Game Thread: Golden State @ San Antonio (March 19)

[Montalban]

Down three of their best players, Golden State played the Spurs very tough. Both of the GS Centers being out allowed San Antonio to focus outside on Curry and Thompson and they did a good job on those two. But with Bogut, Ezili and Iguodala in there San Antonio would not have controlled the glass the way they did or have been able to focus on the D outside so much.

It'll be a different story in a couple of weeks when the teams meet in Oakland if GS has its players back,

 

[Montalban]

For some reason, this game doesn't excite me.

Me neither. Golden State is missing three of its best players and is on the second day of a back to back.

 

[bksballer89]

Its just hilarious that the Warriors fans are using the injury excuse but last year in the playoffs, the Cavs fans were not allowed to dare bring up that their 2nd and 3rd best players were out. Memphis fans weren't allowed to bring up the Conley injuries. Earlier this year Spurs fans were not allowed to bring up the Duncan injury. You guys are full of shit

 

[msgkings322]

Draymond Green had a rough weekend....first Michigan State goes down hard (he's a big time fan), then this tough loss.

 

[msgkings322]

Its just hilarious that the Warriors fans are using the injury excuse but last year in the playoffs, the Cavs fans were not allowed to dare bring up that their 2nd and 3rd best players were out. Memphis fans weren't allowed to bring up the Conley injuries. Earlier this year Spurs fans were not allowed to bring up the Duncan injury. You guys are full of shit

Don't be mad, Heat fan. You are imagining things.

 

[HammerDown]

 

[gordontrue]

Going into these last 3 games... I figured Pop's strategy would be to not show any of his cards and to not give any fucks about whether his team wins or not. That's just his usual MO.

But I wonder if he isn't taking a different approach. What if his angle his to do his best NOW to play the Warriors as tough as possible and hopefully win 2-3 of the games to gain a psychological edge for the playoff series? Especially with the 3 games happening right before the playoffs and with the Warriors missing key players... he might see an opportunity to strike now and try to gain the upper hand from a confidence perspective??

IF the Spurs win these final 3 matchups with the Warriors (a HUGE, monumental IF).... imagine the chatter going into a Spurs-Warriors series. Especially since the 3 games will likely have contributed to the Warriors missing out on the all-time record. All the talk will be about how the Spurs and Pop have their number and the Warriors would have so much pressure on them.

 

[trojanfan12]

Going into these last 3 games... I figured Pop's strategy would be to not show any of his cards and to not give any fucks about whether his team wins or not. That's just his usual MO.

But I wonder if he isn't taking a different approach. What if his angle his to do his best NOW to play the Warriors as tough as possible and hopefully win 2-3 of the games to gain a psychological edge for the playoff series? Especially with the 3 games happening right before the playoffs and with the Warriors missing key players... he might see an opportunity to strike now and try to gain the upper hand from a confidence perspective??

IF the Spurs win these final 3 matchups with the Warriors (a HUGE, monumental IF).... imagine the chatter going into a Spurs-Warriors series. Especially since the 3 games will likely have contributed to the Warriors missing out on the all-time record. All the talk will be about how the Spurs and Pop have their number and the Warriors would have so much pressure on them.

Makes sense. I could definitely see Pop deciding to play the full roster vs. GSW and resting his starters in other games. Pop also could decide to play them more than usual down the stretch because of Aldridge. When he was interviewed after the game, Aldridge said it's taken awhile, but he is finally starting to feel completely comfortable in their system. He may play the starters more to keep that continuity going into the playoffs.

Kind of scary to think that they've put together the record they have while Aldridge was trying to get used to their system and team.

 

[Mecca]

Me neither. Golden State is missing three of its best players and is on the second day of a back to back.

I know it's a rare occurrence this year. But, you guys lost...it happens.

You guys spanked them the first game, they beat you this time.

No excuses.

No Team in the NBA has a PRAYER of beating the Warriors...

Except the Spurs.

 

[bksballer89]

I know it's a rare occurrence this year. But, you guys lost...it happens.

You guys spanked them the first game, they beat you this time.

No excuses.

No Team in the NBA has a PRAYER of beating the Warriors...

Except the Spurs.

Talk about refusing to give their opponent any credit? My god the excuses from warriors fans why they didn't win is hilarious. Just accept defeat and move on.

 

[Shanemansj13]

But last year when Cavs fans brought up injuries it was an issue right?

Warrior fans can play that card bc they won it all lol. But I guess it doesn't matter till the playoffs anyway.

