Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu, Danny Green sent home won't play vs Heat

[All Net]

The San Antonio Spurs have sent four of their top-five leading scorers back home instead of playing the Miami Heat on Thursday in a nationally televised game.

Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Danny Green did not travel with the team after Wednesday night

[Fudge]

Wow... :facepalm

[LamarOdom]

Pop trolling TNT!

:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

[Rekindled]

not surprised, will be watching saints -falcons anyways

[DuMa]

welll damn. time to bet on the heat.

[Timmy D for MVP]

TNT, anyone who put money down already, David Stern, all pissed right now.

Pop is the greetest!

[LikeABosh]

Wow, that is really disappointing. This was gonna be a great challenge for both teams to see where they're at with one an another. Pop couldn't just sit em out next game?

[Real Men Wear Green]

Stern and TNT can't be happy about this. Sounds very much like Pop picked the game he figured they were least likely to win and gave his guys a day off. Makes sense for the Spurs but the League picks teams to showcase on nights like this and doesn't want a starless team getting pounded by 30.

[KG215]

Usually I'm ok with Popovich doing this from time to time. But for a game like this, one of those "possible NBA Finals preview" games on national TV, and he sends his three best players home and another starter? Sorry, but as an NBA fan who was really looking forward to this game tonight, I'm pissed.

[Gabuyaux]

Pop :bowdown:

[All Net]

Usually I'm ok with Popovich doing this from time to time. But for a game like this, one of those "possible NBA Finals preview" games on national TV, and he sends his three best players home and another starter? Sorry, but as an NBA fan who was really looking forward to this game tonight, I'm pissed.

Stern is more pissed :oldlol:

[BrickingStar]

Usually I'm ok with Popovich doing this from time to time. But for a game like this, one of those "possible NBA Finals preview" games on national TV, and he sends his three best players home and another starter? Sorry, but as an NBA fan who was really looking forward to this game tonight, I'm pissed.
Meh I was going to watch Thursday night football anyway

[Haymaker]

is he insane? This is gonna be a 100-40 blowout! :oldlol:

[dgaras]

love it

[It's A VC3!!!]

Wow Pop just trolled so many people. I wanted the Heat to lose tonight so the Nets could be tied with them for first. Dang it. Pop is the ultimate coach in prioritizing playoffs over regular season. NO other coach would rest their starters on a TNT game.

[ClutchOver9000]

http://gifsoup.com/webroot/animatedgifs/339048_o.gif

[Killbot]

Popovich is boss. :bowdown:

[DuMa]

can we have a legends game? lets get bruce bowen, sean elliot and david robinson in uniform for tonight please. anybody besides bonner hoisting up 15 3s tonight

[bagelred]

David Stern gonna be pissed....and he should be....and we all should be.

[BuffaloBill]

Shit might as well use this game to sit out Lebron Wade and Bosh

[Crown&Coke]

if he does it for the health of his team, kudos and eff if stern don't like it.

if he does it simply to troll TNT and not have to show his hand against the HEAT on their homecourt, wow that would suck.

its all about the intent to me. I was looking forward to this game too

[bagelred]

its all about the intent to me. I was looking forward to this game too

:rolleyes: How would you feel if every team did this on Xmas day games?

[Derka]

Pop is the man. :lol

[Droid101]

Typical of Popovich teams. Might lose the game? Pull the starters at halftime. Instead, this time he pulled them before the game even started!

Pretty pathetic, really. Fans pay to see these guys play.

[BuffaloBill]

Patty Mills and Gary Neal will combine for 80 points tonight

[Kevin_Garnett_5]

:roll: :applause:

[Anaximandro1]

Pop

:bowdown:

[Zackmorris]

Pop is such a G!

[KG215]

With Kawhi Leonard hurt, how many players are going to even dress out tonight? Who's the 13th-15th guys on the roster that usually don't dress or are in the D-League?

[inclinerator]

so they took a separate plane or wat

[All Net]

With Kawhi Leonard hurt, how many players are going to even dress out tonight? Who's the 13th-15th guys on the roster that usually don't dress or are in the D-League?

9 will dress.

[inclinerator]

if the heat win easy today they basically got a week long+ rest

[Rake2204]

can we have a legends game? lets get bruce bowen, sean elliott and david robinson in uniform for tonight please. anybody besides bonner hoisting up 15 3s tonightI'm keeping my fingers crossed. Hoping Carl Herrera and Cadillac Anderson are activated tonight.

http://www.uthscsa.edu/mission/summer97/herrera.jpg

[BuffaloBill]

Stern and TNT can't be happy about this. Sounds very much like Pop picked the game he figured they were least likely to win and gave his guys a day off. Makes sense for the Spurs but the League picks teams to showcase on nights like this and doesn't want a starless team getting pounded by 30.


Pop picked this game because it's the last one of a very long road trip. Flying every day for 10 days straight takes a toll.

[lilgodfather1]

Pop is hilarious. I mean really how many other coaches could, or would do this? Now how many wouldn't get fired for it lol.

[Darius]

While on one hand this is a boss like move from Popovich we are all the losers here so dunno why everyone is bowing down.

I wanted to see an entertaining game between these 2 teams.

[KG215]

I do understand where Pop is coming from, though. I think he knows/realizes the odds of the Spurs winning tonight were very slim. His team is coming off this stretch of games:

@LAC (11/7)
@Sac (11/9)
@Por (11/10)
@LAL (11/13)
vsNYK (11/15)
vsDen (11/17)
vsLAC (11/19)
@Bos (11/21)
@Ind (11/23)
@Tor (11/25)
@Was (11/26)
@Orl (11/28)
@Mia (11/29)

An east coast and west coast road trip in about three weeks? And tonight would've been their fourth game in five days, and fifth game in seven days.

Forgot to add that this is the Heat's first game since I think Saturday.

[BuffaloBill]

While on one hand this is a boss like move from Popovich we are all the losers here so dunno why everyone is bowing down.

I wanted to see an entertaining game between these 2 teams.


As a Spurs fan, I am happy. Not only do key players get rest after a very exhausting road trip, but now we get to see players like Patty Mills and Tiago Splitter get their shine. It's a win win.

[A Roc 23]

Sucks for my fantasy team and sucks for those who bet on the game :lol .

