Game Thread Spurs (3-0) vs Raptors (1-2) (Mon 10/27/25) [7:00 PM CDT]

[Dbreiden83080]

Tim was one Ray Allen 3-point shot away from tying Jordan for 6-0 in the finals and then this would be a completely different conversation. Meanwhile LeBron only got 4 rings with one of them being the flukiest in NBA history.

For years the media made a lot of money with the Jordan VS Lebron debate.. In truth with all Lebron has achieved he should be iconic and beloved. But that is far from the case. Social media seems to hate him. They hate Lebron for the flopping, the stacking of teams, the 6 losses in the finals. and TBH how fake he can be.. And the media just keeps crowning Jordan while dismissing the idea that Lebron could ever be in his league. I doubt Wemby or anyone can match Jordan in the eyes of the media and the masses. At least NOT anytime soon. Jordan had the perfect career on the court and he made such a mass impact off the court. The Jordan brand etc.. Nostialgia carries a lot of weight..

 

[Shmurs]

There have been better hockey players than Wayne Gretzky. But no hockey player can put up the numbers that he did, merely because of the era they play in.

Jordan will be the same. Whatever it was that set him apart - nobody else is really eligible to do. This is because of the maturity of sports media, the increased overall skill level, the globalization…he’s dug a moat around his GOAT status. Wemby won’t match him because he’s not going to go 6/6 in the finals and likely isn’t going to make 6 finals. But plop him in 1990 and he’s 100% GOAT.

 

[spurraider21]

There have been better hockey players than Wayne Gretzky. But no hockey player can put up the numbers that he did, merely because of the era they play in.

Jordan will be the same. Whatever it was that set him apart - nobody else is really eligible to do. This is because of the maturity of sports media, the increased overall skill level, the globalization…he’s dug a moat around his GOAT status. Wemby won’t match him because he’s not going to go 6/6 in the finals and likely isn’t going to make 6 finals. But plop him in 1990 and he’s 100% GOAT.

its not like gretzky was playing in the stone age. and he was playing back when there was the 2-line pass rule, which was lifted to open up more scoring, in addition to reducing size of goalkeeper equipment

 

[Dbreiden83080]

I think a lot of people need to drop the expectations for Wemby just a tad. The idea that if he has a Tim Duncan like career that’s a disappointment is insanity. How can you put that in his lap? That means he’s going to win 4 or 5 championships and have way more dominant individual awards than Timmy did? That’s pretty crazy. Tim is a top 10 player in history. If Wemby is anything close to that, everyone should be thrilled to pieces.

 

[O_V]

Kornet injury is definitely a downer because it guarantees spurs are going to struggle in the non Wemby minutes. It'd be a lot less of a problem if Olynyk and Sochan weren't also injured. Bismack is gonna have his hands full

And struggle they did. Good having them learn how to grind these games out, but Kornet is a walking easy button due to his IQ

 

[tearsofmorningdew]

What’s the actual deal here? Based on what you see on TV the crowd generally looks like a collection of school field trips. It looks like tickets are already $10 and still nobody is showing up.

I assume:

1) bathrooms and concessions are terribly designed in an old arena so you get delays and empty seats at the beginning of each quarter

2) the season ticket holders in the lower bowl checked out on this team a while ago and have been keeping the tickets anyway, because they’re relatively cheap and might be re-sellable later.

…the thing I don’t get is why there’s no huge stub hub market for those empty seats. There are enough people in the area that should be making Vic destination viewing. Seems like the people of San Antonio might not be super into basketball.

More 2) than 1). A lot of lower bowl seats are corporate season ticket accounts too.

SBC center had renovations a few years back, much better concessions and drink stalls. Honestly stadium is fine, though I’ve only ever been to Alamodome, toyota center, jazz stadium for pro comparison. The bars are awesome. No issues with restroom placement.

 

[Shmurs]

More 2) than 1). A lot of lower bowl seats are corporate season ticket accounts too.

SBC center had renovations a few years back, much better concessions and drink stalls. Honestly stadium is fine, though I’ve only ever been to Alamodome, toyota center, jazz stadium for pro comparison. The bars are awesome. No issues with restroom placement.

If the stadium is fine then we have awful fans tbh. That is the most empty lower bowl coming out of halftime in all of pro sports. It’s legit crazy, you have about 10 minutes of total game play on tv without fans. And that’s got nothing to do with corporatizing season tickets or pricing people out. It’s just that the culture of going to a spurs game seems to be you hang out in the concourse and then sit on your hands until Wemby goes on a run.

