="top">18<br><br>
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<p class="MsoNormal">He wasn't terrible, but he hoisted up a few bad shots while his team was still in the game. Taking those shots and knowing when not to take them separates teams like the Cavs from the Spurs.</p>
<h4>This Thing Was Over When…</h4>
<p class="MsoNormal">Kawhi hit a three that allowed the Spurs to take the lead once and for all with less than five to go in the fourth quarter. The game was tight the entire fourth quarter prior to that shot, but that three pointer broke the camel's back, and the Cavs never got within less than four points afterwards. This shot came out of a Cavs triple team on Timmeh, who was able to pass the ball to Nando, who then got it to Kawhi. Great teamwork and unselfishness by Tim, who got the hockey assist.</p>
<h4>Numbers of Note</h4>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">3 - Games with 5 or more blocks for Tim this month</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">10 - Games with 5 or more blocks that Tim has had this season</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">6 - Spurs dunks, distributed amongst five players, Timmy, Kawhi, Danny, Manu and Boris Diaw (!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">43 - Rebounds by the Spurs. They had a 14 rebound advantage against the Cavs. Credit goes to Timmy and Kawhi, who nearly out rebounded the Cavs themselves, combining for 25 boards.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">-8 - Turnover differential for the Spurs. Without TP at the helm, the team is a little more careless with the ball.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">10 - Assist differential for the Spurs, topping the 30 assist mark for the second game in a row. Although the turnovers are a bit worrisome, it's good that the players are still sharing the ball.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">7 - Spurs with more than 2 assists. Four players had more than 4, with Manu at the top, with 10.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">32 - Defensive rebounds by the Spurs. They had more of this variety than the Cavaliers had overall.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">67 - Games that Tiago Splitter has played this season, the only Spur to appear in every game.</span></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<h4>Odds & Ends</h4>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Another lefty dunk by Kawhi! He's making this a habit, and it's infection the rest of the team.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Manu dunked! That's the Manu we remember. Timmy threw it down. Danny had one of a fast break and Boris drove down the lane and somehow dunked it with two hands. He's been showing more confidence as of recently, which is essential for the team's success.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">The 4th quarter was all about dunking for the Spurs, as 4 of their dunks came in this frame. Each one was assisted by another player.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">The Cavaliers haven't beat the Spurs since LeBron left the team. Even so, they've put up fights in the two games this season, losing by a combined 7 points. Kawhi has been key in both of those games, hitting the three point winner at Cleveland and getting a double-double in San Antonio.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">For anyone who watched the game, Sean Eliott does a very good job of explaining plays. For example, late in the 4th, the Spurs were looking for an easy basket to create some distance. They were up by 4, when Manu takes the ball up the left side of the court. Timmy blocks off his man (Speights, if my memory serves) from the baseline, leaving it all for Timmy. Sean called this the Karl Malone Screen, where he blocks the player with his back, gets the pass from the guard on the corner and drives it home to the hoop. It definitely looked like a Karl Malone play.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">The Spurs couldn't stop Shaun Livingston late in the game. He scored 8 of Cleveland's last 10 points, all coming with under 3 minutes to go.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">The Spurs' play against the Cavs press in the last minute was a beauty to behold. A few passes here and there, and Kawhi ends up with a free dunk that puts the game away.</span></li>
</ul>
<h4>Going into the Next Game, the Spurs need to…</h4>
<p class="MsoNormal">…Get ready for a nasty stretch of games. After three games against sub .500 teams, they will face 7 straight against teams over .500. Golden State, Utah, at Houston, Denver, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami and at Memphis. The first three games will be tough but winnable, with the last four showing great challenges, as each team can be considered elite or at least a dark horse contender in the playoffs. I hope Tony comes back in time for the games against Miami and Memphis, as those two teams will likely be tough outs in the playoffs.</p>
<p><i>All stats from <a href="http://espn.com">espn.com</a> and <a href="http://basketball-reference.com">basketball-reference.com</a></i></p>
<p><i>edit: the previous version of this piece stated that Tony Parker's birthday was today. It is actually on May 17th. </i></p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/3/17/4115738/sunday-rehash-a-birthday-gift-for-tony-parkerthe ellimist2013-03-17T02:10:50-05:002013-03-17T02:10:50-05:00Spurs Edge Cavs, 119-113
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<figcaption>Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The San Antonio Spurs did what it took to emerge victorious.</p> <p></p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">Spurs</a> won this one not because of their system or coaching, but because they had the best players on the floor. With Varejao out, the Cavs had no chance whatsoever to stop <span>Tim Duncan</span>. Kawhi Leonard was the best wing on the court by a pretty wide margin and, with Irving out, Manu Ginobili was the best playmaker. It still was much closer than it should have been, mostly because the Spurs couldn't get stops with Duncan off the floor, but the Spurs got the win and that's all that matters.</p>