I get what they're doing and I understand that this means nothing in the long run, but this just feels wrong. What if they are 1 game out of a better playoff match up? Lets say the Heat have a rough night and only win by 1-10 points. We'll all be remembering this day.

It's one thing to sit one veteran, but to sit four of the best players on your team while you're already missing a starter is just trolling.

Danny Green is only 25 years old and has only played 49 minutes total over the last 100 + hours!

[Y2Gezee]

Wow. I understand what he's doing, but moves like this are just not positive for the game of basketball. And if there's nothing physically wrong with the players directly going into this game, he should've chosen to do it another night.

I don't even care if the Spurs have one of those nights and wins, the star power is what drives this league, it's what kicks up ratings, and puts fans in the seats, which pays their salaries.

I'll get over it though, as I was going to do some research, watch football and Scandal tonight.

[Crown&Coke]

:rolleyes: How would you feel if every team did this on Xmas day games?

depends on the intent. If a team played 7 games in 12 days and plays on Christmas than I really have no problem with them sitting out players. but if they have 4 days off and they do it then I wouldn't be okay with it.

Im sure fans who got tickets on Christmas wouldn't be too happy about it

[red1]

:banghead: Great, f*cking spurs ruined a good game.

[Nero Tulip]

Well as a Spurs fan I won't pretend I am not disappointed. I was rather looking forward to this game.

But as Pop said very well last time, he is not an entertainer, he is a competitor. His job isn't to make fans happy, it's to make his team win. You can't blame him for doing what's best for his team. If anything blame the NBA and the calendar.

[swi7ch]

It makes sense. Let MIA see the Spurs at full strength in the Finals. Why show all your cards in a meaningless regular seaon game?

I like that Pop is thinking ahead. :bowdown:

[All Net]

Wonder if stern is tempted to fine spurs..ha

[red1]

Wow. I understand what he's doing, but moves like this are just not positive for the game of basketball. And if there's nothing physically wrong with the players directly going into this game, he should've chosen to do it another night.

I don't even care if the Spurs have one of those nights and wins, the star power is what drives this league, it's what kicks up ratings, and puts fans in the seats, which pays their salaries.

I'll get over it though, as I was going to do some research, watch football and Scandal tonight.
Bingo. The players are tired? What a soft excuse. 80% of the world is tired in the morning but they still get dressed and go to work. Your job is to play ball, f*cking do it.

[Y2Gezee]

Wonder if stern is tempted to fine spurs..ha


I would. Just like I'd fine teams for tanking.

[Y2Gezee]

Bingo. The players are tired? What a soft excuse. 80% of the world is tired in the morning but they still get dressed and go to work. Your job is to play ball, f*cking do it.


Or at least save it for a non national televised game.

[ncrizzle]

damnit. they will be nice and rested for the grizz on saturday

[KB2009Champ]

If this was about rest why not rest the team vs the Magic and play them tonight?

This is more about Pop giving the league a FU for what he deems to be a tough schedule. Thats it.

[Grinder]

What Pop should have done is play them for the first 2-3 minutes of each half and sit them the rest of the game. Players who care about their stats would be upset by that though.

Nevertheless, I enjoy watching games like this because you get to see Popovich's coaching skills in action. Great offensive sets, defensive schemes, crisp passing, etc.

[Micku]

Pop don't give f@ck. Pop gives the middle finger to the league and their scheduling.

Shame though. I wanted to watch this game. I'll still will, but it won't be as entertaining without the best players of the Spurs.

[Y2Gezee]

It is a pretty smart mind****ing to the NBA schedulers though.

I'd fine Pop, but I still love him.

[Wonder Bread Kid]

If this was about rest why not rest the team vs the Magic and play them tonight?

This is more about Pop giving the league a FU for what he deems to be a tough schedule. Thats it.

Because what if he rests them against Orlando and they lose. Then they pkay Miami and lose a close game. That's two loses instead of the hypothetical one.

[Nero Tulip]

Bingo. The players are tired? What a soft excuse. 80% of the world is tired in the morning but they still get dressed and go to work. Your job is to play ball, f*cking do it.

His job is to manage his players, and he's doing it better than anyone. He has no obligation to play the guys you want to see.

[Nero Tulip]

It is a pretty smart mind****ing to the NBA schedulers though.

I'd fine Pop, but I still love him.

Fined based on what? On the fact that people want to watch certain players?

I'm tired of George Karl benching McGee, should the league fine him too?

[IGotACoolStory]

lol... If I were Stern, I would find a reason to fine Pop as well.


But I don't know how you don't love this from him. :applause: Pop is freaking awesome and the scheduling (and schedule) does suck in the NBA.

[SIRI1]

Sucks but I understand.

Its their 4th game in 5 games, this being the last stop and playing against a tough team tonight who's been off since Saturday, while also having a tough game coming up this Saturday.

This is Pop giving the finger to Stern for this crazy schedule

[AngelEyes]

David Stern gonna be pissed....and he should be....and we all should be.

No, people should be smart enough to understand his obligations are to his team and he's trying to win a championship. Health is important to these older teams with hopes of long playoff runs.

[monkeypox]

Unless they're actually all injured, this is a bitch move. People payed to see the spurs vs the Heat, not the Heat vs the Spurs bench. It's a bad precedent. Unless you're actually sick or injured you have to go to work, not sit out like a primadonna.

[SCdac]

Eh, from a Spurs fan and NBA fan's perspective, I don't really care. NBA players are NBA players. Half the people on this board think the Spurs are boring and emotionless anyways, perhaps the most boring in the league, it's funny to see folks all of a sudden throw a fit when the players that give them that rep are benched. Won't it be refreshing to see some of the Spurs younger players play vs. the old geezers that make up the Spurs starting line up? :confusedshrug: .... Maybe we'll see some some alley-oops guys!

[SCdac]

If one of Splitter or Blair doesn't get 20/10 in this game I'll be surprised. Both of them are capable with the Spurs Big 3 out.

[All Net]

Neal for 30 points please...

[Apogee]

Eh, from a Spurs fan and NBA fan's perspective, I don't really care. NBA players are NBA players. Half the people on this board think the Spurs are boring and emotionless anyways, perhaps the most boring in the league, it's funny to see folks all of a sudden throw a fit when the players that give them that rep are benched. Won't it be refreshing to see some of the Spurs younger players play vs. the old geezers that make up the Spurs starting line up? :confusedshrug: .... Maybe we'll see some some alley-oops guys!

