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Spurs sit Ginobli, Parker and Duncan
NBA, Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs

Coach Pop is at it Again: Spurs Sit Players, Now Face Sanctions

11/29/12 in NBA   |   GeorgeMon   |   132 respect

November 26, 2012; Washington, DC, USA; San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Manu Ginobili (l), point guard Tony Parker (m), and power forward Tim Duncan (r) smile on the bench against the Washington Wizards in the second half at Verizon Center. The Spurs won 118-92. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE
Spurs sit Duncan, Parker and Ginobli during Thursday night's game against the Heat.

The San Antonio Spurs and coach Greg Popovich will be facing “substantial sanctions” for sitting star players Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli during Thursday night’s nationally televised game against the Miami Heat.
 
NBA commissioner David Stern promised consequences for the move, say “I apologize to NBA fans. This was an unacceptable decision by the San Antonio Spurs and substantial fines will be forthcoming”.
 
Coach Pop sent four players home before Thursday night’s game on a commercial flight in order to prepare for their matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday.
 
“Every team is different. It’s not the first time (Pop) has done it and it’s not a surprise” said Miami coach Erik Spoelstra.
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12/1/12   |   PurrsAlot   |   1551 respect

And now his bench has some great experience to draw on making their team even stronger!

12/1/12   |   PurrsAlot   |   1551 respect

GeorgeMon wrote:
I agree with you in theory, but I was kind of upset when I first heard that Pop was doing this. Sure, the game turned out exciting anyway, but it was a marquee matchup on national television and he benched his three best players. I think its just Pop out thinking himself, we're 15 games in and he's already benching players?

He is the coach and can do what he wants.  Or should be able to.  Stern is upset over TV ratings.  And as it turned out the bench players almost took down the Heat!

12/1/12   |   PurrsAlot   |   1551 respect

huskerdoug2009 wrote:
After seeing a little bit more info, I think David Stern should levy sanctions against the schedule makers.  Miami has played 5 games in 2 weeks, and none since Saturday?  The Spurs have played 4 this week?  Maybe Pops should have sent himself and the whole Spurs team home. 

touche!   Well said well put!  You are so right on!

11/30/12   |   huskerdoug2009   |   1850 respect

After seeing a little bit more info, I think David Stern should levy sanctions against the schedule makers.  Miami has played 5 games in 2 weeks, and none since Saturday?  The Spurs have played 4 this week?  Maybe Pops should have sent himself and the whole Spurs team home. 

11/30/12   |   GeorgeMon   |   132 respect

I agree with you in theory, but I was kind of upset when I first heard that Pop was doing this. Sure, the game turned out exciting anyway, but it was a marquee matchup on national television and he benched his three best players. I think its just Pop out thinking himself, we're 15 games in and he's already benching players?

11/30/12   |   PurrsAlot   |   1551 respect

all about TV ratings and the Spurs almost beat the heat too with their bench players!

11/30/12   |   PurrsAlot   |   1551 respect

David Stern is a joke.  A coach can do anything he chooses to do if he thinks it is best for the team.  Screw the league!