SPURS GAME DAY! GAME 80: SPURS VS. BLAZERS, 6-4-2023, 7PM (CT)

Post #1 » by **G R E Y** » Thu Apr 6, 2023 9:09 pm

At long last we embark on the I35 Series, starting with the first of a pair of games in Austin. We go with a next man up mentality which once again gives opportunities to lesser used players to show their games, competitive spirit, and what they've learned throughout the season. Let's see what we've got!

WHERE: Moody Center, Austin, TX

WHEN: Thursday, April 6, 2022, 7pm (CT)

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GO SPURS GO!!!

Post #2 » by **G R E Y** » Thu Apr 6, 2023 9:11 pm

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EDIT to add:

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Post #3 » by **G R E Y** » Thu Apr 6, 2023 9:13 pm

Apparently there will be some surprises as to who will be making an appearance at these games so that'll be exciting to see.

imagump1313 · Post #4 » by **imagump1313** » Thu Apr 6, 2023 11:16 pm

G R E Y wrote:Apparently there will be some surprises as to who will be making an appearance at these games so that'll be exciting to see.

Maybe Rodman will show up?? :lol:

imagump1313 · Post #5 » by **imagump1313** » Fri Apr 7, 2023 1:06 am

One thing I like about Austin...

NO CLOWN SUITS OR CLOWN FLOOR!! :clap:

imagump1313 · Post #6 » by **imagump1313** » Fri Apr 7, 2023 2:20 am

Well Grey, you didn't miss much if you didn't watch. Unless you're there :lol:

Post #7 » by **G R E Y** » Fri Apr 7, 2023 3:32 am

imagump1313 wrote:Well Grey, you didn't miss much if you didn't watch. Unless you're there

I was! Just got home.

GO SPURS GO!!!

Post #8 » by **G R E Y** » Sat Apr 8, 2023 6:28 am

4TH Q: SPURS 129 BLAZERS 127

Well with three starters back, it was closer than I frankly thought it would be even as we competed throughout the game.

Maybe it was the excitement of the new surroundings, some pressure of performing well. But they're pros, long since used to playing in various arenas. Maybe it was the expectations of a W in unique circumstances, this first in a new outreach to expanding our fanbase in a new arena.

Either way, it was effort mixed with too many errors, the kind that riled Pop to now more rare displays of visible anger at our play.

Everyone has been adjusting to a deep rebuild, Pop included, but he did something I don't recall seeing all season - he pulled all five players and replaced them wholesale with the starters.

It took a while, built up with one message after another not having gotten through, until finally, a timeout, a five for five subbing, and an on court lashing of the group that wasn't getting it done.

Diop got a huge earful when he allowed two consecutive baskets in transition with him being the last stop. Pop timeout. Roar.

I recall a game when the Spurs were playing in TO back when there was limited capacity and Devin didn't run the play to completion but instead couldn't resist taking the shot. Pop timeout, "What are you doing? Think!" he pointed to his temples as the yell echoed through a half empty arena.

Well the arena this time was full and loud and you could *still* hear him get after Keita.

But look who then responded well! Keita led us with 25 on super efficient 7-11, 2-4 from 3, and game high 9-10 FTs. He was responsible for over a third of all our FTs, which we were ahead of our opponent in and very efficient, both less usual to our patterns, but a welcome change. We made 25-28 to their 15-18, crucial attempts and makes in a close game.

Though we took 10 extra shots and made four fewer overall, the come from behind win came through not only generating energy and fouls but also from not fouling as much while limiting scoring chances.

Both teams made 10 3s, and we barely won the PITP 72-70 but we won the boards battle by a strong margin, 47-36, including a significant 18-8 on O boards.

Diop grabbed six of them (1 on O), had 4 assists, and 1 steal. He started the season with consistent minutes while Sochan was just getting his feet wet as a pro, then he didn't play for long stretches, and as we went through personnel changes, he got more minutes more consistently. He's started a career high 40 games, one of several career markers he's reached this season, earning praise from Pop for his play in the post-game interview.

Another player in line of Pop's ire was Blake. You could see it building again with his not doing the very thing we were *just* instructed to do in the timeout. Missed passes, over dribbling, not moving to where we should have, having Pop shaking his head, hands slapping sides, walking down the length of the bench talking to the rest of the guys about, I'm guessing, what we ought to be doing instead.