The spurs may be boring but they are one of the most consistent and efficient teams to date. This game would have been awesome as we get to see how the Heat match up with the spurs. Now all we get is the big 3 vs. a bench.

Pop is the greatest and I never doubt his methods but damn mother****er this game was gunn be good :rant :rant

[Whoah10115]

Stuff like that is why I get annoyed with Popovich. I think he's great and I love his approach. I love the way his teams play. I love that character. I love that he has the balls to sit out his big 3, even with a massive win streak on the line.


But this is ridiculous. Green is like 25/26. Parker is 30. Manu NEEDS to play. They're already missing Leonard and Jackson. Stuff like this is bad for basketball. Sorry, but it's bullshit and players know it.

[Levity]

Im gonna go out on a limb and say this will be the regular season game that Nando De Colo's name will be heard around the nba. I say regular season, because his buzzer beater during preseason had a few people talking about him.

[Apogee]

Also should every team rest their starters every time they go on a road trip. If that where the case we would have shitty games all over the place. Imagine if the Heat had sat their starters for the Denver game when we flew in at 5am..
Everyone would be pissed.

I blame the NBA and Stern for this stupid ass scheduling. Shit makes no sense.

[BuffaloBill]

Neal for 30 points please...


Patty for 30

[swi7ch]

they have patty mills anyway and he's good for at least 30 pts given parker's minutes

[KDthunderup]

Usually I'm ok with Popovich doing this from time to time. But for a game like this, one of those "possible NBA Finals preview" games on national TV, and he sends his three best players home and another starter? Sorry, but as an NBA fan who was really looking forward to this game tonight, I'm pissed.
It's good for us that Pop wants to throw games away, we will just keep climbing those standings.

[FreezingTsmoove]

This is just dumb this aint even an NBA TV national game like he did last year this is ****ing TNT

I hope the Spurs dont get a single tv game next year

[BuffaloBill]

Patty for 30

Patty* for 30. Not party lol damned phone

[pauk]

Lame imo

[Whoah10115]

Popovich is gonna get fined and I wouldn't be shocked if he got suspended (which would be ironic). And he should be.


In soccer, in baseball, this happens all the time...but not 4 freakin guys less than a fifth of the way thru the season....and not your big 3, 3 starters, with two guys injured. And they get sent home? What the hell is that?

[ConanRulesNBC]

Well, that f*cking sucks. There haven't been too many really good games on national TV this season so far and I was really looking forward to this one.

[G-train]

meh

[Artillery]

Stuff like that is why I get annoyed with Popovich. I think he's great and I love his approach. I love the way his teams play. I love that character. I love that he has the balls to sit out his big 3, even with a massive win streak on the line.


But this is ridiculous. Green is like 25/26. Parker is 30. Manu NEEDS to play. They're already missing Leonard and Jackson. Stuff like this is bad for basketball. Sorry, but it's bullshit and players know it.

That's part of the reason they're throwing the game. With both of their small forwards out with injury who are they going to throw at Lebron? Add in the bullshit schedule:

Miami:
Nov 21: v. MIL 113-106
Nov 24: v. CLE 110-108
Nov 29: v. SAS

San Antonio:
Nov 21: @BOS, 112-100
Nov 23: @IND, 104-97
Nov 25: @TOR, 111-106
Nov 26: @WAS, 118-92
Nov 28: @ORL, 110 - 89
Nov 29: @MIA

As far as standings go, it's better for SA to lose a game to Miami while resting the team for the division rival on Saturday(Memphis)

[Nero Tulip]

Im gonna go out on a limb and say this will be the regular season game that Nando De Colo's name will be heard around the nba. I say regular season, because his buzzer beater during preseason had a few people talking about him.

I would love this to be true, but I'm sure Pop will find a way to not play him.

[ConanRulesNBC]

Someone better get fined for this. I hope TNT comes down hard on the league for this.

[TimmyDuncan]

Neal and splitter will have great stat line but the spurs will have 15 to 20 turnovers without Parker and Manu.

Heat by 30 points.
The spurs role player will understand what is shooting contested 3 ponter instead of the wide open ones they always get from the big 3


And F*** the NBA for this scheduling that gave the spurs no chance

[konex]

NBA needs to refund every ticket to the game tonight. I know the schedule is unfair for them but this is complete bullshit by Pop

[rmt]

Feel bad for my brother - he spent $$$$$ for 2 seats right behind the Spurs bench. Me - not as bad, I'm in row 19. **** Pop! Wouldn't be so bad for my brother if he'd just sit them, but no, he had to fly them home.

Pop did this once at a preseason game, but at least those tickets weren't as expensive.

[All Net]

Ray Allen may sit with a sore back..

Battier out

[LJJ]

Good.

Popovich is responsible for the long term performance of his team, not anything else.

[ConanRulesNBC]

I hope Barkley rips on the Spurs so hard for this.

[tomtucker]

why not let them rest another time.....against a weaker opponent....no need for this shit.......hope karma comes back and bites them in the ass

[bagelred]

Popovich is gonna get fined and I wouldn't be shocked if he got suspended (which would be ironic). And he should be.



There will be no fine or suspension, although there should be.

Technically, he's doing nothing wrong. A team is allowed to play or not play whoever they want. You can't force a team to play certain players.

However, I think this could have repurcussions, as far as future nationally televised games or other decisions which we are not even aware of. This won't sit well with the league office.

And if I'm a Heat ticket subscriber, I would p-ssed the f-ck off and maybe ask for refund (which you won't get).

[G-train]

Feel bad for my brother - he spent $$$$$ for 2 seats right behind the Spurs bench. Me - not as bad, I'm in row 19. **** Pop! Wouldn't be so bad for my brother if he'd just sit them, but no, he had to fly them home.

Pop did this once at a preseason game, but at least those tickets weren't as expensive.

Stiff, I travelled across the world to watch Kobe and he took the game off. Too much money involved these days for teams to care about fan reaction to one game, in a week everyone has forgot.
He only does it a few times a year too, its not a monthly occurence.

