wolves/nba

Popovich and the Spurs should not be punished for electing to rest players on a ridiculously busy road trip. I doubt that there is even a rule anywhere that speaks to this situation. David Stern is a tyrant.

I don't see the problem. Teams in the NFL and MLB do this all the time in an attempt to improve or prepare a team.

So why was the game so close with the Spurs not at full strength? The Heat must have thought it would be an easy night.

The fact that teams have to play four games in five nights is on the league. IMO, no reason to even have to play back to backs more than a few times per year. Simply reduce the season to 70 games, and the fans get better ball and the risk of injury is reduced significantly. Four games in five nights or three games in four nights, etc., is ridiculous. This isn't baseball, and baseball teams play three or four games in the same city, rather than in three or four cities; this is BASKETBALL, a wee bit more demanding.

There are several arguments why the league would be ridiculous to penalize the Spurs. I understand trying to discourage sitting stars because the fans want to see them, but in reality, I doubt that Miami fans were hurt by the fact that they eeked out a win against the Spurs that they otherwise wouldn't have had with San Antonio at full strength. Pop doesn't do his at home because he knows that the majority of the arena pays to see Parker/Ginobli/Duncan, but in Miami they pay to see Lebron/Wade/Bosh. Besides that, if you think bigger picture what's best for the league and its fans, these older guys will produce better basketball in general with some rest, and have less of a chance of getting injured and missing MORE time. Stern's argument is more about money-grabbing through TV ratings and ticket sales rather than worrying about fan's experience and enjoyment.

If the NBA really cares about the fans the players shouldnt have to play 4 road games in 5 nights. What good is making Tim Duncan play if he's physically shot from that grind?