http://www.sbnation.com/users/agutierrez Posts made by agutierrez on SB Nation http://www.poundingtherock.com/2008/2/9/1321/30733 agutierrez Sat, 09 Feb 2008 18:02:01 -0000 <p>While there are somethings I would criticize Pop for in this game, specifically, not putting Bruce on Jamaal earlier in the 4th quarter, one thing I thought this game taught us is how critical to the long term success of the Spurs (and the downfall of so many other teams) is the management of player's time. Both Tim and Manu were completely exhausted at the end of this game. They both played just beyond 40 minutes. And these guys are in shape. If they had to do that every game, they would have nothing left by the end of the season. To be sure, we'd probably have a few more wins and a higher seed, but I don't know that we could make it thru the playoffs. Had either Tim or Manu played even 2 minutes less, we'd have lost, no doubt. So as Spurs fans, we will have to endure a few more losses, recognizing that over the course of the season, and most especially in the playoffs, we are better off. But can't any of our wins be a bit easier ... on the players and on the fans. Yikes. &nbsp;</p>