[ihoopallday]

I understand Pop does this every year, but this early in the season??? It's not like it's a short season again. Anyways, imagine if SA actually win this game. Heat fans will be trolled for the next 6 months. Spo should just bench the big 3 to avoid this situation :D

[G-train]

I just wouldn't have told anyone til you have to submit team sheets, and have the players listed as out with an injury that they have. As they would all be carrying one. Sore ankle, sprained finger, whatever.

[Indian guy]

Good.

Popovich is responsible for the long term performance of his team, not anything else.

I frankly don't see how sitting their stars a random game is going to help them any more in not choking against OKC in the playoffs.

This is a cowardly move by Pop, nothing more.

[EnoughSaid]

What the **** man? With Miami barely playing, I was so excited for this game and to watch two great teams. But nooooo Pop has to keep his best players at home. :facepalm And this was supposed to be the game where Barkley would be commentating. :hammerhead: :rant

[jlip]

"Trap" game for the Heat?

[bagelred]

If I'm Mickey Arinsohn and Pat Riley, I would do the same thing to Spurs on March 31st. I would sit out Lebron, Wade, Bosh, and Allen. Even if it sacrifices a possible win, it f-cks the Spurs fans over just like the Spurs are f-cking the Heat fans over. The Spurs organization deserves it.

[Kiddlovesnets]

The games started with Miami at about 6.5pts favorite, now it has become 12pts favorite. Has there ever been a more dramatic change of odds in NBA history than this one?

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/odds

[sportsfan76]

This proves that Popovich is a f*cking retard

[DuMa]

haha when you have won 50 games every year like Pop has since he has gotten Duncan, winning has become so-so for them. So can you blame them for taking a loss like it doesnt mean much to them? Like i always say, theres 3 things guaranteed every season: death, taxes and pop getting 50 wins.

[Levity]

This proves that Popovich is a f*cking retard

please, go on.

[unbreakable]

LMAO all you kids mad and butthurt..

the Spurs are on a ridiculous stretch of games right now.. they deserve rest and it just so happens to be tonight
DEAL WITH IT

http://static1.fjcdn.com/thumbnails/comments/have+another+deal+with+it+gif+for+you+try+_2740191 2ae37f7153162b900077c085e.gif

[G-train]

I frankly don't see how sitting their stars a random game is going to help them any more in not choking against OKC in the playoffs.

This is a cowardly move by Pop, nothing more.

LOL it is more than a cowardly move.

[G-train]

If I'm Mickey Arinsohn and Pat Riley, I would do the same thing to Spurs on March 31st. I would sit out Lebron, Wade, Bosh, and Allen. Even if it sacrifices a possible win, it f-cks the Spurs fans over just like the Spurs are f-cking the Heat fans over. The Spurs organization deserves it.

LOL Miami don't care, they would love it. Easy win, hopefully 25 up in 4th and rest some stars.

[sportsfan76]

Like Tony Kornhesier said,

This is a entertainment business and Pop should not be resting key players since it decreases the appeal for people at the game and those who are watching the game.


Been looking forward to this game all day long and get a big surprise, damm

[PJR]

Pop making Miami's path to a 73-9 record that much easier. Thanks Pop. :applause:

[bdreason]

I'm sure TNT and the NBA are thrilled by this decision.

[sportsfan76]

What Pop should have done is play them for the first 2-3 minutes of each half and sit them the rest of the game. Players who care about their stats would be upset by that though.

Nevertheless, I enjoy watching games like this because you get to see Popovich's coaching skills in action. Great offensive sets, defensive schemes, crisp passing, etc.


coaching skills? Is that the reason that f*cktard allowed the Thunder to come back after leading the series 2-0?

[LJJ]

I frankly don't see how sitting their stars a random game is going to help them any more in not choking against OKC in the playoffs.

This is a cowardly move by Pop, nothing more.

You don't see it, but Popovich does. He thinks his most important players could use a rest after a busy schedule, I'll take his judgment over yours in this matter.


Either way it's not Popovich's job to placate TNT or the NBA.

[sportsfan76]

You don't see it, but Popovich does. He thinks his most important players could use a rest after a busy schedule, I'll take his judgment over yours in this matter.


Either way it's not Popovich's job to placate TNT or the NBA.



That's bullsh*t since this is a entertainment business and people pay to see excitement


I;m writing letter to David Stern

[Burgz V2]

pop trolling the shit out of the league.

if you wanna see spurs/heat then give them a better schedule leading up to this game or at least some rest before they play the defending champs cot damn

some people will argue against this but these guys only play against each other twice a year, and the spurs will want to limit the amount of tape available if they end up in the finals lol

[ConanRulesNBC]

I was telling so many people how great this game is and how the Spurs are so different and actually fun to watch now compared to a few seasons ago. Now this happens? I hope the NBA gets their lowest ratings ever for this game.

[LongLiveTheKing]

Why don't they rest against the Magic and play today? Aren't teams supposed to want to play the best teams especially the defending champs?

[TimmyDuncan]

Excuse from Pop to the nba: 'Basketball reason'

[IGOTGAME]

Spurs will win this game.

[chips93]

imagine if vinny del negro did this

heads would roll

[nycelt84]

Well as a Spurs fan I won't pretend I am not disappointed. I was rather looking forward to this game.

But as Pop said very well last time, he is not an entertainer, he is a competitor. His job isn't to make fans happy, it's to make his team win. You can't blame him for doing what's best for his team. If anything blame the NBA and the calendar.

First and foremost the NBA is and has always been entertainment. If I had tickets to this game I would demand a refund and Pop and the Spurs organization should be heavily fined and heavily penalized for doing this.

[jl1718]

People are ****ing retarded if they didn't see this coming. Pop has done this at the end of every road trip for three years. This road trip will bull anyway, they still have the rodeo road trip later in the season too.

Stern fixed this game anyway, Heat have played twice in two weeks.

[SCdac]

If I'm Mickey Arinsohn and Pat Riley, I would do the same thing to Spurs on March 31st. I would sit out Lebron, Wade, Bosh, and Allen. Even if it sacrifices a possible win, it f-cks the Spurs fans over just like the Spurs are f-cking the Heat fans over. The Spurs organization deserves it.

LOL so now the entertainment value of 36 year old Duncan, 30 year old Parker (who never dunks), and aged Ginobili = the entertainment value of the best player in the world, one of the best SG's in the game, and big man who could very much be a franchise player on his own team?

So much irony in this thread. You'd think some of you guys are adding Spurs games to your league pass and shit... which I know you're not.

