Game Thread Spurs (18-7) vs Knicks (18-7) (Tue 12/16/25) [7:30PM CDT]

[Kick-Stand]

I prefer the TD method when, after hearing Shaq and and KG talk his ear off, he’d calmly be like, “Ok, watch this bank shot” and nailed it right in front of them lol.

That's not who Victor is. A lot of the greats talked mad shit. No one ever gives Bird crap for being the biggest loudmouth in the league in the 80s because he backed it up.

 

[timtonymanu]

For what it’s worth Michael Weight posted on X that Wemby lost someone close to him today.

Puts things in perspective. The one time I’ll quote pop that “it’s just basketball.” These guys are still human. At the end of the day, they don’t owe reactionary fans shit.

 

[Kick-Stand]

I can't remember the exact stats, but someone said he went 5-32 or something when the Cavs made their comeback from 3-1 down which IMO pretty much prompted the Warriors to call up Durant to join them. I don't have much confidence in him in big playoff games. He's a lot older now. It doesn't matter how much we like the guy, it's just a reality that if the Spurs want to be a Championship contender, he can't be the starting PF. It's not going to work. He failed in 2016 and he's much older now. If he was younger and could move better on defense and offer more resistance out there and rebound the ball, it'd be OK, but he can't do much else out there except hit open shots.

Curry lost them that series. I find it hard to pin blame on a role player for a playoff series loss unless it's something truly egregious, like when the Lakers just flat out quit guarding Hedo Turkoglu and decided to let him keep shooting with no one within 15 feet of him in that 04 Spurs-Lakers series.

 

[024]

Wemby's poor decision making and inability to get into advantageous positions needs to be dealt with before he can lead a team in the playoffs. This is shades of him celebrating after the 5 game win streak and then proceeding to suck the next few. He seems to relish in a big win and then have a huge hangover the next few.

Obviously this team is still young so they will be inconsistent. The pieces and talent are there, just need the development and focus to win consistently.

 

[Snake Eyes]

A little perspective here…im laughing reading all the cliff jumping and doomsday panic…lol


1) barnes has been money all season and even champ has come thru…maybe both dudes just didnt click in this vegas arena, vegas rims, whatever…it happens…id say both have earned some grace and both will be solid contributors the rest of the season…

2) 2-3 weeks ago if you had told me the spurs would beat the shit out of the hated lakers and the hated thunder frontrunners and wemby would be back also? Id have said - “fuck yeah”

3) spurs have now played two full games with a healthy roster - TWO GAMES- and wemby is not back in game shape yet

4) the early season - where mitch allowed 8-9-10 player rotation was cut short due to this cup tournament…id prefer if mitch goes back to allowing carter bryant, sochan, djg , to see some limited minutes and continue that 10 man rotation..
It would keep everyone fresher and would hopefully morph into something similar to what the pacers did last year- which is play harder/faster for 48 minutes and wear out other teams…

5) wemby will be getting closer to real game shape fast and those two upcoming okc games are the real barometer

6) another bonus of the 9-10 man rotation was how different players stepped up on different nights and the wins were nice suprises by surprising contributions every game- and it became a beautiful team chemistry building journey which could really help in the playoffs…im not sure i like mitch reverting to pop’s style of shrinking the rotation and giving out more and more dnp’s …

7) knicks played hard and they earned the win and the spurs emotional high against okc drained them- it happens…
I would not worry too much about the knicks tbh- i cannot see any other team coming out of the east other than detroit…
And if we are lucky…maybe the spurs can get hot at the right time…

Long ramble over….

thank you for reasoning and looking at the reality

 

[PanameSpur]

Guys ffs have some decency now that we know he lost someone close to him today...

He probably didn't have any heart to pay but did it for his teammates, he clearly wasn't sharp physically or in his decisions today.

Let's move on, OKC lost the final last season, didn't they?

 

[Ice009]

Curry lost them that series. I find it hard to pin blame on a role player for a playoff series loss unless it's something truly egregious, like when the Lakers just flat out quit guarding Hedo Turkoglu and decided to let him keep shooting with no one within 15 feet of him in that 04 Spurs-Lakers series.

Well, the Warriors dumped him and got Durant, so I'd say they think he played a part in it.

 

[Ice009]

Guys ffs have some decency now that we know he lost someone close to him today...