 

[tearsofmorningdew]

If the stadium is fine then we have awful fans tbh. That is the most empty lower bowl coming out of halftime in all of pro sports. It’s legit crazy, you have about 10 minutes of total game play on tv without fans. And that’s got nothing to do with corporatizing season tickets or pricing people out. It’s just that the culture of going to a spurs game seems to be you hang out in the concourse and then sit on your hands until Wemby goes on a run.

You’re not wrong. The city definitely takes the team for granted.

I really like the stadium tbh. The east side is horrible but they’ve made the stadium itself a decent place to hang out at and get a couple of drinks post game with the bars and plaza/concert stage post-game. it’s mostly cheesy cover bands but post game buzz + live music is A+

 

[wemvp]

If the stadium is fine then we have awful fans tbh. That is the most empty lower bowl coming out of halftime in all of pro sports. It’s legit crazy, you have about 10 minutes of total game play on tv without fans. And that’s got nothing to do with corporatizing season tickets or pricing people out. It’s just that the culture of going to a spurs game seems to be you hang out in the concourse and then sit on your hands until Wemby goes on a run.

I can't think of a city that identifies and loves it's team more than SA. Spurs fans are pretty die hard. When the team was rolling Spurs stuff was everywhere during playoff runs. Bars full, people going nuts. I'm not going to denigrate the local SA Spurs fan.

The lower bowl is completely segregated from the rest of the arena. It has it's own concessions (and seat service), it's own restrooms, etc. Completely self contained, and you can't get down there without passing a couple of ushers who check tickets. Those seats mostly aren't the big fans. It's the rich fans and corporations that have season tickets but only use them for hosting business guests or employee perks. Usually they'll sell the ones they dont use, but I could see them having trouble selling right now simply because the economy is really bad in the US right now. SA is a blue collar, working man city. It isn't an über expensive tech hub like Austin, a wealthy melting pot like Dallas, or even the big oil money city like Houston. It usually is stabilized by the military and tourism during economic downturn, but so far that has seen a slow down from previous years numbers.

I haven't yet been to a game this year so I don't know what the upper bowl looks like. Anyone who has been to these two can share if it's mostly full or also lacking a lot. But I do know a lot of SA families are struggling to put food on the table right now. When that's the case it becomes much more attractive to watch on TV for nothing than spend $$$ to get to the arena.

I'd also say keep an eye out for the rest of the season. This team has been bad for years now, and this is just the beginning of the rise up. If the team shows it's real as the season goes on more and more people will bite the bullet and get to the arena.

 

[tearsofmorningdew]

I can't think of a city that identifies and loves it's team more than SA. Spurs fans are pretty die hard. When the team was rolling Spurs stuff was everywhere during playoff runs. Bars full, people going nuts. I'm not going to denigrate the local SA Spurs fan.

The lower bowl is completely segregated from the rest of the arena. It has it's own concessions (and seat service), it's own restrooms, etc. Completely self contained, and you can't get down there without passing a couple of ushers who check tickets. Those seats mostly aren't the big fans. It's the rich fans and corporations that have season tickets but only use them for hosting business guests or employee perks. Usually they'll sell the ones they dont use, but I could see them having trouble selling right now simply because the economy is really bad in the US right now. SA is a blue collar, working man city. It isn't an über expensive tech hub like Austin, a wealthy melting pot like Dallas, or even the big oil money city like Houston. It usually is stabilized by the military and tourism during economic downturn, but so far that has seen a slow down from previous years numbers.

I haven't yet been to a game this year so I don't know what the upper bowl looks like. Anyone who has been to these two can share if it's mostly full or also lacking a lot. But I do know a lot of SA families are struggling to put food on the table right now. When that's the case it becomes much more attractive to watch on TV for nothing than spend $$$ to get to the arena.

I'd also say keep an eye out for the rest of the season. This team has been bad for years now, and this is just the beginning of the rise up. If the team shows it's real as the season goes on more and more people will bite the bullet and get to the arena.

upper bowl goes crazy tbh

 

[wemvp]

You’re not wrong. The city definitely takes the team for granted.

I really like the stadium tbh. The east side is horrible but they’ve made the stadium itself a decent place to hang out at and get a couple of drinks post game with the bars and plaza/concert stage post-game. it’s mostly cheesy cover bands but post game buzz + live music is A+

I've always liked it. It's up there with the AAC in Dallas as places that are really enjoyable to watch a game. I think the majority of Spurs fans think so too.

It's why this new arena project is such a hard sell and the Spurs are pulling out every trick in the book. The current arena was necessary because the Alamo Dome was a pure shit experience for basketball. This new arena project is a pure luxury want. It's a harder sell.