 

[Shanemansj13]

Down three of their best players, Golden State played the Spurs very tough. Both of the GS Centers being out allowed San Antonio to focus outside on Curry and Thompson and they did a good job on those two. But with Bogut, Ezili and Iguodala in there San Antonio would not have controlled the glass the way they did or have been able to focus on the D outside so much.

It'll be a different story in a couple of weeks when the teams meet in Oakland if GS has its players back,

I would think the focus would be on those two all the time. Plus Bogut or Ezeli aren't really a threat scoring wise, but they do provide defense and rebounding, so there's that.

 

[CitySushi]

I haven't read any of the posts in this thread, but just like to give my 2 cents:

The Spurs played fantastic defense on the Warriors. They forced Curry to play hands down his worst game of the year. They also were able to limit the Warriors fast break opportunities and make the Warriors play at the Spurs pace.

On the flip side, the Warriors were without Iguodala, Bogut and Ezeli (3 of their best defenders) and still managed to keep the Spurs to 87 points in their own building. They routinely went small, but were able to hold their own defensively. That's a great sign going forward.

The Spurs lost in GS, without Duncan and were forced to play the Warriors game. The Warriors lost in SA, without Iguodala, Bogut and Ezeli, and forced to play the Spurs game. Ignoring injuries to both teams would be doing a disservice to the greatness of both teams.

There isn't going to be a true x-factor for either teams, player-wise. The team that is going to win a 7-game series between the Warriors and Spurs is going to be the team that forces the opposing team to match their style of play. If the Spurs are able to engage the Warriors in a defensive battle, the advantage lies with them. If the Warriors are able to keep pace and a free flowing game, the Warriors hold the edge.

Anyone else who says otherwise to the above is either making excuses or just generally unaware of how great both of these teams are.

 

[purguy12]

I really like Spurs chances. GS is still the Fav but Spurs are right there. I think Spurs might be a more complete team then GS.

 

[LAD]

If I'm a spurs fan I'm a little worried.

Yes, Saturdays' game could've went either way-that's how close it was throughout. And, for GS to be without their top 2 big men that's a positive for them.

 

[LAD]

It was glaring all the offensive rebounds we allowed, or maybe I was just paying too much attention to it because I knew Bogut was out. Spurs just outplayed us and we couldn't make a shot to save our lives. Some of it was Spurs defense, but many were just plain misses.

I totally agree. They tend to get lazy on the glass & this time it came back to bite them. But again, 2 of their big men were out and that IMO makes a bit of a difference too.

Now if Steph & Klay don't have arguably one of their worst shooting nights from the 3 line then that game might have ended differently. Of course some of that has to be credited to the Spurs' defense, but they also missed wide open shots. Those have to fall for them when they're limited to good looks.

 

[Montalban]

I know it's a rare occurrence this year. But, you guys lost...it happens.

You guys spanked them the first game, they beat you this time.

No excuses.

No Team in the NBA has a PRAYER of beating the Warriors...

Except the Spurs.

We'll see, but if it was this tough beating the Dubs missing three of their best players, I don't see them beating the Dubs 4 times when they are healthy.

 

[Montalban]

I would think the focus would be on those two all the time. Plus Bogut or Ezeli aren't really a threat scoring wise, but they do provide defense and rebounding, so there's that.

They'd be grabbing offensive rebounds and put backs plus preventing S.A. from all the offensive rebounds they got on their end. I may be wrong, but I think it will be a different story in Oakland next week if the Warriors are healthy.

 

[LAD]

Harrison Barnes is getting very frustrating to watch. I'm starting to think it's a good thing that he didn't sign the extension. Draymond with all the turnovers and poor shooting is also getting tough to watch.

I seriously think everything happens for a reason in regards to Barnes passing on that extension. I find it hard to believe he will be offered a better deal if he doesn't get his game back. Letting him go could be an opportunity for GS to find a true PF. That would allow them to play Steph & Klay in the backcourt & Dray @ the 3. I think Dray will excel in that role because he wouldn't have to work quite as hard on defense as he does when he's guarding 4's & 5's. But, they would have to get someone who can be a threat in their own right-someone who knows his game and plays that way rather than someone who will try to change his game to keep up with the backcourt.

 

[LAD]

The Dubs missing Bogut, Ezeli...and mostly Iguodala was the main reason the sperms were able to win it....

All good.....GS still on track for 73.


Payback's gonna be a bitch, St. Anthony.

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