Game Thread Playoffs Round 2, Game 1: Spurs vs Timberwolves (0-0) (Mon 05/04/2026) [8:30 CDT]

[Kick-Stand]

He did that like 15 times and the problem is he’s asking for the ball like 10 feet inside the three, but they are just shoving him out there.

IDK seemed like he was happy to camp at the three point line most of the night, I'd be surprised if he was posting at the elbow 15x tonight. I remember in the NBA Cup game against Houston they'd set Victor up on the low block and then he'd run to the FT line or one of the elbows for the catch and the guards would get him the ball quickly and then there would be nothing Houston could do. Feel like that play needs to be a late game staple when the team needs a bucket as Fox isn't proving to be very trustworthy there and Harper is probably a couple of years away from being that man to close out a game.

 

[NotRobDiaz21]

Saying we're playing with house money, we're not supposed to be here etc etc is a copout tbh. We're the 2 seed for a reason. Losing in the 2nd round (with home court) to a team with an injured star and missing 2 key players would be an embarrassing and pathetic way to go out tbh

 

[Wemby_Island]

We will see? Very often in the playoffs when you get that unexpected road win in the opening game, you are a little bit satisfied the next game.

Lets see.

Truely speaking MIN should have sweeped DEN if not refs calling absurd game 1st game.

Always felt these guys are even more bad matchup for us.

But these are the moments that will make wemby GOAT, if he is really wanted it.

I feel even if he wanted it, it might be a season early.

 

[Dbreiden83080]

Saying we're playing with house money, we're not supposed to be here etc etc is a copout tbh. We're the 2 seed for a reason. Losing in the 2nd round (with home court) to a team with an injured star and missing 2 key players would be an embarrassing and pathetic way to go out tbh

Tonight also really dives into that age old argument of rust versus rest. We were rusty as fuck out there.

 

[Spurminator]

Saying we're playing with house money, we're not supposed to be here etc etc is a copout tbh. We're the 2 seed for a reason. Losing in the 2nd round (with home court) to a team with an injured star and missing 2 key players would be an embarrassing and pathetic way to go out tbh

Yeah we're a two seed for several reasons, and those reasons are the people you guys are addicted to shitting on despite the fact that all of them exceeded your expectations from before the season. Just relax. I'm trying to help your mental state.

 

[tearsofmorningdew]

Saying we're playing with house money, we're not supposed to be here etc etc is a copout tbh. We're the 2 seed for a reason. Losing in the 2nd round (with home court) to a team with an injured star and missing 2 key players would be an embarrassing and pathetic way to go out tbh

Yup. The definition of “cuck mentality”

 

[NotRobDiaz21]

Yeah we're a two seed for several reasons, and those reasons are the people you guys are addicted to shitting on despite the fact that all of them exceeded your expectations from before the season. Just relax. I'm trying to help your mental state.

I'm ending it if we lose game 2. JK tbh

 

[Extra Stout]

Doesn’t matter accepting anything less than a ring with this squad is cope. Yeah sure expectations were exceeded but it’s ring or bust from here on out

I’d love to see it happen but I think the only team that has gone from so little playoff experience to an NBA title was the 76-77 Blazers.

 

[MannyIG]

Saying we're playing with house money, we're not supposed to be here etc etc is a copout tbh. We're the 2 seed for a reason. Losing in the 2nd round (with home court) to a team with an injured star and missing 2 key players would be an embarrassing and pathetic way to go out tbh

You're right to an extent, but the nature of the inexperience is that it probably means you lose a series you should win. I think that's just a reality. We'll see though, I still think the Spurs should win this series. I think ultimately I will understand if they fuck it up, but I will be disappointed too. I guess it would depend on how they responded to fucking it up and if they came back stronger next year.

 

[Wemby_Island]

On a contrary, its the 2nd season for Mitch.

If he didn’t show any improvement and not developing players to their true strengths, do we really need to continue him or go with Kerr who can right away win with loaded roster?

 

[Kick-Stand]

I'm ending it if we lose game 2. JK tbh

Can I have your wife and daughter?