I'm more angered for my fantasy teams missing Manu and TD, then not getting to see them play in one game out of 82+.

In about 1 week most people will have already forgotten about this... Even people who went to the game I bet.

[Droid101]

First and foremost the NBA is and has always been entertainment. If I had tickets to this game I would demand a refund and Pop and the Spurs organization should be heavily fined and heavily penalized for doing this.
I think the Spurs organization should be fined and that money should go directly to all refunds demanded from ticket holders (including season ticket holders) as well as partial refund of TNT's contract.

[G-train]

I;m writing letter to David Stern

:lol

[G-train]

I think the Spurs organization should be fined and that money should go directly to all refunds demanded from ticket holders (including season ticket holders) as well as partial refund of TNT's contract.

What is their crime?

[b0bab0i]

imagine if vinny del negro did this

heads would roll
Vinny should be fired either way. :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

[KyrieTheFuture]

I understand that people are feeling for the fans but this is Miami. A bunch of rich ****s who show up in the middle of second quarter probably are more interested in seeing the heat clobber someone than a real basketball game. I have no sympathy for such an awful fan base.

[Lebron23]

Easy win for the Heat.

[I<3NBA]

I just wouldn't have told anyone til you have to submit team sheets, and have the players listed as out with an injury that they have. As they would all be carrying one. Sore ankle, sprained finger, whatever.
yeah, but that circumvents Pop's purpose, which is to send a message to Stern and to the guys that make the NBA schedule that the schedule is whack.

[oh the horror]

This is why this generation fails hard.


"WELL THIS IS A BIG FU TO STERN AND THE LEAGUE LOLZ, IF THEY DONT LIKE IT THEN THEY SHOULD REARRANGE THE SCHEDULE"



So, men, that get paid millions of dollars to play a game they love are sat out of a nationally televised game because they're tired, and do not like the schedule they were given?


A. These televised games have sponsors.


B. NBA makes their money off of the business aspect of the game, in turn is the reason players are able to bank the cash they bank.



C. This sets a precedent and im sure you'll see other teams attempt it. What happens if this becomes the norm league wide, throughout the year? Do you tune into as many of those games if you arent seeing your players out there?



What happens to the fans that paid to see these teams play?




Im sorry but some of you need to go back to sleep with the train of thought that this isnt a negative.

[oh the horror]

yeah, but that circumvents Pop's purpose, which is to send a message to Stern and to the guys that make the NBA schedule that the schedule is whack.



And? I cant just start sitting out of work tomorrow because I dont like the scheduling. Wtf. :oldlol:


They get paid MASSIVELY more than I do.

[oh the horror]

First and foremost the NBA is and has always been entertainment. If I had tickets to this game I would demand a refund and Pop and the Spurs organization should be heavily fined and heavily penalized for doing this.



I dont know about fines, but I'd for DAMN sure demand a refund. I paid for a game like that, only to have players just chilling and NOT playing for NO reason other than they're tired? Gtfo :lol


Nah. Give me MY motherf*ckin' money back.

[Rekindled]

nba should just assign Joey Crawford to every spurs game for the rest of eternity

[InspiredLebowski]

Sitting Duncan and Manu, and somewhat Parker, ok I get that. But Danny Green? The guy's 25. C'mon Pop.

This won't even be a story in 2 days but it's still pretty weak from Pop. Don't think he should get fined or anything, but there's being a little out of the box like Pop usually is and then there's just showing disrespect for fans.

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

One thing to be doing this at the end of the year, but we're barely a month into the season.


I dont know about fines, but I'd for DAMN sure demand a refund. I paid for a game like that, only to have players just chilling and NOT playing for NO reason other than they're tired? Gtfo :lol


Nah. Give me MY motherf*ckin' money back.

This. Who the **** would pay to watch Tiago Splitter, Gary Neal and and Patty Mills play? :oldlol:

[toxicxr6]

wat if the spurs still win lol.
ikr aint gonna happen but wat if lol

[swi7ch]

Excited to see Patty Mills dropping at least 30! :bowdown:

[Lebron23]

wat if the spurs still win lol.
ikr aint gonna happen but wat if lol

http://i55.tinypic.com/ei01lc.jpg

[swi7ch]

Sitting Duncan and Manu, and somewhat Parker, ok I get that. But Danny Green? The guy's 25. C'mon Pop.

This won't even be a story in 2 days but it's still pretty weak from Pop. Don't think he should get fined or anything, but there's being a little out of the box like Pop usually is and then there's just showing disrespect for fans.

No, Pop is using his brain. He's hiding his cards from the Heat when they face them again later on in the season... in the Finals! :bowdown:

[oh the horror]

One thing to be doing this at the end of the year, but we're barely a month into the season.



This. Who the **** would pay to watch Tiago Splitter, Gary Neal and and Patty Mills play? :oldlol:



Seriously, could you even imagine reading this news before the game? I mean, injuries I can live with. Shit happens, but they're sitting out 4 guys, whom are all big pieces of the Spurs lineup a MONTH into the season, because they ran into a tiring part of their scheduling?


No friggin' way.



How can anyone say this is okay?

[creepingdeath]

:roll:
How can you not love the guy?
http://gifsoup.com/webroot/animatedgifs/339048_o.gif

[Nash]

This is not trolling or fun. It just makes San Antonio look bad and there is no point in messing with the viewers.

[SCdac]

Excited to see Patty Mills dropping at least 30! :bowdown:

I'm excited too.... Nando De Colo should wreck. :rockon:

[oh the horror]

I mean I get why its "funny" and I get why its a big fat "FU" to Stern and such, and why Pop does it for the purpose of resting players...


But doesnt this, in a vacuum, feel wrong a bit? Like he's overstepping a bit?

[Clutch]

Pop trolling TNT :roll: :roll: :roll:

Too bad for the fans though

[webberz0044]

Not sure how the NBA could correct this as it would also effect end of season games when teams rest their stars before the playoffs.

[SCdac]

But doesnt this, in a vacuum, feel wrong a bit? Like he's overstepping a bit?

Considering people will be over this in exactly 4 days or something.... No, it doesn't... Most people around the country don't even like watching the Spurs anyways. They got some of the lowest ratings in the playoffs... and those are the playoffs! lol

[Stuckey]

god damnit, shoudla bet big on this one

[InspiredLebowski]

Stern issuing an apology to the fans. That's pretty major from Stern really. I can't remember him ever saying a thing about a coaching decision.

