Pounding The Rock - Full Coverage: San Antonio Spurs vs. Golden State WarriorsFor all your Manu Ginobili loving and San Antonio Spurs newshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/12497/ptr-fv.jpg2014-04-03T12:11:48-05:00http://www.poundingtherock.com/rss/stream/53406532014-04-03T12:11:48-05:002014-04-03T12:11:48-05:00Opponent Game Thread: Warriors vs Spurs
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/U6XuR1DIWTnYOwGsh6lDEf8V6fs=/0x0:415x277/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/31090955/img24511863.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>This was a game considered a loss by the Warriors' fans before it even started, and you can see it in their Game Thread.</p> <p>Being without 3 starters, having played against the Mavs (and winning that one in OT) the night before, with their starters logging 40+ minutes and playing a team on a 18-win streak, somehow the Dubs' fans weren't too optimistic about this one, so let's take a look at how our sister blog <a href="http://www.goldenstateofmind.com/2014/4/2/5576196/warriors-at-spurs-game-thread">Golden State of Mind</a>:</p>
<p>(Fair warning for those considering a read-through of their complete game thread: there's a significant contingent at GSoM that seems to think that all Spurs flop ... and most of them complain a lot about their coach. So, as always, be neighborly.)</p>
<p><b>Well at least I have tons of beer tonight. Sigh. !%$&ing Spurs man.</b><br>by ferrariford2</p>
<p><b>I think basketball fans should all give the Spurs the cold shoulder until they get so flustered they leave the NBA</b><br>Their reign needs to end somehow!<br>by 123707THIZZ</p>
<p><b>Harrison Barnes goes nuts and dunks on Sean Elliot. I would love to see that.</b><br>by ferrariford2</p>
<p><b>Staring at box score numbers might be less painful than watching this game</b><br><a href="http://in.sports.yahoo.com/nba/boxscore?gid=2014040224" target="_blank">http://in.sports.yahoo.com/nba/boxscore?gid=2014040224</a><br>by IQofaWarrior</p>
<p>CALL THE GAME!!! CALL IT NOW DAMIT!!!<br>by AJC3317</p>
<p><b>I wish that screaming lady from the Playoffs had season tickets</b><br>by 123707THIZZ</p>
<p><b>We'd only get it once or twice a year</b><br>but Spurs fans would get 82! Take THAT, Spurs fans!<br>by 123707THIZZ</p>
<p>I don't wish that evil on anyone<br>by Cwebfan23</p>
<p><b>Pop gonna pull his starters out of the timeout</b><br>gotta put Warrior killers Patty Mills and Marco Belinelli in<br>by Killjoy</p>
<p><b>duncan must look at speights guarding him like an all you can eat buffet</b><br>by Killjoy</p>
<p><b>Kawhi Leonard is like a stealing machine.</b><br>by ferrariford2</p>
<p><b>You guys wana go outside or something?</b><br>Surely we should go do something else, right?<br>by 123707THIZZ</p>
<p>pop calls a timeout after a 4-0 run. Jackson waits until it's a 12-0 run<br>by AJC3317</p>
<p><b>WHY ARE THE SPURS SOOO GOOODD #$% IT.</b><br>by ferrariford2</p>
<p><b>If only the Spurs ever had trap games!</b><br>This should be the definition of a trap game, but they don't even blink!<br>by 123707THIZZ</p>
<p><b>Least we get to see what a smart, structured offense eventually nets out of the players within it</b><br>by DontcallmeIggy</p>
<p><b>I give up! The Spurs are just godlike. They are going to win it all.</b><br>by ferrariford2</p>
<p><b>This is like the evolution of UFC, they're televising live murder!</b><br>by 123707THIZZ</p>
<p><b>all we need to do is double duncan , parker , and ginobli at the same time</b><br>by PIRATEWARRIOR</p>
<p><b>I think the Spurs would still beat us if we played all 9 of our healthy players at the same time</b><br>by DontcallmeIggy</p>
<p><b>This is like a donation to add up a win to already</b><br>unbeaten Spurs<br>by TheSoundOfHockey</p>
<p><b>We always looked discombobulated, forcing shots and too nervous whenever we play the spurs</b><br>Maybe its just because theyre just too good?<br>by kupalsky</p>
<p><b>Even in a blowout, Pop calls a time out because he does not like what his team just did and wants to hold them .</b><br>by DontcallmeIggy</p>
<p><b>Pop showing MJ how timeouts are done</b><br>Hope he's learning<br>by warriorsnation</p>
<p><b>Can we just face the Dream Team all at their prime rather than the Spurs in the playoffs?</b><br>by ferrariford2</p>
<p><b>I feel like if I worked on my corner three and bounce pass, I could be a 10th man for SAS as long as I played with max effort on d</b><br>by starbury_to_s-jaxci2000</p>
<p><b>We are going to be in the Spurs record book; franchise record 19th win!</b><br>by dinohealthInteresting...</p>
<p><b>So that's what's supposed to happen when you play a team that is missing three of its top five players.<br></b>Hate to harp on Mark Jackson when he wasn't the real issue tonight (although not calling a timeout til the other team has scored 14 straight points is laughable) , but that kind of preparation and effort is a joke. My problem with Jackson is clearly not the loss (because we probably lose playing well too) but you can just tell this team doesn't play using the fundamentals.</p>
<p>It baffles me why teams don't replicate San Antonio's offensive system. It's capable of making a group of once bench players and scrubs (Bellinelli, Green, Ayers, Diaw, Mills, Joseph) look like a playoff team (in the West). They run plays where players are actually doing something when they are off-the-ball. Players don't just move with/without the ball, they sprint.</p>
<p>Oh well, I guess we'll just do our best running the offense we have and hope our defense can keep us together.<br>by dont_stop_believin'</p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2014/4/3/5577498/opponent-game-thread-warriors-vs-spursKL_Indubitably_Good2014-04-03T09:47:20-05:002014-04-03T09:47:20-05:00Morning Rehash: Up Around The Bend
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kTzjQuRf8rUo6QIHbzWx35YiZGg=/0x1361:2667x3139/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/31082749/20140324_tcb_ai1_232.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>As the playoffs quickly approach, the question is worth asking: Can anything stop this Spurs team?</p> <p><a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/2014/1/30/5360470/morning-rehash-trouble-weighs-a-ton" target="_blank">From the letters of Timothy Theodore Duncan</a>:</p>
<p><i>February 21, 2014 - Phoenix, Arizona</i></p>
<p>We have traveled so very far on weary limbs, bogged down by the dredges of a long season and bearing the scars of the many battles we've witnessed. The mind shudders to think of how far is left in this journey and whether or not we might even have the requisite spirits required to reach the end of our road. We can scarcely muster a kicking of dust as we travel from place to place, sending out mere sergeants to do battle for broken and rehabilitating captains. Sergeant Mills has done a truly remarkable job to plug holes in this ship, but one can't help but notice the water filling up our vessel. As sharp as my mind is, even in such an advanced age, I can hardly remember the day when our army marched together as a full battalion, without a limp or a wince among the ranks. We are tired. We are beaten. And where once you seemed so close, my prize, you are merely a twinkle on the horizon. ~ <i>Timothy</i></p>
<p><i>February 26, 2014 - Detroit, Michigan</i></p>