 

[Dbreiden83080]

I've always liked it. It's up there with the AAC in Dallas as places that are really enjoyable to watch a game. I think the majority of Spurs fans think so too.

It's why this new arena project is such a hard sell and the Spurs are pulling out every trick in the book. The current arena was necessary because the Alamo Dome was a pure shit experience for basketball. This new arena project is a pure luxury want. It's a harder sell.

I understand it’s about upgrading the surrounding area not just the arena. And from what I’m reading, that’s the big sell infusing all this money into the economy. But I could certainly also see how the average person voting on that project when it comes to the arena would think. “You opened an arena 20 years ago, you don’t need a new arena. Just upgrade it”

 

[wEmBoY]

I visited frost bank center 2 years ago when it was still at&t center and it was traffic as hell may be because of rodeo. Its an ugly stadium also the surrounding area isnt attractive and lack of entertainment. Hope the new arena would be a much much better than frostbank center.

 

[dn0774]

I've always liked it. It's up there with the AAC in Dallas as places that are really enjoyable to watch a game. I think the majority of Spurs fans think so too.

It's why this new arena project is such a hard sell and the Spurs are pulling out every trick in the book. The current arena was necessary because the Alamo Dome was a pure shit experience for basketball. This new arena project is a pure luxury want. It's a harder sell.

Isn't FBC going to be like 30 years old when a potential new arena would be finished? Isn't that the expected lifespan of an arena for use by an NBA team these days not counting arenas with historical significance ie MSG?

 

[Shmurs]

I can't think of a city that identifies and loves it's team more than SA. Spurs fans are pretty die hard. When the team was rolling Spurs stuff was everywhere during playoff runs. Bars full, people going nuts. I'm not going to denigrate the local SA Spurs fan.

The lower bowl is completely segregated from the rest of the arena. It has it's own concessions (and seat service), it's own restrooms, etc. Completely self contained, and you can't get down there without passing a couple of ushers who check tickets. Those seats mostly aren't the big fans. It's the rich fans and corporations that have season tickets but only use them for hosting business guests or employee perks. Usually they'll sell the ones they dont use, but I could see them having trouble selling right now simply because the economy is really bad in the US right now. SA is a blue collar, working man city. It isn't an über expensive tech hub like Austin, a wealthy melting pot like Dallas, or even the big oil money city like Houston. It usually is stabilized by the military and tourism during economic downturn, but so far that has seen a slow down from previous years numbers.

I haven't yet been to a game this year so I don't know what the upper bowl looks like. Anyone who has been to these two can share if it's mostly full or also lacking a lot. But I do know a lot of SA families are struggling to put food on the table right now. When that's the case it becomes much more attractive to watch on TV for nothing than spend $$$ to get to the arena.

I'd also say keep an eye out for the rest of the season. This team has been bad for years now, and this is just the beginning of the rise up. If the team shows it's real as the season goes on more and more people will bite the bullet and get to the arena.

That’s great to hear but also a huge bummer that it’s just going to be absolutely dead on TV until a new arena happens. There’s no way to fix what you’re describing. The culture of the lower bowl and all the blockers to get people moving in and out is baaaad TV. 2 very calm and passive broadcasters doesn’t help either. The whole broadcast is a pretty bad hang tbh.

 

[dn0774]

That’s great to hear but also a huge bummer that it’s just going to be absolutely dead on TV until a new arena happens. There’s no way to fix what you’re describing. The culture of the lower bowl and all the blockers to get people moving in and out is baaaad TV. 2 very calm and passive broadcasters doesn’t help either. The whole broadcast is a pretty bad hang tbh.

That's an easy fix. Two words: Eric Collins.

 

[benefactor]

Weird Flex complaining about the fans. That's been going on forever. Don't ever go during a Lakers game. More fans cheer for the Lakers than they do the Spurs

 

[RC_Drunkford]

For years the media made a lot of money with the Jordan VS Lebron debate.. In truth with all Lebron has achieved he should be iconic and beloved. But that is far from the case. Social media seems to hate him. They hate Lebron for the flopping, the stacking of teams, the 6 losses in the finals. and TBH how fake he can be.. And the media just keeps crowning Jordan while dismissing the idea that Lebron could ever be in his league. I doubt Wemby or anyone can match Jordan in the eyes of the media and the masses. At least NOT anytime soon. Jordan had the perfect career on the court and he made such a mass impact off the court. The Jordan brand etc.. Nostialgia carries a lot of weight..

Wemby needs to win 6 rings to match Jordan. It's that simple. If he wins 7 he will be proclaimed the GOAT.