[InspiredLebowski]

OK CWebb, I'm was with you til you said "I'd be hurt if I couldn't see Steve Kerr!"

[konex]

LMAO David Stern is MAD

[oh the horror]

OK CWebb, I'm was with you til you said "I'd be hurt if I couldn't see Steve Kerr!"



Yeah, lets not get ridiculous now.

[DuMa]

David Stern just sent out this scathing statement criticizing the San Antonio Spurs.

"I apologize to all NBA fans. This was an unacceptable decision by the San Antonio Spurs and substantial sanctions will be forthcoming.''

:eek:

[FreezingTsmoove]

Kenny Smith is acting like an absolute tard. None of his points make any sense. He's saying that the Spurs did it last year and nothing happended and then goes on to say it doesn't matter that he did it despite the shortened season. OF COURSE IT MATTERS!!!

[derb2k2]

my god. i was so hyped for this game especially since the heat hadnt played since Saturday.. just got home from work and was looking forward to this all day, even talking to my co-workers about it...FML:biggums: :biggums: :biggums:

[oh the horror]

my god. i was so hyped for this game especially since the heat hadnt played since Saturday.. just got home from work and was looking forward to this all day, even talking to my co-workers about it...FML:biggums: :biggums: :biggums:


Now, imagine the people that paid for tickets?

[RoundMoundOfReb]

u guys think pop expected to lose @miami on a back-2-bAck so he just said **** it. or was it to preserve the old people.

[konex]

I'm with Stern on this although he should have been angry last year as well. Pop's actions are unacceptable and a slap in the face to:

- TNT who paid an outrageous sum to broadcast the game
- Advertisers who paid TNT to run ads tonight
- Fans eager for a great early-season matchup
- Customers who spent their hard-earned money to go to the game

Chuck might still salvage the entertainment value of this broadcast but I hope Stern brings the hammer down...

[jl1718]

And? I cant just start sitting out of work tomorrow because I dont like the scheduling. Wtf. :oldlol:


They get paid MASSIVELY more than I do.
If your boss told you to take the day off with pay you would take it.

[derb2k2]

Now, imagine the people that paid for tickets?

i take the metrorail and there were 4 heat fans with jerseys on heading to the game, 2 little girls and parents. SMDH atleast they'll get to see the big 3.

[oh the horror]

I'm with Stern on this although he should have been angry last year as well. Pop's actions are unacceptable and a slap in the face to:

- TNT who paid an outrageous sum to broadcast the game
- Advertisers who paid TNT to run ads tonight
- Fans eager for a great early-season matchup
- Customers who spent their hard-earned money to go to the game

Chuck might still salvage the entertainment value of this broadcast but I hope Stern brings the hammer down...



Exactly. Stop this shit before it spreads around the league, and you see other teams doing this.

[FreezingTsmoove]

Miami Heat fans shouldn't be upset I can see 2kWade and VideoGameJames putting on an absolute circus show now that Pop decided to be a tard. James for 50?

[Micku]

David Stern just sent out this scathing statement criticizing the San Antonio Spurs.

"I apologize to all NBA fans. This was an unacceptable decision by the San Antonio Spurs and substantial sanctions will be forthcoming.''

:eek:
Besides fining him (for not playing his players in a regular season game), I wonder what is he going to do? And Pop sat his players out or gave them days off lots of times before.

[BuffaloBill]

Considering people will be over this in exactly 4 days or something.... No, it doesn't... Most people around the country don't even like watching the Spurs anyways. They got some of the lowest ratings in the playoffs... and those are the playoffs! lol


This. People are bitching just to be bitching. First the Spurs are boring, now everyone wants to see them play? Lol

[Eat Like A Bosh]

Lol! Pop just trolled TNT real hard!:oldlol: Not that big of deal anyways, we're all gonna watch Saints vs Falcons!


Or maybe this is just is way of saying, "I know we can't beat the Heat, so we're gonna sit out this game and save us the embarrassment."

[swi7ch]

I went from planning to watch Thursday Night Football to watching this game because I'm excited to see Mills score big time as well as see guys like DeColo play! :applause:

[G-train]

Miami Heat fans shouldn't be upset I can see 2kWade and VideoGameJames putting on an absolute circus show now that Pop decided to be a tard. James for 50?

Nah I don't think he will play more than 25-30 mins. He shouldnt anyway.

[SCdac]

I went from planning to watch Thursday Night Football to watching this game because I'm excited to see Mills score big time as well as see guys like DeColo play! :applause:

But dude... you're not supposed to be excited! ... This is barely even an NBA game, man.

[DetroitPiston]

His team, his choice.

Pop is not in this business to entertain, he's here to win.

One thing if it there was a big break in the schedule, but damn, I don't blame him for doing this.

[RoundMoundOfReb]

what about people who bet on the spurs smh.

[9erempiree]

They can't fine the Spurs or Pop because they can say the players are injured.

I love how Pop chose a national televised game to do this.

LOL @ Stern's press release....sorry to the fans? Are these players in a zoo...are they a circus side show?

They are ball players who get tired and screw the Miami fans or any casual fans thinking that these guys need to entertain us.

[9erempiree]

I'm with Stern on this although he should have been angry last year as well. Pop's actions are unacceptable and a slap in the face to:

- TNT who paid an outrageous sum to broadcast the game
- Advertisers who paid TNT to run ads tonight
- Fans eager for a great early-season matchup
- Customers who spent their hard-earned money to go to the game

Chuck might still salvage the entertainment value of this broadcast but I hope Stern brings the hammer down...

This is sports and things happen.

What if they were legitimately injured? Would Stern still issue a statement apologizing?

This is sports and things happen whether Pop decided to sit them or not.

Guess what?...The Spurs can make a statement saying that all 4 players got back spasms and cannot play.

[chips93]

This. People are bitching just to be bitching. First the Spurs are boring, now everyone wants to see them play? Lol

STFU

plenty of people enjoy watching the spurs play, and this was supposed to be one of the best games so far this year, that plenty of people were looking forward to

[9erempiree]

STFU

plenty of people enjoy watching the spurs play, and this was supposed to be one of the best games so far this year, that plenty of people were looking forward to

They don't owe it to entertain you when they can risk injury.