<p>I thought this day might never arrive. More than a childish fantasy, I had begun to think this day was some kind of fever dream, brought on by the depression of a long season as the countless injuries piled up. And yet here we are, my darling, dressed in our finest fatigues, a full squadron ready to continue the march. Our spirits are high. It has been nearly two months since I looked around me and recognized each face in our group, every soldier occupying the post he is most qualified for. Though we fought against such an overmatched, undisciplined troop, this was no hollow victory. Ours is a group that needs a jolt of... <i>hope</i>. That's a word that I seemed to have forgotten these last few months. I don't know how many battles I have left and seem to take each one as it comes, trying to find some comfort in the knowledge that it could be my last. But I feel the exuberance of youth putting a fire beneath my chariot once again. We are finally whole, an exhilarating feeling as from some distant memory. That blink on the horizon is coming into view. Until it becomes something to embrace, I will not lessen my commitment. ~ <i>Timothy</i></p>
<p><i>March 6, 2014 - San Antonio, Texas</i></p>
<p>We knew they were coming. Our scouts had been circling this battle for months, a brief chance to encounter our most bitter of foes and squeeze out some semblance of revenge for past horrors. The enemy does not look quite as threatening as it did nearly a year ago, when it tore the very hearts from our chests, but we know all too well that the confidence of former glories can mask a competitive fire that only arises for the worthiest of opponents. Each battle is important, but here we found an opportunity to measure ourselves, both against our own past and our possible future. As we took to the hill to begin the battle, we noticed that the opposing forces had donned new uniforms, and our commanders felt it best that we match them. Though we had to adapt to the added weight and minimal constriction of these fatigues, it did not prove to hold us back. We came out with fire, something one would normally associate with the other side, something we had been longing for just months ago. Every shot counted, every man fulfilled his duty, and the battle ended with the other licking its wounds and seeking refuge in the thickets. The opposing general, Lebron James, scoffed at the idea of adding flair to his uniform, saying it surely affected his ability to lead, but our youngest sergeant, <span>Austin Daye</span>, did not share Mr. James' problems, impressing our troop with his unparalleled accuracy. Like helium breathing new life into a limp, rubber balloon, we feel our strength grow by the day. ~ <i>Timothy</i></p>
<p><i>March 14, 2014 - San Antonio, Texas</i></p>
<p>There is not much to say at this point in our journey. We are simply marching with the confidence that our position is unparalleled, even in such a crowded war. But I thought it best to remind myself that things could have gone another way. Today we faced a team that dressed in the uniforms of a former giant but could only muster the force of an infant. It was downright embarrassing to watch, and for the first time in as long as my aging mind can recall, there was a sense of guilt when it came time to put this animal down. There were days when the very sight of gold and violet brought tremors to my brain, but now it brings only quiet introspection and deep gratitude. I have never known the pains of a life lived looking back, a gift I could never hope to repay to the fates. All I can do is pause, reflect, and continue marching ahead. ~ <i>Timothy</i></p>
<p><i>April 2, 2014 - San Antonio, Texas</i></p>
<p> </p>
<p>It would seem that the mud we found ourselves in just months ago has spread throughout this battlefield, as more and more we are encountering troops with recognizable wounds and scars. Just a few nights ago, we fought against a once promising battalion that now finds itself looking for answers and cures. Tonight we faced a team without some of its greatest competitors, and though we showed no mercy in our swift and forceful destruction, we did find ourselves reflecting on our journey. We are merely weeks away from the base of the mountain. My beauty, you are no longer a dot on our map or a whispered tale in the mouths of irrational men. You are close. Each step takes us farther from our agonizing separation. Each day brings us closer to a rapturous reunion. And as we gear up for the final climb, we see no one ahead of us. No longer chasing the trails of other squadrons, there is only you and I. One line where there used to be many. If my devotion were an arrow, it would fly true and straight to your heart. There have been whispers that these are among my final battles, but the truth is I have not given this much thought. What consumes my attention and affection is only your beauty. And I am mere weeks away from embracing you once again. Until then, my prize. ~ <i>Timothy</i></p>
<p><a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/2014/4/2/5576792/recap-spurs-rout-warriors-win-19th-straight" target="_blank"><i> </i></a></p>
<p><i><a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/2014/4/2/5576792/recap-spurs-rout-warriors-win-19th-straight" target="_blank">Be sure to read Fred Silva's recap. (It probably makes a lot more sense.)</a></i></p>
<p> </p>
<p><b style="font-size: 1.25em;">QUOTE OF THE NIGHT</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p> "I haven't played that many minutes in forever." <span>- </span><span>Jeff Ayres</span><span> (who played fourteen minutes), describing both his season and Wednesday night's game in the most succinct way possible (via </span><a href="https://twitter.com/Gatrman96/status/451569526040043520" target="_blank" style="text-align: right; background-color: #eeeeee;">@Gatrman96</a><span>)</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<h4><b>GAME MVP</b></h4>
<table style="text-align: center;" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" rowspan="3" width="71">
<p align="center"><img alt="Manu" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/1923207/manu.jpg"><br id="1396532908870"></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" colspan="8" width="567">
<p align="center"><b>EMANUEL DAVID "MANU" GINOBILI</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p align="center"><b>PTS</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p align="center"><b>FGM/FGA</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p align="center"><b>AST</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p align="center"><b>REB</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p align="center"><b>STL</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p align="center"><b>BLK</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p align="center"><b>+/-</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p align="center"><b>MIN</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p align="center">13</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p align="center">4/8</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p align="center">5</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p align="center">6</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p align="center">+21</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p align="center">19:08</p>