<h4 align="center">The Game</h4>
<h4 align="center"></h4>
<p>Timmeh started the game on fire, hitting six of nine shots and pulling down six boards in the first quarter. He carried the Spurs on offense but the team defense was terrible and allowed a bad Cavs team 30 first quarter points. In the second quarter Dion Waiters and Wayne Ellington helped the Cavs keep a blazing offensive pace. On the other end Manu Ginobili and a surprising shooting night from Nando De Colo kept the Spurs ahead in the game.</p>
<p>The third quarter started like the first--with Kawhi Leonard forcing things a bit on offense and Tim Duncan balancing things out by scoring efficiently. De Colo's hot shooting held and Ginobili kept putting his teammates in a position to score but the defense suffered immensely with Duncan resting and the Cavs took advantage. They rode ridiculous third quarter performances by their role players Marreese Speights (10 points 4 boards), Shaun Livingston (six points and five assists) and Alonzo Gee (six points and two steals) to a 29 point quarter. Going into the final period, the Spurs were only up one and most Spurs fans were dreading another collapse against a bad team.</p>
<p>But Duncan was not going to let the team lose and crowned a fantastic both-ways performance with six points and three blocks in the last quarter. Kawhi Leonard got 10 points and four rebounds while Ginobili contributed four assists and Jackson five points. The great nights from Livingston, Speights and Ellington were simply not enough to beat a Spurs team that, without playing anything close to their level, got the W at home riding solid individual offensive performances and a dominant Duncan.</p>
<p>There are still some concerns after the win, especially on the defensive side of the ball when Duncan rests, but the Parker-less Spurs will take it. The Spurs out rebounded another inferior opponent and had 32 assists on 45 field goals. The defense definitely has a ways to go but shortening the rotation should take care of some issues; the important thing for now is to keep winning the easy games, whatever it takes. With Parker's return looming, the Spurs are still 1<sup>st</sup> in the West and that's all we can ask of them, really.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.fearthesword.com/">Please consider the Cav's perspective. </a></p>
<p></p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/3/17/4114270/recapJeje Gomez2013-03-16T21:58:38-05:002013-03-16T21:58:38-05:00QuickCap: Spurs beat Cavs, 119-113
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/sleep%20research%20facility">sleep research facility</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/play_splitter">play_splitter</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/In%20the%20666">In the 666</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/twotonkatrucks">twotonkatrucks</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/spursfan87">spursfan87</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DrumsInTheDeep">DrumsInTheDeep</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/nicolaspursfan88">nicolaspursfan88</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/oldtimeyspurfan">oldtimeyspurfan</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/vimce_dg">vimce_dg</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/KD1">KD1</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SpursBenchOverStarters">SpursBenchOverStarters</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/AsGoodAs">AsGoodAs</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/TrooperJoe73">TrooperJoe73</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/theghostofjh">theghostofjh</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/TDzilla!">TDzilla!</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/alamobro">alamobro</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/del%20amitri">del amitri</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Ayatollah">Ayatollah</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/RobertoDR">RobertoDR</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/TD21">TD21</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Last%20Spur%20Standing">Last Spur Standing</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Galfusica">Galfusica</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Badpierre">Badpierre</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/fusion10">fusion10</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/day_late_friend">day_late_friend</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Juan%20Korl">Juan Korl</a></td>
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<td>34</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/FourDown">FourDown</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SAChE">SAChE</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/cartoonspurs">cartoonspurs</a></td>
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https://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/3/16/4114192/quickcap-spurs-beat-cavs-119-113Josh Guyer (completely deck)2013-03-16T20:35:43-05:002013-03-16T20:35:43-05:00GIF: Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich ejected
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<figcaption>Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Coach Popovich was a little animated more than he should be to the officials tonight in the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.</p>
<p>Popovich voiced his opinion to the officials and they weren't having any of it.</p>
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<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2331821/angrypopps_medium.gif"></p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/3/16/4113968/game-update-spurs-head-coach-gregg-popovich-ejected-from-gameJosh Guyer (completely deck)2013-03-16T02:00:05-05:002013-03-16T02:00:05-05:00Starless Cavs come to San Antonio