Do you want one of those 4 players to get hurt while entertaining you? These guys are doing what's best for their body and team.

[swi7ch]

But dude... you're not supposed to be excited! ... This is barely even an NBA game, man.

I'm excited because I always see stars play. I see them play almost everyday! However, I've yet to see Patty Mills play other than that one Olympic game against Team USA, never seen DeColo play a single second, etc. This is all new to me and that's why I'm excited!

[oh the horror]

I'm excited because I always see stars play. I see them play almost everyday! However, I've yet to see Patty Mills play other than that one Olympic game against Team USA, never seen DeColo play a single second, etc. This is all new to me and that's why I'm excited!



That'll fade once they get blown off the floor.

[elementally morale]

Well, the Spurs have a 5 point lead after the first. Popovich's move must hve changed the original Miami game plan, I suppose.

[SCdac]

I'm excited because I always see stars play. I see them play almost everyday! However, I've yet to see Patty Mills play other than that one Olympic game against Team USA, never seen DeColo play a single second, etc. This is all new to me and that's why I'm excited!

I was being sarcastic. People complaining about this shit are sounding like huge cry babies IMO. In NBA, teams could sit their best players and the game still be competitive and fun to watch. Spurs bench is almost as good as some teams starting lineups.... Point being, you have every right to be excited! and I don't blame you. The Spurs have great players outside of those that are not playing.

[Purch]

People really put to much emphasis on the stars over the team.

I'm sitting here watching a pretty good game, from a spurs offense that's great regardless of who's on the floor.

[JustinJDW]

Good.

Popovich is responsible for the long term performance of his team, not anything else.This.

But apparently Pop is responsible for the satisfaction of freaking Heat fans.

You guys have to understand that Pop's job is to win as many games as possible. That and the health and preservation of his team is his only concern. Duncan and Parker have been playing their asses off and that's why we're 9-1 on the road and have won five straight. If Pop feels their spent and feels that the health of his key players are at risk, then who the hell is anyone else to say he can't sit them? This will be their fourth game in five nights while the Heat have been off since Saturday! I mean what kind of bullshit scheduling is that?

The fact that its on TNT is irrelevant. Whether or not you paid a ticket is irrelevant. That's not Pop's concern. People don't even watch the Spurs, but when Pop rests his players on his own accord, people throw a fit. But if Timmy were to play tonight and sprain his ankle, people wouldn't give a shit. We've lost two players to this bullshit scheduling already. Its only when Pop makes the choice to make health a priority before something happens, that people throw a fit. Psh, **** them. Prepare for the Finals. Games in November don't mean shit.

And how the **** are you going to fine Pop for resting his players now, when every top team is going to be doing it the last week of the season. To fine coaches now and not then simply because its socially acceptable to do so at the end of the season would be hypocritical to the highest degree. There's no two ways to it. How can the commissioner fine the coach because he doesn't agree with his coaching decisions at this point of the season? They obviously have a conflict of interest. Pop has to worry about the team, Stern has to worry about the image of the league. So even worse, Stern would be fining Pop for doing his job and choosing to not ignore the best interests of his team and put Stern's interests ahead of his own.

Pop ain't in the wrong here at all gentleman. Its pretty simple. Health is more important than winning Heat games, even if they're on TNT. One win isn't more valuable than the other. That's why they didn't sit out yesterday, because the win in Orlando would have been easier to get. This is much better than sitting out against Orlando, loosing, then going balls to the wall today in the fourth game in five nights, just to lose close to Miami because they haven't played since the damn weekend. Get real people. Think for a second. Shit is chess, not checkers. Put yourself in Pop's shoes. This was obviously the smart choice for the team.

[Lebron23]

Wade needs to get his act together.

[Replay32]

The Spurs should be fined and probably will be. Pop sent them home. :wtf: They aren't even injured. Pop could at least kept them with the team. I was looking forward to seeing this matchup. I enjoy watching both these teams play.

This isn't good for the league and you best believe Stern will put the smack down. lol.

[9erempiree]

The Spurs should be fined and probably will be. Pop sent them home. :wtf: They aren't even injured. Pop could at least kept them with the team. I was looking forward to seeing this matchup. I enjoy watching both these teams play.

This isn't good for the league and you best believe Stern will put the smack down. lol.

The 4 have back spasms.

They had to be treated back at home.

[Micku]

The Spurs should be fined and probably will be. Pop sent them home. :wtf: They aren't even injured. Pop could at least kept them with the team. I was looking forward to seeing this matchup. I enjoy watching both these teams play.

This isn't good for the league and you best believe Stern will put the smack down. lol.

Other teams did this before. And the Spurs did this plenty of times in the past. Pop has a record of doing this. He cares less of the regular season games.

[Godzuki]

they should take away all Spurs nationally televised games and fine them a couple mill. Pop might not care but the owner probably will.

this spits in the face of everyone who bought a ticket, bought league pass, and is a NBA fan. what idiot wants to watch a game of bench players vs starters? :coleman:

[nbarumorz]

34-36 right now, Spurs. I will be so happy if the Spurs won this shorthanded while Stern is calling Popp's coaching style "disrespectful and detrimental" to the league or w/e

[SCdac]

they should take away all Spurs nationally televised games and fine them a couple mill. Pop might not care but the owner probably will.

this spits in the face of everyone who bought a ticket, bought league pass, and is a NBA fan. what idiot wants to watch a game of bench players vs starters? :coleman:

As you say this, Spurs are up 36-34 :cheers:

[Kujo]

I totally get why the Spurs, and Pop do this, but NBA teams shouldn't be allowed to do this. At the very least, have the players suit up, and maybe just play a few minutes each quarter/half or DNP-CD'em. Stern couldn't bitch about either scenario.

[DMV2]

Can't believe people actually thinks Pops sat out Duncan, Parker, Green and Manu because it's their "least likely to win" game. :facepalm

Pops is the most competitive head coach in the last 14 years.

He's doing it to rest those old legs and piss off Stern/TNT at the same time.

[Whoah10115]

The Spurs fans defending this are wrong and disingenuous, giving sarcastic responses because it's their team. This is wrong. And to think people are being crybabies or coming with this "Oh now everyone wants to see the Spurs play -I thought they were boring" shit is incredulous.