<div><br></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>In a game where Jeff Ayres played nearly fifteen minutes, it probably goes without saying that all the cogs in the machine were clicking to perfection. You could hand the game ball to a number of deserving <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Spurs</a>, with strong consideration demanded by <span>Tim Duncan's</span> quiet brilliance, <span>Tony Parker's</span> continued resurgence, and Boris Diaw's half a dozen pratfalls. But after watching this game, there's no denying that Manu Ginobili's line stands alone, a ruthlessly efficient 19 minutes of gluttonous stat filling, with hustle and style to spare. Manu was everywhere, dishing his trademark impossible passes and contorting to the lane for acrobatic takes. His transformation to wily vet is now complete, as he leaves a trail of drawn charges and nutmegged opponents in his wake. One play in particular highlighted what PtR's Travis Hale has called Manu's "stubbornness." As the second quarter drew to a close, <span>Kawhi Leonard</span> hoisted a prayer three, and while everyone figured time was going to expire, there was Manu, grabbing the rebound and quickly firing a buzzer-beating floater. They weren't playing 21, but from the dejected faces of the <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Warriors</a> on the court, it sure seemed like Manu knocked them back to zero. His transformation from insane foreigner to wily vet appears to be complete.</p>
<p>(<i>see the play in Chris Itz's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/2014/4/3/5577016/gif-breakdown-spurs-vs-golden-state-warriors">GIF Breakdown</a></i>)</p>
<h4><br></h4>
<h4><b>GAME LVP</b></h4>
<table style="text-align: center;" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" rowspan="3" width="71">
<p align="center"><img alt="Steveblake2" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4233937/SteveBlake2.png"><br id="1396533003844"></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" colspan="8" width="567">
<p align="center"><b>STEVEN HANSON "MMMBOP" BLAKE</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p align="center"><b>PTS</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p align="center"><b>FGM/FGA</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p align="center"><b>AST</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p align="center"><b>REB</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p align="center"><b>STL</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p align="center"><b>TO</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p align="center"><b>+/-</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p align="center"><b>MIN</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p align="center">0/1</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p align="center">3</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p align="center">-9</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p align="center">23:42</p>
<div><br></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>The Warriors only played nine guys, and only two of them were starters. That's probably enough to tell you how the game went for the Warriors against a scorching Spurs team that has been steamrolling everyone the last two months. When you're already down key guys - in this case, <span>Andre Iguodala</span>, <span>Andrew Bogut</span>, and <span>David Lee</span> - the players who do get to play are pushed into bigger roles than they'd normally be, and the opposing defense gets to load up on those overwhelmed players in painful ways. <span>Steve Blake</span> was the recipient of some extra minutes Wednesday night, but he was practically invisible for most of them. I want to excuse it all by saying most of his minutes came when the game was already solidly a blowout, but you would think that would actually increase his chances of posting a good line. In any case, Blake had an abysmal night, the kind that makes you laugh when you're reminded <span>Kobe Bryant</span> was upset to see him traded.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4>ODDS AND ENDS</h4>
<ul>
<li> <span>Jermaine O'Neal was </span><i style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">gassed</i><span>. Dude's pretty advanced in age for a NBA player, and he played nearly 40 minutes last night in Dallas. I didn't hear anything about an injury, so I'm assuming his four minutes of playing time against the Spurs was due primarily to exhaustion.</span> </li>
<li><span>People overrate <span>Harrison Barnes</span>' performance in last year's playoffs, but you can't really blame them. Seeing Barnes stuff his stat sheet posting up Tony Parker was hardly memorable, but he certainly showed flashes of promise throughout that exciting series. Unfortunately, this season has been a rough one for him, and he hasn't performed well when given extended opportunities like the one he got Wednesday night.</span></li>
<li> <span><a href="https://twitter.com/quixem/status/451557672173572099" target="_blank">Project Spurs' Quixem Ramirez</a> broke down Tim Duncan's Per 36 numbers during the streak: </span>18 points, 12.1 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 2.1 blocks, 52.2 FG%, 77.8 FT%. The guy is a robot. Tim Duncan, I mean. Not Quixem. (As far as I know.)</li>
<li>Jeff Ayres dunked. And yelled. It was fun. (Vine, via the Editor, himself. <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/jollyrogerwilco">J.R. Wilco</a>)<iframe frameborder="0" height="600" width="600" src="https://vine.co/v/MelbYeXB7Ax/embed/simple" class="vine-embed"></iframe>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.vine.co/static/scripts/embed.js"></script>
</li>
<li> <span>I've always heard the Pounding the Rock community described as a family, so I thought I'd share some news with you. This is my last scheduled piece here for a bit, as my wife could literally go into labor </span><i style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">any second now</i><span>. I'm hoping to write some during the playoffs, but if I seem a stranger, just know that I'll be missing doing this as I am elbow deep in <a href="https://www.brewhoop.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Milwaukee Bucks</a>.</span> </li>
</ul>
<h4><b>BY THE NUMBERS</b></h4>
<ul>
<li><span><b>20</b>: Re <a href="https://twitter.com/spurs/status/451572995752861696" target="_blank">@Spurs</a>, division titles won by the Spurs since they joined the league in the 1976-1977 season. Yep, you guessed it. That's the most in the NBA during that span.</span></li>
<li><span><b>5</b>: Wins needed for the Spurs to clinch homecourt throughout the playoffs.</span></li>
<li> <span><b>3</b>: Starters the Warriors were missing. I know you </span><i style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">think </i><span>Austin Daye, <span>Aron Baynes</span>, and <span>Matt Bonner</span> sitting cancels that out, but this was really a very, very unfair fight. </span><a style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" href="https://twitter.com/PaulGarciaPS/status/451551299616530432" target="_blank">Pop said as much</a><span> after the game.</span> </li>
<li> <b>6th</b>: Where the Spurs' current streak stands among the NBA's greatest regular season streaks. </li>
</ul>
<h4><b>BIRD IS THE WORD</b></h4>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>This is a perfect tweet. RT <a href="https://twitter.com/PaulGarciaPS">@PaulGarciaPS</a> "No," said Pop when asked if winning Coach of the Month means anything significant to him.</p>