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<figcaption>It's called Defense, Gary. Defense with a "D" | Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Cleveland heads to San Antonio to get out of Ohio and get some good Mexican food. They might also play a basketball game in which the Cavs will be without their stars.</p> <div id="preview-wrapper">
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<h3 style="text-align: center;"><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">San Antonio Spurs</a> vs Cleveland Cavaliers</b></h3>
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX<br>March 16, 2013, 7:30 PM Spurs Time<br> TV: FSSW - RADIO: 1200 AM WOAI</div>
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<p>Man, I get all the best games. Well, it's time again Spurs fans, your team takes on another bottom dweller, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cleveland Cavaliers</a>, and will likely lose by double digits. I think that's the March game plan. Beat all the good teams, and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/">Mavericks</a> (bazinga!), and lose horribly to the terrible teams to throw everyone off our trail. It must be working as the Spurs are dropping like rocks in the <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerrankings" target="_blank">power</a> <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/powerrankings" target="_blank">rankings</a>. I mean third?! What the hell? It's clearly time to blow it up.</p>
<p>Ok, no, I'm not going to do another one of <a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/3/1/4040902/game-preview-sacramento-kings-san-antonio-spurs" target="_blank">those previews</a>. You can't go around doing too many of those, it messes with the mojo. Speaking of mojo, Manu needs to stop upsetting the balance of the universe and get back to being awesome. Maybe Duncan will share some of the magic potion he's been taking to be turn back the clock. Why does the clock only turn back for one person? If Timmeh's turning it back shouldn't I be seeing some benefits from yesteryear? Whatever, I'm sure we'll Manu improve over the next couple of weeks. He has always been one of those guys that needs to play his way out of a slump. I'm just hoping Pop gives him the time he needs.</p>
<p>On to the Cavs, the poor saps. So Cleveland is now without their two best players and <span>Kyrie Irving</span> is out 3-4 weeks with a shoulder injury. This after <span>Anderson Varejao</span> went down for the year a couple months back. That probably doesn't bode well for the Spurs as they will likely get run out of the building by Ormi Casspi and <span>Luke Walton</span>. How is Luke Walton still in the NBA? The dude has never done anything worth getting paid millions of dollars for, but I digress.</p>
<p>So the Cavs are in South Texas without their two best players and are on a <a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/pages/ptr-lexicon#SEGABABA" target="_blank">SEGABABA</a> after playing in Dallas last night. I refused to watch that drek. For the Spurs to win, they will simply need to execute. Pop said they've been playing like they're in mud recently and it's time to shake that off and take it to a lesser team. I look for Manu to have a nice game. He's due and the Cavs won't be able to slow him down.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, if the Spurs just don't let the Cavs have the games of their lives, like they <a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/3/12/4097454/undermanned-spurs-pummeled-in-minnesota-83-107#149537081" target="_blank">did in Minnesota</a>, they'll have a very solid chance to have a nice easy win. A win in which the starters don't have to play 30+ minutes and I can go to bed at a reasonable hour. I'm so old. Anywho, Cleveland does have several guys that can randomly get hot and really cause some trouble. Keep a lid on that and your Spurs should cruise....should.</p>
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<div style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 12px;"><b>Lineups</b></div>
<p><b>Starters</b><br><b>PG:</b> <span>Cory Joseph</span><br><b> SG:</b> <span>Danny Green</span><br><b> SF:</b> <span>Kawhi Leonard</span><br><b>PF:</b> <span>Tim Duncan</span><br><b>C:</b> <span>Tiago Splitter</span><br><br><b>Key Bench Players</b><br><span>Manu Ginobili</span><br><span>Boris Diaw</span><br><span>Stephen Jackson</span><br><br><b>Head Coach</b><br><span>Gregg Popovich</span></p>
<b> </b> </center></td>
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<div style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 12px;"><b>Lineups</b></div>
<p><b>Starters</b><br><b>PG:</b> <span>Shaun Livingston</span><br><b>SG:</b> <span>Dion Waiters</span><br><b>SF:</b> <span>Alonzo Gee</span><br><b>PF:</b> <span>Tristan Thompson</span><br><b>C:</b> <span>Tyler Zeller</span><br><br><b>Key Bench Players</b><br><span>C.J. Miles</span><br><span>Marreese Speights</span><br><span>Daniel Gibson</span></p>
<br><b>Head Coach</b><br><p><span>Byron Scott</span></p>
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<p> </p>
<p>Cavs perspective can be found here: <a style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" href="http://www.fearthesword.com/" target="_blank">Fear the Sword</a> (I'm still not sure what <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xpj4c_snl-celebrity-jeopardy-nsc_fun#.UUOe8lsa_iM" target="_blank">S-word</a> we're supposed to fear, but whatever.)</p>
<p>Game Prediction: Cavs by 12....the trend continues.</p>
<p style="font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; padding: 0px;">As always <a target="_blank" href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/pages/ptr-lexicon#tonydominatefisher">Tony must dominate Fisher</a>, 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.</p>
<p style="font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; padding: 0px;">Get your <a href="http://www.tiqiq.com/nba/san-antonio-spurs-tickets/">San Antonio Spurs tickets</a> here!</p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/3/16/4109948/game-preview-cleveland-cavaliers-san-antonio-spursBig50