[SCdac]

The Spurs fans defending this are wrong and disingenuous, giving sarcastic responses because it's their team. This is wrong. And to think people are being crybabies or coming with this "Oh now everyone wants to see the Spurs play -I thought they were boring" shit is incredulous.

Hey, it's not Spurs fans who give the team that "boring" label, it's everybody else. Even when the Spurs are in the playoffs they've gotten some of the lowest ratings, and they're hardlyyy a popular team on this board, so it's ironic to see people bitching about their choices and decisions... Needless to say, Tonight's game was far from boring... If I was at the game, I would have left satisfied, and that's all that matters.

[BuffaloBill]

Hey, it's not Spurs fans who give the team that "boring" label, it's everybody else. Even when the Spurs are in the playoffs they've gotten some of the lowest ratings, and they're hardlyyy a popular team on this board, so it's ironic to see people bitching about their choices and decisions... Needless to say, Tonight's game was far from boring... If I was at the game, I would have left satisfied, and that's all that matters.


Same here. I genuinely enjoyed the game. Am I wrong for enjoying watching my team play even when the stars aren't there? The only thing I'm really upset with is that the Spurs couldn't close out this game, and that Patty Mills didn't get more playing time (wtf pop?). But in the end, I would take healthy, rested players over a single regular season win any day.

[BuffaloBill]

The Spurs fans defending this are wrong and disingenuous, giving sarcastic responses because it's their team. This is wrong. And to think people are being crybabies or coming with this "Oh now everyone wants to see the Spurs play -I thought they were boring" shit is incredulous.


You don't know what you're talking about. If you put yourselves in our shoes you would understand. I'm not trying to make excuses for Pop. But I don't mind the fact that he let some of the players rest. Especially with the extended road trip, and the fact that Parker and Ginobili still have lingering injuries. Pop was smart to do what he did, and I respect his decision. Even if everyone else doesn't like it, he did what was best for his players.

[rmt]

I was at the game which was much more competitive than the last 2 30-point blowouts by the Heat with the Spurs' big 3 playing. Stern's statement is bs - coaches do this all the time at the end of the season. Why should SAS get sanctions for doing it at another time in the season?

Pop coulda won this game - shouldn't have left de Colo out there so long at the end of the game as he can't shoot. I heard Lebron keep pointing to Gary Neal, saying "Guard him, guard him" He knew it was going to Neal hence the steal.

Got to sit in the row behind SAS bench (my brother & girlfriend left at half-time). Popovich was busting a blood vessel at the end of the game when they had a chance to win.

[tomtucker]

Stupid TNT cuts away to another camera at the end of the game, so we don

[kNicKz]

Wow, they almost beat them too :roll:

[Chrono90]

I do understand where Pop is coming from, though. I think he knows/realizes the odds of the Spurs winning tonight were very slim. His team is coming off this stretch of games:

@LAC (11/7)
@Sac (11/9)
@Por (11/10)
@LAL (11/13)
vsNYK (11/15)
vsDen (11/17)
vsLAC (11/19)
@Bos (11/21)
@Ind (11/23)
@Tor (11/25)
@Was (11/26)
@Orl (11/28)
@Mia (11/29)

An east coast and west coast road trip in about three weeks? And tonight would've been their fourth game in five days, and fifth game in seven days.

Forgot to add that this is the Heat's first game since I think Saturday.


Pop felt like it was a set up to make them lose to the heats on TNT. It's his way of retaliating back to the league

[Carbine]

He has the right to rest his players and coach his team any way he wishes.

There is no rule that says you have to play your best players, nor should there.

[Godzuki]

He has the right to rest his players and coach his team any way he wishes.

There is no rule that says you have to play your best players, nor should there.


its a unwritten rule in the entirety of pro sports leagues. its just rarely come up due to obvious reasons of teams wanting to put their best out to win games but Popovich just abused the shit out of what leeway there was with it. who'd have thought someone would pull this crap right at the beginning of a NBA season resting his players after a full summer off? sad :facepalm

[west_tip]

its a unwritten rule in the entirety of pro sports leagues. its just rarely come up due to obvious reasons of teams wanting to put their best out to win games but Popovich just abused the shit out of what leeway there was with it. who'd have thought someone would pull this crap right at the beginning of a NBA season resting his players after a full summer off? sad :facepalm

Quit crying, Pop's primary consideration at this time of year is managing his players through the demands of an 82 game regular season, keeping them healthy, fresh and free from injury. If the league want their marquee matchups/TNT games to be competitive maybe they shouldn't schedule them as the second game of a back to back.

Anyway, the Spurs had a lead heading into the last few minutes, wasn't like they got blown out or anything.

[IGotACoolStory]

It was a highly entertaining game, in large part because Pop sat out his guys.

NBA fans are spoiled and like to bitch. This thread just proves it.

[highwhey]

I was at the game which was much more competitive than the last 2 30-point blowouts by the Heat with the Spurs' big 3 playing. Stern's statement is bs - coaches do this all the time at the end of the season. Why should SAS get sanctions for doing it at another time in the season?

Pop coulda won this game - shouldn't have left de Colo out there so long at the end of the game as he can't shoot. I heard Lebron keep pointing to Gary Neal, saying "Guard him, guard him" He knew it was going to Neal hence the steal.

Got to sit in the row behind SAS bench (my brother & girlfriend left at half-time). Popovich was busting a blood vessel at the end of the game when they had a chance to win.
bro, watch out. :eek:

[All Net]

bro, watch out. :eek:

:oldlol:

[rmt]

bro, watch out. :eek:

Seeing as my brother is 45 years old and his girlfriend is 50 and they've been living together for decades, leaving at half-time was just a way to let my son and I sit in row 1 behind the Spurs bench.

[PP34Deuce]

Seeing as my brother is 45 years old and his girlfriend is 50 and they've been living together for decades, leaving at half-time was just a way to let my son and I sit in row 1 behind the Spurs bench.

Ya gotta ignore ish people. Half are 16 and half are 38 year old it guys who argue lime teenagers

[Just2McFly]

Ya gotta ignore ish people. Half are 16 and half are 38 year old it guys who argue lime teenagers
Please explain this horrible sentence to me.

[edrick]

Please explain this horrible sentence to me.

Half are 16 years old and half are 38 year old IT guys who argue like teenagers.