— Caleb Saenz (@calebjsaenz) <a href="https://twitter.com/calebjsaenz/statuses/451494868460658688">April 2, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>It's also <span>Mark Jackson</span> hyperbole night: Called Klay "best two-way shooting guard in the game" and J O'Neal "an all-time great."</p>
— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/JMcDonald_SAEN/statuses/451523412356132866">April 3, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>From a basketball fundamentals angle, Tim Duncan's midrange J is like a tooth gap on a supermodel. Ugly on anyone else, yet strangely hot.</p>
— Steve McPherson (@steventurous) <a href="https://twitter.com/steventurous/statuses/451539686537068544">April 3, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Divisional titles. As valuable as used toilet paper.</p>
— Gregory Popovich (@FakeCoachPop) <a href="https://twitter.com/FakeCoachPop/statuses/451540529717587969">April 3, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>If Grantland redid the watch ability rankings...where would these two teams be currently?</p>
— Jesse Blanchard (@blanchardJRB) <a href="https://twitter.com/blanchardJRB/statuses/451546219311923200">April 3, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>THIS IS THE GREATEST SPURS GIF EVER: <a href="http://t.co/eWiXFJOh5o">http://t.co/eWiXFJOh5o</a> (via <a href="https://twitter.com/raedcabello">@raedcabello</a>)</p>
— Caleb Saenz (@calebjsaenz) <a href="https://twitter.com/calebjsaenz/statuses/451560185429893120">April 3, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<h4><br></h4>
<h4><b>THE GAME IN SONG</b></h4>
<p>"There's a place up ahead and I'm goin' / Just as fast as my feet can fly / Come away, come away if you're goin' / Leave the sinkin' ship behind"</p>
<p> </p>
<p>- from Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Up Around the Bend"</p>
<p> <iframe width="640" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/34P18at0Q7s" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<h4><br></h4>
<h4>GOING FORWARD...</h4>
<p>The Spurs need to... I don't know, not get hurt? I'm at a loss here. They're killing just about every statistical category imaginable right now. Pop might rest everybody tonight against the <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Thunder</a>, and it wouldn't really matter that much in the grand scheme of things. That's how deep this teams's roll is at the moment. It's downright silly.</p>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3604021/nextclicks.css"></p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2014/4/3/5577772/morning-rehash-san-antonio-spurs-golden-state-warriors-up-around-the-bendcalebjsaenz2014-04-03T08:00:21-05:002014-04-03T08:00:21-05:00GIF Breakdown: Spurs vs. Golden State Warriors
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vw3_x5tgmiJhUMR-ktCMBfioiLE=/0x266:4000x2933/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/31073585/20140331_ads_bl4_151.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Spurs took care of the shorthanded Dubs on Wednesday night, which makes it 31st straight times the Spurs have beaten Golden State in San Antonio during the regular season. The good guys also pushed their current win streak to 19, which is tied for the sixth longest streak in NBA history. </p> <p><span>Sometimes it's almost effortless for the longtime duo of Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, and we'll begin</span> this breakdown with a hookup from the two longest tenured teammates in the league. <span>Tony Parker</span> attacks the Warriors by driving into the paint, stopping, and then faking <span>Draymond Green</span> about four feet out of the play. Since Green is gone, Jermaine O'Neal has to step into the lane to challenge what would be Tony's shot attempt and leaves Tim all by his lonesome. Tony makes a no-sweat pass that leads to a Duncan flush. <span>Jeff Ayres</span> and <span>Patty Mills</span> are still working on their synchronized <i>Slapper</i>.</p>
<p><img alt="1_tony_to_timmy" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4232919/1_Tony_to_Timmy.gif"><br id="1396505371046"></p>
<p>I love watching the classic Duncan go to work. Here he sizes up <span>Marreese Speights</span>, measures the shot, and hits <i>another </i>banker. It's a dying shot, and a lot more difficult than it looks, but Tim achieved bank-artist stature long ago and continues to use it to great effect. The Big Fundamental had it going early on and he scored 12 points in the first quarter, taking full advantage of the Bogut-less Warriors. I'm not including <span>David Lee</span>, who was also out, because he's David Lee.</p>
<p><img src="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4232921/2_tim_banker.gif" class="photo" alt="2_tim_banker"><br id="1396506144051"></p>
<p>This may not be a true Kawhi coast-to-coast joint, but it's still a lot of fun. Whi picks off Stephen Curry's pass and heads down the court with just <span>Curry</span> between him and the basket while Tony speeds down the middle of the floor to join the fun. Leonard hits TP with a nice bounce-pass and Tony fakes back to Whi before finishing the break with an easy layup.</p>
<p><img src="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4232983/3_tony_whi_FB.gif" class="photo" alt="3_tony_whi_fb"><br id="1396506257487"></p>
<p>In this GIF we see Klay Thompson chase Tony Parker around <span>Kawhi Leonard</span> as the Tony gets the ball. <span>Klay Thompson</span> does a fine job of staying with Parker, but Tony draws in the defense and Draymond Green makes the mistake of trying to poke the ball away from TP which frees Kawhi to go backdoor. Tony hits the cutting Whi and Leonard throws down an easy dunk.</p>
<p><img src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4232993/4_tony_to_whi.gif" class="photo" alt="4_tony_to_whi"><br id="1396506382965"></p>
<p>The Warriors are a good defensive team (currently fourth in defensive efficiency,) but they were without their two best defenders on Wednesday night, okay maybe two of their three depending on where you put Klay Thompson. It doesn't really matter, because the Dubs were completely lost on this play.</p>
<p>Tony passes to Kawhi at the left wing and Golden State overloads the strong side. Parker moves to the right wing and the entire Warriors squad completely forgets about Manu Ginobili. Perhaps the wiliest Spur of all sees this and cuts along the baseline as Whi enters the ball to <span>Boris Diaw</span> at the elbow. The big Frenchman turns and finds our beloved Argentine wide open under the basket, and Gino eschews the dunk attempt and goes with a reasonable, and just as effective, layup. Thanks Manu!</p>
<p><img src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4232995/5_manu_cut_and_finish.gif" class="photo" alt="5_manu_cut_and_finish"><br id="1396508080868"></p>
<p>We've done it a lot this season, but let's check out the good guys in transition one more time.</p>
<p>After Tiago Splitter makes a nice defensive play the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">Spurs</a> gain possession and <span>Marco Belinelli</span> pushes the ball to halfcourt before sending the ball to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/pages/ptr-lexicon#manuginobili">The Manu</a>. The OG Manu takes one dribble as <a target="_blank" href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/pages/ptr-lexicon#pgh/192/20360.25">MIT</a>, who couldn't have possibly been a better fit for this squad, hits another gear on the way to the rack. Gino hits Beli with one of his perfectly placed stop-and-sling-bounce-passes and Marco has no problem getting this easy one to go. The Spurs sure did get a bunch of easy points in this contest.</p>