 

[Paramore]

watching the replay

 

[Sugus]

I know you missed it, but that skin20 or whatever poster keeps on and on about how terrible it was Wemby only got 10 shots yesterday in a blowout win because it will hurt his MVP chances. I'm just ragging on how ridiculous that thought process is for any player who gives any damn about playing team ball and winning titles.

Also, you don't win MVP by hero balling in blowouts. You win it by having a ton of team wins and being the best player consistently throughout the season. No one says he shouldn't care about winning one, but not at the expense of team goals. That's why I said it's an award you win on the way to championships.

Why anyone would value a beauty pagent award voted on by media over earned championships is beyond me. But some goober fans do.

I seriously doubt many players do. Ask Dirk whether he values the 2006 season or the 2011 season the most. What do you think his answer would be?

Thanks for the context! Indeed I missed the comments, that explains much.

However I'll still disagree with your perspective on winning an MVP - call it names all you want, it's still a historical award and one of the maximum peer-recognition awards that an NBA player can win, not to mention cementing a legacy forever. We can all act as if Wemby will play for 20 years and be the undisputed GOAT; reality may not be so kind to him, and if he wishes to win the MVP (entirely normal, I'll guess all of his idol role-models had MVPs themselves), then he surely isn't a "goober fan" for desiring it.

Your Dirk question is strange and not relevant - there is no real dichotomy. Dirk can appreciate the season he won his MVP, and the season he won a chip, by their own selves as achievements of his life; hopefully Wemby has multiple of both to appreciate. MVP and Championship are simply not opposite to each other.

 

[wemvp]

Thanks for the context! Indeed I missed the comments, that explains much.

However I'll still disagree with your perspective on winning an MVP - call it names all you want, it's still a historical award and one of the maximum peer-recognition awards that an NBA player can win, not to mention cementing a legacy forever. We can all act as if Wemby will play for 20 years and be the undisputed GOAT; reality may not be so kind to him, and if he wishes to win the MVP (entirely normal, I'll guess all of his idol role-models had MVPs themselves), then he surely isn't a "goober fan" for desiring it.

Your Dirk question is strange and not relevant - there is no real dichotomy. Dirk can appreciate the season he won his MVP, and the season he won a chip, by their own selves as achievements of his life; hopefully Wemby has multiple of both to appreciate. MVP and Championship are simply not opposite to each other.

I've pretty much lost interest in the topic. Only thing I'll disagree with is the mvp isn't peer recognition award. It's voted on by sports writers and journalists.

Overall, my opinion of sports writers and journalists is very very low.

 

[Sugus]

I've pretty much lost interest in the topic. Only thing I'll disagree with is the mvp isn't peer recognition award. It's voted on by sports writers and journalists.

Overall, my opinion of sports writers and journalists is very very low.

It's okay, no problem - though I must counter-argue that peer recognition isn't only about who votes for the award, but how winning the award impacts a players' status among its peers, which is the point I was going for. Media people also vote for All-Stars and All-NBA teams, and players obviously care about those; why would the MVP be any different?

Not to mention the obvious, contract incentives tied to winning the MVP itself, as with most accolades in the NBA. Victor is allowed to care for his money as well. Again, hopefully he racks up several of both MVPs and chips, and this ends up being a non-issue.

 

[Shmurs]

Whatever the outcome is, I’m just happy that everyone will now agree, even after he recovers, that Tatum will be nowhere near the Top 5/MVP/Tier 1 superstar discussion

Everyone knows it’s 5 dudes now and it’s gonna stay that way for a minute. And Tatum can go hang out with Ant, Donovan, etc.

 

[Dbreiden83080]

Wemby needs to win 6 rings to match Jordan. It's that simple. If he wins 7 he will be proclaimed the GOAT.

6 rings is going to be a little bit tough lol. That’s the problem with the media and even certain fans not saying you personally. But they think that winning these championships is all about the individual player. About 25 different things have to lineup perfectly to make it happen. Look at Timmy. Manu and Tony were both unheralded draft picks. That worked out perfectly. For Jordan Pippen was the perfect robin to his Batman because of his skill set. He wasn’t some ball dominant guard that needed to shoot all the time.

 

[wEmBoY]

Wemby needs to win 6 rings to match Jordan. It's that simple. If he wins 7 he will be proclaimed the GOAT.

Rings isnt always the case. If wemby wins 5 rings 5MVP’s, 3 DPOY, 15 all nba first team, 15 all defense, 5 finals MVP’s with 30/12/4/2/4 career stats average he should surpass jordan or lebron as the undisputed GOAT.