He probably didn't have any heart to pay but did it for his teammates, he clearly wasn't sharp physically or in his decisions today.

Let's move on, OKC lost the final last season, didn't they?

Did his interview only last less than a minute. I see that he was crying and then left quickly. Obviously, none of us knew this at all. I only just saw some of his postgame interview a few seconds ago.

 

[Kick-Stand]

Wemby's poor decision making and inability to get into advantageous positions needs to be dealt with before he can lead a team in the playoffs. This is shades of him celebrating after the 5 game win streak and then proceeding to suck the next few. He seems to relish in a big win and then have a huge hangover the next few.

Obviously this team is still young so they will be inconsistent. The pieces and talent are there, just need the development and focus to win consistently.

It was cool seeing him score off the pindown from the corner three point line tonight, but agreed it drives me nuts seeing him hanging there multiple possessions. Especially when guarded by OG Anunoby who will pick his fucking pocket if he tries to drive off the catch from there. I don't think Victor is ever going to have a tight enough handle to attack the rim off the dribble from the three point line but he's so devastating getting the ball in the high post. Another thing that drives me nuts is not seeing that baby hook he stuck in Davis' face the first game of the season. Nor him going to the low post and using his enormous stride on his pivot that made Davis look like a fool trying to guard him as he busted out that footwork Hakeem taught him. I really thought those two things would make Victor an effortless scorer in the post against single coverage, but he stopped doing any of that shit after the aggressive doubles and triples he was getting by Games 4-5. I mean bring that shit back now that you're seeing a lot of single coverage again.

 

[Dex]

I missed most of the game because I was at league.

Who should I be mad at? Did Unc shit the bed again?

 

[timtonymanu]

I missed most of the game because I was at league.

Who should I be mad at? Did Unc shit the bed again?

I heard the season is over because we couldn’t win a meaningless cup game.

 

[Correct Crusader]

Speak for yourself, I had meltdowns about those Nuggets 1st round losses.

Still so confused why Aldridge didn't foul Jokic

 

[Arguendo]

Agreed. About the only upgrade I'd concern myself with this summer is maybe getting an upgrade at the PF with the MLE. And maybe draft a PF. Not interested in in-season trades other than seeing if they can flip Sochan into something useful.

Same, roster is loaded and young. And people will want to play with this team, people will take discounts at least commensurate with TX not having an income tax.

Somewhat thin a PF, but Barnes is having maybe the best season of his career & is IRON man and French-Vanilla really really wants to be a thing (to absorb PF minutes) and Champ can play PF (but shouldn't ever b the the primary Brunson d'er...don't understand why Champ was on him with Harper {and Fox}- on the court).
We are absolutely LOADED at guard, DV and Steph are 100% fine (to very good with Vic behind them) playing D at 3.
VW and Kornet are GREAT (when available) at BIG big. Keldon has settled/embraced the backup and mostly plays the 4/small big and is absolutely DOMINATING the oRebs (23rd in the NBA, only Cs and Giannis ahead of him----dominating, elite).
Even at the 4, Lunch Lady has been very competent in very sporadic minutes. I've pretty much written off hope for the Clown, but he's not even 23 and he's definitely not getting paid as a RFA after a season on mostly DNPs.

Don't make any move that reduces the war chest unless its very in your favor (like the Fox trade). But take any and all flyers- like waive Harrison Ingram cuz how does he have any NBA future?- move off of nothings like Bismack, but don't make any over pay. If you see talent you like, if you can get anything you like for the Clown (Sochan-who might still be a real NBA player, but almost certainly not here, one on the most prime "change of scenery" candidates in recent memory).

Just stop fucking trading 2nds for nothings/cash. Stop. Real players can be found there and they're gonna be way more important in an Apron league. I understand they maybe had too many guys to develop, so fuck it, take $300K and draft Juan Nunez, or a future Indy pick, or whatever. It's all a lotto ticket and there are pieces to be had. Take every fucking flyer. Trade your expirings for any flyer.
Please stop taking nothings (Harrison Barnes, Juan-will-never even put on a summer league uni-Nunez's, Riley-just got waived for that reason-Miinix) Take something that at least has a chance to be something. Solid role player is a something, maybe it becomes Naz, or NAW, or Camara, or something. Someone with a fucking chance, like length and footspeed enough to actually MAYBE. Sidy was a chance, he still might be something. Ingram and Nunez are from draft night- no chance guys. Like if you're gonna draft a non-athlete with skill, that needs to be a big enough (Joker was a mid-2nd no athlete with skill, Naz undrafted but size/skill/maybe. Great you love nunez's skill -or maybe just someone you know will never come over?- don't take that at 6'3". Period. Non-athletes at 6"3-5" simply shouldn't be drafted, fucking give them a 2-ways if you love them, don't draft them, fuck, please stop drafting no chance because height/legnth/footspeed combo guys)

 

[DaSlicer]

I just saw a clip of now of Victor crying over losing someone that was close to him today.