 

[WembyFan]

If we go out in the second round we're not close to winning a chip. We'd need to get some new players in the offseason

 

[MannyIG]

Yup. The definition of “cuck mentality”

People who unironically say "cuck mentality" are always so mentally and emotionally well balanced. As evidenced by your posting history, of course.

 

[tearsofmorningdew]

I’d love to see it happen but I think the only team that has gone from so little playoff experience to an NBA title was the 76-77 Blazers.

Then it is what it is, a disappointing season. expectations can rise as the season goes on, these are millionaire professionals that are the best at their craft. I refuse to call it a good outcome if no ring

 

[100%Duncan]

You're right to an extent, but the nature of the inexperience is that it probably means you lose a series you should win. I think that's just a reality. We'll see though, I still think the Spurs should win this series. I think ultimately I will understand if they fuck it up, but I will be disappointed too. I guess it would depend on how they responded to fucking it up and if they came back stronger next year.

Level-headed take tbqh imho fwiw

 

[Dbreiden83080]

If we go out in the second round we're not close to winning a chip. We'd need to get some new players in the offseason

But remember the young guys we have are going to get better. This is not a fully formed squad in terms of the talent.

 

[tearsofmorningdew]

But remember the young guys we have are going to get better. This is not a fully formed squad in terms of the talent.

And we need to keep in mind that some guys are crystallized/known quantities (Fox)……

 

[Spurminator]

If we go out in the second round we're not close to winning a chip. We'd need to get some new players in the offseason

Imagine if OKC had this philosophy.

I wish they did tbh...

 

[WembyFan]

But remember the young guys we have are going to get better. This is not a fully formed squad in terms of the talent.

I guess you're talking about Harper? Sure but i have doubts about Castle taking us to the next level

 

[MannyIG]

If we go out in the second round we're not close to winning a chip. We'd need to get some new players in the offseason

What round did the Spurs lose in 98? What round did they lose in 2002? What about 2004? 2006?

Basically the only time the Spurs didn't lose in the 2nd round before the year they won the title was 2013.

 

[MannyIG]

Imagine if OKC had this philosophy.

Or the Spurs for that matter.

 

[SpurPadre]

How the fuck did the Wolves end up as a 6 seed, by the way?

 

[tearsofmorningdew]

Imagine if OKC had this philosophy.

I wish they did tbh...

Only need your opponents PF to tear his hamstring in the WCF and the finals MVP to rupture his achilles in game 7 of the finals

we’ll never get that fraudulent luck, the type they’ve parlayed into being able to play prison ball on defense and having the best whistle of the 21st century.

 

[Spurminator]

Or the Spurs for that matter.

Yeah I think you may be right about a bunch of newbie bandwagoners who don't understand the NBA playoff roller coaster, maybe French fans?

I welcome them all of course.

 

[amans]

Yep. That is what it felt like to me. I wasn't watching as closely as you did, but I think multiple players were expecting a timeout and it cost them a second or two. Not the time you want to be indecisive.

100%. Watch it again. Harper grabs the rebound with about 8 seconds and immediately looks at coach. Fox and Julian also look at Mitch while standing still. I believe Wemby even. Harper Passes to Wemby and they realize they need to run and Wemby rushes it back to Harper who starts his run with 5 seconds left. 3 seconds wasted. Those are crucial.
I dunno why some think it’s best to run and no timeout, if you wanna run with 8 seconds left anyway 1) Minnesota have 5 guys behind the ball on defense they’re not exactly down a man or lost and scrambling, 2) is 8 seconds really enough to get a great shot off full court? It probably is, but in the playoffs that’s not a risk I take and especially not after they already wasted 3 seconds looking kinda confused. 3) if mitch wanted to run, his players should have been well aware of that.

IMO call the timeout and try to set up a 2 or 3 from the timeout even if it’s against a set defense or Gobert is in. It’s not like Gobert was a nightmare matchup today. Make or miss I rather a timeout. Julian’s look was open, but a step back three pointer from him isn’t the best shot you want no matter what they say. I’d much rather if Fox or Harper had the ball at that moment