It was often enough that Blake would just go and sit down without looking at Pop but that shirking didn't save him from a face to face on the bench. There was an arm around the shoulder and some laughter later as is the way in instruction and support balance, but Blake's had a longer leash that has shortened considerably with more reps. If you get the playing time, show what you're learning.

He struggled on O once again, and a lot of that has to do with his poor finishing at the rim. On one drive he didn't use the glass at all and missed a bunny, on another he used the glass but without proper angles. This is an inconsistency and a fundamentals aspect of the game he will have to work on over the summer.

You know who uses glass noticeably better? Keldon. His very first basket was a beautiful mid range off the backboard, preceded by some nice off ball movement curling around screens:

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Beautiful.

He struggled mightily from the arc, 1-8, so he went to work inside, though that he managed two midrange attempts for a three-level output is also encouraging. He insisted on playing despite food poisoning, and thank goodness we had his experience and exuberance. He got the crowd and the team going, finishing with 24 on 10-24, 3-3FTs along with 5 boards (1 on O), 4 assists (great!), and a steal.

Last game I mentioned Blake should channel Malaki, and it seems in this game Malaki channeled Blake, making only 1-12, 0-5 from 3, with no FT attempts, the lone starter without any. He did get 3 boards, but he and Blake combined for 1 assist between them in 23 and 17 minutes, respectively. Team involvement needs work.

Tre led us with 10 assists, one of two Spurs with a double double, scoring 18 on 4-11, 1-3 from 3, and a terrific 7-7FTs, with 4 boards (3 on O!), and 1 steal. He was a terrific, assertive, reliable cog that initiated our O and kept us moving not only with passing but directing guys where to go.

He also responded well to Pop's sideline directives to "Go go go!" in pushing the ball up the court and we usually went as Tre did.

Collins had our other double double with 21 and 10 (tied for team high 4 on O), 4 assists, and team high 3 blocks. He was relentless in giving back at least as much as he got, and those blocks were energy game changers getting the crowd behind us all the more with the effort.

Mamu struggled to score but found ways to contribute with bench high 7 boards (4 on O), 1 assist, 2 steals, and 1 block.

Julian led the bench with 25 minutes, being rewarded with playing time because of his standout play and rewarding the team with more terrific output. He was one of five Spurs in double figures, the fourth with at least 20, leading the bench with 24 on 8-14, game high 5-9 from 3, 3-4FTs along 5 boards (2 on O), 1 assist, and 2 steals for a game best +11.

It's funny how a player's minutes belies his impact. Dom played a team low 15 but it felt like he was out there more because of the positive effects just about every time he's on the court. He makes smart plays, knows where to be, has great timing and instincts of when to stay on his feet or jump for a block. He's at 72.2%FTs and if there's anything to that being a predictor of good 3s shooting, hopefully he develops that aspect of his game. For now his and Julian's games complement one another well. He's only 19. Haven't been this excited about a 3.3/3 output player in a while, just in terms of raw tools, BBIQ, poise, and drive.

I'm happy we have Julian (only 21) and Dom and that they are showing more of their games with more playing time now.

As for the arena in Austin, great turnout, and the more intimate setting with a seating arrangement that makes for a louder resonance and really good sightlines was a good experience. A lady in front of me kept taking selfies, amd another fan kept scanning the front rows with the zoom feature on her phone. Weird.

Also, fans kept going and coming from their seats throughout the game, not bothering to wait for a stoppage in play. I got a quad workout in with all the standing up for people who kept needing to get snacks or drinks. It's the most movement I've ever done and that's including all games and concerts. Moody didn't have concessions sellers going up and down aisles selling treats though it has a good if pricey variety of options in the arena. These tend to draw people out of their seats a lot. Still, the support for the team was really good, willing us to come back. That energy fed the team, and I think long term it's a good first, encouraging step and sign for PATFO for those expansion of the fanbase plans.

For now, the enthusiasm, age range, cultural variety, and support were good to see and fun to be a part of. Pop and the guys spoke about the new experience with enthusiasm as well, so the mutual interest is there. You want to put on a good show for those who came to support you, and especially in the first of it's kind game. I like the initiative, the effort, and the result on and off the court, the idea and it's realization. Building steps. On to the next one!