 

[spurraider21]

its probably better if they lose. it doesnt count in the standings so no harm. would serve as a helpful reality check that beating okc yesterday doesnt mean you can take it easy tomorrow, every game is hard. the media narrative around them winning is nice, but maybe dont let them get too full of themselves after some nice december wins. remember how heavy they were celebrating after winning against miami and proceeded to get blown out by phoenix?

I’d feel good about this is it wasn’t for the bummer that wemby is dealing with the death of somebody

 

[tearsofmorningdew]

Same, roster is loaded and young. And people will want to play with this team, people will take discounts at least commensurate with TX not having an income tax.

Somewhat thin a PF, but Barnes is having maybe the best season of his career & is IRON man and French-Vanilla really really wants to be a thing (to absorb PF minutes) and Champ can play PF (but shouldn't ever b the the primary Brunson d'er...don't understand why Champ was on him with Harper {and Fox}- on the court).
We are absolutely LOADED at guard, DV and Steph are 100% fine (to very good with Vic behind them) playing D at 3.
VW and Kornet are GREAT (when available) at BIG big. Keldon has settled/embraced the backup and mostly plays the 4/small big and is absolutely DOMINATING the oRebs (23rd in the NBA, only Cs and Giannis ahead of him----dominating, elite).
Even at the 4, Lunch Lady has been very competent in very sporadic minutes. I've pretty much written off hope for the Clown, but he's not even 23 and he's definitely not getting paid as a RFA after a season on mostly DNPs.

Don't make any move that reduces the war chest unless its very in your favor (like the Fox trade). But take any and all flyers- like waive Harrison Ingram cuz how does he have any NBA future?- move off of nothings like Bismack, but don't make any over pay. If you see talent you like, if you can get anything you like for the Clown (Sochan-who might still be a real NBA player, but almost certainly not here, one on the most prime "change of scenery" candidates in recent memory).

Just stop fucking trading 2nds for nothings/cash. Stop. Real players can be found there and they're gonna be way more important in an Apron league. I understand they maybe had too many guys to develop, so fuck it, take $300K and draft Juan Nunez, or a future Indy pick, or whatever. It's all a lotto ticket and there are pieces to be had. Take every fucking flyer. Trade your expirings for any flyer.
Please stop taking nothings (Harrison Barnes, Juan-will-never even put on a summer league uni-Nunez's, Riley-just got waived for that reason-Miinix) Take something that at least has a chance to be something. Solid role player is a something, maybe it becomes Naz, or NAW, or Camara, or something. Someone with a fucking chance, like length and footspeed enough to actually MAYBE. Sidy was a chance, he still might be something. Ingram and Nunez are from draft night- no chance guys. Like if you're gonna draft a non-athlete with skill, that needs to be a big enough (Joker was a mid-2nd no athlete with skill, Naz undrafted but size/skill/maybe. Great you love nunez's skill -or maybe just someone you know will never come over?- don't take that at 6'3". Period. Non-athletes at 6"3-5" simply shouldn't be drafted, fucking give them a 2-ways if you love them, don't draft them, fuck, please stop drafting no chance because height/legnth/footspeed combo guys)

Agree 100%. Been dicking around trying to get value vets for too long. Theres a reason these guys are available

 

[DaSlicer]

I prefer the TD method when, after hearing Shaq and and KG talk his ear off, he’d calmly be like, “Ok, watch this bank shot” and nailed it right in front of them lol.

Tim is my all time favorite player. I always loved how he was very stoic and secretive and wouldn't reveal anything to an opponent. I'm also realistic that 99 percent of players can't be like Tim when it comes to controlling their emotions.

Victor is an emotional guy but that tends to be the case with most stars. I take the good with the bad when it comes to Victor being emotional. I feel the good easily outweighs the bad.