<p><img src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4232991/6_manu_to_marco.gif" class="photo" alt="6_manu_to_marco"><br id="1396508159810"></p>
<p>I am totally in love with Belinelli's ability to make a cut at just the right moment. His feel for the game is absolutely incredible and playing with a group of guys that share the ball and have a sense of timing has turned him into quite the weapon, and not just because he can shoot. There are few guys in the league that have the basketball IQ that Boris has and after he gets the ball from Kawhi he turns and finds Marco a step from a layup. Bobo, who you've probably noticed making routine beauty happen with his passing, makes a nonchalant pass to Rocky and it's another easy two for the good guys. This is probably my favorite play from the game. It's elegant in that it's so simple. Not much motion and no nice ball movement in this one. It's just fantastic timing and chemistry. Stunning.</p>
<p><img src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4233115/7_marco_cut.gif" class="photo" alt="7_marco_cut"><br id="1396508215695"></p>
<p>Kawhi and Tony are quite the team in transition. This one sees TP pushing down the middle of the court as Kawhi runs the sideline. The Dubs forget about the left flank and Whi and Tony make them pay as they connect and Whi gets the hoop-and-harm. Golden State didn't have any quit in them and made a couple of runs to keep this one interesting, but the Spurs got so many easy points with their team play that this was just another pretty easy win for them.</p>
<p><img src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4233113/8_tony_and_whi_FB2.gif" class="photo" alt="8_tony_and_whi_fb2"><br id="1396508248135"></p>
<p>Here's a play that no doubt made all of the highlight reels. As the first half was coming to a close Leonard launched a triple, which missed, but that wasn't the end of the half. It almost was, but good ol' Ginobili swoops in from behind the arc to grab the carom and he gets the put-back to go as the buzzer sounds.<i> Numero Viente!</i></p>
<p><img src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4233103/9_manu_buzzer.gif" class="photo" alt="9_manu_buzzer"><br id="1396508274973"></p>
<p>Boris Diaw only contributed eight points, but he played a solid all-around game against the Warriors. Here we see him pump fake from near the top of the arc and blow past Green. Draymond was on the wrong end of several highlights in the game. With Green out of the play Diaw needs just a couple dribbles as he makes a strong move to the rack. Speights contests the shot, but the highly-skilled Boris uses the glass and gets the bucket to go for the Spurs. The Spurs have so many guys that can bring the hurt to the opposition, and we'll have to see what guys like Boris, Marco, and Patty can bring in the second season, but the <i>Foreign Legion</i> is definitely going to force the hand of the other guys. There will be no break from San Antonio while the big guns cool down and reload.</p>
<p><img alt="10_bobo" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4233105/10_bobo.gif"><br id="1396508534425"></p>
<p>Let's watch one more from Parker. It seems that the proverbial "switch" has been flipped for The Wee Frenchman, and he's been destroying people in the lane for the past two games.</p>
<p>Here Manu drives from the left side as Parker works out of the corner to give Manu an outlet. Gino gives up the rock and TP moves into the lane before spinning away from Curry and toward the basket. The move is effective and Parker gently puts the ball off of the glass and through the net.</p>
<p><img alt="11_tp_magic" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4233121/11_tp_magic.gif"><br id="1396508576432"></p>
<p>Let's end this edition of GIF Breakdown with a rare defensive play. The Spurs' defense is the best it's been in many years and Danny Green is a big part of that. Sure, Kawhi makes a highlight defensive play just about every game, but Green is always doing his part of the dirty work. He's known as a three point shooter, and he can get as hot as just about anyone in the game, but he's a heck of a stopper. Here we see him put the kibosh on a Curry iso. V3RD3 is all over Stephen in this one, sticking with the dangerous scorer through every move. In the end, Steph is forced to jack up the least efficient shot in the game, an exceptionally long two, and he misses badly.</p>
<p><img src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4233383/12_danny_D.gif" class="photo" alt="12_danny_d"><br id="1396513979827"></p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2014/4/3/5577016/gif-breakdown-spurs-vs-golden-state-warriorsChris Itz2014-04-03T06:00:05-05:002014-04-03T06:00:05-05:00Spurs Infographic: Spurs vs. Warriors
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/j1bdtyp1E_Jmf2eOhG_QRMVSYOM=/0x754:2867x2665/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/31072473/20140322_jla_se9_837.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Spurs notched number 19 in a row and made it look easy. Here is your latest infographic from San Antonio's win against the Warriors.</p> <p><a href="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4234965/05_02_14_Warriors.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4234965/05_02_14_Warriors.png" class="photo" alt="05_02_14_warriors"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://popcornmachine.net/cgi-bin/gameflow.cgi?date=20140402&game=GSWSAS">Game Flow</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/shotchart?gameId=400489996">Shot Chart</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/standings/team_record_comparison/conferenceNew_Std_Cnf.html?ls=iref:nba:gnav">NBA Standings:</a> The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">Spurs</a> head into the matchup with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Thunder</a> up 4 games on them.</p>
<p>When asked if he's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/spurs/video/2014/04/02/140402leonardmov-3223538">looking forward to going from guarding</a> <span>Stephen Curry</span> to <span>Kevin Durant</span>, <span>Kawhi Leonard</span> said "I always look forward to playing a good team. It's going to be a challenge coming out tomorrow night and getting the win."</p>
<p><span>Boris Diaw</span> was asked if Popovich <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/spurs/video/2014/04/02/140402diawmov-3223535">has said the words "winning streak" once</a> over the past 19 games, to which he responded: "Um, no. I don't think he has."</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/spurs/video/2014/04/02/140402popmov-3223539">When asked about pushing the pace</a> against the Warriors, Popovich responded, "It wasn't a fair fight. It's late in the season, it was the second night of a back to back, and they had three important guys out."</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://projectspurs.com/2014-articles/inside-the-victory-spurs-111-warriors-90-clinch-sw-division-19-straight-wins.html">Paul Garcia, of Project Spurs</a>, noticed that the Spurs appeared to dare <span>Harrison Barnes</span> to shoot and the move paid off.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.48minutesofhell.com/spurs-warriors-tim-duncan-tony-parker">In 48MoH's recap, Trevor Zickgraf</a> writes that it was the Warriors' lack of interior size that continued to aid the Spurs in the first half.</p>
