“What exactly is wrong with the Spurs lately? They’ve completely lost the strong momentum they had at the beginning of the season.”

“It probably has something to do with their schedule, right? Look at their opponents, 3 out of 5 are title contenders. Even though the 76ers aren’t, they’re fighting for a playoff spot, so they’re definitely playing hard.”

“That's true, but the Spurs won against these kinds of opponents before, didn't they? They've already beaten the Thunder three times this season!”

“Is it because Tang is playing fewer minutes?”

“I have that feeling too. As the most consistent player outside of the GDP, Tang should be playing at least 30 minutes.”

“You guys are exaggerating. Tang has played well before, but a role player won't have such a big impact on the team's wins and losses.”

“That’s true. I think the Spurs’ strength lies in the whole team, not just one person. I feel like there's a problem within the Spurs team itself.”

“Yeah, the rumors about Tang being traded might be affecting the Spurs players somewhat.”

“Or maybe Popovich is getting old?”

“That's possible. I've always felt that it was unreasonable for the Spurs to perform so well at their age. Now it seems like I was right.”

…

With the team's recent poor performance, fans are constantly questioning them on social media.

The Spurs returned to their home court after finishing their road trip. Their next game is against the Clippers.

After practice that day, Green left the locker room to find Popovich.

“Danny, what are you going to see the old man for?” Ginobili happened to be coming back from the training hall and stopped him when he saw Green's actions.

“I want the coach to give Tang more playing time.” Green looked around to make sure no one else was there and whispered to Ginobili.

Green is a good person, and a relatively genuine person, just like when he said he would compete with Tang Tian to earn playing time.

He knows very well that his strength is not as good as Tang's now, and more importantly, continuing like this will greatly affect the team's atmosphere and record.

“The old man knows what he's doing.”

Ginobili shook his head, signaling Green to go back.

“Trust me, if it keeps going like this, it's okay to go a few games later.”

Ginobili saw that Green hadn't moved, so he added another sentence.

Green went back to the locker room after hearing what Ginobili said.

Popovich doesn't use social media, but he reads newspapers and the news.

When he saw that the news had begun to question his coaching ability, his brow furrowed.

In the end, he's become the scapegoat!

He put down the newspaper, deciding he couldn't be bothered to care so much.

He's no longer part of the team's management, and since Holt has that kind of attitude, then this kind of problem should be left to the team's management to solve next summer!

The game between the Spurs and the Clippers is attracting a lot of attention because of the Spurs' recent fluctuating record.

If the Spurs lose this game again, it will be a three-game losing streak, plus they will lose the top spot in the West.

This game is also very important for the Clippers.

They are currently ranked fourth in the West. If the playoffs were to start at this time, and they successfully advanced to the second round, then they might meet the Spurs again.

The 58-point loss last year is still fresh in their minds, and they have lost both of their previous two encounters this season.

So this may be their last chance to build confidence.

During the open practice session the day before the game, the Clippers players looked high-spirited.

After practice, Griffin was interviewed by reporters on the sidelines.

"The team has recently had a three-game winning streak, and the team's condition looks very good. What is the reason for the team's winning streak?"

The reporter asked a relatively common question to start.

"We experienced some growing pains before, and then we suffered a wave of injuries. Now we are all healthy, and the team is also integrating very well."

Griffin's answer was also relatively honest.

His nickname in college was Shiba Inu, which describes his personality.

"We know that the Spurs' recent performance has not been good. They have just suffered a three-game losing streak. Does this give you more confidence in the game tonight?"

The reporter then asked.

"Of course, this is an opportunity for us. Being able to beat the number one team in the West would be a good boost to our confidence."

Griffin's answer was still very honest.

"Are you confident in defeating them?" the reporter pressed.

"Like I said before, we are all healthy, so I am very confident in the game tonight."

After Griffin answered, he seemed to remember something, and then added with high morale.

"They gave us a hard punch in the playoffs last year, and now it's time to return it!"

Griffin's interview caused an uproar after it was reported by the media.

"Real Shiba Inu? The content of this answer is really undisguised!"

"Compared to the way they spoke arrogantly after winning the game last season's playoffs, this is already pretty good."

"Pretty much, the last sentence, 'it's time to return it'..."

"Haha, I don't know why, but I really want the Spurs to beat them up again!"

"I feel the same way, buddy. I don't know why, but the way Griffin speaks is just so annoying!"

"I know why, because they didn't say anything when the Spurs were doing well, but now they're jumping out when they're not doing well."

"Strike while the iron is hot!"

"You're going to be warned by the Tyrannosaurus Rex punch, buddy! (￣。。￣)"

"But I don't think the Spurs will necessarily lose to the Clippers in this state."

"Yeah, thinking about the Clippers' arrogant words after winning the game makes people feel a little uncomfortable."

…

On the night of the game, the AT&T Center had an attendance rate of nearly 70%.

Ever since the Spurs defeated the Clippers by 58 points in the playoffs last season, the two teams have become rivals, and every subsequent encounter has attracted much attention.

In the locker room before the game.

"These guys, they always manage to be so annoying!"

Diaw frowned as he played with his phone.

"I'm used to it."

Tang Tian spread his hands and said.

Old habits die hard, this Clippers team is just this kind of Clippers team.

Green glanced at Tang Tian at this time, hesitating to speak.

They were talking when Popovich walked in.

"Tang, get ready to defend Paul and Crawford tonight."

Popovich's first words after entering were directed specifically at Tang Tian.

Tang Tian was stunned when he heard this.

But he immediately nodded with a smile.

Finally, Popovich couldn't hold back anymore?

He actually knew exactly why his playing time had been reduced recently.

When he was a godfather in his previous life, he often saw other teams doing this to suppress contracts.

But as a player, there's not much you can do about it.

Especially players with short contracts and small contracts, if you piss off the team, they can just put you on the DNP list and you can't say anything.

And more importantly, the buyout deadline has passed, and you can't even play in the playoffs if you proactively request to be cut.

So his choice was to play as efficiently as possible in the limited time he had.

He played to his value and demonstrated his indispensability. It was only a matter of time before his playing time was restored.