 

[Snake Eyes]

Wemby was a team-worst -18 tonight... He was dog-shit outside of that 2-min stretch where he hit consecutive shots. He played like a dumbass the majority of the game. Horrible shot-selection, pressing offensively, late on defensive rotations, and worst of all, got destroyed on the glass all night long.

Being 8-feet tall and getting out-rebounded by your 19 year-old PG is fucking pathetic, especially after flapping his gums the past couple days. He just needs to shut up and get back to working on his game.

Wemby we had a shitty game. Get over it. The Spurs aren’t going anywhere unless he’s a fucking stud. Second game back after what 3+ weeks he’ll be fine.

 

[timtonymanu]

Wemby we had a shitty game. Get over it. The Spurs aren’t going anywhere unless he’s a fucking stud. Second game back after what 3+ weeks he’ll be fine.

Batmanu is my guy and this forum wouldn’t be the same without him but he always gets very in his feelings during losses despite believing we don’t have a chance to ring for a couple of years.

 

[Snake Eyes]

Wemby's getting clowned on social media and rightfully so tbh. Can't be talking all that shit about how you're "the best player in the world" and how "some people aren't built for the moment but you are" and then come and completely shit the bed in the NBA Cup Finals. He needs to learn from this tbh. Can't be running your mouth like that when you haven't accomplished anything. Just quit talking, stay humble, keep your head down, and keep busting your ass to get better.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2001146974683455496

I agree he probably should not be running his mouth, but if you’re so butt hurt about Vic’s performance, maybe should temper expectations. He’s not very clutch and you should expect the results when they lose. No?

Edit - Fuck Siri.

 

[dn0774]

Man, you really are only as good as your last game around here lol.

C'mon guys, Spurs had nice Cup run. Don't need to draw any more conclusions than that right now.

 

[Arguendo]

Come on man. You can't be this stupid. Castle was one of the Spurs' best players tonight. You're going to bench him? Like get your hater glasses off. Spurs would have been blown out without Steph's hustle and play tonight. Sure, he's not a great three point shooter, but bench him and it's likely the Knicks guards score at will without him out there and there is no amount of threes that'll get them back in the game. Harper, no idea what you saw, but he was hitting his threes tonight. Both are a threat to get to the rim and score, pass, or even hit a 3.

You didn't even answer the question. Who would you have run out there instead of the 4 guards? I would have benched Victor before any of those guards (for tonight's game that is).

But Harper only shoot's 26% from 3! That's his NBA career.
Oh, then he goes 5-7 and now he's only a 33% shooter. That still sucks. He's bad until spurstalk and espn say he can shoot. Don't believe your lying eyes, Harper (and Castle) can't and won't ever shoot, defintitely aren't big moment guys, really shouldn't be on the court in big moments ever. Can't shoot, won't ever shoot, the time to learn/grow is definitely not a high level exhibition game.

If you saw Harper hitting big 3 after big 3, its your lying eyes...he's a 26% shooter in his NBA career!!!!!!!!! (But now 33% and one more game like this and he's a 39% shooter then Raven will spout how he's a great shooter...why isn't he in there?)
Castle sucks, obviously, garbage, can't shoot. Definitely not one of the Spurs best 3, definitely not one of the 15 guys as getting to the line in the entire NBA, cuz free points suck, only 3s matter. Garbage, shouldn't be out there really. Can't shoot, will never shoot. Kinda like Jimmy Butler, bench him in big moments, not a great shooter.
This EXHIBATION meant everything! Fire Mitch, trade these 19/20 year old non-shooting dudes that have a combined 114 games, can't shoot and we know because 114 games, definitely shouldn't be given the chance to learn to shoot in big (non) game!

 

[Snake Eyes]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2001175332905455701

 

[scott]

Didn’t read this thread… but will later I suppose.

Had fun for 3 quarters.

I will rebound from this loss… because I don’t play for this Spurs and I know how to. (That’s my grade in a nutshell)

 

[dastexan]

Sometimes you have to learn how to fail before you can truly succeed.

This is a great lesson to be learned in general. Many more positives than negatives to take away tonight.

Was nice seeing Fox, Castle and Harper all out there together (how many times has that actually happened before?)

If Harper is going to start making threes like they are going out of style.....

Wouldnt be surprised if you start seeing lineups at times in the game of:

Wemby
Vassell
Castle
Harper
Fox