<p>You've probably seen the graphic already, but if not, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2014/4/2/5574006/tim-duncan-is-better-than-most-teams-have-been-since-1946">here's how ridiculously lucky we are</a> to have <span>Tim Duncan</span> on the Spurs.</p>
<p>Bleacher Report's Ric Bucher explains in a video <a target="_blank" href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2013826-ric-bucher-on-why-no-one-believes-the-san-antonio-spurs-can-win-it-all?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=san-antonio-spurs">why no none believes the Spurs</a> can win it all this year. CAUTION: He mentions last year's Finals...</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2014/04/01/espn-panels-rates-spurs-front-office-no-1/">Hey, ESPN got something right!</a> They ranked the Spurs' front office as the number one front office in the NBA.</p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2014/4/3/5577164/spurs-infographic-spurs-vs-warriorsStephen Shepperd2014-04-02T22:50:00-05:002014-04-02T22:50:00-05:00Recap: Spurs rout yet again, win 19th straight
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nMBCB0S7lmTrSXAG5oGSNodMEHQ=/27x0:3972x2630/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/31068661/20140331_ads_bl4_152.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Spurs put the Warriors away with a late third quarter surge to win their 19th straight game. </p> <p>Wednesday night, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Golden State Warriors</a> came to San Antonio hoping to put a stop to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">Spurs</a>' ridiculous win streak. The Spurs came in winners of their last 18 in a row and were looking to increase their lead on the overall number one seed to ensure home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. The Warriors, meanwhile, were fighting for their playoffs lives. One team out of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/">Mavericks</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Suns</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/">Grizzlies</a> and Warriors will be on the outside looking in once the playoffs commence. It will be a shame because all of those teams have had nice seasons, although none of their performances can touch what the Spurs have accomplished.</p>
<p>The Warriors were on a SEGABABA after defeating the Mavericks with a Steph Curry game-winner in overtime the previous night. The Spurs blew out the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.indycornrows.com/">Indiana Pacers</a> in their last outing and have been generally well rested, even though this was their fourth game in six nights, because their recent margins of victory have allowed Popovich to manage his stars' minutes. The Spurs were without <span>Aron Baynes</span>, <span>Matt Bonner</span> and <span>Austin Daye</span> tonight while <span>Andre Iguodala</span>, <span>Andrew Bogut</span> and <span>David Lee</span> all sat out with injuries for the Warriors. Obviously, the Spurs are fairly healthy and the Warriors are not.</p>
<p>The game began with a thud for the Spurs. Tim turned it over on their first possession and missed a wide open shot on the next. He did that thing where he stares at the rim until it gets uncomfortable for everyone watching before finally taking the shot. I hate it when he does that. The Warriors scored on their first two shots and so Popovich stopped the action 69 seconds into the game, down 4-0.</p>
<p>Pop's message must have been received during the timeout, because the Spurs streaked through the rest of the first. It was more of the same that we've grown accustomed to, except at what seemed like a slightly faster pace. Understanding that this was a SEGABABA for the Warriors, the Spurs pushed the ball at every opportunity. In the first quarter, the Spurs recorded nine assists on 13 made field goals, shot 54% from the field and finished with a 31-18 lead. You know, more of the same.</p>
<p>The Spurs spent the second quarter giving the Warriors opportunities to quit, but the Warriors were intent upon keeping it close. Each time the Spurs went on a run, the Warriors answered. It was highly disappointing. Towards the end of the second, the Spurs increased their lead to 17 only to have <span>Klay Thompson</span> and <span>Jordan Crawford</span> hit back-to-back threes. It's just the way things went.</p>
<p>With their lead dwindling to just nine points as the half came to a close, it seemed like the Spurs were going to allow the Warriors to enter intermission with a manageable deficit and the game's momentum. But then the Spurs executed a 2 for 1 to perfection. Tony hit a sweet jumper leaving a perfect 32 seconds on the clock. <span>Draymond Green</span> missed a contested three and the Spurs milked the clock for the last shot. Tony drove into the paint, kicked it to Diaw, who made the extra pass to Kawhi. Though Leonard missed the three, Manu came out of nowhere for the buzzer-beating put-back from about 7 feet. And just like that, the Spurs took a 15 point lead into the half and the Warriors finally seemed tired after the demoralizing finish.</p>
<p>The Spurs began the third strong and it again seemed like the Warriors could take the easy way out, but they didn't. San Antonio pushed its lead to 18, but once again the Warriors fought back and cut the lead all the way down to seven points, 74-67, with four minutes remaining. Klay Thompson was making everything tonight, and the Spurs found it difficult to contain the Splash Brothers. When those two are making shots, the Warriors are not an easy team to put away. However, the Warriors would not score a single point for the rest of the quarter, and the Spurs went on a game-clinching 13-0 run to end the third.</p>
<p>Up 20 to begin the fourth, the Spurs immediately increased their lead to 25 and the Warriors finally threw in the towel. The Spurs once again cruised to victory, 111-90, to win their 19th consecutive game. This was the Spurs' eighth victory by 20 or more points during the streak. They are now tied for the sixth longest regular season winning streak in NBA history.</p>
<p>Next up, the Spurs will play the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Thunder</a> in OKC tomorrow night. It will be the Spurs' fifth game in seven nights. Now, this has been a scheduled loss all season, but Popovich was once again able to give his guys game-time rest. Tony, Tim and Manu played just 28, 20 and 19 minutes, respectively. As much as I'm sure that Popovich would love to end this streak by sitting everyone, I do not think the players are going to let it happen. We've seen each one of them successfully argue their way into games that Popovich had initially planned on keeping them out of. I think the players are going to kick and scream until Pop agrees to play them tomorrow.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Quick Notes</h3>
<ul>
<li><span><span>Kawhi Leonard</span> continued his stellar play finishing with 11 points, 4 rebounds, 4 steals and an assist in 29 minutes. He's been the Spurs' most improved player since the All Star break, which is strange considering he wasn't exactly having a bad year. He's just been that much better than good, recently. </span></li>
<li><span>I think <span>Tony Parker</span> is enjoying the option of turning it off and on. In previous seasons, the Spurs needed Tony to be an All Star every time he stepped on the court. This year? He can coast through the many blow outs, rest his legs and show up for the important ones. He led the balanced Spurs with 18 points and 8 assists.</span></li>
<li><span><span>Boris Diaw</span> was solid, as he's been all year. He started tonight, most likely to matchup with the Warriors' undersized squad, (David Lee and Andrew Bogut were out tonight with injuries). He finished with 8 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds.</span></li>
<li><span><span>Tim Duncan</span> finished with 18 points and 8 boards in just 20 minutes. You had the sense that if needed, he would have had an absolute monster of a game. But the Spurs controlled most of it and put the Warriors away in the third, so Tim didn't get a ton of playing time.</span></li>
<li> <span>I'll leave you with the graphic just below. The Spurs are killing Vegas. This just shows the last 10 games, but it's been orange throughout the streak. The Spurs were favored by 9.5 tonight. Make that one orange as well. Vegas, like the NBA, doesn't know how to account for these streaking Spurs. 19 in a row! These games aren't even close!</span><span><img src="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4232447/Lines_Covered.jpg" class="photo" alt="Lines_covered"></span> </li>
<link href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3604021/nextclicks.css" rel="stylesheet">
</ul>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2014/4/2/5576792/recap-spurs-rout-warriors-win-19th-straightFred Silva2014-04-02T21:38:24-05:002014-04-02T21:38:24-05:00Final Score: Spurs drub Dubs, 111-90
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/P9pj9dldnVwHXhLSuzlyoIMdrY4=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/31067221/20140326_mjm_ai1_154.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Spurs won their 19th-straight game as they easily handled the Golden State Warriors at the AT&T Center. Tim Duncan was great early and Tony Parker was dazzling for the second game in a row. When do the playoffs start?</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Spurs</a> are easily playing the best basketball in the league right now, and the <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Warriors</a> were without the services of <span>Andrew Bogut</span>, <span>David Lee</span>, or Andre Iguadala. Plus, Golden State played the <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Mavericks</a> last night in a game that went down to the wire in overtime. So this wasn't exactly a fair fight.</p>
<p>The Spurs put on a clinic in the first quarter. They scored in the 30s and the Warriors were stuck in the teens. Golden State made a run with a couple of threes and a dunk to trim the Spurs' advantage to nine, but the Spurs finished the half on a 6-0 run to push their lead to 15 going into the half, 57-42.</p>
<p>Golden State found some success on the offensive end in the third quarter. They put up 25 points in just seven and a half minutes.That cut San Antonio's lead from 19 to 7, and with four and a half minutes left in the third quarter, it was 74-67. but the Spurs responded by going on a 13-0 run through the rest of the quarter.</p>
<p>With a comfortable but not insurmountable lead, Popovich left Manu in the game until the Spurs scored five more to take a 92-67 lead with a little over 10 minutes left in the game. Effectively trash time from there and the Spurs' bench kept the lead out of reach which gave the veterans some rest so they can maybe go tomorrow night in Oklahoma City.</p>
<p>That will be the fifth game in seven nights for the good guys, so it wouldn't be surprising to see Pop elect to give some guys some rest. And to maybe lose a game.</p>
<p>Your Spurs improve their record to 59-16, which continues to lead the league. This is a special team. Soak it up. Go Spurs!</p>
<h4>Gregg Popovich postgame:</h4>
<p>Reporter: <i>What chance do you think that the Spurs have of winning the NBA Championship this year?</i></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Popovich: Well, I think we're one of several teams that has an opportunity to do that, and if we play well enough, we'll have our chances.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Reporter: <i>Have you determined your personnel for tomorrow night [against OKC]?</i></p>
<blockquote>
<p>No.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Another reporter: <i>We hear about the physical toll these back-to-backs can take on these players; what chance do you think that one or more of the big three will rest tomorrow?</i></p>
<blockquote>
<p>I don't want to speculate on that sort of thing. And we talk about that internally...I'm not going to discuss it in a group.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Reporter: <i>Talk about how the team responded when the Warriors closed it to seven?</i></p>
<blockquote>
<p>They're pros. They just kept playing and tried to be solid. There are going to be runs in a 48 minute NBA game with all the possessions. You're not going to usually keep a lead like that. They made a run and we responded well.</p>
</blockquote>
<h4>Observations:</h4>
<ul>
<li><span><span>Tony Parker</span> was great in his 28 minutes. He finished with 18 points and 8 assists. Most fun to see: Tony slicing and dicing for the second game in a row. It looks like he's starting to round into form at just the right time. </span></li>
<li><span>Timmy had a monster first quarter as he took advantage of the Warriors missing Bogut. He had fifteen points in the game, and 12 of them came in the first. Best part of Tim's game? He only played 20 minutes. Maybe the Spurs will go for 20 in a row tomorrow night and see where they stand with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Thunder</a>. If the Spurs pull that one out they'll be up four games in the loss column on OKC, though the Thunder own the tiebreaker. </span></li>
<li><span>The Spurs tallied 29 assists and shot 53% from the field. That's absolutely great, but the Dubs were missing Bogut and Iggy. You can only play the guys that are on the floor, and the good guys made it look easy out there tonight. </span></li>
<li><span><span>Klay Thompson</span> shot the ball well when he had the opportunity to, but the Spurs limited him to just eight shots - he hit five. </span></li>
<li><span><span>Stephen Curry</span> did not shoot the ball well. He was a cold 5-of-15 from the field and an icy 1-of-4 from behind the arc. </span></li>
<li><span>The Spurs have now won 31-straight against the Warriors in San Antonio during the regular season. That's pretty crazy. </span></li>
</ul>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2014/4/2/5576624/final-score-spurs-drub-dubsChris Itz2014-04-02T02:00:02-05:002014-04-02T02:00:02-05:00Game Preview: Spurs vs. Warriors
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AxYSNcRRyg1HSuqZnrMTXP8NO0o=/0x0:1000x667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/31013937/20120426_pjc_se9_398.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Cary Emondson-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The San Antonio Spurs try to extend their winning streak to 19 versus the Golden State Warriors.</p> <div style="background-image: url(http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/836193/spurs-background.jpg); height: 300px; border-top-left-radius: 15px; border-top-right-radius: 15px; border-bottom-right-radius: 15px; border-bottom-left-radius: 15px; background-position: 50% -40px;" id="preview-wrapper">
<div style="position: relative; top: 30px; margin: 0px auto; width: 308px; height: 39px;" id="preview-ptr-logo"><a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/836197/pounding-the-rock-logo.png"></a></div>
<div style="position: relative; top: 36px; margin: 0px auto; width: 448px; height: 47px;" id="preview-game-preview"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/836201/game-preview.png"></div>
<div style="font-size: 20px; padding-top: 50px; padding-bottom: 45px; width: 631px; color: white; text-align: center;" id="preview-vs">
<h4><b><a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Antonio Spurs</a> vs. <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Golden State Warriors</a></b></h4>
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX<br>April 2, 2014, 7:30 PM Spurs Time<br>TV: FSSW - RADIO: 1200 AM WOAI</div>
</div>
<p>The Spurs put an exclamation point on a perfect month of March with a dominant road win over the struggling and completely lost <a href="https://www.indycornrows.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Indiana Pacers</a> on Monday night. The win was a clear illustration of what San Antonio has done to teams since the All-Star break; they moved the ball with precision and purpose while playing lights out on defense. On the flip side, the loss magnified Indiana's woes, dropping them percentage points below Miami in the East.</p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3608425/mustreads.css">
<p>San Antonio has now won a franchise-record 18 straight games heading into tonight's contest against Golden State. The Warriors are sitting in sixth place in the Western Conference, but only 2 games away from ninth and missing they playoffs altogether. It's no surprise that rumors have been circling around the potential fate of head coach Mark Jackson. The Warriors were 45-28 on the season and 6-4 in their last 10 games heading into last night's road contest against Dallas.</p>
<p>Although they're known as an offensive team with a backcourt capable of lighting up anyone in the league, Golden State has recently added another threat to their repertoire by becoming one of the better defensive teams in the NBA. The Warriors are eighth in the league in points allowed and are second in total rebounding. That being said, Golden State is still very scary on the offensive end because of the shooting weapons on the floor. The Warriors are 10<sup>th</sup> in the league in scoring and ninth in assists per game. The issue, at least offensively, for Golden State has been depth. The Warriors only have three players - Stephen Curry, <span>David Lee</span> and Klay Thompson - averaging in double figures. Harrison Barnes is fourth on the team in scoring with 9.3 points No one else on the roster averages over eight.</p>
<p>While Curry is known as a three-point specialist, the young point guard knew he had to embrace his role as a distributor this season. He leads the team with 23.7 points per game and is averaging 8.4 assists. He also leads the team with 1.5 steals per game and a PER of 23.6. The Warriors' other scorers, Lee and Thompson, average 18.5 and 18.1 points, respectively. While <span>Andrew Bogut</span> leads the team with 10.1 rebounds per game, he isn't a consistent threat on the offensive side of the ball, averaging less than eight points per game in 26.4 minutes of action.</p>
<p>Earlier in the week the lack of offense hurt Golden State in a loss to the <a href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Knicks</a>. Curry racked up 32 points in 41 minutes on just 21 shots, but received little to no help from his teammates. Lee was out with a strained hamstring and Bogut missed the game due to a pelvis injury. That put all of the scoring pressure on the backcourt and Thompson wasn't hot enough to help carry the Golden State offense. With the depleted starting lineup, even more pressure was put on the reserves who scored a disappointing 13 total points in the loss. What should be even more worrying for Golden State is that Bogut is expected to be out for the game in San Antonio with his injury.</p>
<p>Jermaine O'Neal and <span>Marreese Speights</span> are players who can look competent at times, but both are suited more for bench minutes at this point in their careers. With those two starting, Golden State's bench relies heavily on Barnes and Draymond Green, both whom have disappointed basketball fans from all over the Bay Area this season.</p>
<p>After San Antonio's dominant March, it's hard to envision any team hanging with the Spurs without being at full strength; especially a team that needs to rely so much on outside jumpers to win games. As good as Golden State has surprisingly been on the defensive end, it's safe to say San Antonio has been better offensively over the past month. The ball movement from the Spurs' offense has been utterly legendary during this winning streak and the Warriors have no shot of slowing them down without Andrew Bogut and a full-strength David Lee. San Antonio should make the Warriors victim number 19 tonight.</p>
<table border="0" align="center" width="609" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" style="color: #000000; background-color: #cccccc;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" style="padding-top: 12px;"><center><img src="http://i.cdn.turner.com/nba/nba/.element/img/2.0/sect/gameinfo/teamlogos/SAS.gif"></center></td>
<td colspan="3" style="padding-top: 12px;"><center><img src="http://i.cdn.turner.com/nba/nba/.element/img/2.0/sect/gameinfo/teamlogos/GSW.gif" style="height: 76px; width: 120px;"></center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="3"><center>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 12px;"><b>Lineups</b></div>
<p><b>Starters</b><br><b>PG:</b> <span>Tony Parker</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></p>
<p><b>Key Bench Players</b><br><span>Manu Ginobili</span><br><span>Marco Belinelli</span><br><span>Patty Mills</span></p>
<p><b>Head Coach</b><br><span>Gregg Popovich</span></p>
<b></b> </center></td>
<td colspan="3"><center>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 12px;"><b>Lineups</b></div>
<p><b>Starters</b><br><b>PG:</b> <span>Stephen Curry</span><br><b>SG:</b> <span>Klay Thompson</span><br><b>SF:</b> <span>Andre Iguodala</span><br><b>PF:</b> <span>Draymond Green</span><br><strong>C: </strong>Jermaine O'Neal<br><br><b>Key Bench Players</b><br><span>Harrison Barnes</span><br><span>Steve Blake</span><br><span>Jordan Crawford</span></p>
<p><b>Head Coach</b><br><span>Mark Jackson</span></p>
</center></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; color: #000000; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 16px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"> </p>
<p>Warriors perspective can be found at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Golden State of Mind</a>.</p>
<p>Game Prediction: Spurs by 7.</p>
<p>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>Get your San Antonio Spurs tickets from Daniel Farias with Spurs Sports & Entertainment:</p>
<p>Tel: 210-444-5607 | dfarias@attcenter.com</p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2014/4/2/5572862/game-preview-san-antonio-spurs-vs-golden-state-warriorsMike Craven